U.S. patent application number 15/058773 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for refrigerated merchandise display system.
The applicant listed for this patent is PEPSICO, INC.. Invention is credited to Martin Broen, Stephen Lim, Praveen Kumar Nooli, Christian STOLARZ.
Application Number | 20170251833 15/058773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59701246 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170251833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
STOLARZ; Christian ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
Refrigerated Merchandise Display System
Abstract
A merchandise display system for storing and dispensing
merchandise is provided. The merchandise display system includes an
outer housing, a transparent front door, a refrigeration unit, and
a door that includes an extended canopy. The merchandise display
system also includes a front grille for a refrigeration system
having, a surface adjacent a curved surface.
Inventors: |
STOLARZ; Christian;
(Brooklyn, NY) ; Nooli; Praveen Kumar; (Coram,
NY) ; Broen; Martin; (New York, NY) ; Lim;
Stephen; (Chappaqua, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PEPSICO, INC. |
Purchase |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59701246 |
Appl. No.: |
15/058773 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/0404 20130101;
F25D 23/02 20130101; A47F 3/0434 20130101; F25D 11/00 20130101;
F25D 2323/0021 20130101; F25D 2323/00274 20130101; A47F 3/043
20130101; F25D 2317/0672 20130101; A47F 3/0482 20130101; F25D 23/00
20130101; F25D 2323/00264 20130101; F25D 2317/0671 20130101; F25D
2400/18 20130101; F24F 13/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 3/04 20060101
A47F003/04; F25D 11/00 20060101 F25D011/00 |
Claims
1. A front grille for a refrigeration unit, the grille comprising:
an outer portion having a substantially planar surface and a curved
surface; an air inlet positioned on a first side of the grille
between the substantially planar surface and the curved surface; an
air outlet positioned on a second side of the grille between the
substantially planar surface and the curved surface; and an
interior portion including a partition placed between the air inlet
and the air outlet to separate, inlet air flowing through the air
inlet from outlet air flowing through the air outlet.
2. The front grille of claim 1, farther comprising a second air
inlet positioned on the first side of the grille between the
substantially planar surface and the curved surface,
3. The front grille of claim 1, further comprising a second air
outlet positioned on the second side of the, grille between the
substantially planar surface and the curved surface.
4. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the depth of the air inlet
is greater than approximately 1/2 inch.
5. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the area of the air inlet
is greater than approximately 9 square, inches.
6. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the depth of the air outlet
is greater than approximately 1/2 inch.
7. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the area of the air outlet
is greater than approximately 9 square inches.
8. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the air inlet is
substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar
surface.
9. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the air outlet is
substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar
surface.
10. The front grille of claim 1, wherein the partition is
substantially perpendicular to the substantially planar
surface.
11. A refrigerated merchandise display system, the display system
comprising: a refrigeration unit; and an outer housing having a top
wall, a bottom wall, side walls, a back wall, and an interior lower
wall, the refrigeration unit being positioned within a
refrigeration compartment between the side walls, the back wall,
the bottom wall, and the interior lower wall, and a merchandise
compartment being positioned between the side walls, the back wall,
the top wall, and the interior lower wall; a transparent door
positioned across the merchandise compartment; and a grille
positioned across the refrigeration compartment, the grille
including: an outer portion having a substantially planar surface
and a curved surface; an air inlet positioned on a first side of
the grille between the substantially planar surface and the curved
surface; an air outlet positioned on a second side of the grille
between the substantially planar surface and the, curved surface;
and an interior portion including a partition placed between the
air inlet and the air outlet to separate inlet air flowing through
the air inlet from outlet air flowing through the air outlet
12. The refrigerated merchandise display system of claim 11,
wherein the grill includes an interior portion having a plenum
surface to direct airflow and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
13. The refrigerated merchandise display system of claim 11,
wherein one of the air inlet and the air outlet is substantially
perpendicular to the substantially planar surface.
14. The refrigerated merchandise display system of claim 11,
wherein the partition is substantially perpendicular to the
substantially planar surface.
15. A merchandise display system, the display system comprising: an
outer housing having a top wall, a bottom, wall, side walls, and a
back wall; and a door, the door including: a frame surrounding a
transparent front surface, the frame including: a top frame having
a bracket that extends away from the transparent front surface; a
first side frame having a first channel positioned adjacent the top
frame; a second side frame having a second channel positioned
adjacent the top frame; and a bottom frame, and an extended canopy,
the extended canopy including: a bottom surface having a recess to
engage the bracket; a first member to engage the first channel; and
a second member to engage the second channel; wherein the extended
canopy is detachably attached to the top frame, the first side
frame, and the second side frame.
16. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein the
extended canopy extends above the top wall of the outer
housing.
17. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein a width of
the bottom surface is approximately equal to a width of a top
surface of the top frame.
18. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein a fastener
detachably attaches the extended canopy to the bracket.
19. The merchandise display system of claim 15, further comprising:
a second extended canopy, the second extended canopy including: a
top surface having a recess to engage a bracket on the bottom frame
that extends away from the transparent front surface; a first
member to engage a third channel in the first side frame positioned
adjacent the bottom frame; and a second member to engage a fourth
channel in the second side frame positioned adjacent the bottom
frame; wherein the second extended canopy is detachably attached to
the bottom frame, the first side frame, and the second side
frame.
20. The merchandise display system of claim 15, wherein the first
member is a cantilever beam having an overhang on its end to engage
a slot in the first channel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to a merchandise display
system for storing and dispensing merchandise.
[0003] Background
[0004] The design and construction of merchandise display systems,
including commercial refrigerators, has remained generally
unchanged for many years. These display systems are typically large
boxes, which have failed to keep up with design trends and consumer
expectations. The air openings in the front grille for the
commercial refrigerator refrigeration system are typically louvers
arranged across a front surface. In addition, transportation of
commercial refrigerators can result in damaged or broken
components, particularly if the component extends outward from the
surface of the main housing.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect of the invention, the refrigeration
compartment cover, i.e., grille, does not include visible vents. In
another aspect, a partition on an interior surface of the
refrigeration compartment cover can isolate inlet & exhaust air
to prevent mixing of hot and cold air streams. Thus, the partition
can improve thermal efficiency of the condenser (heat exchanger)
and increase available cooling capacity of the refrigeration system
(or heating capacity of the heat-pump system).
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, a front grille for a
refrigeration unit includes an outer portion having a substantially
planar surface and a curved surface, an air inlet positioned on a
first side of the grille between the substantially planar surface
and the curved surface, an air outlet positioned on a second side
of the grille between the substantially planar surface and the
curved surface, and an interior portion including a partition
placed between the air inlet and the air outlet to separate inlet
air flowing through the air inlet from outlet air flowing through
the air outlet.
[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a refrigerated
merchandise display system includes a refrigeration unit, an outer
housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, a back wall,
and an interior lower wall, where the refrigeration unit is
positioned within a refrigeration compartment between the side
walls, the back wall, the bottom wall, and the interior lower wall.
The outer housing also includes a merchandise compartment
positioned between the side walls, the back wall, the top wall, and
the interior lower wall, a transparent door positioned across the
merchandise compartment, and a refrigeration compartment cover,
i.e., grille, positioned across the refrigeration compartment. The
grille includes an outer portion having a substantially planar
surface and a curved surface, an air inlet positioned on a first
side of the grille between the substantially planar surface and the
curved surface, an air outlet positioned on a second side of the
grille between the substantially planar surface and the curved
surface, and an interior portion including a partition placed
between the air inlet and the air outlet to separate inlet air
flowing through the air inlet from outlet air flowing through the
air outlet.
[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, a merchandise display
system includes an outer housing having a top wall, a bottom wall,
side walls, and a back wall, and a door. The door includes a frame
surrounding a transparent front surface that includes a top frame
having a bracket that extends away from the transparent front
surface, a first side frame having a first channel positioned
adjacent the top frame, a second side frame having a second channel
positioned adjacent the top frame, a bottom frame, and an extended
canopy. The extended canopy includes a bottom surface having a
recess to engage the bracket, a first member to engage the first
channel, and a second member to engage the second channel. The
extended canopy is detachably attached to the top frame, the first
side frame, and the second side frame.
[0009] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the
invention, as well as the structure and operation of various
embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with
reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that, the
invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described
herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative
purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to a person
relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
present invention and, together with the description, further serve
to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person
skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system
according to various aspects of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a merchandise display system
according to various aspects of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 3-5 are partial perspective views of an extended
canopy for a merchandise display system according to various
aspects of the, invention.
[0014] FIGS. 6-7 are rear partial perspective views of an extended
canopy for a merchandise display system according to various
aspects of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a partial front view of a front grille according
to various aspects of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a front grille according to
various aspects of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a front grille
according to various aspects of the invention.
[0018] Features and advantages of the embodiments will become more
apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken
in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference
characters identify corresponding elements throughout.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention(s) will now be described in detail
with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. References to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, stricture,
or characteristic, but, every embodiment may not necessarily
include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are, not, necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it,
is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the
art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly
described.
[0020] An aspect of the present invention will now be described
with reference to FIGS. 1-7. Merchandise display system 10 includes
an outer housing 100 composed of a top wall 110, a bottom wall 120,
side walls 130 and 140, a back wall 150, an interior lower wall
160, and a door 200. The back wall 150, side walls 130 and 140,
interior lower wall 160, and top wall 110 define a merchandise
compartment 102 in the outer housing 100. The back, wall 150, side
walls 130 and 140, interior lower wall 160, and bottom wall 120
define a refrigeration compartment 104. Refrigeration compartment
104 may be configured to receive a refrigeration unit 300. The door
200 may include a front surface 202 that can be made of any
suitable material, such as glass or plastic. In one aspect, front
surface 202 is transparent to allow visual access to the
merchandise stored and displayed within the display system 10. Door
200 includes a top frame 210 having a top frame width 212, a bottom
frame 220, a side frame 230 having side frame cladding 231, and a
side frame 240 having side frame cladding 241. Bracket 250 is
attached to a top surface of top frame 210. Top frame 210, bottom
frame 220, side frame 230, inside frame 240 surround front surface
202.The door 200 may open in any suitable manner. For example, one
side of the door 200 can be hingedly attached to the display system
10 for the door 200 to swing open to allow access to the display
system 10. Alternatively, the door 200 may slide open. Door 200
includes a handle 270 for opening the door 200.
[0021] The outer housing 100 may be any shape or size suitable for
cooling and displaying merchandise. For example, the outer housing
100 may be generally rectangular or box shaped and may include
curved or rounded surfaces. The outer housing 100 may be
manufactured in a variety of colors. The color of the outer housing
100 may be indicative of a certain brand or type of merchandise and
may be used to promote the brand or type of merchandise. For
example, blue and red may be used to promote traditional Pepsi
products; white and blue may be used to promote Diet Pepsi
products; green may be used to, promote non-carbonated beverages;
and orange and may be used to promote Gatorade products.
[0022] Merchandise display system 10 may include a plurality of
shelves 170, which are configured to hold and display merchandise.
The plurality of shelves 170 may be attached to and supported by
and inner structure that can include grooves, ridges, holes, or
other attachment features. The plurality of shelves 170 may be made
of any suitable material. For example, the plurality of shelves 170
may be, made of plastic or metal. The plurality of shelves 170 may
be a solid surface or may include apertures to allow air, liquid
and debris to flow through. Any number of shelves 170 is
contemplated within the scope of the invention, and may be
dependent on the height of the merchandise within the merchandise
display system 10.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, extended canopy 260 can be attached
to door 200. Extended canopy 260 can provide additional design and
branding areas for merchandise display system 10. Because extended
canopy 260 extends above top wall 110 of outer housing 100,
extended canopy 260 could be damaged or broken during shipment or
transport of merchandise display system 10. Thus, extended canopy
260 is easily removable for transport and later assembly at the
point of sale.
