Freezer cabinet with communication device

Abstract

Disclosed is a freezer cabinet ( 1 ) comprising a sensor system ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ) for detecting at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet ( 1 ); and a slot ( 23 ) shaped to receive a communication device ( 10 ) configured to communicate with the sensor system ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ). The slot ( 23 ) extends into the cabinet ( 1 ) from a trapezoidal orifice ( 24 ) in an outer wall ( 6 ) of the cabinet ( 1 ).

1 . A freezer cabinet comprising:
 a sensor system for detecting at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet;   a slot shaped to receive a communication device; and   a communication device received in the slot and configured to communicate with the sensor system;   wherein the slot extends into the cabinet from a trapezoidal orifice in an outer wall of the cabinet and wherein the trapezoidal orifice has only one pair of parallel sides; and   wherein the communication device comprises:   an outer case of generally prismatoid form comprising a body extending from a front trapezoidal face to a rear trapezoidal face wherein the front and rear trapezoidal faces each have only one pair of parallel sides; and   a transmitter contained within the case.   
     
     
         2 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein an inner surface of the slot comprises elongate cavities extending from the trapezoidal orifice and shaped to receive lugs on an outer surface of the communication device. 
     
     
         3 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the slot comprises a connector for connecting the communication device with the sensor system and wherein the connector comprises a communication socket for receiving pins projecting from a rear face of the communication device. 
     
     
         4 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the connector comprises a power socket in addition to or instead of the communication socket and wherein the power socket is for electrically coupling the communication device to the power supply of the cabinet. 
     
     
         5 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the sensor system comprises a controller and one or more sensors communicating with the controller, wherein the controller facilitates communication between the one or more sensors and the communication device. 
     
     
         6 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the at least one parameter indicative of the state of the freezer cabinet is indicative of one or more of temperature, humidity, power consumption, stock level, and opening state. 
     
     
         7 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the freezer cabinet comprises a compressor housed in a compressor compartment delimited by an inner compartment wall and a portion of the outer wall of the freezer cabinet comprising the trapezoidal orifice, such that the slot extends into the compressor compartment. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims  claim 1  wherein one or more pins project from the rear trapezoidal face of the communication device and are receivable in a communication socket of the slot. 
     
     
         12 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the rear trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises one or more projections along and/or around the pins and shaped to assist guiding of the pins into the communication socket when the communication device is pushed into the slot. 
     
     
         13 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the body of the communication device comprises at least two lugs located towards the front face and receivable by corresponding elongate cavities in an inner surface of the slot when the communication device is pushed into the slot. 
     
     
         14 . The freezer cabinet as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the front trapezoidal face of the communication device comprises a recess to allow insertion of a finger and/or a removal tool. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled)