Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a vertical refrigerated display cabinet with facilitated
access container compartment.
Background of the invention
[0002] As is known, in mass retail and in general in all sorts of supermarkets the shelves
of display cabinets, such as vertical, refrigerated cabinets need to be filled with
products on a daily basis.
[0003] Filling is usually done during closure of the stores or, when necessary, during opening
hours but in a non-regulated and non uniform operative procedures, variable depending
on the size of the retail outlet or on the instructions or standard procedures imposed
by the person in charge of such operations.
[0004] Filling operations are influenced by the fact that the products must be positioned
inside the refrigerated cabinets or on the shelving at varying heights and/or depths.
In addition to this there is variability of the packaging and of the types of product
to be positioned on the shelves or in the container compartments.
[0005] From an anthropometric point of view, employees filling the shelves are of all types
and schemes of ergonomic analysis, therefore from the shortest to the tallest. It
follows therefore that during shelf-filling operations adverse situations frequently
arise wherever there are filling/product display areas 160 - 170 cm higher or 45-50cm
lower than the plane the operator is standing in.
[0006] Despite adopting all the safety measures required by current legislation on the use
of refrigerated compartments, there are therefore a number of issues connected with
the daily operations of filling display cabinets with products and the movement of
the same from the storehouses to the cabinets themselves.
[0007] As things stand, these issues (not dealt with in a standard, unique manner by the
systems currently available) negatively influence the speed and practicability of
filling operations, forcing operators to adopt unsuitable and in some cases, dangerous,
postures and to raise weights in a manner which is ergonomically incorrect.
[0008] In particular, to fill the higher shelves of vertical refrigerated cabinets, operators
are often forced to climb onto the upper rim of the compartment, exposing themselves
to the risk of slipping.
[0009] In the long run this behaviour may also damage the cabinet itself. The upper rim
of vertical display cabinets is not, in fact, particularly strong since it is generally
made from lightweight hollow sections (often in plastic material) which define the
intakes of refrigerated air circulating in the cabinet.
[0010] To approach the higher shelves, the operator may climb onto the panel closing the
bottom compartment of the refrigerated cabinet. This part of the cabinet, while not
being specifically designed to support the weight of a person, is in any case stronger
than the upper rim of the display cabinets and provides a wider, safer support surface.
[0011] The use of this part of the cabinet as a deck is not easy or practical however.
[0012] This part of the cabinet is, to all effects, a display section where products for
sale are displayed, the operator thus being forced to clear a space for himself, moving
the products placed therein.
[0013] In addition, when climbing onto the panel, inside the cabinet the operator is obstructed
by the screen or edge (in glass or plastic) normally provided parallel to the upper
front rim of the compartment to increase the useful space inside it.
Description of the invention
[0014] Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the
prior art described above, by providing a vertical refrigerated display cabinet with
facilitated access container compartment which enables simpler and easier use of the
lower shelf as a deck.
[0015] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a vertical refrigerated
display cabinet with facilitated access container compartment which makes it simpler,
easier and more practical to place the products on the lower shelf.
[0016] A further purpose of the present invention is to provide a vertical refrigerated
display cabinet with facilitated access container compartment which is simple and
economical to manufacture.
Brief description of the drawings
[0017] The technical characteristics of the invention according to the aforementioned purposes
are clear to see from the contents of the claims below and the advantages of the same
will be clearer from the detailed description below made by way of a non-limiting
example with reference to the attached drawings referring to one or more embodiments
wherein:
[0018] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vertical refrigerated display cabinet made
according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with product containers
in an advanced position;
[0019] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a vertical refrigerated display cabinet made
according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, shown with product containers
in an advanced position;
[0020] - Figures 3, 4 and 5 show in sequence the phases of utilisation of the display cabinet
shown in Figure 1;
[0021] - Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d show in sequence the shifting of a container of the display
cabinet shown in Figure 1 displayed for sale from an advanced position to a retracted
position;
[0022] - Figure 7 shows a lateral view of the display cabinet of Figure 2, with a product
container shown in a advanced position;
[0023] - Figure 8 shows a detail of the cabinet shown in Figure 7 relative to a mobile container
for products;
[0024] - Figure 9 shows a partially sectioned perspective view of one of the mobile containers
which the cabinet shown in Figure 1 is provided with;
[0025] - Figure 10 shows a lower exploded perspective view of the mobile container shown
in Figure 9; and
[0026] - Figure 11 shows a detail of Figure 9 relative to guiding means for a mobile container.
[0027] Detailed description
[0028] The present invention relates to a vertical refrigerated display cabinet with facilitated
access container compartment.
[0029] The display cabinet made according to the invention will be globally denoted in the
attached figures by reference numeral 1.
[0030] In general, a vertical refrigerated display cabinet comprises a tank 3 which acts
as a support base for sitting on the ground, the inside of which is used as a utility
space to house the refrigeration system. The container compartment of the display
cabinet extends mainly in a vertical direction above the tank by means of a number
of shelves 2" attached at different heights to a back wall 9 in turn attached to the
said tank 3.
[0031] "Vertical refrigerated display cabinet" is therefore understood to mean a cabinet
in which the container compartment destined to display and/or store the products has
its main extension in height H. Vice versa "horizontal display cabinet" is understood
to mean a cabinet wherein the container compartment has its main extension in depth
or width P.
[0032] By "longitudinal direction of extension" (or length L) the linear dimension of the
horizontal extension of the cabinet is meant, orthogonal to the plane defined by the
height H and by the depth P (see specific references in Figure 1).
[0033] Hereafter in the description, expressions indicating position or spatial dimension
such as "front" or "back" or "lateral", "upper" or "lower", "length", "depth (or width)"
or "height" should be understood as referring to the cabinet 1 positioned in a position
of use.
[0034] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the display cabinet 1 with a
facilitated access lower shelf comprises a tank 3 acting as a support base for sitting
on the ground, closed on the top by at least one panel 4 and used to house refrigerating
means (not shown in the attached drawings).
[0035] The aforesaid panel 4 defining a support plane which will be called also as lower
shelf 2' hereafter, upon which the products to be displayed can be placed directly
or indirectly.
[0036] "Lower shelf" is therefore understood to mean the display space made directly above
the tank 3 of the cabinet 1, and therefore the lowest product display shelf or the
one closest to the floor G compared to the other shelves 2 placed rather at various
heights inside the container compartment.
[0037] According to the invention, the display cabinet 1 comprises one or more mobile containers
10 intended to contain products to display on the aforesaid lower shelf 2' of the
cabinet 1. Such mobile containers being supported directly or indirectly by the panel
4.
[0038] Each container 10 is of a lesser depth P1 than the depth P2 of the panel 4 so that
it can be moved from an advanced position, in which the container 10 is placed close
to the upper front rim 3a of the tank 3, and a retracted position, wherein the container
10 is distanced from the upper front rim 3a of the tank 3, and a retracted position,
wherein the container 10 is distanced from the upper front rim 3a so as to free a
space next to said rim 3a which can be used as a deck to access the container compartment
2 of the cabinet 1 in a facilitated manner.
[0039] As shown in particular in Figure 3, when a container 10 is in the aforesaid advanced
position, the cabinet 1 is in the normal display condition. The products (not shown
in the attached drawings) placed inside the container are in fact placed in the best
possible position in terms of display for sale and accessibility to the customers.
This position of the container is, moreover, also suitable for putting the products
inside the said container.
[0040] As shown in particular in Figures 4 and 5, when the container 10 is rather in the
aforesaid retracted position, near the upper front rim 3a of the tank 3 a free space
6 is (temporarily) created which can be used by an operator as a deck to access the
container compartment 2 of the cabinet 1 in a facilitated manner (see Figure 5).
[0041] Thanks to the presence of one or more of the aforesaid containers 10, the operator
can create him/herself a deck on the lower shelf 2' without having to first shift
the products placed there. In fact, the operator needs only to move the container
from the advanced position to the retracted position.
[0042] Preferably, as will be explained below, the container 10 has perimeter walls, which
define the internal space and act as sides for the products placed therein preventing
them from accidentally spilling out either when the container is still and in movement.
The screens or sides generally foreseen in traditional display cabinets along the
upper front rim of the tanks are thereby made totally superfluous. Consequently, once
the container 10 has been placed in the retracted position, the operator can climb
onto the free space 6 created without encountering vertical obstacles of any type.
This not only makes climbing onto the deck easier and less awkward, but also standing
on and climbing down from the deck safer. In fact the presence of a vertical element
on the front rim would form an obstacle such as to make the operator lose his/her
balance and fall.
[0043] Thanks to the display cabinet 1 according to the invention, inherently without steps
or similar equipment, the operator is no longer forced to climb onto the front rim
of the tank and thereby assume ergonomically incorrect and dangerous postures.
[0044] As already hinted at previously, each container 10 must have an extension in depth
P1 less than the depth P1 of the panel 4, and in any case less than the distance between
the front rim 3a of the tank 3 and the front wall 9. As show in Figures 3 and 7, a
free space 7 must be provided to allow movement of the container 10.
[0045] The reduction of utilisable display space on the lower shelf 2' is in part offset
by the increase in height of the internal space permitted by the containers 10.
[0046] In any case, the portion of lower shelf 2' not used is the part next to the back
wall 9. This portion is normally little used inasmuch as awkward and difficult to
access. In fact to position products there the operator is forced to lean into the
cabinet by bending his/her back in an incorrect posture. Furthermore, during this
operation the operator inevitably skims the first shelf 2", with the consequent risk
of inadvertently hitting it.
[0047] Preferably, as shown in the attached drawings, the container 10 is moved between
the advanced position and the retracted position along a direction of movement y substantially
orthogonal to the direction of longitudinal extension x of the cabinet 1.
[0048] According to an alternative solution not shown it is however possible to envisage
a movement of the container in different directions to the direction y, such as in
the same direction x as the longitudinal extension, thereby with a lateral movement
of the container. In this case, the container may occupy the full depth of the lower
shelf 2'. To enable its movement and thereby create a free space utilisable as a deck,
the container or the containers (where two or more are envisaged) will need to have
a total extension in length less than that of the cabinet 1.
[0049] Preferably, each container 10 is associated to the cabinet 1 in a sliding manner
by guiding means 20.
[0050] As will be described below, the containers 10 may be placed directly on the closure
panel 4 of the tank 3. In this case the said guiding means are predisposed on the
panel 4.
[0051] More specifically, the panel 4 closing the tank 3 is laid on the rims of the tank
3 in correspondence of special seats 73. If necessary, the panel may also be leaned
against the back wall 9 using special brackets or sections 74 attached to it.
[0052] Preferably, the panel 4 (which may be made in a single piece or in several modular
elements) is positioned on a horizontal plane. Embodiments may be foreseen in which
the panel 4 is positioned on an inclined plane, preferably forwards.
[0053] According to the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawings, the containers
10 are not placed directly on the closure panel 4, but on an intermediate support
plane 5 overlaying said panel 4. The guiding means 20 are predisposed on the intermediate
plane 5, to which the container 10 is associated in a sliding manner.
[0054] Preferably, the intermediate support plane 5 is positioned in a raised position in
relation to the panel 4.
[0055] Even more preferably, (as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2) the intermediate
support plane 5 is positioned on a plane inclined forwards.
[0056] The inclination of the intermediate plane (but also of the panel 4, when the containers
are placed directly on it) essentially has the purpose of improving visibility of
the products placed inside the containers 10.
[0057] The support plane 5 comprises a plate-shaped element 5' (which defines the support
and sliding surface of the containers 10), which the guiding means 20 (described in
detail below) are predisposed on.
[0058] Preferably, the plane 5 is provided with means 50 for attaching it to the back wall
9 of the display cabinet 1.
[0059] Advantageously, such attachment means 50 are adjustable in height, to enable variation
of the inclination of the intermediate plane 5.
[0060] According to one preferred embodiment shown in particular in Figures 9 and 10, such
means 50 comprise a section 51 provided with two or more hooked tabs 52 intended to
engage inside the relative attachment seats (not shown) made at different heights
on the back wall 9 of the cabinet 1. One or more support elements 53 extend from the
section 51, the aforesaid plate-shaped element 5' being associated to such support
elements.
[0061] Advantageously, the intermediate support plane 5 rests with the plate-shaped element
5' on the panel 4 near the upper front rim 3a of the tank 3. The overlapping of the
panel 4 and of the plate-shaped element 5' makes the area intended for use as a deck
by the operator stronger and more mechanically resistant.
[0062] Preferably, each container 10 is provided with one or more slits 11 for circulation
of the refrigerated air inside them. The slits 11 are preferably made on the back
wall 10b and/or on the bottom 10c.
[0063] Advantageously, each container 10 is composed of a boxlike body (made for example
from metal or plastic), open on the top.
[0064] As already mentioned above, the container 10 is provided with perimeter walls (lateral
10d, front 10a and back 10b) which delimit the size of the inner space and act as
sides for the products placed therein which prevent them from accidentally spilling
out either when the container is still and when in movement. The screens or sides
generally foreseen in traditional display cabinets along the upper front rim of the
tanks are thereby made totally superfluous.
[0065] The upper profile and the height of the perimeter walls may be decided depending
on the specific functional and aesthetic requirements of the final user.
[0066] Preferably, as shown in particular in Figure 9, the back wall 10b is higher than
the front wall 10a and they are connected by side walls with an inclined profile.
The fact that the front wall 10a is lower makes the inner space and therefore all
the products displayed there, more visible.
[0067] Advantageously, on the front wall 10a an aperture or pocket 17 may be made which
acts as an handle for moving the container 10.
[0068] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 7 and 8, the container 10 has an
appendage 12 fixed to the outside of its front wall 10a which overlaps the upper front
rim 3a of the tank 3 when the container 10 is in the aforesaid advanced position.
[0069] More specifically, on the appendage 12 a label holder device 14 is predisposed and
at least one slit 15 is made for the return of the refrigerated air A inside the tank
3. Such slit 15 being made in such a way that when the container 10 is in the advanced
position it is positioned over one or more vents 32 made on the front wall 31 of the
tank 3 and communicating with the inside of the tank itself 3.
[0070] This specific embodiment of the container 10 is preferably adopted in display cabinet
models with extensively high front walls 31 of the tank. In these cabinet models,
if the label holder were built in to the top of the front wall 31, it would be positioned
at the same height as the panel 4 and would therefore become an obstacle. The solution
described above, wherein the label holder is joined to the container and moves with
it, eliminates this problem.
[0071] More specifically, as shown in particular in Figure 8, the label holder device 14
comprises a profiled element 28, which defines at least one flat surface or surface
with a curved transversal section. Along the longitudinal rims of the profiled element
28, at the aforesaid surface two parallel longitudinal tabs 29 are made distanced
from each other making it possible to hold onto such surface paper, plasticised or
metallic strips where information on the displayed products can be inserted.
[0072] Preferably, the guiding means 20 comprise, for each container 10, one or more guides
21 predisposed on the panel 4 or on the intermediate support plane 5. Each container
10 is provided with a corresponding counter guide 22 for each guide 21.
[0073] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 11, the guides 21 may be made
from T profiles, while the counter guides 22 may be made from counter shaped seats
on the bottom 10c of the container 10. The guides 21 and the counter guides 22 are
shaped so as to hold the container 10 to the support plane 5 or to the panel 4. This
way during movement the containers 10 are prevented from inadvertently moving out
from their seats.
[0074] More specifically, as shown in particular in Figure 9, taking as reference the front
wall 10a, each guide 21 has a T section along a first segment 21' only and at the
back extremity 21". The counter guide 22 has a rectangular section for a first segment
22' and a T section for a second segment 22". The second segment 22" ends with a first
end stop 24. The counter guide 22 ends with an L shaped seat 25 destined to engage
with the back extremity 21" of the guide 21.
[0075] When the container 10 is in the advanced position the first segment 21' of the guide
21 engages the end stop 24 and the second segment 22" of the counter guide 22. The
back extremity 21" of the guide does not engage, however, the L-shaped seat 25. The
interference between the guide 21 and the counter guide 22 prevents extraction of
the container 10 from the lower shelf 2'.
[0076] When the container 10 is in the retracted position the first segment 21' of the guide
21 positions itself rather, at the first rectangular section segment 22' of the counter
guide, while the back extremity 21" of the guide engages the upper part of the L-shaped
seat 25. The interference between the back extremity 21" of the guide and the L-shaped
seat 25 prevents the extraction of the container 10 from the lower shelf 2'.
[0077] In order to make the container 10 extractable, the back extremity 21" of the guide
must engage the lower part of the L-shaped seat 25.
[0078] According to one embodiment not shown in the attached drawings, the guiding means
may be composed of simple linear slats coupled to the inside of grooves made on the
bottom of the container. This way the containers are guided in their translation movement
on the plane 5 or on the panel 4, free to be raised and extracted.
[0079] Advantageously, the display cabinet 1 comprises means 60 for stopping the container
or the containers 10 in the advanced position and/or in the retracted position.
[0080] Preferably, as shown in particular in Figures 6a-d and 9, such stop means 60 comprise
two longitudinal teeth 61 and 62, placed in the position which the front wall 10a
of the container 10 assumes respectively when it is in the advanced position and in
the retracted position.
[0081] Operatively, such longitudinal teeth 61 and 62 are particularly useful when the intermediate
support plane 5 or the panel 4 are inclined and the container 10 is subject to slide
downwards under its own weight.
[0082] Advantageously, the guides 21 and the counter guides 22 are shaped so that in any
position there is such play between them as to allow limited raising of the container
10 in a direction z orthogonal to the sliding plane, whether such is the intermediate
support plane 5 or the panel 4. This not only helps to make the translation movement
of the container 10 fluid, but also allows the container 10 to be raised to pass the
longitudinal tooth 62 in its return from the retracted position to the advanced position.
[0083] Figures 6a to 6d show in sequence the different positions assumed by the container
10 in relation to the longitudinal teeth 61 and 62, with the limited upward raising
movement needed to pass the longitudinal tooth 62 in particular.
[0084] The number of containers 10 may vary depending on the longitudinal dimensions of
the cabinet 1.
[0085] Preferably, the containers 10 with their relative intermediates planes 5 (if foreseen)
are made as modular elements. This way it is possible to install them all along the
length of the cabinets adapting them to the specific length of each single model.
[0086] Similarly the closure panel 4 of the tank 3 may be made in a single piece or in a
number of separate elements.
[0087] Advantageously, the containers 10 with their relative intermediates planes 5 (if
foreseen) can be made directly on newly manufactured display cabinets or applied to
existing ones by retrofitting.
[0088] To such purpose a retrofit kit maybe provided comprising one or more containers 10,
one or more adapted support planes 5 or panels 4.
[0089] The present invention offers a number of advantages, some of which already presented.
[0090] A first advantage lies in the fact that employees assigned to shelf-filling can work
more easily, simply and practically reaching the highest shelves of the container
compartment without difficulty. By moving one or more of the containers 10 from the
advanced position to the retracted position, the operator can in fact create a deck
on the lower shelf 2' without having to first move away the products positioned there.
[0091] Thanks to the display cabinet 1 according to the invention, even if lacking ladders
or similar equipments, the operator is no longer forced to climb onto the front rim
of the tank and thus assume dangerous or ergonomically incorrect postures.
[0092] Thanks to the invention, and to the increased containment capacity in a vertical
direction given by the containers, the screens and sides provided in traditional display
cabinets along the upper front rim of the tanks become superfluous. The elimination
of vertical obstacles not only makes climbing onto the deck easier and simpler but
also makes standing and getting down from the deck safer.
[0093] Thanks to the invention, filling of the lower shelf is made easier, simpler and less
awkward.
[0094] Thanks to the containers 10 not only space on the lower shelf is used more beneficially,
but operators are no longer obliged to lean inside the cabinet and assume ergonomically
incorrect and dangerous postures.
[0095] Lastly, the vertical refrigerated display cabinet 1 according to the invention may
be made simply and economically, involving solely the installation of an extremely
simple device in terms of mechanics and construction.
[0096] The invention hereto described thus achieves the objectives specified.
[0097] Obviously, it may, in its practical embodiment, be of a shape and/or configuration
other than those shown above while remaining within the scope of protection.
[0098] Moreover all the parts may be replaced by technically equivalent parts and the dimensions,
shapes and materials used may be varied as needed.
1. Vertical refrigerated display cabinet with facilitated access container compartment,
comprising a tank (3) acting as a support base for sitting on the ground, closed on
the top by at least one panel (4) and used to house refrigerating means, said at least
one panel (4) defining a support plane upon which the products to be displayed can
be placed directly or indirectly;
characterised by the fact of comprising one or more mobile containers (10) intended to contain such
products and supported directly or indirectly by said panel (4), each container (10)
being of lesser depth (P1) than the depth (P) of said panel (4) so that it can be
moved from an advanced position, wherein said container (10) is placed close to the
upper front rim (3a) of said tank (3), and a retracted position, wherein said container
(10) is distanced from said upper front rim (3a) so as to free a space next to said
rim (3a) which can be used as a deck to access the container compartment (2) of said
cabinet (1) in a facilitated manner.
2. Cabinet according to claim 1, wherein said at least one container (10) moves between
said advanced position and said retracted position in a direction of movement (y)
substantially orthogonal to the direction of longitudinal extension (x) of said cabinet
(1).
3. Cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one container (10) is associated
to said cabinet (1) in a sliding manner by guiding means (20).
4. Cabinet according to claim 3 wherein said guiding means are predisposed on said panel
(4), said at least one container (10) being associated to the latter in a sliding
manner.
5. Cabinet according to claim 3, comprising an intermediate support plane (5) overlaying
said panel (4), said guiding means being predisposed on said intermediate support
plane (5), said at least one container (10) being associated to the latter in a sliding
manner.
6. Cabinet according to claim 5, wherein said intermediate support plane (5) can be positioned
in a raised position in relation to said panel (4).
7. Cabinet according to claim 5 or 6 wherein said intermediate support plane (5) defines
a forwards inclined plane, said support plane (5) being provided with means (50) for
attaching it to a back wall (9) of said cabinet (1), said means (50) being adjustable
in height.
8. Cabinet according to one or more of the claims from 5 to 7, wherein said intermediate
support plane (5) rests on said panel (4) near the upper front rim (3a) of said tank
(3).
9. Cabinet according to one or more of the previous claims wherein each container (10)
is provided with one or more slits (11) to allow the circulation of the refrigerated
air A inside it.
10. Cabinet according to one or more of the previous claims wherein each container (10)
is composed of a box-shaped body.
11. Cabinet according to one or more of the previous claims wherein said guiding means
(20) comprise, for each container (10), one or more guides (21) predisposed on said
panel (4) or on said intermediate support plane (5), each container (10) being provided
with a corresponding counter guide (22) for each guide (21).
12. Cabinet according to claim 11, wherein said guides (21) and said counter guides (22)
are shaped so as to hold said container (10) to said panel (4) or to said support
plane (5).
13. Cabinet according to claim 12, wherein between said guides (21) and said counter guides
(22) there is a clearance such as to allow limited raising of said container (10)
in a direction (z) orthogonal to said panel (4) or to said support plane (5).
14. Cabinet according to one or more of the previous claims, comprising means (60) for
blocking said container in said advanced position and/or said retracted position.
15. Cabinet according to one or more of the previous claims wherein said container (10)
has attached to the outside of its front wall (10a) an appendage (12) which overlaps
the upper front rim (3a) of said tank (3) when said container (10) is in said advanced
position.
16. Cabinet according to claim 15, wherein on said appendage a label holder device 14
is predisposed and at least one slit (15) is made for the return of the refrigerated
air A inside the tank (3), said slit (15) being made in such a way that when said
container (10) is in said advanced position it is positioned over one or more vents
(32) made on the front wall (31) of said tank (3) and communicating with the inside
of the tank itself (3).