Refrigerated Product Display System

Abstract

To provide a merchandise display system for storing and dispensing merchandise.SOLUTION: A merchandise display system includes an outer housing, a transparent front door, a cooling unit, and a door including an extended canopy. The merchandise display system also includes a front grill for the cooling system having a surface adjacent to the curved surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present invention relates generally to merchandise display systems for storing and dispensing merchandise. [Background technology]

[0002] The design and construction of merchandise display systems, including commercial refrigerators, have remained largely unchanged for many years. These display systems are typically large boxes that have been left behind by design trends and consumer expectations. The air openings in the front grille of a commercial refrigerator cooling system are typically louvers located across the front. Furthermore, transportation of commercial refrigerators can lead to damage or breakage of components, especially if the components extend outward from the surface of the main housing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect of the invention, the cooling compartment cover, i.e., the grill, does not include visible vents. In another aspect, a divider on the interior surface of the cooling compartment cover can separate the inlet and exhaust to prevent mixing of hot and cold airflows. In this way, the divider can improve the thermal efficiency of the condenser (heat exchanger) and increase the available cooling capacity of a refrigeration system (or heating capacity of a heat pump system).

[0004] In one aspect of the invention, a front grill for a cooling unit includes an outer portion having a substantially planar surface and a curved surface, an air inlet located on a first side of the grill between the substantially planar surface and the curved surface, an air outlet located on a second side of the grill between the substantially planar surface and the curved surface, and an inner portion including a partition disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet to separate inlet air flowing through the air inlet from outlet air flowing through the air outlet.

[0005] In another aspect of the invention, a refrigerated product display system includes a cooling unit and an outer housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a side wall, a rear wall, and an interior lower wall, the cooling unit being located within a cooling compartment between the side walls, the rear wall, the bottom wall, and the interior lower wall. The outer housing also includes a product compartment located between the side walls, the rear wall, the top wall, and the interior lower wall, a transparent door located across the product compartment, and a cooling compartment cover or grill located across the cooling compartment. The grill includes an outer portion having a substantially planar surface and a curved surface, an air inlet located on a first side of the grill between the substantially planar surface and the curved surface, an air outlet located on a second side of the grill between the substantially planar surface and the curved surface, and an inner portion including a divider disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet to separate inlet air flowing through the air inlet from outlet air flowing through the air outlet.

[0006] In a further aspect of the invention, a product display system includes an outer housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, and a rear wall, and a door. The door includes a frame surrounding the transparent front face including a top frame having a bracket extending away from the transparent front face, a first side frame having a first channel located adjacent to the top frame, a second side frame having a second channel located adjacent to the top frame, and a bottom frame, and an extension canopy. The extension canopy includes a bottom face having a recess that engages the bracket, a first member that engages the first channel, and a second member that engages the second channel. The extension canopy is removably attached to the top frame, the first side frame, and the second side frame.

[0007] Further features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the various teachings contained herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to further explain the principles of the invention and to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention;

[0010] [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention;

[0011] [Diagram 3] 1 is a partial perspective view of an extended canopy of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a partial perspective view of an extended canopy of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a partial perspective view of an extended canopy of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention;

[0012] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view of an extended canopy of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view of an extended canopy of a merchandise display system according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0013] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of a front grille according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0014] [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a front grille according to various aspects of the present invention;

[0015] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a front grille according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0016] Features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References such as "one embodiment," "embodiment," "exemplary embodiment," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not expressly described.

[0018] One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1-7. The product display system 10 includes an outer housing 100 comprised of a top wall 110, a bottom wall 120, side walls 130 and 140, a rear wall 150, an interior bottom wall 160, and a door 200. The rear wall 150, the side walls 130 and 140, the interior bottom wall 160, and the top wall 110 define a product compartment 102 within the outer housing 100. The rear wall 150, the side walls 130 and 140, the interior bottom wall 160, and the bottom wall 120 define a cooling compartment 104. The cooling compartment 104 may be configured to receive a cooling unit 300. The door 200 may include a front surface 202 that may be made of any suitable material, such as glass or plastic. In one embodiment, the front surface 202 is transparent to allow visual access to the products stored and displayed within the display system 10. The door 200 includes a top frame 210 having a top frame width 212, a bottom frame 220, a side frame 230 having a side frame cladding 231, and a side frame 240 having a side frame cladding 241. A bracket 250 is attached to the top surface of the top frame 210. The top frame 210, the bottom frame 220, the side frame 230, and the inner frame 240 surround the front surface 202. The door 200 may open in any suitable manner. For example, one side of the door 200 may be hinged to the display system 10 such that the door 200 swings open to allow access to the display system 10. Alternatively, the door 200 may slide open. The door 200 includes a handle 270 for opening the door 200.

[0019] The outer housing 100 may be of any shape or size suitable for cooling and displaying merchandise. For example, the outer housing 100 may be generally rectangular or box-shaped and may include curved or rounded sides. The outer housing 100 may be manufactured in a variety of colors. The color of the outer housing 100 may indicate a particular brand or type of merchandise and may be used to promote that brand or type of merchandise. For example, blue and red may be used to promote traditional Pepsi products; white and blue may be used to promote Diet Pepsi products; green may be used to promote non-carbonated beverages; and orange and red may be used to promote Gatorade products.

[0020] The merchandise display system 10 may include a number of shelves 170 configured to hold and display merchandise. The number of shelves 170 may be attached to and supported by an internal structure that may include grooves, ridges, holes, or other mounting features. The number of shelves 170 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the number of shelves 170 may be made of plastic or metal. The number of shelves 170 may be solid surfaces or may include openings that allow air, liquid, and debris to flow therethrough. Any number of shelves 170 is contemplated within the scope of the present invention and may depend on the height of the merchandise within the merchandise display system 10.

[0021] 2-7, the extension canopy 260 can be attached to the door 200. The extension canopy 260 can provide additional design and branding areas for the product display system 10. Because the extension canopy 260 extends above the top wall 110 of the outer housing 100, the extension canopy 260 may be damaged or broken during shipping or transportation of the product display system 10. Thus, the extension canopy 260 is easily removable for transportation and subsequent assembly at the point of sale.

[0022] In one aspect of the invention, a first channel 232 is formed between the side frame 230 and the side frame cladding 231 on the door 200. A second channel 242 is formed between the side frame 240 and the side frame cladding 241. The extension canopy 260 includes a first member 266 that engages with the first channel 232 and a second member 268 that engages with the second channel 242. The extension canopy 260 can engage with the door 200 via a snap fit such that the first member 266 and / or the second member 268 can be cantilevers with overhangs that engage respective slots in the side frame cladding 231 and / or the side frame cladding 241 or the side frames 230 and / or the side frames 240.

[0023] The extended canopy 260 can include a bottom surface 262 having a bottom surface width 263. In one aspect of the invention, the bottom surface 262 is adjacent to the top surface of the top frame 210. The bottom surface width 263 can be approximately equal to the top frame width 212 to provide a uniform appearance.

[0024] 6-7, the underside 261 of the canopy 260 may be attached to the bracket 250 with fasteners 252. The fasteners 252 may be screws, bolts, rivets, nails, or any suitable fasteners known in the art. The extended canopy 260 may include a recess 264 in the bottom surface 262 to receive the bracket 250 entirely within the extended canopy 260.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, all or a portion of the merchandise display system 10 may be shipped as component parts and assembled at the point of sale. Each component of the display system 10 may be separate from one another and attached to one another to form the display system 10.

[0026] The merchandise display system 10 may include logos or symbols to further promote the brand or type of merchandise within the merchandise display system 10. The logos and symbols may be located on any suitable surface of the merchandise display system 10. For example, the symbols may be disposed on the top wall 110 of the outer housing 100, or the logos may be attached to the door 200, the side walls 130 or 140, or the extension canopy 260.

[0027] The cooling unit 300 (not shown) may include typical cooling components such as a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a fan. The cooling unit 300 may operate by conventional vapor compression to maintain the beverage or product at a desired temperature. In a vapor compression cycle, a refrigerant in a gas phase is compressed in a compressor, increasing its temperature and pressure. The high temperature and high pressure refrigerant is then circulated through a heat exchanger (condenser) where it is cooled by heat transfer to the surrounding air. Due to the heat transfer to the surrounding air, the refrigerant condenses back from the gas phase to a liquid. The refrigerant then passes through a throttle device which reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The cool refrigerant exits the throttle device and enters a second heat exchanger (evaporator) which provides cooled air to the area to be refrigerated. The heat transfer between the evaporator and the area to be refrigerated causes the refrigerant to evaporate, or change from a saturated mixture of liquid and vapor to a superheated vapor. The vapor leaving the evaporator is then returned to the compressor to repeat the cycle.

[0028] The cooling unit 300 may use any suitable type of refrigerant to cool the merchandise display system 10. For example, R134A (tetrafluoroethane), CO2 (carbon dioxide), or a hydrocarbon may be used. The cooling components of the cooling unit 300 may be disposed within the cooling compartment 104 and separated by insulation, if necessary. Alternatively, some of the cooling components may be disposed in separate enclosures within the cooling compartment 104. A front grille 400 may cover the front of the cooling compartment 104. In one aspect of the invention, a portion of the door 200 may cover a portion of the front grille 400.

[0029] As shown in Figures 8-10, the front grille 400 includes a surface 412 and a curved surface 414. In one embodiment of the invention, the surface 412 is substantially planar or flat. Alternatively, the surface 412 can be curved from left to right and / or from top to bottom. In one embodiment of the invention, the curved surface 414 can extend along the left side, bottom, and right side of the surface 412.

[0030] The curved surface 414 can be tangent to a plane parallel to the surface 412. This acts like an air plenum directing the airflow into and out of the system. In one embodiment of the invention, the depth of the front surface 412 to the bottom edge of the curved surface 414 can be about 2 inches. In another embodiment, the depth of the front surface 412 to the bottom edge of the curved surface 414 can range from about ¼ inch to about 4 inches. In a further embodiment, the depth of the front surface 412 to the bottom edge of the curved surface 414 can be greater than about ½ inch. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature of the curved surface 414 can be optimized to reduce airflow resistance and guide the air streamlines into the compressor room and vice versa for the exit air.

[0031] The front grille 400 can be positioned such that the air inlets and air outlets are not visible when viewing the product display system 10 from the front. The front grille 400 can include one or more air inlets and one or more air outlets. For example, the front grille 400 can include air inlets 420, 422, and 424 and air outlets 430, 432, and 434.

[0032] The air inlets 420, 422, 424, and / or the air outlets 430, 432, 434 can be located between the surface 412 and the curved surface 414. In one aspect of the invention, the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 are substantially perpendicular to the surface 412. In another aspect, the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 are substantially perpendicular to the surface 412. In an alternative aspect, the air inlets 420, 422, 424, and / or the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be angled with respect to the surface 412. For example, the air inlets 420, 422, 424, and / or the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be angled from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees with respect to the surface 412.

[0033] In one aspect of the invention, the depth of each of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 and / or the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be about 2 inches. In another aspect, the depth of each of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 and / or the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can range from about ¼ inch to about 4 inches. In a further aspect, the depth of each of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 and / or the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be greater than about ½ inch. In one aspect of the invention, the area of ​​each of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can range from about 1 square inch to about 20 square inches. For example, the area of ​​each of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can be about 9 square inches. In another embodiment, the combined area of ​​the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can be about 23.5 square inches. In another embodiment, the area of ​​each of the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can range from about 3 square inches to about 20 square inches. For example, the area of ​​each of the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be about 9 square inches. In another embodiment, the combined area of ​​the air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be about 23.5 square inches. In a further embodiment, the total airflow inlet area and / or total airflow outlet area can be about 39 square inches.

[0034] The front grille 400 also includes an inner portion 440, as shown in FIG. 10. A partition 444 is formed on the inner portion 440 to separate inlet air flowing through one or more of the air inlets 420, 422, and 424 from outlet air flowing through one or more of the air outlets 430, 432, and 434. The partition 444 may be approximately perpendicular to the surface 412. In a further aspect, the partition 444 may be inclined from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees relative to the surface 412. In another aspect, the partition 444 may be approximately parallel to the air inlets 420 and the air outlets 430. The partition 444 may also be approximately perpendicular to the air inlets 422 and 424 and the air outlets 432 and 434. In another aspect, the inner portion 440 may be designed to create an airflow plenum surface to smoothly direct the airflow from the inlet vents to the cooling section or condenser (heat exchanger) inlet. A similar design can be implemented on face 440 for the exit vents. The airflow plenum can be integrated into the geometry of 440 and manufactured with the rest of the grille, or can be added as an additional component during assembly.

[0035] It should be understood that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and are not intended to limit the invention and the appended claims in any way.

[0036] The present invention has been described above using functional building blocks that illustrate the performance of certain functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and their relationships are appropriately performed.

[0037] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments makes the general nature of the present invention fully clear, and the unspecified person, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art, can easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments to various applications without departing from the general concept of the present invention without undue trial and error. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It should be understood that the phraseology or terminology of the present specification is for the purpose of illustration and not of limitation, as the terminology or terminology of the present specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teaching and guidance.

[0038] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A merchandise display system, comprising: an outer housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rear wall; It is a door, A frame surrounding a transparent front surface, a top frame having a bracket extending away from said transparent front surface; a first side frame having a first channel positioned adjacent to the top frame; a second side frame having a second channel located adjacent to the top frame; and A frame including a bottom frame; An extended canopy, a bottom surface having a recess engaging said bracket; a first member engaged with the first channel; and a second member engaged with the second channel; and A product display system, wherein the extension canopy is removably attached to the top frame, the first side frame, and the second side frame.

2. The merchandise display system of claim 1 , wherein the extended canopy extends above the top wall of the outer housing.

3. The product display system according to claim 1 , wherein the width of the bottom surface is approximately equal to the width of the top surface of the top frame.

4. 2. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein fasteners removably attach said extension canopy to said bracket.

5. A second extended canopy, a top surface having a recess that extends away from the transparent front surface and engages a bracket on the base frame; a first member engaging a third channel in the first side frame adjacent to the bottom frame; a second member engaging a fourth channel in the second side frame adjacent to the bottom frame; The product display system of claim 1 , wherein the second extension canopy is removably attached to the bottom frame, the first side frame, and the second side frame.

6. 2. The merchandise display system of claim 1, wherein the first member is a cantilever having a protrusion at an end that engages a slot in the first channel.

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