Patent ID: 6178763
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: F25D,H05B

Abstract:
A refrigeration unit suitable for high humidity environments with a thermal break member and an anti-sweat heating mechanism in the form of a heater wire, the unit comprising:a) a cabinet;b) a refrigerated compartment disposed within said cabinet and defining an access opening, said access opening being configured and disposed to provide access to said refrigerated compartment;c) refrigeration equipment configured to refrigerate said refrigerated compartment, said refrigeration equipment being disposed within said cabinet and thermally isolated from said refrigerated compartment;d) at least one compartment panel defining a portion of said refrigerated compartment disposed near said access opening;e) at least one cabinet panel defining a portion of said cabinet and disposed near said access opening;f) a thermal break member configured and disposed to connect said at least one compartment panel and said at least one cabinet panel near said access opening, said thermal break member including:i) a main body portion;ii) a conduit portion connected to said main body portion, said conduit portion defining a channel disposed near said access opening and configured to receive therein the heater wire;iii) a closure member;iv) a flexible hinge portion, said flexible hinge portion having a first end connected to said main body portion and a second end connected to said closure member; andv) said closure member being configured and to be selectively movable about said flexible hinge portion between an open position and a closed position, wherein said closure member secures the channel so as to retain therein any heater wire received therein when said closure member is disposed in said closed position, and wherein said closure member permits access to said channel so as to permit replacement of the heater wire configured to be received therein when said closure member is disposed in said open position.