Frame for supporting and moving a panel of a display cabinet for show-casing and selling products

Abstract

A frame for supporting and moving one or more panels of a display cabinet or counter for show-casing and selling food and non-food products. A support and movement system allows the front openingwith variable geometryof a panel of said display cabinet or counter through a single kinematic mechanism, regardless of the type of glass used.

Claims

1. Frame for supporting and displacing a sheet or panel of a display cabinet or counter for product showcases, the frame comprising: at least one hollow section with an axis; and a system for moving the sheet or panel, the system comprising: a fixed support element connected to a first end of a retaining element of the sheet or panel, a rotary element connected to, on one side, a second end of the retaining element and, on another side, a clamp configured to fasten the panel or sheet, wherein: the fixed support element rotatably supports the first end of the retaining element, the fixed support element being provided with at least two first holes or an elongated first hole, the at least two first holes or the elongated first hole being arranged on a first oblique line with respect to the axis of the hollow section, each hole being sized to be engageable by a first pin that passes through the first end of the retaining element, the rotary element comprises at least two second holes or an elongated second hole, the at least two second holes or the elongated second hole being arranged on a second oblique line with respect to the axis of the hollow section, each hole being sized to be engageable by a second pin that passes through the second end of the retaining element, and an inclination of the first oblique is opposite to an inclination of the second oblique line, when the retaining element is in a condition in which the sheet or panel is in a closed state.

2. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support element comprises: a first portion configured to abut against a first inner surface of the hollow section, a second portion configured to abut against a second inner surface of the hollow section, the second inner surface being opposite to the first inner surface, and a third portion that integrally connects the first and second portions, such that the first, second, and third portions are one piece, the third portion including the at least two first holes or the elongated first hole.

3. Frame according to claim 2, wherein the first and second portions are parallel and transversely partially staggered, and at least one of the first portion or the second portion has a hole for engagement with the hollow section by fixing means, the second portion including a groove facing away from a surface of the second portion that abuts against the second inner surface of the hollow section.

4. Frame according to claim 3, further comprising a block provided with a body for fixing to the second inner surface of the hollow section and a bracket with a through hole for inserting a screw for engagement with the groove of the second portion of the fixed support element.

5. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support element comprises two parallel walls defining a space for inserting the first end of the retaining element, the two walls each having two of the first holes transversely aligned two by two.

6. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the rotary element comprises a body for rotatably fixing to an end of the hollow section and an arm carrying the at least two second holes or the elongated second hole.

7. Frame according to claim 6, wherein the arm is formed by a two-branch fork defining a space for engagement with the second end of the retaining element.

8. Frame according to claim 6, wherein the body of the rotary element has two opposite main faces, from one of which there protrudes the arm, while the other comprises a plate for slidable engagement with the clamp that is configured to fasten the sheet or panel.

9. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the at least two first holes or the elongated first hole, and the at least two second holes or the elongated second hole, each include a wear-resistant bushing.

10. Frame according to claim 1, wherein the fixed support element comprises: a first portion configured to abut against a first inner surface of the hollow section, a second portion configured to abut against a second inner surface of the hollow section, the second inner surface being opposite to the first surface, and a third portion that integrally connects the first and second portions, such that the first, second, and third portions are one piece, the third portion including the at least two first holes or the elongated first hole, the fixed support element engaging in a releasable snap-in manner a block fixed within the hollow section to removably fix the retaining element in its working position.

11. Frame according to claim 10, wherein the block comprises: a body for fixing to the second inner surface of the hollow section, a bracket extending from the body, and a releasable retaining element acting as a spring, the releasable retaining element extending from the bracket.

12. Frame according to claim 11, wherein the releasable retaining element is an elastic plate adapted to engage a groove of the second portion of the fixed support element.

13. Frame according to claim 11, wherein the block further comprises an arm extending from the bracket towards the first inner surface of the hollow section to be removably fixed to first inner surface.

14. Openable display cabinet for show-casing products, comprising: a base for resting on a ground; a shelf for supporting the products, the shelf being fixed to the base; and the frame according to claim 1, fixed on the base and carrying at least one panel or sheet adapted to separate the products from an external environment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Advantages, characteristics and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show a top perspective schematic view and a lateral schematic view of a support frame of a shaped panel of a display cabinet for showcasing products according to the present invention;

(3) FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show a top perspective schematic view and a lateral schematic view of a support frame of a flat panel of a display cabinet for showcasing products according to the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a top perspective and exploded view of the frame of FIG. 1;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of the exploded view of the mechanics of the movement system of the frame of FIG. 3;

(6) FIGS. 5A-5D show steps for assembling a fixing element of an end of an element for retaining a panel in the frame of FIG. 3;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a step for assembling a clamp-like section of a panel onto the frame according to the invention;

(8) FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively show two steps for assembling a panel on the clamp-like section of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 1B, in cross-sectional view;

(10) FIG. 9 shows the lateral view of FIG. 8 with the panel in the opening position;

(11) FIG. 10 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 2B, in cross-sectional view;

(12) FIG. 11 shows the lateral view of FIG. 10 with the panel in the opening position;

(13) FIG. 12 shows a top perspective and exploded view of the frame of FIG. 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

(14) FIGS. 13A-13D show steps for assembling a fixing element of an end of an element for retaining a panel in the frame of FIG. 2 according to said particular embodiment of FIG. 12;

(15) FIG. 14 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 1B, in cross-sectional view, according to said particular embodiment of the invention;

(16) FIG. 15 shows the lateral view of FIG. 14 with the panel in the opening position;

(17) FIG. 16 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 2B, in cross-sectional view according to said particular embodiment;

(18) FIG. 17 shows the lateral view of FIG. 16 with the panel in the opening position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(19) The idea on which the present invention is based is to provide a system for moving panels or sheets for display cabinets and counters for showcasing products that is particularly versatile so as to ensure the support and correct movement of all types of sheets used for said showcases. The aforementioned support and movement being carried out through appropriate retaining elements anchored to a section of the support frame.

(20) Therefore, a particular geometry of the elements for coupling the gas strut respectively in the section and the respective rotation element of the sheet has been studied.

(21) With the aforementioned idea in mind, an example of a cabinet for displaying products according to the present invention is schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and indicated with reference numeral 1. It comprises a base 2 for resting on the ground (shown in dashed line) which is generally closed and on which there is fixed a shelf 3 (shown with dashed line) for supporting products (not shown). Such shelf is then surmounted by a frame 4 carrying at least one panel or sheet 5 adapted to avoidon the one handdirect contact with the products and their preservation, andon the other handallow them to be viewed. The panels or sheets may be made of glass or transparent plastic and can be on all sidesupper, front, rear and lateraldepending on the needs or preferences. In any case, at least one of the two front and rear sides, that is the first facing towards the operators and the second towards the customers, can be opened to allow the handling of products and the interior and exterior cleaning of the panels.

(22) The frame 4 comprises at least two uprights 6 with a first end 6A fixed to said shelf 3 and a second end 6B fixed to a support 7 for a system for moving the sheets 5. In the embodiments shown in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the uprights 6 are two, parallel and slightly inclined with respect to the plane of the shelf 3. Furthermore, the uprights are fixed to the base using conventional means such as screws and nuts, or other known systems (not shown).

(23) The supports 7 are conventional box-like sections that extend hollow on a straight axis X-X to accommodate the movement system of a 5 panel (FIG. 5D). Said sections extend between a first end 7A for connection with said second end 6B of an upright 6, and a second end 7B for connection with a sheet 5 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Preferably, the sections have a rectangular cross-section with two parallel and opposite larger longitudinal walls 7C, and two parallel and opposite smaller longitudinal walls 7D (FIG. 5C). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5C, a smaller wall 7D is at least partially open, same case applying to the second end 7B, and preferably also the first end 7A, is axially open. Preferably, a pair of holes (not shown) are present on the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening and in proximity of the first end 7A of the section. Furthermore, on the opposite smaller longitudinal wall there are obtained at least two holes 7E for engagement with screws 7F for fixing a fixed element 8 (FIG. 4), as explained below.

(24) In particular, as better shown in FIG. 4, the movement system comprises a first fixed element 8 for supporting a first end 9A of a retaining element 9 within a section 7, a second rotary element 10 or mobile support hingeon one sidefor a second end 9B of said retaining element andon another sidefor a clamp-like element 11 for fastening a panel or sheet 5 to be moved.

(25) Advantageously, according to the invention, the first fixed element 8 is a shaped element comprising (FIG. 4) a portion 8A for rotatably supporting the said first end 9A of said retaining element 9, provided with at least two holes 8B or an elongated hole. In particular, the two holes or the elongated hole are arranged on an oblique line A-A with respect to said section X-X of said section 7, as better shown for example in FIG. 8. Preferably, said shaped element 8 comprises a first portion 8C for fixing to an inner surface of the section 7, a second portion 8D for fixing to a second inner surface of the section 7 opposite to the first surface and said support portion 8A arranged astride between said two first 8C and second 8D portions. According to the aforementioned preferred embodiment, said first fixed element 8 is such to be fittingly inserted into the section 7. As a matter of fact, the two first 8C and second 8D portions are plate-like and parallel to each other, while the support portion 8A extends oblique between them.

(26) According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support portion 8A consists of two parallel walls 8E defining a space for the insertion of said first end 9A of said retaining element 9. Furthermore, these two walls each have two holes 8B passing through transversely aligned two by two. Preferably, the two first 8C and second 8D portions are partially transversely staggered and at least one, preferably the first, has two through holes 8F for engagement with fixing means in the section. In addition, the second portion 8D preferably comprises a groove 8G for engagement with further means for fixing said fixed element 8 in the section 7, as explained below. In particular, the groove faces towards the first portion 8C and it is freely accessible in the orthogonal direction due to the above-mentioned staggering of the two first and second portions.

(27) Furthermore, the fixed element 8 comprises a retaining pin 8H and respective retaining rings 81 for rotatably constraining said first end 9A of the retaining element 9, as described below.

(28) According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed element 8 of the system for moving the panel or sheet 5 comprises safety means for ensuring that said element 8 is fixed in the operative position in the section 7. In particular, said safety means comprise a block 12 (FIG. 4) provided with a body 12A for fixing to the inner surface of said profile opposite to the fixing wall of the first portion 8C for fixing the fixing element 8. Said body comprises two engagement holes 12B with corresponding screws 12C. Furthermore, from the body there extends a bracket 12D with through-hole 12E for inserting a taper screw 12F for engagement with the above-mentioned groove 8G of the first fixed element 8, as explained below.

(29) Advantageously, the second rotary element 10 of the movement system according to the invention comprises at least two holes 10A (as shown in FIG. 4) or an elongated hole, arranged in an oblique line B-B with respect to said axis X-X of the section 7, as better shown in FIG. 8. It should be observed that the inclination of the oblique lines A-A, B-B respectively of the holes 8B of the fixed element 8 and the holes 10A of the rotary element 10 is opposite, when the retaining element 9 lies in the inoperative condition in the section (FIG. 8). This particular geometry of the holes of each of the fixed 8 and rotary 10 elements advantageously allows the versatility of the entire system for moving the sheets or panels, as better explained below.

(30) Generally, the rotary element 10 has an entirely conventional shape and preferably comprises a body 10B for rotatably fixing to said second end 7B of the section 7 and an arm 10C. The body has two main faces 10D (only one visible in FIG. 4) opposite and connected by a perimeter edge 10E. On the perimeter edge 10E there is also provided for a protrusion 10F provided with a hole for engagement with a rotation pin, as explained below.

(31) According to a preferred embodiment, both the hole of the protrusion 10F of the body 10B and each 10A hole of the arm 10C comprise a wear-resistant bushing 10H, preferably made of plastic material.

(32) According to a further embodiment, the main face 10D of the body 10B, opposite to that from which the arm 10C protrudes, comprises a plate 13 fixed to said face using conventional retaining screws 13A, for forming a kind of slidable engagement with the aforementioned clamp-like element 11 to support plate 5, as explained below.

(33) In particular, the arm 10C extends from one of said two main faces 10D and is passed through by said at least two holes 10A or elongated hole. Preferably, the arm is formed by a two-branch fork 10G each with at least two holes or a single elongated hole, the holes being transversely aligned with respect to each other. The space defined between the two branches is such to house the aforementioned second slot-like end 9B of the retaining element 9. A pin 10I for rotatably locking of the retaining element 9 then engages a hole 10A for each branch 10G and, at the same time, the hole of said second end 9B, as described below. Preferably, a pair of Seeger rings 10J hold said locking pin 10I in place.

(34) The rotation element 10 is then connected to the second end 7B of the section 7 through a support 14. This is a conventional element and it generally comprises a body 14A from which there extend two slotted branches 14B defining an engagement space fitting the size of the aforementioned protrusion 10F of body 10E of rotation element 10 so that the respective holes are aligned transversely with respect to the axis X-X. A corresponding pin 14C engages said holes of the rotation element 10 and the two branches 14B to allow the rotation of the former on the latter. Furthermore, the support is locked to the second end 7B of the section by engaging a screw 14 D which passes through the body 14A in the direction of the axis X-X and it is inserted into a hole 14G of a retaining pin 14E transversely inserted into two holes 7G of said second end 7B, opposite and obtained one on each of said larger longitudinal walls 7C (FIG. 4).

(35) The retaining element 9 is preferably a gas strut with the first end 9A formed as a slot and fixed on the cylinder 9C, while the second end 9B is also a slot but fixed on the slidable stem 9D of the plunger (FIG. 4).

(36) In the light of the above, the movement system according to the present invention is advantageously universal given that it can be adapted to the assembly of sheetsboth straight and curvedusing the structure described above alone. Furthermore, it is particularly easier to assemble with respect to the known systems.

(37) As a matter of fact, once the two uprights 6 have been fixed to the base 2 of the display cabinets 1 in an entirely conventional manner, the sections 7 are prepared and fixed to said uprights using simple and precise operations.

(38) First and foremost, the support 14 is fixed to the axial edge of the second end 7B of the section 7 in an entirely conventional manner, that is, it is placed on said edge, the retaining pin 14E is inserted into the corresponding transversal holes 7G of said second end and so locked using the screw 14D which axially passes through the body 14A to be screwed into the hole 14G of the said retaining pin (FIGS. 4 and 5A).

(39) The rotation element 10 can now be mounted on the support after fixing the plate 13, using screws 13A, on the face 10D of the body 10B opposite to the one from which the arm 10C protrudes (FIGS. 4 and 5A). Assembly is conventionally done by inserting the protrusion 10F into the space between the two branches 14B of the support 14 so as to align the respective holes and, therefore, allow to lock in place using the pin 14C inserted between them and secured by conventional retaining rings (not shown).

(40) Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the space defined by the two walls 8E of the fixed element 8, so that the respective hole is aligned with a hole 8B of each wall. In this position, the retaining pin 8H is inserted into the aforementioned hole 8B of one of the two walls 8E so that it also passes through the hole of the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 and the hole 8B of the second wall 8E. Furthermore, the retaining rings 81 are mounted on the pin 8H. Preferably, before inserting the first end 9A between the two walls 8E, wear-resistant bushings 8J like the ones described for the rotary element 10 may be inserted into said holes 8B (FIG. 5B).

(41) The fixed element 8 thus mounted on the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the profile 7 from the opening of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D (FIG. 5C) and herein fixed at the first end 7A of the section using two conventional screws which engage the holes 8F of the first portion 8C of the fixed element 8.

(42) According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, before fixing the fixed element 8 in the profile 7, the safety block 12 is inserted into the profile 7 and fixed in proximity of the first end 7A using screws 12C which pass through the holes of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening for engaging corresponding holes (not shown) of the body 12A of said block.

(43) Upon fixing the block 12, the first end 9A with the element 8 fixed is inserted into the section 7 as described above, until the second portion 8D of the element abuts against the body 12A of the block in the space defined by the bracket 12D. This will allow to align the hole 12E of the bracket with the groove 8G of said second portion 8D. At this point, the taper screw 12F may be inserted into hole 7E of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section, opposite to the one provided with opening, and screwed into the hole 12E until the tip engages said groove 8G and safely locks the fixed element 8 (FIG. 5D). The screwing of the two screws into the holes 8F of the fixed element 8 as explained above then strengthens the locking.

(44) Subsequently, the second end 9B of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the space between the two branches 10G of the rotary element so as to transversely align the hole of the second end with one of the holes 10A of the rotary element. The retaining pin 101 is then inserted into said holes and locked therein using conventional Seeger rings 10J.

(45) Once the profiles 7 have been prepared as described above, a connection profile 15 can be mounted between two profiles 7 (FIGS. 3 and 6). This profile is fixedusing support bracketsto the second ends 7B of the profiles in an entirely conventional manner. Therefore, it will not be explained in detail hereinafter.

(46) In this configuration, the two profiles 7 are ready to receive the clamp-like element 11. This element is also a straight hollow section with a portion provided with two adjustable jaws 11B adapted to receive an edge of a sheet or panel 5 and to fasten it by interposing a rubber profile 11C, according to the prior art (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

(47) Advantageously, according to the invention, the outer surface of the clamp-like element 14 opposite with respect to the jaws 11B is provided with a grooved straight seat 11A for slidably engaging the plate 13 of the rotary element 10 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In this manner, the clamp-like element 11 can be easily mounted on said rotary elements through a simple and precise movement.

(48) The assembly just described above can be provided to support and move both curved and straight sheets or panels.

(49) In particular, with reference to FIG. 8, when the retaining element 9 is inside the section 7, if the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is pivoted on the hole 8B of the fixed element 8 closest to the first portion 8C of the element, that is the portion constrained to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section 7 opposite to the parallel one provided with an opening, and the second end 9B is hinged on the hole 10A of the rotary element 10 farthest from said smaller longitudinal wall, the support and movement system is ready to move a curved panel or sheet.

(50) Furthermore, in this position, the panel or slab is in the position for closing the display cabinet. Upon lifting the panel, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary element 10 protrudes from the section 7, bringing the panel into its maximum opening position without the danger of the operator knocking his/her head.

(51) When retaining element is inside the section 7 and, on the other hand, the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is pivoted on the hole 8B of the fixed element 8 farthest from the first portion 8C of the element, that is the portion constrained to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section 7 opposite to the parallel one provided with an opening and the second end 9B is hinged on the hole 10A of the rotary element 10 closest to said smaller longitudinal wall, the support and movement system is ready to move a straight panel or sheet (FIG. 10). In this case, the clamp-like element 11 will be shaped, as known, so as to hold the panel or the straight sheet in the suitable inclination. When the sheet is raised, the support and movement system will be able to bring it to the maximum opening position always preventing the operator from knocking his/her head (FIG. 11).

(52) In the light of the above, it is clear that using only one movement system, or in other words, using one mechanism, one can support and move various types of sheets or panels. The system is therefore versatile and it does not require multiple pieces to be combined according to the geometry of the sheet or panel to be supported, which clearly saves parts in stock, to be produced and time to be spent on assembly. Another important advantage is that of saving production costs.

(53) Furthermore, the system ensures that the panel or plate is opened wide enough to prevent the operator from knocking his/her head when loading/unloading the display cabinet and cleaning it.

(54) In other words, the elevating superstructure of the invention comprises a linkage system provided with a hinge and a rear piston attachment with variable geometry that can rotate sheets of different shapes or flat sheets upwards in a fully safe manner.

(55) As explained, the possibility to choose the variable engagement position of the gas strut allows to use sheets with various shapes (centre of gravity) and weight while maintaining the lifting force for each slab with the same maximum opening degrees, regardless of the sheet used and always keep the plate in the maximum opening position with force such to ensure safety for the operator when loading unloading and cleaning the counter.

(56) Preferably, the presence of a fixed element which is coupled to one end of the retaining element before being introduced into the section advantageously allows to speed up, simplify and make the assembly of the system of the invention more precise. Furthermore, providing an additional safety element facilitates the assembly further and makes the mechanism even stronger.

(57) The wear of the pins which are subject to rotation is also prevented by providing wear-resistant plastic bushings.

(58) Numerous changes can be implemented by the person skilled in the art, but without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

(59) For example, the shapes described and represented may vary depending on specific needs or preferences.

(60) Moreover, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the fixed element 8 can be reversibly blocked within the section 7 even in a simpler and easier manner with respect to the above embodiment.

(61) With reference to FIG. 12, all the above described elements of the frame are substantially the same with the exemption of minor modifications of the fixed element 8, and the block 12. In particular, preferably the first portion 8C of the fixed element 8 can have no through holes 8F and it is adapted to rest to an inner surface of the section 7, the second portion 8D being adapted to rest onto a second inner surface of the section 7 opposite to the first surface and a third portion 8A being astride between the first and second portions. The third portion 8A is provided with at least one hole 8B which can be engaged with a respective pin 8H according to the above embodiment.

(62) The block 12 comprises a body 12A for fixing to the inner surface of said section 7, as above, trough screws 12C engaging corresponding holes (not shown). From the body, a bracket 12D extends having a surface (not indicated) towards the longitudinal minor surface 7D of the section 7 provided with the aperture as per the above embodiment. Advantageously, said surface is provided with a releasable retaining element 12G acting as a spring. Preferably, said element is an elastic plate provided with a free-elastic tooth 12H adapted to engage said groove 8G of the first fixed element 8.

(63) The elastic plate 12G can be fixed to the surface of the bracket 12D by means of screws 12K, as shown in FIG. 12. However, other suitable means known in the art can be used as for instance welding, rivets. Screws are preferred since in case of breakages or undue bending, the plate can be easily substituted.

(64) Preferably, from the bracket 12D an arm 12I extends towards the minor surface 7D of the section 7 opposed to said body 12A of the block 12. This arm can be removably fixed to said minor surface by means of screws 12L engaging the above holes 7E of the same minor surface and corresponding holes (not indicated in FIG. 12) of said arm. In this manner, the block 12 is firmly fixed into the section 7 but can be easily removable if necessary.

(65) The main advantage of the present preferred embodiment of the invention is that the assembling, but specially the disassembling, of the fixed element 8 into the section 7 is simpler. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the fixed element with the retaining element 9 is prepared according to the above description of the first embodiment. Then, the block 12 is inserted into the section 7 and fixed in proximity of the first end 7A using screws 12C (FIG. 13C) which pass through the holes of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening, for engaging corresponding holes (not shown) of the body 12A of said block. Similarly, the arm 12I of the block is fixed to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D opposite to the one with the opening, by means of screws 12L (FIG. 13D).

(66) Afterwards, the fixed element 8 is inserted into the section 7 from the opening of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D (FIG. 13C). Then, the fixing element is pushed against the block 12 forcing its second portion 8D to elastically pass the tooth 12H of the releasable retaining element 12G. In this manner, said tooth snaps into the groove 8G of the fixed element 8 so that to releasable but firmly retaining the same element in a safety working position (FIG. 13D).

(67) Should the retaining element 9 be disassembled for any reasons, it is sufficient to pull with a predetermined force the same element out of the section 7 overcoming the spring force of the releasable retaining element 12G.