Led lighting system for heated enclosure
AssigneeGiles Enterprises, Inc.
InventorsZachary GRIGGS, Lance Nicholas COVERT, Craig Scott YOST
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An enclosure or display cabinet for displaying heated objects (such as a food display module or container) using heat-sensitive lighting is disclosed herein. The heat-sensitive lighting may be, for example, an LED lighting unit. LED lighting is inefficient and tends to degrade or fail when operating at higher temperatures. However, LED lighting may be preferred as it is typically more energy efficient than other lighting options (such as incandescent bulbs). The lighting unit includes a thermally insulated space, shelf, or gap for housing the lighting and a system for reducing heat generated by the display or the lighting unit.
Claims20
A container for objects to be maintained in a heated environment, comprising:
- an enclosure having a top and an interior space;
- a canopy within the enclosure and separated from the top by a gap;
- a support surface in a heated space below the canopy, which is adapted to support objects;
- a heat-sensitive light source comprising a light-generating element positioned to direct light into an area beneath the canopy;
- and
- a heat sink coupled to the light source and positioned at least partially in the gap between the canopy and the top.
The container of 12, further comprising an intake vent in at least one of the walls, an exhaust vent in at least one of the walls, and a fan disposed to circulate air into the heated space via the intake vent and out from the heated space via the exhaust vent.
A food display case comprising:
- a display cabinet having a display wall and a second wall;
- a heating element positioned to maintain the temperature inside the display cabinet above the temperature of the surrounding environment;
- a heat-sensitive light-generating element positioned within the display cabinet;
- and
- a heat sink positioned outside of the display cabinet and connected to the light-generating element.
A food display case comprising a heated compartment and an LED light within the heated compartment, the LED light connected to a heat sink that is disposed outside of the heated compartment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.