[0024] In an aspect of the invention, first channel 232 is formed
between side frame 230 and side frame cladding 231 on door 200.
Second channel 242 is formed between side frame 240 and side frame
cladding 241. Extended canopy 260 includes first member 266 that
engages first channel 232 and second member 268 that engages second
channel 242. Extended canopy 260 can engage door 200 via a snap fit
such that first member 266 and/or second member 268 can be a
cantilever beam, having an overhang that engages a respective slot
in side frame cladding 231 and/or side frame cladding 241 or side
frame 230 and/or side frame 240.
[0025] Extended canopy 260 can include a bottom surface 262 having
a bottom surface width 263. In one aspect of the invention, bottom
surface 262 is adjacent, to a top surface of top frame 210. Bottom
surface width 263 can be approximately equal to top frame width 212
to present a uniform appearance.
[0026] As shown in. FIGS. 6-7, a rear surface 261 of canopy 260 can
be attached to a bracket 250 with fasteners 252. Fasteners 252 can
be screws, bolts, rivets, nails, or any suitable fastener known in
the art. Extended canopy 260 can include a recess 264 in bottom
surface 262 to receive bracket 250 entirely within extended canopy
260.
[0027] In one aspect of the invention, all or portions of the
merchandise display system 10 may be shipped as component pieces
and assembled at a merchandising location. Each of the components
of the display system 10 may be separate from each other and
attached together to form the display system 10.
[0028] The merchandise display system 10 may include logos or signs
to further promote the brand or type of merchandise within the
merchandise display system 10. The logos and signs may be place on
any suitable surface of the merchandise display system 10. For
example, a sign may be placed on the top wall 110 of the outer
housing 100 or logos may be attached to the door 200, side walls
130 or 140, or extended canopy 260.
[0029] The refrigeration unit 300 (not shown) can include typical
refrigeration components such as a compressor, a condenser, an
evaporator, a fan, etc. The refrigeration unit 300 can operate on a
conventional vapor compression to maintain the beverages or
merchandise at a desired temperature. In the vapor compression
cycle, the refrigerant in the vapor phase is compressed in a
compressor resulting in an increase in temperature and pressure.
Next, the hot, high-pressure refrigerant is circulated through a
heat exchanger--a condenser--where it is cooled by heat transfer to
the surrounding air. Because of the heat transfer to the
surrounding air, the refrigerant condenses back to a liquid from
the gas phase. The refrigerant then passes through a throttling
device that reduces the pressure and temperature of the
refrigerant. The cold refrigerant leaves the throttling device and
enters a second heat exchanger--an evaporator--that provides cooled
air to the area to be refrigerated. Heat transfer between the
evaporator and area to be, refrigerated causes the refrigerant to
evaporate or change from a saturated mixture of liquid and vapor
into a superheated vapor. The vapor leaving the evaporator is then
drawn back into the compressor to repeat the cycle.
[0030] The refrigeration unit 300 can use any suitable type of
refrigerant to cool the merchandise display system 10. For example,
R134A (tetraflouroethane), CO.sub.2 (carbon dioxide), or
hydrocarbons may be used. The refrigeration components of
refrigeration unit 300 can be placed within refrigeration
compartment 104 and separated as necessary by insulating material.
Alternatively, some of the refrigeration components may be placed
in separate enclosures within the refrigeration compartment 104. A
front grille 400 can cover the front surface of the refrigeration
compartment 104. In one aspect of the invention, a portion of door
200 can cover a portion of front grille 400.
[0031] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, front grille 400 includes a surface
412 and a curved surface 414. In one aspect of the invention,
surface 412 is substantially planar or flat. Alternatively, surface
412 can be curved from left to right and/or from top to bottom. In
an aspect of the invention, curved surface 414 can extend along a
left side portion, bottom portion, and right side portion of
surface 412.
[0032] The curved surface 414 can become tangential to the plane
that is parallel to surface 412. This acts like an air plenum that
directs airflow into and out of the system. In one aspect of the
invention, the depth of the front surface 412 to the lower edge of
curved surface 414 can be approximately two inches. In another
aspect, the depth of the front surface 412 to the lower edge of
curved surface 414 can range from approximately 1/4 inch to
approximately four inches. In a further aspect, the depth of the
front surface 412 to the lower edge of curved surface 414 can be
greater than approximately 1/2 inch. In another aspect, the radius
of curvature on curve surface 414 can be optimized to reduce
airflow resistance to guide streamlines of air into the compressor
compartment, and vice-versa for exit air.
[0033] Front grille 400 can be arranged so that the air inlets and
air outlets are not visible when viewing merchandise display system
10 from the front. Front grille 400 can include one or more air
inlets and one or more air outlets. For example, front grille 400
can include air inlets 420, 422, and 424, and air outlets 430, 432,
and 434.
[0034] Air inlets 420, 422, 424 and/or air outlets 430, 432, 434
can be positioned between surface 412 and curved surface 414. In
one aspect of the invention, air inlet 420, 422, and 424 are
substantially perpendicular to surface 412. In another aspect, air
outlets 430, 432, and 434 are substantially perpendicular to
surface 412. In an alternate aspect, air inlets 420, 422, 424
and/or air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be angled with respect to
surface 412. For example, air inlets 420, 422, 424 and/or air
outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be angled from approximately zero
degrees to approximately 90 degrees with respect to surface
412.
[0035] In one aspect of the invention, the depth of each of air
inlets 420, 422, and 424 and/or air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can
be approximately two inches. In another aspect, the depth of each
of air inlets 420, 422, and 424 and/or air outlets 430, 432, and
434 can range from approximately 1/4 inch to approximately four
inches. In a farther aspect, the depth of each of air inlets 420,
422, and 424 and/or air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be greater
than approximately 1/2 inch. In one aspect of the invention, the
area of each of air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can range from
approximately one square inch to approximately 20 square itches.
For example, the area of each of air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can
be approximately nine square inches. In another aspect, the
combined area of air inlets 420, 422, and 424 can be approximately
23.5 square inches. In another aspect, the area of each of air
outlets 430, 432, and 434 can range from approximately three square
inches to approximately 20 square inches. For example, the area of
each of air outlets 430, 432, and 434 can be approximately nine
square inches. In another aspect, the combined area of air outlets
430, 432, and 434 can be approximately 23.5 square inches. In a
further aspect, the total airflow inlet area and/or the total
airflow outlet area can be approximately 39 square inches.
[0036] Front grille 400 also includes an inner portion 440, as
shown in FIG. 10. A partition 444 is formed on inner portion 440 to
separate inlet air flowing through one or more of air inlets 420,
422, and 424 from outlet air flowing through, one or more of air
outlets 430, 432, and 434. Partition 444 can be approximately
perpendicular to surface 412. In a further aspect, partition 444
can be angled from approximately zero degrees to approximately 90
degrees with respect to surface 412. In another aspect, partition
444 can be approximately parallel to air inlet 420 and air outlet
430. Partition 444 can also be approximately perpendicular to air
inlets 422 and 424 and air outlets 432 and 434. In another aspect
the inner portion 440 can be designed to create an airflow plenum
surface to smoothly direct airflow from the inlet vents to the
refrigeration compartment or condenser (heat exchanger) inlet.
Similar design could be implemented on surface 440 for outlet
vents. The airflow plenum can be integrated into the 440 geometry
and manufactured along with the rest of the grille, or added as an
additional component during assembly.
[0037] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description
section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to
be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections
may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the
present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus,
are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended
claims in any way.
[0038] The present invention(s) have been described above with the
aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation
of specified functions aid relationships thereof. The boundaries of
these functional building blocks Lave been arbitrarily defined
herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries
can he defined so long'as the specified functions and relationships
thereof are appropriately performed.
[0039] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will
so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others
can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily
modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific
embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from
the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such
adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning
and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the
teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that
the phraseology or terminology herein is for the, purpose of
description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or
phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by
the skilled artisan in, light of the teachings and guidance.
[0040] The breadth and scope of, the present invention(s) should
not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments,
but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *