CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Application Serial No. 63/273,816, filed on October 29, 2021, and entitled “Temperature-Controlled Display Case Systems and Methods.”

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to temperature-controlled display case systems and methods and, more particularly support structure for temperature-controlled display case systems having interactive display doors.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Refrigerated enclosures are used in commercial, institutional, and residential applications for storing and/or displaying refrigerated or frozen objects. Refrigerated enclosures may be maintained at temperatures above freezing (e.g., a refrigerator) or at temperatures below freezing (e.g., a freezer). Refrigerated enclosures have one or more thermally insulated doors or windows for viewing and accessing refrigerated or frozen objects within a temperature-controlled space. Doors for refrigerated enclosures generally include thermally insulated glass panel assemblies.

[0004] Displaying content on refrigerated display case doors can be an effective way of advertising products. Refrigerated display case doors with embedded display panels can be costly and difficult to maintain. Improvement in the methods for displaying content in refrigerated display case doors are continuously sought.

SUMMARY

[0005] In an example implementation, a temperature-controlled display case includes an enclosure that includes a plurality of insulated panels, the enclosure configured to sit on a support surface; a door frame secured within the enclosure; a door hingeably coupled to the door frame and including an electronic display; and a bottom support assembly coupled to at least one of the enclosure or the door frame and configured to bear and transfer at least a portion of a weight of the door to the support surface. [0006] In an aspect combinable with the example implementation, the bottom support assembly includes a bottom rail positionable beneath at least a portion of the door frame and configured to receive the portion of the weight of the door.

[0007] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a sill cover positionable between the door frame and the bottom rail, the sill cover including a thermal break.

[0008] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes an attachment plate mountable to the bottom rail.

[0009] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a bottom fascia plate mountable to the attachment plate.

[0010] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes at least one leveling leg assembly configured to couple to the bottom rail and rest on the support surface.

[0011] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one leveling leg assembly includes a threaded rod adjustable within a support post to adjust a height of the at least one leveling leg.

[0012] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly is configured to bear and transfer the portion of the weight of the door from the door frame, through the sill cover, through the bottom rail, through the at least one leveling leg assembly, and to the support surface.

[0013] Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a top support assembly coupled to at least one of the enclosure or the door frame and configured to bear and transfer at least another portion of the weight of the door to the enclosure through one or more top structural members.

[0014] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes a top rail positionable between the door frame the one or more top structural members and configured to receive the another portion of the weight of the door.

[0015] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes a header cover positionable between the door frame and the top rail, the header cover including a thermal break.

[0016] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes a top fascia plate mountable to the top rail.

[0017] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes at least one pair of a top bracket in combination with a canopy adapter plate, the canopy adapter plate configured to mount to the top rail, and the top bracket configured to mount to the canopy adapter plate and to at least one of the one or more top structural members. [0018] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly is configured to bear and transfer the another portion of the weight of the door from the door frame, through the header cover, through the top rail, through the at least one pair of the top bracket in combination with the canopy adapter plate, and to the at least one of the one or more top structural members.

[0019] In another example implementation, a temperature-controlled display case includes an enclosure that includes a plurality of insulated panels, the enclosure configured to sit on a support surface; a door frame secured within the enclosure; a door hingeably coupled to the door frame and including an electronic display; and a top support assembly coupled to at least one of the enclosure or the door frame and configured to bear and transfer at least a portion of a weight of the door to the enclosure through one or more top structural members.

[0020] In an aspect combinable with the example implementation, the top support assembly includes a top rail positionable between the door frame the one or more top structural members and configured to receive the portion of the weight of the door.

[0021] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a sill cover positionable between the door frame and the bottom rail, the sill cover including a thermal break.

[0022] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes a header cover positionable between the door frame and the top rail, the header cover including a thermal break.

[0023] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes a top fascia plate mountable to the top rail.

[0024] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly includes at least one pair of a top bracket in combination with a canopy adapter plate, the canopy adapter plate configured to mount to the top rail, and the top bracket configured to mount to the canopy adapter plate and to at least one of the one or more top structural members. [0025] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the top support assembly is configured to bear and transfer the another portion of the weight of the door from the door frame, through the header cover, through the top rail, through the at least one pair of the top bracket in combination with the canopy adapter plate, and to the at least one of the one or more top structural members. [0026] Another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects further includes a bottom support assembly coupled to at least one of the enclosure or the door frame and configured to bear and transfer at least another portion of the weight of the door to the support surface.

[0027] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a bottom rail positionable beneath at least a portion of the door frame and configured to receive the another portion of the weight of the door.

[0028] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a sill cover positionable between the door frame and the bottom rail, the sill cover including a thermal break.

[0029] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes an attachment plate mountable to the bottom rail.

[0030] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes a bottom fascia plate mountable to the attachment plate.

[0031] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly includes at least one leveling leg assembly configured to couple to the bottom rail and rest on the support surface.

[0032] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the at least one leveling leg assembly includes a threaded rod adjustable within a support post to adjust a height of the at least one leveling leg.

[0033] In another aspect combinable with any of the previous aspects, the bottom support assembly is configured to bear and transfer the another portion of the weight of the door from the door frame, through the sill cover, through the bottom rail, through the at least one leveling leg assembly, and to the support surface.

[0034] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages. Implementations may provide less expensive alternatives to doors with embedded displays. Implementations may improve the maintainability of electronic displays mounted to doors. For example, implementations of the present disclosure may provide for easy replacement or maintenance of electronic displays mounted to a display case door without the need to remove an entire display case door. Implementations of the present disclosure may also allow a display case door with mounted electronic displays to stay close to the original envelope (e.g., the door having a thin profile) so the door does not interfere with the motion of other doors in a continuous lineup of doors. For example, implementations may permit display case doors having electronic displays to be mounted in a continuous lineup of doors (e.g., in a supermarket aisle) without the need to alter the mounting configuration or spacing between doors to accommodate the thickness of the electronic displays.

[0035] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of a temperature-controlled display case according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of a bottom support assembly of a temperature-controlled display case according to implementations of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of a top support assembly of a temperature-controlled display case according to implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] FIGS. 1A-1C are schematic illustrations of a temperature-controlled display case 100 according to implementations of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A shows an isometric view of the temperature-controlled display case 100; FIG. IB shows a front view of the temperature-controlled display case 100; and FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional side view of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled display case 100 taken along the section shown in FIG. IB. The temperature-controlled display case (or “display case”) 100 according to the present disclosure can represent a refrigerated display case, such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or other enclosure defining a temperature-controlled space or volume, such as refrigerated volume 126 that can store frozen or refrigerated products (e.g., food or other perishable items) on shelving or otherwise.

[0040] For example, a refrigerated display case 100 can be a refrigerated display case or refrigerated merchandiser in grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, florist shops, and/or other commercial settings to store and display temperature-sensitive consumer goods (e.g., food products and the like). A refrigerated display case 100 can be used to display products that must be stored at relatively low temperatures. In some implementations, a refrigerated display case 100 is a refrigerated display unit used, for example, in warehouses, restaurants, and lounges. For example, a refrigerated display case 100 can be a free-standing unit or “built-in” unit that forms a part of the building in which the refrigerated display case 100 is located.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, the display case 100 includes side panels 102 and a top panel 104 (as well as a bottom panel or tub, not shown) that combine to form at least a portion of the enclosure or the volume 126 along with one or more display case doors 108. In some aspects, the side panels 102 and the top panel 104 (as well as the bottom panel or tub) are insulated structural panels that thermally separate the volume 126 from an ambient environment (conditioned or not) that surrounds the display case 100 (e.g., within a human- occupiable structure or otherwise).

[0042] As further shown in this example implementation of the display case 100, structural feet 106 are provided to, e.g., elevate the refrigerated volume 126 (and enclosure of such) from a support surface 1000, such as a floor, mezzanine, or other surface. Top structural members 120 (two shown, but more or fewer are contemplated by the present disclosure) are positioned and connected (e.g., mechanically) to the top panel 104 between a front side (on which the doors 108 are located) of the display case 100 and a back side (opposite the front side) of the display case 100.

