Interlocking seal for insulated panels

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an interlocking labyrinth seal to connect abutting insulated panel members in end-to-end relationship to form a wall of interconnected panel members.
Another object of the invention is to provide a means for locking the insulated panels together which has the capability of expanding and contracting, yet will not loosen and back out or fall out over time and is easily removed in case a panel member becomes defective and requires replacement.
It is a further object to provide a seal which is capable of expanding and contracting during the heating and cooling cycle of an oven and yet maintain its sealing capabilities and minimize the heat loss therethrough.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for exposing the insulation of one panel member to the insulation of an abutting panel member, thereby substantially eliminating any air gap between panels for the purpose of minimizing the heat loss through the seal.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a seal which has no welds or fastening means which may have a tendency to become weak spots under continual heating and cooling cycles.
In accordance with the present invention, a locking means is provided to lock together a series of insulated panel members in an end-to-end relationship to form a wall of interconnected insulated panels.
The locking means is in the form of a labyrinth seal which is adapted to expand and contract when necessary in order to interlock the various panel members together.
Means is also provided to expose the insulation of one panel member to the insulation of an abutting panel member inside the seal area which serves to minimize the heat loss through the seal.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the attached detailed description and upon reference to the drawings, in which: