ICE MERCHANDISER
An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer is provided. The ice merchandiser includes a housing defining a cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access to the cavity of the ice merchandiser. The ice merchandiser also includes a door that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the door covers the opening and in the second position, the door is positioned away from the opening such that the cavity is accessible. The ice merchandiser further includes an ultraviolet lamp located in the cavity of the ice merchandiser.
1 . An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer, the ice merchandiser comprising:
a housing defining a cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access to the cavity of the ice merchandiser;
a door including a window for viewing into the cavity, wherein the door is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the door substantially covers the opening and in the second position, the door is positioned away from the opening such that the cavity is accessible;
a handle located on the door; and
an anti-microbial coating, wherein the anti-microbial coating is provided on the handle and an interior surface of the housing within the cavity.
2 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , wherein the anti-microbial coating is applied to an exterior surface of the housing.
3 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , wherein the anti-microbial coating is configured to inhibit growth of at least one of a stain-causing and odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi.
4 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , wherein the anti-microbial coating is epoxy-based, such that the anti-microbial coating is scratch and wear resistant.
5 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , further comprising a hydrophobic coating applied to the interior surface of the housing within the cavity.
6 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , further comprising an ultraviolet lamp positioned in the cavity, wherein the ultraviolet lamp is configured to emit a germicidal ultraviolet beam.
7 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , further comprising a sheet on a surface of the window, wherein the sheet is structured to reduce condensation.
8 . The ice merchandiser of claim 1 , wherein the interior surface of the housing includes at least one of an interior surface of the window and an interior wall of the housing.
9 . An ice merchandiser for storing bagged ice for purchase by a customer, the ice merchandiser comprising:
a housing defining a cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access to the cavity of the ice merchandiser;
a door that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the door covers the opening and in the second position, the door is positioned away from the opening such that the cavity is accessible; and
an ultraviolet lamp located in the cavity of the ice merchandiser.
10 . The ice merchandiser of claim 9 , wherein the ultraviolet lamp is structured as an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation lamp configured to emit a germicidal ultraviolet beam.
11 . The ice merchandiser of claim 9 , further comprising a bagged ice product, wherein the bagged ice product is configured to be stored in the cavity of the ice merchandiser.
12 . The ice merchandiser of claim 11 , further comprising an anti-microbial coating, wherein the anti-microbial coating is applied to at least one of an interior surface of the housing defining the cavity, an exterior surface of the housing, and the bagged ice product.
13 . The ice merchandiser of claim 9 , further comprising a hydrophobic coating, wherein the hydrophobic coating is applied to an interior surface of the housing within the cavity.
14 . The ice merchandiser of claim 13 , further comprising a window, wherein the hydrophobic coating is applied to an interior surface of the window proximate the cavity.
15 . The ice merchandiser of claim 14 , further comprising an anti-frost coating applied to at least one of the interior surface window and an exterior surface of the window.
16 . A method of providing a hygienic ice merchandiser, comprising:
providing an ice merchandiser that includes a housing defining a cavity and an opening, wherein the opening provides access to the cavity of the ice merchandiser;
providing an ultraviolet lamp in the cavity of the ice merchandiser; and
providing an anti-microbial coating on a surface of the housing.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the anti-microbial coating is configured to inhibit growth of at least one of a stain-causing and odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi.
18 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising providing a hydrophobic coating on an interior surface of the housing.
19 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising providing an anti-microbial additive to a plastic used to manufacture a bag for holding ice product, wherein the bagged ice product with the anti-microbial additive is stored in the cavity of the ice merchandiser.
20 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising applying a film to a surface of a window on the ice merchandiser, wherein the film is configured to substantially prevent condensation from accumulating on the surface of the window.