U.S. patent application number 13/951617 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for merchandiser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Duke Manufacturing Co.. The applicant listed for this patent is Duke Manufacturing Co.. Invention is credited to Paul Brown, Robert J. Reese, Scott E. Willis.
Application Number | 20130305762 13/951617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46581334 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130305762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Willis; Scott E. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2013 |
MERCHANDISER
Abstract
A merchandiser is adapted for displaying and/or serving
merchandise to customers. In some embodiments, the merchandiser
includes a display section which may include a refrigerated display
section and/or a non-refrigerated display section adapted for
holding merchandise for customers to view and access. In some
embodiments, the merchandiser also includes a food preparation
section accessible to an employee serving the customers. The food
preparation section may include an electrical outlet for supplying
electrical power to one or more appliances. The merchandiser may
include a partition for concealing an appliance area from view by
the customers. Shields may be provided for preventing flow of air
into or out of an open front of a refrigerated compartment in the
refrigerated display section. A curtain may be provided for
selectively covering the open front of the refrigerated
compartment.
Inventors: |
Willis; Scott E.; (Sedalia,
MO) ; Reese; Robert J.; (Edwardsville, IL) ;
Brown; Paul; (Warrensburg, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Duke Manufacturing Co. |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Duke Manufacturing Co.
St. Louis
MO
|
Family ID: |
46581334 |
Appl. No.: |
13/951617 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/US2012/021125 |
Jan 12, 2012 |
|
|
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13951617 |
|
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61436486 |
Jan 26, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
62/256 ;
62/246 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/04 20130101; A47F
10/06 20130101; A47F 3/001 20130101; A47F 3/0447 20130101; A47B
2200/0041 20130101; A47F 3/0486 20130101; A47F 3/0469 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/256 ;
62/246 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/04 20060101
A47F003/04 |
Claims
1. A merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be
served to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the
customer to view and access, the merchandiser comprising a cabinet
having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides, a
refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet adapted
for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and
access, a food preparation section at the rear of the cabinet
accessible by the employee serving the customer, said food
preparation section comprising a counter having a substantially
horizontal food preparation surface for preparing food for
customers, an appliance area in front of the food preparation
surface configured for supporting one or more food preparation
appliances to be used by said employee, and an electrical outlet in
the appliance area for supplying electrical power to the one or
more appliances.
2. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein said refrigerated display
section comprises a refrigerated compartment having an open front
and a closed back, at least one support surface for supporting
refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment, and a
cooling system for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain
at the front of the refrigerated compartment.
3. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a
non-refrigerated display section above the refrigerated display
section and in front of the food preparation section, the
non-refrigerated display section including at least one holding
device for holding non-refrigerated merchandise for the customer to
view and access.
4. The merchandiser of claim 3, wherein said non-refrigerated
display section comprises a partition extending up from the cabinet
in front of the appliance area for concealing the appliance area
from the customer at the front of the cabinet.
5. The merchandiser of claim 4, wherein said partition has a
releasable connection with the cabinet.
6. The merchandiser of claim 5, wherein said releasable connection
is a quick-release connection.
7. The merchandiser of claim 4, wherein said at least one holding
device is positioned on a front side of the partition for holding
non-refrigerated merchandise for the customer to view and
access.
8. The merchandiser of claim 7, wherein said holding device has a
releasable connection with the partition whereby the holding device
can be removed from and replaced on the partition.
9. The merchandiser of claim 4, further comprising side panels
extending up from the cabinet at opposite sides of the appliance
area, and a top panel bridging the side panels and extending over
the appliance area, said partition, side panels and top panel
forming an enclosure enclosing a front, opposite left and right
sides, and top of the appliance area.
10. The merchandiser of claim 9, wherein the top panel is movable
between a closed position forming said enclosure and an open
position in which a top of the appliance area is at least partially
exposed to facilitate cleaning or servicing of the one or more
appliances.
11. The merchandiser of claim 10, wherein the top panel is
pivotable between the closed and open positions.
12. The merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the top panel is
connected to at least one of the side panels by a parallelogram
pivot connection.
13. The merchandiser of claim 11, further comprising a piston
connected to one of the side panels and connected to the top panel,
the piston being operable to assist in pivoting the top panel to
the open position and operable to maintain the top panel in said
open position.
14. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a
non-refrigerated educational display section above the refrigerated
display section and in front of the food preparation section, the
non-refrigerated educational display section including an upright
display surface and at least one educating device mounted on said
upright display surface for displaying visual educational material
for the customer to view.
15. The merchandiser of claim 14, wherein the educating device is
an electronic display screen operable to display educational
electronic images for the customer to view.
16. The merchandiser of claim 15, further comprising an electrical
outlet on the merchandiser for supplying electrical power to the
electronic display screen.
17. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising at least one
food warming or cooking oven in the appliance area.
18. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a second
appliance area below the counter accessible from the rear of the
cabinet for holding one or more appliances to be used by said
employee, and a second electrical outlet for supplying electrical
power to one or more appliances in the second appliance area.
19. The merchandiser of claim 18, further comprising at least one
food warming or cooking oven in the second appliance area.
20. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the refrigerated display
section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front, a back,
and opposite left and right sides, the front including an opening
permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer,
at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products
in the refrigerated compartment, further comprising a cooling
system adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain
at the front of the refrigerated compartment, and further
comprising a curtain for covering the opening at the front of the
refrigerated compartment, the curtain having a retracted position
in which the opening is uncovered for permitting access to the
refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment and a
covering position in which the opening is covered to decrease heat
infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening,
the curtain comprising porous material which permits fluid
communication between the refrigerated compartment and ambient when
the curtain is in said covering position, the curtain being
positioned below the opening when in the retracted position and
movable to the covering position by extending the cover upward over
the opening.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application claiming
priority from PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/021125, filed
Jan. 12, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
61/436,486 (provisional), filed Jan. 26, 2011, each of which is
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to equipment for
presenting merchandise to customers, and more particularly to a
merchandiser capable of serving refrigerated and/or
non-refrigerated products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional merchandisers are typically used to display
various types of products, including hot and cold pre-packaged food
products. Exemplary merchandisers are described in co-assigned U.S.
Pat. Nos. RE40,151 and 6,817,201. However, such merchandisers are
not able to serve more diverse food products, particularly hot food
products, because they are not equipped to accommodate the
necessary food preparation appliances, such as microwave ovens, and
combination microwave/hot air ovens (sometimes referred to as
"speed ovens"), and food holding ovens which maintain pre-cooked
food at food serving temperatures. Conventional merchandisers are
not sufficiently equipped for serving a wide range of cold and/or
hot food products.
SUMMARY
[0004] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a
merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served
to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to
view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a
front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A refrigerated
display section at the front of the cabinet is adapted for holding
refrigerated products for the customer to view and access. A food
preparation section at the rear of the cabinet is accessible by the
employee serving the customer. The food preparation section
includes a counter having a substantially horizontal food
preparation surface for preparing food for customers. An appliance
area in front of the food preparation surface is configured for
supporting one or more food preparation appliances to be used by
the employee. An electrical outlet in the appliance area is
provided for supplying electrical power to the one or more
appliances.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served
to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to
view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a
front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A display section
at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding products for
the customer to view and access. A food preparation section at the
rear of the cabinet is accessible by the employee serving the
customer. The food preparation section includes a counter having a
substantially horizontal food preparation surface for preparing
food for the customer. An appliance area in front of the food
preparation surface is provided for supporting one or more food
preparation appliances to be used by the employee. A partition
extends up from the cabinet in front of the appliance area for
concealing the appliance area from the customer at the front of the
cabinet. The partition has a releasable connection with the cabinet
for facilitating access to the appliances from the front of the
cabinet.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and
access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear,
and opposite left and right sides. A refrigerated display section
at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding refrigerated
products for the customer to view and access. The refrigerated
display section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front,
a back, and opposite left and right sides. The front includes an
opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the
customer. At least one support surface is provided for supporting
refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment. The
refrigerated display section includes a shield forming at least
part of one of the left and right sides of the refrigerated
compartment. The shield has a side segment extending along the one
of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment and a
front segment extending along the front of the refrigerated
compartment. The shield includes an inner pane and an outer pane.
Each of the inner and outer panes includes an inner surface facing
inward toward the refrigerated compartment and an outer surface
facing outward away from the refrigerated compartment. The outer
pane includes a first end positioned at the one side of the
refrigerated compartment, a side portion extending from the first
end along the one side of the refrigerated compartment toward the
front of the refrigerated compartment, a front portion extending
from the one side of the refrigerated compartment along the front
of the refrigerated compartment, and a second end positioned at the
front of the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane extends
continuously between the side portion and the front portion. The
inner pane extends along the one side of the refrigerated
compartment. The inner pane is spaced from the side portion of the
outer pane to define an insulating space between the inner pane and
the side portion of the outer pane.
[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and
access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear,
and opposite left and right sides. A refrigerated display section
at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding refrigerated
products for the customer to view and access. The refrigerated
display section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front,
a back, and opposite left and right sides. The front includes an
opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the
customer and at least one support surface for supporting
refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment. A cooling
system is adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air
curtain at the front of the refrigerated compartment. A curtain is
provided for covering the opening at the front of the refrigerated
compartment. The curtain has a retracted position in which the
opening is uncovered for permitting access to the refrigerated
products in the refrigerated compartment and a covering position in
which the opening is covered to decrease heat infiltration into the
refrigerated compartment through the opening. The curtain includes
porous material which permits fluid communication between the
refrigerated compartment and ambient when the curtain is in the
covering position. The curtain is positioned below the opening when
in the retracted position and is movable to the covering position
by extending the cover upward over the opening.
[0008] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective of one embodiment of a
merchandiser of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the merchandiser;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the merchandiser, appliances
on the merchandiser being shown in phantom;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a right side elevation of the merchandiser;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the merchandiser;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a section taken lengthwise of the merchandiser
along line 7-7 in FIG. 3 showing a flow path of cooling air in a
refrigerated section;
[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial section of the merchandiser
showing a top panel of the merchandiser in a non-covering or open
position;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front perspective of the merchandiser showing a
partition removed from the merchandiser and holding devices removed
from the partition;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective of a second embodiment of a
merchandiser of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser of FIG.
10, a portion of a cabinet of the merchandiser being broken away to
expose an electrical outlet within the cabinet;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the merchandiser;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a rear elevation of the merchandiser, appliances
on the merchandiser being shown in phantom;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a right side elevation of the merchandiser;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a plan view of the merchandiser;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a section taken lengthwise of the merchandiser
along line 16-16 in FIG. 12 showing a flow path of cooling air in a
refrigerated section;
[0025] FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial section of the merchandiser
showing a top panel of the merchandiser in a non-covering or open
position;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a front perspective of the merchandiser showing a
partition removed from the merchandiser;
[0027] FIG. 19 is a front perspective of a portion of the
merchandiser illustrating a side shield of the merchandiser;
[0028] FIG. 20 is a front perspective of the side shield of FIG. 19
removed from the cabinet of the merchandiser;
[0029] FIG. 20A is a partial section taken widthwise of the shield
along line 20A-20A in FIG. 20 showing reception of panes of the
shield in a framing member;
[0030] FIG. 21 is an exploded front perspective of the shield.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a top view of the shield, framing members of the
shield being removed;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective of the merchandiser having a
portion of a curtain housing broken away to expose a curtain within
the curtain housing, the curtain being shown in a retracted
position;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing a lid
of the curtain housing in an open position for exposing and
providing access to the curtain in the curtain housing;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing the
curtain extended to an intermediate position;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing the
curtain in a covering position in which the curtain covers a front
opening of a refrigerated compartment of the merchandiser;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective of a third embodiment of a
merchandiser according to the present invention, a top panel of the
merchandiser being shown in a closed position;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a perspective of the merchandiser of FIG. 27, the
top panel being shown in an open position and supported in the open
position by pistons;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser, the top
panel being shown in the open position;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective of fourth embodiment of a
merchandiser of the present invention, the merchandiser including
an educational device for displaying visual educational material
for viewing by customers;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a perspective of a fifth embodiment of a
merchandiser of the present invention, the merchandiser including
an electronic display screen operable to display educational
electronic images for viewing by the customer; and
[0041] FIG. 32 is a perspective of the merchandiser of FIG. 31
having the electronic display screen removed from a support
surface.
[0042] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a first
embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention, indicated
generally by the reference number 1. As will become apparent, the
merchandiser 1 is adapted for holding, displaying, and serving a
wide range of both cold and hot food products, among other things.
In use, the merchandiser 1 is positioned such that it has a
customer or display side, generally designated by 1A, and an
employee or preparation side, generally designated by 1B. As
explained in further detail below, the display side 1A is
configured for displaying merchandise such as refrigerated and/or
non-refrigerated food items for access by customers, and the
preparation side 1B is configured for facilitating preparation by
the employee of merchandise such as hot food items for the employee
to serve to the customer.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the merchandiser 1 includes a
cabinet, generally designated by the reference number 5, having a
front 5A, a rear 5B, opposite left and right sides 5C, 5D, and a
counter 5E. For example, the cabinet 5 may be constructed of metal,
such as stainless steel. Various other features of the cabinet 5
will be described in further detail below.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation of the display side 1A of
the merchandiser 1, which includes an upper non-refrigerated
display section 10A for holding non-refrigerated products for
viewing and access by customers and a lower refrigerated display
section 10B for holding refrigerated products for viewing and
access by customers. The non-refrigerated display section 10A may
be configured for holding food items such as cookies and chips. The
refrigerated display section 10B may hold items such as beverages
and dairy products.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates an elevation of the preparation side 1B
of the merchandiser 1, which includes a food preparation area 12
including a first appliance area 14A above a second appliance area
14B. As described in further detail below, food items such as hot
sandwiches may be prepared in the food preparation area 12 by
assembling sandwich components from appliances in the appliance
areas 14A, 14B.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3, 5, and 7, the refrigerated display
section 10B is provided at the front of the cabinet 5 and includes
a refrigerated compartment 20 defined by upper, lower, front, back,
and side walls 20A-20F. The compartment 20 has a doorless open
front 20G to provide customers with access to the refrigerated
merchandise. A shelf 30 is provided in the refrigerated compartment
20. Refrigerated products may be supported within the refrigerated
compartment 20 on the lower wall 20B and the shelf 30, each of
which may be broadly referred to as a support surface. Refrigerated
compartments having other configurations such as including other
numbers (e.g., zero) or types of shelves and one or more doors for
selectively closing the refrigerated display section may be used
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 7, a cooling system 40 circulates cooling
air to create an air curtain at the open front 20G of the
refrigerated compartment 20. The cooling system 40 includes a
compressor 40A, a condenser 40B, an evaporator coil 40C, a duct
system 40D, and a blower 40E. The blower 40E circulates air within
the duct system as indicated by arrows 46 from a duct inlet 40D' to
a duct outlet 40D''. The compressor 40A and condenser 40B operate
to cause the evaporator coil 40C to cool air flowing past the
evaporator coil. The flow path of cooling air between the outlet
40D'' and inlet 40D' forms the air curtain. Cooling systems having
other configurations may be used without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the non-refrigerated display
section 10A is above the refrigerated display section 10B and in
front of the food preparation section 12. The non-refrigerated
display section 10A includes a wall or partition 50 extending up
from the cabinet 5 in front of the appliance area 14A. In some
embodiments, the partition 50 serves as an upright support surface
for holding devices 54 for displaying and holding non-refrigerated
merchandise for customers. In the illustrated embodiment, the
holding devices 54 are several baskets 54A and a shelf 54B, the
baskets being positioned at alternating heights above the shelf.
The holding devices 54 have releasable connections with the
partition 50 whereby the holding devices can be removed from and
replaced on the partition. The holding devices 54 are desirably
selectively positionable on the partition 50 to permit arrangement
of the holding devices in different configurations on the
partition. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 9, the partition 50 has slots
50A adapted for receiving support arms or hangers 54A', 54B'
extending above the holding devices 54A, 54B. The holding devices
54 are suspended from the partition by reception of the hangers
54A', 54B' in the slots 50A. The non-refrigerated display section
10B may include other numbers and types of holding devices 54
without departing from the scope of the present invention. For
example, more or fewer baskets 54A, shelves 54B, or other holding
devices may be used in positions other than shown. Moreover, the
partition 50 may have a "peg board" or other construction for
forming releasable connections with corresponding structure on the
holding devices. As explained in further detail below, the
partition 50 may serve an additional purpose of concealing
appliances in the appliance area 14A from view by customers at the
display side 1A of the merchandiser 1. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the partition 50 may be provided and the
non-refrigerated display section 10B omitted without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, the food preparation section 12 is on
the preparation side 1B of the merchandiser 1. The food preparation
section 12 includes the counter 5B having a generally horizontal
food preparation surface 60 (e.g., one or more cutting boards) and
the appliance area 14A in front of the food preparation surface for
holding one or more food preparation appliances A1, A2 to be used
by the employee. The preparation surface 60 desirably is sized and
shaped to completely support the food item being prepared on the
preparation surface. For example, the preparation surface 60 may
include cutting boards (also indicated by the reference number 60)
sized and shaped for preparing a sandwich, components of which
(e.g., bread, protein, and toppings) may have been held and/or
cooked in appliances A1, A2, A3 in the appliance areas 14A,
14B.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 7, an enclosure 70 above the
cabinet 5 at least partially defines the appliance area 14A. The
enclosure 70 includes the partition 50, side panels 72 extending up
from the cabinet 5 at opposite left and right sides of the
appliance area 14A, and a top panel 74 bridging the side panels and
extending over the appliance area. As shown in FIG. 9, a brace 76
below the top panel 74 extends between the side panels 72. In the
illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 70 spans substantially the
entire width of the cabinet 5, but enclosures having other widths
may be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, appliances A1, A2 in the
appliance area are generally concealed from view from the display
side 1A of the merchandiser 1 by the enclosure 70. In particular,
the partition 50 conceals backs of the appliances A1, A2, the side
panels 72 conceal sides of the appliances, and the top panel 74
conceals tops of the appliances. FIG. 4 shows two appliances A1, A2
supported on the counter 5B in the appliance area 14A. For example,
the appliances A1, A2 may be microwave ovens, combination
microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. Other types and
numbers of appliances may be used in the appliance area 14A without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0052] As shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 9, the food preparation section
12 also includes first and second electrical outlets 80 provided
above the counter 5B in the appliance area 14A at the left and
right sides of the cabinet 5 for supplying electrical power to the
one or more appliances A1, A2. Electrical cords (not shown)
extending from the appliances A1, A2 may be conveniently plugged
into the outlets 80 adjacent where the appliances are supported.
Electrical power is supplied to the outlets 80, for example, via a
cord through a port 82 in the side of the cabinet (see FIG. 1).
[0053] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the second appliance area 14B
below the counter is also accessible from the preparation side 1B
of the merchandiser 1 at the rear of the cabinet 5. As with the
appliance area 14A described above, the second appliance area 14B
may hold one or more appliances A3 such as microwave ovens,
combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. The
second appliance area 14B is illustrated as a cavity 88 in the
cabinet 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the cavity 88 has upper and
lower walls 88A, 88B, side walls 88C, 88D, a back wall 88E, and an
opening 88F through which appliances may be inserted in the cavity.
FIG. 4 shows one appliance A3 in the cavity 88. The appliance A3 is
supported on the lower wall 88B, which separates the cavity 88 from
a compartment 89 below the cavity that houses parts of the cooling
system 40. An electrical outlet (not shown) may also be provided in
the second appliance area 14B for supplying electrical power to the
appliances A3 in the second appliance area 14B.
[0054] The partition 50 has a releasable connection 90 with the
cabinet 5 to facilitate access to backs of the appliances A1, A2 in
the first appliance area 14A. The releasable connection 90 permits
movement and in some embodiments removal of the partition 50 to
expose the appliances A1, A2 from the display side of the
merchandiser 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 50
has a releasable connection with the side panels 72 (and optionally
the brace 76) permitting complete removal of the partition from the
merchandiser 1. FIG. 9 shows the partition 50 disconnected from the
side panels 72. In some embodiments, the releasable connection 90
may be a quick-release connection (also indicated by the reference
number 90), i.e., a connection that is conveniently and readily
released. Desirably, the quick-release connection is a manual
quick-release connection, i.e., a quick-release connection that is
capable of being released by hand without requiring the use of a
tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. For example, the
quick-release connection 90 may be keyhole fasteners including
protrusions or "keys" 90A on the side panels extending toward the
display side 1A of the merchandiser 1 and openings or "keyhole
slots" 90B on a back side of the partition. The keyhole slots 90B
are constructed for receiving and releasably retaining heads of the
keys 90A so that the partition 50 hangs on the keys and can be
lifted off the keys to remove the partition from the side panels
72. Other types of quick-release connections of the partition with
the cabinet may be used without departing from the scope of the
present invention. For example, the quick-release connection may
include latches, clamps, etc.
[0055] The top panel 74 is movable between a covering or closed
position (e.g., FIGS. 1 and 7) forming the enclosure 70 and a
non-covering or open position (e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9) in which a top
of the appliance area 14A is exposed. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,
the top panel 74 is connected to the side panels 72 by an "up and
over" parallelogram pivot connection 100 including pivot bars 100A
pinned to mounting brackets 100B on respective side panels 72 and
mounting brackets 100C on the top panel. To move the top panel 74
from the covering position shown in FIG. 7 to the non-covering
position shown in FIG. 8, an operator applies upward force to the
top panel (e.g., at the display side of the merchandiser 1A). The
parallelogram pivot connection 100 causes the top panel 74 to
remain generally horizontal or parallel to the counter 5B and to
move upward and away from the display side of the merchandiser 1A.
After the top panel 74 moves "over center" of the parallelogram
pivot connection 100, the force of gravity tends to move the top
panel downward and away from the display side 1A of the
merchandiser 1 until the pivot bars 100A come to rest on stops 100D
on the mounting brackets 100B, leaving the top panel elevated in
the non-covering position.
[0056] The top panel 74 and the partition 50 are configured so that
the top panel must be moved from the covering position before the
partition may be removed from the merchandiser 1. In other words,
the top panel 74 "locks" the partition 50 in place. As shown in
FIG. 7, in its closed position, a front edge 74A of the top panel
74 overlaps the top of the partition 50. The releasable connection
90 of the partition 50 is configured to require upward movement of
the partition with respect to the side panels 72 (e.g., the keyhole
slots 90B to be moved upward with respect to the keys 90A) before
the partition may be moved horizontally away from the merchandiser
1. Thus, the partition 50 cannot be removed from the merchandiser 1
until the top panel 74 is moved from the covering position shown in
FIG. 7 (e.g., is moved to the open position shown in FIG. 8). This
feature improves safety of the merchandiser 1 because it prevents
the partition 50 from inadvertently being removed from the
merchandiser. For example, this feature decreases the odds that a
customer removing merchandise from the non-refrigerated section 10A
may accidentally cause the partition 50 to be disconnected from the
releasable connection 90 and fall on the customer. Although such a
safety feature may be desirable, in other embodiments the partition
50 may be movable (e.g., removable) notwithstanding the position of
the top panel 74. For example, the partition 50 may be removable
without moving the top panel 74 to access the back of the
appliances A1, A2, and the top panel may be moved only when
necessary to access the tops of the appliances. These alternative
configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0057] As is now apparent, in use, customers may view and remove
merchandise (food or non-food items) held in the refrigerated and
non-refrigerated display sections 10A, 10B of the merchandiser 1.
In addition, employees may use the preparation surface 60 to
prepare food items to be served to the customer while they select
food items from the refrigerated or non-refrigerated display
sections 10A, 10B. More specifically, components such as bread,
meat or other proteins, and toppings cooked, warmed, and/or held in
the appliances A1-A3 may be assembled on the preparation surface
60. Moreover, the partition 50 and top panel 74 are movable to
facilitate installation, servicing, and/or cleaning of the one or
more appliances A1, A2 in the appliance area 14A. Desirably, the
top panel 74 and partition 50 are conveniently movable with minimal
or no use of tools.
[0058] FIGS. 10-26 illustrate a second embodiment of a merchandiser
of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference
number 101. The merchandiser is similar to the merchandiser 1
described above, and corresponding parts are indicated by
corresponding reference numbers, plus 100. The merchandiser 101 is
adapted for holding, displaying, and serving a wide range of both
cold and hot food products, among other things. In use, the
merchandiser 101 is positioned such that it has a customer or
display side, generally designated by 101A, and an employee or
preparation side, generally designated by 101B. The display side
101A is configured for displaying merchandise such as refrigerated
and/or non-refrigerated food items for access by customers, and the
preparation side 101B is configured for facilitating preparation by
the employee of merchandise such as hot food items for the employee
to serve to the customer.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the merchandiser 101 includes
a cabinet, generally designated by the reference number 105, having
a front 105A, a rear 105B, opposite left and right sides 105C,
105D, and a counter 105E. For example, the cabinet 105 may be
constructed of metal, such as stainless steel. Various other
features of the cabinet 105 will be described in further detail
below.
[0060] FIG. 12 illustrates an elevation of the display side 101A of
the merchandiser 101, which includes an upper non-refrigerated
display section 110A for holding non-refrigerated products for
viewing and access by customers and a lower refrigerated display
section 110B for holding refrigerated products for viewing and
access by customers. The non-refrigerated display section 110A may
be configured for holding food items such as cookies and chips. The
refrigerated display section 110B may hold items such as beverages
and dairy products.
[0061] FIG. 13 illustrates an elevation of the preparation side
101B of the merchandiser 101, which includes a food preparation
area 112 including a first appliance area 114A above a second
appliance area 114B. As described in further detail below, food
items such as hot sandwiches may be prepared in the food
preparation area 112 by assembling sandwich components prepared
using appliances in the appliance areas 114A, 114B.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16, the refrigerated display
section 110B is provided at the front of the cabinet 105 and
includes a refrigerated compartment 120 defined by upper, lower,
front, back, and side walls 120A-120F. The compartment 120 has a
doorless open front 120G to provide customers with access to the
refrigerated merchandise. A shelf 130 is provided in the
refrigerated compartment 120. Refrigerated products may be
supported within the refrigerated compartment 120 on the lower wall
120B and the shelf 130, each of which may be broadly referred to as
a support surface. In this embodiment, the back wall 120D includes
an upper portion above the shelf 130 and a lower portion below the
shelf which is farther from the front opening than the upper
portion (see FIG. 16). The refrigerated compartment 120 has a rear
portion below the shelf which extends rearward in the cabinet to a
position below the appliance area 114A and counter 105B. Moreover,
the refrigerated compartment 120 has a front portion which extends
upward to a position above the counter 105B and in front of the
appliance area 114A. The cabinet 105 includes a hood 121 which
extends forward above the refrigerated compartment 120.
Refrigerated compartments having other configurations such as
including other numbers (e.g., zero) or types of shelves and one or
more doors for selectively closing the refrigerated display section
may be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 16, a cooling system 140 circulates cooling
air to create an air curtain at the open front 120G of the
refrigerated compartment 120. The cooling system 140 includes a
compressor 140A, a condenser 140B, an evaporator coil 140C, a duct
system 140D, and a blower 140E. The blower 140E circulates air
within the duct system as indicated by arrows 146 from a duct inlet
140D' to a duct outlet 140D''. The compressor 140A and condenser
140B operate to cause the evaporator coil 140C to cool air flowing
past the evaporator coil. The flow path of cooling air between the
outlet 140D'' and inlet 140D' forms the air curtain. In this
embodiment, the duct system 140D includes an outlet 141 in the back
wall of the refrigerated compartment below the shelf 130. Cooling
air exiting the outlet 141 is indicated by the arrow 143' and flows
over merchandise held on the lower wall 120B of the refrigerated
compartment 120 and toward the inlet 140D'. Cooling systems having
other configurations may be used without departing from the scope
of the present invention.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 10, 12, and 14, the non-refrigerated
display section 110A is above the refrigerated display section 110B
and in front of the food preparation section 112. The
non-refrigerated display section 110A includes a wall or partition
150 extending up from the cabinet 105 in front of the appliance
area 114A. In some embodiments, the partition 150 serves as an
upright support surface for holding devices 154 for displaying and
holding non-refrigerated merchandise for customers. In the
illustrated embodiment, the holding device 154 is provided in the
form of railing which is connected to the upright front surface of
the partition 150 and extends forward over an upper surface of the
hood 121. Non-refrigerated merchandise may be positioned on the
upper surface of the hood 121 inboard from the railing 154 so the
railing holds the merchandise on the upper surface of the hood. The
railing 154 includes opposite side portions which extend forward
from the partition 150 and a front portion which extends between
front ends of the side portions. The railing 154 may have
releasable connections with the partition 150 whereby the railing
can be removed from and replaced on the partition. However, in the
illustrated embodiment, the railing 154 is non-removably fastened
to the partition 150 by rivets. The railing is not fastened to the
hood 121 so the railing is movable conjointly with the partition
150 without disconnecting the railing 154 from the hood. The
non-refrigerated display section 110B may include other numbers
(e.g., zero) and types of holding devices 154 without departing
from the scope of the present invention. For example, a shelf which
is independent from the hood 121 may be used instead of the
railing. Moreover, other holding devices may be used in positions
other than shown. As explained in further detail below, the
partition 150 may serve an additional purpose of concealing
appliances in the appliance area 114A from view by customers at the
display side 101A of the merchandiser 101. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the partition 150 may be provided and the
non-refrigerated display section 110B omitted without departing
from the scope of the present invention.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 14, the food preparation section 112 is on
the preparation side 101B of the merchandiser 101. The food
preparation section 112 includes the counter 105B having a
generally horizontal food preparation surface 160 (e.g., one or
more cutting boards) and the appliance area 114A in front of the
food preparation surface for holding one or more food preparation
appliances A1, A2 to be used by the employee. The preparation
surface 160 desirably is sized and shaped to completely support the
food item being prepared on the preparation surface. For example,
the preparation surface 160 may include cutting boards (also
indicated by the reference number 160) sized and shaped for
preparing a sandwich, components of which (e.g., bread, protein,
and toppings) may have been held and/or cooked in appliances A1,
A2, A3 in the appliance areas 114A, 114B.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, 14, and 16, an enclosure 170
above the cabinet 105 at least partially defines the appliance area
114A. The enclosure 170 includes the partition 150, side panels 172
extending up from the cabinet 105 at opposite left and right sides
of the appliance area 114A, and a top cover or panel 174 bridging
the side panels and extending over the appliance area. As shown in
FIG. 18, a brace 176 below the top panel 174 extends between the
side panels 172. In this embodiment, the cabinet includes an
upright wall 177 (FIG. 16) extending upward to the hood 121 that
partially defines a front of the appliance area 114A. The partition
150 extends upward from the upper surface of the hood 121. In this
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the appliance area 114A is
positioned above the rear portion of the refrigerated compartment
120 and behind the upper portion of the refrigerated compartment.
Although the illustrated enclosure 170 spans substantially the
entire width of the cabinet 105, enclosures having other widths may
be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, appliances A1, A2 in the
appliance area are generally concealed from view from the display
side 101A of the merchandiser 1 by the enclosure 170. In
particular, the partition 150 conceals backs of the appliances A1,
A2; the side panels 172 conceal sides of the appliances; and the
top panel 174 conceals tops of the appliances. FIG. 13 shows two
appliances A1, A2 supported on the counter 105B in the appliance
area 114A. For example, the appliances A1, A2 may be microwave
ovens, combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding
ovens. Other types and numbers of appliances may be used in the
appliance area 114A without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the food preparation section
112 also includes first and second electrical outlets 180 provided
above the counter 105B in the appliance area 114A for supplying
electrical power to the one or more appliances A1, A2. In this
embodiment, the electrical outlets are provided in a single column
181 extending upward from the counter 150B generally midway between
the left and right sides of the appliance area 114A. Electrical
cords (not shown) extending from the appliances A1, A2 may be
conveniently plugged into the outlets 180 adjacent where the
appliances are supported. Electrical power is supplied to the
outlets 180, for example, via a cord through a port 182 in the side
of the cabinet (see FIG. 10). Any number of outlets may be
provided.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second appliance area 114B
below the counter is also accessible from the preparation side 101B
of the merchandiser 101 at the rear of the cabinet 105. As with the
appliance area 114A described above, the second appliance area 114B
may hold one or more appliances A3 such as microwave ovens,
combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. The
second appliance area 114B is illustrated as a cavity 188 in the
cabinet 105. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the cavity 188 has upper
and lower walls 188A, 188B, side walls 188C, 188D, a back wall
188E, and an opening 188F through which appliances may be inserted
in the cavity. FIG. 13 shows one appliance A3 in the cavity 188.
The appliance A3 is supported on the lower wall 188B, which
separates the cavity 188 from a compartment 189 below the cavity
that houses parts of the cooling system 140. One or more electrical
outlets may also be provided in the second appliance area 114B for
supplying electrical power to the appliance(s) A3 in the second
appliance area 114B. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 11, an opening 188B' is provided in the lower wall 188B
through which a power cord from the appliance A3 can be threaded to
be plugged into an electrical outlet 191 provided in the
compartment 189.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 18, the partition 150 has a releasable
connection 190 with the cabinet 105 to facilitate access to backs
of the appliances A1, A2 in the first appliance area 114A. The
releasable connection 190 permits movement and in some embodiments
removal of the partition 150 to expose the appliances A1, A2 from
the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101. In the illustrated
embodiment, the partition 150 has a releasable connection with the
side panels 172 (and optionally the brace 176) permitting complete
removal of the partition from the merchandiser 101. FIG. 18 shows
the partition 150 disconnected from the side panels 172. The
railing 154 may remain connected to the partition 150. In some
embodiments, the releasable connection 190 may be a quick-release
connection (also indicated by the reference number 190), i.e., a
connection that is conveniently and readily released. Desirably,
the quick-release connection is a manual quick-release connection,
i.e., a quick-release connection that is capable of being released
by hand without requiring the use of a tool such as a screwdriver
or wrench. For example, the quick-release connection 190 may be
keyhole fasteners including protrusions or "keys" 190A on the side
panels extending toward the display side 101A of the merchandiser
101 and openings or "keyhole slots" 190B on a back side of the
partition. The keyhole slots 190B are constructed for receiving and
releasably retaining heads of the keys 190A so that the partition
150 hangs on the keys and can be lifted off the keys to remove the
partition from the side panels 172. Other types of quick-release
connections of the partition with the cabinet may be used without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the
quick-release connection may include latches, clamps, etc.
[0070] The top panel 174 is movable between a covering or closed
position (e.g., FIGS. 10 and 16) forming the enclosure 170 and a
non-covering or open position (e.g., FIGS. 17 and 18) in which a
top of the appliance area 114A is exposed. As shown in FIGS. 16 and
17, the top panel 174 is connected to the side panels 172 by an "up
and over" parallelogram pivot connection 200 including pivot bars
200A pinned to mounting brackets 200B on respective side panels 172
and mounting brackets 200C on the top panel. To move the top panel
174 from the covering position shown in FIG. 16 to the non-covering
position shown in FIG. 17, an operator applies upward force to the
top panel (e.g., at the display side of the merchandiser 101A). The
parallelogram pivot connection 200 causes the top panel 174 to
remain generally horizontal or parallel to the counter 105B and to
move upward and away from the display side of the merchandiser
101A. After the top panel 174 moves "over center" of the
parallelogram pivot connection 200, the force of gravity tends to
move the top panel downward and away from the display side 101A of
the merchandiser 101 until the pivot bars 200A come to rest on
stops 200D on the mounting brackets 200B, leaving the top panel
elevated in the non-covering position.
[0071] As in the first embodiment of the merchandiser described
above, the top panel 174 and the partition 150 are configured so
that the top panel must be moved from the covering position before
the partition may be removed from the merchandiser 101. In other
words, the top panel 174 "locks" the partition 150 in place. As
shown in FIG. 16, in its closed position, a front edge 174A of the
top panel 174 overlaps the top edge of the partition 150. The
releasable connection 190 of the partition 150 is configured to
require upward movement of the partition with respect to the side
panels 172 (e.g., the keyhole slots 190B to be moved upward with
respect to the keys 190A) before the partition may be moved
horizontally away from the merchandiser 101. In other embodiments
the partition 50 may be movable (e.g., removable) notwithstanding
the position of the top panel 174. For example, the partition 150
may be removable without moving the top panel 174 to access the
back of the appliances A1, A2, and the top panel may be moved only
when necessary to access the tops of the appliances. These
alternative configurations may be used without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, the merchandiser 101 includes
shields 221A, 221B, 223 adjacent the open front of the refrigerated
compartment 120. More specifically, the merchandiser 101 includes
left and right side shields 221A, 221B and a lower front shield
223. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right shields
221A, 221B are double-paned and each include a segment which
extends along a side of the refrigerated compartment 120 and a
segment which extends along the front of the refrigerated
compartment. The lower front shield 223 is single-paned and planar
and extends between the left and right side shields. The shields
221A, 221B, 223 are adapted for maintaining air cooled by the
cooling system 140 within the refrigerated compartment 120 and for
preventing warm air from infiltrating the refrigerated compartment.
Desirably, the shields 221A, 221B, 223 include panes which are
formed of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass. Other
materials such as a semitransparent or opaque material may be used
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0073] The left and right shields 221A, 221B permit viewing of
merchandise in the refrigerated compartment 120 from the left and
right sides of the merchandiser 101 and prevent flow of air into
and out of the sides of the refrigerated compartment 120. The left
shield 221A is a mirror image of the right shield 221B. For
simplicity, only the right shield 221B is described in further
detail. As shown in FIG. 19, the right shield 221B includes a side
segment 221B' extending along the right side of the refrigerated
compartment and a front segment 221B'' extending along the front of
the refrigerated compartment. The shield 221B is positioned in a
recess defined by a cutout in the right side of the cabinet 105
below the hood 121.
[0074] The shield 221B is shown separated from the cabinet 105 in
FIG. 20. As described in further detail below, the shield 221B is
double-paned to prevent formation of condensation on the shield. As
also described in further detail below, the shield 221B includes
framing structure in the form of three framing members 227 provided
along the top, bottom, and rear ends of the shield. The shield 221B
is constructed to be free from framing structure at certain
locations to permit viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated
compartment 120 without obstruction by framing structure.
[0075] FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded perspective of the shield
221B, and FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the shield without the
framing members 227. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the shield 221B
includes an outer pane 231 and an inner pane 233. The outer and
inner panes 231, 233 each include an inner surface facing inward
toward the refrigerated compartment and an outer surface facing
outward away from the refrigerated compartment. The inner pane 233
is spaced from the outer pane 231 to define an insulating space 235
between the inner and outer panes. The insulating space prevents
formation of condensation on the right side segment 221B' of the
shield 221B.
[0076] The outer pane 231 includes a rear end including a rear edge
231A positioned on the right side of the refrigerated compartment
and a side portion 231B extending from the rear end along the right
side of the refrigerated compartment 120 toward the front of the
refrigerated compartment. The outer pane 231 also includes a front
portion 231C extending from the right side of the refrigerated
compartment 120 along the front of the refrigerated compartment to
a front end including a front edge 231D positioned at the front of
the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane 231 is curved between
the side and front portions 231B, 231C to define a rounded outer
corner extending continuously along the junction of the side and
front portions of the outer pane. The front edge 231D of the outer
pane defines the right side of the opening 120G at the front of the
refrigerated compartment 120 through which customers may access
merchandise in the refrigerated compartment.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 22, the inner pane 233 is positioned
inboard from the outer pane 231 and extends along the right side of
the refrigerated compartment 120. The inner pane 233 has a
thickness which is less than a thickness of the outer pane 231.
Unlike the outer pane 231, the inner pane 233 does not include a
curved portion and does not include a portion which extends along
the front of the refrigerated compartment 120. The inner pane 233
is planar and extends along the right side of the refrigerated
compartment 120 from a rear end including a rear edge 233A
positioned on the right side of the refrigerated compartment to a
front end including a front edge 233C adjacent the front of the
refrigerated compartment.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 21, the framing members 227A-227C are
shown removed from the inner and outer panes 231, 233. Each framing
member 227 includes first and second nesting channels 227A, 227B.
When nested, as shown in FIG. 20A, the first and second channels
227A, 227B form spaced inner and outer elongate pockets 227C, 227D.
Each outer elongate pocket 227C is sized for receiving an edge of
the outer pane 231, and each inner elongate pocket is sized for
receiving an edge of the inner pane 233. In FIG. 20A, the rear edge
231A of the outer pane 231 is shown received in the outer elongate
pocket 231A, and the rear edge 233A of the inner pane 233 is shown
received in the inner elongate pocket 227D. The first channels 227A
are sized to be received between the inner and outer panes 233, 231
to maintain the inner pane spaced from the right side portion of
the outer pane to form the insulating space 235 between the panes.
The second channels 227B capture the top, bottom, and rear ends of
the panes 231, 233 to secure them in position with respect to each
other. The channels 227A, 227B may be fastened to each other by
fasteners such as rivets. The framing members 227 close the
insulating space 235 between the panes along top, bottom, and rear
ends of the insulating space. Suitable sealing material (e.g.,
gaskets, adhesive, epoxy, silicone, etc.) may be provided for
forming a seal between the panes 231, 233 and the framing members
for sealing the insulating space 235 where it is closed by the
framing members.
[0079] The shield 221B is free from framing structure at certain
locations to permit viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated
compartment 120 through the shield without obstruction by framing
structure. In particular, framing structure independent from the
inner and outer panes 231, 233 is not provided for closing the
front end of the insulating space 235. For example, rigid or opaque
framing structure such as a metal channel is not used to connect
the front end of the inner pane 233 to the outer pane 231. Instead,
the front edge 233C of the inner pane 233 is positioned in direct
engagement with the inside surface of the front portion 231C of the
outer pane 231 to close the front end of the insulating space 235
(see FIG. 22). As shown in the top view of FIG. 22, the engagement
of the front edge 233C of the inner pane 231 with the front portion
231C of the outer pane 231 defines a front inside corner of the
refrigerated compartment 120. The corner is free from any framing
structure extending along the height of the corner which might
otherwise obstruct viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated
compartment 120 through the corner. In other words, the corner is
frameless. Sealing agents (e.g., adhesive, epoxy, silicone) which
are applied in an unhardened or uncured state and then chemically
transform to harden or cure to form a seal are not considered to be
framing structure and may be used to seal the front edge 233C of
the inner pane 233 to the inner surface of the outer pane 231
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0080] The front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 which forms the
right side of the front opening 120G of the refrigerated
compartment 120 is also substantially free from framing structure.
Referring to FIG. 19, a double channel member 251 having an
H-shaped section is provided for receiving a lower portion of the
front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 and receiving a right edge of
the lower front shield 223 to secure the lower front shield in
position with respect to the side shield 221B. However,
intermediate and upper portions of the front edge 231D of the outer
pane 231 are free from framing structure. Desirably, at least about
half of the height of the front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 is
frameless or free from framing structure. In the illustrated
embodiment, at least about two-thirds of the height of the front
edge 231D of the outer pane 231 is free from framing structure. The
lack of framing structure permits viewing of merchandise in the
refrigerated compartment through the frameless portion of the front
edge of the outer pane. The lower front shield may be removed from
the merchandiser by removing it from (e.g., lifting it upward out
of) the channel member 251.
[0081] As is now apparent, the shields 221A, 221B are configured to
provide double-pane insulation yet not include framing which would
be obtrusive to a customer viewing merchandise in the refrigerated
compartment 120 through the shields. Shields having other
configurations such as other arrangements of panes and other shapes
may be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 23-26, the merchandiser 101 includes a
curtain 271 for covering the open front 120G of the refrigerated
compartment 120 to prevent (entirely or substantially) heat
infiltration into the refrigerated compartment. For example, the
curtain 271 may be used in non-peak hours to conserve energy
expended for refrigerating the refrigerated compartment 120. Use of
the curtain 271 may result in about 30% or more energy savings.
[0083] The curtain 271 is housed in a housing 273 positioned below
the opening 120G. Desirably, the curtain 271 has a width and a
height sufficient for covering substantially the entire opening
120G. The curtain 271 has a first or retracted position (e.g.,
FIGS. 10 and 23) in which the opening 102G is uncovered for
permitting access to the refrigerated products in the refrigerated
compartment 120 and a second or covering position (e.g., FIG. 26)
in which the opening is covered by the curtain to decrease heat
infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening.
Desirably, the curtain 271 includes a flexible and breathable or
porous sheet 271A (e.g., formed from a polyester material) which
permits fluid communication between the refrigerated compartment
120 and ambient when the curtain 271 is in the covering position to
prevent formation of condensation on the curtain. The curtain 271
includes a rigid elongate support or bar 271B which extends along
the distal end of the sheet 271A for supporting the sheet in the
covering position across substantially the entire width of the
sheet.
[0084] The housing 273 is configured for receiving the entirety of
the curtain 271 and concealing the curtain from view when the
curtain is in the retracted position. FIG. 23 illustrates portions
of the housing 273 broken away to expose the curtain 271 within the
housing. In the illustrated embodiment, the curtain 271 is rolled
up on a rod 275 when the curtain is in the retracted position.
Opposite ends of the rod are mounted on brackets 277 in the
housing. The rod 275 is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., by
pulling a distal end of the curtain 271) to permit the curtain to
be unrolled from the rod for extending the curtain from the
retracted position to the covering position. The rod 275 is also
rotatable in a second direction to permit the curtain 271 to be
rolled onto the rod for retracting the curtain from the covering
position to the retracted position. For example, the rod 275 may be
biased by a biasing device (e.g., a spring) for rotation in the
second direction for rolling the curtain 271 onto the rod.
[0085] The housing 273 includes a lid 273A which is pivotally
connected to the cabinet 105. The lid 273A is movable between a
closed position (e.g., FIG. 10) in which the lid is generally
horizontal and an open position (e.g., FIG. 24) in which the lid is
upright. The lid 273A includes a recessed handle 273A' for
facilitating movement of the lid from the closed position to the
open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 273A is
formed of sheet metal and is retained in the open position by a
magnet 279 mounted on the lower front shield 233. When the lid 273A
is open, the curtain 271 is exposed and accessible for moving the
curtain to the covering position. The curtain 271 is shown in an
intermediate position in FIG. 25. The curtain 271 includes a handle
271C to facilitate grasping the curtain for extending the curtain
to the covering position. The curtain 271 is shown fully extended
in FIG. 26. The handle 271C also serves as a mounting member
comprising a loop which is adapted to be received on a mount 281 in
the form of a hook positioned on the hood 121 above the opening
120G for maintaining the curtain in its covering position. When the
curtain 271 is in its covering position, the lid 273A is between
the curtain 271 and the refrigerated compartment 120.
[0086] Curtains and associated housings having configurations other
than those described herein may be used without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
[0087] FIGS. 27-29 illustrate a third embodiment of a merchandiser
of the present invention generally indicated by the reference
number 301. The merchandiser is identical to the merchandiser 101
except as described hereafter, and corresponding parts are
indicated by corresponding reference numbers plus 200. In this
embodiment, the top cover or panel 374 of the enclosure 370 has a
different type of pivot connection. As in prior embodiments, the
top panel 374 is pivotable between a closed position (e.g., FIG.
27) and an open position (e.g., FIGS. 28 and 29) to provide access
to the appliance area 314A. In this embodiment, the hinge
connection is provided adjacent the front edge 374A of the top
panel 374. For example, the front edge 374A may be hinged to the
partition 350 or the brace 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the
top panel 374 has hinge connections 387 with the brace 376. The top
panel 374 is connected to the side panels 372 by a pair of
telescoping pistons 391 (e.g., gas shocks) which are operable to
assist in moving the top panel to the open position and supporting
or maintaining the top panel in the open position. The partition
350 may or may not be removable as in previous embodiments for
providing access to the appliance area 314A from the front of the
cabinet 305.
[0088] FIG. 30 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a merchandiser of
the present invention generally indicated by the reference number
401. The merchandiser is identical to the merchandiser 101 except
as described hereafter, and corresponding parts are indicated by
corresponding reference numbers, plus 300. In this embodiment, the
non-refrigerated display section 410A above the refrigerated
display section 410B and in front of the food preparation section
412 includes an educational display section (also numbered 410A)
adapted for displaying visual educational material for viewing by
customers. Such visual educational material may include menus,
advertisements, nutrition facts, and other material for educating
the customers. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the educational
display section 410A includes an educating device 493 in the form
of printed signage mounted on an upright front display surface of
the partition 450.
[0089] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a
merchandiser of the present invention generally indicated by the
reference number 501. The merchandiser is identical to the
merchandiser 401 except as described, and corresponding parts are
indicated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 100. In this
embodiment, the educating device 593 is an electronic display
screen operable to display educational electronic images for
viewing by the customer such as menus, advertisements, nutrition
facts, and other material for educating customers. FIG. 31
illustrates the screen 593 mounted to the upright front display
surface of the partition 590. FIG. 32 illustrates the screen 593
removed from the partition 550 to expose an electrical outlet 595
on the partition for supplying power to the screen. The outlet 595
may be adapted (e.g., include a power supply line having sufficient
slack) to permit movement of the partition 550 as described in
previous embodiments. Alternatively, the power cord 593A associated
with the screen 593 may be plugged into an outlet positioned
elsewhere on the merchandiser 501.
[0090] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the,"
and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0091] As various changes could be made in the above constructions
and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description and
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
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