US2990229A

US2990229A - Reversible recessed panel-type vendor structure

Info

Publication number: US2990229A
Application number: US760162A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert M Engelbrecht
Original assignee: Seeburg Corp
Current assignee: Seeburg Corp
Priority date: 1958-09-10
Filing date: 1958-09-10
Publication date: 1961-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 1978-06-27

Description

June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 June 27, 1961 ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5 SheetsSheet 2 INVENTOR ROBERT M; ENGELBRECH'I ATTORNEY S June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept.l0, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 0/ /3 /o ll ll l 438/ Ma /48 J4 V40 /36 INVENTOR ROBERT M. ENGELBRECHT BY @MW ATTORNEYS June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 F 66: m Tfi w /6? 42 |NVENTOR 9 ROBERT M. ENGELBRECHT ATTORNEY S June 27, 1961 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 2,990,229

REVERSIBLE RECESSED PANEL-TYPE VENDOR STRUCTURE Filed Sept. 10, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 h U u E INVENTOR.

ROBERT M. ENGELBRECHT BY MM QL ATTORNEYS This invention relates to a cabinet construction to be employed, for example, for bottle vendors, coolers, and simlar'refnigeration units, and more specifically, to a cabinet structure including reversible :parts together with interchangeable parts .for presenting "a number of various "outer visual effects and appearances.

Heretofore 'the usual cabinet fabrications for fbottle vendors, coolers, and the like, even thoughan end product fullyass'embled and ready for immediate use, are ;not:an identifiable product as to the manufacturer of the con- .tainedvended or cooled product. Commercially, :significant is the fact that the vendor orrcooler should :be

*readily identifiable with the .merchandising education of the end product to be contained within the particular-re- "frigeration unit. Prior to this invention the'subject cabi- 'nets :possessed singular characteristics and oneness of \design and structure without providing for structuralinterchangea'bility and versatility dependent upon the associated product to be contained therein.

Accordingly, object of my invention is to provide a-construction for refrigeration units of the above-identified type which permit the visual portion of the unitto be easily designed to satisfy each merchandising requirement which might be proposed without redesigning or .altering the fabrication procedures for the individual parts of these units.

Another object is to provide a chassis framestructure which permits and facilitates interchangeability as well as reversibility of the exterior surfacing of the refrigeration units.

.A further object is to provide an interchangeable and reversible panelized system for refrigeration units, and consequently a system adapted to endless possible visual effects which would be individually selected to conform to the merchandising program of the manufacturer of the ,:product to be vended or cooled by these units.

Still a further object is to provide refrigeration units having prefabricated parts and pre-assembled sub-assemblies which'would adapt themselves to numerouscabinet constructions, each having different outward appearances .as requested by the manufacturer of the. product to be contained within any particular unit.

An important object is to provide a refrigeration unit .having a reversible panel system, the individual panels of which are 'selectably arranged on the units mounting chassis in a manner depending upon the product to be encased thereby; and further these panels are adapted to be finishedprior to mounting on the chassis in accordance with 'the subject manufacturers merchandising pro- ,gram.

In general, a prefabricated refrigeration unit constructed in accordance with my invention possesses a basic framed mounting chassis including pre-arranged horizontal beams and vertical posts supported by means of a base'structure. "In an effort to provide versatility of design and appearance for these units, while still maintaining substantially thesame chassis, panels having centrally located recessedpor'tions are employed for eitheror both the sidesandfront faces of the unit. Y --appearance desired, the panels may be mounted on the I g n p i @chassis-withtheir recessed portions either protruding or 70 FIG. 18 1s a plan view ofa cabinet structure embodying Depending upon the U i d States Pate 111:0

- end panels;

..certain parts removed;

top comer frames, depending :again upon the .desired visual appearance .to-beassociatedwith themanufacturer of the product.to,be:contained within the unit.

Other objects and advantages of this inventionwill become apparent from-the following detailed description,

'-which is to be taken in conjunction with-the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially schematic .perspective view: of Va cabinet construction having recessedifront and protruding side or end panels;

.FIG. 2 is a partial. sectional view takensubstantia'lly ..along..the.line.2-.2 of FIG. .1, illustrating the recessed front panel andassociated base and top frame construc- :'FIG. .3 is .a partial sectional view takensubstantially alongFthelineS-B ofFIG. 1, illustrating theprotruding end: panelsand associated vbase and .top frame construction, with parts removed;

FIG. .4 isa fragmentary sectional viewttaken alongthe line 4-4 of FIG. Lillustratingthe.co1:ner1frame,assembly and relation to the mounted front and end panels,-with FIG. .5 is aperspective view of 'the'basicframe constnuction of thelmounting chassis of my invention;

FIG. 6 vista partially schematic perspectivev view o'f.a

.cabinet fabrication having protruding "front and protruding end panels;

FIG. 7 is apartialsectional view taken substantially .along the line7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating the protruding frontpaneland associated base and top framecon-stru tion, with parts removed;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substanv,tially along the line-8-".8 of FIG. 6, illustrating the relationship of parts in the corner frame assembly;

FIG. 9 is a partially schematic perspective view-ofa cabinet construction having protruding'front.and'recessed end panel-s; I

FIG. 10 .is a partial sectional view taken along'the'line 1010.of FIG. 9,,illustrating the recessed end panel and associated base andtopnframe construction, with. certain parts removed;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional viewtakensubstan- .tially along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9, illustrating the subject relationship of parts in the corner frame "assem- -bly, with certain parts removed;

FIG. 12 isa partiallyschematicperspective view of. a cabinet construction having a recessed front .and .end

- panels;

FIG. 13 is: a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially alongthe 1ine.13-13'0f FIG. 12., illustrating-the arrangementof partsii-n the corner frame sassembly with certain parts removed; 7

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary'perspective. view, show-ingin detail 'the'corner oonstructi-onfor my cabinet unit, specific reference to a unit having. protruding front'rand FIG. 15 a fragmentary sectional view taken along; the line 1515 of FIG. 14; i

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary. sectional view-showing the corner construction present at. the juncture ofca recessed side panel and rear panel ofoneof my Lcabinet', units which has incorporated therein aalfurtherembodiment of corner guide; 1

-'FIG. 17 is a; fragmentary longitudinal =:sectional-.: vie illustrating the top corner construction present-at the-rear of my cabinet'unit;

' incorporated in the cabinet structure;

corporation of a frame structures are illustrative, but at stability to the base structure.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary elevation illustrating'sche- :matically a bottle cap opener andcap catcher receptacle FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of the inventilation screen in the cabinet structure, 1

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the incorporation of a door in the cabinet structure; and

.FIG. 23 is a fragmentary top plan view showing schematically thearrangement of bottle neck retaining racks and associated structure mounted interiorly of the cabinet structure.

In the drawings, I have illustrated various forms, modifications and features of cabinet structures fabricated in accordance with the present invention, to be used for the contemplated refrigeration units. The illustrated reversible panelized system is exemplary of the'many possible embodiments, but in some respects is preferable because 'of its simplicity and decreased costs, as well as being conducive to eflicient and inexpensive manufacturing and assembling techniques. Similarly, the disclosed corner the same time preferable.

My cabinet structure preferably includes amounting chassis which permits and facilitates reversibility and interchangeability of parts for attaining the desired countless visual eflects and appearances. Accordingly, in FIG.

5, I illustrate such a chassis which is designated generally by numeral 30. This chassis 30 comprises a base 32 which is substantially rectangular in configuration and I includes a front panel 34, a rear panel 36, and side or end

panels

38 and 40. The bottom edges of each one of these panels has extending laterally therefrom in an

inward direction flanges

42, 44, 46 and 48, respectively, which function as hearing plates to thereby increase the bearing area of the mounting chassis 30 as well as supply Brace 50 extends between

side'panels

38 and 40 for substantially the entire length of the rear panel 36 and rests upon the inwardly extending

flanges

44, 46 and 48,

' and is further secured thereto as for example, by welding.

This brace 50 comprises an upper plate 52 having extending downwardly therefrom

integral side plates

54 and 56. The outer face of side plate-54 is adapted to conveniently engage the inner face of rear panel 36 in substantial face-to-face contact to thereby increase the rigidity of the. base 32 and facilitate Welding of the juncture of plate 54 and plate 52 to the inner face of rear panel 36.

The downwardly extending

side plates

54 and 56 both have inwardly extending flanges 58 and 60, respectively.

' The outer face of flange 58.is adapted to rest upon the inner face of flange 44, thereby strengthening the latter as well as providing for adequate stress distribution in the base 32. The inwardly extending flange 60, on the other hand, rests-upon the

flanges

46 and 48 and is somewhat reduced in size comparable to flange 58. Flange 60 is adapted to be secured to

flanges

46 and 48, as for example, by spot welding, and again functions to provide better stress distribution by providing for a more unitary base 32, both in structure and function.

. A similar brace extends for the length of front panel i 34 between

side panels

38 and 40*, and accordingly will be identically numbered.

- The upper edges of

base plates

34, 36, 38 and 40 have transversely extending

plates

62, 64, 66, and 68, respectively. These plates extend outwardly and may be integral with their, supporting

base plates

34, 36, 38 and 40. Integral flanges 70, 72, 74 and'76 serve to mount ,.si m.ilarvertical :posts 78, 80, 82 and 84, which may assumo the form of conventional angle irons. Welding may 4 be resorted to in properly connecting the vertical 78, 80, 82 and 84 with the mounting base 32.

Horizontal beams 86, 88, and 92, which again may be in the form of angle irons, are conveniently supported by the upper ends of

posts

78, 80, 82 and 84, substantially as illustrated, with the legs extending upwardly and inwardly from their connecting edge. Additionally, welding may again accomplish the desired securement of members. 1

In FIGS. 1 to 4, I illustrate a cabinet structure having a recessed front panel and protruding side or end panels as well as other afliliated structure mounted on the chassis 30. The illustrated front panel 94 includes a central panel section 96 which is essentially rectangular in configuration. Extending substantially laterally from the peripheral edges of this central panelsection 96 are

integral plates

98, 100, 102 and 104. .These plates then terminate in

flanges

106, 108, and 112, respectively. These flanges are offset with respect to the central panel section 96 and additionally are disposed in a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the central panel section 96. When a recessed front panel 94 is contemplated, the central panel section 96 is positioned inwardly of the frame chassis 30 substantially as shown, with the

flanges

106, 108, Y110 and 112 in substantialface-to-face cont-act with an upstanding flange 70 of base 32, one of the legs of vertical post 78, horizontal beam 86 and vertical post 84, respectively. The contacting junctures of the front panel 94 with mounting chassis are disposed in substantially the same plane, which, in the case of :a cabinet structure having a recessed front panel, will be outwardly more removed than the plane of the central panel section 96.

The protruding end panels of the subject embodimen are substantially the same, and for this reason reference will only be had to the illustrated end panel, namely, end panel 116, while keeping in mind that the hidden end panel may incorporate identical structure. End panel 116 in the drawings includes a central panel section 118 which may be substantially rectangular, or as illustrated in the drawings, may approximate a square. Central panel section 118 has extending laterally therefrom plates 120, -122, 124 and 126.

Flanges

128, 130, 132 and 134 then extend respectively from

plates

120, 122, 124 and 126 to be disposed in a plane substantially spaced from and parallel to the plane of central panel section 118. In this connection, the

flanges

128, 130, 132 and 134 are substantially in face-to-face contact, respectively, with flange 74 of base 32, a leg of vertical post 80, horizontal beam 88, and vertical post 78. For purposes of having a protruding end panel, the central panel section 118 is offset outwardly with respect to the

flanges

128, 130, 132 and 134, as well as the junctures of the latter with the chassis 30.

It is preferred that corner trim 136 be employed to cover the peripheral side edge portions of the panels that rest upon the

vertical posts

78, 80, 82 and 84. Referring now to FIG. 4, it will be observed that the corner trim 136 includes

vertical plates

138 and 140 extending from a common side edge.

Spacer plates

142 and 144 extend integrally from the plates .138 and 140', respectively, in a converging direction. inwardly extending

flanges

146 and 148 are integral with these

spacer plates

142 and 144, respectively, and are adapted to be placed in substantial face-to-face contact with flanges 134 of end panel 116 and flange 108 of front panel 94. The width of

spacer plates

142 and 144 is such that when front panel Post , .94 and end panel 116 is protruding,

plates

138 and 140 of corner trim 136 are respectively substantially flush with and in substantially the same plane as the central panel section 1 18 and 96. If only one of the panels has a pro truding central panel section, the adjacent plate 138 *or 140 of corner trim 136 is similarly disposed, as is the case in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. The "length "of the flanges 146 and148 of the corner trim'1'36 should truding front and side panels. present embodiment, the central panel section 96 of 'pro- "truding front panel'94 is outwardly more removed from be such that the guide which is to be described in connection 'with FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 will embrace sectors of these flanges and thereby maintain the corner as well as the associated panels in substantially fixed relation with respect to the associated vertical post, which, in the 1 subject embodimengis post '78.

In the contemplated cabinet structure acabinet top 150 'is additionally included and suitably anchored to the mounting chassis 30. The cabinet top 150 comprises the usual means for obtaining access to the interior of the cabinet structure. As illustrated in FIG. l, the usual lid seat1'52may be provided for defining this opening into the interior of the cabinet structure as well as for provid- 'ing a seat for a hinged lid or top door 154. The lid seat 152 'usually extends for a short distance beyond the plane of the'top panel 156, thereby mounting the door 154 above this top panel.

The top panel 156 includes downwardly extending "

plates

158, 160, 162 and 164, at the peripheralside edges thereof. Inwardly extending

flanges

166, 168, 170 and 172 extend integrally from the downwardly extending plates 158, 160,162 and 164, respectively. The inner freeendsof the

flanges

166, 168, 170 and 172 terminate short of the'outer peripheral face of the upper flange 110 -of f'ront.panel94, the upper flange 13 2 of end panels 116, *aswell as faces of the rear panel'which will be disclosed inconnectio'n with FIGS. 16 and 17. Asub-top structure 174, having outer dimensions substantially-equal to the inner dimensions of the associated structure of thetop "150, maybe united with the latter in order to'rigidifyand strengthen the'cabinet top structure.

Since the structure involved for the individual components making up the cabinet structure of the following "embodiments are substantially the same as those illustrated and described inconnection with FIGS. 1 to 5, like numerals "will be employed to designate like parts;

and reference is 'had to the detailed description of the structure illustrated in these figures for'a more complete explanation of the structural elements involved.

FIGS. 6w 8 illustrate a'cabin'et structure having pro- In accordance with the flushwith and in the same. plane as thecentral panel sec- I tions 1*18 and 96,- respectively.

In FI GS. 9, l0 and 11,- I illustrate a cabinet structure having a protruding front panel and recessed end panel arrangement. Accordingly, the central panel section 96 of 'front-panel'94 is-outwardly removed fromtheplane of its

associatedflanges

106, 108,-1-10 and-112, in a man- 'nersubstantially similar to that illustrated in connection with the previous embodiment of FIGS. 6, 7 and 8. The recessedend panel 116, on the other hand, has its cen- -tral' panel section 118 disposed inter-iorlyof the outer confines ofthe framed chassis structure 30. Again, the corner trim is constructed in such-a manner that its'panel 140-wi11 be substantially flush withand in the same plane as the planeof the centralpanel section 96 of the front .-panel"94.

--Referring'nowto FIGS. 12 and 13; it will beobserved thatT provide a cabinet unit having recessed'front and end "panels. =Inthis particular structurala'rrangement, the cen- "tral-panel section 96 'ofthe front panel 94,= and'central panelsectionllS of theend'panel' 116' are disposed within the confines of the chassis structure 30, with the flanges of -these panelsbeingdisposed ina-plane 'sp'aced outwardly with respect-to that of their associated central panel secthan-the width of flanges 134- 'and 112. 'tione'dpair "of flanges covers substantially a major portions. Since the 'subjectpanels94 and 116 are in are 'cessed position, the dimensioning of the corner trim :1-36 is not consideredcritical. However, in an effort toprovide uniformity and simplicity in thedesign and-fabrication of the individual components of my cabinetstructu're, I preferto employ a corner trim that maybe employed interchangeably with'=a protruding .panelized system such as in the foregoing embodiments.

In FIGS. 14-and1'5, I illustrate in detail the structural features involved in mounting the front and end-panels, as well as the corneripieces to the vertical posts. Aparticula-r coupling of panels-and corner trim to vertical post 78 will serve as an-example of a preferred form of-corner construction. To further illustrate this construction, the cabinet strueture'will include protruding front and end panels, as contemplated "by the embodiment of FIGS. I advantageously employ a guide structure 180 to accomplish the necessary securement of parts. Accordin'gly, the vertical post 78 receives in substantial faceto-face-

conta'ctflanges

112 and 134 of the front panel/94 and end panel 116, respectively. The central panel sections '96 and 118 are extended outwardly beyond the confines of the chassis 30'by rneans of thelaterally'e'xtending plates of the panel structures, which include plate 1260f endpa'nel 116'and plate-10'4 of front panel 94.

Flanges

146 and 148 of the corner trim 136'o-verlie flange 134 of the end panel 116, and flange 112 of frontpanel'94, re-

spectively. 'As'mentioned in theabove, the plates 142 and with and in substantially-thesame plane as the central panel se'ction 1'18'of theend panel 116 and the central panel'section96 ofthe front panel 94, therebyproviding in this "particular'embodiment a continuous and substantiallyuninterrupted outer face for my cabinet structure.

The width of flanges 1 146 :and 148 is substantially less The last mention ot the outer surface area of the-legs of vertical post 78. With this'structure inmind, the guide 180, which includes legs "182 and '184, is :provided with guideways in plates 182 and 184 of guide 180, flange 134 of end panel 116, and'fla'n'ge 112 of front panel 94, and the legs of vertical? post 78.

sequently,if:the top is not mounted on the supporting chassis at this time, the corner trim 136 may then be 'passedinto'the guideways 186 and 1880f guide by simply-slidingflanges 146 and 148 in these guides. If

' desired, the corner trim136' 'can be readily interchanged prior-to the assembly of thetop 150 with the resultant structure, or upon its removal therefrom.

Obviously,-one need not extend the flanges 134 of the end panel 116 and flange 1120f front panel =94 to cover a major-portion of the outer face'of the vertical posts 78. Inthis connection, the side edges of these flanges could terminate short: of the juncture of the legs of this verticaltpost 78 to be substantially adjacent the terminal-side edges of'the

flanges

146 and 148 of the corner trim 136. Accordingly, the guide 180 may then' be secured -directly to the outer surfaces of the vertical him 136. offset sufficiently to incorporate therein for sliding movepost 78 by means of bolts 194. Subsequently, the end panels 116 and front panel 94 may be passed through the

guideways

186 and 188 in a manner similar to corner These

guideways

186 and 188 should now be ment, if desired, the total effective thickness presented by both the

flanges

146 and 148 of guide 180 and the flange 134 of end panel 116 and flange 112 of front panel 94. However, it is preferred that the end panel 116 and front panel 94 be secured directly to the vertical posts in substantially an immovable manner to minimize the possibility of tampering with the various structure located -interiorly of the refrigeration unit, such as the usual cooling mechanism and insulation.

Turning now to FIG. 16, .it will be observed that I illustrate a corner trim having a modified structural configuration. Additionally, I employ a different guide structure for mounting this corner trim to the associated vertical post. This figure will also serve as an illustration of the corner frame assembly for coupling a rear panel to my mounting chassis 30. Considering the corner frame construction coupled with the vertical post 80, it should be clear that a substantially flat rear panel 196 is employed to complete the. closure for the sides of my cabinet construction. As illustrated, the rear panel 196 is in substantially face-to-face contact with one leg of the vertical post 80, and end panel 116 having a recessed central panel section 118, is coupled with the other leg of this vertical post 80, with its flange 130 in substantial face-to-face contact therewith.

In lieu of having an integral and unitary guide similar to that disclosed in the previous embodiments, I may employ separate guides 198 and 200 to be coupled with each leg of the vertical post 80. Bolts 194 or similar connecting means extend through suitable bores in these guides, as well as the rear panel 196 and flange 134 of end panel 116, and the legs of the vertical post 80. Guides 198 and 200 include sectors 202 and 204, respectively, for engaging peripheral portions of the rear plate 196 and flange 134 of end panel 116. Each of the guides 198 and 200 include a guideway 206 and 208, respectively, formed by flanges 210 and 212 extending integrally from flat sectors 202 and 204. These guides 206 and 208 are adapted to embrace inturned flanges appearing on a corner trim 214 for mounting the latter to the associated vertical post 80.

In order to provide variations in the design of my corner trim, and thereby my refrigeration unit, I may form the corner trim 214 with an elongated recess or indentation by means of integral diverging plates 216 and 218.

Integral plates

220 and 222 extend from the terminal portions of the free ends of these plates 216 and 218. '[he

plates

220 and 222 then extend into plates 224 and 226 which in turn provide the inwardly extending

flanges

228 and 230. These

flanges

228 and 230 are adapted to slide in the guideways 206 and 208 provided by the flanges 210 and 212 of guides 198 and 200. Thus, an alternate form of corner trim is provided which presents a variation in the visual eifect and appearance of a cabinet structure fabricated in accordance with my invention.

In FIG. 17 I illustrate the top corner frame construction associated with a flat rear panel 196. As shown, the top panel 156 is adapted to be disposed or rested on the horizontal beam '90 and then terminate in the downwardly extending plate 162, which in turn provides the inturned flange 170. The terminal end of inwardly extending flange 170 is disposed adjacent the exterior face of rear panel 196, substantially as shown. A sub-top structure 174 is incorporated interiorly of this outer top frame structure, thus strengthening the top frame unit.

In considering my cabinet structure for use as a refrigeration unit such as the bottle vendor and cooler, it will beobvious to those skilled in the art that other structure as well as variations should accompany my cabinet catcher, insulation, cooling unit and internal liner and suitable framing for dividing the interior of the refrigeration'unit into compartments if desired, as well as providing the interior with suitable racks for bottles, if the vendor is the considered unit. These structural features are conventionally employed and commercially available to such an extent that their incorporation into the structure of my invention is apparent, and for this reason will notbe disclosed in detail in the present application. However, their association with my invention will be represented by the following description and mentioned illustrated views.

Referring now to FIG. 18, it will be observed that another form of opening means is illustrated to obtain access to the interior of my cabinet structure. The sliding lid or door type means 229 for obtaining this access is particularly suitable for the cooler-type refrigeration unit. Accordingly, my top frame structure 150 is provided with a centrally located apertured portion suitably fabricated to slidably support and mount the pair of sliding

doors

230 and 232. These doors are adapted to travel or slide one above the other in a manner similar to that conventionally employed in the art.

Suitable handles

234 and 236 may be mounted on these sliding

doors

230 and 232, respectively, to facilitate the sliding of these doors to an open position or a closed position.

As mentioned in the foregoing, my cabinet structure is particularly suitable for refrigeration type units which include the commercial bottle vendor. Naturally, in the latter type unit, a coin receiver assembly is essential. Thus, as schematically shown in FIG. 19, a coin receiver assembly 238 is installed and mounted on the central panel section 96 of the front panel 94. The details of this coin receiver assembly have not been fully illustrated, primarily because the structure involved is obvious to those skilled in the art, and of a type commercially available and not peculiar to my cabinet structure.

Similarly, in FIG. 20, I have illustrated schematically a bottle cap opener and catcher 240 on the central panel section 96 of the front panel 94. The installation of this assembly 240 will be obvious to those skilled in the art and will not be illustrated in detail, since such an assembly 240 is of a type commercially available and well known in the art. Suflice it to say that the bottle cap opener and catcher 240 includes the usual structure 242 for removal of a cap from a soda pop bottle. The lower portion of the assembly includes the usual cap catcher 244 for storage of bottle caps removed from the bottles contained within my refrigeration unit.

A ventilation screen or panel having louvered openings is usually included in a vendor or cooler type refrigeration unit. Thus, in FIG. 21, I have illustrated a manner in which a ventilation screen 246 may accompany my reversible panel type cabinet structure. This ventilation screen 246 replaces part of the central panel section of any or all of the facing panels of my cabinet structure, namely, front panel 94, end panels 116 and rear panel 196. The ventilation screen 246 may be suitably connected to other portions of such panels or panel sections as by welding or the like. The extent to which the ventilation screen 246 is included in a particular refrigeration unit will depend upon the amount of ventilation required, and if desired, a major portion of the selected panelized cabinet faces may include such openings. As shown, the ventilation screen 246 is coplanar with the central panel section 118 forming the upper part of an end panel. The foregoing is obviously suggestive of structure embodying louvered openings in lieu of a screen for substantially similar purposes. Accordingly, this type of structure is within the scope of one skilled in the art, and for this reason, the details thereof need not be further or fully disclosed. As will be appreciated, the part of the panel incorporating screen or louvered openings mounting chassis with substantially similar results.

-fi nes -,of a cabinet structure.

usually provided for obtaining accessto anjhterio'rly mounted cooler unit for purposes of'repairs .orilthelike.

Thus, a hinged door2'48 maybe included in one ofthe panels of my cabinet structure. When a door 248 is provided in my cabinet structure, I prefer that it be mounted or incorporated in an 'end panel -116" and'should be suitably united to such panel in order that the visual effect of a recessed panel or protruding panel system is maintained. In all other respects, the end panels 116" are substantially the same as those described in the above. The structural details of a particular door unit has not been fully disclosed, since any type of door conventionally employed for such purposes in refrigeration type units may be utilized. Additionally, the door 246 may replace a substantial portion of a central panel section of an end panel 116", or a minor portion thereof, depending upon the amount of access opening required.

Since a vendor is included within the usual type refrigeration unit contemplated by this invention, bottle neck retaining racks and dispenser unit should be mounted interiorly of my cabinet structure. Thus, in FIG. 23 I have shown schematically the incorporation of bottle neck retaining racks 250 and bottle dispenser unit 252 within the confines of my cabinet structure. Again, the details of the various structural features incident to such bottle neck retaining racks 250 and bottle dispenser unit 252 have not been fully illustrated, since these elements are common in the vendor art and consequently should be obvious to those skilled in the art.

Thus, among others the aforementioned objects and advantages are most efliciently attained. Obviously, numerous changes may be made in the described and illustrated structure without departing from my intention. Accordingly, it is my intention that the scope of this invention be defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to produce multiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration type units, said cabinet means including a supporting member, at least one panel having an attached flanged sector disposed in a plane other than that of other sectors of said panel, with the plane of one of the aforementioned sectors being outwardly more removed than the other and further with said flanged sector being mounted by said supporting member, a guide connected to said supporting member and surrounding zones of said flanged sector, said guide including a flanged guideway, a corner trim having a flange and sectors thereof being disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of said flanged sector, and said flange being disposed adjacent said flanged sector and being embraced by said flanged guideway.

2. The invention in accordance with claim 1, wherein the distance between the flange and certain sectors of said corner trim is substantially equal to the distance between said flanged sector and certain sectors of said panel.

3. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to produce multiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration type units, said cabinet means including at least one panel having an attaching flanged sector disposed in a plane other than that of other sectors of said panel with the plane of one of the aforementioned sectors being parallel to and outwardly more removed than the other; a chassis supporting said panel, said chassis including a supporting base, vertical posts extending from said base and each having an upper end, and horizontal beams coupled with said vertical posts adjacent said upper ends; and a corner frame means covering zones of said flanged sector for providing a corner trim and said corner frame means including an inwardly extending flange in substantially parallel relationship to said flanged sector.

4. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a

. 110 v chassis includingvertically' extending posts, a panelized system including a'fro'ntpanel, a pair of end panels, and a rear panel, each of saidpanels extendingbetween a pair I of said posts' and being supported 'by'said chassisgatleast onejof said panels comprising a centralpanel section," attachingfflanges integrally connected toand extending for substantiallythe entire outer peripheral length of said central panel section, said attaching flanges being difs'et with respect to and parallel to said central panel section, said attaching flanges overlying zones of the associated pair of posts, said central panel section extending between said associated pair of posts and disposed in a different vertical plane relative to the disposition of the juncture of said attaching flanges with said associated pair of posts whereby said central panel is protruding when arranged with one face thereof facing outwardly, and is recessed inwardly when arranged with the other face facing outwardly.

5. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a chassis including vertically extending posts; a panelized system including a front panel, a pair of end panels and a rear panel, each of said panels extending between a pair of said posts and being supported by said chassis, at least one of said panels comprising a central panel section, attaching flanges integrally connected to and extending for substantially the entire outer peripheral length of said central panel section, said attaching flanges being offset with respect to and parallel to said central panel section, said attaching flanges overlying zones of the associated pair of posts, said central panel section extending between said associated pair of posts and disposed in a different vertical plane relative to the disposition of the juncture of said attaching flanges with said associated pair of posts, corner trim attached to said associated pair of posts and embracing the attaching flanges overlying these posts.

6. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein a ventilation screen forms part of at least one of said panels.

7. The invention in accordance with claim 4, wherein one of said panels is cooperable to provide a door.

8. A refrigeration unit comprising in combination: a chassis having a base, vertical posts extending from said base and each having an upper end, and horizontal beams coupled with said posts adjacent upper ends of said vertical posts; a reversible front panel; a pair of reversible end panels, and a rear panel, said panels extending be tween and being supported by said vertical posts, said front panel and said end panels each comprising a central panel section, attaching flanges integrally connected to and extending for substantially the entire outer peripheral length of said central panel section, said attaching flanges being offset with respect to and parallel to said central panel section, said attaching flanges being secured to at least the supporting vertical posts, said central panel section extending between said vertical posts and disposed in a different vertical plane relative to the disposition of the juncture of said attaching flanges with the supporting vertical posts; corner trim attached to said vertical posts and embracing the attaching flanges secured to said vertical posts, the thickness of said corner trim being substantially equal to the distance by which the attaching flanges are offset from said central panel whereby the central panel may be flush with outer peripheral portions of said corner trim when arranged with one face thereof facing outwardly and are recessed inwardly when arranged with the other face thereof facing outwardly; and top corner pieces overlying portions of said horizontal beams and said attaching flanges.

9. Cabinet means for providing a reversible panelized system to produce multiple outward visual effects and appearances for refrigeration type units, said cabinet means including a supporting member, and at least one panel member having an attaching flanged sector disposed in a plane other than that of other sectors of said panel memher with a plane of one of the-aforementioned sectors being parallel to and outwardly n'idre removed than the other and further with the flanged sector mounted by said supporting member, a corner frame, means @nnected to said supporting member and covering zones of said tion having air passages therethronghcoupled with said supporting member.

7 UNITED STATES PATENTS 12,139,618

Hall Dec. 6,1938 'wallanee Oct. 23, 1951 Ridder Nov. 13,1951

FOREIGN PATENTS 'Great'Britain Jan. 27, 193