[0043] As described in more detail herein, a bottom fascia piece 122 is coupled to the enclosure to, for instance, hide or obviate access to a bottom support assembly 200. In some aspects, bottom fascia piece 122 can be part of the bottom support assembly 200. In some aspects, the bottom fascia piece 122 can be easily removed (e.g., using common tools) to allow convenient access to electronics and/or plumbing in the case for service and maintenance.

[0044] As also described in more detail herein, a top fascia piece 118 is coupled to the enclosure to, for instance, hide or obviate access to a top support assembly 300. In some aspects, top fascia piece 118 can be part of the top support assembly 300. In some aspects, the top fascia piece 118 can be easily removed (e.g., using common tools) to allow convenient access to electrical connectors for service and maintenance. Adjustment legs 124 (described in more detail with reference to bottom support assembly 200) are shown that, in some aspects, can be vertically adjusted to provide leveling of at least a portion of the display case 100.

[0045] The display case doors 108, in this example, are mounted within a frame 112 that forms a perimeter member between the doors 108 and other structural components of the display case 100. In this example, there are two vertical display case doors 108; other example implementations can include fewer or more vertical doors or one or more horizontally-oriented doors. As further shown, each display case door 108 includes a handle 110, e.g., for human manipulation to swing a particular door 108 about hinges to access the volume 126. As further shown, an appurtenance 114 (e.g., light, motion detector, or a combination thereol) can be mounted on each door 108 as shown). In this example, the frame 112 can include a mullion 113 that extends vertically a bottom portion of the frame 112 and a top portion of the frame 112 (and between the doors 108). The mullion 113, in some aspects, acts as a further structural aspect of the frame 112, e.g., to help support a weight of the doors 108. Alternatively, the frame 112 may not include a mullion and instead be largely square or rectangular in perimeter shape and sized to receive the door(s) 108.

[0046] In this example, each door 108 also includes an electronic display assembly 116 that can include a transparent panel (e.g., an insulated panel assembly), a door frame secured to an edge of the panel assembly, and an opaque display screen (e.g., an electronic display) coupled to the door frame. The display screen can be mounted to the door frame so as to overlaying a majority of the insulated panel assembly. The electronic display can be secured to the door frame by at least one display retainer secured to the door frame. For example, the display retainer has a coupling end that mates with the electronic display to releasably secure the electronic display to the door frame. Electronic displays can include an outer housing and an electronically controllable display panel (e.g., screen) mounted to the outer housing. The outer housing can be positioned directly against the front surface of the panel. In some examples, a protecting foam or flexible tape can separate the outer housing from the front surface of panel. The electronic displays can include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, field emission displays (FED), plasma display panels (PDP), or electroluminescent (EL) displays. For example, electronic displays can be smart televisions with streaming capabilities for receiving content over a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). Further, in some aspects, multiple electronic displays can be included within the electronic display assembly 116 of a particular door 108.

[0047] Although the example doors 108 may not include an electronic display assembly 116, and only include a clear or opaque, conventional glass door display, the inclusion of such an electronic display assembly 116 can add significant weight (e.g., 2 times or more) to the door 108 relative to a conventional, non-electronic display door. In some aspects and explained in more detail herein, the weight of the electronic display assembly 116 (for each door 108) can cause structural problems with the frame 112 and other components of the display case 100. In some aspects, one or both of the bottom support assembly 200 or top support assembly 300 is configured to bear at least a portion of the weight of the door(s) 108 and, in some aspects, transmit (linearly or otherwise) the borne weight to the support surface 1000 on which the display case 100 is positioned.

[0048] Turning particularly to FIG. 1C, this figure shows a cross-sectional side view of at least a portion of the temperature-controlled display case 100 taken along the section shown in FIG. IB, including the bottom support assembly 200 and the top support assembly 300. Generally, and as shown in FIG. 1C, the bottom support assembly 200 is positioned underneath (e.g., directly), the frame 112; in this example, two leveling legs 124 (shown as leg assemblies 212 in FIGS. 2A-2C) are part of the bottom support assembly 200, however, more leveling legs 124 can be utilized as needed. The bottom support assembly 200 is also coupled (fastened directly or indirectly) with the side panel 102 (or other structural member connected to the side panel 102). For example, in some aspects, the bottom support assembly 200 can be fastened to an air return wall 125 shown in FIG. 1C, which is located in an interior of the display case 100. As shown, the bottom support assembly 200 is positioned across and under the frame 112 at or near a front side of the display case 100 at which the doors 108 are located to, e.g., bear or help bear a weight of the doors 108 (as electronic displays).

[0049] The top support assembly 300 is also positioned across the display case 100 at or near a front side of at which the doors 108 are located to, e.g., bear or help bear a weight of the doors 108 (as electronic displays). In this example, and as described in more detail herein, the top support assembly 300 can be coupled (e.g., mechanically, and directly or indirectly) to the top structural members 120. In some aspects, the top support assembly 300 is adjustable through the use of slots, so that the frame 112 may be leveled and plumbed during assembly.

[0050] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of a bottom support assembly 200 of a temperature-controlled display case according to implementations of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the bottom support assembly 200 can be used or part of the display case 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of the components of the example implementation of the bottom support assembly 200; FIG. 2B shows an isometric view of the bottom support assembly 200 as assembled; and FIG. 2C shows a side view of the assembled bottom support assembly 200.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 2A, the example implementation of the bottom support assembly 200 includes a sill cover 202, a bottom rail 204, an attachment plate 206, a kick plate 208 (that can also be the bottom fascia plate 122), a bumper 210, and one or more leg assemblies 212. The sill cover 202 provides an interface between the frame 112 and the bottom support assembly 200 (U-shaped portion 220), as well as an interface (z-member 222) between the air return wall 125 (or other structural portion of the display case 100) and the bottom support assembly 200. In some aspects, the sill cover 202 also provides a sliding index portion that allows adjustment of a location on which the frame 112 sits on the bottom support assembly 200. In some aspects, the sill cover 202 can also be made of a non-thermally conductive material, such as PVC, to provide a thermal break between the refrigerated volume 126 and the bottom support assembly 200 (and ambient environment).

[0052] A portion of the sill cover 202 includes the U-shaped portion 220 (shown in FIG. 1C) into which the bottom rail 204 is inserted for assembly. The bottom rail 204 comprises a structural member (e.g., rectangular tubular member) that can act to bear at least a portion of weight of the doors 108 when installed. In this example, the bottom rail 204 comprises a metal (e.g., aluminum) tubing member that is sized to bear such weight and covered by the sill cover 202 to provide the thermal break.

[0053] The attachment plate 206, in this example, comprises an L-shaped panel that has a top, horizontal leg formed to rest on the bottom rail 204 and a bottom, vertical leg to provide a cover for at least a portion of the bottom support assembly 200 when installed in the display case 100. In some aspects, like the sill cover 202, the attachment plate 206 provides a sliding index portion that allows adjustment of the location on which the frame 112 sits on the bottom support assembly 200.

[0054] The kick plate 208 (that can also be the bottom fascia plate) connects to the attachment plate 206 and extends to the support surface 1000 as shown. The kick plate 208 also provides a cover for at least a portion of the bottom support assembly 200 when installed in the display case 100, e.g., to prevent or inhibit debris or unwanted articles from moving under the display case 100. In some aspects, the kick plate 208 is also removable to allow access to the underside of the case 100 for service and maintenance. The bumper 210 can be a malleable or rigid piece (e.g., urethane or PVC) that can also help prevent damage (due to contact) to the bottom support assembly 200.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2C, a leg assembly 212 includes a hollow support post 218 into which a threaded rod 216 can be adjustably threaded. A top of the support post 218 is coupled (e.g., mechanically) to the bottom rail 204. A foot 214 is also threaded to the threaded rod 216 at an end opposite the support post 218. In operation of the leg assembly 212 (e.g., to level or help level the display case 100, such as due to the weight of the doors 108), the threaded rod 216 can be threaded into or out of the support post 218 to adjust a distance between the bottom rail 204 and the foot 214. In some aspects, due to, e.g., the weight of the doors 108 which can cause a forward tipping of the display case 100, the leg assemblies 212 can be operated to level the display case 100 (front relative to rear) to prevent such tipping. [0056] As further shown in FIG. 2C, a force, F, that represents a force generated by a weight of at least a portion of the doors 108 and/or other components of the display case 100 acts in a downward direction when the display case 100 is positioned on the support surface 1000. In this example, F is home by, and transferred through, the bottom support assembly 200 and to the support surface 1000 to help hold the display case 100 in a stable, e.g., untipping, position. For example, F is transferred from the doors 108, through the frame 112, and through the sill cover 202 and attachment plate 206 to the bottom rail 204. A magnitude of F is spread over the bottom rail 204, which is then transferred through the support posts 218 (e.g., two or more) and into the threaded rods 216. From the threaded rods 216, F is transferred through the feet 214 to the support surface 1000.

