Refrigerated Storage Case

Abstract

The present application thus provides a refrigerated storage case for storing pre-selected items. The refrigerated storage case may include a number of compartments, a user interface configured to receive an access code and to unlock a predetermined compartment with the pre-selected items therein, and an evaporator coil configured to maintain the compartments at a chilled and/or a frozen temperature.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application and the resultant patent relate generally to a refrigerated storage case and more particularly relate to a refrigerated storage case with a number of consumer accessible compartments sized for storing grocery orders and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail stores such as supermarkets and the like generally have a number of display cases such as refrigerated display cases with food and/or beverages displayed therein. A consumer may enter the store, select the desired items from the display cases or elsewhere, and proceed to checkout. An increasing trend in supermarket sales, however, is the use of online shopping for groceries and other items. Instead of entering the store in person to select his or her items, the consumer may select the desired items online and then supermarket personnel may retrieve the items and package them for later pickup or delivery. Other types of remote ordering devices and methods also may be in use.

While waiting on pickup or delivery, supermarket personnel generally either use large coolers to store the prepackaged items or they simply may leave the items on a countertop or other store location at an ambient temperature. The use of the large coolers is generally not energy efficient and may not be convenient for the consumer to find his or her package. Further, leaving the items at ambient temperatures may create freshness issues and may allow any frozen items to thaw if the pick up or the delivery is delayed.

There is thus a desire for an improved refrigerated storage case for prepackaged groceries orders and the like. Preferably such an improved refrigerated storage case may maintain the items therein in a refrigerated or frozen state while also being energy efficient, easy for store personnel to load items therein, and easy for consumers to remove items therefrom.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application and the resultant patent thus provide a refrigerated storage case for storing pre-selected items. The refrigerated storage case may include a number of compartments, a user interface configured to receive an access code and to unlock a predetermined compartment with the pre-selected items therein, and an evaporator coil configured to maintain the compartments at a chilled and/or a frozen temperature.

The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method for providing remote shopping or selection of one or more items. The method may include the steps of receiving an order for the one or more items, providing an access code for access to a compartment in a refrigerated storage case, placing the one or more items in the compartment of the refrigerated storage case, locking the compartment in the refrigerated storage case, receiving the access code, and unlocking the compartment in the refrigerated storage case to provide access to the one or more items.

The present application and the resultant patent further provide a refrigerated storage case for storing one or more pre-selected items. The refrigerated storage case may include a number of compartments with a first door and a second door, a user interface configured to receive an access code and to unlock a predetermined compartment with the pre-selected items therein, and a refrigeration system configured to maintain the compartments at a chilled and/or a frozen temperature.

These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resultant patent will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the several drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a refrigerated storage case as may be described herein.

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of the refrigerated storage case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the refrigerated storage case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a refrigeration system for use with the refrigerated storage case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the refrigerated storage case of FIG. 1 showing the storage bins within the compartments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-3 show a refrigerated storage case 100 as may be described herein. Generally described, the refrigerated storage case 100 may include an outer frame 110. The outer frame 110 may be made out of any type of substantially weather proof or weather resistant materials such as metal, wood, thermoplastic, composites, and combinations thereof suitable for outdoor use. The outer frame 110 may be insulated via conventional materials and methods. The outer frame 110 may have any overall size, shape, or configuration.

The refrigerated storage case 100 may include a number of compartments 120 within the outer frame 110. The compartments 120 may have any size, shape, or configuration. Any number of the compartments 120 may be used herein. Compartments 120 of differing size and shape may be used together. The compartments 120 may be sized to accommodate a standard carrying tote or box intended to hold prepackaged grocery orders and the like. Moreover, certain compartments 120 may be sized for specific types of items. Some or all of the compartments 120 may extend all the way through the width of the outer frame 110 or separate compartments 120 may be used on the sides of the outer frame 110.

Each compartment 120 may be enclosed by an outer door 130. The outer door 130 may have any size, shape, or configuration. The outer door 130 may include a panel 140. The panel 140 may be made out of a transparent or an opaque material with good insulating characteristics. The outer door 130 also may include a handle 150 or other type of hand grip to assist in opening the outer door 130. The outer door 130 may swing, fold, or roll open in any direction or fashion. The outer door 130 may be secured via a locking mechanism 155. The locking mechanism 155 may be a mechanical and/or an electrical device such as a conventional solenoid and the like. Other types of locking mechanisms may be used herein. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The refrigerated storage case 100 also may include a user interface 160. The user interface 160 may be positioned about the outer frame 110 and/or the user interface 160 may be remotely positioned. The user interface 160 may include a video screen 170 or other type of visual display. The video screen 170 may be a touch screen and/or a keypad 180 may be used. Other types of data input and output devices may be used herein. For example, the user interface 160 also may include wireless communication devices such as a radio frequency identification reader that may communicate with a proximity card. A barcode scanner, photoelectric cells, and the like also may be used. Likewise, the user interface 160 may communicate via smartphone, tablets, and other types of consumer electronic devices. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The consumer thus may be given a code, a receipt with a barcode or with other types of authorization indicia thereon, an RFID card, a key, and the like. Any of these communication means may be used to allow the consumer to communicate any type of an access indication 185 to the user interface 185 so as to gain access to a predetermined compartment 120. The user interface 160 also may include a payment device 190. The payment device 190 may be a credit card reader and the like. The consumer also may communicate with the user interface 160 so as to permit the return of articles for a refund or exchange. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

The refrigerated storage case 100 also may include a controller 200. The controller 200 may be any type of a programmable data processing device with any type of suitable memory storage devices. The controller 200 may be positioned within or about the outer frame 110 or the controller 200 may be positioned remotely therefrom. The controller 200 may be in communication with the user interface 160, the locking mechanism 155, and the other components herein. Generally described, the controller 200 may receive instructions on which compartment 120 contains which order and the nature of the access indication 185. Many other types of functionality may be used herein. The controller 200 may be in communication with a number of sensors such as temperature sensors and the like. The controller 200 may communicate via any conventional wired or wireless means. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

As is shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerated storage case 100 also may include a refrigeration system 210. The refrigeration system 210 may include a number of external components 220 remote from the outer frame 110. These external components 220 may include a compressor 230 and a condenser 240. An expansion valve 250 also may be used. The external components 220 may be used with a number of the refrigeration storage cases 100 or with other types of refrigerated display cases within the store or elsewhere. The external components 220 also may be positioned within or about the outer frame 110.

The refrigeration system 210 may include a number of internal components 260. The internal components 260 may include one or more evaporator coils 270 positioned within the outer frame 110. A number of fans 280 may be positioned about the evaporator coils 270 so as to blow air thereacross. One or more inlet ducts 290 may extend from the evaporator coils 270 and the fans 280 to each of the compartments 120. Each of the compartments 120 may have an inlet vent 300 and an outlet vent 310 so as to circulate the air therethrough. Likewise, one or more outlet ducts 320 may be positioned about the outlet vents 310 of the compartments 120 and in communication with the evaporator coils 270 and the fan 280 so to complete the air circuit. Alternatively instead of the vents 300, 310, the floors and walls of the compartments 120 may be out of mesh shelving and the like to allow air to flow therethrough. One of the evaporator coils 270 may maintain some of the compartments 120 at a chilled temperature while a second evaporator coil 270 may maintain other compartments 120 at a frozen temperature. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

Generally described, a refrigerant fluid is heated and expanded in the evaporator coils 270 while removing heat from the compartments 120. Chilled air thus may be circulated through the inlet ducts 290 to each of the compartments 120. The external compressor 230 compresses the heated refrigerant gas and force the refrigerant to the condenser 240. The condenser 240 transfers heat from the refrigerant and condenses the refrigerant such that the cycle may be repeated. In addition to phase change refrigeration, other types of refrigeration or cooling may be used herein. For example, secondary cooling techniques and the like also may be used herein. Alternatively, heated compartments also may be used. Operation of the refrigeration system 210 may be controlled by the controller 200 or otherwise. The refrigeration systems 210 may be manufactured under the Kysor/Warren brand of Heatcraft Worldwide Refrigeration of Columbus, Georgia. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the operation of the refrigerated storage case 100. Each compartment 120 may include a storage bin 330 therein. The storage bins 330 may be sized for one or more of the articles 340 to be positioned therein and may have any shape or configuration. The articles 340 may be prepackaged grocery orders and the like. In this example, each compartment 120 may have a first side door 350 and a second side door 360. The first side door 350 may be opened, the storage bin 330 may be slid outward, and the articles 340 may be positioned therein. Likewise, the second side door 360 may be opened, the storage bin 330 slid out, and the articles 340 removed. As described above, certain compartments 120 may be set a refrigerated temperature while other compartments 120 may be set a frozen temperature. Other compartments 120 may be kept at an ambient temperature while even further compartments 120 may be heated. The compartments 120 may be set at any desired temperature. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

In use, a consumer may place an order for groceries or other types of articles 340 in person, by telephone, online, or by any other direct or remote method. The groceries or other articles 340 thus may be packaged or otherwise organized. Specifically, the groceries or other articles 340 may be placed in a selected compartment 120 by store personnel and the like and locked or otherwise secured. Automatic and/or robotic loading mechanisms also may be used. The compartment 120 thus may keep the articles 340 therein refrigerated and/or frozen for an extended period of time. A timer may indicate how long the articles 340 have been positioned within the compartment 120 to ensure freshness and quality.

The consumer may communicate with the refrigerated storage case 100 via the user interface 160 or otherwise so as to gain access to the selected compartment 120 with any type of the authorization indication 185. Upon authorization, the locking mechanism 155 on the selected compartment 120 may be released. The appropriate door 130 may open automatically or the user interface 160 may inform the consumer which door 130 to open. Other types of opening mechanisms such as foot pedal and the like also may be used. The consumer then may remove the groceries or other articles 340 from the compartment 120. The consumer also may use the payment device 190 to pay for the groceries or other articles 340 before being granted access to the compartment 120. Other components and other configurations also may be used herein.

The refrigerated storage case 100 may be positioned inside or remote from a retail outlet or elsewhere. Further, the refrigerated storage case 100 may be positioned about a wall of the retail outlet such that the first side door 350 may be positioned within the retail outlet and the second side door 360 may be positioned outside so as to allow for easy curb side pickup. Any location may be used herein. The refrigerated storage case 100 thus may be self-contained or part of the retail outlet and tied into the refrigeration system of the retail outlet. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

It should be apparent that the foregoing relates only to certain embodiments of the present application and the resultant patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made herein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A refrigerated storage case for storing pre-selected items, comprising:

a plurality of compartments;

a user interface;

the user interface configured to receive an access code and to unlock a predetermined compartment with the pre-selected items therein; and

an evaporator coil;

the evaporator coil configured to maintain the plurality of compartments at a chilled and/or a frozen temperature.

2. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, further comprising an insulated outer frame with the plurality of compartments therein.

3. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments comprises an outer door and a locking mechanism.

4. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments comprises a first door and a second door.

5. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a video display.

6. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises a payment device.

7. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, further comprising a fan in communication with the evaporator coil.

8. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments comprises one or more vents in communication with the evaporator coil.

9. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, further comprising an external compressor and an external condenser.

10. The refrigerated storage case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of evaporator coils and wherein a first evaporator coil maintains a first compartment at the chilled temperature and wherein a second evaporator coil maintains a second compartment at the frozen temperature.

11. A method for providing remote shopping or selection of one or more items, comprising:

receiving an order for the one or more items;

providing an access code for access to a compartment in a refrigerated storage case;

placing the one or more items in the compartment of the refrigerated storage case;

locking the compartment in the refrigerated storage case;

receiving the access code; and

unlocking the compartment in the refrigerated storage case to provide access to the one or more items.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of placing the one or more items in the compartment of the refrigerated storage case comprises placing the items in the compartment through a first door and wherein the step of unlocking the compartment in the refrigerated storage case to provide access comprises unlocking a second door.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising maintaining the compartment in the refrigerated storage case at a predetermined temperature.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of maintaining the compartment at a chilled or a frozen temperature.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of receiving the access code comprises receiving manual or wireless input.

16. A refrigerated storage case for storing one or more pre-selected items, comprising:

a plurality of compartments;

the plurality of compartments comprising a first door and a second door;

a user interface;

the user interface configured to receive an access code and to unlock a predetermined compartment with the pre-selected items therein; and

a refrigeration system;

the refrigeration configured to maintain the plurality of compartments at a chilled and/or a frozen temperature.

17. The refrigerated storage case of claim 16, wherein the refrigeration system comprises a plurality of internal components and a plurality of external components.

18. The refrigerated storage case of claim 17, wherein the plurality of external components comprises a compressor and a condenser.

19. The refrigerated storage case of claim 17, wherein the plurality of internal components comprises an evaporator coil and a fan.

20. The refrigerated storage case of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of evaporator coils and wherein a first evaporator coil maintains a first compartment at the chilled temperature and wherein a second evaporator coil maintains a second compartment at the frozen temperature.