Patent Grant
8845045
The present invention relates generally to the field of temperature-controlled cases. More specifically, the present invention relates to door closing controls, electrical connectivity systems, and other coupling devices for temperature-controlled cases.
It is well known to provide coupling mechanisms or devices for pivotally coupling a door to a temperature-controlled case, such as a refrigerator, freezer, refrigerated merchandiser, refrigerated display case, etc. that may be used in commercial, institutional, and residential applications. However, conventional doors for temperature-controlled cases are often difficult and time-consuming to install, replace, and repair. Also, conventional doors have a tendency to remain open or delay closing, allowing cooled or heated air to leave a temperature-controlled space and potentially creating significant energy inefficiencies.
Further, conventional frames for such cases often include various electrical devices (e.g., a ballast and a power supply associated with one or more lighting devices within the temperature-controlled space, etc.) housed therein or integrally formed therewith. These electrical devices are difficult to access (e.g., for repair or maintenance) and also act as a source of heat, which is particularly undesirable for applications wherein the temperature-controlled case is a chilled or cooled case.
An improved temperature-controlled case is provided.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case that comprises a frame at least partially defining a temperature-controlled space; a modular door, the modular door movable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position for providing access to the temperature-controlled space; and a door closing control configured to bias the modular door toward the closed position. The door closing control comprises a hinge coupled to the frame, the hinge including a rotatable portion with a first cam surface and a non-rotatable portion having a second cam surface, the rotatable portion and the non-rotatable portion axially aligned with one another along the pivot axis, and a spring biasing the non-rotatable portion toward the rotatable portion so that the first and second cam surfaces engage one another. The door closing control further comprises a torque transfer coupling including a first element removably coupled to a second element, the first element coupled to the door and the second element coupled to the hinge, and a first electrical connector at least partially disposed within the first element and a second electrical connector at least partially disposed within the second element. Coupling the first element and the second element of the torque transfer coupling electrically couples the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector to one another. The temperature-controlled case further comprises at least one compartment separate from and adjacent to the modular door and one or more electrical devices disposed in the compartment, an electrical connection between the electrical devices in the compartment and the modular door being formed when the first element and second element of the torque transfer coupling are coupled to one another.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case, having a frame at least partially defining a temperature-controlled space, and a door pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position, the door including a raceway passage. A door closure device has an elongated bar that biases the door toward the closed position. The door closure device is coupled to one of a top or a bottom of the door and to the frame. An electrical connectivity system includes a first electrical connector coupled to the other of the top or the bottom of the door and engages a second electrical connector coupled to the frame. There is at least one compartment within the frame and one or more electrical devices are disposed in the compartment. An electrical connection between the electrical devices in the compartment and the door being is formed when the first electrical connector is coupled to the second electrical connector.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case that includes a frame and a door coupleable to the frame and pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. At least one compartment is separate from and adjacent to the modular door, where the compartment houses one or more electrical devices. An electrical connectivity system includes a first coupling device removably engagable with a second coupling device. A first electrical connector is disposed within the first coupling device and a second electrical connector is disposed within the second coupling device. When the first coupling device is coupled to the second coupling device the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector are also coupled to on another. Coupling the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector together forms an electrical connection between the one or more electrical devices disposed in the compartment and the door.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case that includes a frame and a door pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. A door closing control assembly biases the door toward the closed position and includes an elongated bar having a first end removably received within a passage in the door and rotationally fixed to the door, and a second end that is removably received within an aperture in the frame and rotationally fixed to the frame, so that the elongated bar increasingly twists as the door is moved from the closed position toward the open position.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case having a door pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The case includes a hinge for transforming pivotal motion into linear motion. The hinge includes a spring and a first coupling device including a first element removably coupleable to a second element. Pivoting one of the first element and second element of the first coupling device imparts pivotal motion to the other element. When the door is coupled to the frame and in the open position, the spring is compressed a first distance in a first direction and provides a translational force in a second direction opposite the first direction, the translational force operably imparting a rotational force on the door in the direction to move the door from the open position to the closed position.
Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a temperature-controlled case and includes a frame and a door coupled to the frame and pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The door includes a passage that interchangeably receives a door closure control assembly at one of the top or the bottom of the door, and an electrical connectivity system at the other of the top or the bottom of the door. The electrical connectivity system includes a first electrical connector coupled to the door, and a second electrical connector coupled to the frame so that the first and second electrical connectors are engaged when the door is coupled to the frame. The door closure control assembly includes a torsion spring that is fixed at one end to the door and fixed at another end to the frame, so that when the door is opened the spring provides an increasing force to urge the door toward the closed position.
Referring to the FIGURES, various embodiments of a door closing control and an electrical connectivity system for a temperature-controlled case are disclosed. The door closing control is configured to bias a door of the temperature-controlled case toward the closed position. In some exemplary embodiments, the door closing control is configured to bias the door of the temperature-controlled case toward the closed position both when the door is in the open position and when the door is in the closed position. The electrical connectivity system is configured to provide an electrical connection between the door of the temperature-controlled case and electrical devices external thereto.
The door closing control and the electrical connectivity system may provide for quick mechanical and electrical coupling (and uncoupling) of the modular door system to (and from) a frame of the temperature-controlled case and electrical devices included therein and/or utilized therewith. These devices/systems may operate in a plug-and-play manner. In some exemplary embodiments, the mechanical coupling and the electrical coupling are formed substantially simultaneously, as will be discussed in more detail below. In this way, the door closing control and the electrical connectivity system may provide for efficient installation and removal of a modular door system. Further, this configuration allows electrical devices that are more conventionally located within a door of a temperature-controlled case to be located external thereto, facilitating repair and maintenance of these electrical devices. These benefits, as well as others, will be discussed in more detail below.
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The refrigerated case 10 further includes at least one compartment 30 according to an exemplary embodiment. The compartment 30 (e.g., box, partition, storage space, etc.) is configured to house (e.g., store, accommodate, etc.) one or more electrical devices 32. The compartment 30 is shown separate from and adjacent to the modular door systems 14. Further, the compartment 30 is closed off by a movable or removable panel 34 that is configured to allow access to the electrical devices 32 stored in the compartment 30. While the compartment 30 is shown disposed substantially along a lower side 36 of the refrigerated case 10 generally below the modular door systems 14, the compartment 30 may be disposed substantially along an upper side 38 of the refrigerated case 10 generally above the modular door systems 14 or at any other suitable location.
The compartment 30 may house a number of electrical devices 32 that are typically housed in or integrated within the door of a temperature-controlled case (e.g., a ballast and a power supply associated with one or more lighting devices within the temperature-controlled space, etc.) according to an exemplary embodiment. This configuration provides a number of benefits. One benefit relates to improving the ease of maintaining and repairing the electrical devices and other electrical components of the temperature-controlled case. By moving electrical devices from the door to a location external thereto (e.g., compartment 30), one can more readily access the electrical components for maintenance or repair. Also, one does not have to dismantle and/or remove a door to perform these maintenance and repair operations. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment shown, one can simply move or remove the panel 34 from the compartment 30 to have direct access to the electrical device(s). Another, more general benefit is the decreased likelihood that something will go wrong with the door.
Each modular door system 14 includes a door rail 40 having a first horizontal rail element 42 generally opposite a second horizontal rail element 44, and a first vertical rail element 46 generally opposite a second vertical rail element 48 according to an exemplary embodiment. The modular door system 14 is configured to be pivotally coupled to the refrigerated case 10 at the refrigerated case frame 16. The first vertical rail element 46 pivots about a pivot axis 50 so that the second vertical rail element 48 is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the modular door system 14 is in the closed position, it acts as a barrier or thermal break between the interior space 12 of the refrigerated case 10 and the surrounding environment. When the modular door system 14 is in the open position, a customer or other user is able to access the goods disposed in the interior space 12 of the refrigerated case 10.
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The spring-loaded pin assembly 100 and the first element 144 of the door closing control 102 are shown in the form of cartridges or components that are removably receivable in a first receptacle 56 and a second receptacle 58, respectively, of the modular door system 14 according to an exemplary embodiment. The first receptacle 56 is shown defined generally in the first horizontal rail element 42 of the door frame 40. The second receptacle 58 is shown defined generally in the second horizontal rail element 44 of the door frame 40. Accordingly, the spring loaded pin assembly 100 and the first element 144 of the door closing control 102 are interchangeably receivable within the receptacles of the door rail, so that the door can be constructed as a universal door capable of being used in right-hand or left-hand application by interchanging assembly 100 and first element 144 from the top to the bottom, etc. According to other exemplary embodiments, however, the door closing control 102 and the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 may not be in the form of cartridges. For example, the spring-loaded pin assembly may be substantially integral with the door.
According to an alternative embodiment, the door closing control and the spring-loaded pin assembly need not be used in combination. Rather, other components or devices for pivotally coupling a door to a temperature-controlled case can replace (e.g., be used in lieu of, etc.) one of the door closing control and the spring-loaded pin assembly. According to other exemplary embodiments, more than two components or devices may be used to pivotally couple a door to a temperature-controlled case.
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When coupling the first end 52 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16, a first portion 126 of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 is configured to be received in the first receptacle 56 and a second portion 128 of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 is configured to operatively engage the refrigerated case frame 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first portion 126 of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 generally corresponds to the housing 110. The first portion 126 is typically disposed within the first receptacle 56 before the second portion 128 is engaged with the refrigerated case frame 16. Once the first portion 126 is disposed in the first receptacle 56, an outside force is typically applied (e.g., by a person's finger(s), by a tool, etc.) to the pin 114, moving it further into the housing 110 to allow the modular door system 14 to be moved upright (e.g., such that the pivot axis 50 is substantially vertical) without the pin 114 complicating the installation (e.g., by hitting the exterior of the refrigerated case frame). The pin 114 is intended to be substantially aligned with a receiving feature (e.g., a slot 130 in the header 22, discussed in more detail below) of the refrigerated case frame 16 when the modular door system 14 is in the desire position (e.g., upright). Removing the outside force from the pin 114 allows the pin 114 to return to the extended position and to engage the refrigerated case frame 16 at the receiving feature (e.g., by extending at least partially through slot 130) to pivotally couple the first end 52 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16.
When uncoupling the first end 52 of the modular door system 14 from the refrigerated case frame 16, an outside force can be applied to the pin 114 to remove it from the receiving feature and move it further into the cavity 116. In this way, a clearance may be provided between the modular door system 14 and the refrigerated case frame 16, allowing the modular door system 14 to be moved relative thereto and/or removed therefrom.
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The torque transfer coupling 140 is further configured to transfer the pivotal motion of the modular door system 14 to the hinge 142 according to an exemplary embodiment. The first element 144 and the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140 include a plurality of engagement features, shown as one or more keys 160 and keyways 162. The keys 160 (e.g., engagement lugs) are configured to be engagable with the keyways 162. As shown, the keys 160 engage the keyways 162 as the first element 144 is coupled to the second element 146. In addition to helping establish the alignment of the first element 144 and the second element 146 along a common axis, the interaction between the keys 160 and the keyways 162 substantially prevents the first element 144 and the second element 146 from rotating relative to one another. Accordingly, when the modular door system 14 is moved between the open position and the closed position, the interaction of the keys 160 and keyways 162 causes the motion of the first element 144, which is rotationally fixed relative to the modular door system 14, to be transferred to the second element 146. Further, because first portion 150 of the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140 is at least partially received in and keyed at least in part to the aperture 152 of hinge 142, the pivotal motion of the torque transfer coupling 140 is transferred to at least a part of the hinge 142 (shown as first cam 164, which is discussed in more detail below). According to other exemplary embodiments, the engagement features may be any features suitable for helping to transfer motion from the first element to the second element of the torque transfer coupling and/or suitable for helping establish the alignment of the first element and the second element.
According to an alternative embodiment, the door closing control may not include a torque transfer coupling. In some alternative embodiments, torque transferring elements other than a torque transfer coupling may integrally formed with the door and/or frame (e.g., during manufacture). For example, a projection may be integrally formed to extend downward from the second end of the door to be directly received in the aperture 152 of the hinge.
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The first cam 164 includes a first cam surface 170 and the second cam 166 includes a second cam surface 172 according to an exemplary embodiment. The second cam surface 172 is biased into engagement with the first cam surface 170 by the spring 168. Both the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172 are shown are at least partially defined as ellipses that are slidably engagable with one another. Both the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172 are further shown inclined relative to the pivot axis 50 (e.g., like ramps). As illustrated, the first cam 164 is pivotable (e.g., rotatable) about the pivot axis 50 and the second cam 166 is substantially not pivotable (e.g., non-rotatable) about the pivot axis 50. When the first cam 164 is pivoted relative to the second cam 166, the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172 slidably move relative to each other. The incline of the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172 relative to the pivot axis 50 causes the relative positions of the first cam 164 and the second cam 166 along the pivot axis 50 to change as the first cam 164 is pivoted. Stated otherwise, the rotation of the first cam 164 either pushes the second cam 166 in a first direction generally away from the modular door system 14 (shown here as downward) or permits the second cam 166 to move in a second direction generally toward the modular door system 14 (shown here as upward) because of the interaction of the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172. Note that this up-and-down motion along the pivot axis 50 may be guided by a projection 176 disposed in a slot 178 that extends parallel to the pivot axis 50, as shown in
The position of the second cam 166 relative to the first cam 164 and the direction of its translational (e.g., linear) movement is configured to substantially correspond to the position and the movement of the modular door system 14.
As discussed above, the torque transfer coupling 140 is configured to transfer the pivotal motion of the modular door system 14 to the first cam 164 of the hinge 142. When the modular door system 14 is in the closed position, the second cam 166 is substantially at its closest portion to the modular door system 14. As the modular door system 14 is moved from the closed position to the open position, the first cam 164 is pivoted relative to the second cam 166 and applies a force to the second cam 166 that moves the second cam 166 in the first direction, away from the modular door system 14. When the modular door system 14 is fully opened, the second cam 166 is at its furthest location from the modular door system 14. The modular door system 14 is maintained in this position by the first cam 164, which is substantially held in place by other components of the temperature-controlled case 10. As the modular door system 14 is moved back towards the closed position from the open position, first cam 164 rotates about the pivot axis 50, changing the relative position of the first cam surface 170 and the second cam surface 172 and allowing the second cam 166 to move in the second direction, towards the modular door system 14, under the biasing force of the spring 168, as will be discussed in more detail below.
The spring 168 is shown disposed between the second cam 166 and another support surface 174 according to an exemplary embodiment. The spring 168 is configured to provide a force that operatively biases the modular door system 14 toward the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the spring 168 is pre-loaded so that it provides this biasing force both when the modular door system 14 is open and when the modular door system 14 is closed. While the discussion below will focus on the operation of a spring that has been pre-loaded, it should be recognized that the spring of the hinge need not be pre-loaded to provide many of the benefits disclosed herein.
