US20130019616A1 - Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser - Google Patents
Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130019616A1 US20130019616A1 US13/186,623 US201113186623A US2013019616A1 US 20130019616 A1 US20130019616 A1 US 20130019616A1 US 201113186623 A US201113186623 A US 201113186623A US 2013019616 A1 US2013019616 A1 US 2013019616A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- glass pane
- door
- ambient environment
- glass
- display area
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- E06B3/67—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
-
- 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
Definitions
- 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.
- refrigerated merchandisers 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.
- 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.
- 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 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.
- the invention provides a refrigerated merchandiser including a case that defines a product display area, and a door coupled to the case and enclosing a portion of the 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 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- radiation encompasses radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet radiation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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).
- any suitable air or non-reactive gas e.g., nitrogen
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
Abstract
Description
- 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.
- 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 a case that defines a product display area, and a door coupled to the case and enclosing a portion of the 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 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 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 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.
-
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 ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a section view of a portion of the door ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a section view of the door taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 2 . - 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.
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FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigeratedmerchandiser 100 including acabinet 110 that defines an interior space orproduct display area 114. Theproduct 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 theproduct display area 114 are supported by aback wall 122 of thecabinet 110 for supporting product. As illustrated, acabinet casing 126 along a front of thecabinet 110 surrounds and supportsdoors 130 that provide ingress to theproduct display area 114. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , eachdoor 130 has adoor frame 134 and ahandle 138 for opening and closing thedoor 130. Ahinge 142 facilitates rotational movement of the door between a closed position and an open position. Alternatively, thedoor 130 may translate, or slide, in a track (not shown) in a plane substantially parallel to the front face 128 (FIG. 1 ). Aglass assembly 146 separates theproduct display area 114 from air in theambient environment 148 surrounding the refrigeratedmerchandiser 100. The terms “ambient air” and “ambient environment” are meant to include air adjacent and external to the front face 128 of the refrigeratedmerchandiser 100 and may include, for example, air within a grocery store or other retail setting, or outside air if themerchandiser 100 is outside a building. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show that theglass assembly 146 includes a first orexterior glass pane 150 that is positioned adjacent theambient environment 148, a second orinterior glass pane 160 that is positioned adjacent theproduct display area 114, and a third orintermediate glass pane 170 that is positioned between theexterior glass pane 150 and theinterior glass pane 160. In some constructions, theglass assembly 146 may include more than three glass panes (i.e., more than one intermediate glass pane 170). - The
exterior glass pane 150 includes afirst surface 151 that faces away from theproduct display area 114 and that is exposed to theambient environment 148, and asecond surface 152 opposite thefirst surface 151 that faces toward theproduct display area 114. Theexterior glass pane 150 is formed of a heat absorbing glass, which absorbs a significant quantity of incident infrared radiation from theambient 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 absorbingglass pane 150 absorbs approximately 35-55% of incident infrared radiation or heat from theambient environment 148 while allowing approximately 70-90% of visible light to be transmitted. Other ranges of both absorption and transmittance for theexterior glass pane 150 are possible and considered herein. Absorbed radiation retained within the glass structure of theexterior glass pane 150 generates heat, which raises the temperature of theexterior glass pane 150, and specifically the temperature of thefirst surface 151, above the dew point of theambient environment 148. - The
interior glass pane 160 includes afirst surface 161 that faces away from theproduct display area 114, and asecond surface 162 that faces toward and is exposed to theproduct display area 114. Theinterior 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 , theinterior glass pane 160 includes a heatedcoating 180 affixed or applied on thefirst surface 161. The heatedcoating 180 provides resistance heating to theinterior glass pane 160 via electrical power from a power source (not shown) to which theheated coating 180 is connected. As illustrated, the heatedcoating 180 is affixed to thefirst surface 161, rather than thesecond surface 162 of theinterior glass pane 160, to minimize the possibility of electrical shock to a consumer. The heat provided to theinterior glass pane 160 by theheated coating 180 quickly removes or “de-fogs” condensation formed on thesecond surface 162 when thedoor 130 is opened. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show that theintermediate glass pane 170 is spaced apart from theexterior glass pane 150 and theinterior glass pane 160. Theintermediate glass pane 170 includes afirst surface 171 that faces away from theproduct display area 114 and toward thesecond surface 152, and asecond surface 172 that faces toward theproduct display area 114 and toward thefirst surface 161. Theintermediate glass pane 170 can be formed from any suitable glass material (e.g., annealed glass). - With reference to
FIG. 3 , thefirst surface 171 of theintermediate glass pane 170 includes a low emissivity (“low-e”)coating 182. The low-e coating 182 of thefirst surface 171 reflects a portion of the radiation that passes through theexterior glass pane 150 back in the direction of theexterior glass pane 150. A portion of this reflected radiation will be absorbed by and further raise the temperature of theexterior glass pane 150. As illustrated, thesecond surface 172 includes a low-e coating 184 that reflects a portion of radiation that has passed through theexterior glass pane 150, the low-e coating 182, and the glass structure of theintermediate glass pane 170, maximizing the potential radiation absorbed by theexterior glass pane 150 while minimizing the amount of radiation that reaches theproduct display area 114. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thedoor frame 134 provides support for theglass assembly 146 and can be formed of a flexible polyurethane. Thedoor frame 134 includes abody 190, anouter flange 194 that contacts thefirst surface 151 of theexterior glass pane 150, and aninner flange 198 that contacts thesecond surface 162 of theinterior glass pane 160. Theouter flanges surfaces - The
door frame 134 also includes aninsert 200 that separates and spaces theexterior glass pane 150, theinterior glass pane 160, and theintermediate glass pane 170 from each other and from thedoor frame 134. Theinsert 200 wraps around the perimeter of theglass panes outer spacer 204 and aninner spacer 208. Thespacers first space 212 between theexterior glass pane 150 and theintermediate glass pane 170, and asecond space 216 between theinterior glass pane 160 and theintermediate glass pane 170. The first andsecond spaces second surface 152 of theexterior glass pane 150 and thefirst surface 171 of theintermediate glass pane 170, and between thesecond surface 172 of theintermediate glass pane 170 and thefirst surface 161 of the interior glass pane 160). The first andsecond spaces glass panes glass panes - An
exterior portion 220 ofspacer 204 engages thesurface 152 ofexterior pane 150 while anexterior portion 222 ofspacer 208 engages thesurface 161 ofinterior pane 160.Interior portions spacers surface 171 andsurface 172, respectively, ofintermediate pane 170. Abridge 236 contacts the top andbottom edges 174, 176 ofintermediate pane 170. Afirst projection 240 contacts the top andbottom edges exterior pane 150 and asecond projection 244 contacts the top andbottom edges interior pane 160. Each of thespacers door frame 134 and theglass panes product display area 114. Eachspacer desiccant 250 or other hygroscopic material, and is in fluid communication with one of the first andsecond spaces second spaces Aluminum tape 260 can be applied to theinsert 200 to provide an additional barrier to moisture entering first andsecond spaces - A portion of the heat absorbed by the
exterior glass pane 150 transfers to thedoor frame 134 and heats thedoor frame 134. Specifically, a portion of the heat absorbed by theexterior glass pane 150 will be transferred to theouter flange 194, and consequently to anexterior surface 270 of thedoor frame 134. As described above, heating theexterior glass pane 150, and in particular thefirst surface 151, as well as theexterior surface 270 of thedoor frame 134 above the dew point of theambient 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 betweenpanes door frame 134. Theexterior glass pane 150 expands in size as it is heated, and the flexibility of thedoor frame 134 and theinsert 200 accommodates this expansion without producing excessive stresses withinglass assembly 146. Additionally, the flexible nature of thedoor frame 134 and theinsert 200, which positions and secures theintermediate glass pane 170 within theglass assembly 146, allows for relative movement betweenglass panes flexible spacer 204,first projection 240, and bridge 236 allow for relative movement between theexterior glass pane 150 and theintermediate glass pane 170 due to expansion and retraction ofexterior glass pane 150. Similarly, theflexible spacer 208,second projection 244, and bridge 236 allow for relative movement between theinterior glass pane 160 and theintermediate glass pane 170 due to expansion and retraction ofinterior glass pane 160. This relative movement betweenglass panes glass assembly 146. - In operation, some incident radiation from the
ambient environment 148 is directly absorbed by the heat absorbingexterior glass pane 150. The incident radiation not absorbed by theexterior glass pane 150 passes through theexterior glass pane 150 and is reflected by one or both of the low-e coatings intermediate glass pane 170 back toward theexterior glass pane 150. The reflected incident radiation increases the overall percentage of incident radiation absorbed byexterior glass pane 150. The absorption of additional incident radiation by theexterior glass pane 150 produces more heat withinexterior glass pane 150, which raises the temperature of both thefirst surface 151 ofexterior glass pane 150 and theexterior surface 270 of thedoor molding 134. The increased temperature on thefirst surface 151 and theexterior surface 270 minimizes or prevents the formation of condensation on thesurfaces - The
heated coating 180 heats theinterior glass pane 160 to de-fog any condensation that forms on thesecond surface 162 ofinterior pane 160. Power can be supplied to theheated coating 180 continuously or at predetermined intervals. With no external power needed to obtain the thermal benefits associated with theexterior glass pane 150, theglass panes glass assembly 146 and thedoor frame 134. - Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (8)
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 |
AU2012284427A AU2012284427B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
MX2014000743A MX356596B (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser. |
EP12814905.1A EP2734085B1 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser and method of preventing condensation on a door |
PCT/US2012/045192 WO2013012551A2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
NZ618999A NZ618999B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
CA2841773A CA2841773C (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2012-07-02 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US15/481,933 US10888176B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2017-04-07 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/481,933 Continuation US10888176B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2017-04-07 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130019616A1 true US20130019616A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
Family
ID=47554787
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/186,623 Abandoned US20130019616A1 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2011-07-20 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
US15/481,933 Active 2032-11-09 US10888176B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2017-04-07 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/481,933 Active 2032-11-09 US10888176B2 (en) | 2011-07-20 | 2017-04-07 | Heat absorbing door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20130019616A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2734085B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012284427B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2841773C (en) |
MX (1) | MX356596B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013012551A2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140154434A1 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Refrigerator door/window |
WO2015006202A1 (en) * | 2013-07-10 | 2015-01-15 | Anthony International | Improved access system for a temperature controlled storage device |
GB2531757A (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-05-04 | Bostik Ltd | Spacer Bar to Improve Gas Barrier in Insulated Glass Unit |
US20190113269A1 (en) * | 2016-06-01 | 2019-04-18 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance and door for refrigeration appliance |
CN112968372A (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2021-06-15 | 北京北龙源开关设备有限责任公司 | Power distribution cabinet installed in modularized mode |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11559147B2 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2023-01-24 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated display cabinet utilizing a radial cross flow fan |
US11116333B2 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2021-09-14 | Carrier Corporation | Refrigerated display cabinet including microchannel heat exchangers |
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US2444976A (en) * | 1942-04-28 | 1948-07-13 | Libbey Owens Ford Glass Co | Absorption glasses |
US4035608A (en) * | 1975-11-17 | 1977-07-12 | Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Multi-pane window structure |
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US6148563A (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2000-11-21 | Hussmann Corporation | Reach-in door for refrigerated merchandiser |
US6367223B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2002-04-09 | Anthony, Inc. | Display case frame |
US20060103269A1 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2006-05-18 | Anthony, Inc. | Soft-coated glass pane refrigerator door construction and method of making same |
US8881542B2 (en) * | 2007-03-13 | 2014-11-11 | Hussmann Corporation | Refrigerated merchandiser |
-
2011
- 2011-07-20 US US13/186,623 patent/US20130019616A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-07-02 WO PCT/US2012/045192 patent/WO2013012551A2/en active Application Filing
- 2012-07-02 EP EP12814905.1A patent/EP2734085B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-07-02 AU AU2012284427A patent/AU2012284427B2/en active Active
- 2012-07-02 MX MX2014000743A patent/MX356596B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2012-07-02 CA CA2841773A patent/CA2841773C/en active Active
-
2017
- 2017-04-07 US US15/481,933 patent/US10888176B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2444976A (en) * | 1942-04-28 | 1948-07-13 | Libbey Owens Ford Glass Co | Absorption glasses |
US4035608A (en) * | 1975-11-17 | 1977-07-12 | Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Multi-pane window structure |
USRE35120E (en) * | 1980-09-15 | 1995-12-12 | Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Display type refrigerator/freezer cabinet |
US5329736A (en) * | 1989-06-30 | 1994-07-19 | Termofrost Ab | Door construction for vertical refrigerator and freezer spaces |
US20100062152A1 (en) * | 2002-05-02 | 2010-03-11 | Hussmann Corporation | Merchandisers having anti-fog coatings and methods for making the same |
US20110100044A1 (en) * | 2009-11-05 | 2011-05-05 | Hussmann Corporation | Door for a refrigerated merchandiser |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140154434A1 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2014-06-05 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Refrigerator door/window |
US9332862B2 (en) * | 2012-11-30 | 2016-05-10 | Guardian Industries Corp. | Refrigerator door/window |
WO2015006202A1 (en) * | 2013-07-10 | 2015-01-15 | Anthony International | Improved access system for a temperature controlled storage device |
US9032667B2 (en) | 2013-07-10 | 2015-05-19 | Anthony International | Access system for a temperature controlled storage device |
GB2531757A (en) * | 2014-10-29 | 2016-05-04 | Bostik Ltd | Spacer Bar to Improve Gas Barrier in Insulated Glass Unit |
US20190113269A1 (en) * | 2016-06-01 | 2019-04-18 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance and door for refrigeration appliance |
US10663216B2 (en) * | 2016-06-01 | 2020-05-26 | Bsh Hausgeraete Gmbh | Refrigeration appliance and door for refrigeration appliance |
CN112968372A (en) * | 2021-03-10 | 2021-06-15 | 北京北龙源开关设备有限责任公司 | Power distribution cabinet installed in modularized mode |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2841773C (en) | 2019-01-15 |
WO2013012551A3 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
NZ618999A (en) | 2015-02-27 |
WO2013012551A2 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
CA2841773A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
EP2734085A2 (en) | 2014-05-28 |
MX356596B (en) | 2018-06-05 |
MX2014000743A (en) | 2014-02-27 |
AU2012284427B2 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
US10888176B2 (en) | 2021-01-12 |
EP2734085B1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
EP2734085A4 (en) | 2015-04-08 |
US20170208966A1 (en) | 2017-07-27 |
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Owner name: HUSSMANN CORPORATION, MISSOURI Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:REICHERT, CRAIG STEVEN;REEL/FRAME:026620/0544 Effective date: 20110718 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION |