Patent Grant
9915469
The disclosure relates generally to the field of refrigeration, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit.
The food service industry serves food from a box-like refrigeration unit having one or more openings to receive pans of food. There can be work surfaces that are approximately waist high that house the pans, and often times, there can be a storage area below for refrigerated or frozen food. There are many factors that give manufacturers trouble in properly maintaining the food temperature not only in the storage area, but also the pans of food ready for service on the work surface. Changing ambient temperatures can also make these units susceptible to improperly maintained temperatures.
The disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.
In one embodiment, a system can include a refrigeration unit; and at least one cooling table plenum operable to mount above an evaporator component and beneath at least one storage container. The at least one cooling table plenum can include an opening operable to receive cooling air and at least one opening in an external wall of the at least one cooling table plenum, wherein at least a portion of the cooling air is directed towards the at least one storage container.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include at least one internal circulation bracket that can include an elongated body with a circulating air input opening; and at least one opening in a lateral side of the elongated body, wherein air is input to the circulating air input opening and at least a portion of the air circulates through the elongated body and through the at least one opening in the lateral side of the elongated body.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include a cross-linking structure operable to support one or more storage containers within or above the refrigeration unit.
The refrigeration unit can also include one or more winglets mounted to the cross-linking structure, the one or more winglets operable to restrict placement of the one or more storage containers with respect to the cross-linking structure.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include a cabinet trim with a thermal breaker. The cabinet trim with a thermal breaker can include a broad external body, and a narrower internal body mounted to a portion of the broad external body, wherein the narrower internal body comprises at least two legs extending perpendicularly from the broad external body.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include a collapsible hood. The collapsible hood can include a sloped door with at least one angled lateral side, at least one lateral hood sidewall, a horizontal hood upper wall, and a rear wall.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include an internal circulation plenum. The internal circulation plenum can include an evaporator air circulation plenum, a cooling table plenum, one or more plenums between one or more food containers disposed above the cooling table plenum, and a lower refrigeration unit plenum, wherein air circulating within the internal circulation plenum travels from the evaporator air circulation plenum to the cooling table plenum to the one or more plenums between one or more food containers disposed above the cooling table plenum and to the lower refrigeration unit plenum.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include a base operable to mount to a lower portion of the refrigeration unit, and an elongated rib operable to mount to the base to divide an area beneath the refrigeration unit into at least two separate areas, wherein air flow in one separate area is maintained separate from air flow in the other separate area.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include a condensate drain pan operable to collect condensate and direct the collected condensate towards an opening in the condensate drain pan, and an evaporator fan shroud operable to direct condensate from an evaporator component towards the condensate drain pan.
In at least one aspect of an embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include at least one cutting board support bracket. The at least one cutting board support can include an upper cutting board support surface operable to support an upper portion of a cutting board, a lower cutting board support surface operable to support a lower portion of a cutting board, and a stop device operable to limit travel of the cutting board with respect to the cutting board support bracket.
Some embodiments of the disclosure can have other aspects, elements, features, operations, acts, and steps in addition to or in place of what is described above. These potential additions and replacements are described throughout the rest of the specification.
In one aspect, disclosed is a refrigeration unit comprising: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending horizontally from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a plurality of storage containers; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and positioned below the cooling table section, the lower region configured for food storage; a door positioned proximate to the front portion and configured to give a user selective access to both the upper portion and the lower region, the lower region in communication with the upper portion by a plenum defined between a front edge of the cooling table section and the door of the refrigeration unit when the door is closed; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to deliver air to the cooling table section; wherein the cooling table section comprises an upper cooling table component and a lower cooling table component in parallel orientation to the upper cooling table component, the upper cooling table component and the lower cooling table component defining a plenum; the upper cooling table component defining a plurality of holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit.
In a further aspect, disclosed is a refrigeration unit comprising: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending from the rear portion towards the front portion; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a storage container; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and at least partially separated from the upper portion by the cooling table section defining a plenum defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to the rear portion and configured to circulate air to the cooling table section.
In yet another aspect, disclosed is a method of using a refrigeration unit the method comprising: powering on the refrigeration unit, the refrigeration unit comprising: a front portion; a rear portion distal from the front portion; a cooling table section extending horizontally from the rear portion towards the front portion, the cooling table section comprising an upper cooling table component and a lower cooling table component in parallel orientation to the upper cooling table component, the upper cooling table component and the lower cooling table component defining a plenum; the upper cooling table component defining holes allowing passage of air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit; an upper portion positioned between the front portion and the rear portion, positioned above the cooling table portion, and defining a circumferential opening configured to receive a plurality of storage containers; a lower region distal from and below the upper portion and positioned below the cooling table section, the lower region configured for food storage; and an evaporator section proximate to a rear portion and configured to deliver air to the cooling table section; circulating air from the evaporator section into the plenum of the cooling table section; and forcing air from the plenum of the cooling table section to the upper portion of the refrigeration unit through the holes defined in the upper cooling table component and towards a plurality of storage containers positioned within the circumferential opening of the upper portion.
