U.S. patent application number 12/674692 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for led lighting assembly with leds having different viewing angles.
This patent application is currently assigned to HUSSMANN CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Timothy D. Anderson.
Application Number | 20110058357 12/674692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40568055 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110058357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Timothy D. |
March 10, 2011 |
LED LIGHTING ASSEMBLY WITH LEDS HAVING DIFFERENT VIEWING ANGLES
Abstract
A merchandiser that includes a case that defines a product
display area and that includes a frame having mullions. The
mullions define at least one opening such that the food product
within the product display area is accessible from the front of the
case. The merchandiser also includes at least one shelf for
supporting and displaying food product within the product display
area, and a light assembly that is coupled to at least one of the
mullions and that is positioned to illuminate the food product. The
light assembly includes a first LED that has a first viewing angle
and a second LED that has a second viewing angle that is smaller
than the first viewing angle.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Timothy D.; (Creve
Coeur, MO) |
Assignee: |
HUSSMANN CORPORATION
Bridgeton
MO
|
Family ID: |
40568055 |
Appl. No.: |
12/674692 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
October 15, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2008/079980 |
371 Date: |
February 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60999037 |
Oct 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/001 20130101;
F21W 2131/405 20130101; F21Y 2113/20 20160801; F21Y 2113/00
20130101; F21V 3/04 20130101; F21V 7/005 20130101; A47F 3/0439
20130101; F21S 4/28 20160101; F21W 2131/305 20130101; F21V 21/088
20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21Y 2103/10 20160801 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/125 |
International
Class: |
A47F 11/10 20060101
A47F011/10 |
Claims
1. A merchandiser comprising: a case defining a product display
area and including a frame having mullions defining at least one
opening such that the food product within the product display area
is accessible from the front of the case; at least one shelf for
supporting and displaying food product within the product display
area; and a light assembly coupled to at least one of the mullions
and positioned to illuminate the food product, the light assembly
including a first LED having a first viewing angle and a second LED
having a second viewing angle that is smaller than the first
viewing angle.
2. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the light assembly further
includes a cover disposed adjacent the first LED and the second
LED, and wherein the cover includes at least one obscured portion
such that the visibility of light from the first LED and the second
LED from outside the case is partially obscured.
3. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the light assembly further
includes at least one reflective element positioned adjacent the
first LED and the second LED such that at least a portion of light
from the first LED and the second LED is reflected by the
reflective element into the product display area.
4. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the first viewing angle is
between about 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
5. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the second viewing angle is
between about 5 degrees and 60 degrees.
6. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the first LED is directed
in a first direction away from the corresponding mullion generally
toward the product display area, and wherein the second LED is
directed in a second direction substantially symmetrically opposite
the first direction and generally toward the product display
area.
7. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the light assembly includes
at least one circuit board coupled to the first LED and the second
LED, and wherein the circuit board is operable to dissipate heat
from the first LED and the second LED without being metal clad.
8. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a lens covering
the second LED to narrow the viewing angle of the second LED.
9. The merchandiser of claim 8, wherein the lens is formed from at
least one of an epoxy resin, a hard silicone-based material, and
plastic.
10. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the first LED is operable
to direct relatively diffuse light into the product display area,
and wherein the second LED is operable to direct a substantially
pointed source of light into the product display area.
11. The merchandiser of claim 10, wherein the relatively diffuse
light from first LED is operable to illuminate food product that is
located adjacent and behind the corresponding mullion, and wherein
the substantially pointed source of light from the second LED is
operable to illuminate food product that is located adjacent a
center of the shelf between the mullions.
12. A merchandiser comprising: a case defining a product display
area and including a frame having mullions that define at least one
opening such that the food product within the product display area
is accessible from the front of the case; at least one shelf for
supporting and displaying the food product within the product
display area; a light assembly coupled to at least one of the
mullions and positioned to illuminate the food product, the light
assembly including a first LED having a first viewing angle, and a
second LED having a second viewing angle that is different from the
first viewing angle, the first LED and the second LED positioned
adjacent each other along a length of the light assembly.
13. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the light assembly
further includes a circuit board, and wherein the first LED and the
second LED are positioned adjacent each other along the length of
the circuit board.
14. The merchandiser of claim 13, wherein the circuit board is
operable to dissipate heat from the first LED and the second LED
without being metal clad.
15. The merchandiser of claim 12, further comprising a lens
covering the second LED to define the second viewing angle of the
second LED.
16. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is one of a
plurality of first LEDs and the second LED is one of a plurality of
second LEDs, and wherein the plurality of first LEDs and the
plurality of second LEDs are arranged in an alternating orientation
defined by a consistent pattern of equal quantities of the
plurality of first LEDs and the plurality of second LEDs.
17. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is one of a
plurality of first LEDs and the second LED is one of a plurality of
second LEDs, and wherein the plurality of first LEDs and the
plurality of second LEDs are arranged in an alternating orientation
defined by a consistent pattern of unequal quantities of the
plurality of first LEDs and the plurality of second LEDs.
18. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is one of a
plurality of first LEDs and the second LED is one of a plurality of
second LEDs, and wherein the plurality of first LEDs and the
plurality of second LEDs are arranged in an alternating orientation
defined by an inconsistent pattern of equal quantities of the
plurality of first LEDs and the plurality of second LEDs.
19. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is one of a
plurality of first LEDs and the second LED is one of a plurality of
second LEDs, and wherein the plurality of first LEDs and the
plurality of second LEDs are arranged in an alternating orientation
defined by an inconsistent pattern of unequal quantities of the
plurality of first LEDs and the plurality of second LEDs.
20. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the light assembly
further includes a cover disposed adjacent the first LED and the
second LED, and wherein the cover includes at least one obscured
portion such that the visibility of light from the first LED and
the second LED from outside the case is partially obscured.
21. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the light assembly
further includes a reflective element positioned adjacent the first
LED and the second LED such that at least a portion of light from
the first LED and the second LED is reflected by the reflective
element into the product display area.
22. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first viewing angle
is larger than the second viewing angle.
23. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is directed
in a first direction away from the corresponding mullion generally
toward the product display area, and wherein the second LED is
directed in a second direction substantially symmetrically opposite
the first direction and generally toward the product display
area.
24. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the first LED is operable
to direct relatively diffuse light into the product display area,
and wherein the second LED is operable to direct a substantially
pointed source of light into the product display area.
25. The merchandiser of claim 24, wherein the first LED is operable
to illuminate food product that is located adjacent and behind the
corresponding mullion, and wherein the second LED is operable to
illuminate food product that is located adjacent a center of the
shelf between the mullions.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/999,037 filed Oct. 15, 2007, the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a refrigerated merchandiser
that includes a light source. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a refrigerated merchandiser including a light
emitting diode (LED) light source to illuminate a product display
area.
[0003] In conventional practice, commercial businesses such as
supermarkets and convenience stores are equipped with refrigerated
merchandisers. These merchandisers may be open or provided with
doors and are used for presenting perishable food or beverages to
customers while maintaining the fresh food or beverages in a
refrigerated environment. Some refrigerated merchandisers have a
narrow profile or footprint so that the merchandiser can be placed
in the convenience store or supermarket store without taking up a
large area of the store. This narrow profile results in a product
display area having less depth compared to a standard-sized
merchandiser. Typically, the refrigerated merchandisers include a
light source that illuminates the product display area for better
marketing of the food product and for higher visibility to the
customers. However, the shelves inside the narrow profile
merchandiser extend closer to the front of the product display area
and thereby closer to the light sources creating undesirable
lighting effects.
[0004] Conventional refrigerated merchandisers typically include a
fluorescent light source to illuminate the product display area.
Some merchandisers include fluorescent light sources that are
coupled to a mullion of the merchandiser to direct light generally
toward the food product in the product display area. The
effectiveness of fluorescent light sources is dependent on the
temperature of the application where the fluorescent light sources
are used. In colder temperature conditions, the fluorescent light
source has less light output than in application of the fluorescent
light source in warmer temperature conditions. As a result,
fluorescent light sources that are coupled to the mullions can have
substantially reduced effective illumination of food product within
the product display area.
[0005] The fluorescent light sources used in conventional
merchandisers are relatively large, and reduce the amount of space
in the merchandiser that can be allocated to displaying food
product. In refrigerated merchandisers that have a narrow
footprint, the large fluorescent light sources further limit the
space available in the product display area for displaying food
product. The close proximity of the relatively large
mullion-mounted fluorescent light sources to shelves in the
refrigerated merchandiser provide an imbalanced, uneven
illumination of the product display area.
[0006] Other refrigerated merchandisers include light emitting
diode (LED) light sources that are mounted to a mullion of the
merchandiser to illuminate the product display area. In narrow
profile refrigerated merchandisers, the mullion-mounted LED light
sources are placed in very close proximity to the shelves. The
close proximity of the existing LED light sources to the shelves
causes an uneven, imbalanced distribution of light into the product
display area. The existing LED light sources in narrow profile
merchandisers only effectively illuminate a portion of the food
product on the shelves. This results in spotlighting some food
product on the shelves, and leaving other food product partially or
substantially obscured due to the lack of uniform illumination of
the entire product display area.
SUMMARY
[0007] The invention provides an improved merchandiser configured
to illuminate a product display area effectively and efficiently.
In one construction, the invention provides an improved light
source that enables improved illumination of the product display
area and reduces the energy required to condition the products
within the merchandiser.
[0008] In another construction, the invention provides a
merchandiser that includes a case that defines a product display
area and that includes a frame that has mullions. The mullions
define at least one opening such that the food product within the
product display area is accessible from the front of the case. The
merchandiser also includes at least one shelf for supporting and
displaying food product within the product display area, and a
light assembly that is coupled to at least one of the mullions and
that is positioned to illuminate the food product. The light
assembly includes a first LED that has a first viewing angle and a
second LED that has a second viewing angle that is smaller than the
first viewing angle.
[0009] In yet another construction, the merchandiser includes a
light assembly that is coupled to at least one of the mullions and
that is positioned to illuminate the food product. The light
assembly includes a first LED that has a first viewing angle, and a
second LED that has a second viewing angle that is different from
the first viewing angle. The first LED and the second LED are
positioned adjacent each other such that the first LED and the
second LED are arranged in an alternating orientation along a
length of the light assembly.
[0010] In yet another construction, the invention provides a method
of illuminating food product supported by a merchandiser that
includes a case that defines a product display area. The method
includes providing a light assembly that is coupled to a mullion of
the case. The light assembly includes a first LED that has a first
viewing angle and a second LED that has a second viewing angle that
is different from the first viewing angle. The method also includes
partially illuminating the product display area by directing
relatively diffuse light from the first LED into the product
display area, and partially illuminating the product display area
by directing a relatively pointed source of light from the second
LED into the product display area.
[0011] Aspects of the invention will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary
merchandiser.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mullion light assembly of
the merchandiser of FIG. 1, including a housing, a lens cover, and
LED light sources.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an end view of the mullion light assembly of FIG.
2.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the housing and the LED
light sources of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an end view of the housing and the LED light
sources of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an end view of the lens cover of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one of the LED light sources
of FIG. 5 including wide viewing angle LEDs and narrow viewing
angle LEDs.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of one of the wide viewing angle
LEDs and one of the narrow viewing angle LEDs of FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an end view of a housing and a LED light source of
another mullion light assembly of the refrigerated merchandiser of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Before any constructions 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
constructions 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.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a merchandiser 10 for displaying food product
(e.g., frozen food, fresh food, beverages, etc.) available to
consumers in a retail setting (e.g., a supermarket or grocery
store). The merchandiser 10 includes a case 15 that has a base 20,
side walls 25, a case top or canopy 30, and a rear wall 35. At
least a portion of a refrigeration system (not shown) can be
located within the case 15 to refrigerate the food product. In
other constructions, a heating system can be located within the
case 15 to heat the food product. The area partially enclosed by
the base 20, the side walls 25, the case top 30, and the rear wall
35 defines a product display area 40. The food product is supported
on shelves 45 within the product display area 40.
[0023] The case 15 includes a frame 50 adjacent a front of the
merchandiser 10. FIG. 1 shows that the frame 50 includes vertical
mullions 55 that define openings 60, and doors 65 positioned over
the openings 60. The openings 60 and the doors 65 are configured to
allow access to food product stored in the product display area 40.
The mullions 55 are spaced horizontally along the case 15 to
provide structural support for the case 15. Each mullion 55 is
defined by a structural member that can be formed from a
non-metallic or metallic material. A handle 70 is positioned along
an edge of each door 65 to move the door 65 between an open
position and a closed position.
[0024] Each door 65 includes a frame 75 that attaches a translucent
member 80 to the door 65 to allow viewing of the food product from
outside the case 15. The translucent member 80 can be formed from
glass, or alternatively, from other materials that are
substantially translucent (e.g., acrylic, etc.). In some
constructions, the case 15 includes a standard profile or footprint
that has a depth (e.g., 41 inches) defined between the rear wall 35
and the doors 65. Generally, in standard profile cases, the
mullions 55 are spaced apart a distance (e.g., 6 inches) from ends
of the shelves 45. In other constructions, the case 15 may include
a narrow profile or footprint to limit the area in the retail
setting that is taken up by the merchandiser 10. In these
constructions, the case 15 has a relatively shorter depth (e.g., 37
inches) between the rear wall 35 and the doors 65 when compared
with the depth of standard profile cases. In the cases 15 that have
a narrow profile, the mullions 55 are spaced apart from the ends of
the shelves 45 a relatively shorter distance (e.g., 2 inches) when
compared to the distance between the mullions 55 and the shelves 45
in standard profile cases. Generally, the mullions 55 of the narrow
profile cases 15 are located in very close proximity to the shelves
45.
[0025] FIGS. 2 and 3 show a mullion light assembly 85 that can be
attached to each mullion 55 of the case 15 to illuminate the
product display area 40. The mullion light assembly 85 includes a
housing or shell 90, a translucent lens or cover 100, mirrors or
specular members 105, and light emitting diode (LED) light sources
110. The housing 90 can be attached to each mullion 55 using a clip
or retainer 115, or another similar fastener. The clip 115 can be
coupled to the mullions 55 using fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts,
etc.). As shown in FIG. 3, the clip 115 includes sidewall portions
120 that define a recess 125.
[0026] FIGS. 3-5 show that the housing 90 is defined by an extruded
body that is formed from a high-impact material that is resistant
to breakage. As illustrated in FIG. 5, a first axis 130 passes
through a middle of the mullion light assembly 85 and divides the
light assembly 85 into a left-hand portion and a right-hand
portion. The housing 90 extends along a substantial length of each
mullion 55, and is generally symmetrical about the first axis 130.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the left-hand portion is
substantially a mirror image of the right-hand portion.
[0027] The housing 90 includes clip members 135 and attachment
portions 140. The clip members 135 extend from sides of the
extruded body to couple the housing 90 to the sidewall portions
120. The attachment portions 140 are disposed on each side of and
extend from the extruded body.
[0028] FIGS. 4 and 5 show that the housing 90 also includes mirror
portions 145, light attachment portions 150, and extruded members
155. Each of the mirror portions 145 is disposed adjacent one light
attachment portion 150, and is formed as part of the extruded body.
The mirror portion 145 includes a first receiving portion 160, a
second receiving portion 165, and a central portion 170 that
interconnects the first receiving portion 160 and the second
receiving portion 165. Each of the first receiving portions 160 is
substantially "U"-shaped, and is disposed on an outer end of the
extruded body. The first receiving portion 160 on each end of the
extruded body forms a slot 175 that receives a portion of one of
the mirrors 105. The first receiving portions 160 further cooperate
with the associated attachment portion 140 to define a channel 180
that receives a respective end of the cover 100, and that attaches
the cover 100 to the housing 90. Each of the second receiving
portions 165 is defined on an end of the mirror portion 145 that is
opposite the corresponding first receiving portion 160. The second
receiving portions 165 are further disposed adjacent the light
attachment portions 150.
[0029] The central portion 170 extends between the first receiving
portion 160 and the second receiving portion 165, and is positioned
in close proximity to or adjacent one of the light attachment
portions 150. As shown in FIG. 5, the central portions 170 are
substantially planar, and are disposed substantially horizontally
and perpendicular to the first axis 130. In other constructions,
the central portions 170 may be angularly spaced from the first
axis 130 at other angles.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows that the light attachment portions 150 are
formed as a part of the extruded body, and define a stepped recess
185 that is adjacent the central portion 170. A second axis 190
passes through an upper portion of each of the stepped recesses
185. The second axis 190 of each of the light attachment portions
150 is angularly spaced from the associated central portion 170,
and defines a first angle .alpha. relative to the first axis 130.
In the illustrated construction, the first angle .alpha. is about
20 degrees. In other constructions, the first angle .alpha. can be
larger or smaller than 20 degrees.
[0031] In some embodiments, the mullion light assembly 85 may
include end caps that are attached to the housing to limit
accumulation of debris on the mirrors 105 and the LED light sources
110. Generally, the end caps are removable from the housing 90. The
extruded members 155 define channels 195 that are located on the
extruded body adjacent and on an opposite side from the light
attachment portions 150. The end caps are attached to the housing
90 within the channels 195 to cover the ends of the housing 90.
[0032] FIG. 6 shows that the cover 100 is attached to the housing
90 to protect the LED light sources 110 from debris or incidental
contact. The cover 100 includes obscured portions 200 disposed on
ends of the cover 100, and a substantially clear or transparent
portion 205 that extends between the obscured portions 200. Light
from the LED light sources 110 is at least partially diffused or
blocked by the obscured portions 200 to obscure visibility of the
LED light sources 110 from outside the merchandiser 10.
[0033] The mirrors 105 and the LED light sources 110 are generally
directed at food product in the product display area 40. FIGS. 3
and 5 show that each of the mirrors 105 is attached to the housing
90 within the first and second receiving portions 160, 165 and the
central portion 170. In some constructions, the mirrors 105 can be
attached to the first and second receiving portions 160, 165 and
the central portion 170 using an adhesive (e.g., epoxy, glue,
etc.). The mirrors 105 are formed from a reflective material (e.g.,
polished aluminum, polished stainless steel, chrome-plated steel,
metallized polymer tape, etc.) to reflect light from the adjacent
LED light source 110 into the product display area 40 without loss
of luminescence. Generally, the reflectance capacity of the min-ors
105 is above about 70 percent reflectance to reflect a substantial
amount of light from the LED light source into the product display
area 40.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, each mirror 105 extends a substantial
length of the mullion light assembly 85, and is substantially flat
to conform to the substantially planar central portion 170. In some
constructions, the mirrors 105 can have curved mirror surfaces that
reflect light into the product display area 40.
[0035] Each LED light source 110 is in electrical communication
with the case 15 through the mullion 55. FIGS. 3-5 show that the
LED light sources 110 are attached to the housing 90 within the
stepped recesses 185 of the light attachment portions 150, and
include circuit boards 210 that distribute power to and dissipate
heat from the LED light sources 110. The circuit boards 210 are
made from conventional printed circuit board material without being
metal clad. In some constructions, the circuit boards 210 are
formed without an aluminum heat sink. Power is supplied to the LED
light sources 110 from a power supply (not shown).
[0036] The LED light source 110 that is attached to housing 90 on
the left of the first axis 130 (as viewed in FIG. 5) is directed in
a first direction away from the mullion 55 toward the product
display area 40 on the left of the mullion 55. The LED light source
110 that is attached to the housing 90 on the right of the axis 130
(as viewed in FIG. 5) is directed in a second direction that is
symmetrically opposite the first direction (i.e., away from the
mullion 55 toward the product display area 40 on the right of the
mullion 55). Generally, a portion of the light from each LED light
source 110 is directed toward the product display area 40, and
another portion of the light is directed toward the corresponding
mirror 105, where the light is reflected and redirected toward the
product display area 40. A small portion of the light from each LED
light source 110 may be blocked by the obscured portions 200 such
that it does not get directed toward an individual reaching into
the product display area 40. The mirrors 105 and the LED light
sources 110 cooperate to define a multi-directional light assembly
85.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the LED light sources 110
also includes first LED packages 215 and second LED packages 220.
The first and second LED packages 215, 220 are spaced at
predetermined distances along the circuit board 210. For example,
the first and second LED packages 215, 220 can be defined by an
area of about 0.5 inches by 0.5 inches. Each LED package 215, 220
can include any number of LEDs. In some constructions, each LED
package 215, 220 can include three LEDs. In other constructions,
each LED package 215, 220 may include fewer or more than three
LEDs. In still other constructions, the LEDs in each LED package
215, 220 can be low current LEDs (e.g., 15 mA). The quantity of the
LEDs is determined by the lighting necessary to illuminate the
product display area 40. In constructions where the LED packages
215, 220 contain more than a single LED, the LEDs within each LED
package 215, 220 can be the same or different-colored LEDs.
[0038] The first LED packages 215 and the second LED packages 220
are arranged in and define an alternating pattern along the length
of the circuit board 210. As viewed in FIG. 7, a first LED package
215 is disposed on the left-most end of the circuit board 210.
Moving from left to right on the circuit board 210 (as viewed in
FIG. 7), a second LED package 220 is disposed adjacent and to the
right of the first LED package 215. Continuing to the right,
another first LED package 215 is disposed adjacent the second LED
package 220. As illustrated in FIG. 7, every other LED package
along the length of the circuit board is a second LED package 220.
Thus, every other LED package that is not a second LED package 220
is a first LED package 215. In other words, the alternating
arrangement of the LED light sources 110 positions a second LED
package 220 between two first LED packages 215.
[0039] Other arrangements of the first and second LED packages 215,
220 are also possible, and considered herein. For example, the
pattern of alternation between the LED packages 215, 220 along the
length of the circuit board 210 may be: (i) a consistent pattern of
equal LED packages (e.g., one by one, two by two, or any other
consistent pattern repeating the same number of LED packages 215,
220 in series); (ii) a consistent pattern of unequal numbers of LED
packages (e.g., one by two, two by three, or any other consistent
pattern repeating the same unequal number of LED packages 215, 220
in series); and an inconsistent pattern of equal and/or unequal
numbers of LED packages.
[0040] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, a third axis 225 passes
through a center of each LED package 215, 220. The third axis 225
is defined as a zero axis along which light from the LED package
215, 220 is generally distributed outward from the housing 90 into
the product display area 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the third
axis 225 is substantially perpendicular to the second axis 190, and
is further angularly spaced from the horizontally disposed central
portion 170.
[0041] Generally, the first LED packages and the second LED
packages can include the same or different LEDs. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, a lens 230 is coupled to each of the second LED packages
220 to narrow the viewing angle of the second LED packages 220. In
some constructions, the lens 230 is formed from a clear epoxy resin
that has a high light transmittance value. In other constructions,
the lens 230 can be formed from a hard silicone-based material. In
still other constructions, the lens 230 may be formed from a
plastic (e.g., polycarbonate).
[0042] FIG. 8 shows that the first LED packages 215 include a first
viewing angle .theta., and that the second LED packages 220 include
a second viewing angle .beta.. The first viewing angle .theta. is a
wide viewing angle that is defined as the full angle at which the
brightness of the first LED package 215 is half of the brightness
directed from the center of the LED package 215 (i.e., the
brightness along the third axis 225). In other words, the
brightness within the first viewing angle .theta. is at least fifty
percent of the brightest light, which is directed along the axis
225, while the brightness of the light outside the first viewing
angle .theta. is less than fifty percent of the brightest light. A
fourth axis 235 defines an angle relative to the third axis 225 at
which the brightness of the first LED package 215 is one-half of
the brightness of the first LED package 215 that is distributed
along the third axis 225. The angle between the third axis 225 and
the fourth axis 235 is approximately equal to one-half of the first
viewing angle .theta.. In some constructions, the first viewing
angle .theta. is between about 120 degrees and 140 degrees. In
other constructions, the first viewing angle .theta. can be between
about 90 degrees and 180 degrees. Other angles for the first
viewing angle .theta. are also possible, and considered herein.
[0043] The second viewing angle .beta. is a narrow viewing angle.
Similar to the first viewing angle .theta., the second viewing
angle .beta. is defined as the full angle at which the brightness
of the second LED package 220 is half of the brightness directed
from the center of the LED package 220 (i.e., the brightness along
the third axis). In other words, the brightness within the second
viewing angle .beta. is at least fifty percent of the brightest
light, which is directed along the axis 225, while the brightness
of the light outside the second viewing angle .beta. is less than
fifty percent of the brightest light. A fifth axis 240 defines an
angle relative to the third axis 225 at which the brightness of the
second LED package 220 is one-half of the brightness of the second
LED package 220 that is distributed along the third axis 225. The
angle between the third axis 225 and the fifth axis 240 is
approximately equal to one-half of the second viewing angle .beta..
In some constructions, the second viewing angle .beta. is between
about 20 degrees and 40 degrees. In other constructions, the second
viewing angle .beta. can be between about 5 degrees and 60 degrees.
Other angles for the second viewing angle .beta. are also possible,
and considered herein.
[0044] Generally, the relatively narrow or smaller viewing angle
.beta. of the second LED packages 220, as compared to the viewing
angle .theta., concentrates or focuses the light produced by the
LEDs in the second LED packages 220. The more concentrated light of
the second LED packages 220 increases the brightness of the LED
packages 220 closer to the third axis 225. The increased brightness
allows the relatively narrow, bright light produced by the second
LED packages 220 to be distributed over a relatively long distance.
In some constructions, the increased brightness of the second LED
packages 220 closer to the third axis 225 creates a substantially
pointed source of light.
[0045] FIG. 9 shows another construction of a mullion light
assembly 250 that can be used on the merchandiser 10 adjacent an
end of the case 15. Except as described below, the mullion light
assembly 250 is similar to the mullion light assembly 85 described
with regard to FIGS. 2-8, and common elements are given the same
reference numerals. As illustrated in FIG. 9, an axis 255 divides
the mullion light assembly 250 into a right-hand portion and a
left-hand portion.
[0046] The mullion light assembly 250 includes the mirror 105, the
LED light source 110, a housing 260, and a translucent cover 265
that can be attached to the housing 260. The housing 260 is defined
by an extruded body that can be attached to the interior side of
each end mullion 55 using a clip 270 that has sidewall portions 275
that define a recess 280 to attach the housing 260 to the mullion
55. The cover 265 is similar to the cover 100, and includes an
obscured portion 282, and a transparent portion 283.
[0047] The right-hand portion of the mullion light assembly 250 is
generally the same as the right-hand portion of the mullion light
assembly 85 described with regard to FIG. 4. Specifically, the
right-hand portion of the housing 260 is substantially similar to
the right-hand portion of the housing 90, except that the extruded
members 155 are located in different positions. For example, one
extruded member 155 is positioned adjacent and opposite the clip
member 135 and the attachment portion 140 on the right-hand portion
of the housing 265. The left-hand portion of the housing further
defines an attachment portion 285 that attaches the cover 265 to
the housing 260. The other extruded member 155 is located adjacent
and opposite the attachment portion 285 on the left-hand portion.
The extruded members 155 can be located anywhere on the housing 260
as long as end caps of the mullion light assembly 250 can be
attached to the ends of the housing 260.
[0048] The mirror 105 is attached to the housing 260 within the
first and second receiving portions 160, 165, and is only located
on one side of the housing 260 due to the mullion light assembly
250 being located on the end of the case 15. The LED light source
110 is attached to the housing 260 within the stepped recess 185 of
the light attachment portion 150, and a portion of the light from
the LED light source 110 is aimed directly at the product display
area 40. Another portion of the light from the LED light source 110
is directed at the mirror, where light is reflected into the
product display area 40.
[0049] In operation, the opposed, multi-directional mullion light
assembly 85 uniformly illuminates the product display area 40 while
being substantially hidden from view. A first portion of the light
directed from the LED light source 110 that is coupled to the
housing 90 within the left-hand stepped recess 185 directly
illuminates the product display area 40 to the left of the mullion
55. A second portion of the light directed from this LED light
source 110 is reflected by the mirror 105 in a direction that is
also generally toward the product display area 40 to the left of
the mullion 55. Similarly, a first portion of light directed from
the LED light source 110 that is coupled to the right-hand stepped
recess 185 directly illuminates the product display area 40 to the
right of the mullion 55. A second portion of light directed from
this LED light source 110 is reflected by the mirror 105 in a
direction that is also generally toward the product display area 40
to the right of the mullion 55.
[0050] The first LED packages 215 direct light substantially
uniformly over the first viewing angle .theta. toward the shelves
45 so that food product on the shelves 45 can be generally
illuminated. The first viewing angle .theta. of the first LED
packages 215 provides substantial illumination of food product that
is located adjacent and behind the mullions 55. The first viewing
angle .theta. further allows the first LED packages 215 to direct
at least partially diffuse light over a relatively wide viewing
angle to uniformly illuminate food product. In other words, the
projection of the light from the first LED packages 215 is
generally wide and over a relatively short distance.
[0051] The second LED packages 220 direct light substantially
toward food product on the shelves 45 over the second viewing angle
.beta.. Generally, the relatively narrow viewing angle of the
second LED packages 220 focus the light toward the shelves to
illuminate food product that is located adjacent a center of the
shelves 45 between the mullions 55. The second LED packages 220
generally distribute or direct light at food product on the shelves
45 as substantially pointed sources of light when compared to the
relatively diffuse light distributed by the first LED packages 215.
In other words, the projection of the light from the second LED
packages 220 is generally narrow and over a relatively long
distance.
[0052] The alternating arrangement of the first LED packages 215
and the second LED packages 220 substantially uniformly illuminates
the product display area 40. By alternating the LED packages 215,
220, food product in the refrigerated merchandiser 10 can be
effectively illuminated without taking up a large amount of space
in the product display area 40. The more diffuse, wide viewing
angle source of light via the first LED packages 215 cooperate with
the more direct, narrow viewing angle source of light via the
second LED packages 220 to illuminate a the product display
area.
[0053] The mullion light assemblies 85, 250 can be used together or
separately with other light assemblies (not shown) in the
merchandiser 10 to illuminate the product display area 40. Use of
low current LED packages 215, 220 in each mullion light assembly
85, 250 provides substantial energy savings. Generally, the overall
power required to illuminate and to refrigerate the case 15 using
the LED light sources 110 is lower than the power required by cases
that use fluorescent light sources. The low current LED light
assemblies 85, 250 also can be used to replace existing fluorescent
of existing merchandisers to provide similar illumination of the
product display area 40 via more economical means.
[0054] Various features and advantages of the invention are set
forth in the following claims.
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