Patent Description:
There are known refrigeration cabinets comprising: a refrigerated compartment, which has an opening to access the inside of the compartment, and one or more doors adapted to selectively occlude or disengage at least partially the opening. Such doors generally each comprise at least one panel of thermally insulating and optically transparent material, such as glass or polymeric material, and a panel support frame formed by a plurality of rectilinear edging profiles substantially framing the panel and by means of which the panel is movably connected to the refrigerated compartment.

The door edging profiles have a generally quadrangular or rectangular cross-section.

In some embodiments, the support frames are hinged to the refrigerated compartment by means of hinges that define respective hinge axes around which the doors swing.

In order to allow the doors to close and open properly, a manoeuvre empty space must be left between the edging profiles of two adjacent doors or between a door edging profile and the opening to which it is hinged, which is occupied by a portion of the profile distal from the panel while the door swings.

With the known edging profiles, as the one disclosed in <CIT> and <CIT>, this space is at least one centimetre wider when the doors are in a closed position, creating problems to the user's safety as the width is such that the user can insert his or her fingers into that manoeuvre space. Thus there is a risk of crushing fingers in case the door is rotated relative to the hinge when the fingers are inadvertently placed within the manoeuvre space.

An object of the present invention is thus to overcome this drawback of the prior art, with a simple, rational and cost-efficient solution.

This object is achieved by the features of the invention reported in the independent claim. The dependent claims outline preferred and/or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

The invention makes available a door according to claim <NUM>.

Thanks to this solution, the manoeuvre empty space between two doors or between a door and the adjacent framing can be reduced to less than a centimetre, in particular to less than <NUM>, if compared to doors being used with rectangular cross-section edging profiles, making it possible to thereby eliminate, or at least drastically reduce, the risk of crushing the user's fingers.

This is because a profile with a rectangular cross-section has in its portion distal from the panel an outer plane surface (which basically extends between two other outer plane surfaces of the rectangular profile parallel to each other and perpendicular to said plane surface) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile (i.e. the hinge axis). The points of the line formed by the intersection of such outer plane surface with an imaginary plane of section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis are essentially all at the same distance from the panel, i.e. they are all at the same distance from a plane lying in a panel edge proximal to, or in contact with, the edging profile (or from a plane tangent to the edge and perpendicular to a pair of greater panel faces in the case of a curved edge).

Therefore the flat surface, or rather the transversal ends of the line identified by the intersection with a plane of section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, describes a trajectory with a radius of curvature greater than the convex surface, which at its ends is closer to the panel and thus defines a radius of rotation around the hinge axis smaller than the plane surface.

According to the present invention, the convex surface is curvilinear and has an axis of curvature parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.

Such a surface, thereby, makes it possible to reduce the consumption of material for making the profile, for example if compared to a convex wedge-shaped surface, and also reduces the likelihood that the user's fingers get caught between the doors.

Preferably, the convex surface is a sector of side surface of a cylinder with a circular base.

Among the curved surfaces, such a surface is the one that allows to reduce the most the manoeuvre space, for example if compared to an elliptical or oval surface.

According to another aspect of the invention, the convex outer surface may have a minimum width, measured in the direction transversal to its longitudinal extension, greater than <NUM>.

It must be noted that coaxial means net of construction and assembly tolerances. For example, there is still coaxiality when the axis of curvature and the hinge axis are spaced less than a millimetre from each other.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the edging profile may comprise a longitudinal cavity which is partially delimited by a wall provided with a plane surface lying in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity, and another wall, which is in turn delimited internally by an inner surface directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity and facing the plane surface and is delimited externally at least partially by the convex outer surface.

It is thereby possible to produce and install a single type of profile with a convex outer surface to make an entire framing supporting the door panel. This is because by removing a portion of the other wall on which the convex outer surface is made, it is possible to achieve the plane surface to which a hinge can be firmly fixed. Fixing the hinge directly to the convex surface would result in an unstable coupling or would require specifically designed hinges having a surface to be fixed to the profile that is concave and complementary to the convex outer surface. However, even in this case the connection would not be as stable as with the plane surface, as the contact between two non-rectilinear surfaces leads more easily to possible slippage.

A further advantage is to easily make a profile that makes available a cavity adapted to house at least partially the hinge (which can be adapted to different hinge sizes on the spot), thus protecting it from dirt, foreign bodies and tampering and also reducing the possibility that lubricating material (such as oil or grease) comes into contact with the user or with the rest of the refrigeration cabinet, soiling them.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the door may comprise a handle provided with a fixing portion adapted to be fixed onto the edging profile and provided with a concave inner portion, complementary to the convex outer surface of the edging profile and in contact therewith, and a convex outer surface, opposite to the concave inner surface and homologous to the convex outer surface of the edging profile.

A handle that can be firmly fixed to the profile without compromising the advantages of the convex outer surface is thereby made available.

The invention also makes available a refrigerator cabinet comprising:.

According to an aspect of the invention, the cabinet may comprise two doors, adapted to jointly occlude the access opening to the refrigeration compartment and each one provided with a respective vertical edging profile placed at a vertical side of the door opposite to a vertical side of the door proximal to the hinge axis, wherein, when the doors are in the closed position, the respective convex outer surfaces are arranged one in front of the other and facing each other, for example at a distance lower than <NUM>, preferably lower than <NUM>.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of a non-limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

With particular reference to these figures, reference number <NUM>,<NUM>' globally indicates a refrigeration cabinet comprising a box-shaped body which defines a refrigerated compartment V, inside which the products to be refrigerated are stored.

This box-shaped body has a framing <NUM>, or counter-frame, which delimits an access opening A, for example rectangular-shaped, through which it is possible to access the compartment V from the outside.

The cabinet <NUM> comprises a door <NUM>,<NUM>', movably associated with the framing <NUM>, adapted to selectively occlude or disengage, at least partially, the access opening A (i.e. the portion of the access opening identified by the counter-frame) to access the compartment V. In particular, the door <NUM>,<NUM>' is movable with respect to the box-shaped body between a closed position, in which it at least partially occludes the access opening A preventing access, and an open position, in which it does not obstruct the access to the refrigerated compartment, i.e. it does not obstruct access to the compartment by means of an access opening portion subtended to the door itself when the door is in the closed position.

In particular, in case the refrigeration cabinet comprises only one door, when it is in the closed position it completely occludes the access opening.

If, as in the case shown, the refrigeration cabinet comprises a plurality of doors, (movably associated with the framing <NUM>), such as two doors as shown, each door occludes a respective portion of the access opening A or allows access thereto. Generally, access to the access opening is completely prevented when all the doors are in the closed position.

The door <NUM>,<NUM>' is hinged to the box-shaped body, i.e. the framing <NUM>, according to a vertical hinge axis C, preferably parallel to a lying plane of the access opening A.

For example, referring in particular to <FIG>, the door comprises a hinge <NUM> provided with a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> movable with respect to the first portion about the hinge axis C and adapted to be fixed to the box-shaped body, i.e. to the framing or counter-frame <NUM> of the box-shaped body.

In particular, the door <NUM>,<NUM>' comprises a pair of hinges <NUM>,<NUM> a lower one <NUM> and an upper one <NUM> which have coaxial hinge axes C.

The door <NUM>, <NUM>' comprises a panel <NUM>, for example rectangular-shaped, made of thermally insulating material.

Preferably, the panel <NUM> is also made of optically transparent material, for instance such optically transparent and thermally insulating material may be glass or polymeric material or a combination thereof.

In particular, the panel <NUM> may be formed of a single sheet or of a plurality of sheets of thermally insulating and optically transparent material, for example spaced apart from each other so that there is a gap between the sheets, preferably containing only a refractory gas.

In the embodiment shown, the panel <NUM> consists of three sheets parallel to each other. For example, such sheets have an even thickness between them.

The panel <NUM> comprises a first greater face <NUM> (rectangular-shaped) and an opposite second greater face <NUM> (rectangular-shaped), for example the first one directed to the direction opposite to the inside of the compartment V and the second one directed towards the inside of the compartment when the door is in the closed position.

The first greater face is made available by the outermost sheet of the panel and the second greater face is made available by the innermost sheet.

Such greater faces are, in the embodiment shown, plane and parallel to each other, e.g. lying in vertical planes.

In an embodiment not shown, such faces may be curved, for example the first face may be curved with the concavity directed towards inside the compartment V and positioned so that a plane tangent at one point to the first greater face is parallel to the hinge axis C.

The panel <NUM> comprises a plurality of rectilinear edges <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> consecutive to each other which jointly define a perimeter side edge extending from the first greater face <NUM> to the second greater face <NUM>. In practice, the side edge basically extends between a perimeter of the first greater face <NUM> and a perimeter of the second greater face <NUM>.

Such a plurality of rectilinear edges comprises at least one vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM> parallel to the hinge axis C, and for example at least also one horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM> perpendicular to the hinge axis.

At least the vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM> comprises a rectilinear plane surface <NUM>,<NUM> lying in a plane perpendicular to the lying planes of the first greater face <NUM> and the second greater face <NUM>, for example parallel to the hinge axis.

The plane surface <NUM>,<NUM> extends throughout the longitudinal extension of the vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM> and for example has a width, i.e. extension in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, of at least <NUM>.

The horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM> comprises a rectilinear plane surface <NUM>,<NUM> lying in a plane perpendicular to the lying planes of the first greater face <NUM> and the second greater face <NUM>, for example also perpendicular to the hinge axis C.

In particular, all rectilinear edges comprise a rectilinear plane surface lying in a plane perpendicular to the lying planes of the first greater face <NUM> and the second greater face <NUM>.

Preferably all of the above-described plane surfaces of the rectilinear edges have a width greater than <NUM>.

In an embodiment not shown in which the first greater face is curved, the rectilinear plane surfaces are perpendicular to a plane tangent to the first greater face at a vertical centreline of the greater face.

Each plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> is, for example, defined by a framing, made of metal and/or polymeric material, which stably joins together, for example by means of glue, the sheets of the panel keeping them at a predefined distance so that each of them has the gap described above.

In the embodiment shown, the panel <NUM> is rectangular, i.e., the peripheral side edge is rectangular, and comprises a first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> (parallel to the hinge axis C), a second vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> parallel to the first vertical rectilinear edge, a first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM> and a second horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>, which are parallel to each other and connect the first and second vertical rectilinear edges at opposite ends thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> is proximal to the hinge <NUM>, i.e. the hinges, relative to the second vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>. The first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> comprises the plane surface <NUM> and the second vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> comprises the plane surface <NUM>.

The first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM> comprises the plane surface <NUM> and the second horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM> comprises the plane surface <NUM>.

Still in the embodiment shown, the first greater face <NUM> is defined by a sheet having a width and height greater than a sheet defining the second greater face <NUM>, consequently, the at least vertical rectilinear edge has two rectilinear plane surfaces, one of which is defined by a side edge of the sheet defining the first greater face, and another defined by the set of a pair of side edges of the other two sheets.

The door includes a support frame <NUM> that supports and frames the panel <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is directly fixed to the panel <NUM>, i.e. without interposing other structural elements, or to the rectilinear edges <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the panel <NUM>, e.g. by means of glue or other fixing elements.

In particular, the support frame directly contacts at least one pair of rectilinear edges of the panel, i.e. at least the first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM> and the first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is hinged to the refrigerated compartment V directly by the hinge <NUM>, i.e. the pair of hinges <NUM>,<NUM>. In particular, the first portion of the hinge <NUM>, i.e. of each hinge, is rigidly fixed without residual degrees of freedom, for example by means of threaded (bolted) connection members, to the support frame <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> is provided with at least one edging profile <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>, for example rectilinear, which extends longitudinally along its own longitudinal axis, and which comprises a proximal portion <NUM> proximal to the panel <NUM> and a distal portion <NUM> distal from the panel, for example the proximal portion <NUM> being directly fixed to the panel.

In particular, the proximal portion <NUM> is directly fixed, for example by merely interposing a layer of glue, not shown, to a rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the plurality of panel rectilinear edges, i.e. to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the respective rectilinear edge. The longitudinal axis of the edging profile is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the respective rectilinear edge of the panel to which it is proximal.

The proximal portion <NUM> of the edging profile <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> may therefore comprise a plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> parallel to and facing the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge to which the edging profile is fixed.

The plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> contacts (by only interposing a layer of adhesive material) the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge to which it is adjacent throughout the entire longitudinal extension of the edging profile itself.

In the embodiment shown, wherein the rectilinear edges of the panel comprise two plane surfaces, the proximal portion of the edging profile comprises two plane surfaces, of which the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> faces the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> and another surface of the edging profile faces the other plane surface of the rectilinear edge.

The distal portion <NUM> of the edging profile <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> comprises a convex outer surface <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile and directed with its convexity to the direction opposite to the panel <NUM>, i.e. the direction opposite to the rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the panel to which the edging profile is adjacent, or even more in detail the direction opposite to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the panel <NUM> to which the edging profile is adjacent.

In particular, the convex outer surface <NUM> extends, i.e. protrudes, in a direction moving away from the panel <NUM>, i.e. in a direction moving away from a rectilinear edge <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> proximal/adjacent to the edging profile itself, preferably in a direction moving away from a lying plane of the flat surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of a rectilinear edge proximal/adjacent to the edging profile itself, along a direction perpendicular to such lying plane.

The convex outer surface <NUM>, i.e. a line identified by the intersection of such surface with an imaginary plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, is also intersected in a central portion thereof by an imaginary plane perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge and passing through a midpoint of the plane surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In the embodiment shown, the convex outer surface <NUM> is also intersected by a pair of imaginary planes parallel to the longitudinal axis, perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge and intersecting it respectively at end points of the plane surface itself with respect to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rectilinear edge.

The convex outer surface <NUM> is further shaped so that a plane tangent at a point, such as an intermediate point, to the convex outer surface is parallel to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>.

It should be noted that when the convex outer surface has been defined as parallel to the longitudinal axis, "parallel" means that the intersection of the convex outer surface with an imaginary plane containing the longitudinal axis identifies a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the convex outer surface <NUM> is constant in shape and size throughout its longitudinal extension.

The intersection of the convex outer surface <NUM> with an imaginary section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis identifies a convex line (or segment) directed with its convexity to the direction opposite to the panel <NUM>, i.e. the direction opposite to the rectilinear edge of the proximal/adjacent panel, or even more specifically the direction opposite to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the proximal/adjacent rectilinear edge. Similarly, it is possible to define the line generated by the intersection of the convex outer surface <NUM> with the imaginary section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, as a concave line with its concavity directed towards the panel <NUM>, i.e. directed towards the rectilinear edge of the proximal/adjacent panel, or even more in detail directed towards the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the proximal/adjacent rectilinear edge.

The ends of said line are at a distance, measured along a direction perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge, from a lying plane of the plane surface of the rectilinear edge, that is smaller than the distance from the same plane of a central portion of the line, measured along the aforesaid direction. Such central portion is intersected by an imaginary plane perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the rectilinear edge and passing through a midpoint of the plane surface itself and parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In particular, in the embodiment shown, such a distance of the line from the lying plane of the plane surface of the rectilinear edge is always increasing going from the ends to a point in the central portion of the line where a tangent to the line (or to the external convex surface) is parallel to said lying plane of the plane surface of the rectilinear edge.

However, it is not excluded that in an embodiment not shown, the convex outer surface may be provided with longitudinal grooves parallel to the longitudinal axis which locally vary the shape of the convex outer surface. Such an implementation, in any case, falls within the inventive concept because the surface is overall convex and the distance from the lying plane of the plane surface of the adjacent rectilinear edge is generally always increasing from the ends towards the centre.

The maximum distance of the line identified by the section of the convex outer surface from a midpoint of the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of a proximal rectilinear edge of the panel <NUM>, is <NUM>,<NUM> times smaller than the thickness of the panel (considered as the distance between the first greater face and the second greater face), e.g. smaller than <NUM>.

The convex outer surface preferably has a width, measured in the direction of the thickness of the panel <NUM> (considered as the distance between the first greater face and the second greater face), greater than half the thickness of the panel itself, for example greater than the entire thickness of the panel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown it is greater than <NUM>.

The convex outer surface is preferably curved and has an axis of curvature, or several axes of curvature, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile. Even more preferably, the curved surface has a single axis of curvature, i.e. a constant radius of curvature, or in other words the convex outer surface <NUM> has a circular cross-section. The convex outer surface is curved throughout its extension in the direction transversal to the longitudinal axis, i.e. the curved line identified by the section of the convex outer surface with an imaginary section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is curved throughout its extension and has no curvilinear lines.

It is not excluded that in an embodiment not shown and that does not form part of the present claimed invention, the convex outer surface may be shaped as a wedge-shaped surface with the wedge directed to the direction moving away from the panel, for example as a surface whose cross-section is V-shaped.

In the embodiment shown, the convex surface is a sector of curved side surface of a cylinder with a circular base, i.e. of a cylinder having a circle as its base, the axis of curvature (coinciding with the central axis of the cylinder) being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile.

The curved side surface sector of the cylinder is continuous throughout its extension both in the direction of the longitudinal axis and in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

That is, the arc identified by the intersection of the curved side surface sector with an imaginary section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is continuous from one end thereof to an opposite end thereof.

The curved side surface sector of the cylinder is, for example, subtended to an imaginary angle having its centre on the axis of curvature of the side surface, i.e. on the central axis of the cylinder, which angle is greater than <NUM>°, e.g. it is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

In other words, the arc identified by the intersection of the curved side surface sector with an imaginary section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is, for example, subtended at an imaginary angle having its centre on the axis of curvature of the side surface, i.e. on the central axis of the cylinder, and is greater than <NUM>°, i.e. is between <NUM>° and <NUM>°.

The cylindrical side surface sector preferably has a radius of curvature greater than <NUM>.

In embodiments not shown, the convex outer surface may be a sector of the side surface of a prismatic body with an elliptical or oval base.

In the proximal portion of the profile (e.g. in a portion of the proximal portion between the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> and the convex surface), the profile comprises a groove <NUM> parallel to the profile longitudinal axis which serves as a seat for a gas sealing gasket <NUM> adapted to rest on a suitable plane surface of the framing <NUM>, or of an upright <NUM> of the framing (of the refrigeration cabinet), when the door is in the closed position (so as to achieve an airtight sealing with such surface). For example, the groove <NUM> extends throughout the entire longitudinal extension of the profile and preferably communicates with the environment outside the profile by means of a longitudinal opening in which a portion of the gas sealing gasket is inserted. The longitudinal opening, in the embodiment shown, is defined by two surfaces inclined towards each other in the direction of moving closer to each other from the outside to the inside of the grooved profile. This basically funnel-shaped opening makes it possible to hold the gasket in the groove in a particularly effective way.

The longitudinal groove <NUM>, i.e., its longitudinal opening, is directed to a transversal (perpendicular) direction relative to the direction that the convex surface faces. In other words, the gas sealing gasket <NUM> protrudes from the edging profile in a transversal (perpendicular) direction relative to the direction that the convex surface faces.

This longitudinal groove may also comprise a longitudinal cavity adapted to serve as a seat for an electrical resistor.

The edging profile <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> comprises a first wall <NUM> (of non-zero thickness), a cross-section of which with a section plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis forms a closed loop path and which defines the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> and the convex outer surface <NUM>.

The longitudinal opening of the groove <NUM> is made in said first wall <NUM>.

The edging profile also comprises a second wall <NUM> (of non-zero thickness), which is located within the closed loop path defined by the first wall <NUM> and intersects the first wall <NUM> (at ends of the second wall perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) forming a longitudinal cavity <NUM>, i.e. which extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile, defined by the first wall and the second wall.

The second wall comprises a plane surface <NUM>, which may be defined as a fixing plane surface, lying in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity, thus delimiting a portion thereof. Such plane surface <NUM> is also parallel to the plane surface <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the edging profile.

The longitudinal cavity <NUM> is at least partially defined, for example it is uniquely defined, by the plane surface <NUM> and by an inner surface <NUM> of the first wall <NUM>, which is directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity, facing directly the plane surface <NUM>, and is obtained in a portion of the first wall <NUM> where the convex outer surface is made.

In practice, the inner surface <NUM> of the first wall <NUM> is opposite to the convex outer surface <NUM>.

In other words, the thickness of the first wall at the convex outer surface is defined by the inner surface <NUM> and the convex outer surface <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface <NUM> is a concave surface with a homologous shape, i.e. mirror-like, to the convex outer surface.

The edging profile comprises an additional longitudinal cavity <NUM>, i.e. extending along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the edging profile, defined by the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>, and which is divided from the longitudinal cavity <NUM> by interposing the second wall <NUM>.

With particular reference to <FIG>, the additional longitudinal cavity <NUM> comprises an inner surface shaped to precisely accommodate an axially hollow stiffening bar <NUM>, forming a prismatic connection that is able, as its only degree of freedom, to slide along an axis parallel to the profile longitudinal axis. For example, the stiffening bar has a rectangular (square) cross-section.

The length of the stiffening bar <NUM> can be substantially the same as that of the edging profile.

The additional longitudinal cavity is at least partially made in the proximal portion of the edging profile.

The additional longitudinal cavity is divided from the longitudinal groove by means of a third wall <NUM> defining a bottom surface of the groove facing the longitudinal opening. The third wall (of non-zero thickness) is arranged within the closed loop path defined by the first wall <NUM> and intersects the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>, separating the longitudinal cavity <NUM> from the longitudinal cavity <NUM>.

The cross-section of the profile, i.e. of the first wall and, for example, also of the second wall, is constant (in shape and size) along the profile, with the obvious exception of the ends, which must be cut at a selected angle to enable them to be fixed to the adjacent profile to form a framing.

The hinge, or hinges, are fixed directly by means of suitable connecting members, for example threaded connecting members and/or comprising glues, to the second wall <NUM>, after appropriate removal of a portion of the first wall <NUM> at the convex outer surface <NUM>. The threaded connecting members pass through the second wall <NUM> towards the additional longitudinal cavity <NUM> so as to clamp the second wall <NUM> in a vice-like manner.

In particular, the first portion of the hinge, i.e. of each hinge, is in direct contact with the plane surface <NUM>.

The support frame <NUM> preferably comprises a plurality of edging profiles <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> fixed together to form a framing, for example four edging profiles fixed together to form a rectangular framing, which frames and supports the panel <NUM> and allows it to be connected to the hinge, or hinges.

In particular, the plurality of edging profiles comprises at least one edging profile <NUM> proximal to, or in contact with, the first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>.

In detail, such edging profile <NUM> is arranged with the plane surface <NUM> directly facing the plane surface <NUM> of the first vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>, for example along the entire longitudinal extension of said plane surfaces.

This edging profile is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis C, in particular it is arranged in such a way that the hinge axis C passes through said edging profile <NUM>. In detail, the hinge axis C is contained in the additional longitudinal cavity <NUM>.

When the convex outer surface <NUM> is curved, for example when it is formed by a cylindrical surface sector as shown, the axis of curvature, i.e. the central axis, of the convex outer surface of the edging profile <NUM> proximal to the first rectilinear vertical edge <NUM>, is parallel to the hinge axis C and is placed at a distance lower than <NUM> from said hinge axis, according to the present invention it is coaxial to the hinge axis C.

In the embodiment shown, the plurality of edging profiles comprises a first vertical edging profile <NUM>, having the above-described characteristics of being close to the first vertical rectilinear edge and parallel to the hinge axis C, and a second vertical edging profile <NUM> arranged with a vertical longitudinal axis, for example proximal to, or in contact with, the second vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>. In particular, the second vertical edging profile <NUM> is arranged with its plane surface <NUM> directly facing the plane surface <NUM> of the second vertical rectilinear edge <NUM>, for example throughout the longitudinal extension of said plane surfaces.

This second vertical edging profile <NUM> is arranged with its longitudinal axis parallel to the hinge axis C and is arranged with its convex outer surface <NUM> facing the direction opposite to the convex outer surface <NUM> of the first vertical edging profile.

The plurality of edging profiles also comprises an edging profile <NUM> proximal to, i.e. in contact with, the first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>.

In detail, such a profile is arranged with the plane surface <NUM> directly facing the plane surface <NUM> of the first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>, for example throughout the longitudinal extension of said plane surfaces.

Such edging profile is arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge axis C, in particular it is arranged in such a way that the hinge axis C passes through said edging profile.

When the convex outer surface <NUM> is curved, as shown, and it is formed by a cylindrical surface sector, the axis of curvature, i.e. the central axis, of the convex outer surface of the horizontal edging profile proximal to the first horizontal rectilinear edge, is perpendicular and incident to the hinge axis C.

In the embodiment shown, the plurality of edging profiles comprises a first horizontal edging profile <NUM>, having the above-described characteristics of the profile being close to the first horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM> and perpendicular to the hinge axis, and a second horizontal edging profile <NUM> arranged with a horizontal longitudinal axis, for example proximal to, or in contact with, the second horizontal rectilinear edge <NUM>. In particular, the second vertical edging profile <NUM> is arranged with the plane surface <NUM> directly facing the plane surface <NUM> of the second horizontal rectilinear edge, for example throughout the longitudinal extension of said plane surfaces.

Such second horizontal edging profile <NUM> is arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge axis C and is arranged with its convex outer surface <NUM> directed to the direction opposite to the convex outer surface <NUM> of the first horizontal edging profile.

The hinge, i.e. the first hinge portion, is directly fixed to the plane surface <NUM> of the edging profile arranged with the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge axis C, or is directly fixed to the second wall <NUM>, and contacts directly the plane surface <NUM>, of the edging profile arranged with the longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge axis C.

In the embodiment shown, the hinge <NUM> rotatably connects the first horizontal edging profile <NUM> to the compartment, and the hinge <NUM> connects the second horizontal edging profile <NUM> to the compartment in relation to the same hinge axis C.

Also in the embodiment shown, the plurality of edging profiles comprises only the above-described four edging profiles to form a rectangular framing for the panel <NUM>. The four edging profile panels all have identical cross-sections, except for the horizontal edging profiles in one portion thereof where the respective hinge is fixed.

In particular, such portion has an opening <NUM> passing through the convex outer surface <NUM>, i.e., passing through the portion of the first wall at the convex outer surface <NUM>, to allow access from the outside to the plane surface <NUM> so as to fix the hinge thereon. Such opening <NUM> has a central axis that is transversal (perpendicular) to the plane surface <NUM>.

Such opening has a central axis perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>.

The invention also makes available a method for fixing a hinge <NUM>,<NUM> defining a hinge axis C to a door comprising:.

The step of removing material from the other wall <NUM> may provide mechanically removing material, for example by a milling operation.

Such step may also provide removing material so that the opening is arranged with the central axis substantially perpendicular to the plane surface <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown, the method provides making the opening in a portion of the first wall <NUM> that is delimited by the convex outer surface <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the door <NUM>' may comprise a handle <NUM> provided with a fixing portion adapted to be fixed to the edging profile and provided with a concave inner surface <NUM>, complementary to the convex outer surface <NUM> of the edging profile and in contact therewith, and a convex outer surface <NUM>, opposite to the concave inner surface and homologous to the convex outer surface <NUM> of the edging profile.

The fixing portion may comprise surfaces configured to make a sliding prismatic connection along the longitudinal axis with the edging profile.

For example, the surfaces configured to make a sliding prismatic connection along the longitudinal axis of the edging profile comprise the convex outer surface <NUM> and a pair of plane surfaces <NUM> parallel to the longitudinal axis.

For example, the plane surfaces of the pair of surfaces <NUM> are placed at opposite profile ends, preferably at opposite ends (with respect to a direction transversal to the longitudinal axis) of the convex outer surface <NUM> and is inclined so as to lie in planes parallel to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the convex outer surface.

In an alternative embodiment of the profile shown in <FIG>, the profile <NUM>' comprises a handle <NUM> made in a single piece (i.e. integral) with the edging profile itself, in particular the handle originates from the first wall <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, the handle is basically shaped as an extension which protrudes from the profile, i.e. from the first wall <NUM>.

Preferably the handle has a longitudinal extension equal to the longitudinal extension of the profile itself.

With particular reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge, i.e. a hinge system comprising the bottom hinge and the top hinge, comprises an automatic closing mechanism <NUM> (e.g. spring) integral with at least the second portion <NUM> of the bottom hinge, for example integral with the second portions of the top and bottom hinge, and inserted into the axial cavity of the stiffening bar <NUM> of the profile <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in said figures, at least the first hinge portion <NUM> is inserted into the additional cavity <NUM> of the profile <NUM> and is integral with the stiffening bar <NUM> without residual degrees of freedom. Therefore, in such embodiment, the first portion of the hinge is not in contact with the plane surface, but the threaded connecting members constraining it to the second wall <NUM> are.

In such a case, the threaded connecting members <NUM> pass through the second wall <NUM>, entering the cavity <NUM>, so as to clamp the second wall <NUM> at least between the threaded connecting members and a section of the first hinge portion.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG>,<FIG>,<FIG> and <FIG>, the door <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM> glued directly in contact with the panel <NUM>, i.e. at the first greater surface of the panel.

It is clear after reading the disclosure that the presence of the plane surface <NUM>, which makes it possible to fix the flange, is a technical characteristic which can be independent from the presence of the convex outer surface <NUM>, since, although it is highly desirable in case said convex surface is present in order to comfortably fix the hinge to the edging profile, the plane surface <NUM> can be preferable not only in case there is a concave surface instead of the convex surface, but also in case there is a plane surface, this is because the longitudinal cavity <NUM> and the plane surface <NUM> allow, even in case of a plane surface, to fix and protect a portion of the hinge by partially covering it, thus reducing the possibility of external bodies entering or lubricating liquid or grease leaking from the hinge, which could mix with the external bodies and soil the door and/or the user. These advantages are achieved in particular without having to create a specific profile, but by machining a standard profile that is suitable to make the entire support frame.

Therefore, a door <NUM>,<NUM>' for a refrigeration cabinet <NUM> deserves independent protection, the door comprising:.

wherein the support frame is provided with an edging profile <NUM>,<NUM> which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the hinge axis C and comprising a portion proximal to the panel <NUM> and a portion distal from the panel, a longitudinal cavity <NUM> which is partially delimited by a wall <NUM>, provided with a plane surface <NUM> lying in a plane perpendicular to the hinge axis C and directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity and towards the outside of the edging profile, and by another wall <NUM>, which is delimited internally by an inner surface directed towards the inside of the longitudinal cavity and facing the plane surface and is delimited externally by an outer surface <NUM> of the portion distal from the panel.

The wall and the other wall correspond respectively to the above-described second wall <NUM> and first wall <NUM>.

This edging profile is provided with an opening <NUM> in the wall, i.e. in the second wall <NUM>, by removing material as described above.

The support frame <NUM> may comprise a cover profile adapted to cover the edging profile and substantially shaped like the handle fixing portion shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown, the cabinet comprises two doors <NUM>,<NUM>' hinged to the framing of the cabinet relative to respective and distinct hinge axes so that the respective first rectilinear edges are distal to each other and the respective second rectilinear edges are placed side by side. The convex outer surfaces <NUM> of the respective second vertical edging profiles <NUM> of each door are therefore placed, when the doors are both in the closed position, side by side and one (directly) facing the other. When both of them are in the closed position, the convex outer surfaces <NUM> of the second edging profiles are spaced apart from each other by a non-zero thickness gap. In practice, the two convex outer surfaces do not touch each other. In particular, these convex outer surfaces do not touch each other in any position assumed by the door.

In addition, in the closed position, the gas sealing gaskets <NUM> of each door associated with the respective second vertical edging profiles, rest on a (same) vertical upright <NUM> of the refrigeration cabinet, i.e. the framing <NUM> (making an air-tight sealing with this upright).

The edging profiles are rigid, i.e. made of a material and sized to be rigid. The material may for example be metal or a polymer and the profile may be made by an extrusion operation.

It should be noted that the term 'rigid' means that the profiles cannot be deformed by bending or torsion under normal working loads.

By contrast, the sealing gaskets are elastic, i.e. resilient, and are made of materials and sized so as to be elastically deformable during use, particularly when they are pressed against the upright of the framing <NUM>.

For example, the gaskets can be made of an elastomeric material.

Claim 1:
A door (<NUM>,<NUM>') for a refrigeration cabinet (<NUM>), comprising:
- an insulating and optically transparent panel (<NUM>),
- a support frame (<NUM>), which supports and frames the panel
- a hinge (<NUM>,<NUM>) provided with a first portion fixed to the support frame (<NUM>) and a second portion which is movable with respect to the first portion about a hinge axis (C),
wherein the support frame is provided with a plurality of edging profiles of which at least one edging profile (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>') which extends longitudinally along a longitudinal axis and which comprises a portion proximal to the panel (<NUM>) and a portion distal from the panel, wherein in the proximal portion of the edging profile, the edging profile comprises a groove (<NUM>) parallel to the longitudinal axis, which serves as a seat for a gas sealing gasket (<NUM>).
wherein the distal portion comprises a convex outer surface (<NUM>) parallel to the longitudinal axis and directed with its convexity to the direction opposite the panel (<NUM>) said door being characterized by the fact that the axis of curvature of the convex outer surface and the hinge axis (C) are coaxial.