GASKET FOR A SLIDER DOOR

BACKGROUND

[0001]The present concepts and techniques relate to a seal or gasket and, in particular, a gasket for a slider door.

[0002]Many existing walk-in coolers and merchandisers (collectively referred to as ‘merchandisers’) generally include structure that defines a product support or display area for supporting and displaying products (e.g., for stocking or selection of products, or to be visible and accessible through an opening in the front of the merchandiser). Merchandisers are generally used in retail store applications such as grocery or convenient stores or other locations where product is displayed in a refrigerated condition. Some merchandisers include doors that are mounted to the case frame to enclose the product display area and reduce the amount of cold air released into the surrounding environment while also providing access to the product support area. The doors typically include one or more glass panels that allow a consumer to view the food products stored inside the case, although some doors may be opaque. Some of these doors slide between open and closed positions to permit access to the product. Other applications that incorporate slider or sliding doors to enclose a conditioned space—or divide one space from another—include building entrances (e.g., front entrances, room entrances, etc.), patios, room dividers, and transportation.

[0003]In some slider door applications, it is desirable to use a seal to limit air or sound infiltration into the space enclosed by the slider door. For example, a seal or gasket may be used with a merchandiser to reduce the amount of ambient air that infiltrates the space behind the door when the door is closed. Some seals or gaskets are mounted to the slider door, and some seals or gaskets are mounted to the frame to which the door is attached. In many applications, a seal or gasket is used to fill one consistent or uniform gap between the door and the frame to which the door is attached. Some of these gaskets are D-shaped. However, D-shaped gaskets typically are thick and tend to push the slider door away from the frame (i.e. away from the closed position). Also, some slider door applications have gaps that are inconsistent due to minor misalignment (e.g., due to the slider door oriented at a slight angle relative to the frame, or the case frame oriented at a slight angle relative to the slider door, etc.). Existing seals or gaskets do not effectively close these variable gaps. In merchandiser applications, and in other applications in which a slider door encloses a condition space, inconsistent or variable gaps undesirably allow infiltration of warm and/or humid air between the door and the frame to which the door is mounted, which lowers the efficiency and increases the cost of maintaining the conditions in the space. Inconsistent or variable gaps also can lead to costly leakage of cold air that will keep the conditioned space from staying at the proper temperature, inconsistent or variable gaps also can cause the refrigeration system to work non-stop as it attempts to maintain the space within the desired temperature range.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004]In some aspects, the concepts and techniques described herein relate to a gasket that effectively seals a slider door relative to a frame along the door frame.

[0005]In some aspects, the concepts and techniques described herein relate to a gasket including a geometry that permits flexing of portions of the gasket around the slider door to seal the door relative to a frame to which the door is attached. By flexing, the gasket forms a tight, consistent seal along the slider door frame regardless of the size or shape of the gap that may exist when the door is in a closed position.

[0006]In some aspects, the concepts and techniques described herein relate to a gasket for a slider door including a door frame. The gasket includes a body that has a first arm and a second arm located opposite the first arm. Each of the first arm and the second arm may flex in response to engagement by the door frame.

[0007]Other features and aspects of the concepts and techniques described and illustrated herein will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a merchandiser including slider doors.

[0009]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the merchandiser of FIG. 1 illustrating an exemplary gasket.

[0010]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the gasket of FIG. 2.

[0011]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the slider door and the gasket of in a non-engaged arrangement.

[0012]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the slider door engaged with the gasket in a first state.

[0013]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the slider door engaged with the gasket in a second state.

[0014]FIG. 7 is schematic view of the gasket in different states based on engagement by the slider door.

[0015]FIG. 8 is a view of a portion of the merchandiser illustrating a gap between the case frame and the slider door.

[0016]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another exemplary merchandiser including an inner slider door, an outer slider door, and respective gaskets associated with the inner and outer slider doors.

[0017]FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the merchandiser of FIG. 9 illustrating aspects of a frame of the merchandiser and a portion of an exemplary gasket.

[0018]FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the frame of the merchandiser, a portion of the inner slider door and the outer slider door, and the gasket associated with the outer slider door when the outer slider door is in a closed position.

[0019]FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the gasket of FIGS. 9-11.

[0020]FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the frame and the gasket attached to the frame.

[0021]FIG. 14 is a cross-section view of an exemplary gasket coupled to the frame and associated with the inner slider door.

[0022]FIG. 15A is an inward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and an outer portion of the associated gasket in a first state corresponding to an open position of the inner slider door.

[0023]FIG. 15B is an outward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and an inner portion of the associated gasket in the first state.

[0024]FIG. 15C is a schematic view of one slider door and the associated gasket in the first state.

[0025]FIG. 16A is an inward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and the outer portion of the associated gasket in a second state corresponding to a first closed position of the inner slider door.

[0026]FIG. 16B is an outward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and the inner portion of the associated gasket in the second state.

[0027]FIG. 16C is a schematic view of one slider door and the associated gasket in the second state.

[0028]FIG. 17A is an inward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and the outer portion of the associated gasket in a third state corresponding to second closed position of the inner slider door.

[0029]FIG. 17B is an outward-looking perspective view of the merchandiser illustrating the arrangement of the inner slider door and the inner portion of the associated gasket in the third state.

[0030]FIG. 17C is a schematic view of one slider door and the associated gasket in the third state.

[0031]FIG. 18 is a view of a portion of another exemplary gasket and a gasket retainer for a merchandiser including one or more slider doors.

[0032]FIG. 19 is an end or section view of the gasket of FIG. 18.

[0033]FIG. 20 is an end or section view of the gasket retainer of FIG. 18.

[0034]Before any examples of the concepts and techniques are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the concepts and techniques are not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The concepts and techniques described and illustrated herein are capable of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting unless expressly indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035]Any implementation described herein as an “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology.

[0036]The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms “coupled,” “fixed,” “attached to,” and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0037]Terms of approximation, such as “about,” “generally,” “approximately,” or “substantially,” include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, “generally vertical” includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, (e.g., clockwise, or counterclockwise).

[0038]Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0039]For ease of discussion and understanding, the following detailed description illustrates a case and door frame assembly in association with a merchandiser 10. It should be appreciated that the merchandiser 10 is provided for purposes of illustration of one or more examples of the case and door frame assembly. The case and door frame assembly can be used in association with any structure that includes a frame and a door movable relative to the frame between an open position and a closed position. Examples of such structures include, but are not limited to, a walk-in cooler, a walk-in freezer, a low temperature merchandiser (e.g., operating at a temperature below 32° Fahrenheit), a medium temperature merchandiser (e.g., operating at a temperature range of 34° to 41° Fahrenheit), or any other similar structure. Accordingly, the term “merchandiser 10” includes the listed examples, as well as any structure that includes a frame and a door that is engageable with the frame to enclose a conditioned space (e.g., an air-conditioned space such as an entrance to a building).

[0040]FIG. 1 illustrates the merchandiser 10 that may be located in a supermarket, convenience store, or another space for presenting food, beverages, and other products to consumers. The merchandiser 10 includes a case 14 that has a base 18, a rear wall 22, sidewalls 26, and a canopy 30. The area enclosed by the base 18, the rear wall 22, the sidewalls 26, and the canopy 30 defines a product display area or interior 34 for supporting the food product in the case 14. For example, the product may be displayed on racks or shelves 38 that extend forward from the rear wall 22 and that are accessible through one or more slider doors 42 attached to a case frame 46 of the case 14. The slider door 42 may have a door frame (e.g., to encapsulate and support one or more glass panes). The merchandiser 10 also includes a refrigeration system 50 (e.g., at least partially positioned in the base 18). The refrigeration system 50 is in communication with the case 14 to provide a conditioned airflow (e.g., refrigerated, cooled, or heated airflow) to the interior 34. The refrigeration system 50 is well known and will not be described in detail.

[0041]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the case frame 46 may be a modular frame that is formed of a plurality of interconnected frame members. In the illustrated example, the modular case frame 46 includes a top frame member 52 and a bottom frame member 54 opposite the top frame member 52, and mullions 58 (labeled 58a, 58b) on the ends of the case frame 46 that connect between the top frame member 52 and the bottom frame member 54 to structurally support the case frame 46. The case frame 46 may include a center mullion 58c between the first mullion 58a and the second mullion 58b extending vertically where the doors 42 meet or overlap. In some examples, the center mullion 58c may be omitted. The mullions 58 define openings 60 (FIG. 2) that are enclosed by the doors 42, and each mullion 58 has a channel 62 that extends along the length of the mullion 58 (e.g., a majority of the length of the mullion 58, or the entirety of the length of the mullion 58). The mullions 58 may be comprised of a metallic or nonmetallic material. It will be appreciated that the case frame 46 may include any quantity of mullions 58 and corresponding doors 42 that enclose the openings 60 between the mullions 58.

[0042]With reference to FIG. 1, each door 42 includes a handle 64 that is located adjacent to the edge of each door 42 to facilitate movement of the door 42 between an open and a closed position. As illustrated, the merchandiser 10 includes two slider doors 42 that overlap at the center of the front of the merchandiser 10. In examples where the center mullion 58c is omitted, the overlap of the slider doors 42 may be sealed by wiper seals or other types of seals. The illustrated slider doors 42 are offset from each other such that each slider door 42 may slide open independent or at the same time as the other slider door 42. In other examples, the merchandiser 10 may include slider doors 42 that may only open when the other door(s) are closed. As shown in FIG. 1, each door 42 includes a glass assembly 70 such that the interior 34 is visible from outside the merchandiser 10, although it will be appreciated that one or more of the doors 42 may be opaque and/or have or support electronics for engagement with or by a user.

[0043]With reference to FIG. 2-7, a seal or gasket 82 (referred to as a “gasket” for purposes of the Detailed Description and the Claims) is coupled to the mullion 58 via the channel 62 and is engageable by (e.g., impacted by) the door 42 to air seal the interior 34 of the merchandiser 10 from the surrounding environment (e.g., ambient air) when the door 42 is in the closed position. In some examples, the gasket 82 may be coupled to the mullion 58 by an adhesive (e.g., applied to the gasket 82 or the mullion 58 within the channel 62). In other examples, the gasket 82 may be press-fit into the channel 62. In still other examples, the gasket 82 may be secured to the case frame 46 (e.g., the mullion 58) via one or more fasteners. In some examples, the gasket 82 may be attached to the vertical side of the door 42 rather than the case frame 46. The gasket 82 includes a resilient material (e.g., flexible PVC, sanoprene, etc.) that is capable of repetitive compression and expansion during use. In some examples, the gasket 82 may be manufactured by extrusion, although other methods of manufacture are possible and considered herein.

[0044]The gasket 82 extends outward from the mullion 58 into the opening 60 to seal the interior 34 and minimize infiltration of ambient air into the interior 34 when the gasket 82 is engaged by a slider door 42. In some examples, the gasket 82 may be used to minimize the passage of sound between the door 42 and the mullion 58. While the illustrated gasket 82 is shown to seal the interior 34 of the merchandiser 10, the gasket 82 may be used to seal a different conditioned spaces such as building entrances (e.g., front entrances, room entrances, windows, etc.), patios, room dividers, and transportation.

[0045]FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of the gasket 82, which is attached to the case frame 46 via the channel 62 in the mullion 58, and FIG. 3 illustrates the gasket 82 in elongated form separate from the case frame 46. The gasket 82 extends along a substantial length (e.g., the entire length) of the mullion 58 (as illustrated with dashed lines in FIG. 2) and the door 42 for engagement (e.g., by or with the door 42) in the closed position. FIG. 3 illustrates the gasket 82 as one contiguous piece that may extend the full length of the mullion 58 to form an effective seal between the door 42 and the case frame 46.

[0046]With reference to FIG. 4, the gasket 82 is defined by a body 84 (e.g., extruded, pultruded, or otherwise formed of one or more materials, etc.) that may be monolithically formed (e.g., from a flexible or semi-flexible material), or the body 84 may be formed of different materials (e.g., co-molded). The gasket 82 includes a base 86 that is coupled to the mullion 58 within the channel 62. In examples in which the gasket 82 is attached to the mullion 58 by fasteners (e.g., rivets, bolts, screws, etc.), the base 86 includes holes that receive corresponding fasteners to attach the gasket 82 to the mullion 58. The base 86 includes first and second stiffener walls 90, 91 that extend from a base wall 92 of the base 86 toward opposite corners of sidewalls 94 of the base 86 to provide rigidity to the base 86. The first stiffener wall 90 cooperates with the base wall 92 and the corresponding sidewall 94 to define a first chamber 96, and the second stiffener wall 91 cooperates with the base wall 92 and the corresponding sidewall 94 to define a second chamber 98. The first and second chambers 96, 98 may act as an air cushion or shock absorber in response to engagement of the gasket 82 when the door 42 is closed. As will be appreciated, the first and second chambers 96, 98 may act as a thermal barrier or insulator that minimizes infiltration of ambient air from an exterior side 100 of the merchandiser 10 (in communication with the ambient environment) to an interior side 101 (within the interior 34; opposite the ambient environment surrounding the merchandiser 10).

[0047]The gasket 82 includes a first or exterior wipe or arm 102, a second or interior wipe or arm 106 disposed opposite the first arm 102, and a bridge 110 extending between and interconnecting the first arm 102 to the second arm 106. A first connector wall 114 extends from the base 86 (sidewall 94) to the first arm 102 and a first end 118 of the bridge 110. A second connector wall 122 extends from the base 86 (sidewall 94) to the second arm 106 and a second end 126 of the bridge 110 that is opposite the first end 118. It will be appreciated that, in examples of the gasket 82 in which the body 84 is monolithic, the walls forming the base 86, the first arm 102, the second arm 106, and the bridge 110 are continuous and seamlessly extend from the base 86. The first arm 102 is positioned on the exterior side 100 and has a curved profile terminating in a first distal end 130. The second arm 106 is positioned on the interior side 101 and has a curved profile terminating in a second distal end 134. As shown, each of the first distal end 130 and the second distal end 134 has a taper, which makes the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 more flexible closer to the respective distal ends 130, 134 and, conversely, less flexible closer to the joint with the bridge 110. The first arm 102 is shown smaller than the second arm 106 (the first arm 102 is shorter in length and/or a smaller curved profile), although the first arm 102 may be the same size as the second arm 106 or larger than the second arm 106. The smaller first arm 102 makes the exterior portion of the gasket 82 less visible to or noticeable from the exterior side 100. For example, the first arm 102, which is hidden or substantially hidden when the door 42 is in a closed position, may have a width (e.g., along the plane P) of between 0.30 inches and 0.60 inches. The second arm 106, which is located adjacent the interior 34, may have a width (e.g., along the plane P) of between 0.50 inches and 1.0 inches. The first arm 102 is preferably completely hidden by the door 42, although it will be appreciated that the first arm 102 may be visible in some applications.

[0048]The bridge 110 has an inflection joint 138 (e.g., a flex joint) at or adjacent a middle of the bridge 110 between the first end 118 and the second end 126. The inflection joint 138 may flex when the door 42 is closed (when the gasket 82 is compressed by the door 42) due to engagement of the bridge 110 by the door 42. The bridge 110 cooperates with the base 86 (e.g., stiffener walls 90, 91) and the first and second connector walls 114, 122 to define a third chamber 142, which acts as a thermal barrier or insulator that minimizes or inhibits heat transfer from the ambient environment into the interior 34. In addition, or separately, the third chamber 142 may act as an air cushion or shock absorber in response to engagement of the gasket 82 when the door 42 is closed.

[0049]FIG. 4 illustrates the door 42 in a position between the open position and the closed position (e.g., a non-engaged position). In the non-engaged position, the door 42 is separated from and not engaged with the first arm 102 or the second arm 106. As such, the gasket 82 is not impacted by the door 42 and is in a static state.

[0050]As explained below, the door 42 may have different closed positions (e.g., different engaged states) based on alignment or misalignment between the door 42 and the case frame 46 (e.g., mullion 58). For example, for a door 42 that is aligned with the case frame 46, the door 42 may be considered ‘closed’ when the door 42 initially engages the first arm 102 and the second arm 106. In other examples in which a door 42 is slightly misaligned relative to the case frame 46, the door 42 may be considered ‘closed’ when the door 42 is moved farther into engagement with the gasket 82. Similar misalignment may occur when the case frame 46 is misaligned relative to the door 42 (e.g., the case frame 46 may have a non-square shape), or in which each of the door 42 and the case frame 46 are both slightly misaligned (e.g., both the door 42 and the case frame 46 may be non-square). When a misalignment exists between the door 42 and the case frame 46, a gap is formed and the gasket 82 facilitates an effective seal across the gap. Each door 42, depending on alignment between the door 42 and the case frame 46, may engage the gasket 82 in different ways that define a closed position of the door 42 (i.e. a position in which a gap between the door 42 and the case frame 46 is fully sealed or closed).

[0051]FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary gap 144 that may exist between portions of the door 42 and the case frame 46 (e.g., the mullion 58). As shown, the gap 144 is a variable gap that is wider or larger in one area (e.g., up to approximately 0.5 inches) and tapers or ends adjacent a vertical middle area of the door 42 and the case frame 46. It will be appreciated that the gap 144 may be any size and/or shape—small or relatively large, variable, or consistent—and may extend partially along the joint or juncture between the door 42 and the case frame 46, or along the entire joint or juncture. The gap 144 may be substantially consistent in width or the gap 144 may be variable in width. It will be appreciated that different gaps may exist based on the structural arrangement between the door 42 and the case frame 46 (e.g., mullion 58). In some non-limiting examples, the door 42 may be oriented at a slight angle relative to the case frame 46 (e.g., slightly misaligned relative to the case frame 46), which can cause the gap 144 to form between the door 42 and the case frame 46. In other non-limiting examples, the door 42 may have a consistent gap 144, or an inconsistent or variable gap 144. The gap 144 may be caused by the door 42 and/or the case frame 46 having a non-square shape (e.g., a parallelogram shape), which may cause misalignment between the door 42 and the case frame 46. For example, the gap 144 may be due to a squared door and a non-square case frame 46, a non-squared door 42 and a squared case frame 46, or a non-squared door 42 and a non-squared case frame 46). The gap 144 may be uniform or consistent in some examples (e.g., when the door 42 is squared and the case frame 46 is squared). In all examples, the gasket 82 facilitates a full seal of any space or gap 144 between the door 42 and the case frame 46 when the door 42 is considered closed.

[0052]When the door 42 and the case frame 46 form a variable gap, the door 42 contacts or compresses the gasket 82 in different ways to effect a full seal between the door 42 and the case frame 46. For example, the upper portion of the door 42 may be in partial contact with the gasket 82 such that the gasket 82 is uncompressed or only slightly compressed, and the lower portion of the door 42 may be in fuller contact with the gasket 82. The gasket 82 is positioned and structured to produce a full or complete seal regardless of whether the gap 144 is variable or uniform along the juncture between the door 42 and the case frame 46. That is, the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are shaped and arranged to close any type or size of gap 144 along the juncture when the door 42 is considered closed. In addition, the gasket 82 is structured to define one or more thermal barriers (e.g., one or more of the thermal chambers 142, 150, 162, 166, 170) to inhibit air infiltration along the juncture between the door 42 and the case frame 46. As explained herein the door 42 may have different closed positions depending on the gap 144 (e.g., size and/or arrangement or position location of the gap 144) relative to the case frame 46.

[0053]FIG. 5 illustrates that the door 42 has moved from a non-engaged position (a non-closed position such as what is illustrated in FIG. 4) to a first closed position (in the direction indicated by arrow 146). In the first closed position, the door 42 engages the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 (by corollary, the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 engage the door 42), and the vertical edge of the door 42 is spaced from the bridge 110 (i.e. the door 42 is not engaged with the bridge 110). The first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are engaged by different portions of the door 42 (the inner and outer vertical surfaces of the door 42), and the first arm 102 and the second arm 106, alone or together, may or may not be slightly compressed in the first closed position. As shown in FIG. 5, the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are not compressed or flexed by the door 42. Engagement of the gasket 82 by the door 42 forms a fourth chamber 150 that is defined by the door 42, the first arm 102, the second arm 106, the bridge 110. The fourth chamber 150 acts as a thermal barrier or insulator that minimizes or inhibits heat transfer from the ambient environment into the interior 34.

[0054]As the door 42 moves farther in the direction of arrow 146 to a second closed position, and with reference to FIG. 6, the door 42 compresses one or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 (depending on the alignment of the door 42 relative to the case frame 46) such that the distal end(s) 130, 134 of one or both of the compressed arms 102, 106 flex(es) around corners and vertical surfaces of the door 42. In the second closed position, the door 42 may engage the bridge 110 in addition to the first arm 102 and the second arm 106. When the door 42 is engaged with the bridge 110, the bridge 110 may compress or flex at the inflection joint 138 (in the direction of arrow 152 depending on the pressure applied by the door 42). Flex of the bridge 110 may cause the gasket 82 to partially cave in or compress due to the resiliency of the gasket 82. That is, the body 84 has a first width profile across or perpendicular to a plane P in a non-engaged state (the static state illustrated in FIG. 4), and a second width profile across the plane P when the door 42 is engaged with the bridge 110 in such a way that the bridge 110 is flexed (e.g., FIG. 6). The plane P extends through a center of the base 86 such that the gasket 82 is intersected by the plane P (e.g., parallel to the vertical inner and outer surfaces of the door 42). The second width profile is smaller than the first width profile. The first arm 102 and the second arm 106 may separately or concurrently flex inward (as indicated by arrows 154, 155) based on engagement of each arm 102, 106 by the door 42.

[0055]A seal is formed on engagement of the door 42 with the gasket 82 (or engagement of the door 42 with the case frame 46 with the door having the gasket 82 mounted in reverse to what is illustrated). As each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 is engaged by the door 42, the first distal end 130 and the second distal end 134 may flex around or relative to the door 42 as indicated by respective arrows 158, 159, and, in some examples, grip the door 42, to define independent or separate seals between the door 42 and the gasket 82. As shown, the first arm 102 flexes in a first primary direction (indicated by arrow 158) and the second arm 106 flexes in a second primary direction (indicated by arrow 159) that is different from the first primary direction. It will be appreciated that the direction of flex for each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 may not be unidirectional in the orientation of the arrows 158, 159, respectively, and that general flex of each arm 102, 106 may occur about a center of curvature of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106. Engagement of the door 42 with the bridge 110 (whether the bridge 110 is flexed or not) produces a tighter seal when compared to the door 42 engaged with the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 as shown in FIG. 5. As such, engagement of the door 42 with the bridge 110 defines a seal that may have a greater impact on minimization of heat transfer through the gasket 82. In general, the door 42 may be off-center or otherwise define a variable gap relative to the case frame 46 such that the door 42 may engage the first arm 102 more or less than the second arm 106, or vice versa. In each situation, the gasket 82 effectively seals the door 42 relative to the case frame 46.

[0056]With reference to FIG. 6, the door 42 is engaged with the gasket 82 such that the bridge 110 is compressed and the gasket 82 flexes in different directions (e.g., left, right, inward, and outward as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 relative to the interior 34 and the ambient environment; for example, in the direction of arrows 152, 158, 159 and their corollary, opposite directions). In the engaged position, the first arm 102 forms a fifth chamber 162 in cooperation with the bridge 110 (and in some circumstances, in cooperation with the door 42), the second arm 106 forms a sixth chamber 166 (as illustrated, in cooperation with the door 42 and the bridge 110), and the door 42 and the bridge 110 form a seventh chamber 170. The chambers 162, 166, and 170 aid in breaking up or interrupting heat transfer across the gasket 82 when the door 42 is in a closed position, which can advantageously increase the efficiency of the refrigeration system 50 and reduce the operating costs of the merchandiser 10.

[0057]When the door 42 is moved in a direction opposite the arrow 146, pressure on the gasket 82 is released and the gasket returns to the first width profile (FIG. 4). FIG. 7 illustrates an overlay of the gasket 82 in the expanded position (e.g., FIG. 4) and in the compressed position (e.g., FIG. 6) without the door 42 for clarity. When the door 42 is in the non-engaged position or the first closed position, the gasket 82 has the first width profile (shown in solid lines) and, when the door 42 is in the exemplary second closed position, the gasket 82 is has the second width profile (shown in dashed lines).

[0058]When the door 42 is in the open position or a partially open position, the interior 34 may be accessed via the opening between the door 42 and the case frame 46. In a closed position, the door 42 contacts the gasket 82 to minimize or inhibit heat transfer or airflow from the ambient environment to the interior 34. The door 42 may form a uniform or non-uniform gap relative to the case frame 46, and the gasket 82 accommodates the door 42 regardless of the type of gap so that an effective and full seal is formed between the door 42 and the case frame 46. With reference to FIG. 5, the door 42 may engage the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 without engaging the bridge 110, which may or may not flex the first arm 102 and/or the second arm 106, and which forms a seal relative to the door 42. The chambers 142, 150 restrict heat transfer across or through the gasket 82. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a portion of the door 42 may engage the bridge 110, which causes the bridge 110, the first arm 102, and the second arm 106 to flex and form a seal relative to the door 42. The chambers 142, 162, 166, 170 restrict the transfer of heat across or through the gasket 82.

[0059]While the figures illustrate the door 42 in a non-engaged or static state, in a first closed position or first closed state, and a second closed position or second closed state, the door 42 may be in any position between these positions. The gasket 82 is flexible and accommodates different positions of the door 42 relative to any closed position so that a full or complete seal is achieved even when the door 42 is misaligned relative to the case frame 46. It should be appreciated that the gasket 82 conforms to the door 42 and the general alignment of the door 42 relative to the case frame 46 such that the gasket 82 can adjust to or change the way the gasket 82 seals at each individual location along the door frame. When the gasket 82 is attached to the edge of the door 42, the gasket 82 conforms to the case frame 46 (e.g., the mullion 58) in the same manner. That is, the gasket 82 defines an impact-activated seal that effectively encloses the space or gap 144 between the door 42 and the case frame 46. The impact-activated gasket 82 has a combination of specialized geometries to flex around and relative to the door 42 (or to the case frame 46 in the corollary example) to improve the seal between the door 42 and the case frame 46 when the door 42 impacts the gasket 82 at each localized section of the slider door 42. The gasket 82 is thin and flexible enough that the gasket 82 does not push the door 42 away from a closed position when the door 42 engages a part of the gasket 82.

[0060]With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first arm 102, the second arm 106, and the bridge 110, alone or in any combination, are activated based on the actual gap(s) 144 that exists (uniform or variable) so that an effective seal may be generated by different parts of the gasket 82 based on localized misalignment (e.g., at any location(s) between the door 42 and the case frame 46). This ensures a tight seal at each location between the door 42 and the case frame 46 no matter the size or shape or length of the gap 144. The gasket 82 stays open in an expanded form until impact by the door 42. When the door 42 impacts a local section of the gasket 82 (e.g., a vertical segment of the gasket 82), that local section of the gasket 82 may be displaced independent of any other section of the gasket 82. Portions or all of the remainder of the gasket 82 may be affected by impact of the local section of the gasket 82 (e.g., other portions of the gasket 82 may be pulled into or otherwise varied or flexed, as illustrated in FIG. 6), which may more tightly seal the juncture between the door 42 and the case frame 46. This creates a tight and effective seal around the impacted area(s) and around the door 42. For sections of the door 42 that may not impact the gasket 82 beyond the static state (the first closed position; FIG. 5), the gasket 82 will retain the first width profile. The gasket 82 starts in a state corresponding to the first width profile (e.g., expanded form) and fills as much area as possible with the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 fully extended or unbiased. One or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are biased or flexed on impact by the door 42 beyond the static state. With reference to FIG. 6, the door 42 has moved to a second closed position in which the door 42 impacts the bridge 110, which flexes at the inflection joint 138 and causes the gasket 82 to compress further around the door 42 (e.g., the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 press harder against the vertical inner and outer surfaces or sides of the door 42). When the door 42 is opened (from a closed state), the gasket 82 (e.g., the first arm 102 and the second arm 106, and/or the bridge 110) expand or unflex due to the elasticity of the gasket 82.

[0061]The gasket 82 is designed so that certain sections of the gasket 82 that are compressed more than other sections (e.g., due to a variable gap 144) grip the door 42 tighter and provide a better or stronger seal, while other sections of the gasket 82 that may not be fully compressed or flexed will still seal the gap 144. It should be appreciated that the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are structured so that the door 42 may brush past either or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 to facilitate an effective seal even when one or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 are not biased or flexed. When a variable or inconsistent gap 144 exists, the door 42 may more fully impact one or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106. The geometry of the gasket 82 enables an effective seal when the door 42 is in any closed position despite one or more gaps 144 that may exist when the door 42 is considered closed. The generally circular geometry of each of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 defines different flex points to effect a complete seal and enhance the life of the gasket 82.

[0062]The impact-activated gasket 82 can vary between various expanded and contracted positions to locally seals any gap 144 between the door 42 and the case frame 46. When the gasket 82 takes on the second width profile due to significant engagement by the door 42 (e.g., in the second closed position illustrated in FIG. 6), the gasket 82 still effectively seals any gap by displacing the bridge 110 and flexing one or both of the first arm 102 and the second arm 106 to tightly grip the door 42. The first arm 102 is arranged to seal the front of the door 42 while remaining substantially or completely hidden from view when compressed. The gasket 82 is structured with chambers 142, 150, 162, 166, 170 that assist with shock absorption and/or with minimizing thermal transfer from the ambient environment into the interior 34. The chambers 96, 98 142, 150, 162, 166, 170 are arranged in a way that extends the overall usability of the gasket 82 while interrupting heat transfer across the gasket 82.

[0063]FIG. 9 illustrates another merchandiser 210 including structure that is similar to the merchandiser 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Like structure will be identified by the same reference numeral plus “200”, and the description of the example of FIGS. 1 and 2 is incorporated except with regard to any differences that are described below.

[0064]With reference to FIGS. 9-11, the merchandiser 210 includes mullions 258, and each end mullion 258 (labeled 258a, 258b) of the case frame 246 has a first channel 262a and a second channel 262b. Laterally opposite sides of each of the first channel 262a and the second channel 262b are defined by grooves or slots 263. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, a slot 263 is defined in the channels 262a, 262b and extends along the length of the mullion 258 (e.g., a majority of the length of the mullion 258, or the entirety of the length of the mullion 258).

[0065]As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a gasket 282 is coupled to the mullion 258 within the first channel 262a, and another gasket 282 is coupled to the mullion 258 within the second channel 262b. It will be appreciated that each channel 262 of the mullion 258 will have an associated or corresponding gasket 282 coupled thereto. For example, in a merchandiser including end mullions 258 with one channel 262, one gasket 282 is coupled to each end mullion 258. In another example, for a merchandiser including end mullions 258 with three channels 262, three gaskets 282 are coupled to each end mullion 258.

[0066]The gasket 282 is engageable or impactable by a corresponding slider door 242 (e.g., an inner slider door 242a or an outer slider door 242b) to air seal an interior 234 of the merchandiser 210 from the surrounding environment when the slider door 242 is arranged in a closed position. In some examples, the gasket 282 may minimize the passage of sound between the slider door 242 and the mullion 258. While the illustrated gasket 282 is shown to seal the interior 234 of the merchandiser 210, the gasket 282 may be used to seal a different conditioned space (e.g., patio entryways, room dividers, transportation spaces, and building entrances such as, but not limited to, front entrances, room entrances, windows, etc.).

[0067]With reference to FIGS. 12-14, the gasket 382 has a body 284 (e.g., extruded, pultruded, or otherwise formed of one or more materials, etc.) that may be monolithically formed (e.g., from a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as a thermoplastic vulcanizate or flexible polyvinylchloride). The body 284 may include different materials (e.g., co-molded). The gasket 282 includes a base 286 and a dart or protrusion 288 extending from the base 286 along the entire length of the gasket 282. As illustrated, the protrusion 288 is formed with an arrow-like end 289 with flexible lateral extensions 289a.

[0068]The gasket 282 includes an exterior or first arm or arm 290, an interior or second arm or arm 292 disposed opposite the first arm 290, and a bridge 294 extending between and interconnecting the first arm 290 to the second arm 292. The first arm 290 has a first wall 298 that defines a first distal end 296 with a curved profile. As shown, the bridge 294 merges with the first wall 298 (e.g., the first wall 298 extends from the bridge 294 to the first distal end 296, or the bridge 294 and the first wall 298 are monolithically formed or are one in the same structure). It will be appreciated that the bridge 294 and the first wall 298 may be defined by separate structure that is joined together.

[0069]The gasket 282 also includes a first connector wall 308 that extends between the base 286 and the first distal end 296 such that the first connector wall 308 and the first wall 298 merge together (e.g., the first connector wall 308 may be an extension of the first wall 298, the first wall 298 and the first connector wall 308 may be monolithically formed, or may be one in the same structure). It will be appreciated that the first wall 298 and the first connector wall 308 may be defined by separate structure that is joined together. As shown, the first connector wall 308 is partially curved. A first stiffener wall 304 extends from a juncture 299 with the bridge 294 and/or the first wall 298 (e.g., where the bridge 294 and the first wall 298 meet or merge) at an inner part of the first arm 290 to a juncture 301 between the first distal end 296 and the first connector wall 308 (inward of the first distal end 296) to provide rigidity to the first arm 290 while also permitting pliability of the first arm 290 as described in detail below. With reference to FIG. 14, the first connector wall 308 has a slight concavity adjacent the first distal end 296 (e.g., adjacent the juncture 301 where the first connector wall 308 and the first stiffener wall 304 meet or join). With reference back to FIG. 12, the bridge 294, the first connector wall 308, and the first stiffener wall 304 at least partially cooperate to define a chamber or cavity 318a, which may act as a thermal barrier or insulator that minimizes infiltration of ambient air from an exterior side 320 (FIG. 15C) to an interior side 322 (FIG. 15C) of the merchandiser 210. The first wall 298, including the first distal end 296, and the first stiffener wall 304 cooperate to define another chamber or cavity 318b that may assist with minimizing air infiltration. In some examples, the gasket 282 may further include a first mold wall 312 that cooperates with the bridge 294, the first connector wall 308, and the first stiffener wall 304 to define the cavity 318.

[0070]The second arm 292 has a second wall 302 that defines a second distal end 300 with a curved profile. As shown, the bridge 294 merges with the second wall 302 (e.g., the second wall 302 extends from the bridge 294 to the second distal end 300, or the bridge 294 and the second wall 302 are monolithically formed or are one in the same structure). It will be appreciated that the bridge 294 and the second wall 302 may be defined by separate structure that is joined together.

[0071]The gasket 282 also includes a second connector wall 310 that extends between the base 286 and the second distal end 300 such that the second connector wall 310 and the second wall 302 merge together (e.g., the second connector wall 310 may be an extension of the second wall 302, the second wall 302 and the second connector wall 310 may be monolithically formed, or may be one in the same structure). It will be appreciated that the second wall 302 and the second connector wall 310 may be defined by separate structure that is joined together. As shown, the second connector wall 310 is partially curved. As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, the bridge 294 is non-parallel to a plane extending through the portions of the first connector wall 308 and the second connector wall 310 that connect to the base 286. The non-parallel or angular nature of the bridge 294 may assist with sealing the slider door 242 via engagement of the slider door 242 with the second arm 292 prior to the slider door 242 engaging the first arm 290. For example, the second arm 292 may wrap around the corner of the slider door 242 and along the inner vertical side of the slider door 242 due to engagement of the slider door 242 with the second arm 292 before engagement by the slider door 242 with the first arm 290 such that an effective seal can be attained even in situations when the first arm 290 is not engaged or only slightly engaged by the slider door 242. (e.g., due to the elongation of the second arm 292 relative to the first arm 290).

[0072]A second stiffener wall 306 extends from a juncture 303 with the bridge 294 and/or the second wall 302 (e.g., where the bridge 294 and the second wall 302 meet or merge) at an inner part of the second arm 292 to a juncture 305 between the second distal end 300 and the second connector wall 310 (inward of the distal end 300) to provide rigidity to the second arm 292 while also permitting pliability of the first arm 292 as described in detail below. With continued to FIG. 12, the bridge 294, the second connector wall 310, and the second stiffener wall 306 at least partially cooperate to define a chamber or cavity 319a, which may act as a thermal barrier or insulator that minimizes infiltration of ambient air from the exterior side 320 (FIG. 15C) to the interior side 322 (FIG. 15C) of the merchandiser 210. The second wall 302, including the second distal end 300, and the second stiffener wall 306 cooperate to define another chamber or cavity 319b that may assist with minimizing air infiltration. In some examples, the gasket 282 may further include a second mold wall 314 that cooperates with the bridge 294, the second connector wall 310, and the second stiffener wall 306 to define the cavity 319a. It should be appreciated that, in some examples, the first mold wall 312 and the second mold wall 314 may define structural walls for the gasket 282 to provide rigidity adjacent the base 286. In some examples, the first mold wall 312 or the second mold wall 314, or both, may be omitted.

[0073]When the gasket 282 is coupled to an end mullion 258, the protrusion 288 extends through the slot 263 such that the lateral extensions 289a hold the gasket 282 in engagement with the end mullion 258 and resist removal of the gasket 282 relative to the end mullion 258. On engagement of the gasket 282 with the end mullion 258, the base 286 of is disposed within a corresponding channel 262 and portions of the first and second connector walls 308, 310 abut, or substantially abut, the mullion 258. In some examples, the protrusion 288 may be snap-fit into the end mullion 258 to securely and removably couple the gasket 282 to the mullion 258. In other examples, the gasket 282 may include more than one protrusion 288 that extend from the base 286 and that are arranged in a spaced relationship to engage corresponding slots 263 in the end mullion 258.

[0074]FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate the slider door 242 in a position between a full-open position and one or more positions in which the slider door 242 is considered in a closed position. That is, the slider door 242 illustrated in FIGS. 15A-15C is in a first state where the slider door 242 is not engaged, or disengaged, relative to the gasket 282. In the first state, the gasket 282 is not impacted or compressed by the slider door 242.

[0075]FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate that the slider door 242 has moved (in the direction indicated by arrow 323) from the first state to a second state in which the slider door 242 is in a first closed position. In the first closed position, the slider door 242 impacts the first and second arms 290, 292 with a first force (e.g., a light or slight force) such that the first and second arms 290, 292 are slightly compressed by the slider door 242 due to contact adjacent the junctures 299, 303. That is, the first arm 290 and the second arm 292, and in particular the distal ends 296, 300, to start to cave in or flex toward a center line of the slider door 242 on impact by the slider door 242. This causes the first wall 298 and the second wall 302, and therefore a portion of a continuous surface 324 defined by the bridge 294, the first wall 298, and the second wall 302, to contact the slider door 242 and provide a seal due to the distal ends 296, 300 beginning to wrap around the slider door 242. As shown, in the second state, corners of the slider door 242 engage the gasket 282 and the forward or end vertical surface 326 of the slider door 242 (at least the central portion of the end vertical surface 326) is spaced from the bridge 294. Contact by the slider door 242 at or adjacent the first juncture 299 and the second juncture 303 facilitate a bending moment of the gasket 282 while maintaining sufficient stiffness of the gasket 282 to maintain a seal.

[0076]With reference to FIGS. 17A-17C, as the slider door 242 moves further in the direction of arrow 323 to a second closed position (e.g., a fully-closed position, or a closed position that is more closed than the first closed position), the slider door 242 further compresses the gasket 282 such that the distal ends 296, 300 of the first and second arms 290, 292 further flex and wrap around the slider door 242.

[0077]Cooperatively, the bridge 294, the first wall 298, and the second wall 302 form the continuous surface 324 that is engageable with different sides 325a, 325b of the slider door 242 to effect a seal. As each arm 290, 292 flexes or wraps around the slider door 242, the first and second distal ends 296, 300 flex around the slider door 242 as indicated by respective arrows 328, 330. In this manner, the gasket 282 effectively clamps onto the outer and inner sides 325a, 325b of the door 242 to provide a seal between the slider door 242 and the gasket 282. In the second closed position, the slider door 242 may further engage the bridge 294. In the second closed position, when the slider door 242 is spaced from at least a portion of the bridge 294, the gap between the slider door 242 and the bridge 294 may provide a thermal barrier to inhibit or limit infiltration of ambient air into the merchandiser 210. When the slider door 242 is at least partially engaged with the bridge 294, the bridge 294 may compress or flex to further compress the gasket 282, causing the first and second arms 290, 292 to further wrap around the slider door 242. It will be appreciated that the slider door-gasket relationship may have more than two closed positions depending on the movement of the gasket 282 in relation to the position of the slider door 242 and the structure of the gasket 282. On movement of the slider door 242 in a direction opposite the arrow 326, pressure on the gasket 282, and therefore the seal, may be released. On movement of the slider door 242 to a partially or fully open position, compression of the gasket 282 is released and the gasket 282 returns to its original profile (FIG. 15A-15C).

[0078]FIG. 18 illustrates another exemplary gasket 382 that can be used with the merchandiser 10, 210 and that includes structure that is the same as the gasket 282 except as described below. Like structure will be identified by the same reference numeral plus “100”, and the description of the exemplary gasket 282 of FIGS. 9-17C is incorporated below except with regard to any differences that are described. The functionality, operation, and movement of the gasket 382 in response to engagement or disengagement by a door is the same as the gasket 282.

[0079]With reference to FIG. 19, the gasket 382 may be formed in the same manner as the gasket 282 and includes a base 386 that has a tongue or base segment 388 extending from the base 386. The remaining structure of the gasket 382 is the same as the gasket 282 (e.g., the first arm 390, the second arm 392, the bridge 394, the stiffener walls 404, 408 and the connector walls 408, 410, etc.).

[0080]With reference back to FIG. 18, the gasket 382 is coupled to the end mullion 258 by a retainer 500. As shown, the retainer 500 is directly attached to the mullion 258 (e.g., by one or more fasteners), and the gasket 382 is attached to the retainer 400. With reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, the retainer 500 includes an elongated body 505 (into the page as viewed in FIGS. 18 and 20) that may be extruded, pultruded, or otherwise formed of one or more materials, and that may be monolithically formed (e.g., from a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as a thermoplastic vulcanizate or flexible polyvinylchloride). The body 505 may include different materials (e.g., co-molded). The elongated body 505 has a mullion support 510 and a gasket retainer portion 515 extending from the mullion support 510. The mullion support 510 is disposed on one side of the retainer 500 and abuts a side of the end mullion 258 that is located within the interior 34, 234 to vertically support the gasket retainer portion 515 on the end mullion 258. In some examples, the mullion support 510 may magnetically couple to the end mullion 258 and/or be secured via fasteners.

[0081]The gasket retainer portion 515 includes mullion extensions or feet 520 that are disposed on a first side of the body 505, and gasket channels 525 that are disposed on a second side of the body 505 opposite the first side. The mullion extensions 520 engage the end mullion 258 within the channels 262 (e.g., the mullion extensions 520 are disposed in a corresponding one of the grooves or slots 263) to assist with holding the retainer 500 on the end mullion 258. Laterally opposite sides of each of the gasket channels 525 are defined by grooves or slots 530. The gasket 382 is coupled to the retainer 500 via engagement of the base segment 388 within a corresponding gasket channel 525.

[0082]The gasket 382 is engageable or impactable by a corresponding slider door 242 to air seal the interior 34, 234 of the merchandiser 10, 210 from the surrounding environment in the same manner as the gasket 282. In some examples, the gasket 382 may minimize the passage of sound between the slider door 242 and the end mullion 258. While the illustrated gasket 382 is described with regard to sealing the interior 34, 234 of the merchandiser 210, the gasket 382 may be used to seal a different conditioned space (e.g., patio entryways, room dividers, transportation spaces, and building entrances such as, but not limited to, front entrances, room entrances, windows, etc.).

[0083]The gasket 382 is attached to the retainer 500 by sliding the base segment 388 into a corresponding gasket channel 525 from an end of the retainer 500. The retainer 500 is then inserted or attached onto the case frame or end mullion 258. Attachment of the retainer 500 to the end mullion 258 may be accomplished by placing a distal end 535 of the gasket retainer portion 515 adjacent the outermost channel 262 (e.g., channel 262b) with the mullion support 510 laterally spaced from the end mullion 258 (inward, or to the left of the end mullion 258 in FIG. 18) so that the mullion extensions 520 are positioned in the channels 262 (e.g., adjacent the center of the channels 262). The retainer 500 can then be moved (e.g., slid) so that the mullion extensions 520 engage the slots 263. Fasteners can be used to secure the retainer 500 in place on the end mullion 258. In another example, attachment of the retainer 500 to the end mullion 258 may be accomplished by placing the distal end 535 of the retainer 500 in a tilted manner relative to the end mullion 258 so that the outermost mullion extension 520 is engaged with, or substantially engaged with, the corresponding slot 263 of the outermost channel 262 (e.g., channel 262b). The retainer 500 may then be moved toward (tilted toward) the end mullion 258 so that the remaining structure of the retainer 500 is engaged with and coupled to the end mullion 258. Fasteners can be used to secure the retainer in place on the end mullion 258.

[0084]Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.