Abstract: A system for display cases comprising a star shaped structure (1) and a circular groove (3), the star shaped structure (1) is equipped with a support (4) placed at the end of each of its spokes (2), the said support is constantly maintained in a level position by a pin (6) constrained in the circular groove (3), whose position is such that it creates a jointed parallelogram connection for each support (4); it also comprises a transmission which is suitable to operate the rotation of the star shaped structure (1) with the supports (4) that sustain protruding shelves, trays and dishes, or at least a couple of such star shaped structures (1), facing each other, in which the relative supports (4) are joined to the flat surfaces (9) or other means which are constantly maintained level during their rotation; it finally comprises display cases equipped with said jointed system.

Abstract: An adjustable angle display device for holding and displaying objects includes a base portion, a display portion coupled to the base portion and adapted to pivot about a pivot point, and a positioning device having a first end coupled to the base portion and a second end coupled to the display portion, the positioning device adapted to adjustably position the display portion in a first position and a second position relative to the base. A method of providing an adjustable angle display device includes pivotally coupling a first end of a display portion to a base portion, providing a positioning device to selectively raise and lower a second end of the display device relative to the base portion, coupling the positioning device in operable engagement with the base portion and the display portion, and operating the positioning device to selectively adjust a display angle of the display device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insulating glazed element comprising at least two glass sheets, separated from each other by a space and joined at their periphery by a seal, and at least one section.

Abstract: Techniques are described for improved line and clarity of sight for a freezer bank having multiple individual freezers. By selective angling of walls of the freezers, individual doors and the products behind those doors for two or more freezers can be more clearly seen with reduced glare. With this arrangement, more freezer doors can be as clearly seen as typical for product doors at an end of a row or an end of an aisle thereby improving the overall merchantability of a store's freezer section. Applications to a warehousing store environment are described in detail.

Abstract: An at least partially cooled product display cabinet in which cooling of the area or areas of the product display cabinet to be cooled takes place at least partially by means of a cooling air flow and/or by means of static cooling is described. According to the invention, at least one sensor (a, a′, a″, b, b′, b″, c, c′, c″, d, d′, d″) that is used to detect contaminants and/or particles of dirt in the cooling air flow is arranged in and/or on the product display cabinet.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cold storage which improves a door insulating performance, and which is preferable particularly for low-temperature insulation of chemicals, and the like. A low-temperature insulating showcase is formed by openably closing a storage chamber opening constituted in an insulation box by a door, the door is constituted of a transparent panel and a see-through composite layer glass, and a panel is detachably attached to the storage chamber side of the composite layer glass.

Abstract: In a shelf apparatus for a showcase, including a shelf plate on which commodities are placed; a shelf support on which the shelf plate is supported; and a connecting member having a movable portion connected to the shelf plate and a fixed portion connected to the shelf support for enabling the shelf plate to slide in the depth direction, the movable portion of the connecting member has a hard locking member, and the shelf support has a concave portion which can lock and unlock the locking member. When the shelf plate is held on the shelf supports, the locking member is locked to the concave portion. Thereby, the shelf plate is fixed to the shelf support via the connecting member. On the other hand, when commodities are resupplied onto the shelf plate, the locking member is unlocked from the concave portion. Thereby, the movable portion of the connecting member is detached from the shelf support.

Abstract: There is provided a shelving system for a confined space. The system has a first shelf support frame with stationary upright columns, horizontal and transverse first frame bars between the columns, rear first shelf bars that can extend between the columns with attachments at opposite ends engageable with the first stationary columns. The system also has at least two second moveable shelf support frames made up of respective moveable front and rear columns, horizontal and transverse frame bars extending between the moveable front and rear columns, front shelf bars that extend between the moveable front columns and rear columns, and attachments at opposite ends of the front shelf bars, which are interengageable with the second moveable columns.

Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.

Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.

Abstract: A store display maximizes shelf space through use of an automated lift assembly that selectively positions product, for example milk containers, at an opening in a wall. The wall defines a customer side and a store side, and the lift assembly monitors product available through the opening and selectively raises additional product from a stacked array into position at the opening. Helical threaded members are preferably disposed on opposite sides of a pallet, or support platform, and are driven in unison in response to a signal from a sensor that product is depleted from an upper level of the stacked array.

Abstract: A modular lighting system for illuminating products supported upon various vertically arranged shelves of a display unit includes a housing attached to a first shelf, with the housing including at least one transparent panel which permits an internal illumination source to light products supported upon at least one of the first shelf, a shelf arranged directly above the first shelf and a shelf disposed directly below the first shelf. Most preferably, the light illuminating from the housing is directed so as to effectively, entirely illuminate product support surfaces associated with both the first shelf and the shelf directly below such that the display of products supported anywhere from the front to the back of these shelves is enhanced. This front-to-back lighting function can be achieved in various ways, such as by employing direct, reflective and refractive lighting techniques.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) and the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: A building for use as a drive-by retail store, including a floor, a roof, a plurality of walls extending from the floor to the roof and defining a perimeter, at least one access door, and at least one cashier's station located at one end of the building. The perimeter is substantially formed by a plurality of temperature-controlled display cabinets, wherein the display cabinets have transparent exterior walls and interior access doors.

Abstract: A light column assembly including a hollow tube, a first endcap, a first optical lighting film, a second optical lighting film, and at least one light source is provided. The hollow tube includes a rear wall having an inner surface, a front wall extending opposite the rear wall, a first end, and a second end. The tube front wall also has an inner surface. The first endcap is coupled to the tube first end and includes a reflective inner surface. The first optical lighting film overlies the tube rear wall. The second optical lighting film overlies the tube front wall. The light source is coupled to the tube second end and positioned to direct a light beam having a predetermined beam spread angle toward the first endcap such that the light source light is substantially evenly emitted from the tube through the tube front wall.

Abstract: A molded unitary storage cabinet and cabinet assembly for storage of supplies or retail stock, the cabinet assembly including at least two cabinet units; where the cabinet units are a butted or adjoined side by side; where each cabinet unit includes: inner and outer polymeric surfaces; formed by molding; where surfaces are defined by multiple joined surfaces; and where each cabinet unit comprises two side walls, one back wall, and a bottom or floor. The inner surfaces surround and define a hollow for containing, within the hollow, supplies or retail stock. An opening is formed in a front portion, opposite the back wall of the cabinet unit, for access to the hollow for storing supplies or retail stock. The back wall of the cabinet unit has an opening for allowing access to electrical outlets, plumbing, and other resources. A serving/work surface is fixedly attached to the upper edges of the side walls and back wall.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: An environmental cabinet including at least two opening leaves which have an insulating glazing unit composed of at least two glass sheets between which a vacuum has been created. The sheets are joined together around their periphery by an inorganic seal. The sealing between the two opening leaves is achieved by a vertical member which overlaps the edges of both opening leaves and is fixed to one of the edges.

Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove. A glass door is also provided for a refrigerated display case having a first glass panel, a second glass panel, and low emissivity coatings on the inside surfaces of the first and second glass panels. One or more intermediate glass panels can also be included.

Abstract: A refrigerated cabinet (10) includes a cabinet base (20) defining an open top compartment having a refrigerated interior for housing a refrigerated product (50) and a canopy (30) disposed atop the refrigerated compartment. A transparent glass window in the front wall of the canopy (30) is extended downwardly to the product fill line within the refrigerated compartment thereby expanding the customer view area. The rear wall of the canopy (30) includes a transparent service door (40) and a framework (42). The service door (40) may be rotated independently of the framework (42) to an open position providing service access to the refrigerated compartment. The service door (40) and the framework (42) may also be rotated together as a unit to a second open position to provide access to the refrigerated compartment for cleaning and sanitizing. A lamp (80) for illuminating the cabinet interior is disposed externally of the canopy (30).

Abstract: In a refrigerated display cabinet, the door frame includes a top rail, a bottom rail, and a pair of opposed side rails. At least one of the rails of the door frame is formed as a unitary structure that forms part of a channel that receives a central panel of the door, receives a lighting fixture and receives a gasket for sealing the door against a wall of the cabinet or against a mullion. A generally L-shaped retainer member engages the rail, the door's central panel and a lamp shield and is selectively removable to facilitate installation and/or replacement of the central panel of the door. The side rail can be configured with a utility compartment that is configured so as to be capable of housing a locking mechanism or a casting for a hinge mounting, depending on how the door is mounted to the cabinet. A handle can be mounted to the exterior surface of the side rail.

Abstract: A glass-door icebox comprises a glass-door assembly having double layer (1, 2) of spaced glass and frame (5), the size of the outer layer (2) of the double spaced glass is larger than that of the inner layer (1), at its back side the outer glass (2) is fastened to the front of the frame (5) with the frame's front being flat-aligned, and the inner glass (1) is fitted in with its periphery embedded within an annular groove of the frame (5).

Abstract: Perimeter frame rails and door frames rails are described for a more thermally efficient and cost-effective display case such as for refrigerated display cases. The frames are preferably formed from cold rolled steel. A perimeter frame may include first, second and third walls defining an opening or a recess that can be closed by a contact plate. A door for a refrigerated display case may include a glass unit and a forward portion extending inwardly from a perimeter frame edge portion toward an edge of the forward glass pane and a first side portion extends rearwardly to a groove. An insulating member insulates the door rail from the cold area and includes a portion engaging the groove.

Abstract: A cooler with a number of product shelves and an oscillating drive mechanism. The oscillating drive mechanism is connected to the product shelves so as to rotate the product shelves in an oscillating manner.

Abstract: A housing for a freezer installation for storing frozen foodstuffs comprises a rectangular base unit, a rectangular top frame of plastic which encloses an access opening and bears a movable cover arrangement which closes or releases the access opening of the top frame, two mutually opposite side-part members of essentially the same outline, each having an opening and side panels of metal, arranged on one side of the housing with their surfaces visible through the openings in the side-part members. The housing also includes a rear-wall panel of metal, and a front-wall panel of metal. A modular housing system for housings of different volumes is provided.

Abstract: A cooled display case includes a plurality of walls enclosing a compartment for displaying merchandise. A door is fitted within a door opening of the cooling compartment and swings from a closed position to a first open position and a second open position. A door closer yieldably urges the door to the closed position whenever the door is in a position other than the second open position. The door closer yieldably holds the door against swinging movement whenever the door is in the second open position. The door closer includes a guide arm which rolls within a guide track mounted on the door, and a track stop is detachably mounted to the track to block movement of the guide member in the track to prevent the door from moving to its second open position. The method involves selectively removing the stop pin so that the door is free to move to its second open position.

Abstract: A refrigeration machine for merchandising and displaying frozen articles. The refrigeration machine has a cabinet having a front wall, opposing side walls and an intermediate support shelf. A top portion of the front wall and the side walls extend above the intermediate support shelf to define a refrigeration unit compartment. The top portion of the front wall has a thicken area and a forward portion of the side walls also have thickened areas that are continuous with the thickened area of the front wall. The thickened areas form a boss which engages a divider wall of a refrigeration unit. The refrigeration unit is removable from the cabinet as a single member. The refrigeration unit has mounts for a compressor and a condenser so that an electrical tray and a condensate tray can be placed under the compressor and condenser. The cabinet has shelf supports that support shelves at varying degrees of inclination.

Abstract: A cooled display case includes a housing enclosing a display compartment and having an opening providing access thereinto. An air stratifier panel divides the display compartment into an upper air well above the stratifier panel and a lower air well below the stratifier panel. The stratifier panel has a plurality of product holders capable of holding the products with the upper ends thereof above the stratifier panel in the upper air well. The stratifier panel also has air vents adjacent its edge for permitting cooled air to flow from the upper to lower air wells. An air recirculation passageway in the housing has an inlet in the lower air well of the display compartment and an outlet in the upper air well. A coil cools air passing through the passageway. A fan circulates the cooled air through the passageway and into the upper air well of the display compartment.

Abstract: A refrigerator door handle carries a contact sensor which, when touched by user, causes an interior lamp of the refrigerator to be illuminated. Thereafter, the illumination of the lamp is controlled by a conventional switch which senses when the door is open or closed, whereby the lamp remains on until the door is sensed to be closed.

Abstract: A refrigerating door construction is disclosed which includes door rail elements form one or more spacer elements between adjacent panels so that separate, discrete spacer bars may be eliminated.

Abstract: A liner for a food product case is made from a non-woven textile mat which is non-absorbent to liquid but permeable to both air and liquid to permit circulation of liquid and cooled air through the liner and around the food items. Moreover, an upper surface of the mat includes a pattern of a non-skid medium, preferably a thermal expanding or puff ink to inhibit food items placed atop the liner from sliding downwardly along a sloped surface of the food case. Advantageously, the thermal expanding or puff ink is preferably applied through a silk screening process which enables highly detailed and multi-colored graphics including commercial advertisements to be applied to the mat and serve as a point of purchase display.

Abstract: This curved front construction for a merchandiser (10) includes a door (22) having opposed side framing members (30) upper and lower framing members (31) and (32) and a flat glass panel (48) held in place by said members. Each of the side members (30) has retainer flanges (50) and each of the upper and lower framing members (31) and (32) is provided with arcuate retainer members (160) and (161) for retaining an outwardly disposed clear arcuate plastic sheet (52) in overlapping relation. The construction also includes an arcuate display panel disposed (24) above the door (22) and an arcuate grill panel (26) disposed below the door.

Abstract: A low-temperature showcase comprises an upper case including at least two doors, an intermediate plate provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, a bottom plate having an opening, an air duct defined by the intermediate plate and the bottom plate, a lower case including a cavity in which an evaporator and a fan are installed, and a thrust ball bearing. The evaporator and the fan generate a cold air flow which is circulated along the air duct and into an interior of the upper case. The thrust ball bearing includes a ring-shaped upper member provided With an annular groove, a ring-shaped lower member provided with a plurality of recesses formed along an arbitrary circle corresponding to the annular groove and a plurality of balls fitted into both the recesses and the groove.

Abstract: A commercial refrigerated display case includes mullions for slideably receiving removable ballast drawers from the sides of the mullions for quickly and easily servicing fluorescent ballasts.

Abstract: A glass front merchandiser having a refrigerated cabinet with a product zone normally closed by a glass front panel having a hinging side margin, the glass front panel including an outer glass pane and a structural frame member secured adjacent to the peripheral edge thereof along its hinging side margin, a hinge directly connected to the structural frame member and being constructed and arranged for hinging movement of the glass front panel on the refrigerated cabinet to open up the product zone, the outer peripheral edge of the structural frame member overhanging the hinge in a closed sealing position of the glass front panel with the merchandiser cabinet, and other seals constructed and arranged along the side margins of the glass front panel.

Abstract: A modular food display case system permits a particular display case arrangement to be easily customized from a basic design. A plurality of modular bed sections, which are pre-manufactured from a lightweight composite honeycomb material, are used as the basic building blocks of the customized display case, and are arranged end to end. Their lengths may be cut and angled as desired to further customize the arrangement of the customized display case. Partitions divide different temperature-controlled zones within the display case, and may be positioned anywhere along the length of the case, according to the specific arrangement and lengths of hot, cold, and dry (ambient temperature) zones employed, without regard to the ends of the case or the location of joints separating each of the bed sections.

Abstract: A refrigerated icebox employs a cabinet that is internally corrugated to provide a multiplicity of lengthwise channels for air flow within the enclosure defined. The cabinet has a top wall that is provided with an opening to accommodate a drop-in refrigeration unit, and it is, in the main, integrally formed as a single piece.

Abstract: A refrigerator display case having a plurality of insulated glass window panels mounted in side-by-side relation for pivotal movement about an upper horizontal pivot axis. Each of the window panels has a substantially all glass front appearance, unencumbered by external hardware, trim or moldings. To achieve such appearance, the upper spacer element of the window panel is in the form of a pivot bar completely concealed by an outer glass pane of the panel, but which has an exposed underside mounting surface to which a hinge plate is connected. Each window panel has side sealing members secured to respective side spacers and with a blade portion extending outwardly from the peripheral edges of the glass panes of the window panel for side-by-side sealing engagement with the side sealing members of adjacent window panels when the window panels are in a closed position.

Abstract: A device for the swiveling movement of a sheet is described. A stationary bearing part supports an articulated part in a swivelable manner. The articulated part supports the sheet and is movable about a substantially horizontal swivel axis. The sheet is accordingly movable between a lowered position and a raised position, the direction of this movement being determined by a vertical swiveling plane. Energy accumulators, e.g., pneumatic springs, serve as auxiliary lifting means for raising the sheet. These energy accumulators have two connection ends which are loaded in opposite directions and determine the effective direction of force of the energy accumulator. For the purpose of an advantageous arrangement of the device which economizes on space, it is proposed that the energy accumulator be arranged with its effective direction of force substantially transverse to the swiveling plane of the sheet. The two connection ends of the energy accumulator are constructed as three-dimensionally acting rolling joints.

Abstract: A product display stand is provided, the stand comprising:(a) at least one display surface for displaying the product thereupon;(b) a first vertical face positioned beneath the display surface; and(c) a first drawer positioned beneath the display surface for storing the product, the drawer movable between a closed position and an open position, wherein the drawer is disposed within the stand when the drawer is at the closed position, wherein the drawer is angled downwardly when the drawer is at the open position, and wherein the drawer may be moved from the closed position to the open position by slideably moving the drawer from the interior of the stand in the direction of the vertical face.An optional cooling/humidification unit may be provided inside the stand. A method of displaying and storing produce using this stand is also provided.

Abstract: This panel assembly (30) for a merchandiser (10) includes frame assembly (34) includes attached to the merchandiser and wall (22) and an aracuate translucent sheet (34). The frame assembly (34) includes opposed side retaining rails (36) receiving the flexed arcuate sheet (34) in retained relation, a lower base member (46) having an arcuate front wall (52), and an upper cap member (56) having an arcuate front wall (62). The panel assembly (30) includes a back-lighting assembly (80) for illuminating the translucent sheet (34).

Abstract: A rotating shelf display comprises a plurality of upstanding side walls defining an enclosure. The enclosure has a front half and a back half, with at least one of the side walls at the front half of the enclosure being transparent so that objects on the shelf can be seen from outside. Within the enclosure is a circular rotating shelf. The vertical axis of the shelf lies between the front half and the back half of the enclosure. The shelf comprises a disk having an outer edge and a rim upwardly extending about the outer edge. Disposed within only the back half of the enclosure are means for supporting the shelf for rotation about its vertical axis. The supporting means comprises at least three vertical members secured within the back half of the enclosure. Mounting pegs are detachably secured to each vertical member. An axle is affixed to each mounting peg. A roller is rotably attached to each axle.

Abstract: A refrigerator door construction is disclosed which includes door rail elements formed from a foamed polymeric substance. At least one substantially transparent panel is supported, retained by and sealed in the door rail. Connection elements are provided for connecting the door rail elements. At least one hinge is provided for allowing pivotal movement of the door about an axis. The foam rail element may also form one or more spacer elements between adjacent panels so that separate, discrete spacer bars may be eliminated.

Abstract: A refrigerated merchandiser comprising an insulated cabinet defining a product zone and having an air cooling and circulating system for maintaining product zone temperatures, the insulated cabinet including a vertical section defining one side of the product zone, an interior frame for structurally supporting the vertical cabinet section, and a load-bearing external frame assembly for supporting the entire insulated cabinet including an external vertical frame located on the outside of the vertical cabinet section and being secured to the interior vertical frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display cabinet for displaying food products or the like in a shop. A refrigerated cabinet for displaying products includes at least two substantially superposed shelves (1), at least one cover panel, means for guiding and circulating cool air towards the product display shelves, and includes a cover panel made of a material that is thin and lightweight and that includes card, the cover being removably mounted on a base (8) including means for guiding and circulating cool air. The technical field of the invention is that of manufacturing refrigerated cabinets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming refrigerated display cases with both convex and concave curved case sections utilizing a single outer modular member for forming the outer canopy and tank portions of both convex and concave curved sections as well as an inner modular member useful for forming canopy and tank sections of both concave and convex refrigerated display case sections.

Abstract: In order to visibly display products of various types and provide product storage therefor while restricting access to the products for security reasons and/or to maintain the products in a clean condition, a product display and storage cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes first and second distinct product display sections arranged integrally adjacent to one another. The first section has a plurality of distinct product display levels extending from a lower extreme to an upper extreme in generally step-like fashion. The cabinet also has a single product display level for the second section extending from the first section at one of the extremes thereof. In one embodiment, a plurality of walls integrally surround the first and second sections to define an enclosure for product storage and separate transparent lids cover the first section and the second section to restrict access thereto.

Abstract: A merchandising display including a housing enclosing a product display compartment having at least two adjacent columns of circularly shaped shelves rotatably mounted within the display compartment. When viewed in top plan view, the housing includes a front side having two doors which angle rearwardly to two outwardly curved side walls which are connected by a generally flat rear wall. The columns of circular shelves are disposed within the product compartment so as to be closely adjacent each other as well as the inner concavely shaped surfaces of the side walls. This creates a central air circulation path in the rear of the product compartment defined between the columns of circular shelves and the rear wall. A partition is secured to the rear wall at this central location and includes a plurality of apertures for directing cooled air from the air circulation path to the products on the shelves.

Abstract: A vertical curtain is provided with vertical slits therein spaced thereacross, opening downwardly through the lower margin of the curtain and terminating upwardly a spaced distance below the upper margin of the curtain. The upper margin of the curtain is mounted on the margin of a refrigerated cabinet wall having an access opening formed therein extending across the upper portion of the opening such that the curtain will fall by gravity downwardly across the opening as a thermal and convection current barrier when the door for the access opening is opened.

Abstract: A substantially transparent single-pane insulating structure, positionable between a warmer region and a colder region having a substantially transparent pane wherein one surface is exposed in use to the warmer region and the opposed surface in use facing the cold region and a reflecting material applied to the surface of the pane which faces the colder region for reflecting a substantial portion of infrared radiation incident on the reflecting material through the pane to the surface of the pane exposed in use to the warmer region to restrict substantial transmission of infrared radiation from the warmer region to the colder region and to heat the surface of the pane exposed in use to the warmer region sufficiently to prevent formation of a visibility-impeding layer thereon without using electrical energy therefor and wherein the reflected infrared radiation is reradiated into the warmer region so as to inhibit reradiation thereof into the colder region and for transmitting a substantial portion of visible l