Sensor Actuated Door Lighting

Abstract

Disclosed is commercial refrigerator display that allows for the automatic illumination of the refrigerator contents in the presence of a consumer. Illumination is provided by a series of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are positioned on an internal surface of one of the mullions that make up the compartment frame. These LEDs are interconnected to both a power source and one or more sensors. The sensors are preferably motion sensors that can detect the presence of an individual near the refrigerator housing. Thus, when an individual is detected, the sensor supplies power to the LEDs to thereby illuminate the interior of the refrigerated compartment. The present invention also relates to the bracket assembly that is used in mounting the sensor to the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a system for illuminating the interior of a refrigerated compartment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a sensor arrangement whereby the interior of a refrigerated compartment can be illuminated whenever the presence of an individual is detected.[0003]2. Description of the Background Art[0004]Refrigerated compartments are in wide use in supermarkets and convenience stores across the country. These compartments typically include a frame assembly mounted on the exterior of the compartment for pivotally mounting a series of doors. The doors give consumers access to the interior of the refrigerated compartment. Typically, glass doors are employed to give consumers the ability to see all of the items available for purchase. The use of lighting within the interior of the compartment is also known. This lighting can, for example, include fluorescent lighting mounted upon the ceiling ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is yet a further objective of this invention to mount a motion sensor upon the frame of a refrigerated compartment whereby the sensor can control the illumination within the compartment as well as the illumination of nearby compartments.

[0011]It is still yet another objective of this invention to quickly and easily mount a motion sensor upon the frame of a refrigerated compartment by way of an improved bracket construction.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this arrangement has many drawbacks.

The first drawback is that a consumer can only view the compartment when the door is opened.

This is not preferred because while the consumer is considering his or her choices, the refrigerated compartment is losing valuable cold air.

The second drawback is that merely opening the door often results in a build up of condensation on the glass due to the temperature variation between the air inside and outside of the compartment.

This is problematic because a consumer who opens the door to trigger the internal lighting for purposes of viewing the contents will create condensation and obscure the view of subsequent consumers.

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