Ancillary Device for an Open Refrigerated Display Case

Abstract

An ancillary device for attachment to a shelf of an open refrigerated display case, the device comprising: a flow controlling module comprising an elongate element; and a plurality of brackets each bracket comprising a clamp portion for clamping the device to the shelf and an arm portion extending from the clamp portion to the flow controlling module; wherein the clamp portion comprises an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member which opposes the upper jaw member; wherein the clamp portion has an open configuration in which the upper and lower jaw members are spaced a first distance from one another so as to allow the upper and lower jaw members to be received over a portion of the shelf and wherein the clamp portion has a closed configuration in which the upper and lower jaw members are spaced a second distance from one another which is smaller than the first distance so as to clamp the upper and lower jaw members against the portion of the shelf; wherein the upper and lower jaw members are movable relative to one another between the open and closed configurations.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The invention relates to an ancillary device for attachment to a shelf of an open refrigerated display case, as well as an open refrigerated display case itself.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The display of chilled or frozen items is commonplace in many retail environments, most notably in supermarkets. Conventionally, such items have been displayed in refrigerated display cases having glass doors to allow customers to browse items before opening the doors to access the items. However, the presence of such doors has been seen as problematic in that they make it difficult for several customers to access the contents of the case, as well as providing an obstruction when open, narrowing the usable aisle space.[0003]It is therefore common for supermarkets to use open-fronted display cases (Open Refrigerated Display Cases; herein “ORDCs”). ORDCs utilize an air curtain which is cooled to below ambient temperature and propelled downward, across the open front of the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an auxiliary device for attachment to an open refrigerated display case, used to control the flow of air. The device includes a flow controlling module with an elongate element and brackets that secure the device to the shelf of the case. The brackets have a clamp portion for holding the device in place. The device also includes an arm portion that extends from the clamp portion to the flow controlling module. The arm portion has flexible sections that allow the device to be moved between an open and closed configuration. A threaded fastener is used to bring the arm portion into the closed configuration. The flow controlling module has inner and outer elongate elements that are spaced apart. The device can be used to create an air curtain across the display area, which is important in controlling the temperature and air flow in the case.

Problems solved by technology

However, the presence of such doors has been seen as problematic in that they make it difficult for several customers to access the contents of the case, as well as providing an obstruction when open, narrowing the usable aisle space.

However, as a direct consequence of their open design, ORDCs do have significantly higher energy consumption compared to the closed-fronted alternative.

The main energy losses occur within the air curtain, and are caused by the entrainment of warm ambient air into the air curtain and the turbulent mixing which occurs within the air curtain itself.

This has exacerbated entrainment issues and the resulting energy losses, as well as making the design of air curtains more challenging, particularly in respect of ensuring product integrity and temperature homogeneity while attempting to minimize their energy consumption.

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