WO2018090107A1

WO2018090107A1 - Refrigerated display case

Info

Publication number: WO2018090107A1
Application number: PCT/BR2016/050299
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fernando Pereira PRUNER; Newton Gama JUNIOR
Original assignee: Pruner Fernando Pereira; Junior Newton Gama
Priority date: 2016-11-17
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2018-05-24
Also published as: BR112019010096A2; WO2018090119A1; BR112019010096B1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a display case (E) comprising an independent refrigeration unit (R) associated to a framework (E1) in interchangeable manner, said framework (E1) being formed by single-layer HDEPS (High Density Expanded Polystyrene) walls. Preferably, said framework (E1) is made from a single piece, or unit, by a low pressure injection molding process that makes it possible to achieve complex geometry parts of different shapes and sizes.

Description

"REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE"

[01] The present invention refers to a refrigerated display case, preferably for commercial use, for storing products in standard temperatures such as 2°, 8° or 18°C, manufactured from single-layer HDEPS (High Density Expanded Polystyrene) walls by a low pressure injection molding process that makes it possible to achieve display cases with complex geometries, said display case being able to interchangeably receive an independent refrigeration unit to meet different applications.

Background of the invention

[02] Constant changes in brands and consumer demands, besides the need to allow better access to the consumption of refrigerated food products, leads companies to try and create solutions to reach markets other than the conventional ones. Therefore, companies have been seeking strategies to improve the quality as well as the versatility of the products being offered by displaying them in strategic places so as to increase consumer demand.

[03] Moreover, the higher the competitiveness, the higher the need to use new methods and technologies to monitor and improve marketing strategies used by companies. That way, product display and sales should provide as much information as possible so that companies can carry out analysis on consumer patterns, market potential, and efficiency of marketing actions, among others.

[04] The advancement of the internet of things made it possible for such information to be gathered in a much more efficient way by using internet- integrated sensors. These sensors can gather and send information in real time to processing units that filter and correlate received data so as to generate useful reports to help managers make strategic decisions relative to showcasing their products.

[05] Taking into account the existing technologies, it has been acknowledged the opportunity to develop a new concept in product display cases manufactured in HDEPS by a low pressure injection molding process that make it possible to achieve display cases with complex geometries. The advantages of the new concept are based on the favorable features of the High Density Expanded Polystyrene (HDEPS), such as low volume weight; excellent thermal performance; easy molding (injection molding or similar processes); low moisture absorption; high durability; good structural strength; may be provided with flame retardant qualities; is not affected by microorganisms; low production costs for the molds; and easily recycled by means of well-known and widespread technologies of simple and low cost recycling processes.

Prior art

[06] Many different commercial refrigerated display cases are currently known, which can get other names such as, for instance, displays, shelf displays, display merchandisers, showcases or cabinets.

[07] Such commercial refrigerated display cases are manufactured with metal plates using high impact polystyrene in a sandwich-like structure (two plates of the material and an insulating filling material such as EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or EPU (Expanded Polyurethane)).

[08] Cooler type boxes for household use are also known, these being typically manufactured in injected plastic material comprising separate double walls so as to form an empty space for thermal insulation. EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) boxes for household use, in a simple format and with different densities, are further known; these boxes, though, are not designed for commercial use, i.e., for showcasing refrigerated products in large quantities and with an accumulated heavy weight, which requires the use of a loaded refrigeration unit.

[09] In addition, refrigerated display cases usually comprising a sandwich-like structure including a shell made up by two rigid plates typically made in PSAI / HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PP (Polypropylene), between which polystyrene foam plates are interposed, or polyurethane foam is filled into the boards so as to promote the thermal insulation effect are also known in the market and industry.

[010] Disadvantageously, though, display cases made in PSAI or PP plates do not allow constructive variations in the shapes and sizes thereof, high investments being required to produce the display cases due to the high complexity of such manufacturing processes.

[011] Commercial refrigerated display cases are further known, which are made in adhesive cardboards, the constructivity of which allows a structure large enough to accommodate lightweight products. Such adhesive cardboard refrigerated display cases are not usually provided with doors but an air curtain system to avoid excessive loss of internal temperature; in this case, display cases are disposable and used for quicker promotional actions.

[012] Display cases made in cardboard have a significantly reduced life due to their high susceptibility to deterioration caused by the use in high humidity environments. Disadvantageously, though, even if they can be easily recycled, cardboards do not present efficient thermal insulation properties.

[013] Therefore, the alternative of producing commercial refrigerated display cases in molded plastic would not be a feasible one due to the costly manufacturing and assembling processes, as well as the wall thickness limitations of the obtained product which requires double walls thus further increasing investments.

[014] The technology to make EPS (also referred to as polystyrene foam) products is known since the beginning of the 1950's (as described in the patent document EP0305862A1 of 1987 by General Electric, "One-step process for the production of expandable foam beads") and to make HDEPS (High Density Polystyrene Foam) products is known at least since the 1970's, thermoforming processes (e.g. vacuum forming, as mentioned in the patent document US5833796 of 1994 by title holder Armacel Pty, "Method and apparatus for forming structural articles"), low pressure compression molding (patent document US6070271 of 1996 by title holder Gilbert J. Williams, titled 'Protective Helmet"), low pressure injection molding (patent document US6884823 of 2005 by title holder Trexel, 'Injection molding of polymeric material") and extrusion molding (patent document WO2010011498A1 of 2008 by title holder Dow Chemical, 'Process for manufacturing a shaped foam composite article") being usually used for molding.

[015] There is a background of HDEPS usage in items such as shoe soles, applications in wood material replacement (panels to manufacture furniture, decks, among others) (e.g. patent document US3973884 of 1976 by Basf, "Manufacture of high-density foamed polymer"), helmet frames (patent document US4996724A of 1989 by Innova Dex Sports, "Protective rim configuration for hard- shelled safety helmet"), surfboard frames (e.g. patent document DE2850342A1 of 1980 by Siegfried Blech, "Surfbrett, insbesondere Windsurbrett und Verfahren zu dessen Herstellung"), into the frame or mixture to shape diverse panels or boards for the civil construction area (e.g. patent document WO2010011498A1 or US20110189465A1 of 2008 by Dow Chemical, "Process for manufacturing a shaped foam composite article"). There are also HDEPS applications with added antimicrobial and flame retardant components for use in the agricultural area (fruit harvesting, bees' boxes, and seedling boxes) and in the pharmaceutical industry. It can be observed, though, that HDEPS is used to obtain other products not related to commercial refrigerated display cases.

[016] Aiming to solve the prior-art drawbacks, the present invention proposes a refrigerated display case made from single-layer HDEPS (High Density Expandable Polystyrene) walls by a low pressure injection molding process that makes it possible to achieve display cases formed by complex designed parts.

[017] Therefore, it can be understood that display cases provided with single-layer HDEPS walls presents advantages regarding its manufacturing process with a lower complexity and lower costs, the result of which is refrigerated display cases with complex geometries that can be used in commercial premises requiring lower in loco weight (e.g. food trucks) or for transport (e.g. cities away from distribution points, areas of difficult access) or even places requiring smaller size display cases (e.g. supermarket checkout counters), thus granting the invention competitive advantages as compared to existing items in the market.

[018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerated display case that can interchangeably receive a refrigeration unit easily installed and uninstalled, be it for maintenance and replacement needs, or for use in other display cases.

[019] Advantageously, the present invention proposes a versatile refrigerated display case with several different applications enabling the use of a monitoring system to get managerial information with respect to the merchandising of the products being displayed.

Brief description of the invention

[020] In brief, the present invention discloses a display case comprising a compact cassette type refrigeration unit, preferably of the no-frost type, said refrigeration unit being interchangeably associated with a framework and responsible for controlling the temperature inside the framework which is formed from single-layer HDEPS walls, with a density of at least 50 kg/m³. [021] Framework is provided with a set of shelves or racks of different designs, being further provided with at least one opening for viewing of displayed products that is closed by a door to define a main chamber in the framework. Said framework is also provided with an air circulation system on its inside, the airflow of which occurs through air inlet and outlet ports, both interconnected to the refrigeration unit.

[022] The display case is further provided with protruding frames integrated to the framework and properly designed to hold the different designs of shelves or racks inside the display case, which can be used for different types of applications.

[023] Preferably, framework of the display case is made from a single piece, or a unit, by a low pressure injection molding process, thus making it possible to achieve parts with complex designs, in different shapes and sizes. That way, all parts making up the framework have the same coefficient of thermal conductivity and are seamlessly associated to each other, thus preventing the effects generated by thermal bridges and improving the display case's efficiency of thermal insulation.

[024] Optionally, though, framework may be segmented, being made from separate parts that fit together and which are obtained from the low pressure injection molding process, or from other manufacturing methods proper to each part to be manufactured.

[025] Further optionally, framework is provided with a second chamber disposed adjacent to the main chamber. Said second chamber is also provided with an opening closed by a door, thus allowing users to access the inside of said second chamber to store products to be transferred to the main chamber, as needed.

[026] Display case may be further provided with a decorative finish on its outer surface and, optionally, on its inner surface, said decorative finish being proper for each particular display case application. In addition, display case also comprises a monitoring system equipped with sensors of several different types and features connected to a processing unit for monitoring the different pieces of information particular to each display case, so that said information can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as inventory control, client activities, demand variation, location, among others. [027] Schematic figures of a particular embodiment of the invention are presented below, in which the dimensions and proportions are not necessarily the actual ones as the figures are intended only to present its various aspects informatively, the extent of protection of which is determined exclusively by the scope of the annexed claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[028] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the display case (E);

[029] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the display case (E) highlighting the drawer (7) in an exploded view;

[030] Figure 3 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the display case (E);

[031] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the framework (E1 );

[032] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the display case (E) highlighting a second chamber (1 B);

[033] Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of the display case (E) highlighting a second chamber (1 B).

Description of the invention

[034] In accordance with the annexed figures, the display case (E) comprises a framework (E1 ) that may interchangeably receive an independent, compact cassette type refrigeration unit (R), preferably of the no-frost type (no need of defrosting), responsible for controlling the temperature inside the framework (E1 ) which is formed from single-layer HDEPS (high density expanded polystyrene) walls, with a density of at least 50 kg/m³.

[035] As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, framework (E1 ) is provided with a set of shelves or racks of different designs (not shown), being further provided with at least one opening (2) for access and viewing of displayed products, said opening being closed by a door (20) to define a main chamber (1A) of said framework (E1 ), which is also provided with a recess (3) onto which the refrigeration unit (R) is positioned. Said door (20) is preferably made in HDEPS or, alternately, in a preferably transparent thermoplastic material. [036] Framework (E1 ) is further provided with an air circulation system on its inside, the airflow of which occurs through an inlet port (4A) and an outlet port (4B), both interconnected to the refrigeration unit (R) so as to allow air circulation between the inside of framework (E1 ) and the refrigeration unit (R).

[037] Preferably, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, said inlet and outlet ports (4A and 4B) are made up by two openings disposed on the recess (3). Thus, when the refrigeration unit (R) is in operation, the air cooled by the refrigeration unit (R) flows into the framework (E1 ) through the inlet port (4A) while the air inside the framework (E1 ) is sucked into the refrigeration unit (R) through the outlet port (4B).

[038] Optionally, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, said display case (E) is provided with a modular interface (I) disposed close to framework (E1 ), between the recess (3) and the refrigeration unit (R), to facilitate connection between framework (E1 ) and the refrigeration unit (R). Thus, said modular interface (I) provides greater mechanical strength to the framework (E1 ), better attachment of refrigeration unit (R) to the framework (E1 ) recess (3), and greater ease of removing the refrigeration unit (R) for maintenance and/or replacement thereof.

[039] Further still, as illustrated in Figure 3, said display case (E) is provided with protruding frames (5) integrated to framework (E1 ) and properly designed to hold the different designs of shelves or racks (not shown) inside the display case (E). That way, display case (E) can be used for different types of applications as frames (5) are used to dispose proper shelves or racks (not shown) to store products (not shown) of different shapes and sizes.

[040] Preferably, said framework (E1 ) is made from a single piece, or unit, by a low pressure injection molding process, thus making it possible to obtain parts with complex designs of different shapes and sizes. That way, all the parts making up the framework (E1 ) have the same coefficient of thermal conductivity and are seamlessly associated to each other, thus preventing the effects generated by thermal bridges and improving the display case's (E) efficiency of thermal insulation. In addition, framework (E1 ) made from a single piece also presents greater structural strength as there are no sections that may result in breaking points among the parts making up said framework (E1 ).

[041] Optionally, though, framework (E1 ) may be segmented, being made from separate parts that fit together, which are obtained from the low pressure injection molding process, or from other manufacturing methods proper to each part to be manufactured. In that case, regardless of the manufacturing process selected, each part used to form framework (E1 ) is provided with stepped ends complementing the stepped ends of respective parts in which said ends are connected to form said framework (E1 ).

[042] Further optionally, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, said framework (E1 ) is provided with a fitting area (6) whose purpose is to accommodate a drawer (7) disposed on a level lower than that of the protruding frames (5) so as to define a free area for the circulation of air inside framework (E1 ).

[043] Preferably, as illustrated in Figure 2, said fitting area (6) is defined by an aperture disposed on the recess (3) lower part in the framework (E1 ) and is provided with connection means (60), while said drawer (7) comprises a shelf (70) connected to a substantially perpendicular wall (71 ) so that said shelf (70) can be connected to the connection means (60) in such a way said wall (71 ) is arranged at the opening of the fitting area (6).

[044] Further optionally, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the air outlet port (4B) from the air circulation system of display case (E) may be disposed on the drawer (7) wall (71 ) while shelf (70) is provided with bores (72) for air circulation and extends up to a front wall (10) of framework (E1 ) disposed just below the opening (2).

[045] Optionally, as illustrated in Figure 6, framework (E1 ) is provided with a second chamber (1 B) disposed adjacent to the main chamber (1A). Said second chamber (1 B) is also provided with an opening closed by a door (2B), preferably disposed on the display case (E) rear area, thus allowing users to access the inside of said second chamber (1B) to store products to be transferred to the main chamber (1 A), as needed.

[046] Therefore, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 5, said framework (E1 ) is extended so as to be comprised by a single piece in which chambers (1Aand 1 B) are simultaneously disposed.

[047] Further still, in another optional embodiment of the present invention, said framework (E1 ) may be segmented so as to comprise two single units, each one housing one of the chambers (1A and 1 B). However, it will be understood that framework (E1 ) may be formed from any combination of proper sections to house chambers (1A and 1 B), one or none of these chambers (1A and 1 B) being able to be housed by a single piece, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[048] The display case (E) may be also provided with a decorative finish on its outer surface and, optionally, on its inner surface, said decorative finish being proper for each particular application of display case (E). In an exemplary manner, said decorative finish may be characterized by any form of graphic expressions by means of adhesive graphics, IMD process (co-injection), polymer film coating (e.g. PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate), laminating process, resins added or not with natural, synthetic or mixed fibers. It will be understood, though, that the decorative finish may be characterized by any proper graphic expressions that may be disposed on the display case (E), without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[049] The wide range of decorative finish configurations is made possible due to the HDEPS characteristics forming the display case walls, said material being able to support several types of processes and materials used in graphic printing.

[050] Further still, preferably, framework (E1 ) is provided with upper rounded edges (11 ) such that decorative finish can be applied, such as a single piece adhesive extending continuously and uninterrupted from one side to the other side of display case (E).

[051] Said display case (E) further comprises a monitoring system equipped with sensors (not shown) of several types and different features connected to a processing unit (not shown) for monitoring the several pieces of information particular to each display case (E) so that said information can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as inventory control, client activities, demand variation, location, among others

[052] The set of internet integrated sensors makes it possible to gather and send information in real time to the processing units which filter and correlate received data to generate useful reports to help managers make strategic decisions relative to displaying their products.

[053] Said refrigeration unit (R) is designed and sized to make it possible to be efficiently installed in different types of display cases (E) with varied geometries and applications, so that compact display cases (E) can be designed to be installed in different displaying and/or selling points.

[054] A person skilled in the art will promptly infer, from the description and the drawings depicted, various ways of carrying out the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", wherein a display case (E) comprises a refrigeration unit (R) associated to a framework (E1 ) and a set of shelves or racks of different designs, display case being also provided with at least one opening (2) for access and viewing of displayed products, which is closed by a door (20) to define a main chamber (1A), display case (E) being further provided with an air circulation system on its inside, the airflow of which occurs through an inlet port (4A) and an outlet port (4B), both interconnected to the refrigeration unit (R), characterized in that display case (E) comprises single-layer high density expanded polystyrene walls to form a framework (E1 ) obtained from a low pressure injection molding process.

2 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises protruding frames (5) integrated to framework (E1 ).

3 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 2, characterized in that framework (E1 ) is a single piece.

4 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 2, characterized in that framework (E1 ) is segmented.

5 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a second chamber (1 B) disposed adjacent to the main chamber (1A).

6 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that display case (E) is provided with a modular interface (I) disposed close to framework (E1 ), between the recess (3) and the refrigeration unit (R).

7 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that framework (E1 ) comprises a fitting area (6) defined by an aperture disposed in the recess (3) and intended to accommodate a drawer (7) defining a free area for the circulation of air.

8 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 7, characterized in that connection means (60) are provided in the fitting area (6); the drawer (7) comprises a substantially perpendicular wall (71 ) followed by a shelf (70) provided with bores (72) for circulation of air and may be connected close to the connection means (60), extending up to a front wall (10) of framework (E1 ). 9 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that refrigeration unit (R) is independent and interchangeable in the framework (E1 ).

10 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that display case (E) receives a decorative finish on its outer surface.

11 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 10, characterized in that decorative finish is defined by any form of graphic expressions by means of adhesive graphics, IMD process (co-injection), polymer film coating, laminating process, resins added or not with natural, synthetic or mixed fibers.

12 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to claim 11 , characterized in that framework (E1 ) is provided with upper rounded edges (11 ) and display case (E) receives a decorative finish in a single piece extending continuously and uninterrupted from one side to the other side of display case (E).

13 - "REFRIGERATED DISPLAY CASE", according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that display case (E) comprises a monitoring system equipped with sensors connected to a processing unit.