[0057] FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of a top support assembly 300 of a temperature-controlled display case according to implementations of the present disclosure. In some aspects, the top support assembly 300 can be used or part of the display case 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of the components of the example implementation of the top support assembly 300; FIG. 3B shows an isometric view of the top support assembly 300 as assembled; and FIG. 3C shows a side view of the top support assembly 300.

[0058] Turning to FIG. 3A, the example implementation of the top support assembly 300 includes one or more (three in this example) top brackets 302, one or more (three in this example and corresponding to the number of top brackets 302) canopy adapter plates 304, a top rail 306, a header cover 308, and a fascia plate 310 (that can also be the top fascia plate 118).

[0059] In some aspects, the top brackets 302 can be coupled (e.g., mechanically) to the enclosure of the display case 100 and, more particularly, to corresponding top structural members 120 (which may have a one to one correspondence with a number of the top brackets 302. Turning particularly to FIG. 3C, atop (horizontal) flange 312 of each top bracket 302 can be fastened to a particular one of the top structural members 120. A bottom (vertical) flange 314 of each top bracket 302 can be coupled (e.g., mechanically) to a corresponding canopy adapter plate 304.

[0060] Each canopy adapter plate 304 comprises an L-member that can couple (on a vertical leg) to a corresponding top bracket 302 and can couple (on a horizontal leg) to the top rail 306. In this example, there are three pairs of top brackets 302 and canopy adapter plates 304; in alternative implementations there can be fewer or more pairs of top brackets 302 and canopy adapter plates 304. Preferably, there are at least two pairs of top brackets 302 and canopy adapter plates 304.

[0061] The top rail 306 comprises a structural member (e.g., rectangular tubular member) that can act to bear, in some aspects, at least a portion of weight of the doors 108 when installed. In this example, the top rail 306 comprises a metal (e.g., aluminum) tubing member that is sized to bear such weight and covered by the header cover 308 to provide a thermal break.

[0062] The header cover 308 provides an interface between the frame 112 and the top support assembly 300. In some aspects, the header cover 308 can also be made of a non- thermally conductive material, such as PVC, to provide a thermal break between the refrigerated volume 126 and the top support assembly 300 (and ambient environment).

[0063] As shown, the top fascia plate 310 comprises an L-shaped plate that includes a horizontal leg to fasten over the top of the top brackets 302. The top fascia plate 310 also includes a vertical leg that fastens over a front of the header cover 308 (that encloses the top rail 306. In some aspects, the top fascia plate 310 serves as an aesthetic component as well as a seal against unwanted debris into the top support assembly 300.

[0064] In some aspects, the top support assembly 300 acts, when installed, to bear and/or support at least a portion of the weight of the doors 108 by transmitting some of such weight (at least) to the top structural members 120 (and other components of the display case 100). Further, in some aspects, the top support assembly 300 can act, when installed, to help prevent twisting of the frame 112. As shown in FIG. 3C, a force, F, can represent a force applied to the top flange 312 of the top brackets 304 as a result of a weight of the doors 108. For example, the weight of the doors 108 applies a force in the direction of gravity (downward). This downward force can create a vertical, or more particularly, rotational force (torque) as shown by F (directed vertically here for simplicity) by transferring through the top rail 306, the top brackets 304, and the front flanges 314 of the top brackets 302. This force (or torque) transfers through the top flanges 312 to the top structural members 120 to which the top brackets 302 are connected. Thus, such a force, torque, or twisting motion can be bome sufficiently by the top structural members 120 (and other part of the display case 100).

[0065] While a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims. Furthermore, one of skill in the art would appreciate that features described in reference to a specific embodiment are not limited to that embodiment and can be interchanged with features of other embodiments.