Merchandising cooler having large packout and small footprint

Abstract

A merchandising cooler has a thermoelectric cooling module with a thermoelectric array. Direct current is supplied to the thermoelectric array, thereby producing a cold side and a hot side. The thermoelectric array is mounted in an insulated container so that either the cold side or the hot side is in thermal communication with the interior space of the container and the other side is in thermal communication with the ambient environment. Depending on the arrangement and current flow, the device can either cool or heat displayed merchandise.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to coolers and more particularly to a novel and highly effective merchandising cooler that maximizes packout (i.e., the amount of merchandise that the cooler can store and cool) and minimizes footprint (i.e., the floor space the cooler requires). BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Conventional merchandising coolers utilize mechanical refrigeration to chill merchandise, such as food and beverages, which is best kept and sold at lower temperatures that the ambient temperature of the environment in which the items are sold. These conventional coolers operate according to the same general principles as a home refrigerator, and include a compressor, a pump, and a condenser coil. They are accordingly expensive, bulky, and inefficient. Further, these conventional refrigeration units tend to have a large footprint. Floor space in a retail environment can be scarce and costly; accordingly, these conventional arrangements fail to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a merchandising cooler is provided that includes a thermoelectric cooling module having a supplemental radiator on the hot side and an insulated container having one or more transparent side or top portions that facilitate viewing of the contents of the insulated container.

[0009] The system and method of the invention provide a number of benefits. Thermoelectric cooling is less expensive and less bulky than conventional refrigerator coolers used in the sale of goods. By virtue of the less bulky design, the merchandising cooler of the present invention can maximize packout for a given footprint. Additionally, the modular design of the thermoelectric cooling module of the present invention facilitates efficient manufacture and maintenance.

Problems solved by technology

They are accordingly expensive, bulky, and inefficient.

Further, these conventional refrigeration units tend to have a large footprint.

Floor space in a retail environment can be scarce and costly; accordingly, these conventional arrangements fail to provide an adequate packout relative to their footprint.

Mechanical refrigeration units can moreover be costly to maintain.

Thus, refrigeration can be supplied to places that do not accommodate conventional refrigeration systems.

While these units may provide a sufficient solution for use in a personal, home or travel environment, they are not equipped to provide the combination of large packout and small footprint that is desirable in a merchandising environment.

Additionally, the thermoelectric coolers known in the art do not adequately display the refrigerated goods offered for sale and are not designed in a way that enables efficient maintenance.

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