Mullion bracket

#This invention relates to temperature controlled storage devices, and doors and associated frames used in such devices.

#Refrigerated enclosures are used in commercial, institutional, and residential applications for storing and/or displaying refrigerated or frozen objects. Refrigerated enclosures may be maintained at temperatures above freezing (e.g., a refrigerator) or at temperatures below freezing (e.g., a freezer). Refrigerated enclosures have one or more doors or windows for accessing and viewing refrigerated or frozen objects within a temperature-controlled space. Refrigerated enclosures typically include a frame that supports the doors or windows.

#Condensation on sealing surfaces of doors of refrigerated enclosures and their associated frames can impair sealing and decrease energy efficiency. Formation of condensation (or frost formation) on a door also affects visibility to product placed inside enclosure and may cause customer dissatisfaction. Electric heater wires are sometimes employed in the thermal frames of commercial refrigerated enclosures to inhibit condensation. However, electrical heaters can use a significant amount of electrical power. Excess reliance on such heater wires may make ever more stringent government regulations on energy efficiency more difficult to meet.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerated enclosure having multiple doors supported by a frame.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerated enclosure having a single door supported by a frame.

#FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example refrigerated enclosure with two doors and a mullion according to implementations of the present disclosure.

#Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

#In some implementations, a mullion bracket provides as a thermal barrier between the mullion and the frame into which the mullion is connected. The mullion includes a perimeter flange between the mullion and the frame. The bracket can restrict air from passing between the door frame and the mullion. In some cases, a rectangular block of the mullion bracket can be inserted into a corresponding opening in the mullion. The block of the mullion bracket is secured to the mullion by way of opposing fasteners in the lateral walls of the mullion.

#In some implementations, a mullion has thickened sidewalk that reduce thermal transference from front to back of the mullion. Thermally insulating material, such as foam board, can be placed on the mullion sides. The mullion can have co-extruded portions, one of the co-extruded portions being of a lower density than the other co-extruded portion. The lower density material for the mullion may be, for example, a cellular material or ABS foam. The lower-density co-extruded portion is on the contact-plate side of the mullion. The lower-density co-extruded portion can receive a heater wire and zipper and serves as a thermal break. In cases where the co-extruded portion includes a heater wire channel, a separate component for retaining the heater wire can sometimes be eliminated.