U.S. patent application number 11/895665 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for retail and storage unit suited for retail display.
This patent application is currently assigned to IMAGEWORKS DISPLAY AND MARKETING GROUP. Invention is credited to Gregory Scott Isaacs, Brian Hart Welker.
Application Number | 20080148753 11/895665 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39540947 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080148753 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Welker; Brian Hart ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
Retail and storage unit suited for retail display
Abstract
A cooling apparatus in the form of a point of sale cooler
employs a cooling unit, such as a thermoelectric module. Forced
cool air deflected upwardly into a storage compartment in which
retail merchandise is visible through two transparent walls forming
the storage compartment and a transparent door. The door has a
pocket receiving merchandise, which expands the volume of the
storage compartment. Edge lit images on the transparent walls are
illuminated by light emitting diodes to draw the attention of
prospective purchasers.
Inventors: |
Welker; Brian Hart;
(Pfafftown, NC) ; Isaacs; Gregory Scott; (Mount
Airy, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT W PITTS
PO BOX 11483
WINSTON-SALEM
NC
27116-1483
US
|
Assignee: |
IMAGEWORKS DISPLAY AND MARKETING
GROUP
|
Family ID: |
39540947 |
Appl. No.: |
11/895665 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60876112 |
Dec 21, 2006 |
|
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|
60937723 |
Jun 30, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/255 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/0408
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/255 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/04 20060101
A47F003/04 |
Claims
1. A retail display and refrigeration apparatus comprising: a
storage compartment formed in part by walls through which
merchandise stored in the storage compartment is visible, the walls
including two side walls and a door on a third side of the storage
compartment, so that the retail merchandise is visible through the
two side walls and through the door; a cooling unit having a cold
side and a hot side located on a side the retail display and
refrigeration apparatus opposite from the door and between the two
side walls, air being circulated up and down in the storage
compartment past the cold side and along the walls and the door;
air from outside the storage compartment being drawn, along the
side of the retail display and refrigeration apparatus opposite
from the door, past the hot side of the cooling unit and exhausted
through a vent opening on the exterior of the retail display and
refrigeration apparatus.
2. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
wherein the cooling unit comprises a Peltier cooling unit
3. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
wherein the cooling unit comprises a thermoelectric cooling
unit.
4. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
including a cold side sink adjacent a thermal electric chip and a
hot side sink on an opposite surface from the thermal electric
chip.
5. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
including a baffle separating the storage compartment from the
cooling unit.
6. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
wherein air is directed by a fan along the cold side of the cooling
unit into lower sections of the storage compartment and deflected
upward adjacent the door.
7. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
wherein walls along the sides of the storage compartment comprise
transparent wall with an illuminated geometric figure being formed
on at least one side wall.
8. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 7
wherein the illuminated geometric figure comprises an edge lit
figure illuminated by light sources located along one edge of the
transparent wall.
9. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 1
wherein the door includes a pocket extending beyond the two side
walls to form additional space in the storage compartment.
10. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of clam 9
wherein a display rack is located in the storage compartment, the
display rack positioning retail merchandise so that a forward
article is positioned in the pocket.
11. The retail display and refrigeration apparatus of claim 10
wherein the display rack is retractable from the storage
compartment through the door so that the display rack can be
refilled with retail merchandise.
12. A point of sale cooler for storing and displaying refrigerated
retail merchandise, the cooler comprising: a refrigeration device
including a thermoelectric cooling unit and a fan for circulating
air; a storage compartment formed in part by transparent walls so
that retail merchandise situated within the storage compartment is
visible, the storage compartment having a height in excess of the
storage compartment's width and depth so that retail merchandise
can be stacked in multiple layers in the storage compartment; and a
deflector situated to deflect cooled air upwardly from the bottom
of the storage compartment so that cooled air is forced upwardly in
the storage compartment so that cooled air may be circulated to the
top and throughout the storage compartment.
13. The point of sale cooler of claim 12 wherein the deflector
comprises a deflector plate angled relative to the one wall.
14. A device for storing items at a temperature different from
ambient temperature, the device comprising: a heat exchange unit; a
compartment formed by walls, at least one of the walls being
transparent, the transparent wall including a geometric figure
formed thereon, and light emitting diodes located along one edge of
the transparent wall, the transparent wall forming a light guide
for light emitted by the light emitting diodes, the geometric
figure being illuminated by the light emitted by the light emitting
diodes so that the geometric figure is visible on the transparent
wall of the compartment.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the device comprises a cooler
and the heat exchange unit comprises a refrigeration apparatus.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein the geometric figure comprises
grooves formed in the transparent wall.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the light emitting diodes are
positioned in a linear array.
18. The device of claim 16 wherein the grooves are formed on an
interior face of wall of the transparent wall.
19. The device of claim 15 wherein the transparent wall extends
from a base of the compartment to a top of the compartment so that
items in the compartment are visible through the transparent
wall.
20. The device of claim 15 including opposite transparent walls
each including a geometric figure illuminated by light emitting
diodes located along an edge of the corresponding transparent
wall.
21. The device of claim 15 wherein the compartment comprises a
storage compartment for storing items comprising retail
merchandise, and the geometric figure comprises advertising
matter.
22. The device of claim 21 including a storage rack in the storage
compartment, items of retail merchandise being positionable on the
storage rack and being visible through the transparent wall.
23. The device of claim 14 wherein the transparent wall is formed
by two transparent panels with an air gap located between the
transparent panels.
