US20130208447A1 - Internal Lighting for Refrigerated Display Cabinets - Google Patents
Internal Lighting for Refrigerated Display Cabinets Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130208447A1 US20130208447A1 US13/636,648 US201113636648A US2013208447A1 US 20130208447 A1 US20130208447 A1 US 20130208447A1 US 201113636648 A US201113636648 A US 201113636648A US 2013208447 A1 US2013208447 A1 US 2013208447A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cabinet
- door
- lighting
- internal lighting
- light assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D27/00—Lighting arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F11/00—Arrangements in shop windows, shop floors or show cases
- A47F11/06—Means for bringing about special optical effects
- A47F11/10—Arrangements of light sources
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
- A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
- A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
- A47F3/0404—Cases or cabinets of the closed type
- A47F3/0426—Details
Definitions
- This invention relates to internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets.
- the invention is particularly suitable for, but not limited to, internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets which have a mullion-less door system, or which have respective mullions provided for adjacent pairs of doors; but may also be used for other controlled- or ambient-environmental applications, including chillers and freezers, for the storage of foods or other articles.
- refrigerated display cabinets shall be used to include, but not be limited to, (i) refrigerated cabinets, chillers and freezers of the types for the display of the refrigerated products typically sold in upright multi-level display refrigerators and freezer cases at supermarkets, grocery shops, fuel outlets, bottle shops, butcher shops, fruit shops, pet-food shops and the like, together with (ii) all other types of refrigerated cabinets, freezers, cool rooms and freezer rooms for the (retail or wholesale) display and/or storage of foods or other articles.
- Refrigerated products including fresh and frozen foods, are typically displayed in open display cabinets; or behind glass doors, either mounted on refrigerated display cabinets, or providing consumer access to controlled-environment rooms or spaces.
- these display cabinets can extend along the whole, or part of, the length of the aisles and/or walls in the supermarkets, shops or other retail or wholesale outlets.
- the open display cabinets are not as energy efficient as the display cabinets using glass doors, as heat is drawn from the adjacent environment; but there is a resistance by many retailers to use the display cabinets having the glass doors, as these retailers believe the glass doors act as a “barrier” to their customers, resulting in reduced sales. Many of the retailers prefer the “open look” of the door-less open display cabinets; but are seeking energy efficient alternatives thereto.
- the glass-door display cabinets typically have a mullion between each adjacent pair of doors; where the, or each, mullion typically houses at least one vertical light and protective cover(s) therefore, all of which protrude rearwardly into the refrigerated space; further impeding a clear view, to the consumers, of the products displayed within the display cabinets, when viewed looking along the length of the display.
- the mullions are typically arranged to provide the surfaces of the cabinets against which the door seals (e.g. of a flexible gasket/seal type) provides sealing engagement between each door and its respective mullion.
- the door seals e.g. of a flexible gasket/seal type
- the air temperature and humidity within the display cabinets must be maintained within strict control limits to ensure maximum shelf life of the fresh foods.
- the fitment of the doors, and the mullions adds to the difficulty in illuminating the contents in the refrigerated display cabinets, as the quantity of light available externally from the cabinets is reduced.
- EP 1 645 823 (Thermo Glass Door) has LED(s) mounted on a sloping surface of a support which is supported by an inside edge of a “perimetral” gasket between the spaced glass sheets of the door.
- the LED(s) are located in the air gap between the glass panes and rely on direct transmission and reflection from the inner face of the outer-glass pane to illuminate the contents in the interior of the display cabinet.
- Trulaske reduces the viewing area through the door to the interior of the display cabinet, while the Thermo Glass Door arrangement requires the door to be disassembled to enable replacement/maintenance of the LED(s) in the (sealed) air gap.
- the present invention resides in internal lighting for a refrigerated display cabinet, including:
- a door for the cabinet having a door frame with a pair of vertical stiles, and optionally having at least one transparent pane mounted in the door frame;
- the, or each, light assembly being connectable to an energy source, and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is fitted to the cabinet.
- the door frame is a perimeter frame, with top and bottom rails interconnecting the vertical stiles; and
- At least one additional rearwardly-directed light assembly is mounted in, or on, the top and/or bottom rails.
- LED(s) are preferred as the light assemblies for their compactness & low heat emission.
- Other suitable lighting types e.g. LCD(s), light strips, covered dichroic- or halogen lamps, and/or other suitable (low-heat-emitting) lamps or light sources may be used.
- the, or each, light assembly may be connected to a door switch, which de-energizes the, or each, light assembly, when the respective door is opened.
- the peripheral frame for the glass door is manufactured from metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel); plastics; fiberglass or other composite materials; or a combination of two or more of these materials.
- the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top or bottom rail.
- The, or each, lighting assembly may be covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which may be coloured and/or have pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents in selected colour(s) e.g. pink for red meat and/or design(s) for improved aesthetic display.
- the present invention resides in a refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly hereinbefore described.
- the present invention resides in a refrigerated display cabinet including:
- the, or each; light assembly being connectable to an energy source, and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is in a closed position relative to the cabinet body.
- FIG. 1 is front elevation view of a refrigerated display cabinet before the fitment of the doors incorporating the internal lighting in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a similar view of a mullion-less refrigerated display cabinet after the (slim-line) doors have been fitted;
- FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of one of the doors
- FIG. 4 is an isometric view of Detail A of FIG. 3 on an enlarged scale
- FIG. 5 is a similar view of Detail B
- FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the door
- FIG. 7 is a sectional top view of the door taken on line C-C on FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a top view of Detail D on FIG. 7 on an enlarged scale
- FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the door taken on line E-E on FIG. 6 ;
- FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of Details F and G, respectively, on FIG. 9 on an enlarged scale.
- the refrigerated display cabinet 10 has a body 11 , typically of sheet metal/expanded polystyrene foam (and/or other insulation foam)/sheet metal construction.
- a body 11 typically of sheet metal/expanded polystyrene foam (and/or other insulation foam)/sheet metal construction.
- One or both of the metal skins can be manufactured from stainless steel; or one or both of the sheet metal skins may be manufactured from sheet steel or aluminium, where the exposed face of the or each metal skin is provided with a suitable protective and/or ascetically-appealing coated finish.
- a mullion-less cabinet frame 12 is provided within the display cabinet 10 , to enable the mounting of the doors, incorporating the internal lighting in accordance with the present invention, to be hereinafter descried.
- the cabinet frame 12 has, in this embodiment, top and bottom (horizontal) frame members 13 , 14 , interconnected by a pair of vertical end members 15 , 16 , but not by door mullions.
- a plurality of shelves 17 are provided within the cabinet body 11 , and may be vertically adjustable to enable the number of shelves 17 and/or the vertical spacings there-between to be varied.
- NB The skilled addressee will appreciate that different numbers of shelves 17 , and the vertical spacing's there-between, may be provided along the length of the cabinet body 11 to provide the best display configuration for the different products (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meats and the like) being stored and displayed in the display cabinet 10 .
- products e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meats and the like
- FIG. 2 illustrates a similar view of the refrigerated display cabinet 10 where, in this example, four (4) doors 20 have been fitted to the cabinet frame 12 , and where the spaces between adjacent pairs of doors 20 are sealed by sealing members 30 .
- the cabinet frame has continuous top and bottom frame members which are not connect by vertical end members or by door mullions.
- This embodiment may be preferred where the display cabinet is to extend along the full length of a wall interconnecting a pair of spaced walls; or where the doors are to be installed in a cold room (e.g. for alcoholic beverages), where the products on any of the shelves may be viewed and accessed by consumers either from inside or outside the cold room.
- doors 20 have “slim-line” peripheral frames 20 , with slim vertical stiles 23 , 24 in which the light assemblies 40 , to be hereinafter described, are mounted.
- the doors 20 have a transparent pane 22 e.g. of single-or-multi-layered glass, single-or-multi-layered plastics materials; or a multi layered glass/plastics combination; where the multi-layers are preferably separated by an air-gap or vacuum-gap to minimise heat transfer to the interior of the display cabinets 10 , 110 .
- a transparent pane 22 e.g. of single-or-multi-layered glass, single-or-multi-layered plastics materials; or a multi layered glass/plastics combination; where the multi-layers are preferably separated by an air-gap or vacuum-gap to minimise heat transfer to the interior of the display cabinets 10 , 110 .
- the peripheral frame 21 for each door 20 has first and second vertical stiles 23 and 24 interconnected by top and bottom rails 25 and 26 ; and may be formed from metal, plastic, fibreglass or other-composite construction; or a combination of two or more of these materials (e.g. a pair of stainless steel or aluminum extrusions which are interlocked together).
- each vertical stile 23 , 24 is profiled to provide a rearwardly-directed channel 27 defined by an inner flange 28 and an inclined wall-portion 29 .
- a light strip 40 incorporating a plurality of LED(s) 41 (or other lamps/light sources), is mounted in the rearwardly-directed channel 27 of one or both of the vertical stiles 23 , 24 to illuminate the interior of the display cabinet 10 when the door 20 is closed.
- the light strip 40 By mounting the light strip 40 on the inclined wall-portion 29 , the light strip will directly illuminate the interior portion of the display cabinet rearwardly of the door 20 .
- the light strip 40 extends the full height of the door 20 .
- the light strip 40 is enclosed within a transparent cover or housing 50 which is (preferably) releasably mounted on the rear of the vertical stile 23 , 24 e.g. by suitable clips or by engagement with the profile of the vertical stiles 23 , 24 .
- the cover or housing is preferably formed of transparent plastics-material, which may be coloured e.g. pink for a display cabinet 10 for red meat and/or have a pattern incorporated in, or placed thereon, to project an aesthetically-pleasing design onto the contents of the display cabinet 10 .
- Each light strip 40 in the door 20 is connected to a door switch 60 , on the top rail 25 , which will de-energize the LED(s) 41 in the light strip 40 when the door 20 is opened.
- the door switch 60 may have a magnet-controlled relay which opens when the door switch 60 moves a preset distance from the cabinet frame 12 as the door 20 is opened; and which closes to re-energise the LED(s) 41 when the door 20 is closed; or the relay may be controlled by a finger 61 .
- a maximum viewing area is available, for the viewing of the goods within the display cabinet 10 when the doors 20 are closed, compared to existing refrigerated display cabinets which incorporate door mullions to enable sealing between adjacent pairs of doors.
- the lighting assemblies 40 are recessing the lighting assemblies 40 into the rear faces 27 of the vertical stiles 23 , 24 of the peripheral frames 21 ; and more particularly, if thin-profile light assemblies such as light strips 40 incorporating LED(s) 41 are selected; then the effective obstruction to the viewing of the contents of the display cabinet 10 by the doors 20 is further reduced.
- the present invention provides highly effective internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets 10 ; and where the invention can be applied to both existing refrigerated display cabinets, by way of “retro-fitted” installations; or as “original equipment manufacture” (OEM) in new refrigerated display cabinets.
- OEM original equipment manufacture
- the internal lighting can be installed to illuminate the interiors (and articles therein) of a wide range of refrigerated- or freezer cabinets, chillers, cool-rooms, cold-rooms, freezer-rooms, and like equipment or installations for the display and/or storage of foods or other goods/articles which must be kept at or below preset temperatures.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Freezers Or Refrigerated Showcases (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets, chillers, cold rooms or freezers, has rearwardly-directed light assemblies incorporated in the rear faces of the vertical stiles (and/or top and bottom rails) of the door frames of the cabinet doors to illuminate the contents of the cabinets. The light assemblies may be provided in recesses, grooves or channels, and may comprise LED(s), lamps or lighting strips, connected to an electricity supply. Door switches can de-energise the light assemblies when the doors are open.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets.
- The invention is particularly suitable for, but not limited to, internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets which have a mullion-less door system, or which have respective mullions provided for adjacent pairs of doors; but may also be used for other controlled- or ambient-environmental applications, including chillers and freezers, for the storage of foods or other articles.
- Throughout the specification, the term “refrigerated display cabinets” shall be used to include, but not be limited to, (i) refrigerated cabinets, chillers and freezers of the types for the display of the refrigerated products typically sold in upright multi-level display refrigerators and freezer cases at supermarkets, grocery shops, fuel outlets, bottle shops, butcher shops, fruit shops, pet-food shops and the like, together with (ii) all other types of refrigerated cabinets, freezers, cool rooms and freezer rooms for the (retail or wholesale) display and/or storage of foods or other articles.
- 2. Prior Art
- Refrigerated products, including fresh and frozen foods, are typically displayed in open display cabinets; or behind glass doors, either mounted on refrigerated display cabinets, or providing consumer access to controlled-environment rooms or spaces.
- Typically, these display cabinets can extend along the whole, or part of, the length of the aisles and/or walls in the supermarkets, shops or other retail or wholesale outlets.
- The open display cabinets are not as energy efficient as the display cabinets using glass doors, as heat is drawn from the adjacent environment; but there is a resistance by many retailers to use the display cabinets having the glass doors, as these retailers believe the glass doors act as a “barrier” to their customers, resulting in reduced sales. Many of the retailers prefer the “open look” of the door-less open display cabinets; but are seeking energy efficient alternatives thereto.
- While glass doors maybe retrofitted to existing open display cabinets, many retailers are concerned by the disruption to trading due to the complicated installation procedures.
- The glass-door display cabinets typically have a mullion between each adjacent pair of doors; where the, or each, mullion typically houses at least one vertical light and protective cover(s) therefore, all of which protrude rearwardly into the refrigerated space; further impeding a clear view, to the consumers, of the products displayed within the display cabinets, when viewed looking along the length of the display.
- The mullions are typically arranged to provide the surfaces of the cabinets against which the door seals (e.g. of a flexible gasket/seal type) provides sealing engagement between each door and its respective mullion.
- The retailers must consider the balance between:
- (i) the potential loss of sales by the fitting of glass doors to the open display cabinets; against:
- (ii) the reduced size and operational requirements (including the reduced electricity (or other input energy) consumption) for the refrigerating/freezer units used to maintain the desired temperatures within the display cabinets fitted with doors, where the provision of the doors minimizes the ingress of heat from the surrounding environment into the display cabinets.
- In addition, particularly with fresh fruit and vegetables, the air temperature and humidity within the display cabinets must be maintained within strict control limits to ensure maximum shelf life of the fresh foods.
- The fitment of the doors, and the mullions, adds to the difficulty in illuminating the contents in the refrigerated display cabinets, as the quantity of light available externally from the cabinets is reduced.
- As discussed above, internal lighting may be provided in the mullions, bit the covers therefor tend to intrude, into the cabinets and block the “sight lines” to the contents.
- Of course, in mullion-less door systems, there are no mullions available to mount the internal lighting for the cabinets.
- Solutions to the problem proposed to date include:
- a) U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,666 (Trulaske) where a light assembly is mounted on, and spaced inwardly from, side framing members of a door frame. A base member extends between the top and bottom framing members to conceal the lighting from outside the refrigerated display cabinet; and
- b) EP 1 645 823 (Thermo Glass Door) has LED(s) mounted on a sloping surface of a support which is supported by an inside edge of a “perimetral” gasket between the spaced glass sheets of the door. The LED(s) are located in the air gap between the glass panes and rely on direct transmission and reflection from the inner face of the outer-glass pane to illuminate the contents in the interior of the display cabinet.
- The arrangement of Trulaske reduces the viewing area through the door to the interior of the display cabinet, while the Thermo Glass Door arrangement requires the door to be disassembled to enable replacement/maintenance of the LED(s) in the (sealed) air gap.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets (as hereinbefore defined) which is suitable for “retro-fitting” to existing open display cabinets and/or for installation in new refrigerated display cabinets.
- It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide such lighting which seeks to minimize as many obstructions to the clear view, by consumers, of the products displayed within the refrigerated display cabinets, while still maintaining a high degree of thermal efficiency.
- It is a further preferred object of the present invention to provide such lighting which provides effective illumination of their displayed products, controlled operation, such as being switched off when the door(s) are opened, and/or ease of installation and/or maintenance.
- Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description:
- In one aspect, the present invention resides in internal lighting for a refrigerated display cabinet, including:
- a door for the cabinet, the door having a door frame with a pair of vertical stiles, and optionally having at least one transparent pane mounted in the door frame;
- at least one rearwardly-directed light assembly in, or on, one or both of the vertical stiles; and
- the, or each, light assembly being connectable to an energy source, and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is fitted to the cabinet.
- Preferably, the door frame is a perimeter frame, with top and bottom rails interconnecting the vertical stiles; and
- at least one additional rearwardly-directed light assembly is mounted in, or on, the top and/or bottom rails.
- Preferably, LED(s) are preferred as the light assemblies for their compactness & low heat emission. Other suitable lighting types e.g. LCD(s), light strips, covered dichroic- or halogen lamps, and/or other suitable (low-heat-emitting) lamps or light sources may be used
- Preferably, the, or each, light assembly may be connected to a door switch, which de-energizes the, or each, light assembly, when the respective door is opened.
- Preferably, the peripheral frame for the glass door is manufactured from metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel); plastics; fiberglass or other composite materials; or a combination of two or more of these materials.
- Preferably, the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top or bottom rail.
- The, or each, lighting assembly may be covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which may be coloured and/or have pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents in selected colour(s) e.g. pink for red meat and/or design(s) for improved aesthetic display.
- In a second aspect, the present invention resides in a refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly hereinbefore described.
- In a third aspect, the present invention resides in a refrigerated display cabinet including:
- a cabinet body with a cabinet frame;
- at least one door hingedly mounted on top and bottom frame members of the cabinet frame, the, or each, door having a door frame with a pair of vertical stiles, and optionally having at least one transparent pane mounted in the door frame; and
- at least one rearwardly-directed light assembly in, or on, one or both of the vertical stiles of the, or each, door;
- the, or each; light assembly being connectable to an energy source, and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is in a closed position relative to the cabinet body.
- To enable the invention to be fully understood, preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is front elevation view of a refrigerated display cabinet before the fitment of the doors incorporating the internal lighting in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a similar view of a mullion-less refrigerated display cabinet after the (slim-line) doors have been fitted; -
FIG. 3 is an isometric rear view of one of the doors; -
FIG. 4 is an isometric view of Detail A ofFIG. 3 on an enlarged scale; -
FIG. 5 is a similar view of Detail B; -
FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the door; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional top view of the door taken on line C-C onFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top view of Detail D onFIG. 7 on an enlarged scale; -
FIG. 9 is a sectional side view of the door taken on line E-E onFIG. 6 ; and -
FIGS. 10 and 11 are side views of Details F and G, respectively, onFIG. 9 on an enlarged scale. - Referring to
FIG. 1 of the drawings, therefrigerated display cabinet 10 has abody 11, typically of sheet metal/expanded polystyrene foam (and/or other insulation foam)/sheet metal construction. One or both of the metal skins can be manufactured from stainless steel; or one or both of the sheet metal skins may be manufactured from sheet steel or aluminium, where the exposed face of the or each metal skin is provided with a suitable protective and/or ascetically-appealing coated finish. - At the front of the
cabinet body 11, amullion-less cabinet frame 12 is provided within thedisplay cabinet 10, to enable the mounting of the doors, incorporating the internal lighting in accordance with the present invention, to be hereinafter descried. - The
cabinet frame 12 has, in this embodiment, top and bottom (horizontal)frame members vertical end members - A plurality of
shelves 17, in this example being four (4) in number, are provided within thecabinet body 11, and may be vertically adjustable to enable the number ofshelves 17 and/or the vertical spacings there-between to be varied. - NB: The skilled addressee will appreciate that different numbers of
shelves 17, and the vertical spacing's there-between, may be provided along the length of thecabinet body 11 to provide the best display configuration for the different products (e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, meats and the like) being stored and displayed in thedisplay cabinet 10. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a similar view of therefrigerated display cabinet 10 where, in this example, four (4)doors 20 have been fitted to thecabinet frame 12, and where the spaces between adjacent pairs ofdoors 20 are sealed by sealingmembers 30. - In an alternative embodiment of the
refrigerated display cabinet 10, not illustrated, the cabinet frame has continuous top and bottom frame members which are not connect by vertical end members or by door mullions. This embodiment may be preferred where the display cabinet is to extend along the full length of a wall interconnecting a pair of spaced walls; or where the doors are to be installed in a cold room (e.g. for alcoholic beverages), where the products on any of the shelves may be viewed and accessed by consumers either from inside or outside the cold room. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 , 6 and 9,doors 20 have “slim-line” peripheral frames 20, with slimvertical stiles light assemblies 40, to be hereinafter described, are mounted. - The
doors 20 have atransparent pane 22 e.g. of single-or-multi-layered glass, single-or-multi-layered plastics materials; or a multi layered glass/plastics combination; where the multi-layers are preferably separated by an air-gap or vacuum-gap to minimise heat transfer to the interior of thedisplay cabinets 10, 110. - The
peripheral frame 21 for eachdoor 20 has first and secondvertical stiles bottom rails - As shown in
FIG. 8 , eachvertical stile channel 27 defined by aninner flange 28 and an inclined wall-portion 29. - A
light strip 40, incorporating a plurality of LED(s) 41 (or other lamps/light sources), is mounted in the rearwardly-directedchannel 27 of one or both of thevertical stiles display cabinet 10 when thedoor 20 is closed. - By mounting the
light strip 40 on the inclined wall-portion 29, the light strip will directly illuminate the interior portion of the display cabinet rearwardly of thedoor 20. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4 , 8, 10 and 11, thelight strip 40 extends the full height of thedoor 20. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 8 , thelight strip 40 is enclosed within a transparent cover orhousing 50 which is (preferably) releasably mounted on the rear of thevertical stile vertical stiles - The cover or housing is preferably formed of transparent plastics-material, which may be coloured e.g. pink for a
display cabinet 10 for red meat and/or have a pattern incorporated in, or placed thereon, to project an aesthetically-pleasing design onto the contents of thedisplay cabinet 10. - Each
light strip 40 in thedoor 20 is connected to adoor switch 60, on thetop rail 25, which will de-energize the LED(s) 41 in thelight strip 40 when thedoor 20 is opened. - The
door switch 60 may have a magnet-controlled relay which opens when thedoor switch 60 moves a preset distance from thecabinet frame 12 as thedoor 20 is opened; and which closes to re-energise the LED(s) 41 when thedoor 20 is closed; or the relay may be controlled by afinger 61. - By locating the interior lighting for the
display cabinet 10 within thevertical stiles light assembly 40 is directed into the interior of thedisplay cabinet 10; and additional light housings, potentially restricting the view into the display cabinet, are not required. - The skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention, by employing a mullion-less door system, a maximum viewing area is available, for the viewing of the goods within the
display cabinet 10 when thedoors 20 are closed, compared to existing refrigerated display cabinets which incorporate door mullions to enable sealing between adjacent pairs of doors. - In addition, by recessing the
lighting assemblies 40 into the rear faces 27 of thevertical stiles peripheral frames 21; and more particularly, if thin-profile light assemblies such as light strips 40 incorporating LED(s) 41 are selected; then the effective obstruction to the viewing of the contents of thedisplay cabinet 10 by thedoors 20 is further reduced. - The skilled addressee will appreciate the internal lighting of the present invention, employing the
doors 20 hereinbefore described, can also be applied to display cabinets where a single mullion is provided for each pair of doors. - The skilled addressee will appreciate that the present invention provides highly effective internal lighting for
refrigerated display cabinets 10; and where the invention can be applied to both existing refrigerated display cabinets, by way of “retro-fitted” installations; or as “original equipment manufacture” (OEM) in new refrigerated display cabinets. - The skilled addressee will also appreciate that the internal lighting can be installed to illuminate the interiors (and articles therein) of a wide range of refrigerated- or freezer cabinets, chillers, cool-rooms, cold-rooms, freezer-rooms, and like equipment or installations for the display and/or storage of foods or other goods/articles which must be kept at or below preset temperatures.
- Various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described and illustrated without departing from the present invention.
Claims (23)
1) Internal lighting for a refrigerated display cabinet, including:
a door for the cabinet, the door having a door frame with a pair of vertical stiles, and optionally having at least one transparent pane mounted in the door frame; and
at least one rearwardly-directed light assembly in, or on, one or both of the vertical stiles;
the, or each, light assembly being connectable to an energy source,
and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is fitted to the cabinet.
2) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the door frame is a perimeter frame, with top and bottom rails interconnecting the vertical stiles; and
at least one additional rearwardly-directed light assembly is mounted.
3) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 2 , wherein:
the, or each, light assembly is selected from: LED(s), LCD(s), light strips, covered dichroic- or halogen lamps, and/or other suitable lamps or light sources.
4) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 3 , wherein:
the, or each, light assembly is connected to a door switch, which deenergizes the, or each, light assembly, when the door is opened.
5) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top rail or bottom rail.
6) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 5 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is optionally covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which is optionally coloured and/or has pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents of the cabinet in selected colour(s) and/or design(s).
7) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 6 .
8) A refrigerated display cabinet including:
a cabinet body with a cabinet frame;
at least one door hingedly mounted on top and bottom frame members of the cabinet frame, the, or each, door having a door frame with a pair of vertical stiles, and optionally having at least one transparent pane mounted in the door frame; and
at least one rearwardly-directed light assembly in: or on, one or both of the vertical stiles of the, or each, door;
the, or each, light assembly being connectable to an energy source,
and being operable to illuminate an interior portion of the cabinet when the door is in a closed position relative to the cabinet body.
9) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the, or each, light assembly is selected from: LED(s), LCD(s), light strips, covered dichroic- or halogen lamps, and/or other suitable lamps or light sources.
10) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the, or each, light assembly is connected to a door switch, which deenergizes the, or each, light assembly, when the door is opened.
11) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 2 , wherein:
the, or each, light assembly is connected to a door switch, which deenergizes the, or each, light assembly, when the door is opened.
12) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top rail or bottom rail.
13) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 2 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top rail or bottom rail.
14) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 3 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is mounted in a rearwardly-directed recess, groove or channel in a rear face of the respective vertical stile or top rail or bottom rail.
15) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is optionally covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which is optionally coloured and/or has pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents of the cabinet in selected colour(s) and/or design(s).
16) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 2 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is optionally covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which is optionally coloured and/or has pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents of the cabinet in selected colour(s) and/or design(s).
17) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 3 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is optionally covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which is optionally coloured and/or has pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents of the cabinet in selected colour(s) and/or design(s).
18) Internal lighting as claimed in claim 4 , wherein:
the, or each, lighting assembly is optionally covered by a transparent panel, or housing, which is optionally coloured and/or has pattern(s) applied thereto to illuminate the contents of the cabinet in selected colour(s) and/or design(s).
19) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 1 .
20) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 2 .
21) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 3 .
22) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 4 .
23) A refrigerated display cabinet having at least one door provided with at least one light assembly to provide internal lighting for the cabinet as claimed in claim 5 .
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2010100496A AU2010100496B4 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2010-05-21 | Internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets |
AU2010100496 | 2010-05-21 | ||
PCT/AU2011/000583 WO2011143705A1 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-05-18 | Internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130208447A1 true US20130208447A1 (en) | 2013-08-15 |
Family
ID=42313459
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/636,648 Abandoned US20130208447A1 (en) | 2010-05-21 | 2011-05-18 | Internal Lighting for Refrigerated Display Cabinets |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130208447A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102939030A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010100496B4 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI429870B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011143705A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2532870A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-01 | Puertas Castalla, S.L. | Lighting device for passage doors (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US20150300628A1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Rod as a Lens Element for Light Emitting Diodes |
US9687087B1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2017-06-27 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door assembly with vacuum panel and lighting features |
US9832847B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2017-11-28 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System for decreasing energy usage of a transparent LCD display case |
US9881528B2 (en) | 2011-10-13 | 2018-01-30 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Transparent liquid crystal display on display case |
US9897372B2 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2018-02-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Integrated lighting system for the interior liner of an appliance |
US9983427B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2018-05-29 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Sealed transparent liquid crystal display assembly |
US10182665B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2019-01-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for preventing damage to products |
US10269038B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2019-04-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System for tracking and analyzing consumption |
US10467844B2 (en) * | 2016-03-02 | 2019-11-05 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Vending machines having a transparent display |
US10649273B2 (en) | 2014-10-08 | 2020-05-12 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | LED assembly for transparent liquid crystal display and static graphic |
US10692407B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2020-06-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Mirror having an integrated electronic display |
US10705288B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2020-07-07 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Thermal management system for a transparent electronic display located in an access panel of a display case |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IN2015DN01693A (en) | 2012-09-24 | 2015-07-03 | Carrier Corp | |
CN105708237A (en) * | 2016-03-25 | 2016-06-29 | 新麦机械(无锡)有限公司 | Display cabinet with LED lighting equipment |
ES2870675T3 (en) * | 2019-05-06 | 2021-10-27 | Schott Ag | Swing door system and freezer device |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5699676A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-12-23 | True Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Refrigerator unit with lighted door |
US6578978B1 (en) * | 1999-06-07 | 2003-06-17 | Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc. | Display case having a mullion with recessed light fixtures |
US20040264168A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2004-12-30 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Lighting device for baking oven |
US20070159820A1 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2007-07-12 | Styimark, Inc. | Light emitting diode lighting assembly |
US20080165526A1 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2008-07-10 | Carrier Corporation | Multiple Door Display Merchandiser With Lighting Enhancement |
US20080186696A1 (en) * | 2007-02-03 | 2008-08-07 | Awai George K | Light emitting diode waveguide assemblies for illuminating refrigerated areas |
US20090135587A1 (en) * | 2007-11-22 | 2009-05-28 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Showcase |
US20090244884A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | True Manufacturing Co. Inc. | Glass door merchandiser having led lights and mounting assembly therefor |
US20100061079A1 (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2010-03-11 | Haier Group Corporation | Refrigerator |
US20100214769A1 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-08-26 | Hussmann Corporation | High efficacy led light assembly for a merchandiser |
-
2010
- 2010-05-21 AU AU2010100496A patent/AU2010100496B4/en not_active Expired
-
2011
- 2011-05-18 WO PCT/AU2011/000583 patent/WO2011143705A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-05-18 CN CN2011800250942A patent/CN102939030A/en active Pending
- 2011-05-18 US US13/636,648 patent/US20130208447A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-05-19 TW TW100117644A patent/TWI429870B/en active
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5699676A (en) * | 1995-09-29 | 1997-12-23 | True Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Refrigerator unit with lighted door |
US6578978B1 (en) * | 1999-06-07 | 2003-06-17 | Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc. | Display case having a mullion with recessed light fixtures |
US20040264168A1 (en) * | 2001-10-25 | 2004-12-30 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Lighting device for baking oven |
US20080165526A1 (en) * | 2005-03-18 | 2008-07-10 | Carrier Corporation | Multiple Door Display Merchandiser With Lighting Enhancement |
US20070159820A1 (en) * | 2006-01-09 | 2007-07-12 | Styimark, Inc. | Light emitting diode lighting assembly |
US20080186696A1 (en) * | 2007-02-03 | 2008-08-07 | Awai George K | Light emitting diode waveguide assemblies for illuminating refrigerated areas |
US20090135587A1 (en) * | 2007-11-22 | 2009-05-28 | Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. | Showcase |
US20090244884A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-10-01 | True Manufacturing Co. Inc. | Glass door merchandiser having led lights and mounting assembly therefor |
US20100061079A1 (en) * | 2008-09-10 | 2010-03-11 | Haier Group Corporation | Refrigerator |
US20100214769A1 (en) * | 2009-02-20 | 2010-08-26 | Hussmann Corporation | High efficacy led light assembly for a merchandiser |
Cited By (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10417943B2 (en) | 2011-10-13 | 2019-09-17 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Transparent liquid crystal display on display case |
US9881528B2 (en) | 2011-10-13 | 2018-01-30 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Transparent liquid crystal display on display case |
ES2532870A1 (en) * | 2013-10-01 | 2015-04-01 | Puertas Castalla, S.L. | Lighting device for passage doors (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
US20150300628A1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Rod as a Lens Element for Light Emitting Diodes |
US10527276B2 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2020-01-07 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Rod as a lens element for light emitting diodes |
US10705288B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2020-07-07 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Thermal management system for a transparent electronic display located in an access panel of a display case |
US9983427B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2018-05-29 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Sealed transparent liquid crystal display assembly |
US10269038B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2019-04-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System for tracking and analyzing consumption |
US10679243B2 (en) | 2014-06-16 | 2020-06-09 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for tracking and analyzing consumption |
US10649273B2 (en) | 2014-10-08 | 2020-05-12 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | LED assembly for transparent liquid crystal display and static graphic |
US11474393B2 (en) | 2014-10-08 | 2022-10-18 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Lighting assembly for electronic display and graphic |
US10455671B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2019-10-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for decreasing energy usage of a transparent display case |
US10555406B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2020-02-04 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for decreasing energy usage of a transparent display case |
US9832847B2 (en) | 2014-10-09 | 2017-11-28 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System for decreasing energy usage of a transparent LCD display case |
US10182665B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2019-01-22 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for preventing damage to products |
US10258170B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2019-04-16 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for controlling an electronic display |
US10595648B2 (en) | 2014-10-15 | 2020-03-24 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | System and method for preventing damage to products |
US9897372B2 (en) | 2015-03-23 | 2018-02-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Integrated lighting system for the interior liner of an appliance |
US10467844B2 (en) * | 2016-03-02 | 2019-11-05 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Vending machines having a transparent display |
US9918566B2 (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2018-03-20 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door assembly with vacuum panel and lighting features |
US10390633B2 (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2019-08-27 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door assembly with vacuum panel and lighting features |
US10130193B2 (en) | 2016-06-16 | 2018-11-20 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door assembly with vacuum panel and lighting features |
US9687087B1 (en) * | 2016-06-16 | 2017-06-27 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case door assembly with vacuum panel and lighting features |
US10692407B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2020-06-23 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Mirror having an integrated electronic display |
US11854440B2 (en) | 2016-07-08 | 2023-12-26 | Manufacturing Resources International, Inc. | Mirror having an integrated electronic display |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW201207336A (en) | 2012-02-16 |
WO2011143705A1 (en) | 2011-11-24 |
CN102939030A (en) | 2013-02-20 |
AU2010100496B4 (en) | 2013-08-22 |
TWI429870B (en) | 2014-03-11 |
AU2010100496A4 (en) | 2010-07-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2010100496B4 (en) | Internal lighting for refrigerated display cabinets | |
US20120062080A1 (en) | Door system for refrigerated display cabinets | |
CA3044809C (en) | Thermal frame | |
US5879070A (en) | Louvered lighting system | |
US4818043A (en) | Product display and marketing device | |
US9510695B2 (en) | Display chiller having automatic doors that open towards the interior of a cabinet | |
US10575660B2 (en) | Glass assembly with clear edging | |
US7434950B2 (en) | Refrigerated product display case having a universal ballast mounting bracket | |
KR20070116088A (en) | Multiple door display merchandiser with lighting enhancement | |
US6817201B2 (en) | Hot/cold product merchandiser | |
US9554660B2 (en) | Reach-in door for refrigerated cabinets | |
EP1801525B1 (en) | A door-frame and cabinet-side front frame group for refrigerator cabinets | |
RU2311597C2 (en) | Built-in freezer with transparent door | |
US20070022667A1 (en) | Product display case door frame having an integrated raceway | |
US20090021125A1 (en) | Structure for Presenting and Displaying Goods | |
US5584189A (en) | Refrigerated merchandiser | |
EP2833760B1 (en) | Cooling device and access door | |
CA3155012A1 (en) | Vacuum-insulated cooler | |
RU11671U1 (en) | REFRIGERATION SHOWCASE | |
AU2014201253B2 (en) | Light cover/diffuser for food cabinets | |
JPH04341219A (en) | Commodity storage showcase | |
EP2114214A1 (en) | Refrigerating cabinet |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MASLEN TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MASLEN, JOHN, MR.;REEL/FRAME:029466/0816 Effective date: 20121130 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |