Fiber optically illuminated display cabinet and a fiber optic cable light distribution assembly therefor

Abstract

A display cabinet includes a fiber optic cable having a first fiber optic cable portion introduced into a raceway of a door frame which is divided into fiber optic cable groups each exiting the raceway and being connected to light distributors located along vertical mullions/end frame members of the door frame to illuminate an interior area of the cabinet and products therein. Terminal end portions of individual fiber optic elements of each group are fastened relative to light-emitting holes of individual light distributors. Each light distributor includes a pair of wall portions at opposite sides of a bisecting plane of the light distributor with the light-emitting holes on either side being disposed with axes thereof at two acute though substantially different angles. A pair of ribs at a rear side of the light distributor effect reinforcement thereof and cooperate to fasten terminal ends of each fiber optic element thereto.

1 . A door subassembly for illuminating a product display area comprising a frame defining an access opening, said frame including at least upper, lower and opposite side frame portions, at least one of said frame portions defining a raceway chamber, a fiber optic cable having a light-receiving end portion and a light-emitting end portion, and said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion being at least partially disposed in said raceway chamber and said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion being disposed along another of said frame portions.  
   
   
       2 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said another frame portion is disposed vertically.  
   
   
       3 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said another frame portion is a mullion disposed between said opposite side frame portions.  
   
   
       4 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining an opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame.  
   
   
       5 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-receiving and light-emitting end portions are defined by at least respective first and second groups of individual fiber optic elements, and at least some of the fiber optic elements of the second group are common to the fiber optic elements of the first group.  
   
   
       6 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-receiving and light-emitting end portions are defined by at least respective first and second groups of individual fiber optic elements, at least some of the fiber optic elements of the second group are common to the fiber optic elements of the first group, and at least some of the fiber optic elements of the second group are longer than some of the fiber optic elements of the first group.  
   
   
       7 . The door sub assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-receiving and light-emitting end portions are defined by at least respective first and second groups of individual fiber optic elements, at least some of the fiber optic elements of the second group are common to the fiber optic elements of the first group, at least some of the fiber optic elements of the second group are longer than some of the fiber optic elements of the first group, and said second group of fiber optic elements each have a terminal end in relatively spaced relationship to each other whereby light is emitted therefrom as a plurality of spaced points of light.  
   
   
       8 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points.  
   
   
       9 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of vertically spaced light-emitting points.  
   
   
       10 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of horizontally spaced light-emitting points.  
   
   
       11 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced light-emitting points.  
   
   
       12 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a line defining an acute angle relative to a vertical plane.  
   
   
       13 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a line defining an acute angle preferably substantially within the range of 60° to 75° relative to a vertical plane.  
   
   
       14 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a line defining an acute angle preferably substantially within the range of 40° to 50° relative to a vertical plane.  
   
   
       15 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a plurality of lines at least two of which define a different angle relative to a vertical plane.  
   
   
       16 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a plurality of lines at least two of which define a substantially different acute angle relative to a vertical plane.  
   
   
       17 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a plurality of lines at least two of which define a different angle relative to a vertical plane, and the angle of at least one of the different lines is substantially within the range of 60° to 75°.  
   
   
       18 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion emits light as a plurality of spaced light-emitting points emitting light along a plurality of lines at least two of which define a different angle relative to a vertical plane, and the angle of at least one of the different lines is substantially within the range of 40° to 50°.  
   
   
       19 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining an opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area.  
   
   
       20 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, and said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame.  
   
   
       21 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion includes a plurality of groups of fiber optic elements, said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said second opening, at least one of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said first opening, and at least another of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass beyond said first-mentioned opening.  
   
   
       22 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 1  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion includes a plurality of groups of fiber optic elements, said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said second opening, at least one of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said first opening, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a third opening, and at least another of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass beyond said first-mentioned opening and through said third opening for distributing light to a product display area.  
   
   
       23 . The door subassembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 22  wherein the average length of said fiber optic elements of said at least one group are shorter than the average length of said fiber optic elements of said another group.  
   
   
       24 . A display case for illuminating a product display area comprising a housing defining a product display area, said housing including a frame defining an access opening of said housing, said frame including at least upper, lower and opposite side frame portions, at least one of said frame portions defining a raceway chamber, a fiber optic cable having a light-receiving end portion and a light-emitting end portion, and said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion being at least partially disposed in said raceway chamber and said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion being disposed along at least one of said frame portions.  
   
   
       25 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, and said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame.  
   
   
       26 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion includes a plurality of groups of fiber optic elements, said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said second opening, at least one of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said first opening, and at least another of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass beyond said first-mentioned opening.  
   
   
       27 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a first opening through which said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion passes for distributing light to a product display area, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a second opening through which said fiber optic cable light-receiving end portion passes for connection to a light source exteriorly of the frame, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion includes a plurality of groups of fiber optic elements, said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said second opening, at least one of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass through said first opening, said at least one frame portion includes means for defining a third opening, and at least another of said plurality of groups of fiber optic elements pass beyond said first-mentioned opening and through said third opening for distributing light to a product display area.  
   
   
       28 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein the average length of said fiber optic elements of said at least one group are shorter than the average length of said fiber optic elements of said another group.  
   
   
       29 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein said another frame portion is disposed substantially vertically, a support member carried by said another frame portion and defining therewith a substantially vertical chamber, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion being introduced into said substantially vertical chamber, a plurality of holes in said support member disposed in spaced relationship to each other, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion including a plurality of fiber optic elements each having a terminal end portion located in an associated one of said plurality of holes, and means for securing each fiber optic element terminal end portion relative to its associated hole.  
   
   
       30 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 24  wherein said another frame portion is a mullion disposed substantially vertically in spaced relationship to said opposite side frame portions, a support member carried by said vertical mullion and defining therewith a substantially vertical chamber, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion being introduced into said substantially vertical chamber, a plurality of holes in said support member disposed in spaced relationship to each other, said fiber optic cable light-emitting end portion including a plurality of fiber optic elements each having a terminal end portion associated with one of said plurality of holes, and means for securing each fiber optic element terminal end portion relative to its associated hole.  
   
   
       31 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said terminal end portions emit light at an acute angle to a vertical plane substantially within the range of 40° to 75°.  
   
   
       32 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axis of each group sets off an acute angle to a common plane, and the two acute angles differ substantially from each other.  
   
   
       33 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axis of each group sets off an acute angle to a common plane, one acute angle is substantially within the range of 40° to 50°, and the other acute angle is substantially within the range of 65° to 75°.  
   
   
       34 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs.  
   
   
       35 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs with each pair of legs being in embracing relationship to an associated one of said fiber optic element terminal end portions.  
   
   
       36 . The display case for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 29  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs with each pair of legs being in embracing relationship to an associated one of said fiber optic element terminal end portions and being clipped to said support member.  
   
   
       37 . A fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area comprising a support member, a plurality of holes in said support member disposed in spaced relationship to each other, a plurality of fiber optic elements each having a terminal end portion associated with one of said plurality of holes, and means for securing each fiber optic element terminal end portion relative to its associated hole.  
   
   
       38 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axis of each group sets off an acute angle to a common plane, and the two acute angles differ substantially from each other.  
   
   
       39 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axis of each group sets off an acute angle to a common plane, one acute angle is substantially within the range of 40° to 50°, and the other acute angle is substantially within the range of 65° to 75°.  
   
   
       40 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axes of said two groups set off an acute angle therebetween, and the acute angle is substantially within the range of 20° to 30°.  
   
   
       41 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said holes are disposed in at least two groups, the holes of each of said two groups of holes are defined by an axis, the axes of said two groups set off an acute angle therebetween, and the acute angle is substantially 25°.  
   
   
       42 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a fastener.  
   
   
       43 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a clip.  
   
   
       44 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs.  
   
   
       45 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs with each pair of legs being in embracing relationship to an associated one of said fiber optic element terminal end portions.  
   
   
       46 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall and a pair of legs with each pair of legs being in embracing relationship to an associated one of said fiber optic element terminal end portions and being clipped to said support member.  
   
   
       47 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said securing means is each a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall having an opening therein and a pair of legs with a fiber optic element passing through an opening and each pair of legs being in embracing relationship to an associated one of said fiber optic element terminal end portions and being clipped to said support member.  
   
   
       48 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, and said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls.  
   
   
       49 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, and said securing means secure each terminal end portion interiorly of and to said walls.  
   
   
       50 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls, and said securing means includes an outwardly directed collar of each terminal end portion received in opposing grooves of said elongated walls.  
   
   
       51 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls, and said securing means includes a clip in substantially spanning relationship to said elongated walls.  
   
   
       52 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls, said securing means includes an outwardly directed collar of each terminal end portion received in opposing grooves of said elongated walls, and said securing means further includes a clip in substantially spanning relationship to said elongated walls.  
   
   
       53 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls, and each said securing means is a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall spanning said rear channel and a pair of legs gripping said elongated walls.  
   
   
       54 . The fiber optic light distribution assembly for illuminating a product display area as defined in  claim 37  wherein said support member includes at least one rear channel defined by a plurality of elongated transversely spaced walls between which are located said plurality of holes, said securing means secure each terminal end portion to said walls, each said securing means is a clip of a substantially U-shaped transverse cross section defined by a bight wall spanning said rear channel and a pair of legs gripping said elongated walls, and each clip bight wall includes a slot embracing an associated terminal portion.  
   
   
       55 . A fiber optic cable light distributor comprising an elongated support member, said elongated support member including at least two elongated wall portions one to each side of a longitudinally bisecting plane of said elongated support member, a plurality of first and second holes along said elongated wall portions, the plurality of first and second holes each include an axis, the axes of said plurality of first and second holes each set off an acute angle to said bisecting plane, and the acute angles differ from each other.  
   
   
       56 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said two acute angles differ substantially from each other.  
   
   
       57 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein one acute angle is substantially within the range of 40° to 50°, and the other acute angle is substantially within the range of 65° to 75°.  
   
   
       58 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein one acute angle is preferably substantially 45°, and the other acute angle is preferably substantially 30°.  
   
   
       59 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, and said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels.  
   
   
       60 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels, said first and second channels being defined at least in part by transversely spaced elongated channel walls, and means along said channel walls for securing fiber optic cable terminal end portions thereto.  
   
   
       61 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels, said first and second channels being defined at least in part by transversely spaced elongated channel walls, and means along said channel walls for snap-securing fiber optic cable terminal end portions thereto.  
   
   
       62 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels, said first and second channels being defined at least in part by transversely spaced elongated channel walls, and means along said channel walls for securing a fiber optic cable terminal end portion attaching clip thereto.  
   
   
       63 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels, said first and second channels being defined at least in part by transversely spaced elongated channel walls, and means along interiors of said channel walls for securing fiber optic cable terminal end portions thereto.  
   
   
       64 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 55  wherein said elongated support member includes front and rear sides, first and second channels disposed in substantially parallel relationship to each other along said rear side, said first and second plurality of holes being located in said respective first and second channels, said first and second channels being defined at least in part by transversely spaced elongated channel walls, and means along exteriors of said channel walls for securing a fiber optic cable terminal end portion attaching clip thereto.  
   
   
       65 . A fiber optic cable light distributor comprising an elongated support member including front and rear sides, means along said rear side for reinforcing said elongated support member along the length thereof, and a plurality of light-emitting holes along the length of said elongated support member.  
   
   
       66 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 65  wherein said light-emitting holes open through said reinforcing means.  
   
   
       67 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 66  wherein said reinforcing means is defined by a pair of ribs.  
   
   
       68 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 66  wherein said reinforcing means is defined by a pair of ribs, and said light-emitting holes open into a channel defined between said pair of ribs.  
   
   
       69 . A fiber optic cable light distributor comprising an elongated support member including front and rear sides, at least one pair of rear walls projecting rearward from said rear side and defining a channel, light-emitting holes in said elongated support member opening into said channel, said rear walls each include innermost adjacent and outermost remote surfaces, and means associated with at least one of said innermost and outermost rear wall surfaces for fastening a fiber optic cable terminal end portion thereto relative to each light-emitting hole.  
   
   
       70 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 69  wherein said fastening means include at least a pair of cooperative grooves.  
   
   
       71 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 69  wherein said fastening means include at least a pair of cooperative grooves in opposing relationship to each other.  
   
   
       72 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 69  wherein said fastening means include at least a pair of cooperative grooves opening in opposite directions relative to and away from each other.  
   
   
       73 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 70  including a fiber optic cable terminal end portion having a collar engaged by said at least pair of cooperative grooves.  
   
   
       74 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 70  including a fiber optic cable terminal end portion fastened in said channel by a clip spanning said channel and having portions received in said at least pair of cooperative grooves.  
   
   
       75 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 70  including a fiber optic cable terminal end portion having a collar engaged by said at least pair of cooperative grooves, and said fiber optic cable terminal end portion being further fastened in said channel by a clip spanning said channel and having portions received in another pair of cooperative grooves.  
   
   
       76 . A fiber optic cable light distributor comprising a substantially elongated member of a substantially transverse U-shaped cross-section, a plurality of light-emitting holes in said elongated member adapted to each receive a fiber optic cable terminal end portion from which light is emitted, said U-shaped elongated member having a pair of terminal leg portions, and said pair of terminal leg portions each having means for snap-securing said terminal leg portions to opposing cooperative vertically disposed supports.  
   
   
       77 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 76  wherein said elongated member includes a bight portion, and said terminal leg portions are in outwardly diverging relationship to each other in a direction away from said bight portion.  
   
   
       78 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 76  wherein said snap-securing means is one of a rib and groove.  
   
   
       79 . The fiber optic cable light distributor as defined in  claim 77  wherein said snap-securing means is one of a rib and groove.