NZ618999B2 - Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser - Google Patents
Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ618999B2 NZ618999B2 NZ618999A NZ61899912A NZ618999B2 NZ 618999 B2 NZ618999 B2 NZ 618999B2 NZ 618999 A NZ618999 A NZ 618999A NZ 61899912 A NZ61899912 A NZ 61899912A NZ 618999 B2 NZ618999 B2 NZ 618999B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- glass pane
- door
- ambient environment
- glass
- display area
- Prior art date
Links
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 189
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000035882 stress Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005347 annealed glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005341 toughened glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 208000001517 Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminum Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000000137 annealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002274 desiccant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N fe2+ Chemical compound [Fe+2] CWYNVVGOOAEACU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002834 transmittance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- 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
- A47F3/001—Devices for lighting, humidifying, heating, ventilation
-
- 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
- A47F3/0434—Glass or transparent panels
-
- 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
- A47F3/06—Show cases or show cabinets with movable or removable shelves or receptacles
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/663—Elements for spacing panes
- E06B3/66309—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit
- E06B3/66314—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit of tubular shape
- E06B3/66319—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit of tubular shape of rubber, plastics or similar materials
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/663—Elements for spacing panes
- E06B3/66309—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit
- E06B3/66366—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit specially adapted for units comprising more than two panes or for attaching intermediate sheets
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
- E06B3/6715—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B7/00—Special arrangements or measures in connection with doors or windows
- E06B7/12—Measures preventing the formation of condensed water
Abstract
door for a refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area. The door includes a frame and a first glass pane coupled to the frame. The first glass pane has heat-absorbing glass and is configured to be positioned adjacent an ambient environment surrounding the refrigerated merchandiser to absorb radiation from the ambient environment. The door also includes a second glass pane coupled to the frame and configured to be positioned adjacent the product display area. The second glass pane includes a conductive coating. The door further includes a third glass pane positioned between and spaced from the first glass pane and the second glass pane, and has a low emissivity coating. rated merchandiser to absorb radiation from the ambient environment. The door also includes a second glass pane coupled to the frame and configured to be positioned adjacent the product display area. The second glass pane includes a conductive coating. The door further includes a third glass pane positioned between and spaced from the first glass pane and the second glass pane, and has a low emissivity coating.
Description
HEAT ABSORBING DOOR FOR A REFRIGERATED MERCHANDISER
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to refrigerated merchandisers, and more particularly
to doors for refrigerated merchandisers.
Refrigerated merchandisers are used by grocers to store and display food items in
a product display area that must be kept at a predetermined temperature. These
merchandisers generally include a cabinet with an integrated refrigeration unit and have
multiple shelves supported within the product display area. Doors positioned along the front
side of the merchandiser separate the product display area from the ambient external
conditions and allow for consumer access to the contents within. The doors typically include
one or more panes of glass configured to minimize heat transfer while providing unimpaired
visual access to the product display area.
Due to the conditions of the environment in which they operate, refrigerated
merchandisers are frequently susceptible to condensation on various surfaces. Condensation
typically forms on the interior and exterior faces of the glass doors as ambient air with a
certain moisture content contacts a surface that has been cooled below the dew point of that
air. For example, a refrigerated merchandiser in a grocery store may have a glass door with
multiple panes. The pane of glass adjacent the refrigerated interior will likely be below the
dew point of the store side (ambient) air. Opening the door will expose the face of this
relatively cold pane to the ambient air, resulting in condensation (e.g., “fogging”) on this
interior surface. In addition, the pane of glass on the store side of the door is also often at or
below the dew point of the store side ambient air, which can lead to continuous condensation
on this external glass surface, and, due to heat transfer between the glass and the surrounding
door molding, can likewise create condensation on the cooled exterior molding surface as
well.
The result of such condensation is the formation of visible water on the glass,
which not only impedes the customer’s line of sight from the exterior store side into the
refrigerated interior, but which may also collect to form puddles of water near the door
leading to a dangerous slippery condition for customers. To prevent condensation,
conventional doors for refrigerated merchandisers typically include an electrically heated
coating on the interior surface of the store-side glass to raise the temperature of the glass
above the dew point of the store-side ambient air. But such a heated coating is constantly
energized and consequently incurs energy costs for the store owner. And depending on
where the coating is located on the glass surface, it may not provide sufficient heating to the
surrounding door molding to hinder condensation on the molding.
SUMMARY
In one construction, the invention provides a door for a refrigerated merchandiser
including a case that defines a product display area. The door includes a frame and a first
glass pane coupled to the frame. The first glass pane has heat-absorbing glass and is
configured to be positioned adjacent an ambient environment surrounding the refrigerated
merchandiser to absorb radiation from the ambient environment. The door also includes a
second glass pane coupled to the frame and configured to be positioned adjacent the product
display area. The second glass pane includes a conductive coating. The door further includes
a third glass pane positioned between and spaced from the first glass pane and the second
glass pane, and has a low emissivity coating.
In another construction, the invention provides a refrigerated merchandiser
including the door described above.
In an embodiment, the door is coupled to the case and encloses a portion of the
product display area. The first glass pane has heat-absorbing glass and is positioned adjacent
an ambient environment surrounding the refrigerated merchandiser to absorb radiation from
the ambient environment, and the second glass pane is positioned adjacent the product
display area.
In another construction, the invention provides a method of preventing
condensation on a door of a refrigerated merchandiser defining a product display area and
surrounded by an ambient environment. The door includes a first glass pane that is
positioned adjacent the ambient environment, a second glass pane that is positioned adjacent
the product display area, and a third glass pane that is positioned between and spaced apart
from the first pane and the second pane. The method includes absorbing radiation from the
ambient environment and incident on the first glass pane, increasing the temperature of a
surface of the first glass pane facing the ambient environment above the dew point of the
ambient environment, heating the second glass pane, and reflecting radiation with a low
emissivity coating affixed to the third glass pane.
Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting
at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which
include the term “comprising”, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in
each statement can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to
be interpreted in a similar manner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated merchandiser embodying the present
invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a door of the refrigerated merchandiser of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a section view of a portion of the door of Fig. 2.
Fig. 4 is a section view of the door taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and
the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
or of being carried out in various ways.
Fig. 1 illustrates a refrigerated merchandiser 100 including a cabinet 110 that
defines an interior space or product display area 114. The product display area 114 is cooled
by a refrigeration unit (not shown), the selection and placement of which will be readily
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in this art. Adjustable shelves 118 within the product
display area 114 are supported by a back wall 122 of the cabinet 110 for supporting product.
As illustrated, a cabinet casing 126 along a front of the cabinet 110 surrounds and supports
doors 130 that provide ingress to the product display area 114.
With reference to Fig. 2, each door 130 has a door frame 134 and a handle 138 for
opening and closing the door 130. A hinge 142 facilitates rotational movement of the door
between a closed position and an open position. Alternatively, the door 130 may translate, or
slide, in a track (not shown) in a plane substantially parallel to the front face 128 (Fig. 1). A
glass assembly 146 separates the product display area 114 from air in the ambient
environment 148 surrounding the refrigerated merchandiser 100. The terms “ambient air”
and “ambient environment” are meant to include air adjacent and external to the front face
128 of the refrigerated merchandiser 100 and may include, for example, air within a grocery
store or other retail setting, or outside air if the merchandiser 100 is outside a building.
Figs. 3 and 4 show that the glass assembly 146 includes a first or exterior glass
pane 150 that is positioned adjacent the ambient environment 148, a second or interior glass
pane 160 that is positioned adjacent the product display area 114, and a third or intermediate
glass pane 170 that is positioned between the exterior glass pane 150 and the interior glass
pane 160. In some constructions, the glass assembly 146 may include more than three glass
panes (i.e., more than one intermediate glass pane 170).
The exterior glass pane 150 includes a first surface 151 that faces away from the
product display area 114 and that is exposed to the ambient environment 148, and a second
surface 152 opposite the first surface 151 that faces toward the product display area 114. The
exterior glass pane 150 is formed of a heat absorbing glass, which absorbs a significant
quantity of incident infrared radiation from the ambient environment 148 and consequently
reduces the amount of infrared radiation transmitted through the glass. The term “heat-
absorbing glass” means glass that is specifically constructed for such a purpose, and includes
glass containing quantities of ferrous iron or other material selected to provide a similar
effect. The term “radiation” encompasses radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum,
including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation. Specifically, the heat absorbing
glass pane 150 absorbs approximately 35-55% of incident infrared radiation or heat from the
ambient environment 148 while allowing approximately 70-90% of visible light to be
transmitted. Other ranges of both absorption and transmittance for the exterior glass pane
150 are possible and considered herein. Absorbed radiation retained within the glass
structure of the exterior glass pane 150 generates heat, which raises the temperature of the
exterior glass pane 150, and specifically the temperature of the first surface 151, above the
dew point of the ambient environment 148.
The interior glass pane 160 includes a first surface 161 that faces away from the
product display area 114, and a second surface 162 that faces toward and is exposed to the
product display area 114. The interior glass pane 160 is formed of tempered glass, which is
heat-treated glass heated above the annealing temperature and rapidly cooled, forming an
outer glass layer with compressive stresses surrounding an inner glass layer in tension.
Tempered glass, when broken, fragments into relatively small pieces less likely to injure
someone and is frequently used instead of annealed glass in applications requiring such
safety.
With continued reference to Fig. 3, the interior glass pane 160 includes a heated
coating 180 affixed or applied on the first surface 161. The heated coating 180 provides
resistance heating to the interior glass pane 160 via electrical power from a power source (not
shown) to which the heated coating 180 is connected. As illustrated, the heated coating 180
is affixed to the first surface 161, rather than the second surface 162 of the interior glass pane
160, to minimize the possibility of electrical shock to a consumer. The heat provided to the
interior glass pane 160 by the heated coating 180 quickly removes or “de-fogs” condensation
formed on the second surface 162 when the door 130 is opened.
Figs. 3 and 4 show that the intermediate glass pane 170 is spaced apart from the
exterior glass pane 150 and the interior glass pane 160. The intermediate glass pane 170
includes a first surface 171 that faces away from the product display area 114 and toward the
second surface 152, and a second surface 172 that faces toward the product display area 114
and toward the first surface 161. The intermediate glass pane 170 can be formed from any
suitable glass material (e.g., annealed glass).
With reference to Fig. 3, the first surface 171 of the intermediate glass pane 170
includes a low emissivity (“low-e”) coating 182. The low-e coating 182 of the first surface
171 reflects a portion of the radiation that passes through the exterior glass pane 150 back in
the direction of the exterior glass pane 150. A portion of this reflected radiation will be
absorbed by and further raise the temperature of the exterior glass pane 150. As illustrated,
the second surface 172 includes a low-e coating 184 that reflects a portion of radiation that
has passed through the exterior glass pane 150, the low-e coating 182, and the glass structure
of the intermediate glass pane 170, maximizing the potential radiation absorbed by the
exterior glass pane 150 while minimizing the amount of radiation that reaches the product
display area 114.
Referring to Fig. 4, the door frame 134 provides support for the glass assembly
146 and can be formed of a flexible polyurethane. The door frame 134 includes a body 190,
an outer flange 194 that contacts the first surface 151 of the exterior glass pane 150, and an
inner flange 198 that contacts the second surface 162 of the interior glass pane 160. The
outer flanges 194, 198 are bonded to the respective contacting surfaces 151, 162 using a
formulated coating that bonds the polyurethane to the glass surfaces. The formulation used is
preferably Chemlok® 144 Primer manufactured by LORD Corporation and allows the glass
to flex to a different degree than the polyurethane without breaking the bond formed between
them.
The door frame 134 also includes an insert 200 that separates and spaces the
exterior glass pane 150, the interior glass pane 160, and the intermediate glass pane 170 from
each other and from the door frame 134. The insert 200 wraps around the perimeter of the
glass panes 150, 160, 170, and includes an outer spacer 204 and an inner spacer 208. The
spacers 204, 208 are sized to define a first space 212 between the exterior glass pane 150 and
the intermediate glass pane 170, and a second space 216 between the interior glass pane 160
and the intermediate glass pane 170. The first and second spaces 212, 216 can have any
suitable dimension (e.g., approximately 0.5” between the second surface 152 of the exterior
glass pane 150 and the first surface 171 of the intermediate glass pane 170, and between the
second surface 172 of the intermediate glass pane 170 and the first surface 161 of the interior
glass pane 160). The first and second spaces 212, 216 between the glass panes 150, 160, 170
can be filled with any suitable air or non-reactive gas (e.g., nitrogen). As will be appreciated
by one of ordinary skill in the art, a relatively small space between glass panes 150, 160, 170
may result in greater heat transfer within the space, while a relatively large space may
promote convection within the space.
An exterior portion 220 of spacer 204 engages the surface 152 of exterior pane
150 while an exterior portion 222 of spacer 208 engages the surface 161 of interior pane 160.
Interior portions 224, 226 of spacers 204, 208 engage surface 171 and surface 172,
respectively, of intermediate pane 170. A bridge 236 contacts the top and bottom edges 174,
176 of intermediate pane 170. A first projection 240 contacts the top and bottom edges 154,
156 of exterior pane 150 and a second projection 244 contacts the top and bottom edges 164,
166 of interior pane 160. Each of the spacers 204, 208 provides sealing contact between the
door frame 134 and the glass panes 150, 160, 170 to limit infiltration of ambient air into the
product display area 114. Each spacer 204, 208 can be filled with a desiccant 250 or other
hygroscopic material, and is in fluid communication with one of the first and second spaces
212, 216 to attract and retain any moisture within the first and second spaces 212, 216.
Aluminum tape 260 can be applied to the insert 200 to provide an additional barrier to
moisture entering first and second spaces 212, 216.
A portion of the heat absorbed by the exterior glass pane 150 transfers to the door
frame 134 and heats the door frame 134. Specifically, a portion of the heat absorbed by the
exterior glass pane 150 will be transferred to the outer flange 194, and consequently to an
exterior surface 270 of the door frame 134. As described above, heating the exterior glass
pane 150, and in particular the first surface 151, as well as the exterior surface 270 of the
door frame 134 above the dew point of the ambient environment 148 prevents formation of
condensation on both surfaces.
The insert 200 is formed of a substantially flexible material (e.g., polypropylene)
to provide a flexible partition between panes 150, 160, and 170, and the door frame 134. The
exterior glass pane 150 expands in size as it is heated, and the flexibility of the door frame
134 and the insert 200 accommodates this expansion without producing excessive stresses
within glass assembly 146. Additionally, the flexible nature of the door frame 134 and the
insert 200, which positions and secures the intermediate glass pane 170 within the glass
assembly 146, allows for relative movement between glass panes 150, 160, and 170. The
flexible spacer 204, first projection 240, and bridge 236 allow for relative movement between
the exterior glass pane 150 and the intermediate glass pane 170 due to expansion and
retraction of exterior glass pane 150. Similarly, the flexible spacer 208, second projection
244, and bridge 236 allow for relative movement between the interior glass pane 160 and the
intermediate glass pane 170 due to expansion and retraction of interior glass pane 160. This
relative movement between glass panes 150, 160, and 170 further minimizes stresses within
the glass assembly 146.
In operation, some incident radiation from the ambient environment 148 is
directly absorbed by the heat absorbing exterior glass pane 150. The incident radiation not
absorbed by the exterior glass pane 150 passes through the exterior glass pane 150 and is
reflected by one or both of the low-e coatings 182, 184 of the intermediate glass pane 170
back toward the exterior glass pane 150. The reflected incident radiation increases the
overall percentage of incident radiation absorbed by exterior glass pane 150. The absorption
of additional incident radiation by the exterior glass pane 150 produces more heat within
exterior glass pane 150, which raises the temperature of both the first surface 151 of exterior
glass pane 150 and the exterior surface 270 of the door molding 134. The increased
temperature on the first surface 151 and the exterior surface 270 minimizes or prevents the
formation of condensation on the surfaces 151, 270.
The heated coating 180 heats the interior glass pane 160 to de-fog any
condensation that forms on the second surface 162 of interior pane 160. Power can be
supplied to the heated coating 180 continuously or at predetermined intervals. With no
external power needed to obtain the thermal benefits associated with the exterior glass pane
150, the glass panes 150, 160, 170 cooperate with each other to provide an effective, safe,
and low-cost way to eliminate condensation on the glass assembly 146 and the door frame
134.
Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following
claims.
Claims (25)
1. A door for a refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area, the door comprising: a frame; a first glass pane coupled to the frame and having heat-absorbing glass, the first glass pane configured to be positioned adjacent an ambient environment surrounding the refrigerated merchandiser to absorb radiation from the ambient environment; a second glass pane coupled to the frame and configured to be positioned adjacent the product display area, the second glass pane having a conductive coating; and a third glass pane positioned between and spaced from the first glass pane and the second glass pane, the third glass pane having a low emissivity coating.
2. The door of claim 1, wherein the conductive coating is affixed to a surface of the second glass pane configured to face away from the product display area.
3. The door of claim 2, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the ambient environment.
4. The door of claim 2, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the product display area.
5. The door of claim 1, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a first surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the ambient environment, and wherein the third glass pane further has another low emissivity coating affixed to a second surface of the glass pane configured to face toward the product display area.
6. The door of claim 1, wherein the conductive coating is configured to be coupled to a power source to heat the second glass pane.
7. The door of claim 1, wherein the frame is formed from a flexible material such that the frame yields to accommodate expansion of the first glass pane.
8. The door of claim 1, further comprising a first spacer positioned between the first glass pane and the third glass pane, and a second spacer positioned between the second glass pane and the third glass pane.
9. The door of claim 8, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are formed from a flexible material such that a flexible partition is provided between the first glass pane and the third glass pane, and between the second glass pane and the third glass pane.
10. The door of claim 9, further including a flexible bridge between the first spacer and the second spacer and in contact with the third glass pane, wherein the first glass pane and the second glass pane are configured to move relative to the third glass pane.
11. A refrigerated merchandiser including the door of claim 1.
12. The merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the conductive coating is affixed to a surface of the second glass pane configured to face away from the product display area.
13. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the ambient environment.
14. The merchandiser of claim 12, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the product display area.
15. The merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the low emissivity coating is affixed to a first surface of the third glass pane configured to face toward the ambient environment, and wherein the third glass pane further has another low emissivity coating affixed to a second surface of the glass pane configured to face toward the product display area.
16. The merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the frame is formed from a flexible material such that the frame yields to accommodate expansion of the first glass pane.
17. The merchandiser of claim 11, further comprising a first spacer positioned between the first glass pane and the third glass pane, and a second spacer positioned between the second glass pane and the third glass pane, wherein the first spacer and the second spacer are formed from a flexible material such that a flexible partition is provided between the first glass pane and the third glass pane, and between the second glass pane and the third glass pane.
18. A method of preventing condensation on a door of a refrigerated merchandiser defining a product display area and surrounded by an ambient environment, the door including a first glass pane positioned adjacent the ambient environment, a second glass pane positioned adjacent the product display area, and a third glass pane positioned between and spaced apart from the first pane and the second pane, the method comprising: absorbing radiation from the ambient environment and incident on the first glass pane; increasing the temperature of a surface of the first glass pane facing the ambient environment above the dew point of the ambient environment; heating the second glass pane; and reflecting radiation with a low emissivity coating affixed to the third glass pane.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising absorbing between about 35 percent and about 55 percent of infrared radiation from the ambient environment incident on the first glass pane.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the door further includes a frame and wherein the first glass pane is coupled to the frame, the method further comprising increasing the temperature of a surface of the frame facing the ambient environment above the dew point of the ambient environment.
21. The door of claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
22. A door for a refrigerated merchandiser, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying figures.
23. The merchandiser of claim 11, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
24. A refrigerated merchandiser, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in the accompanying figures.
25. The method of claim 18, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/186,623 US20130019616A1 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2011-07-20 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US13/186,623 | 2011-07-20 | ||
PCT/US2012/045192 WO2013012551A2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ618999A NZ618999A (en) | 2015-02-27 |
NZ618999B2 true NZ618999B2 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
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