The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals indicates similar or identical components or elements; however, different reference numerals may be used as well to indicate components or elements which may be similar or identical. Various embodiments of the disclosure may utilize elements and/or components other than those illustrated in the drawings, and some elements and/or components may not be present in various embodiments. Depending on the context, singular terminology used to describe an element or a component may encompass a plural number of such elements or components and vice versa.
Certain embodiments of the disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with accompanying drawings and corresponding description in
Overview
The disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit.
In one example implementation, a cross-linking structure can be mounted in an upper portion of a cooling chamber for a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cross-linking structure can be operable to support one or more storage containers in the upper portion of the cooling chamber of the refrigeration unit. The cross-linking linking structure can include at least one central member with a plurality of perpendicularly oriented relatively shorter members extending away from the at least one central member. For example, a series of 2 relatively shorter members can be spaced apart from each other and mounted on one lateral side of the at least one central member, and 2 other relatively shorter members can be spaced apart from each other and mounted on an opposing lateral side of the at least one central member. A series of respective winglets can be mounted to a lower portion of each of the relatively short members to provide positive stops to use certain sizes of storage containers with the cross-linking structure.
In another example implementation, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker can be mounted in an upper circumferential opening or cavity for a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cabinet trim and thermal breaker can include a relatively broad external body and a relatively narrower internally mounted body. The relatively narrower internally mounted body can be operable to be inserted within an upper circumferential opening or cavity for a refrigeration unit. The relatively narrower internally mounted body can include a generally internally angled shape with any number of optional outward lateral protrusions. The generally internally angled shape can be operable to assist with guiding and installing the cabinet trim and thermal breaker into the opening or cavity during installation, and the optional outward lateral protrusions can be operable to maintain the position of the cabinet trim and thermal breaker when installed within the opening or cavity. In some instances, the configuration of the relatively broad external body and/or relatively narrower internally mounted body can maintain the position of the cabinet trim and thermal breaker when installed within the opening or cavity.
In another example implementation, a modularized collapsible hood can be mounted on an upper surface of a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The hood can be configured in multiple parts, some or all of which can be used for different sized models and/or types of the refrigeration unit.
In another example implementation, an internal circulation plenum can be configured within a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The internal circulation plenum can be operable to circulate air from a lower region of the refrigeration unit to an evaporator section, and then through a table section. The table section can direct the air between one or more storage containers positioned in an upper portion of the refrigeration unit. Air is recirculated from the upper portion downward from the front portion of the refrigeration unit towards the rear portion beneath the table section.
In another example implementation, an internal circulation bracket can be configured within a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The internal circulation bracket can be a generally hollow bracket operable to circulate relatively cooler air from one end to an opposing end of the bracket. One or more circulation holes or openings can be machined in one or more lateral sides of the bracket to permit cooling air to pass through the bracket surfaces. The bracket can be manipulated or otherwise moved from one location to another location within a refrigeration unit to create air circulation channels between one or more storage containers mounted or otherwise supported in an upper portion of the refrigeration unit.
In another example implementation, a rib operable to prevent or minimize short circuiting can be mounted to a lower external surface of a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The rib can extend from a front portion of the refrigeration unit to a rear portion of the refrigeration unit, and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the external surface of the refrigeration unit. The air space on one side of the rib can generally be maintained separately from the air space on the other side of the rib.
In another example embodiment, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain for a refrigeration unit can be provided according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The evaporator shroud can be operable to enclose at least a portion of an evaporator component associated with a refrigeration unit. The evaporator shroud can be shaped to generally conform with the shape of the evaporator component and to generally direct some or all of any condensate from the evaporator component towards an associated condensate drain. The condensate drain can be a pan-shaped component, separate from the evaporator shroud and evaporator component, that can receive condensate directed towards it from the evaporator shroud, and further direct some or all of the condensate towards an opening or hole in the drain.
In another example embodiment, a cutting board support bracket can be mounted to an upper portion of a refrigeration unit according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. The cutting board support bracket can be operable to support the cutting board generally horizontal and parallel with respect to an upper portion, such as an upper surface, of the refrigeration unit.
The exemplary implementations and embodiments shown and described herein in
In some embodiments, the winglets, such as 106, can be removably mounted to the relatively shorter elongated members, such as 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, and can be moved to different locations along the length of each short member to accommodate different sizes of storage containers supported by the cross-linking structure 100. In other embodiments, different shaped and/or sized winglets can be used with a cross-linking structure 100. In certain embodiments, some or all of the winglets, such as 106, may be fixed with respect to the relatively shorter elongated members, such as 104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, of the crosslinking structure 100. In certain embodiments, one or more additional winglets and/or similar support structures can be used to obtain suitable alignment of the storage containers.
Turning to
In the manner described above, the cross-linking structure can provide novel ways of supporting storage containers, such as food pans, in a refrigeration unit or with an associated refrigerated preparation table.
In
The cabinet trim and thermal breaker 720 shown in the cutaway side view of
Another example cabinet trim and thermal breaker 800 is shown in
As seen in another side view of
In any instance, in certain embodiments, a refrigeration unit can utilize a cabinet trim with a thermal breaker to connect one or more interior and exterior lateral surfaces of the unit while providing a more adequate or suitable insulation between the surfaces. This trim can support the mounting of one or more storage containers, such as food storage pans, from the lateral surfaces of a refrigeration unit in a way to facilitate a relatively low manufacturing cost. In some instances, a cabinet trim with a thermal breaker according to certain embodiments of the disclosure can facilitate a variety of different storage container configurations and provide more alternatives to use different sized storage containers.
In the manner shown, a modularized collapsible hood can be readily assembled and installed with respect to a refrigeration unit. The modularized components can be used with different sized models and/or types of the refrigeration unit. In certain embodiments, the components of a modularized collapsible hood can be manufactured, shipped, and stored in a way to facilitate relatively smaller shipping containers. Some or all of the components can be commonized to provide relatively more options to an end user. Further, manufacturing, shipping, storing, and assembling the components of a modularized collapsible hood can be performed in a relatively safe manner to provide an end user alternatives for a refrigeration unit.
In the manner described above, an internal circulation bracket for a refrigerator unit can provide a novel way of distributing air among any storage containers and within the unit. In some instances, an internal circulation bracket can be positioned such that cooling air enters one end and the opposite end is blocked. One or more internal circulation brackets can be spaced such that any supporting structures, such as a cooling table operable to hold the storage containers or other food service devices, can provide cooling air within one or more channels to create an air duct. One or more vent holes can direct cooling air to the channels to direct air between storage containers or other food service devices to facilitate relatively efficient cooling and even temperature distribution. The channels can be configured to allow for many combinations of different sized storage containers or other food service devices to be used within the refrigeration unit. In this manner, a relatively effective and even distribution of cooling air can be provided to the storage containers or other food service devices and the interior space of the refrigeration unit
In
In the manner described above, a refrigeration unit can include a rib or curtain mounted on the underside of the unit, such as in an undercounter installation, to allow the unit to be installed flush on some or all sides for maximum floor usage and to minimize or otherwise prevent short cycling of air through an associated condenser. In some instances, the rib or curtain can be installed relatively easily by a user or installation personnel. A positive stop at the front or rear of the rib or curtain may be used to let the user or installation personnel know that the rib or curtain is fully seated. In this manner, relatively cool ambient air can be guided from the front of the refrigeration unit into the associated condenser, and short cycling can be minimized or otherwise prevented.
As shown in the perspective views of
In the manner described above, a refrigeration unit can incorporate a combined evaporator shroud and condensate drain. In one embodiment, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain can be functionally combined. A shroud can be sloped at each side and slightly forward of an evaporator coil to help evenly distribute air across the front face of the coil and to allow room for condensation to shed off the coil to the drain. An upper shroud can mate directly to a lower shroud to channel the air through the coil, block air from recirculation, and also help channel condensate water to the drain.
As shown in
In the perspective view of
In this manner, a refrigeration unit can include a bracket to support a cutting board on top of the unit without requiring the need for a relatively larger top surface. The geometry of the bracket can be used to support a cutting board and hold it in place relative to the refrigeration unit. The geometry can minimize or otherwise prevent the cutting board from being lifted up once it is installed. In certain instances, the cutting board has to be slid frontward with respect to the bracket to be secured or to be removed. In this manner, increased user safety and ease of use can result.
While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope of the disclosure.
This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/027,191, filed Sep. 14, 2013, which issued into U.S. Pat. No. 9,581,378 on Feb. 28, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/701,227, filed Sep. 14, 2012, all of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20170138660 A1 | May 2017 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61701227 | Sep 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14027191 | Sep 2013 | US |
| Child | 15404815 | US |
