U.S. patent application number 11/358545 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for refrigerated case advertising system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hussmann Corporation. Invention is credited to Brian J. Hostetler, John M. Roche.
Application Number | 20070193293 11/358545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38055450 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070193293 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hostetler; Brian J. ; et
al. |
August 23, 2007 |
Refrigerated case advertising system and method
Abstract
A refrigerated merchandiser for maintaining food product at a
desired temperature. The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case
having a product display area adapted to support and display the
food product to be visible from the front of the case and a
refrigeration system operable to supply refrigerated air to the
product display area and adapted to maintain the food product at
the desired temperature. The case further includes at least one
graphic display panel coupled to the case and a controller in
electrical communication with the graphic display panel. The
controller delivers a signal to the graphic display panel which
displays video advertising based on the signal received from the
controller.
Inventors: |
Hostetler; Brian J.;
(Chesterfield, MO) ; Roche; John M.; (Ballwin,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Hussmann Corporation
Bridgeton
MO
|
Family ID: |
38055450 |
Appl. No.: |
11/358545 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/246 ; 62/126;
62/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 23/06 20130101;
G06Q 30/0277 20130101; A47F 3/0426 20130101; G06Q 30/0251 20130101;
G06Q 20/102 20130101; G09F 2023/0033 20130101; G06Q 30/0273
20130101; G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G09F 27/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
062/246 ;
062/126; 062/331 |
International
Class: |
F25B 49/00 20060101
F25B049/00; A47F 3/04 20060101 A47F003/04; F25D 23/12 20060101
F25D023/12 |
Claims
1. A refrigerated merchandiser for maintaining food product at a
desired temperature, the refrigerated merchandiser comprising: a
case including a product display area adapted to support and
display the food product to be visible from the front of the case;
a refrigeration system operable to supply refrigerated air to the
product display area and adapted to maintain the food product at
the desired temperature; at least one graphic display panel coupled
to the case; a controller in electrical communication with the
graphic display panel, wherein the controller is operable to
deliver a signal to the graphic display panel, the graphic display
panel operable to display video advertising based on the signal
received from the controller.
2. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the at least
one graphic display panel includes a plurality of graphic display
panels, wherein the plurality of graphic display panels extend
end-to-end across a substantial length of the case.
3. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 2, wherein the controller
is operable to deliver a respective plurality of signals to the
plurality of graphic display panels, the plurality of graphic
display panels operable to display continuous video advertising
across the plurality of graphic display panels based on the
plurality of signals.
4. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 2, wherein the controller
is operable to deliver a respective plurality of signals to the
plurality of graphic display panels, at least one of the plurality
of graphic display panels operable to display video advertising
based on one of the respective plurality of signals independent of
the remaining of the plurality of graphic display panels.
5. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 4, wherein the at least
one of the plurality of graphic display panels is operable to
display a static advertisement and the remaining of the plurality
of graphic display panels is operable to display an active
advertisement.
6. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the at least
one graphic display panel includes a liquid crystal display.
7. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising at
least one sensor in electrical communication with the controller
wherein the sensor is operable to generate a signal based on a
measured parameter of the refrigerated merchandiser, the controller
operable to receive the signal from the sensor.
8. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 7, wherein the controller
is operable to adjust the refrigeration system based on the signal
from the sensor.
9. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 7, wherein the controller
is operable to activate an indicator based on the signal from the
sensor.
10. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the
controller is attached to the top of the case.
11. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the
controller electrically communicates with a network service
accessible to an end user.
12. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a
light source supported by the case between the product display area
and the graphic display panel.
13. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the light
source is operable to project light along a first path of
illumination directed toward the product display area adapted to
brighten the food product, and wherein the light source is operable
to project light along a second path of illumination directed
toward the graphic display panel, at least a portion of the light
along the second path of illumination operable to pass through the
graphic display panel to be visible from the front of the graphic
display panel.
14. The refrigerated merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the case
further includes a canopy positioned above the product display
area, and wherein at least one graphic display panel couples to the
canopy.
15. A method of providing advertising on a refrigerated
merchandiser located at a retailer, the method comprising:
providing a refrigerated merchandiser having at least one graphic
display panel and a controller in electrical communication with the
graphic display panel; providing network service in electrical
communication with the controller; delivering video advertising
from the network service to the controller; delivering the video
advertising from the controller to the graphic display panel; and
displaying the video advertising on the graphic display panel.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising charging a fee to
the retailer for providing the network service.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising allowing an
advertiser access to the network service.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising delivering the video
advertising from the advertiser to the network service.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising charging a fee from
the retailer to the advertiser.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein charging a fee from the
retailer to the advertiser includes offering price specials based
on the volume of advertising.
21. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the video
advertising includes displaying continuous video advertising across
a plurality of graphic display panels.
22. The method of claim 15, wherein displaying the video
advertising includes displaying video advertising on one of a
plurality of graphic display panels independent of the remaining of
the plurality of graphic display panels.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein displaying video advertising
includes displaying a static advertisement on the one of the
plurality of graphic display panels independent of the remaining of
the plurality of graphic display panels displaying an active
advertisement.
24. The method of claim 15, further comprising integrating the
network service to monitor and control the refrigerated
merchandiser.
25. A method of providing advertising on a refrigerated
merchandiser located at a retailer, the method comprising:
providing a refrigerated merchandiser having advertising space;
charging a fee from the case manufacturer to at least one
advertiser to advertise on the advertising space; and displaying
the advertising on the advertising space; and reducing the purchase
cost of the refrigerated merchandiser to the retailer by an amount
based on the fee charged to the at least one advertiser.
26. The method of claim 25, further comprising eliminating the cost
of the refrigerated merchandiser to the retailer.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein providing a refrigerated
merchandiser includes providing at least one graphic display panel
on the refrigerated merchandiser for displaying video advertising
and a controller in electrical communication with the at least one
graphic display panel.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising providing network
service in electrical communication with the controller.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising delivering video
advertising from the network service to the controller and
delivering the video advertising from the controller to the at
least one graphic display panel.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising allowing an
advertiser access to the network service.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising delivering the video
advertising from the advertiser to the network service.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to an advertising system for a
refrigerated merchandiser. More particularly, the present invention
relates to a refrigerated merchandiser that includes a controller
which allows a user to modify the advertising system.
[0002] Static advertising exists on shopping carts and on display
cards attached to shelving. Generally, the static advertising must
be manually modified at the advertising location and provides
limited advertising flexibility. The static placards used must be
frequently updated with new placards to keep up with current
promotions and consumer interests. The placards that are replaced
are either stored for potential future use, which takes up storage
space, or discarded.
[0003] Advertising systems also incorporate monitors near checkout
lanes or displays at the end of aisles or walkways to display
advertising. These systems necessitate local control at each
individual store. A retailer typically purchases the merchandiser
containing the product to be sold and the system that provides the
desired method of advertising, which can pose significant costs to
the retailer. When video advertising is desired or required, the
retailer must purchase and maintain expensive equipment. Typically,
the advertising system requires local control to modify the
advertisement displayed on the system.
SUMMARY
[0004] The invention provides an advertising system for a
refrigerated merchandiser used by a retailer to sell food product.
Advertising space is displayed on graphic display panels attached
to the refrigerated merchandiser. The invention provides a system
to control the advertising space locally or from a remote location.
Additionally, the invention provides a method of advertising on the
refrigerated merchandiser.
[0005] In one embodiment, the invention provides a refrigerated
merchandiser for maintaining food product at a desired temperature.
The refrigerated merchandiser includes a case, a refrigeration
system, at least one graphic display panel coupled to the case, and
a controller in electrical communication with the graphic display
panel. The case includes a product display area adapted to support
and display the food product to be visible from the front of the
case. The refrigeration system supplies refrigerated air to the
product display area maintains the food product at the desired
temperature. The controller delivers a signal to the graphic
display panel and the graphic display panel displays video
advertising based on the signal received from the controller.
[0006] In another embodiment the invention provides a method of
providing advertising on a refrigerated merchandiser located at a
retailer. The method includes providing a refrigerated merchandiser
having at least one graphic display panel and a controller in
electrical communication with the graphic display panel, providing
network service in electrical communication with the controller,
delivering video advertising from the network service to the
controller, delivering the video advertising from the controller to
the graphic display panel, and displaying the video advertising on
the graphic display panel.
[0007] In yet another embodiment the invention provides a method of
providing advertising on a refrigerated merchandiser located at a
retailer. The method includes providing a refrigerated merchandiser
having advertising space, charging a fee from the case manufacturer
to at least one advertiser to advertise on the advertising space,
displaying the advertising on the advertising space, and reducing
the purchase cost of the refrigerated merchandiser to the retailer
by an amount based on the fee charged to the at least one
advertiser.
[0008] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated merchandiser
of the present invention illustrating graphic display panels
displaying static advertisements;
[0010] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the refrigerated
merchandiser of FIG. 1, illustrating graphic display panels
displaying active advertisements;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a section view of the refrigerated merchandiser of
FIG. 2, illustrating a canopy and a light source; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the refrigerated
merchandiser of FIG. 2, including a schematic view of a control
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise,
the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and
variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and
indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,
"connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or
mechanical connections or couplings.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerated merchandiser 10. The
refrigerated merchandiser 10 includes a case 15 and at least a
portion of a refrigeration system 20 (see FIG. 4) to maintain food
product (not shown) at a desired temperature. The refrigeration
system 20 can include a condenser and one or more fans to generate
a refrigerated airflow through an evaporator to cool the food
product. The refrigeration system 20 may also include other
components, such as one or more compressors, a receiver, and one or
more expansion valves. The refrigerated merchandiser 10 is an open
front merchandiser, although other styles of refrigerated
merchandisers are also considered (e.g., closed front
merchandiser). The refrigerated merchandiser 10 may include a
medium temperature merchandiser, in which the air temperature
within the case 15 is maintained within a standard temperature
range of 32.degree. F. to 41.degree. F. Such merchandisers may
include, for example, meat merchandisers, deli and dairy
merchandisers, and produce merchandisers. Alternatively, the
refrigerated merchandiser 10 may include a low temperature
merchandiser, in which the air temperature within the case 15 is
maintained at a temperature below 32.degree. F. Such a merchandiser
may include, for example, a reach-in frozen food merchandiser.
[0015] The case 15 includes a lower portion 25, walls 30, and a
canopy 35. The case 15 defines a product display area 40 between
the lower portion 25 and the canopy 35. The product display area 40
permits customer access to refrigerated products (not shown)
through an opening 45 adjacent a front of the case 15. A plurality
of shelving units 50 supports the refrigerated products within the
product display area 40. The lower portion 25 includes a bumper 55
coupled to the case 15 adjacent the opening 45. The bumper 55
inhibits damage to the case 15 from impact by shopping carts or
other objects.
[0016] The refrigerated merchandiser 10 further includes a
plurality of graphic display panels 60 attached to the front of the
merchandiser 10. Each of the graphic display panels includes
advertising space (e.g., flat panels, night curtain space, etc.)
visible to a consumer. In some embodiments, only a single graphic
display panel 60 is attached to the case 15. In the construction of
the refrigerated merchandiser 10 shown in FIG. 1, some of the
plurality of graphic display panels 60 are attached to the lower
portion 25 adjacent the bumper 55 and the other of the graphic
display panels are attached to the canopy 35. The plurality of
graphic display panels 60 extend approximately end-to-end across a
substantial length of the lower portion 25 and the canopy 35.
[0017] The graphic display panels 60 on the lower portion 25 can
include static advertisements such as signs, decals,
transparencies, graphic panels, placards or the like. The plurality
of graphic display panels 60 on the canopy 35 are configured to
display video advertising that includes static video advertisements
or active video advertisements. The graphic display panels 60 on
the canopy 35 can include liquid crystal displays (LCDs) to display
the video advertising, although other graphic display panels are
also possible (e.g., plasma screens, etc.). The static
advertisements and the static video advertisements can include a
word or words, a picture, a combination of words and pictures, and
the active video advertisements can include motion video (e.g.,
television advertisements, etc.). The video advertising on the
canopy 35 shown in FIG. 1 illustrates an example of static
advertisements which can be confined to the graphic display panel
60 on which it is displayed or spread across the plurality of
graphic display panels 60. The static video advertisement on the
canopy 35 can be similar to a static advertisement on the lower
portion 25 in that it includes no motion within the
advertisement.
[0018] The video advertising of FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an
active advertisement. The configuration of the plurality of graphic
display panels 60 allow the active advertisement to "travel" across
each of the plurality of graphic display panels 60. The direction
of "travel" for the active advertisement can be in any direction
when facing the front (e.g., left, right, up, down).
[0019] In some embodiments, the locations of the graphic display
panels can vary. For example, the graphic display panels can be
located on one of either the lower portion 25, the canopy 35, or
elsewhere on the merchandiser. Also, it should be noted that use of
the term graphic display panel incorporates any panel that is
capable of displaying a static advertisement, a static video
advertisement, an active video advertisement, or static video and
active video advertisements.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a controller 65 attached to a top of the case
15 and adjacent the canopy 35. The controller 65 is in electrical
communication with the plurality of graphic display panels 60 on
the canopy 35 through a first communication means 70. The
controller 65 is operable to send a signal using the first
communication means 70 to each of the plurality of graphic display
panels 60 independent of the remaining of the plurality of the
graphic display panels 60. The signal is indicative of video
advertising to be displayed on the plurality of graphic display
panels 60.
[0021] The controller 65 is in electrical communication with at
least one sensor 75 adjacent the product display area 40 through a
second communication means 80. The sensor 75 is operable to deliver
a signal to the controller 65 indicative of a measured parameter
(e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) of the refrigerated
merchandiser 10. The refrigeration system 20 is selectively
adjustable by the controller 65 based on the signal. The controller
is further operable to selectively activate an indicator 85 visible
to one or more end users based on the signal. The indicator 85
provides notification to at least one of the end users regarding
the status of the refrigerated merchandiser control hardware (e.g.,
temperature monitoring, fan failure, EPR or TEV valve control,
defrost control, etc.). The indicator 85 can be a warning signal or
other visible and/or audible alarms.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates the canopy 35 that includes a light
source 90 coupled to the canopy 35. The light source 90 is adjacent
to the plurality of graphic display panels 60 and an outlet 95
which facilitates refrigerated air flow into the product display
area 40. The light source 90 is directed along a first path of
illumination 100 toward the product display area 40 to illuminate
the product display area 40. The light source 90 is further
directed along a second path of illumination 105 toward the
plurality of graphic display panels 60 to at least partially
illuminate each of the plurality of graphic display panels 60. The
illustrated embodiment of the light source 90 includes three
fluorescent light sources. However, the light source may
incorporate fewer than three light sources or more than three light
sources. Additionally, other light sources are also considered
(e.g., incandescent, light emitting diodes, etc.).
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a control system
110 which includes the controller 65, the sensor 75, and a network
service 115 in electrical communication with the controller 65
through a third communication means 120. The third communication
means 120 facilitates communication between the network service 115
and the controller 65. The third communication means 120, like all
of the other communication means, can include a wireless or wired
connection.
[0024] The network service 115 is provided and/or accessible by at
least one remote terminal 125 (e.g., computer, keyboard etc.) that
is available to the end user through a fourth communication means
130. The indicator 85 sends a signal to the remote terminal 125
indicating a measured parameter of the control hardware. The
indicator 85 may also selectively notify the end user at the
refrigerated merchandiser 10. The end user can include one or more
of a manufacturer, a retailer, an advertiser, or a third party
(e.g., network administrator, etc.). The advertiser may have access
to the advertising to be displayed on the graphic display panels 60
through the network service 115 and the remote terminal 125. The
manufacturer has access to the refrigerated merchandiser 10 through
the network service 115 and the remote terminal 125 to control the
advertising and the refrigeration system 20. In other embodiments,
the retailer has control over the refrigeration system 20 and/or
the advertising to be displayed on the graphic display panels 60,
and the manufacturer retains control over the network service 115.
Still other embodiments of end user relationships exist and are
considered herein.
[0025] The video advertising in FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a
combination of static and active advertisements. The static
advertisement (e.g., "DISPLAY") is displayed on one of the
plurality of display panels 60, while the continuous and active
advertisement (e.g., "ADVERTISEMENT") is displayed on the remaining
of the plurality of graphic display panels 60. The number and
combination of static advertisements and/or active advertisements
vary depending on the exact quantity of the plurality of graphic
display panels 60 available and the desire of the end user.
[0026] The refrigeration system 20 is in electrical communication
with the controller 65 through a fifth communication means 135. At
least a portion of the refrigeration system 20 couples to the case
15 and provides refrigerated air to the product display area 40.
The refrigeration system 20 adjustably changes parameters of the
product display area 40 based on signals from the controller
65.
[0027] In one method of operation, the manufacturer provides the
refrigerated merchandiser 10 having a plurality of graphic display
panels 60 to the retailer. The manufacturer charges a fee to at
least one advertiser for the ability to advertise on the
advertising space having one or more graphic display panels 60. The
manufacturer charges a fee to the retailer for the refrigerated
merchandiser 10. The manufacturer may reduce the fee charged to the
retailer for the refrigerated merchandiser 10 based on the fee
charged by the manufacturer to the advertiser. Alternatively, the
manufacturer may provide the refrigerated merchandiser 10 to the
retailer without charging a fee to the retailer for the
refrigerated merchandiser 10. The cost of the refrigerated
merchandiser 10 is passed on to the one or more advertisers who
advertise on the advertising space without increasing the cost to
the retailer for the refrigerated merchandiser 10.
[0028] The manufacturer is one end user with access to plurality of
graphic display panels 60 on the refrigerated merchandiser 10
through the control system 110. The manufacturer may provide access
to the network service 115, the controller, and the plurality of
graphic display panels to additional end users. Generally, the end
user delivers and/or controls the advertising through the control
system 110 to be displayed on one or more of the plurality of
graphic display panels 60 which may be any combination of static
video and active video advertisements. In one embodiment, the
additional end users include at least one advertiser. The at least
one advertiser then has access to the plurality of graphic display
panels 60 and may view and/or adjust the advertising displayed on
the graphic display panels 60. The advertiser may also directly
deliver the video advertising through the control system 110 to the
plurality of display panels 60 without assistance from the
manufacturer or the retailer.
[0029] In another method of operation, the retailer purchases or
otherwise obtains the refrigerated merchandiser 10 from the
manufacturer. The refrigerated merchandiser 10 includes a control
system 110 accessible by the end user and in electrical
communication with at least one graphic display panel 60. The end
user sends a signal indicative of the video advertising to the
controller 65 from the remote terminal 125 and through the network
service 115 in order to display video advertising on the
advertising space of the graphic display panel 60. When a plurality
of graphic display panels 60 are attached to the case 15, the end
user sends a plurality of signals indicative of the video
advertising to the controller 65, which in turn delivers the video
advertising to the advertising space. The video advertising can be
distributed as static video advertisements or active video
advertisements, or as any combination of thereof. The video
advertising can be displayed continuously across the plurality of
the graphic display panels 60. Additionally, the video advertising
can be displayed on one of the plurality of graphic display panels
60 separately from the remaining of the plurality of graphic
display panels 60. The video advertising adjustably changes
according to input from the end user through the control system
110.
[0030] The merchandiser manufacturer charges the retailer a fee for
the refrigerated merchandiser 10 and/or the network service 115 on
the refrigerated merchandiser 10. The refrigerated merchandiser 10
supports advertising space for one or more advertisers. The
retailer charges each advertiser a fee for the advertising space on
the plurality of graphic display panels 60. In some embodiments,
this fee can be a premium on the advertiser's traditional slotting
fee. Each advertiser may choose to advertise on one or more of the
plurality of graphic display panels 60 and also can be allowed
access to the network service 115 in order to deliver the video
advertising directly from the advertiser to the plurality of
graphic display panels 60 using the control system 110.
[0031] Additionally, the network service 115 can be integrated with
the controller 65 to monitor and control the refrigerated
merchandiser 10 to maintain food product in the product display
area 40 at a desired condition or preset parameter. The controller
65 receives a signal from the sensor 75 indicative of a measured
parameter and then communicates through the network service 115 to
the end user regarding the status of the refrigerated merchandiser
control hardware. The controller 65 selectively activates the
indicator 85 based on the signal received from the sensor 75. The
controller 65 further sends a signal to the refrigeration system 20
to adjust the measured parameter based on the signal from the
sensor 75. The signal indicative of an adjustment of the
refrigeration system 20 can be generated by the end user through
the network service 115, or automatically by a program or control
mechanism within the controller 65 or network service 115.
[0032] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *