WO2012102870A2

WO2012102870A2 - Merchandiser

Info

Publication number: WO2012102870A2
Application number: PCT/US2012/021125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott E. Willis; Robert J. Reese; Paul Brown
Original assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co
Current assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co
Priority date: 2011-01-26
Filing date: 2012-01-12
Publication date: 2012-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-26
Also published as: RU2013139341A; CA2825871A1; WO2012102870A4; EP2667750A4; US20130305762A1; EP2667750A2; MX2013008657A; CN103429126A; WO2012102870A3; US20170020308A1

Abstract

A merchandiser is adapted for displaying and/or serving merchandise to customers. In some embodiments, the merchandiser includes a display section which may include a refrigerated display section and/or a non-refrigerated display section adapted for holding merchandise for customers to view and access. In some embodiments, the merchandiser also includes a food preparation section accessible to an employee serving the customers. The food preparation section may include an electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to one or more appliances. The merchandiser may include a partition for concealing an appliance area from view by the customers. Shields may be provided for preventing flow of air into or out of an open front of a refrigerated compartment in the refrigerated display section. A curtain may be provided for selectively covering the open front of the refrigerated compartment.

Description

MERCHANDISER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[ 0001 ] The present invention generally relates to equipment for presenting merchandise to customers, and more particularly to a merchandiser capable of serving refrigerated and/or non- refrigerated products .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[ 0002 ] Conventional merchandisers are typically used to display various types of products, including hot and cold prepackaged food products. Exemplary merchandisers are described in co-assigned U.S. Patent Nos . RE40,151 and 6,817,201.

However, such merchandisers are not able to serve more diverse food products, particularly hot food products, because they are not equipped to accommodate the necessary food preparation appliances, such as microwave ovens, and combination

microwave/hot air ovens (sometimes referred to as "speed

ovens"), and food holding ovens which maintain pre-cooked food at food serving temperatures. Conventional merchandisers are not sufficiently equipped for serving a wide range of cold and/or hot food products.

SUMMARY

[ 0003 ] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet is adapted for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access. A food preparation section at the rear of the cabinet is accessible by the employee serving the customer. The food preparation section includes a counter having a substantially horizontal food preparation surface for preparing food for customers. An appliance area in front of the food preparation surface is configured for supporting one or more food preparation appliances to be used by the employee. An electrical outlet in the appliance area is provided for

supplying electrical power to the one or more appliances.

[0004] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A display section at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding products for the customer to view and access. A food preparation section at the rear of the cabinet is accessible by the employee serving the customer. The food preparation section includes a counter having a substantially horizontal food preparation surface for preparing food for the customer. An appliance area in front of the food preparation surface is provided for supporting one or more food preparation appliances to be used by the employee. A partition extends up from the cabinet in front of the appliance area for concealing the appliance area from the customer at the front of the cabinet. The partition has a releasable connection with the cabinet for facilitating access to the appliances from the front of the cabinet .

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A

refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access. The refrigerated display section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front, a back, and opposite left and right sides. The front includes an opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer. At least one support surface is provided for supporting

refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment. The refrigerated display section includes a shield forming at least part of one of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment. The shield has a side segment extending along the one of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment and a front segment extending along the front of the

refrigerated compartment. The shield includes an inner pane and an outer pane. Each of the inner and outer panes includes an inner surface facing inward toward the refrigerated compartment and an outer surface facing outward away from the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane includes a first end positioned at the one side of the refrigerated compartment, a side portion extending from the first end along the one side of the

refrigerated compartment toward the front of the refrigerated compartment, a front portion extending from the one side of the refrigerated compartment along the front of the refrigerated compartment, and a second end positioned at the front of the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane extends continuously between the side portion and the front portion. The inner pane extends along the one side of the refrigerated compartment. The inner pane is spaced from the side portion of the outer pane to define an insulating space between the inner pane and the side portion of the outer pane .

[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to a merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and access. The merchandiser includes a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides. A refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet is provided for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access. The refrigerated display section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front, a back, and opposite left and right sides. The front includes an opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer and at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment. A cooling system is adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain at the front of the refrigerated compartment. A curtain is provided for covering the opening at the front of the refrigerated compartment. The curtain has a retracted position in which the opening is uncovered for permitting access to the refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment and a covering position in which the opening is covered to decrease heat infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening. The curtain includes porous material which permits fluid communication between the refrigerated compartment and ambient when the curtain is in the covering position. The curtain is positioned below the opening when in the retracted position and is movable to the covering position by extending the cover upward over the opening.

[ 0007 ] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[ 0008 ] Fig. 1 is a front perspective of one embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention;

[ 0009] Fig. 2 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser of Fig. 1;

[ 0010 ] Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the merchandiser;

[ 0011 ] Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the merchandiser, appliances on the merchandiser being shown in phantom;

[ 0012 ] Fig. 5 is a right side elevation of the

merchandiser ;

[ 0013 ] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the merchandiser;

[ 0014 ] Fig. 7 is a section taken lengthwise of the

merchandiser along line 7--7 in Fig. 3 showing a flow path of cooling air in a refrigerated section;

[ 0015 ] Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial section of the merchandiser showing a top panel of the merchandiser in a non- covering or open position; [ 0016] Fig. 9 is a front perspective of the merchandiser showing a partition removed from the merchandiser and holding devices removed from the partition;

[ 0017 ] Fig. 10 is a front perspective of a second

embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention;

[ 0018 ] Fig. 11 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser of Fig. 10, a portion of a cabinet of the merchandiser being broken away to expose an electrical outlet within the cabinet;

[ 0019] Fig. 12 is a front elevation of the merchandiser;

[ 0020 ] Fig. 13 is a rear elevation of the merchandiser, appliances on the merchandiser being shown in phantom;

[ 0021 ] Fig. 14 is a right side elevation of the

merchandiser ;

[ 0022 ] Fig. 15 is a plan view of the merchandiser;

[ 0023 ] Fig. 16 is a section taken lengthwise of the merchandiser along line 16--16 in Fig. 12 showing a flow path of cooling air in a refrigerated section;

[ 0024 ] Fig. 17 is an enlarged partial section of the merchandiser showing a top panel of the merchandiser in a non- covering or open position;

[ 0025 ] Fig. 18 is a front perspective of the merchandiser showing a partition removed from the merchandiser;

[ 0026] Fig. 19 is a front perspective of a portion of the merchandiser illustrating a side shield of the merchandiser;

[ 0027 ] Fig. 20 is a front perspective of the side shield of Fig. 19 removed from the cabinet of the merchandiser;

[ 0028 ] Fig. 20A is a partial section taken widthwise of the shield along line 20A--20A in Fig. 20 showing reception of panes of the shield in a framing member;

[ 0029] Fig. 21 is an exploded front perspective of the shield .

[ 0030 ] Fig. 22 is a top view of the shield, framing members of the shield being removed;

[ 0031 ] Fig. 23 is a perspective of the merchandiser having a portion of a curtain housing broken away to expose a curtain within the curtain housing, the curtain being shown in a

retracted position;

[ 0032 ] Fig. 24 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing a lid of the curtain housing in an open position for exposing and providing access to the curtain in the curtain housing;

[ 0033 ] Fig. 25 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing the curtain extended to an intermediate position;

[ 0034 ] Fig. 26 is a perspective of the merchandiser showing the curtain in a covering position in which the curtain covers a front opening of a refrigerated compartment of the merchandiser;

[ 0035 ] Fig. 27 is a perspective of a third embodiment of a merchandiser according to the present invention, a top panel of the merchandiser being shown in a closed position;

[ 0036] Fig. 28 is a perspective of the merchandiser of Fig. 27, the top panel being shown in an open position and supported in the open position by pistons;

[ 0037 ] Fig. 29 is a rear perspective of the merchandiser, the top panel being shown in the open position;

[ 0038 ] Fig. 30 is a perspective of fourth embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention, the merchandiser

including an educational device for displaying visual

educational material for viewing by customers;

[ 0039] Fig. 31 is a perspective of a fifth embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention, the merchandiser

including an electronic display screen operable to display educational electronic images for viewing by the customer; and

[ 0040 ] Fig. 32 is a perspective of the merchandiser of Fig. 31 having the electronic display screen removed from a support surface .

[ 0041 ] Corresponding reference characters indicate

corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[ 0042 ] Referring to the drawings, Figs. 1-9 illustrate a first embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference number 1. As will become apparent, the merchandiser 1 is adapted for holding, displaying, and serving a wide range of both cold and hot food products, among other things. In use, the merchandiser 1 is positioned such that it has a customer or display side, generally

designated by 1A, and an employee or preparation side, generally designated by IB. As explained in further detail below, the display side 1A is configured for displaying merchandise such as refrigerated and/or non-refrigerated food items for access by customers, and the preparation side IB is configured for facilitating preparation by the employee of merchandise such as hot food items for the employee to serve to the customer.

[ 0043 ] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the merchandiser 1 includes a cabinet, generally designated by the reference number 5, having a front 5A, a rear 5B, opposite left and right sides 5C, 5D, and a counter 5E. For example, the cabinet 5 may be constructed of metal, such as stainless steel. Various other features of the cabinet 5 will be described in further detail below .

[ 0044 ] Figure 3 illustrates an elevation of the display side 1A of the merchandiser 1, which includes an upper non- refrigerated display section 10A for holding non-refrigerated products for viewing and access by customers and a lower refrigerated display section 10B for holding refrigerated products for viewing and access by customers. The non- refrigerated display section 10A may be configured for holding food items such as cookies and chips. The refrigerated display section 10B may hold items such as beverages and dairy products.

[ 0045 ] Figure 4 illustrates an elevation of the preparation side IB of the merchandiser 1, which includes a food preparation area 12 including a first appliance area 14A above a second appliance area 14B. As described in further detail below, food items such as hot sandwiches may be prepared in the food

preparation area 12 by assembling sandwich components from appliances in the appliance areas 14A, 14B. [ 0046] As shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 7, the refrigerated display section 10B is provided at the front of the cabinet 5 and includes a refrigerated compartment 20 defined by upper, lower, front, back, and side walls 20A-20F. The compartment 20 has a doorless open front 20G to provide customers with access to the refrigerated merchandise. A shelf 30 is provided in the refrigerated compartment 20. Refrigerated products may be supported within the refrigerated compartment 20 on the lower wall 20B and the shelf 30, each of which may be broadly referred to as a support surface. Refrigerated compartments having other configurations such as including other numbers (e.g., zero) or types of shelves and one or more doors for selectively closing the refrigerated display section may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0047 ] As shown in Fig. 7, a cooling system 40 circulates cooling air to create an air curtain at the open front 20G of the refrigerated compartment 20. The cooling system 40 includes a compressor 40A, a condenser 40B, an evaporator coil 40C, a duct system 40D, and a blower 40E. The blower 40E circulates air within the duct system as indicated by arrows 46 from a duct inlet 40D' to a duct outlet 40D". The compressor 40A and condenser 40B operate to cause the evaporator coil 40C to cool air flowing past the evaporator coil. The flow path of cooling air between the outlet 40D" and inlet 40D' forms the air curtain. Cooling systems having other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0048 ] Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, the non-refrigerated display section 10A is above the refrigerated display section 10B and in front of the food preparation section 12. The non- refrigerated display section 10A includes a wall or partition 50 extending up from the cabinet 5 in front of the appliance area 14A. In some embodiments, the partition 50 serves as an upright support surface for holding devices 54 for displaying and holding non-refrigerated merchandise for customers. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding devices 54 are several baskets 54A and a shelf 54B, the baskets being positioned at alternating heights above the shelf. The holding devices 54 have releasable connections with the partition 50 whereby the holding devices can be removed from and replaced on the

partition. The holding devices 54 are desirably selectively positionable on the partition 50 to permit arrangement of the holding devices in different configurations on the partition. As shown in Figs. 3 and 9, the partition 50 has slots 50A adapted for receiving support arms or hangers 54A', 54B' extending above the holding devices 54A, 54B. The holding devices 54 are suspended from the partition by reception of the hangers 54A' , 54B' in the slots 50A. The non-refrigerated display section 10B may include other numbers and types of holding devices 54 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, more or fewer baskets 54A, shelves 54B, or other holding devices may be used in positions other than shown. Moreover, the partition 50 may have a "peg board" or other construction for forming releasable connections with corresponding structure on the holding devices. As explained in further detail below, the partition 50 may serve an additional purpose of concealing appliances in the appliance area 14A from view by customers at the display side 1A of the merchandiser 1. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the partition 50 may be provided and the non-refrigerated display section 10B omitted without departing from the scope of the present

invention .

[ 0049] Referring to Fig. 5, the food preparation section 12 is on the preparation side IB of the merchandiser 1. The food preparation section 12 includes the counter 5B having a

generally horizontal food preparation surface 60 (e.g., one or more cutting boards) and the appliance area 14A in front of the food preparation surface for holding one or more food

preparation appliances Al , A2 to be used by the employee. The preparation surface 60 desirably is sized and shaped to

completely support the food item being prepared on the preparation surface. For example, the preparation surface 60 may include cutting boards (also indicated by the reference number 60) sized and shaped for preparing a sandwich, components of which (e.g., bread, protein, and toppings) may have been held and/or cooked in appliances Al , A2 , A3 in the appliance areas 14A, 14B.

[ 0050 ] Referring to Figs. 1, 2, 5, and 7, an enclosure 70 above the cabinet 5 at least partially defines the appliance area 14A. The enclosure 70 includes the partition 50, side panels 72 extending up from the cabinet 5 at opposite left and right sides of the appliance area 14A, and a top panel 74 bridging the side panels and extending over the appliance area. As shown in Fig. 9, a brace 76 below the top panel 74 extends between the side panels 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the enclosure 70 spans substantially the entire width of the cabinet 5, but enclosures having other widths may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 5, appliances Al, A2 in the appliance area are generally concealed from view from the display side 1A of the merchandiser 1 by the enclosure 70. In particular, the

partition 50 conceals backs of the appliances Al, A2 , the side panels 72 conceal sides of the appliances, and the top panel 74 conceals tops of the appliances. Figure 4 shows two appliances Al, A2 supported on the counter 5B in the appliance area 14A. For example, the appliances Al , A2 may be microwave ovens, combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. Other types and numbers of appliances may be used in the appliance area 14A without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0051 ] As shown in Figs. 4, 7, and 9, the food preparation section 12 also includes first and second electrical outlets 80 provided above the counter 5B in the appliance area 14A at the left and right sides of the cabinet 5 for supplying electrical power to the one or more appliances Al, A2. Electrical cords (not shown) extending from the appliances Al , A2 may be conveniently plugged into the outlets 80 adjacent where the appliances are supported. Electrical power is supplied to the outlets 80, for example, via a cord through a port 82 in the side of the cabinet (see Fig. 1) .

[ 0052 ] Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the second appliance area 14B below the counter is also accessible from the

preparation side IB of the merchandiser 1 at the rear of the cabinet 5. As with the appliance area 14A described above, the second appliance area 14B may hold one or more appliances A3 such as microwave ovens, combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. The second appliance area 14B is illustrated as a cavity 88 in the cabinet 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 7, the cavity 88 has upper and lower walls 88A, 88B, side walls 88C, 88D, a back wall 88E, and an opening 88F through which appliances may be inserted in the cavity. Figure 4 shows one appliance A3 in the cavity 88. The appliance A3 is

supported on the lower wall 88B, which separates the cavity 88 from a compartment 89 below the cavity that houses parts of the cooling system 40. An electrical outlet (not shown) may also be provided in the second appliance area 14B for supplying

electrical power to the appliances A3 in the second appliance area 14B.

[ 0053 ] The partition 50 has a releasable connection 90 with the cabinet 5 to facilitate access to backs of the appliances Al, A2 in the first appliance area 14A. The releasable

connection 90 permits movement and in some embodiments removal of the partition 50 to expose the appliances Al, A2 from the display side of the merchandiser 1A. In the illustrated

embodiment, the partition 50 has a releasable connection with the side panels 72 (and optionally the brace 76) permitting complete removal of the partition from the merchandiser 1.

Figure 9 shows the partition 50 disconnected from the side panels 72. In some embodiments, the releasable connection 90 may be a quick-release connection (also indicated by the

reference number 90), i.e., a connection that is conveniently and readily released. Desirably, the quick-release connection is a manual quick-release connection, i.e., a quick-release connection that is capable of being released by hand without requiring the use of a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. For example, the quick-release connection 90 may be keyhole fasteners including protrusions or "keys" 90A on the side panels extending toward the display side 1A of the merchandiser 1 and openings or "keyhole slots" 90B on a back side of the partition. The keyhole slots 90B are constructed for receiving and

releasably retaining heads of the keys 90A so that the partition 50 hangs on the keys and can be lifted off the keys to remove the partition from the side panels 72. Other types of quick- release connections of the partition with the cabinet may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the quick-release connection may include latches, clamps, etc.

[ 0054 ] The top panel 74 is movable between a covering or closed position (e.g., Figs. 1 and 7) forming the enclosure 70 and a non-covering or open position (e.g., Figs. 8 and 9) in which a top of the appliance area 14A is exposed. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the top panel 74 is connected to the side panels 72 by an "up and over" parallelogram pivot connection 100 including pivot bars 100A pinned to mounting brackets 100B on respective side panels 72 and mounting brackets lOOC on the top panel. To move the top panel 74 from the covering position shown in Fig. 7 to the non-covering position shown in Fig. 8, an operator applies upward force to the top panel (e.g., at the display side of the merchandiser 1A) . The parallelogram pivot connection 100 causes the top panel 74 to remain generally horizontal or parallel to the counter 5B and to move upward and away from the display side of the merchandiser 1A. After the top panel 74 moves "over center" of the parallelogram pivot connection 100, the force of gravity tends to move the top panel downward and away from the display side 1A of the merchandiser 1 until the pivot bars 100A come to rest on stops 100D on the mounting brackets 100B, leaving the top panel elevated in the non-covering position.

[ 0055 ] The top panel 74 and the partition 50 are configured so that the top panel must be moved from the covering position before the partition may be removed from the merchandiser 1. In other words, the top panel 74 "locks" the partition 50 in place. As shown in Fig. 7, in its closed position, a front edge 74A of the top panel 74 overlaps the top of the partition 50. The releasable connection 90 of the partition 50 is configured to require upward movement of the partition with respect to the side panels 72 (e.g., the keyhole slots 90B to be moved upward with respect to the keys 90A) before the partition may be moved horizontally away from the merchandiser 1. Thus, the partition 50 cannot be removed from the merchandiser 1 until the top panel 74 is moved from the covering position shown in Fig. 7 (e.g., is moved to the open position shown in Fig. 8) . This feature improves safety of the merchandiser 1 because it prevents the partition 50 from inadvertently being removed from the

merchandiser. For example, this feature decreases the odds that a customer removing merchandise from the non-refrigerated section 10A may accidentally cause the partition 50 to be disconnected from the releasable connection 90 and fall on the customer. Although such a safety feature may be desirable, in other embodiments the partition 50 may be movable (e.g., removable) notwithstanding the position of the top panel 74. For example, the partition 50 may be removable without moving the top panel 74 to access the back of the appliances Al, A2 , and the top panel may be moved only when necessary to access the tops of the appliances. These alternative configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0056] As is now apparent, in use, customers may view and remove merchandise (food or non-food items) held in the

refrigerated and non-refrigerated display sections 10A, 10B of the merchandiser 1. In addition, employees may use the

preparation surface 60 to prepare food items to be served to the customer while they select food items from the refrigerated or non-refrigerated display sections 10A, 10B. More specifically, components such as bread, meat or other proteins, and toppings cooked, warmed, and/or held in the appliances A1-A3 may be assembled on the preparation surface 60. Moreover, the

partition 50 and top panel 74 are movable to facilitate

installation, servicing, and/or cleaning of the one or more appliances Al, A2 in the appliance area 14A. Desirably, the top panel 74 and partition 50 are conveniently movable with minimal or no use of tools.

[ 0057 ] Figures 10-26 illustrate a second embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention, indicated generally by the reference number 101. The merchandiser is similar to the merchandiser 1 described above, and corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 100. The merchandiser 101 is adapted for holding, displaying, and serving a wide range of both cold and hot food products, among other things. In use, the merchandiser 101 is positioned such that it has a customer or display side, generally designated by 101A, and an employee or preparation side, generally designated by 101B. The display side 101A is configured for displaying merchandise such as refrigerated and/or non-refrigerated food items for access by customers, and the preparation side 101B is configured for facilitating preparation by the employee of merchandise such as hot food items for the employee to serve to the customer.

[ 0058 ] Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, the merchandiser 101 includes a cabinet, generally designated by the reference number 105, having a front 105A, a rear 105B, opposite left and right sides 105C, 105D, and a counter 105E. For example, the cabinet 105 may be constructed of metal, such as stainless steel.

Various other features of the cabinet 105 will be described in further detail below.

[ 0059] Figure 12 illustrates an elevation of the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101, which includes an upper non- refrigerated display section 110A for holding non-refrigerated products for viewing and access by customers and a lower refrigerated display section HOB for holding refrigerated products for viewing and access by customers. The non- refrigerated display section 110A may be configured for holding food items such as cookies and chips. The refrigerated display section HOB may hold items such as beverages and dairy

products .

[ 0060 ] Figure 13 illustrates an elevation of the

preparation side 101B of the merchandiser 101, which includes a food preparation area 112 including a first appliance area 114A above a second appliance area 114B. As described in further detail below, food items such as hot sandwiches may be prepared in the food preparation area 112 by assembling sandwich

components prepared using appliances in the appliance areas 114A, 114B.

[ 0061 ] As shown in Figs. 12, 14, and 16, the refrigerated display section HOB is provided at the front of the cabinet 105 and includes a refrigerated compartment 120 defined by upper, lower, front, back, and side walls 120A-120F. The compartment 120 has a doorless open front 120G to provide customers with access to the refrigerated merchandise. A shelf 130 is provided in the refrigerated compartment 120. Refrigerated products may be supported within the refrigerated compartment 120 on the lower wall 120B and the shelf 130, each of which may be broadly referred to as a support surface. In this embodiment, the back wall 120D includes an upper portion above the shelf 130 and a lower portion below the shelf which is farther from the front opening than the upper portion (see Fig. 16) . The refrigerated compartment 120 has a rear portion below the shelf which extends rearward in the cabinet to a position below the appliance area 114A and counter 105B. Moreover, the refrigerated compartment 120 has a front portion which extends upward to a position above the counter 105B and in front of the appliance area 114A. The cabinet 105 includes a hood 121 which extends forward above the refrigerated compartment 120. Refrigerated compartments having other configurations such as including other numbers (e.g., zero) or types of shelves and one or more doors for selectively closing the refrigerated display section may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0062 ] As shown in Fig. 16, a cooling system 140 circulates cooling air to create an air curtain at the open front 120G of the refrigerated compartment 120. The cooling system 140 includes a compressor 140A, a condenser 140B, an evaporator coil 140C, a duct system 140D, and a blower 140E. The blower 140E circulates air within the duct system as indicated by arrows 146 from a duct inlet 140D' to a duct outlet 140D". The compressor 140A and condenser 140B operate to cause the evaporator coil 140C to cool air flowing past the evaporator coil. The flow path of cooling air between the outlet 140D" and inlet 140D' forms the air curtain. In this embodiment, the duct system 140D includes an outlet 141 in the back wall of the refrigerated compartment below the shelf 130. Cooling air exiting the outlet 141 is indicated by the arrow 143' and flows over merchandise held on the lower wall 120B of the refrigerated compartment 120 and toward the inlet 140D'. Cooling systems having other configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0063 ] Referring to Figs. 10, 12, and 14, the non- refrigerated display section 110A is above the refrigerated display section HOB and in front of the food preparation section 112. The non-refrigerated display section 110A includes a wall or partition 150 extending up from the cabinet 105 in front of the appliance area 114A. In some embodiments, the partition 150 serves as an upright support surface for holding devices 154 for displaying and holding non-refrigerated

merchandise for customers. In the illustrated embodiment, the holding device 154 is provided in the form of railing which is connected to the upright front surface of the partition 150 and extends forward over an upper surface of the hood 121. Non- refrigerated merchandise may be positioned on the upper surface of the hood 121 inboard from the railing 154 so the railing holds the merchandise on the upper surface of the hood. The railing 154 includes opposite side portions which extend forward from the partition 150 and a front portion which extends between front ends of the side portions. The railing 154 may have releasable connections with the partition 150 whereby the railing can be removed from and replaced on the partition.

However, in the illustrated embodiment, the railing 154 is non- removably fastened to the partition 150 by rivets. The railing is not fastened to the hood 121 so the railing is movable conjointly with the partition 150 without disconnecting the railing 154 from the hood. The non-refrigerated display section HOB may include other numbers (e.g., zero) and types of holding devices 154 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a shelf which is independent from the hood 121 may be used instead of the railing. Moreover, other holding devices may be used in positions other than shown. As explained in further detail below, the partition 150 may serve an additional purpose of concealing appliances in the appliance area 114A from view by customers at the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the partition 150 may be provided and the non-refrigerated display section HOB omitted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0064 ] Referring to Fig. 14, the food preparation section 112 is on the preparation side 101B of the merchandiser 101. The food preparation section 112 includes the counter 105B having a generally horizontal food preparation surface 160 (e.g., one or more cutting boards) and the appliance area 114A in front of the food preparation surface for holding one or more food preparation appliances Al , A2 to be used by the employee. The preparation surface 160 desirably is sized and shaped to completely support the food item being prepared on the

preparation surface. For example, the preparation surface 160 may include cutting boards (also indicated by the reference number 160) sized and shaped for preparing a sandwich,

components of which (e.g., bread, protein, and toppings) may have been held and/or cooked in appliances Al, A2 , A3 in the appliance areas 114A, 114B.

[ 0065 ] Referring to Figs. 10, 11, 14, and 16, an enclosure 170 above the cabinet 105 at least partially defines the appliance area 114A. The enclosure 170 includes the partition 150, side panels 172 extending up from the cabinet 105 at opposite left and right sides of the appliance area 114A, and a top cover or panel 174 bridging the side panels and extending over the appliance area. As shown in Fig. 18, a brace 176 below the top panel 174 extends between the side panels 172. In this embodiment, the cabinet includes an upright wall 177 (Fig. 16) extending upward to the hood 121 that partially defines a front of the appliance area 114A. The partition 150 extends upward from the upper surface of the hood 121. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16, the appliance area 114A is positioned above the rear portion of the refrigerated compartment 120 and behind the upper portion of the refrigerated compartment. Although the illustrated enclosure 170 spans substantially the entire width of the cabinet 105, enclosures having other widths may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figs. 12, 13, and 14, appliances Al , A2 in the

appliance area are generally concealed from view from the display side 101A of the merchandiser 1 by the enclosure 170. In particular, the partition 150 conceals backs of the

appliances Al, A2 ; the side panels 172 conceal sides of the appliances; and the top panel 174 conceals tops of the

appliances. Figure 13 shows two appliances Al, A2 supported on the counter 105B in the appliance area 114A. For example, the appliances Al, A2 may be microwave ovens, combination

microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. Other types and numbers of appliances may be used in the appliance area 114A without departing from the scope of the present invention. [ 0066] As shown in Figs. 11 and 13, the food preparation section 112 also includes first and second electrical outlets 180 provided above the counter 105B in the appliance area 114A for supplying electrical power to the one or more appliances Al, A2. In this embodiment, the electrical outlets are provided in a single column 181 extending upward from the counter 150B generally midway between the left and right sides of the appliance area 114A. Electrical cords (not shown) extending from the appliances Al, A2 may be conveniently plugged into the outlets 180 adjacent where the appliances are supported.

Electrical power is supplied to the outlets 180, for example, via a cord through a port 182 in the side of the cabinet (see Fig. 10) . Any number of outlets may be provided.

[ 0067 ] Referring to Figs. 13 and 14, the second appliance area 114B below the counter is also accessible from the

preparation side 101B of the merchandiser 101 at the rear of the cabinet 105. As with the appliance area 114A described above, the second appliance area 114B may hold one or more appliances A3 such as microwave ovens, combination microwave/hot air ovens, and/or food holding ovens. The second appliance area 114B is illustrated as a cavity 188 in the cabinet 105. As shown in Figs. 13 and 16, the cavity 188 has upper and lower walls 188A, 188B, side walls 188C, 188D, a back wall 188E, and an opening 188F through which appliances may be inserted in the cavity. Figure 13 shows one appliance A3 in the cavity 188. The appliance A3 is supported on the lower wall 188B, which

separates the cavity 188 from a compartment 189 below the cavity that houses parts of the cooling system 140. One or more electrical outlets may also be provided in the second appliance area 114B for supplying electrical power to the appliance (s) A3 in the second appliance area 114B. In the illustrated

embodiment, as shown in Fig. 11, an opening 188B' is provided in the lower wall 188B through which a power cord from the

appliance A3 can be threaded to be plugged into an electrical outlet 191 provided in the compartment 189. [ 0068 ] As shown in Fig. 18, the partition 150 has a releasable connection 190 with the cabinet 105 to facilitate access to backs of the appliances Al, A2 in the first appliance area 114A. The releasable connection 190 permits movement and in some embodiments removal of the partition 150 to expose the appliances Al, A2 from the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 150 has a releasable connection with the side panels 172 (and optionally the brace 176) permitting complete removal of the partition from the merchandiser 101. Figure 18 shows the partition 150 disconnected from the side panels 172. The railing 154 may remain connected to the partition 150. In some embodiments, the releasable connection 190 may be a quick-release connection (also indicated by the reference number 190), i.e., a connection that is conveniently and readily released. Desirably, the quick-release connection is a manual quick-release connection, i.e., a quick-release connection that is capable of being released by hand without requiring the use of a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. For example, the quick-release

connection 190 may be keyhole fasteners including protrusions or "keys" 190A on the side panels extending toward the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101 and openings or "keyhole slots" 190B on a back side of the partition. The keyhole slots 190B are constructed for receiving and releasably retaining heads of the keys 190A so that the partition 150 hangs on the keys and can be lifted off the keys to remove the partition from the side panels 172. Other types of quick-release connections of the partition with the cabinet may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the quick- release connection may include latches, clamps, etc.

[ 0069] The top panel 174 is movable between a covering or closed position (e.g., Figs. 10 and 16) forming the enclosure 170 and a non-covering or open position (e.g., Figs. 17 and 18) in which a top of the appliance area 114A is exposed. As shown in Figs. 16 and 17, the top panel 174 is connected to the side panels 172 by an "up and over" parallelogram pivot connection 200 including pivot bars 200A pinned to mounting brackets 200B on respective side panels 172 and mounting brackets 200C on the top panel. To move the top panel 174 from the covering position shown in Fig. 16 to the non-covering position shown in Fig. 17, an operator applies upward force to the top panel (e.g., at the display side of the merchandiser 101A) . The parallelogram pivot connection 200 causes the top panel 174 to remain generally horizontal or parallel to the counter 105B and to move upward and away from the display side of the merchandiser 101A. After the top panel 174 moves "over center" of the parallelogram pivot connection 200, the force of gravity tends to move the top panel downward and away from the display side 101A of the merchandiser 101 until the pivot bars 200A come to rest on stops 200D on the mounting brackets 200B, leaving the top panel elevated in the non-covering position.

[ 0070 ] As in the first embodiment of the merchandiser described above, the top panel 174 and the partition 150 are configured so that the top panel must be moved from the covering position before the partition may be removed from the

merchandiser 101. In other words, the top panel 174 "locks" the partition 150 in place. As shown in Fig. 16, in its closed position, a front edge 174A of the top panel 174 overlaps the top edge of the partition 150. The releasable connection 190 of the partition 150 is configured to require upward movement of the partition with respect to the side panels 172 (e.g., the keyhole slots 190B to be moved upward with respect to the keys 190A) before the partition may be moved horizontally away from the merchandiser 101. In other embodiments the partition 50 may be movable (e.g., removable) notwithstanding the position of the top panel 174. For example, the partition 150 may be removable without moving the top panel 174 to access the back of the appliances Al, A2 , and the top panel may be moved only when necessary to access the tops of the appliances. These alternative configurations may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0071 ] Referring to Figs. 10 and 12, the merchandiser 101 includes shields 221A, 221B, 223 adjacent the open front of the refrigerated compartment 120. More specifically, the

merchandiser 101 includes left and right side shields 221A, 221B and a lower front shield 223. In the illustrated embodiment, the left and right shields 221A, 221B are double-paned and each include a segment which extends along a side of the refrigerated compartment 120 and a segment which extends along the front of the refrigerated compartment. The lower front shield 223 is single-paned and planar and extends between the left and right side shields. The shields 221A, 221B, 223 are adapted for maintaining air cooled by the cooling system 140 within the refrigerated compartment 120 and for preventing warm air from infiltrating the refrigerated compartment. Desirably, the shields 221A, 221B, 223 include panes which are formed of a transparent material such as acrylic or glass. Other materials such as a semitransparent or opaque material may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0072 ] The left and right shields 221A, 221B permit viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated compartment 120 from the left and right sides of the merchandiser 101 and prevent flow of air into and out of the sides of the refrigerated compartment 120. The left shield 221A is a mirror image of the right shield 221B. For simplicity, only the right shield 221B is described in further detail. As shown in Fig. 19, the right shield 221B includes a side segment 221B' extending along the right side of the refrigerated compartment and a front segment 221B" extending along the front of the refrigerated compartment. The shield 221B is positioned in a recess defined by a cutout in the right side of the cabinet 105 below the hood 121.

[ 0073 ] The shield 221B is shown separated from the cabinet 105 in Fig. 20. As described in further detail below, the shield 221B is double-paned to prevent formation of condensation on the shield. As also described in further detail below, the shield 221B includes framing structure in the form of three framing members 227 provided along the top, bottom, and rear ends of the shield. The shield 221B is constructed to be free from framing structure at certain locations to permit viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated compartment 120 without

obstruction by framing structure.

[ 0074 ] Figure 21 illustrates an exploded perspective of the shield 221B, and Figure 22 illustrates a top view of the shield without the framing members 227. As shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the shield 221B includes an outer pane 231 and an inner pane 233. The outer and inner panes 231, 233 each include an inner surface facing inward toward the refrigerated compartment and an outer surface facing outward away from the refrigerated

compartment. The inner pane 233 is spaced from the outer pane 231 to define an insulating space 235 between the inner and outer panes. The insulating space prevents formation of condensation on the right side segment 221B' of the shield 221B.

[ 0075 ] The outer pane 231 includes a rear end including a rear edge 231A positioned on the right side of the refrigerated compartment and a side portion 231B extending from the rear end along the right side of the refrigerated compartment 120 toward the front of the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane 231 also includes a front portion 231C extending from the right side of the refrigerated compartment 120 along the front of the refrigerated compartment to a front end including a front edge 231D positioned at the front of the refrigerated compartment. The outer pane 231 is curved between the side and front portions 231B, 231C to define a rounded outer corner extending

continuously along the junction of the side and front portions of the outer pane. The front edge 231D of the outer pane defines the right side of the opening 120G at the front of the refrigerated compartment 120 through which customers may access merchandise in the refrigerated compartment. [ 0076] Referring to Fig. 22, the inner pane 233 is positioned inboard from the outer pane 231 and extends along the right side of the refrigerated compartment 120. The inner pane 233 has a thickness which is less than a thickness of the outer pane 231. Unlike the outer pane 231, the inner pane 233 does not include a curved portion and does not include a portion which extends along the front of the refrigerated compartment 120. The inner pane 233 is planar and extends along the right side of the refrigerated compartment 120 from a rear end including a rear edge 233A positioned on the right side of the refrigerated compartment to a front end including a front edge 233C adjacent the front of the refrigerated compartment.

[ 0077 ] Referring to Fig. 21, the framing members 227A-227C are shown removed from the inner and outer panes 231, 233. Each framing member 227 includes first and second nesting channels 227A, 227B. When nested, as shown in Fig. 20A, the first and second channels 227A, 227B form spaced inner and outer elongate pockets 227C, 227D. Each outer elongate pocket 227C is sized for receiving an edge of the outer pane 231, and each inner elongate pocket is sized for receiving an edge of the inner pane 233. In Fig. 20A, the rear edge 231A of the outer pane 231 is shown received in the outer elongate pocket 231A, and the rear edge 233A of the inner pane 233 is shown received in the inner elongate pocket 227D. The first channels 227A are sized to be received between the inner and outer panes 233, 231 to maintain the inner pane spaced from the right side portion of the outer pane to form the insulating space 235 between the panes. The second channels 227B capture the top, bottom, and rear ends of the panes 231, 233 to secure them in position with respect to each other. The channels 227A, 227B may be fastened to each other by fasteners such as rivets. The framing members 227 close the insulating space 235 between the panes along top, bottom, and rear ends of the insulating space. Suitable sealing material (e.g., gaskets, adhesive, epoxy, silicone, etc.) may be provided for forming a seal between the panes 231, 233 and the framing members for sealing the insulating space 235 where it is closed by the framing members.

[ 0078 ] The shield 221B is free from framing structure at certain locations to permit viewing of merchandise in the refrigerated compartment 120 through the shield without

obstruction by framing structure. In particular, framing structure independent from the inner and outer panes 231, 233 is not provided for closing the front end of the insulating space 235. For example, rigid or opaque framing structure such as a metal channel is not used to connect the front end of the inner pane 233 to the outer pane 231. Instead, the front edge 233C of the inner pane 233 is positioned in direct engagement with the inside surface of the front portion 231C of the outer pane 231 to close the front end of the insulating space 235 (see Fig. 22) . As shown in the top view of Fig. 22, the engagement of the front edge 233C of the inner pane 231 with the front portion 231C of the outer pane 231 defines a front inside corner of the refrigerated compartment 120. The corner is free from any framing structure extending along the height of the corner which might otherwise obstruct viewing of merchandise in the

refrigerated compartment 120 through the corner. In other words, the corner is frameless. Sealing agents (e.g., adhesive, epoxy, silicone) which are applied in an unhardened or uncured state and then chemically transform to harden or cure to form a seal are not considered to be framing structure and may be used to seal the front edge 233C of the inner pane 233 to the inner surface of the outer pane 231 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0079] The front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 which forms the right side of the front opening 120G of the

refrigerated compartment 120 is also substantially free from framing structure. Referring to Fig. 19, a double channel member 251 having an H-shaped section is provided for receiving a lower portion of the front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 and receiving a right edge of the lower front shield 223 to secure the lower front shield in position with respect to the side shield 221B. However, intermediate and upper portions of the front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 are free from framing structure. Desirably, at least about half of the height of the front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 is frameless or free from framing structure. In the illustrated embodiment, at least about two-thirds of the height of the front edge 231D of the outer pane 231 is free from framing structure. The lack of framing structure permits viewing of merchandise in the

refrigerated compartment through the frameless portion of the front edge of the outer pane. The lower front shield may be removed from the merchandiser by removing it from (e.g., lifting it upward out of) the channel member 251.

[ 0080 ] As is now apparent, the shields 221A, 221B are configured to provide double-pane insulation yet not include framing which would be obtrusive to a customer viewing

merchandise in the refrigerated compartment 120 through the shields. Shields having other configurations such as other arrangements of panes and other shapes may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0081 ] As shown in Figures 23-26, the merchandiser 101 includes a curtain 271 for covering the open front 120G of the refrigerated compartment 120 to prevent (entirely or

substantially) heat infiltration into the refrigerated

compartment. For example, the curtain 271 may be used in non- peak hours to conserve energy expended for refrigerating the refrigerated compartment 120. Use of the curtain 271 may result in about 30% or more energy savings.

[ 0082 ] The curtain 271 is housed in a housing 273

positioned below the opening 120G. Desirably, the curtain 271 has a width and a height sufficient for covering substantially the entire opening 120G. The curtain 271 has a first or retracted position (e.g., Figs. 10 and 23) in which the opening 102G is uncovered for permitting access to the refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment 120 and a second or covering position (e.g., Fig. 26) in which the opening is covered by the curtain to decrease heat infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening. Desirably, the curtain 271 includes a flexible and breathable or porous sheet 271A (e.g., formed from a polyester material) which permits fluid communication between the refrigerated compartment 120 and ambient when the curtain 271 is in the covering position to prevent formation of condensation on the curtain. The curtain 271 includes a rigid elongate support or bar 271B which extends along the distal end of the sheet 271A for supporting the sheet in the covering position across substantially the entire width of the sheet.

[ 0083 ] The housing 273 is configured for receiving the entirety of the curtain 271 and concealing the curtain from view when the curtain is in the retracted position. Figure 23 illustrates portions of the housing 273 broken away to expose the curtain 271 within the housing. In the illustrated

embodiment, the curtain 271 is rolled up on a rod 275 when the curtain is in the retracted position. Opposite ends of the rod are mounted on brackets 277 in the housing. The rod 275 is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., by pulling a distal end of the curtain 271) to permit the curtain to be unrolled from the rod for extending the curtain from the retracted position to the covering position. The rod 275 is also rotatable in a second direction to permit the curtain 271 to be rolled onto the rod for retracting the curtain from the covering position to the retracted position. For example, the rod 275 may be biased by a biasing device (e.g., a spring) for rotation in the second direction for rolling the curtain 271 onto the rod.

[ 0084 ] The housing 273 includes a lid 273A which is pivotally connected to the cabinet 105. The lid 273A is movable between a closed position (e.g., Fig. 10) in which the lid is generally horizontal and an open position (e.g., Fig. 24) in which the lid is upright. The lid 273A includes a recessed handle 273A' for facilitating movement of the lid from the closed position to the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 273A is formed of sheet metal and is retained in the open position by a magnet 279 mounted on the lower front shield 233. When the lid 273A is open, the curtain 271 is exposed and accessible for moving the curtain to the covering position. The curtain 271 is shown in an intermediate position in Fig. 25. The curtain 271 includes a handle 271C to facilitate grasping the curtain for extending the curtain to the covering position. The curtain 271 is shown fully extended in Fig. 26. The handle 271C also serves as a mounting member comprising a loop which is adapted to be received on a mount 281 in the form of a hook positioned on the hood 121 above the opening 120G for maintaining the curtain in its covering position. When the curtain 271 is in its covering position, the lid 273A is between the curtain 271 and the refrigerated compartment 120.

[ 0085 ] Curtains and associated housings having

configurations other than those described herein may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[ 0086] Figures 27-29 illustrate a third embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention generally indicated by the reference number 301. The merchandiser is identical to the merchandiser 101 except as described hereafter, and

corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers plus 200. In this embodiment, the top cover or panel 374 of the enclosure 370 has a different type of pivot

connection. As in prior embodiments, the top panel 374 is pivotable between a closed position (e.g., Fig. 27) and an open position (e.g., Figs. 28 and 29) to provide access to the appliance area 314A. In this embodiment, the hinge connection is provided adjacent the front edge 374A of the top panel 374. For example, the front edge 374A may be hinged to the partition 350 or the brace 376. In the illustrated embodiment, the top panel 374 has hinge connections 387 with the brace 376. The top panel 374 is connected to the side panels 372 by a pair of telescoping pistons 391 (e.g., gas shocks) which are operable to assist in moving the top panel to the open position and

supporting or maintaining the top panel in the open position. The partition 350 may or may not be removable as in previous embodiments for providing access to the appliance area 314A from the front of the cabinet 305.

[ 0087 ] Figure 30 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention generally indicated by the reference number 401. The merchandiser is identical to the merchandiser 101 except as described hereafter, and

corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 300. In this embodiment, the non-refrigerated display section 410A above the refrigerated display section 410B and in front of the food preparation section 412 includes an educational display section (also numbered 410A) adapted for displaying visual educational material for viewing by customers. Such visual educational material may include menus,

advertisements, nutrition facts, and other material for

educating the customers. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 30, the educational display section 410A includes an educating device 493 in the form of printed signage mounted on an upright front display surface of the partition 450.

[ 0088 ] Figures 31 and 32 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a merchandiser of the present invention generally indicated by the reference number 501. The merchandiser is identical to the merchandiser 401 except as described, and corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers, plus 100. In this embodiment, the educating device 593 is an electronic display screen operable to display educational electronic images for viewing by the customer such as menus, advertisements, nutrition facts, and other material for educating customers. Figure 31 illustrates the screen 593 mounted to the upright front display surface of the partition 590. Figure 32

illustrates the screen 593 removed from the partition 550 to expose an electrical outlet 595 on the partition for supplying power to the screen. The outlet 595 may be adapted (e.g., include a power supply line having sufficient slack) to permit movement of the partition 550 as described in previous

embodiments. Alternatively, the power cord 593A associated with the screen 593 may be plugged into an outlet positioned

elsewhere on the merchandiser 501.

[ 0089] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiments ( s ) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the, " and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[ 0090 ] As various changes could be made in the above constructions and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to view and access, the merchandiser comprising a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides,

a refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet adapted for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access,

a food preparation section at the rear of the cabinet accessible by the employee serving the customer, said food preparation section comprising

a counter having a substantially horizontal food preparation surface for preparing food for customers,

an appliance area in front of the food preparation surface configured for supporting one or more food

preparation appliances to be used by said employee, and an electrical outlet in the appliance area for supplying electrical power to the one or more appliances.

2. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein said refrigerated display section comprises a refrigerated compartment having an open front and a closed back, at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products in the refrigerated

compartment, and a cooling system for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain at the front of the refrigerated

compartment .

3. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a non- refrigerated display section above the refrigerated display section and in front of the food preparation section, the non- refrigerated display section including at least one holding device for holding non-refrigerated merchandise for the customer to view and access.

4. The merchandiser of claim 3, wherein said non- refrigerated display section comprises a partition extending up from the cabinet in front of the appliance area for concealing the appliance area from the customer at the front of the cabinet.

5. The merchandiser of claim 4, wherein said partition has a releasable connection with the cabinet.

6. The merchandiser of claim 5, wherein said releasable connection is a quick-release connection.

7. The merchandiser of claim 4, wherein said at least one holding device is positioned on a front side of the partition for holding non-refrigerated merchandise for the customer to view and access.

8. The merchandiser of claim 7, wherein said holding device has a releasable connection with the partition whereby the holding device can be removed from and replaced on the partition .

9. The merchandiser of claim 4, further comprising side panels extending up from the cabinet at opposite sides of the appliance area, and a top panel bridging the side panels and extending over the appliance area, said partition, side panels and top panel forming an enclosure enclosing a front, opposite left and right sides, and top of the appliance area.

10. The merchandiser of claim 9, wherein the top panel is movable between a closed position forming said enclosure and an open position in which a top of the appliance area is at least partially exposed to facilitate cleaning or servicing of the one or more appliances.

11. The merchandiser of claim 10, wherein the top panel is pivotable between the closed and open positions.

12. The merchandiser of claim 11, wherein the top panel is connected to at least one of the side panels by a parallelogram pivot connection.

13. The merchandiser of claim 11, further comprising a piston connected to one of the side panels and connected to the top panel, the piston being operable to assist in pivoting the top panel to the open position and operable to maintain the top panel in said open position.

14. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a non- refrigerated educational display section above the refrigerated display section and in front of the food preparation section, the non-refrigerated educational display section including an upright display surface and at least one educating device mounted on said upright display surface for displaying visual educational material for the customer to view.

15. The merchandiser of claim 14, wherein the educating device is an electronic display screen operable to display educational electronic images for the customer to view.

16. The merchandiser of claim 15, further comprising an electrical outlet on the merchandiser for supplying electrical power to the electronic display screen.

17. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising at least one food warming or cooking oven in the appliance area.

18. The merchandiser of claim 1, further comprising a second appliance area below the counter accessible from the rear of the cabinet for holding one or more appliances to be used by said employee, and a second electrical outlet for supplying electrical power to one or more appliances in the second appliance area.

19. The merchandiser of claim 18, further comprising at least one food warming or cooking oven in the second appliance area .

20. The merchandiser of claim 1, wherein the refrigerated display section includes a refrigerated compartment having a front, a back, and opposite left and right sides, the front including an opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer, at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products in the refrigerated

compartment, further comprising a cooling system adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain at the front of the refrigerated compartment, and further comprising a curtain for covering the opening at the front of the refrigerated compartment, the curtain having a retracted position in which the opening is uncovered for permitting access to the

refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment and a covering position in which the opening is covered to decrease heat infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening, the curtain comprising porous material which permits fluid communication between the refrigerated compartment and ambient when the curtain is in said covering position, the curtain being positioned below the opening when in the retracted position and movable to the covering position by extending the cover upward over the opening.

21. A merchandiser for use by an employee in preparing food to be served to a customer and for displaying merchandise for the customer to view and access, the merchandiser comprising a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides,

a display section at the front of the cabinet for holding products for the customer to view and access, a food preparation section at the rear of the cabinet accessible by the employee serving the customer, said food preparation section comprising

a counter having a substantially horizontal food preparation surface for preparing food for the customer, an appliance area in front of the food preparation surface for supporting one or more food preparation appliances to be used by said employee, and

a partition extending up from the cabinet in front of the appliance area for concealing the appliance area from the customer at the front of the cabinet, the partition having a releasable connection with the cabinet for facilitating access to the appliances from the front of the cabinet .

22. The merchandiser of claim 21, wherein said releasable connection is a quick-release connection.

23. The merchandiser of claim 21, further comprising side panels extending up from the cabinet at opposite sides of the appliance area, the partition having a releasable connection with the side panels.

24. The merchandiser of claim 23, further comprising a top panel bridging the side panels and extending over the appliance area, the partition, side panels and top panel forming an enclosure enclosing the front, the opposite sides, and the top of the appliance area .

25. The merchandiser of claim 24, wherein the top panel is movable between a closed position forming said enclosure and an open position in which a top of the appliance area is at least partially exposed to facilitate cleaning or servicing of the one or more appliances.

26. The merchandiser of claim 25, wherein the top panel is pivotable between the closed and open positions.

27. The merchandiser of claim 26, wherein the top panel is connected to at least one of the side panels by a parallelogram pivot connection.

28. The merchandiser of claim 26, further comprising a piston connected to one of the side panels and the top panel, the piston being operable to assist in pivoting the top panel to the open position and operable to maintain the top panel in said open position.

29. The merchandiser of claim 21, further comprising an electrical outlet in the appliance area for supplying electrical power to the one or more appliances.

30. The merchandiser of claim 21, wherein the display section at the front of the cabinet includes a refrigerated display section for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access.

31. The merchandiser of claim 30, wherein the display section at the front of the cabinet includes a non-refrigerated display section defined at least in part by the partition, the non-refrigerated display section being positioned above the refrigerated display section and in front of the food

preparation section.

32. The merchandiser of claim 31, wherein the non- refrigerated display section is adapted for displaying non- refrigerated merchandise, the non-refrigerated display section including at least one holding device positioned on a front side of the partition for holding non-refrigerated merchandise for the customer to view and access.

33. The merchandiser of claim 31, wherein the non- refrigerated display section is an educational display section adapted for displaying visual educational material for the customer to view, the educational display section including at least one educating device mounted on an upright front surface of the partition for displaying visual educational material for the customer to view.

34. The merchandiser of claim 33, wherein the educating device is an electronic display screen operable to display educational electronic images for the customer to view.

35. The merchandiser of claim 34, further comprising an electrical outlet on the merchandiser for supplying electrical power to the electronic display screen.

36. A merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and access, the merchandiser comprising

a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides, and

a refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access, the refrigerated display section including a

refrigerated compartment having a front, a back, and opposite left and right sides, the front including an opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer, at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment, the refrigerated display section including a shield forming at least part of one of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment, the shield having a side segment extending along said one of the left and right sides of the refrigerated compartment and a front segment extending along the front of the refrigerated compartment, the shield including an inner pane and an outer pane, each of the inner and outer panes including an inner surface facing inward toward the refrigerated compartment and an outer surface facing outward away from the refrigerated compartment, the outer pane including a first end positioned at said one side of the refrigerated compartment, a side portion extending from the first end along said one side of the refrigerated compartment toward the front of the refrigerated compartment, a front portion extending from said one side of the refrigerated compartment along the front of the refrigerated compartment, and a second end positioned at the front of the refrigerated compartment, the outer pane extending continuously between the side portion and the front portion, the inner pane extending along said one side of the refrigerated compartment, the inner pane being spaced from the side portion of the outer pane to define an insulating space between the inner pane and the side portion of the outer pane .

37. The merchandiser of claim 36, wherein the inner and outer panes are transparent or semitransparent material to permit viewing through the inner and outer panes of refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment.

38. The merchandiser of claim 37, wherein the inner pane extends generally parallel to the side portion of the outer pane along said one side of the refrigerated compartment.

39. The merchandiser of claim 38, wherein the inner pane includes a rear edge positioned at said side of the refrigerated compartment, and the inner pane extends from the rear edge along said one side of the refrigerated compartment to a front edge of the inner pane adjacent the front of the refrigerated

compartment, the front edge of the inner pane engaging the inner surface of the front portion of the outer pane to close a front end of said insulating space.

40. The merchandiser of claim 39, wherein said engagement of the front edge of the inner pane with the inner surface of the front portion of the outer pane defines a front corner of the refrigerated compartment, the front corner being free from framing structure .

41. The merchandiser of claim 40, wherein said second end of the outer pane defines an edge of the opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment at the front of the refrigerated compartment, and wherein the second end of the outer pane has a height extending along the height of the refrigerated compartment, at least half of the height of said second end being free from framing structure .

42. The merchandiser of claim 36, wherein said shield is a first shield positioned on the left side of the refrigerated compartment, the side segment of the first shield extending along the left side of the refrigerated compartment and the front segment of the first shield extending along the front of the refrigerated compartment, the merchandiser further including a second shield positioned on the right side of the refrigerated compartment, the side segment of the second shield extending along the right side of the refrigerated compartment and the front segment of the second shield extending along the front of the refrigerated compartment.

43. The merchandiser of claim 36, further comprising a cooling system adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain at the front of the refrigerated compartment.

44. The merchandiser of claim 43, wherein the cooling system includes a duct system having an outlet and an inlet, the outlet being positioned at the front of the refrigerated compartment above said opening, the inlet being positioned below said opening, whereby said cooling system is adapted for creating an air curtain in which air cooled by the cooling system flows from the outlet above said opening to the inlet below said opening.

45. A merchandiser for displaying merchandise for a customer to view and access, the merchandiser comprising

a cabinet having a front, a rear, and opposite left and right sides,

a refrigerated display section at the front of the cabinet for holding refrigerated products for the customer to view and access, the refrigerated display section including a refrigerated compartment having a front, a back, and opposite left and right sides, the front including an opening permitting access to the refrigerated compartment by the customer, at least one support surface for supporting refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment,

a cooling system adapted for circulating cooling air to create an air curtain at the front of the refrigerated

compartment, and

a curtain for covering the opening at the front of the refrigerated compartment, the curtain having a retracted position in which the opening is uncovered for permitting access to the refrigerated products in the refrigerated compartment and a covering position in which the opening is covered to decrease heat infiltration into the refrigerated compartment through the opening, the curtain comprising porous material which permits fluid communication between the refrigerated compartment and ambient when the curtain is in said covering position, the curtain being positioned below the opening when in the retracted position and movable to the covering position by extending the cover upward over the opening.

46. The merchandiser of claim 45, further comprising a housing adapted for receiving and concealing the curtain from view when the curtain is in the retracted position, the housing being positioned below the opening.

47. The merchandiser of claim 46, wherein the housing is adapted for receiving the entirety of the curtain when the curtain is in the retracted position, the housing including a lid having a closed position in which the curtain is concealed from view and an open position in which the curtain is exposed and accessible for moving the curtain to said covering position.

48. The merchandiser of claim 47, wherein the lid has a pivot connection with the cabinet, the pivot connection permitting the lid to pivot between said open and closed positions, the lid being generally horizontal when in the closed position and generally upright when in the open position.

49. The merchandiser of claim 48, wherein the lid is positioned between the curtain and the refrigerated compartment when the lid is in the open position and the curtain is in the covering position.

50. The merchandiser of claim 47, further including a mount positioned above the opening of the refrigerated

compartment, wherein the curtain includes a mounting member adapted for releasable connection with the mount when the curtain is in the covering position for maintaining the curtain in the covering position.

51. The merchandiser of claim 47, further comprising a rod in the housing on which the curtain is rolled when the curtain is in the retracted position, the rod being rotatable in a first direction to permit the curtain to be unrolled from the rod for extending the curtain from the retracted position to the covering position, and the rod being rotatable in a second direction to permit the curtain to be rolled onto the rod for retracting the curtain from the covering position to the retracted position.