Refrigeration – Display type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-06
2001-02-13
Tapolcai, William E. (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
Display type
C062S257000, C062S434000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185951
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a temperature controlled case for storage and display of chilled and/or frozen products, especially in a store environment.
A typical cooling coil in a refrigerated case is constructed of metal, such as copper or aluminum. Since this material is metal, it is quite noticeable when mounted in a refrigerated case. Case manufacturers try to conceal this coil by placing an attractive cover over the coil or placing the coil in a hidden location, as under the product shelf. However, although these methods hide the coil, they do not make the case particularly attractive and may affect refrigeration efficiency.
Refrigeration case shelving is generally made from painted metal or stainless steel. This type of shelving may be used to cover a forced air evaporator mounted beneath the shelf, or there may be a gravity feed coil mounted above the shelving. However, the main purpose of the shelving is to hold and display the product within the refrigerated case. Therefore, in both of the foregoing applications, the actual cooling of the product is achieved from the gravity feed coil mounted above the shelf or from the forced air coil mounted below the shelf, which is not entirely satisfactory.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved, temperature controlled case for storage and display of cooled and/or frozen products.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a case as aforesaid which is efficient and at the same time esthetically pleasing.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a case as aforesaid which may be readily and effectively used in a commercial store environment.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the foregoing objects and advantages are readily obtained.
The present invention provides a temperature controlled case for storage and display of chilled and/or frozen products, which comprises: at least one compartment for product storage; at least one access opening providing entrance to said compartment; at least one shelf within said compartment for holding product; refrigeration means operatively associated with said compartment for maintaining a selected temperature therein, wherein said refrigeration means includes at least one of (1) at least one transparent or semi-transparent cooling coil above said shelf with a cooling medium flowing therethrough, and (2) cooling within said shelf with a cooling medium flowing therethrough, as through cooling channels to provide a cooled, temperature controlled environment for the product.
The cooling coil or coils above the shelf may be made of glass, plexiglass or other transparent or semi-transparent material as transparent or semi-transparent plastic which is less noticeable in the case. Since the material is transparent or semi-transparent, a shielding will not be needed to conceal the coil. When used in conjunction with a clear or transparent cooling medium, the coil will go virtually undetected. If there is a need to color the coil, one can simply add a dye to the cooling liquid which will effectively alter the color of the coil.
When the cooling means is within the shelf, the shelving may be made from standard painted metal or stainless steel; however, in addition to the cooling effect from the refrigerant within the cooling coils in the shelf, the shelf itself will provide a cooling, thus adding to the refrigeration effect. Where this is used in combination with the cooling coils above the shelf, the cooling effect will be magnified.
Alternatively, the present invention may use an esthetically pleasing transparent or semi-transparent shelf design which has a more pleasing look than the metal shelving. The transparent or semi-transparent shelf design, with chilled liquid pumped therethrough, can be left clear or colored by simply adding a dye to the cooling liquid. Because the shelf itself is the actual background for the product on display, store marketing people can easily select a color that suits their marketing needs.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
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Davidson Michael B.
Lane Mark
Bachman & LaPointe P.C.
In-Store Products Ltd.
Tapolcai William E.
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