24. A point of sale cooler for storing and displaying retail
merchandise, the cooler comprising: a thermoelectric refrigeration
apparatus; a storage compartment in which merchandise is stored and
displayed, the storage compartment communicating with the
refrigeration apparatus so that cool air may be introduced into the
storage compartment, the storage compartment including an opening
through which merchandise may be removed from the storage
compartment; a rack in the storage compartment, the rack comprising
means for supporting merchandise in the storage compartment, the
rack including pusher means for advancing merchandise toward the
opening in the storage compartment; and a door mounted on the
storage compartment, the door closing the opening in the storage
compartment when closed to reduce loss of cool air, the door
including a sealing surface extending around the opening when the
door is closed, the door also including a pocket extending beyond
opening to create additional space extending beyond the
opening.
25. The point of sale cooler of claim 24 wherein the rack has
multiple tracks so that multiple rows of merchandise may be stored
and independently advanced toward the opening so that when
merchandise on one track is removed, merchandise in other tracks
will block portions of the opening when the door is open to lessen
the area through which cool air may flow when the door is open.
26. The point of sale cooler of claim 25 wherein cool air is
introduced into the storage compartment along a wall of the storage
compartment spaced from the opening.
27. The point of sale cooler of claim 26 wherein the refrigeration
device includes a fan for forcing cool air in the storage
compartment.
28. The point of sale cooler of claim 24 wherein the door is formed
of a transparent material so that merchandise is visible through
the door.
29. The point of sale cooler of claim 24 wherein the storage
compartment has a height exceeding the storage compartment width
and depth and the door has a height exceeding the door width and
depth.
30. The point of sale cooler of claim 24 wherein storage
compartment side walls flanking the opening comprise transparent
walls through which merchandise in the storage compartment is
visible.
31. A retail refrigeration apparatus comprising: a storage
compartment in which merchandise can be stored for sale; four walls
surrounding the storage compartment, one of the walls including a
door and a wall on the opposite end of the storage compartment from
the door comprising a baffle forming an interior barrier of a cool
air duct extending from adjacent a top of the storage compartment
to adjacent a bottom of the storage compartment; a thermoelectric
cooling unit being located on the opposite side of the cool air
duct and including a cold side sink extending into the cool air
duct and a hot side sink on the opposite side of the thermoelectric
cooling unit, which includes a thermal electric chip between the
cold side sink and the hot side sink; a hot air duct extending
upwardly from a base below the storage compartment to vents located
on top of the retail refrigeration apparatus; and a deflector
located on the bottom of the storage compartment for deflecting
cool air exiting the cool air duct to flow along side walls of the
storage compartment.
32. The retail refrigeration apparatus of claim 41 wherein the
deflector comprises edges on an insulation panel, wherein the edges
diverge toward the door.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR CO-PENDING APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
prior co-pending US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No
60/876,112 filed Dec. 10, 2006 entitled Refrigeration and Storage
Unit Suited for Retail Display and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/937,723 filed Jun. 30, 2007 entitled
Refrigeration and Storage Unit Suited for Retail Display.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention is related to a retail display unit for
storing merchandise that should be cooled or heated. More
particularly, this invention is related to a refrigeration and
storage unit that can also function as a display on a counter or
other location where it can be easily seen by prospective
customers. This invention is also related to a display unit that
can employ a thermoelectric or Peltier cooling unit. This device
can also employ transparent sides that can employ edge lit lighting
for advertising or other displays.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Retail merchandise that must be or should be cooled or
chilled in an establishment, such as a grocery or convenience
store, is normally placed in a conventional refrigeration unit.
These typical refrigeration units are typically large units that
may be open so that prospective customers can easily remove
merchandise, or if necessary can have glass doors where items, such
as frozen foods, must be kept at a lower temperature. These large
units, are however, intended for storing a wide variety of
competitive items. Representative examples of such refrigerated
merchandisers are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,513 and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,584,192. Such refrigeration units are normally intended for
use in storing foods and beverages, and are normally not suitable
for storing nonfood items. This lack of storage space is one factor
preventing the effective retail distribution of items, which if
refrigerated or heated, could offer improvements to the prospective
purchaser.
[0006] There are situations in which a smaller cooler that can be
dedicated to the storage and display of a single item or a single
family of merchandise is desirable. For example, a small, dedicated
cooler that could be mounted on a counter would provide a means for
attracting the attention of a shopper or prospective purchaser. One
such version of a merchandising cooler with a small footprint is
suggested by US Patent Application Publication 2005/0109040 A1.
This device employs a thermoelectric array for either heating or
cooling an insulated container. One advantage of the thermoelectric
array is its relatively small size. However, one apparent
disadvantage of this device is the relatively small area of windows
or doors that would allow inspection of the product or merchandise
in the insulated container. Furthermore there is no suggestion of
means for drawing a prospective purchaser's attention to the
product. Of course, it would be possible to make the majority of
the insulated container transparent, assuming that the loss of
thermal efficiency would be compatible with the desired
application. However, even such a totally transparent, insulated
storage container would only make the product or merchandise
visible. It would still rely primarily on the appearance of the
product to draw the attention of the prospective purchaser.
[0007] Thermoelectric cooling elements are used for applications
other than point of sale refrigeration units. For example, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,769,260 discloses the use of a thermoelectric cooling
element for storing cosmetics. A thermoelectric unit can also
employed in a humidifier as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,007,242.
[0008] None of these devices disclose the same combination of
efficient cooling in a small cooler suitable for point of sale
retail use combined with the display characteristics exhibited by
the instant invention. These characteristics are inherently
incompatible, and increasing one compromises the performance of the
other. Not only does the instant invention permit the merchandise
to be easily displayed by increasing the viewable area, but it also
uses decorative advertising displays that are part of the device
itself. This invention employs an edge lit display that is part of
one or more transparent panels that form the storage compartment in
which merchandise is both stored and displayed. Edge lit signs such
as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,869 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,481,130 are know, but they are commonly employed as parts of
signs and not as part of a storage and display unit in accordance
with the instant invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A retail display and refrigeration apparatus according to
this invention has a storage compartment formed in part by walls
through which merchandise stored in the storage compartment is
visible. Two side walls and a door on a third side define part of
the storage compartment. Retail merchandise is visible through the
two side walls and through the door. The apparatus also includes a
cooling unit having a cold side and a hot side located on a side
the retail display and refrigeration apparatus opposite from the
door and between the two side walls. Air is circulated up and down
in the storage compartment past the cold side and along the walls
and the door. Air from outside the storage compartment is drawn
along the side of the retail display and refrigeration apparatus
opposite from the door past the hot side of the cooling unit and
exhausted through vent opening on the exterior of the retail
display and refrigeration apparatus.
[0010] According to another aspect of this invention a point of
sale cooler for storing and displaying refrigerated retail
merchandise has a refrigeration apparatus including a cooling unit
and a fan for circulating air. A storage compartment is formed in
part by transparent walls so that retail merchandise situated
within the storage compartment is visible. The storage compartment
has a height in excess of the storage compartment's width and depth
so that retail merchandise can be stacked in multiple layers in the
storage compartment. A deflector is situated to deflect cooled air
upwardly from the bottom of the storage compartment so that cooled
air is forced upwardly in the storage compartment so that cooled
air may be circulated to the top and throughout the storage
compartment.
[0011] From a slightly different perspective, device for storing
items at a temperature different from ambient temperature has a
heat exchange unit and a compartment formed at least one
transparent wall. The transparent wall including a figure formed
thereon. Light emitting diodes are located along one edge of the
transparent wall. The transparent wall forms a light guide for
light emitted by the light emitting diodes. The geometric figure is
illuminated by the light emitted by the light emitting diodes to
form an image visible on the transparent wall of the compartment,
but the contents of the storage compartment are not obstructed.
[0012] The point of sale cooler according to this invention is
primarily used to store and display retail merchandise. The cooler
has a refrigeration device and a storage compartment cooled by the
refrigeration apparatus. The storage compartment stores and
displays merchandise The storage compartment communicates with the
refrigeration device so that cool air may be circulated in the
storage compartment. The storage compartment has an opening through
which merchandise may be removed from the storage compartment. A
rack is located in the storage compartment to support merchandise
in the storage compartment. The rack includes pusher means for
advancing merchandise toward the opening in the storage
compartment. A door is mounted on the storage compartment. The door
closes the opening in the storage compartment and when closed it
reduces loss of cool air. The door includes a sealing surface
extending around the opening when the door is closed. The door also
has a pocket extending beyond opening to create additional storage
space extending beyond the opening.
[0013] Still further, the retail refrigeration apparatus has a
storage compartment in which merchandise can be stored for sale.
Four walls surround the storage compartment. One of the walls
includes a door, and a wall on the opposite end of the storage
compartment from the door is a baffle forming an interior barrier
of a cool air duct extending from adjacent a top of the storage
compartment to adjacent a bottom of the storage compartment. A
thermoelectric cooling unit is located on the opposite side of the
cool air duct and includes a cold side sink extending into the cool
air duct and a hot side sink on the opposite side of the
thermoelectric cooling unit. The thermoelectric cooling unit
includes a thermal electric chip between the cold side sink and the
hot side sink. A hot air duct extends upwardly from a base below
the storage compartment to vents located on top of the retail
refrigeration apparatus. A deflector is located on the bottom of
the storage compartment to deflect cool air exiting the cool air
duct to flow along side walls of the storage compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a three dimensional view of a first embodiment of
this invention, showing the portion of the storage and retail
display device in which a door is located.
[0015] FIG. 2 is also a three dimensional view of the embodiment
shown in FIG. 1 in which a product display side is visible.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2,
showing the side containing the door, which can be opened for
access to the interior of the refrigerated storage compartment.
[0017] FIG. 4 is another side view at right angle to the view shown
in FIG. 3, but showing an illuminated edge lit geometric figure on
a transparent wall, through which merchandise in the storage
compartment would be visible.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a section view, taken along sections lines 5-5 in
FIG. 3, showing the interior of the storage compartment.
[0019] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the main components employed
to fabricate a first refrigerated storage and display
apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a more detailed view of one transparent wall
panel, showing a linear array of light emitting diodes that would
be employed to illuminate a geometric figure or figures formed by
grooves on the transparent wall panel.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a view of the storage rack and pusher apparatus on
which retail merchandise would be positioned.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of the cooling unit employed
with this apparatus.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a view of an alternate embodiment of a
transparent wall subassembly comprising an edge lit transparent
wall and a parallel transparent panel.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a three dimensional view of a second embodiment
of this invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing the components of the
second embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
11 and 12.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a view of a cooling unit comprising a
thermoelectric cooling unit used in the embodiment of FIGS.
11-13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the thermoelectric cooling unit
shown in FIG. 14.
[0029] FIG. 16 is an exploded view showing the components of the
thermoelectric cooling unit of FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0030] FIG. 17 shows the retail display and refrigeration apparatus
of the second embodiment showing the door open to allow access to
the storage compartment in the apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Although not limited to reliance upon Thermoelectric or TE
modules for temperature control, these devices provide an effective
method of pumping heat for use in this invention, and a brief
discussion of these modules is appropriate prior to discussion of a
first embodiment of this invention. Thermoelectric modules are the
basis of efficient solid state heat pumps or heat exchangers for
both heating and cooling. Thermoelectric modules are based on the
Peltier effect, which recognizes that current passed through two
dissimilar electrical conductors will cause heat to be either
emitted or absorbed at the junction of the two conductors. A
typical thermoelectric module consists of bismuth telluride
semiconductor P/N doped pellets with pairs of P/N pellets
electrically in series, but thermally in parallel. Thermoelectric
modules of this type function as heat pumps and are especially
suited for units of small size in which the temperature
differential between the exterior and the refrigerated interior is
on the order of 30-50.degree. F. for example. These devices can be
used for cooling or for heating depending upon the direction of
current flow through the semiconductor junction. Thermoelectric
modules can also be employed for power generation, although this
application is not relevant to the instant invention. A discussion
of thermoelectric modules and the Peltier Effect can be found in
"Thermoelectric Materials: Principles, Structure, Properties, and
Applications", Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology,
.COPYRGT. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd., incorporated herein by
reference.
[0032] The principle application of a thermoelectric module
relevant to a first embodiment of this invention is its use for
cooling the contents of a storage compartment. It should be
understood that alternative embodiments in which heat is delivered
to the contents of the storage compartment are also possible, and
the differences between these two applications will be discussed
after the point of sale cooler 2, comprising a first embodiment of
this invention, has been described.
[0033] The cooler 2 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is particularly adapted
as a point of sale storage and cooling apparatus in which retail
merchandise 4 can be refrigerated and displayed for potential
purchase. A first embodiment of this cooler 2 is especially adapted
to be mounted on a typical retail counter so that this point of
sale cooler 2 and the merchandise or products 4 stored therein are
readily visible to prospective purchasers. For example, this cooler
could be positioned on or at a check-out counter in a convenience
store or grocery store. This point of sale cooler 2 could also be
positioned on a counter in any retail establishment, and is
especially suited for displaying product that could be the subject
of impulse purchases.
[0034] Cooler 2 includes storage compartment 30 in which
merchandise 4 is stored at a prescribed temperature less than
ambient. The storage compartment has transparent side walls 44 and
46, as well as a transparent door 70 so that merchandise 4, stored
in compartment 30 can be easily seen by a prospective purchaser.
The height of the point of sale cooler 2 is greater than its width,
and the height will normally be greater than its depth. Similarly
the storage compartment 30 has a height that exceeds both its width
and depth. The cooler 2 and the compartment 30 are relatively tall,
relative to the counter space occupied by the cooler 2 so that more
merchandise can be displayed for a given amount of counter space.
Point of sale cooler apparatus 2 will therefore increase the amount
of merchandise that can be stored, but at the same time it will not
unduly limit the amount of counter space available for other
products and merchandise. As will be explained subsequently in more
detail, the shape of such a tall storage compartment can compromise
the efficiency of the refrigeration unit. The transparency of the
walls 44 and 46 will also compromise the insulating efficiency of
the cooling apparatus. A point of sale cooling apparatus 2 in
accordance with this invention can nevertheless provide adequate
refrigeration and at the same time can employ display
characteristics that are important for a point of sale display.
[0035] Although this cooling apparatus 2 is primarily intended for
use as a retail display storage and refrigeration apparatus, it is
not limited solely to retail applications. This apparatus can also
be employed in other applications, such as for portable coolers,
and the decorative and display characteristics, which will be
subsequently explained in further detail, can render this device
attractive for use as a portable or personal cooler or for similar
uses.
[0036] The storage compartment 30 is located above a base 20
housing a cooling unit 12, which includes a refrigeration module
10, preferably in the form of a Thermoelectric cooling unit
operating in accordance with the Peltier effect. By mounting the
storage compartment 30 on top of the cooling unit 12, the
merchandise 4 within the storage compartment 30 is more readily
visible. However, this configuration requires that relatively
heavier cold air must be pumped upwardly into the storage
compartment 30 in order to maintain the desired temperature within
the refrigerated storage compartment 30. A Thermoelectric cooling
unit is preferred for use in this application for a number of
reasons, such as the absence of moving parts reducing maintenance,
and the absence of coolants that must be replenished. A typical
refrigerating thermoelectric module consists of bismuth telluride
semiconductor P/N doped pellets with pairs of P/N pellets
electrically in series, but thermally in parallel. Thermoelectric
modules of this type function as heat pumps and are especially
suited for units of small size in which the temperature
differential between the exterior and the refrigerated interior is
on the order of 30-50.degree. F. Other components of cooling unit
12 will be subsequently discussed in further detail. It should be
understood, that while Thermoelectric modules are especially suited
for use in small coolers of the type described herein, this
invention is not limited to the use of Thermoelectric or solid
state cooling units.
[0037] The storage compartment 30 in a first embodiment depicted
herein has a generally rectangular horizontal cross section and a
generally rectangular vertical cross section. A rear insulated
vertical wall 32 is spaced from a front vertical wall or plate 40,
which includes an opening 42. Two transparent side walls 44 and 46
extend between rear wall 32 and front wall 40. These transparent
side walls 44 and 46 are preferably formed of a material such as an
acrylic, which are suitable for use with geometric figures that can
be edge lit by light emitting diodes in a manner that will be
subsequently discussed in more detail. A door 70, which can be
molded from a transparent material, is mounted over the opening 42
in front wall 40. Examples of a suitable transparent material
include plastics, such a acrylics, polycarbonate, styrene
derivatives, ABS as well as glass. Front wall 40 is fabricated from
a sheet metal, and a gasket 72 can be mounted in a groove on door
70. A hinge 76 mounts the door 70 on the front wall 40, and a
handle 78 on the door 70 can be used to open the door as it rotates
about a vertical axis formed by the hinge 76. The opposite rear
vertical wall 32 is fabricated from a rear sheet metal panel 35 to
which a rear separation panel 34 can be attached with rear
insulation 36 being sandwiched there between. The rear wall 32 can
be completely insulated because a product display unit 38 can be
mounted on the exterior of the rear sheet metal panel 35. This
product display panel 38 includes a transparent cover, and samples
of the retail merchandise 4 or containers, normally used for this
merchandise, can be mounted within the product display panel 38 so
that prospective customers can inspect the packaging for the
product or merchandise 4. Normally the point of sale cooler will be
mounted with the rear wall and this exterior product display panel
facing the prospective customer. The front wall 40 and the door 70
would normally be positioned facing the rear of the counter on
which the point of sale cooler is mounted, so that a salesperson
could remove merchandise 4 from the storage compartment. Since the
samples mounted in the exterior product display unit 38, would not
be for sale, and need not even include the contents of the
packaging, it is not necessary to refrigerate the exterior product
display unit 38.
[0038] The transparent side walls 44 and 46 not only provide a
means for prospective purchasers to view the refrigerated
merchandise on display, but they also provide space for display of
appropriate advertising, brands or decorative matter with can also
draw a purchaser's attention to the merchandise on display. In a
first embodiment, an illuminated edge lit display is formed on both
side walls 44 and 46. As depicted herein the edge lit display is
illustrated by geometric figures 90, which are formed by grooves
cut or formed on interior faces 52 and 54 of transparent side walls
44 and 46. Here the geometric figures are demonstrated by a design,
such as a star, and by appropriate TEXT, which of course would
normally identify the product and merchandise being displayed. Each
side wall 44, 46 also includes a notched ledge 48, 50 along the top
of the respective wall. A linear array of discrete light sources,
preferably in the form of a linear array discrete light emitting
diodes 94 can be mounted along these mounting ledges 48, 50. These
LED's can be mounted on a rigid conductive strip, and they can be
connected to an appropriate source of electrical current (not
shown). The transparent walls 44, 46 will function as light guides
that will transmit light emitted by the LED's between interior and
exterior wall faces. This light will strike the grooves forming the
geometric figures 90, and light will be refracted so that the light
will be visible when viewed from a direction transverse relative to
the side walls 44 and 46. The manner of illuminating geometric
figures is shown in more detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/448,187 filed on Jun. 7, 2006 entitled Edge Lit Sign with
Illuminated Image, incorporated herein by reference. The
transparent side walls 44 and 46 thus not only provide two of the
walls forming the refrigerated storage compartment 30, but they
allow prospective purchasers to inspect the merchandise displayed
therein. They form a substrate for advertising, branding or
decorative matter that can typically be seen at distances greater
than those at which the actual merchandise would be clearly
visible. The illuminated edge lit displays will therefore aid in
attracting the attention of prospective purchasers. In an
alternative configuration, transparent side walls could be formed
by two parallel transparent panels, that are closely spaced, but
with an air gap formed between the two transparent panels. The use
of two side by side panels reduces the thickness of each panel and
also facilitates fabrication of the edge lit panel. Typically, only
one of these two parallel panels would be edge lit, but both edge
lit figures on that panel and the contents of the storage
compartment would still be visible through the twin transparent
panels forming a sidewall. If desired both of the two panels can be
edge lit providing two different colors for suitable effect. FIG.
10 shows a transparent panel 5 that could be positioned adjacent to
a transparent wall 54 with an air gap 57 positioned therebetween.
For purposes of illustration the size of this air gap 57 is not
intended to be to scale. A small opening permits communication
between the interior of the storage compartment 30 and the gap 57,
which has been found to reduce the possibility of condensation.
Preferably on the thicker interior panel, two small holes are
formed at the bottom and four small holes are formed at the top.
This will result in a chimney effect and a plenum will be formed
between the panels. The temperature of the air inside this plenum
will be greater than the temperature on the interior of the
transparent wall, but less than the outside temperature. This will
reduce the formation of condensation.
[0039] The actual LED's 94 would be mounted behind the top cap 60
located at the top of the point of sale cooler 2. This top cap 60
would normally be opaque and would hide not only the linear array
of LED's 94, but also any conventional electrical components for
driving these LED's. The top wall of the storage compartment would
be insulated by an insulation panel 62 held in an insulation tray
64 located below the top cap 60. A card display slot 61 can be
located adjacent the rear of the top cap 60, so that promotional
material can be placed on top of the point of sale cooler 2.
[0040] In the specific embodiment depicted herein the retail
merchandise 4 is positioned on an open metal rack 80 located within
the storage compartment 30. In this embodiment, the rack 80 has
three layers, each formed by a pair of horizontal rails 84, so that
individual items of merchandise or products can be positioned in
three rows. Since the rack is open, the merchandise stored on the
rack will be clearly visible. In the embodiment best seen in FIGS.
5, 6 and 8, the rack 80 is designed to hold small circular
containers 4. Since three rows are provided, different versions of
the same product can be positioned on each of the three rows. Of
course, the specific configuration and shape of the rack 80, and
the rails 84 can be modified to conform to the specific item of
merchandise to be stored, refrigerated and displayed. The rack 80
also employs spring pushers 82 that will urge the merchandise
forward toward the opening 42 in the front wall 40, through which
they will be extracted. The individual items of merchandise 4 can
also be loaded into the storage compartment 30 through the front
opening 42. A stop 86 is provided at the front of each level of the
rack 80 so that the items of merchandise will reside between the
pusher 82 and the stop 86. The front item of merchandise will
engage the stop 86.
[0041] The door 70, which closes opening 42, has a pocket 74
located on its interior. The stop members 86 on the rack 80 will be
positioned within this pocket 74 when the door is closed, and as
can be seen in FIG. 5, the corresponding pusher 82 will advance to
the front wall 40. Therefore, no matter how many items of
merchandise are located on each level of the rack 80, the most
forward item of merchandise, engaging stop 86 will be received
within the pocket 82. When a person removes the most forward item
of merchandise, it will not be necessary to that person to insert
and hand into the storage compartment, since the front item will be
then be exposed on the exterior of the storage compartment.
Therefore it will not be necessary to make the opening large enough
for a person to insert his or her hand and the relatively smaller
opening will reduce the potential area for leakage of cold air when
the door is open. It will then be easier to maintain a specified
temperature level within the storage compartment. Although this
pocket 74 will be part of the refrigerated storage compartment 30
when the door 70 is closed, the pocket 74 will be located beyond
the front wall 40 and the opening 42. Thus the items of merchandise
will tend to block the opening 42 and will prevent unnecessary loss
of cool air when the door 70 is opened. The oval shape of the
pocket 74 is suited for receiving cylindrical items of merchandise
in the embodiment depicted herein. Of course, other shapes may be
adopted depending upon the shape of the product or item of
merchandise with which other embodiments of this cooler may be
employed.
[0042] The small thermoelectric cooling unit 12 is mounted on a
heat sink 19 to form the refrigeration apparatus mounted in the
base 20. An upper fan 16 blows cold air from the thermoelectric
cooling unit 12 upwardly into the storage compartment 30. A lower
fan 18, located below the heat sink 19 blows hot air away from the
cooling unit 12. The thermoelectric cooling unit 12 thus acts as a
heat pump according to the Peltier effect to cool the contents of
storage compartment 30. Forced convection of air is illustrated by
the arrows shown in FIG. 5. Relatively heavier cold air is forced
upward along the rear vertical wall 32. A deflector plate 66
extends upwardly from a central region of a rack base plate 68,
which supports the rack 80 and forms the lower wall of the storage
compartment 30. The deflector plate 66 extends at an angle toward
the rear vertical wall 32, and its edge is spaced from the rear
vertical wall to form a gap through which cold air is forced
upward. Equivalent means may be substituted for the deflector plate
66 to deflect cooler air upwardly. For example, a channel extending
upwardly along the rear vertical wall can deflect cooler air and
provide forced transport or convection of relatively colder air
upward in the storage compartment 30. The rear vertical wall 32 is
insulated to reduce the heating of this cold air as it emerges from
the cooling unit 12. This is significant because the side walls 44
and 46 are transparent and no insulation other than the acrylic
side walls themselves is provided. The door 70 on the front
vertical wall 40 also does not contain an insulation panel, such as
rear wall insulation panel 36, and this configuration increases the
amount of colder air, or decreases the amount of heat added to this
air as it emerges from the cooing unit 12, so that the contents of
storage compartment 30 can be more effectively cooled. Rack base
plate 68 includes perforations on opposite sides of the deflector
plate so that cold air may circulate upward on one side of the
deflector plate 66 and circulate downward on its opposite side.
[0043] As previously discussed the refrigeration apparatus 10 is
located in the base 20, so that the storage compartment 30 and its
contents will be more visible. The cooling unit 12 is mounted on a
bottom panel 25 by means of a bottom top hat bracket 28 and two
mounting "C" brackets 24, as shown in FIG. 6. The bottom panel 25
includes perforations 26 to permit air circulation away from heat
sink 19. The bottom panel 25 and the entire cooler 2 is raised
above the countertop on which it will be mounted by base mounting
pads 29 allowing air to travel between the cooler base 20 and the
countertop. Side ventilation openings 27 are located on each side
of the base 20 to permit warm air to escape. As best seen in FIG.
3, the sides of the base 20 are angled so that space will be
provided between the cooler 2 and any other device that may be
mounted adjacent thereto when the device is in use. Thus
ventilation through side openings 27 will not be unduly restricted.
Scroll pricing space 22 is provided on the front and back of the
base 20 so that pricing will be visible to prospective customers,
and this pricing can be easily changed when appropriate.
Appropriate electrical wiring and connections are provided on the
interior of the base 20, and electrical current sufficient for
driving LED's 94 can be provided by wires extending from the base
upwardly through either the rear wall 32 or the corners of the
front wall 40.
[0044] The representative embodiment of the point of sale cooler 2
depicted herein is suitable for use with a wide variety of
merchandise. Although it could be used with food, beverage and
snack items, it is also suitable for use with new or improved
versions of products that would not normally be refrigerated. Such
products could include tobacco products, especially smokeless
tobacco products, cosmetics and personal care products,
pharmaceuticals, and products that would otherwise have a limited
shelf life. A wide variety of products that might support a larger
sales price if displayed in a refrigerated condition could employ
the point of sale cooler 2 with only limited modifications. For
instance the size and shape of the rack 80, the door pocket 74 or
the opening 42 might need adjustment in order to facilitate
products having a shape and size different from the merchandise 4
illustrated herein. These modifications would, however, not be
difficult to make. Of course, the advertising figures 90 would need
to be changed for different products, but that would only require
substitution of side walls 44 and 46 having different images molded
or otherwise formed therein. It would also be easy to substitute
different LED's if, for example, the color of the illuminated image
were to be different for different merchandise.
[0045] A second embodiment of this invention is depicted in FIGS.
11-17. This second embodiment has certain advantages over the first
embodiment of FIGS. 1-9. One significant difference between the two
embodiments is that the cooling unit 112 is located along one end
wall of retail display and refrigeration apparatus 102 of the
second embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11-17. This provides a larger
cooling unit and better cooling and more easily vents warm air than
the first embodiment. Cool air is, however, constantly circulated
within the storage compartment 130, and an edge lit illuminated
design 190 is still employed on transparent walls 144 and 146 on
opposite sides of the storage compartment 130.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 11, cooler 102 is an upright apparatus with
a height greater than its width or depth. One transparent wall 144
is shown, and an image 190, which can include graphical and/or text
material, is clearly visible. This image 190 would normally
comprise a trademark or brand or other advertising material that
would draw the attention of a prospective purchaser. A storage
compartment is in part bounded by the wall 144, and an opposite
wall 146, not visible in FIG. 11, as well as a door 170, which can
also be transparent so that the product stored within is clearly
visible. A rear wall 132 is located on the opposite side of the
storage compartment from the door 170, and the storage compartment
is also bounded by a top 160 and a base 120. Vents 127 permit the
exhaust of warm air heated by the exterior of the thermoelectric
unit 112, seen in FIGS. 12-16, are located along one edge of the
top 160. A pricing display 122 is located on the base 120.
[0047] The major components forming the point of sale cooler or
retail display and refrigeration apparatus 102 are shown in the
exploded view of FIG. 12. The base 120 has a flat upper surface and
a front wall 140 with openings 142, along with a rear wall 132 are
mounted on base 120. In this embodiment the sides of the storage
compartment 130, best seen in FIG. 17, are also supported on base
120, and each side wall comprises two panels. Panels 144 and 145
are separated by a small gap, as illustrated by FIG. 10, and form
one side of the storage compartment 130. Panels 146 and 147 are
located on the opposite side. These side panels form two side walls
of the storage compartment 130. All of the panels 144, 145, 146 and
147 are sufficiently transparent so that merchandise stored within
the storage compartment 130 is visible for inspection. The image or
geometric figures 190 are located on the exterior side wall panels
144 and 146, and an array of light emitting diodes 194 is located
along one edge of each of the side wall panels 144, 146. The
geometric images 190 will thus comprise edge lit geometric images,
which will complement the appearance of cooler 102 without
interfering with visibility of the merchandise stored within.
[0048] As seen in FIG. 12, the front vertical wall 140 has three
rectangular openings 142 through which merchandise can be
extracted. Three storage racks 180, on which the merchandise is
stored, can also be withdrawn through aligned openings 142 so that
they can be restocked. Each rack 180 includes a pusher 182 for
advancing the merchandise. Each pusher 182 is biased by a spring
185, and one of these springs is shown in FIG. 12.
[0049] Door 170 is hinged on front wall 140, and a gasket 172 is
mounted on the door to seal any gap surrounding the door 170 when
closed. Handle 178 permits the door 140 to be easily opened. Door
170 also has a pocket 174, best seen in FIG. 17. The pocket 174
enlarges the volume of the storage compartment 130 and the front of
the racks 182 protrude into pocket 174 so that the front item of
merchandise in each rack 182 will have been advanced into the
pocket 174, where it is readily accessible when the door 170 is
opened. This configuration will make it easier to extract
merchandise from the cooler 102 and will reduce the time during
which the door 170 must remain open. In this manner it will be
easier to maintain a substantially constant temperature within the
storage compartment 130. The door 170 can also be constructed so
that two adjacent transparent panels forming the door will be
separated with gaps permitting small amounts of air to enter the
space between two panels forming the door 170 to limit the amount
of condensation that might collect on the door 170.
[0050] The thermoelectric cooling unit 112 is mounted within the
rear wall 132 on the opposite side of the storage compartment 130
from door 170. A baffle 114 is located on the inside of the
thermoelectric cooling unit 112, where it will form an interior
wall of the storage compartment 130. The baffle 114 will also form
a cool air duct as will be explained with reference to FIG. 13. A
power supply 111, located in the base 120 will power the
thermoelectric cooling unit 112. Unlike the other sides of the
cooler 102, the rear of the storage compartment is not visible.
Sample merchandise or product containers 104 are therefore mounted
on the front of the cooling unit 112 for inspection by prospective
purchasers and these containers 104 are housed by panel 135.
[0051] Insulating foam panel 169 is mounted inside the container
top 160 and insulating foam panel 166 is mounted on the top surface
of base 120. In addition to the insulating function of each foam
panel, the lower foam panel 166 also includes a V-shaped projection
having upwardly projecting edges 167, which diverge toward the
front wall 140. These edges 167 will serve to deflect cold air as
will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13.
Lateral, diverging deflection of cool air will tend to reduce any
tendency for condensation to collect, especially on door 170.
[0052] The cutaway view of FIG. 13, not only shows the interior of
the storage compartment 130, but also shows how air cooled by the
thermoelectric cooling unit 112 is circulated around the storage
compartment 130. A cool air duct is shown in FIG. 13 by descending
arrows and is formed between the thermoelectric cooling unit 112
and the baffle 114 forming the rear interior end wall of storage
compartment 130. A hot air duct is shown in FIG. 13 by ascending
arrows. Hot air exhaust vent 127 is located at the top of the
ascending hot air duct. A cool side sink 115 extends into the
descending cool air duct and a hot side sink 113 extends into the
hot air duct. Fan 116, forming a part of the thermoelectric unit
112, is located at the top of the cool air duct and draws air from
the interior of storage compartment, above merchandise that will be
stored on racks 180. The air drawn into the inner cool air duct
will flow downwardly past cool side sink 115 where heat will be
withdrawn from the air flowing in this cool air duct. This cool air
will be confined by baffle 114, until the air reaches the lower
open end of baffle 114. Cooled air will then flow into the bottom
of storage compartment 130. The insulating foam 166 will prevent
heat from the base 120 from being added to the cool air stream. The
insulating foam 166 has a V-shaped projection with diverging edges
167, which will divert cool air outwardly beyond the racks 180,
where cool air will both be forced upwardly and drawn upwardly by
the fan 116. Some cool air can also flow upwardly though the door
pocket 170, but the divergence of cool air by edges 167 will help
prevent the loss of cooler air, when the door 170 is opened. Once
air reaches the top of the storage compartment 130, it will be
drawn through an opening in baffle 114 by the fan 116 and thence
back through the descending cool air duct. The hot side sink 113 is
on the outside of the thermoelectric unit 112. A hot air duct will
then be formed on the outside of the thermoelectric unit. Air will
be drawn from outside the base 120 and air will be heated by
exposure to hot side sink 113. A fan located in base 120 will draw
air upwardly through perforations in the base 120 into the hot air
duct and past the hot side sink 113 and this hot air will exit
through the vents 127 located at the top of the hot air duct. Since
the hot air is vented from the top of the cooler 102, there will be
little likelihood that the escape of hot air will be blocked by
surrounding structures or items placed near the cooler 102.
[0053] Details of the thermoelectric cooling unit 112 are shown in
FIGS. 14-16. Cool side sink 115 is located on an opposite side from
hot side sink 113, and fan 116 is located above both of these
sinks. As shown in FIG. 16, two thermal electric chips 117
characterized by the thermoelectric effect, are mounted on a
plastic carrier plate 123 and are surrounded by a foam insulation
panel 121 with openings for receiving the two thermal electric
chips 112. Aluminum heat transfer blocks 119 transmit heat away
from the cool side sink, in which they are in contact, to the cold
surface of the thermal electric chips 117, with which they are also
in contact. Temperature sensors (not shown) can also be attached to
heat transfer blocks 119, so that when the temperature is colder
than desired, the sensor can signal the power supply to disconnect
the thermal electric chips 117. This will prevent frost from
building up. Gaskets 125 surround the chips 117 on each side of the
carrier plate 123. Fan 116 is mounted on the plastic carrier plate
and an opening is provided for fan 116 in the foam panel 121. A
separate foam panel 131, separates the fan 116 from the hot side
sink 113 and thus isolates cool air passing thought fan 116 from
the hot side sink. A felt wick 129 can be mounted in a slot on the
bottom of foam panel 121 to collect condensate. A temperature
sensor (not shown) can also be positioned near the hot side sink
113 to deactivate the thermoelectric chips 117 when temperature has
reached an unsafe level.
[0054] FIG. 17 depicts the manner in which the door 170 can be
opened to expose the interior of the storage compartment 130. In
normal use, merchandise can be removed from any of the three racks
180 of this invention by merely pulling the first product from its
rack. The associated spring loaded pusher 182 will then advance the
next item. Since the first item extends beyond the side walls of
the storage compartment 130 through openings 142, the first item is
easily and quickly accessible and the door 170 can be closed. Of
course it will become necessary to replenish the items in each
rack. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the racks 180 can be pulled
through its opening 142 and tiltled to expose the entire rack for
refilling. Although refilling will take longer than merely
extracting one item, exposure of the racks in this manner will make
the racks accessible and will speed up refilling in order to
minimize the time in which warm air can enter the storage
compartment. Reduction in the loss of cool air is important because
it reduces the capacity needed for the thermoelectric cooling unit.
Since the walls of the storage compartment are transparent so that
the stored merchandise is visible, the efficiency of the cooling
unit is even more important.
[0055] Although specially adapted for over the counter retail use,
coolers of this type are not limited to use in conventional sales
outlets, such as convenience, grocery or department stores. Coolers
in accordance with this invention could be employed in restaurants,
for product displays in conventions, in hotels and in numerous
other businesses. These coolers would also include features that
would not be incorporated in portable coolers for personal use. For
example, edge lit displays could be employed, which would have a
particular association with an individual user. For example, a
sports or school mascot could be employed. Although normally
powered from a wall outlet, battery or rechargeable units could
also be provided for use in activities, such as outdoor parties or
tailgating.
[0056] As previously discussed, the point of sale storage unit
according to this invention need not be a cooler. A similar point
of sale storage and display device could employ a heating element
to elevate the temperature of the items displayed in the storage
compartment. The combination of a heating device with the edge lit
display on transparent sides of the storage compartment offers a
similar combination of storage and display, as described with
reference to the cooler 2 comprising a first embodiment of this
invention. The principle difference is the types of items or
merchandise to be stored and displayed. The use of a thermoelectric
module as the heat pump or heat exchange device would mean that the
differences between the two devices would not be great. As
previously stated the relative direction of charge flow would be
different. The heat sink would also be resized or replaced,
depending upon the specific application. Furthermore, the
convection within the storage compartment would be easier, because
the heat would tend to rise.
[0057] It should be readily apparent then that numerous
modifications would be apparent those of ordinary skill in the art,
which would permit adaptation of a first and representative
embodiment depicted herein to fit a specific use and to allow its
use with different products. Therefore the scope of this invention
is defined by the following claims and is not limited to a first
embodiment depicted herein.
* * * * *