Movement of the second cam 166 along the pivot axis 50 changes the distance the spring 168 is compressed according to an exemplary embodiment. When the modular door system 14 is closed, the spring 168 is typically compressed a distance that is at or near the minimum distance that the spring 168 is compressed during operation of the modular door system 14. As the modular door system 14 is opened (e.g., moved away from the closed position), the distance the spring 168 is compressed progressively increases. When the modular door system 14 is in its fully opened position, the spring 168 is compressed a distance that is at or near the maximum distance that the spring 168 is compressed during operation of the modular door system 14. Accordingly, the farther the second cam 166 is from the modular door system 14, the greater the compression of the spring 168 and the greater magnitude the biasing force provided by the spring 168.
The biasing force provided by the spring 168 is transferred to the modular door system 14 by the second cam 166, the first cam 164, and the torque transfer coupling 140 according to an exemplary embodiment. The biasing force provided by the spring 168 is generally directed in the second direction, here, upward and toward the modular door system 14. The spring 168, which is in contact with the second cam 166 at one end, biases the second cam 166 in the second direction substantially at all times. As the second cam 166 is biased toward the modular door system 14, interaction of the second cam surface 172 with the first cam surface 170 biases the first cam 164 to pivot in a direction corresponding to moving the modular door system 14 from the open position toward the closed position (here, counterclockwise). As the first cam 164 is coupled to the modular door system 14 by the torque transfer coupling 140 and substantially not pivotable relative thereto, the biasing force experienced by the first cam 164 is transferred to the modular door system 14 by the torque transfer coupling 140. That is, the first cam 164 operatively biases the modular door system 14 to pivot in a direction corresponding to moving the modular door system 14 from the open position toward the closed position. In this way, the hinge 142 helps prevent the modular door system 14 from being left open, preventing the loss of chilled or cooled air and improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerated case 10. Also in this way, the hinge 142 helps control the motion of the modular door system 14 as it moves from the open position toward the closed position.
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In the exemplary embodiment shown, the fourth electrical connector 196 is electrically coupled to the electrical devices 32 in the compartment 30. So, when the modular door system 14 is coupled to the refrigerated case frame 16, the modular door system 14 is electrically coupled to the electrical devices 32 in the compartment 30. As discussed above, with this configuration, the modular door system 14 can maintain its electrical functionalities without the electrical devices being included or integrated therein.
According to an alternative embodiment, coupling the torque transfer coupling does not also couple the electrical connectors. Stated otherwise, the electrical connectors may be coupled independently of coupling the elements of the torque transfer coupling 140.
An exemplary method of mechanically and electrically installing a door of a temperature-controlled case will now be discussed by way of example and not by way of limitation.
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To couple the second end 54 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16, the first element 144 of the torque transfer coupling 140 is disposed within the second receptacle 58 of the modular door system 14 and the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140 is disposed within the aperture 152 extending through the hinge 142. The modular door system 14 is then positioned to couple the first element 144 and the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140. The first element 144 and the second element 146 self-align as the second element 146 is at least partially received within the first element 144, coupling the second end 54 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16. As discussed above, coupling the first element 144 and the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140 also couples the first electrical connector 182 and the second electrical connector 184 of the electrical connectivity system 180. In this way, an electrical connection is formed between the modular door system 14 and the electrical devices 32 disposed in the compartment 30 and/or at other locations external to the modular door system 14. It should be noted that, according to some exemplary installation methods, the first element 144 of the torque transfer coupling 140 may be pre-assembled with the door and/or the second element 146 of the torque transfer coupling 140 may be pre-assembled with the hinge 142 (e.g., at the factory).
After coupling the second end 54 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16, the first end 52 of the modular door system 14 is coupled to the refrigerated case frame 16 according to an exemplary embodiment. The spring-loaded pin assembly 100 is disposed within the first receptacle 56 of the modular door system 14. A force is applied to the pin 114 to move the pin 114 further into the cavity 116 of the housing 110 of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100, facilitating clearing the header 22 of the refrigerated case frame 16 in order to position the pin 114 to be received within the slot 130. The force applied to the pin 114 is removed to allow the pin 114 to extend at least partially through the slot 130, coupling the first end 52 of the modular door system 14 to the refrigerated case frame 16.
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The plate 222 is shown disposed on top of a laterally-extending, horizontal surface 226 of the header 22 between a pair of guide portions 228 according to an exemplary embodiment.
The guide portions 228 prevent undesirable front-to-back movement of the plate 222 relative to the refrigerated case frame 16. The position of the plate 222 generally corresponds to the locations of the receiving features for the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 and the hold-open linkage 224 in the horizontal surface 226 of the header 22, shown as laterally-extending slots 130 and 230, respectively. The plate 222 includes three apertures according to an exemplary embodiment. A first aperture 232 is substantially aligned with slot 130 and is configured to receive the pin 114 of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 after the pin 114 passes through the slot 130 according to an exemplary embodiment. The first aperture 232 is sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the size and shape of the first portion 208 of the pin 114. This configuration substantially fixes the pin 114 both laterally and from front-to back relative to the plate 222 when received in the first aperture 232. Accordingly, while the pin 114 is laterally movable relative to the slot 130, lateral movement of the pin 114 relative to the slot 130 generally also requires lateral movement of plate 222 relative to the slot 130.
A second aperture 234 is substantially aligned with slot 230 and is configured to receive a first coupling element 236 of the hold-open linkage 224 according to an exemplary embodiment. The hold-open linkage 224 is shown including a plate 238, the first coupling element 236, and a second coupling element 240. A first portion 242 of the plate 238 is shown pivotally coupled to the header 22 of the refrigerated case frame 16 by the first coupling element 236, which extends through the slot 230 and the second aperture 234. A nut 244 is shown used to help keep the first coupling element 236, and thereby the first portion 242 of the plate 238, in the desired position. The second aperture 234 is shown sized and shaped to substantially correspond to the size and shape of the first coupling element 236, substantially fixing the first coupling element 236 laterally and from front-to-back relative to the plate 238 when it is received in the second aperture 234. Accordingly, similar to the pin 114, while the first coupling element 236 is laterally movable relative to the slot 230, lateral movement of the pin 114 relative to the slot 230 generally also requires lateral movement of plate 238 relative to the slot 230.
A second portion 246 of the plate 238 is shown pivotally and slidably coupled to the first horizontal rail element 42 of the modular door system 14 by the second coupling element 240. The second coupling element 240 is shown received through a slot 248 in the plate 238. While the second coupling element 240 is substantially fixed relative to the first horizontal rail element 42, the slot 248 is configured to provide for the plate 238 to be both pivotally moved and slidably moved relative to the second coupling element 240.
When the modular door system 14 is in the closed position, the plate 238 of the hold-open linkage 224 is generally laterally aligned with the first horizontal rail element 42 and the second portion 246 of the plate 238 is distal to the pivot axis 50 relative to the first portion 242 of the plate 238. In this position, the second coupling element 240 is generally at a first end 250 of the slot 248. As the modular door system 14 is moved between the open position and the closed position, the plate 238 pivots relative to the second coupling element 240 and the second coupling element 240 slides within the slot 248 from a position at or near the first end 250 of the slot 248 towards a second end 252 of the slot 248 distal to the first end 250. When the second coupling element 240 reaches the second end 252 of the slot 248, the modular door system 14 is substantially prevented from being pivotally moved any farther from the closed position. Also, at this position, the second coupling feature 240 has moved beyond a catching portion 254, configured to restrict the slidable movement the second coupling element 240 within the slot 248. The second coupling element 240 is prevented from moving back towards the first end 250 of the slot 248 in order to hold the modular door system 14 in or near the fully open position. The modular door system 14 will remain substantially at or near the fully open position until a force is applied to the modular door system 14 in the direction to move the modular door system 14 from the open position to the closed position that is sufficient to move the second coupling element 240 past the catching portion 254.
A third aperture 260 in the plate 222 of the door squaring mechanism 202 extends a distance laterally between the first aperture 232 and the second aperture 234 according to an exemplary embodiment. The third aperture 260 is shown including at least one laterally-extending side 262 having a plurality of teeth 264. The teeth 264 are configured to engage a plurality of teeth 266 of the adjustment feature 214. The adjustment feature 214 includes a shaft 268, extending through a circular aperture 270 in the horizontal surface 226 of the header 22. The circular aperture 270 is sized and shaped to substantially prevent lateral and front-to-back motion of the adjustment feature 214 relative to the refrigerated case frame 16. The shaft 268 further extends through the third aperture 260 such that a first end of the shaft 268 is disposed above the horizontal surface 226 and a second 274 is disposed below the horizontal surface 226 of the header 22.
The adjustment feature 214 is configured to act as a pinion and the plate 222 as a rack. The teeth 266 of the adjustment feature 214 are disposed at or near the first end 272 of the shaft 268 and are configured to mesh with the teeth 264 of the third aperture 260 of the plate 222. By rotating the adjustment feature 214, the adjustment feature 214 can be used to drive the plate 222. As the adjustment feature 214 is rotated, the teeth 266 of the adjustment feature 214 apply a force the teeth 264 of the third aperture 260. This force causes the plate 222 to move laterally relative to the adjustment feature 214 and the refrigerated case frame 16. Lateral movement of the plate 222 relative to the refrigerated case frame 16 causes the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 and the hold-open linkage 224 to also be moved laterally relative to the refrigerated case frame 16. Because the position of the modular door system 14 is related to the position of the spring-loaded pin assembly 100 and the hold-open linkage 224, by moving the plate 222 laterally relative to the refrigerated case frame 16, one can square the modular door system 14 with the refrigerated case frame 16.
The adjustment feature 214 is rotated by first loosening a nut 276 disposed about the shaft 268 at or near the second end 274 (e.g. with the tool 200 according to an exemplary embodiment). After loosening nut 276, the shaft 268 (and the pinion connected thereto) can be rotated using a suitable tool (e.g. Phillips screwdriver, etc.). As shown in
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the aperture 204 is at a first end 280 of the tool 200 and the first slot 206 and the second slot 212 are at a second end 282 of the tool 200. The generally elongated shape of the tool 200 is intended to provide a lever arm that may facilitate use of one or more of the engagement features during installation. According to other exemplary embodiments, the tool may have other suitable shapes and/or the engagement features may be otherwise positioned (e.g., the tool may be substantially triangular, having an engagement feature at each corner). It should be noted, that more than three engagement features may be incorporated into a single tool.
According to an alternative embodiment, one or more of the functions of the tool 200 may be provided by a different, separate tool.
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According to any preferred embodiment of the features shown in
According to any exemplary embodiment, a temperature-controlled case is provided including a frame at least partially defining a temperature-controlled space and a door pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The temperature-controlled case includes a door closing control configured to bias the door toward the closed position. The door closing control may include a hinge for transforming rotary motion into linear motion. The door closing control may also include a torque transfer coupling including a first element removably coupleable to a second element to help couple and uncouple the door to the frame. When the door is coupled to the frame, a spring of the hinge may provide a translational force that operably imparts a rotational force on the door in the direction to move the door from the open position toward the closed position.
According to any exemplary embodiment, a temperature-controlled case is provided including a frame at least partially defining a temperature-controlled space and a door pivotable about a pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The temperature-controlled case includes a door closing control including a coupling device having a first element coupleable to the door and a second element coupleable to the frame. Coupling the first element and the second element mechanically couples one end of the door to the frame. Coupling the first element and the second element also forms an electrical connection between the door and electrical devices disposed external thereto.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the temperature-controlled case and components thereof as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.
The present Application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/353,061, titled “Door Closing Control and Electrical Connectivity System for a Refrigerated Case” and filed on Jun. 9, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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|---|---|---|---|
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