WO2015084792A1

WO2015084792A1 - Systems and methods for a door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer

Info

Publication number: WO2015084792A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/068064
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vinayak S. GODBOLE
Original assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
Priority date: 2013-12-05
Filing date: 2014-12-02
Publication date: 2015-06-11

Abstract

A door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the door assembly may include a removable transparent panel, an outer frame, and a removable inner bracket. According to another embodiment, the door assembly may include a frame assembly, a light cavity, and one or more light sources.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A

REFRIGERATED MERCHANDIZER

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a refrigerated merchandizer and more particularly relates to a door assembly for the refrigerated merchandizer.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Typical refrigerated merchandizers, such as refrigerated merchandizers intended for use in a retail setting, include a door fitted with a multi-pane insulated panel assembly for accessing the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer. The door assembly may require regular maintenance. For example, the panels of the door assembly may become cracked or develop leaks, causing a visually unappealing display. Moreover, fog or condensation may build up in and/or around the panels, which may obstruct a customer's view of the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer. Current refrigerated merchandizers require that the entire door assembly be removed and replaced to correct these problems.

[0003] Moreover, the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer may include one or more lights to illuminate the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer. The lights, however, may generate a substantial amount of heat. The heat generated by the lights may require additional energy to cool the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer.

SUMMARY

[0004] Some or all of the above needs and/or problems may be addressed by certain embodiments of a door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer disclosed herein. According to an example embodiment, the door assembly may include a removable transparent panel, an outer frame, and a removable inner bracket. The outer frame may be configured to support the removable transparent panel when the door assembly is in an assembled configuration. The removable inner bracket may be attachable to the outer frame and configured to clamp the removable transparent panel between the removable inner bracket and the outer frame when the door assembly is in the assembled configuration. The transparent panel may be removed from the outer frame when the removable inner bracket is detached from the outer frame when the door assembly is in a disassembled configuration.

[0005] In another embodiment, the door assembly may include a frame assembly, a light cavity, and one or more light sources. The light cavity may be formed within the frame assembly. The light cavity may include a channel having a first opening and a second opening. The one or more light sources may be disposed within the light cavity. Heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity may be dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening and exiting the second opening.

[0006] Other features and aspects of the door assembly will be apparent or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and the detailed description. All other features and aspects, as well as other system, method, and assembly embodiments, are intended to be included within the description and are intended to be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Throughout this disclosure, depending on the context, singular and plural terminology may be used interchangeably.

[0008] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 schematically depicts a sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 schematically depicts a sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 schematically depicts a sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. [0013] FIG. 6 schematically depicts an exploded sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 schematically depicts a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 schematically depicts an exploded sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 schematically depicts a sectional view of a door assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer is disclosed herein. The refrigerated merchandizer may include a vending machine or frozen food cabinet, etc. The door assembly may be a sliding door, a hinged door, or non-opening door/window. The refrigerated merchandizer may be configured to house one or more products therein, such as beverage containers or perishable items. Any item may be housed within the refrigerated merchandizer. The door assembly may provide access to the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. For example, a customer may open the door assembly and remove an item from the refrigerated merchandizer, after which the customer may close the door assembly. In certain embodiments, the door assembly may include a transparent panel, such as a glass panel, a plastic panel, or the like. In this manner, the customers may view the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer without opening the door assembly.

[0018] Glass door assemblies for refrigerated merchandizers may require regular maintenance. For example, the glass panels of the door may become cracked or develop leaks, causing a visually unappealing display. Moreover, cracks may cause fog or condensation to build up in and/or around the glass panels, which may obstruct a customer's view of the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer. Current techniques require that the entire door assembly be removed and replaced to correct these problems. The present disclosure provides the technical effect and/or solution of enabling the glass panels to be replaced in the field and with minimal effort. As a result, maintenance costs and downtime may be reduced.

[0019] Moreover, the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer may include one or more lights to illuminate the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer. The lights, however, may generate a substantial amount of heat. The heat generated by the lights may require additional energy to cool the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. The present disclosure provides the technical effect and/or solution of illuminating the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer while dissipating the heat generated by the lights to the ambient environment, resulting in a more energy efficient refrigerated merchandizer. Other technical effects and/or solutions may become apparent throughout the disclosure.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the door assembly disclosed herein may include a removable transparent panel and a frame assembly. In some instances, the removable transparent panel may be a glass sheet. The glass sheet may include a number of glass sheets spaced apart by one or more spacers. The removable transparent panel may be any suitable material, including plastic.

[0021] The frame assembly may include an outer frame and a removable inner bracket. The outer frame may be configured to at least partially support the removable transparent panel when the door assembly is in an assembled configuration. The removable inner bracket may be attachable to the outer frame. The removable inner bracket may be configured to clamp the removable transparent panel between the removable inner bracket and the outer frame when the door assembly is in the assembled configuration. In some instances, the removable transparent panel may be removable from the outer frame when the removable inner bracket is detached from the outer frame, i.e., when the door assembly is in a disassembled configuration.

[0022] The techniques described herein may be implemented on any door or window assembly. For example, a home window may include an outer frame and a removable inner bracket similar to those described herein. In this manner, the window pane (e.g., multi-pane glass) may be replaced my removing the removable inner bracket.

[0023] In some instances, a handle may be attached to the outer frame. A customer may grasp the handle to open the door assembly. In addition, a seal may be attached to the outer frame. When the door assembly is closed, the seal may form a substantially hermetic seal between the door assembly and the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. That is, when the door assembly is closed, the seal may form a hermetic barrier between the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer and the ambient environment.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the frame assembly may include a light cavity. The light cavity may include a substantially vertical channel having a first opening about a bottom portion of the light cavity and a second opening about a top portion of the light cavity. In some instances, the light cavity may be disposed about the lateral edges of the door assembly. One or more light sources may be disposed within the light cavity. Heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity may be dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening and exiting the second opening. The light cavity may be configured to illuminate the items disposed within the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer, while directing the heat generated by the light sources away from the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer to the ambient surrounds.

[0025] In some instances, the light cavity may be formed between the outer frame and the removable inner bracket. In such instances, the removable inner bracket may be at least partially transparent. Moreover, because the removable inner bracket is removable, the one or more light sources may be accessed for maintenance when the removable inner bracket is removed from the outer frame. In some instances, the one or more light sources may be LED lights or tube lights. Any number or type of light sources may be used herein.

[0026] The door assembly also may include one or more light sources in communication with the light cavity. In addition, at least one heat sink may be disposed about an end of the light cavity. In this manner, the heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity may be dissipated by way of the heat sink. In some instances, the light cavity may be a light tube. The light tube may include a reflective inner surface that is configured to reflect light produced by the one or more light sources throughout the light tube and into an interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. Moreover, the light tube may include a transparent non-reflective slit facing the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer so that the light produced by the one or more light sources is reflected throughout the light tube, through the slit, and into the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer.

[0027] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to beverage containers, other items may be stored within the refrigerated merchandizer, including perishable items, edible products, promotional items, or the like. Any item or product where a temperature controlled setting is desirable may be stored within the refrigerated merchandizer.

[0028] These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail through reference to the accompanying drawings in the detailed description that follows. This brief introduction, including section titles and corresponding summaries, is provided for the reader's convenience and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, nor the proceeding sections. Furthermore, the techniques described above and below may be implemented in a number of ways and in a number of contexts. Several example implementations and contexts are provided with reference to the following figures, as described below in more detail. However, the following implementations and contexts are but a few of many.

[0029] FIGS. 1-4 schematically depict one or more example devices, systems, and methods for a door assembly 100 for a refrigerated merchandizer. In some instances, the refrigerated merchandizer may be used in a retail setting, such as a convenient store, a grocery store, or the like. Generally speaking, as depicted in FIG. 1, the door assembly 100 may include a frame assembly 102. The frame assembly 102 may include a hinge assembly 104 for attaching the door assembly 100 to the refrigerated merchandizer. The hinge assembly 104 may enable the door assembly 100 to be opened and closed. The refrigerated merchandizer may be configured to house one or more products therein, such as beverage containers or perishable items. The door assembly 100 may provide access to the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. In some instances, a customer may open the door assembly 100 and remove an item from the refrigerated merchandizer, after which the customer may close the door assembly 100. A handle 106 may be attached to the frame assembly 102. In this manner, a customer may grasp the handle 106 to open the door assembly 100. The door assembly 100, and the various components thereof, may have any size, shape, or configuration.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the door assembly 100 may include a removable transparent panel 108. In some instances, the removable transparent panel 108 may be a glass sheet, a plastic sheet, or the like. Any suitable material may be used. In this manner, the customers may view the contents of the refrigerated merchandizer without opening the door assembly 100. In some instances, as depicted in FIGS. 2-4, the removable transparent panel 108 may include a number of sheets 110. For example, the removable transparent panel 108 may include a number of spaced apart glass or plastic sheets. The spaced apart sheets 1 10 may increase the thermal efficiency of the refrigerated merchandizer. The sheets 110 may be spaced apart by one or more spacers 112. In some instances, a vacuum may be formed between the sheets 1 10 and spacers 112. In other instances, one or more gasses, such as argon, may be injected between the sheets 1 10 and the spacers 112. [0031] In some instances, the removable transparent panel 108 may be replaced in the field (i.e., at the retail location of the refrigerated merchandizer) and with minimal effort. For example, the frame assembly 102 may include an outer frame 1 14 and a removable inner bracket 1 16. The outer frame 1 14 may be configured to at least partially support the removable transparent panel 108 when the door assembly 100 is in an assembled configuration.

[0032] The removable inner bracket 1 16 may be attachable to the outer frame 1 14. For example, the removable inner bracket 116 may be attached to the outer frame 1 14 at a first attachment point 118. One or more fasteners 1 19, such as screws, bolts, nails, or the like, may attach the removable inner bracket 1 16 to the outer frame 114 at the first attachment point 118. Any fastening means may be used. In addition, the removable inner bracket 1 16 may be attached to the outer frame 1 14 at a second attachment point 120. For example, the removable inner bracket 116 may include a hook 122, and the outer frame 1 14 may include a catch 124, or vice versa. Any attachment means may be used.

[0033] When in the assembled configuration, the removable inner bracket 1 16 may be configured to clamp the removable transparent panel 108 between the removable inner bracket 116 and the outer frame 1 14. For example, the inner removable bracket 116 may include a clamp portion 126 (such as a clamp arm), and the outer frame 114 may include a corresponding clamp portion 128 (such as a clamp arm). The clamp portion 126 and the clamp portion 128 may collectively clamp at least a portion of the removable transparent panel 108 between each other when in the assembly configuration. In some instances, as depicted in FIG. 4, the removable inner bracket 1 16 may act as a spring and press against the removable transparent panel 108 thereby clamping the removable transparent panel 108 between the clamp portion 126 and the clamp portion 128 when in the assembled configuration.

[0034] In some instances, the removable transparent panel 108 may be removed from the outer frame 1 14 when the removable inner bracket 1 16 is detached from the outer frame 1 14, i.e., when the door assembly 100 is in a disassembled configuration. In this manner, the removable transparent panel 108 may be removed and replaced without having to replace the entire door assembly 100.

[0035] In certain embodiments, the door assembly may include a seal 130. When the door assembly 100 is closed, the seal 130 may form a substantially hermetic seal between the door assembly 100 and a wall 132 of the refrigerated merchandizer. That is, when the door assembly 100 is closed, the seal 130 may form a hermetic barrier between an interior 134 of the refrigerated merchandizer and the ambient environment outside of the refrigerated merchandizer.

[0036] In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 1, the frame assembly 102 may include a light cavity 136. The light cavity 136 may include a substantially vertical channel comprising a first opening 138 about a bottom portion of the light cavity 136 and a second opening 140 about a top portion of the light cavity 136. As depicted in FIGS. 2- 4, one or more light sources 142 may be disposed within the light cavity 136. Heat generated by the one or more light sources 142 within the light cavity 136 may be dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening 138 from the ambient environment and exiting the second opening 140 back to the ambient environment. In this manner, the light cavity 136 may be configured to illuminate the items disposed within the interior 134 of the refrigerated merchandizer, while directing the heat generated by the light sources 142 away from the interior 134 of the refrigerated merchandizer to the ambient surrounds, resulting in a more energy efficient refrigerated merchandizer. The light cavity 136 also may eliminate or mitigate condensation on the removable transparent panel 108 by managing the flow of the heat. In some instances, a fan or blower may force air through the light cavity 136. In other instances, natural convection may be used.

[0037] In some instances, the light cavity 136 may be formed between the outer frame 1 14 and the removable inner bracket 1 16. In such instances, the removable inner bracket 1 16 may be at least partially transparent to enable the light sources 142 to illuminate the interior 134 of the refrigerated merchandizer. Moreover, because the removable inner bracket 1 16 is removable, the one or more light sources 142 may be accessed for maintenance when the removable inner bracket 1 16 is removable from the outer frame 1 14. In some instances, the one or more light sources 142 may be LED lights or tubes lights. Any number or type of light source may be used herein, including incandescent, florescent, etc. In certain embodiments, tube lighting, such as LED tubes, may be disposed within the light cavity 136.

[0038] FIGS. 5 and 6 depict another example door assembly 200 for a refrigerated merchandizer. As depicted in FIG. 5, the door assembly 200 may include a frame assembly 202. The frame assembly 202 may include a hinge assembly 204 for attaching the door assembly 200 to the refrigerated merchandizer. The hinge assembly 204 may enable the door assembly 200 to be opened and closed. The hinge assembly may include an upper hinge 205 and a lower hinge 207. The door assembly 200 may provide access to the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. The door assembly 200 may include a removable transparent panel 208 similar to those described above. For example, the removable transparent panel 208 may include a number of spaced apart glass or plastic sheets. The sheets may be spaced apart by one or more spacers. In some instances, a vacuum may be formed between the sheets and the spacers. In other instances, one or more gasses, such as argon, may be injected between the sheets and the spacers.

[0039] As depicted in FIG. 6, the frame assembly 202 may include a corner bracket 214 for attaching the corner pieces of the frame assembly 202. In some instances, the corner bracket 214 may be generally L-shaped. The frame assembly 202 may include a side frame portion 216 and a bottom frame portion 218 joined together by the corner bracket 214. The corner bracket 214 may be used to attach any corner of the frame assembly 202. One or more fasteners 220 may be used to fasten the corner bracket 214 to the side frame portion 216 and the bottom frame portion 218. A removable inner bracket 222 may be configured to at least partially support the removable transparent panel 208 when the door assembly 100 is in an assembled configuration. For example, the removable inner bracket 222 may secure the removable transparent panel 208 against the frame assembly 202 (such as against a lip of the frame assembly 202). One of more fasteners 224 may be used to secure the removable inner bracket 222 to the frame assembly 202. In addition, the lower hinge 207 may be attached to the bottom frame portion 218.

[0040] FIGS. 7-9 depict another example door assembly 300 for a refrigerated merchandizer. As depicted in FIG. 7, the door assembly 300 may include a frame assembly 302. The frame assembly 302 may include a hinge assembly 304 for attaching the door assembly 300 to the refrigerated merchandizer. The hinge assembly 304 may enable the door assembly 300 to be opened and closed. The hinge assembly may include an upper hinge 305 and a lower hinge 307. The door assembly 300 may provide access to the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer. A handle 306 may be attached to the frame assembly 302. In this manner, a customer may grasp the handle 306 to open the door assembly 300. The door assembly 300 may include a removable transparent panel 308 similar to those described above. For example, the removable transparent panel 308 may include a number of spaced apart glass or plastic sheets. The sheets may be spaced apart by one or more spacers. In some instances, a vacuum may be formed between the sheets and the spacers. In other instances, one or more gasses, such as argon, may be injected between the sheets and the spacers.

[0041] In some instances, the door assembly 300 may include a light tube 311. The light tube 31 1 may include a substantially vertical channel comprising a first opening about a bottom portion of the light tube 311 and a second opening about a top portion of the light tube 31 1. In such instances, one or more light sources may be disposed within the light tube 311 in a similar fashion to the light cavity 136 discussed above. Heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light tube 311 may be dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening from the ambient environment and exiting the second opening back to the ambient environment. In this manner, the light tube 311 may be configured to illuminate the items disposed within the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer, while directing the heat generated by the light sources away from the interior of the refrigerated merchandizer to the ambient surrounds, resulting in a more energy efficient refrigerated merchandizer. The light tube 311 also may eliminate or mitigate condensation on the removable transparent panel 308 by managing the flow of the heat. In some instances, a fan or blower may force air through the light tube 31 1. In other instances, natural convection may be used. The door assembly 300 may include one or more light tubes 311 disposed about the lateral sides of the door assembly 300.

[0042] In other instances, one or more heat sinks 313 may be disposed about the bottom portion of the light tube 311 and/or the top portion of the light tube 311. In some instances, the upper hinge 305 and/or the lower hinge 307 may act as the heat sinks 313. In such instances, as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, a light module 326 (such as an LED light module or the like) may be disposed at one end of the light tube 31 1. The light tube 311 may include a reflective inner surface 315 that is configured to reflect the light produced by the light module 326 throughout the light tube 311 and into the interior of the merchandizer. For example, the light tube 31 1 may include a transparent non-reflective slit 317 facing the interior of the merchandizer. As a result, the light produced by the light module 326 may be reflected throughout the light tube 311, through the slit 317, and into the interior of the merchandizer.

[0043] The frame assembly 302 may include a corner bracket 314 for attaching the corner pieces of the frame assembly 302. In some instances, the corner bracket 314 may be generally L-shaped. The frame assembly 302 may include a side frame portion 316 and a bottom frame portion 318 joined together by the corner bracket 314. The corner bracket 314 may be used to attach any corner of the frame assembly 302. One or more fasteners 320 may be used to fasten the corner bracket 314 to the side frame portion 316 and the bottom frame portion 318. A tube holder 322 may be attached to the bottom frame portion 318 by one or more fasteners 324. The tube holder 322 may be configured to at least partially support the light tube 311. The tube holder 322 may include the light module 326. The light module 326 may project light into the light tube 31 1. The light tube 31 1 may include a reflective inner surface 315 that is configured to reflect the light produced by the light module 326 throughout the light tube 311 and into the interior of the merchandizer. For example, the transparent non-reflective slit 317 may face the interior of the merchandizer. As a result, the light produced by the light module 326 may be reflected throughout the light tube 31 1, through the slit 317, and into the interior of the merchandizer. In addition, the lower hinge 307 may be attached to the bottom frame portion 318. In some instances, the lower hinge 307 may act as a heat sink for the light module 326.

[0044] Although specific embodiments of the disclosure have been described, numerous other modifications and alternative embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of the functionality described with respect to a particular device or component may be performed by another device or component. Further, while specific device characteristics have been described, embodiments of the disclosure may relate to numerous other device characteristics. Further, although embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the embodiments. Conditional language, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments could include, while other embodiments may not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED IS :

1. A door assembly for a refrigerated merchandize^ the door assembly comprising: a removable transparent panel;

an outer frame configured to support the removable transparent panel when the door assembly is in an assembled configuration; and

a removable inner bracket attachable to the outer frame and configured to clamp the removable transparent panel to the outer frame when the door assembly is in the assembled configuration, wherein the transparent panel is removable from the outer frame when the removable inner bracket is detached from the outer frame when the door assembly is in a disassembled configuration.

2. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the removable transparent panel comprises a glass door.

3. The door assembly of claim 2, wherein the glass door comprises a number of glass sheets spaced apart by one or more spacers.

4. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the removable inner bracket is at least partially transparent.

5. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the outer frame.

6. The door assembly of claim 1, further comprising a seal attached to the outer frame.

7. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer frame comprises a light cavity configured to house one or more light sources therein.

8. The door assembly of claim 7, wherein the light cavity is formed between the outer frame and the removable inner bracket.

9. The door assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more light sources are accessible for maintenance when the removable inner bracket is removed from the outer frame.

10. The door assembly of claim 7, wherein the light cavity comprises a first opening about a bottom portion of the light cavity and a second opening about a top portion of the light cavity.

1 1. The door assembly of claim 7, wherein the light cavity comprises a substantially vertical channel comprising a first opening about a bottom portion of the light cavity and a second opening about a top portion of the light cavity, wherein heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity is dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening and exiting the second opening.

12. A door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer, the door assembly comprising: a frame assembly;

a light cavity formed within the frame assembly, wherein the light cavity comprises a first opening and a second opening; and

one or more light sources disposed within the light cavity, wherein heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity is dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening and exiting the second opening.

13. The door assembly of claim 12, further comprising at least one heat sink disposed about an end of the light cavity, wherein heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity is dissipated by way of the heat sink away from an internal cabinet of the refrigerated merchandizer to ambient surrounds.

14. A method for providing a door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer, the method comprising:

providing a removable transparent panel;

supporting the removable transparent panel with an outer frame when the door assembly is in an assembled configuration; and

attaching a removable inner bracket to the outer frame to clamp the removable transparent panel to the outer frame when the door assembly is in the assembled configuration, wherein the transparent panel is removable from the outer frame when the removable inner bracket is detached from the outer frame when the door assembly is in a disassembled configuration.

15. A method for providing a door assembly for a refrigerated merchandizer, the method comprising:

providing a frame assembly;

forming a light cavity within the frame assembly, wherein the light cavity comprises a substantially vertical channel comprising a first opening about a bottom portion of the light cavity and a second opening about a top portion of the light cavity; and positioning one or more light sources within the light cavity, wherein heat generated by the one or more light sources within the light cavity is dissipated by way of convection from an airflow entering the first opening and exiting the second opening.