Ventilated merchandising system

Abstract

A ventilated merchandising system for products displayed in merchandise coolers such as refrigerator or freezer cases. One embodiment of the merchandising system includes a base member and a platform coupled to the base member such that air can flow between the platform and the base member. One or more plenum plates can be coupled to the base for directing air between the platform and the base member. A pusher plate may also be coupled to and movable along the platform for advancing products along the platform. A baffle system that may be coupled to a merchandising tray and a method of distributing air flow within a merchandise cooler unit are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is based on and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 143,862 filed on Jan. 12, 2009 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 079,295 filed on Jul. 9, 2008, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entities for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to the field of merchandising systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ventilated merchandising system which allows for enhanced air circulation for items presented in a refrigerated display case.BACKGROUND[0003]Merchandising systems for displaying products on shelves, in cabinets or in display cases are frequently found in consumer retail settings such as grocery stores, retail outlets and department stores. In particular, merchandising systems are not only used to conveniently store products, but are also used to provide an effective and aesthetically pleasing d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention provides a ventilated merchandising system for products displayed in merchandise cooler units such as refrigerator or freezer cases. One embodiment of a merchandising system of the present invention includes a base member and a platform coupled to the base member. A gap between the platform and the base member allows air to flow between t...

Problems solved by technology

Display systems in refrigerated or freezer cases provide a unique merchandising difficulty if they are replacing manufacturer shelving units.

In particular, cool air is pumped into the refrigerated case from the top and front of each case, and display systems located in the case obstruct the air flow patterns and cause the cool air to be diverted from the products, and also disrupt the balance of air inside the case and increase the amount of cool air pumped in (and therefore increase the overall energy needed to keep the case at the appropriate temperature).

However, this is an added cost to the retailer, as they have to purchase the baffles, install them, and lose valuable space in the cases to allow room for the baffles between the displays.

Baffles currently used are often unsightly because they tend to droop downwards from the point of attachment to the display grid, and tend to be installed irregularly within a case and among adjacent cases.

As such, retailers are restricted to particular shelves and shelf configurations when using the baffles.

Additionally, the irregular and imprecise placement of the baffles by the installers of the cooler units and store employees often fails to direct airflow correctly around the products.

There exist merchandising systems that allow for the presentation of products on display shelves and grid systems, but are not specifically designed for applications in refrigerator or freezer units where proper air circulation is important for food safety and preservation.

However, conventional merchandising systems are not specifically designed for refrigerator or freezer applications where the proper circulation of cool air is essential to appropriately cool the products on the shelves.

Further, as discussed above, the use of baffles is costly, unsightly, and inaccurate as a means of solving the problem of circulation of air within a cooler unit.

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