Checkout counter for supermarkets, hypermarkets and similar retail facilities

Abstract

 The present invention refers to the field of furniture for shops, supermarkets, hypermarkets and other retail environments in general, and in particular it concerns a checkout counter formed using profiles (3) that have all the same cross section comprising at least one first, second, third and fourth seat (35, 36, 37, 38) which open on an inner wall (34).

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to the field of furniture for shops, supermarkets, hypermarkets and other retail environments in general, and in particular it concerns a checkout counter.

[0002] A checkout counter is mainly made up of a flat top that is supported by a load-bearing structure. On the flat top three main regions can be identified, consecutively arranged according to an exit direction of the products purchased from the retail environment. In particular the three regions comprise a first region in which the clients deposit the goods, a second region for recording the goods and a third packing region.

[0003] The first region commonly consists in a conveyor belt on which the client rests the goods that are moved forward, by the conveyor belt itself, towards the second region at which there is a staff member and where means for reading the price of the product, such as a barcode optical reader, are arranged. Downstream of the second region there is the region for collecting and packing the products that can possibly be defined by an enlarged portion of the flat top, so as to make it possible to usefully receive the products of even two clients at the same time.

[0004] The flat top is supported by uprights or other supporting elements, that are adapted to contain the electronic components, for controlling the cash register, and drawers that are available to the staff member. The flat top can be peripherally delimited by a closed and load-bearing frame made with aluminium or hard plastic profiles. A checkout counter of this type is disclosed for example in patent publication EP2194820.

[0005] The checkout counters described above, however, have a number of drawbacks in terms of their construction and/or assembly.

[0006] In particular, the retailers frequently require specifically personalized checkout counters, in that each of the aforementioned regions is to be adapted, in shape, colour, dimensions, to the specific needs of each retailer.

[0007] It is precisely due to this strong customization needs that the checkout counter is currently assembled following each time a specific design proposed by the retailer, and therefore setting up a dedicated production line; this clearly leads to high costs and long manufacturing time.

[0008] More in general, in the current construction modalities the counter must be assembled by trained staff, equipped with appropriate tools and specialized skills. Such a circumstance clashes with the, ever more frequent, requirement of setting up or reconverting the configuration of the point of sales in a cost-effective manner and in a very short time.

[0009] There is therefore a strong need for different constructive solutions which make it possible to build the checkout counter in a quick and cost-effective manner, for example by using standard components.

[0010] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a checkout counter that is versatile and easily customizable.

[0011] A further particular object of the present invention is to provide a checkout counter of the aforementioned type that can be assembled by workers having more basic skills and tools with respect to what is currently foreseen for known solutions.

[0012] These and other objects are achieved with the checkout counter according to the invention, the essential characteristics of which are defined by the first of the attached claims. Further important characteristics are defined by the dependent claims.

[0013] The characteristics and the advantages of the checkout counter according to the present invention shall become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof given as an example and not for limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

• figure 1 shows a perspective view of a checkout counter according to the invention;
• figure 2 is a side view of the checkout counter of figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a cross section view of the checkout counter according to the plane III-III of figure 2, whereas figure 3a is an enlarged view of one portion of figure 3 showing the connection of a frame for a conveyor belt to a profile of a flat top of the checkout counter;
• figure 4 is a cross section view of the checkout counter according to the plane IV-IV of figure 2 and figure 4a is an enlarged view of a portion of figure 4 showing the connection between the profile and a goods packing receptacle;
• figure 5a shows a top of the checkout counter, in isolation, with parts that have been removed for the sake of a clearer representation of the central region of the same counter, intended to receive optical means for scanning prices, whereas figure 5a is a cross section view of the flat top in figure 5 made at such a central region;
• figure 6 shows a cross section view of a profile, in isolation, used in the construction of the checkout counter of the previous figures.

[0014] With reference to the above figures, a checkout counter according to the invention has a main development according to a longitudinal direction or axis X with a head and a tail, that are identified by the sliding direction of the products from inside the point of sales (typically a supermarket or hypermarket), to the outside.

[0015] The checkout counter comprises a flat top 1 on which there can be identified a first region for resting the goods 1a, that develops starting from the aforementioned head, a second region for reading the product 1b and finally a third packing region 1c that ends with the aforementioned tail of the checkout counter, the three regions being consecutively arranged along the axis X. The flat top 1 is supported by a supporting frame 2 provided with two uprights 20, 21 for resting on the ground that are positioned in proximity of the head and of the tail of the checkout counter. These have a box-shaped open structure, with mutually facing cavities that can be advantageously adapted with shelves or drawers used by the staff operator. The staff operator accommodates him/herself in the space defined between the uprights (directly at the second region 1b for reading the goods) that is wide enough so as to house a stool or a chair.

[0016] The upright 20 at the head extremity of the counter is only partially occupied by the flat top 1, which in the goods resting region has a reduced width, so that it is the same upright that defines, at the top, a free shelf 20a for resting a cash register, not shown, and other typical electronic payment devices (terminals for transactions with magnetic or microchip-type cards).

[0017] The flat top 1 according to the invention is delimited on the longitudinal sides, i.e. those parallel to the axis X, by bar-shaped profiles 3 having a cross section (I. e., a section along a plane that is perpendicular to the axis X) that is substantially C-shaped.

[0018] The profiles 3, fixed to the uprights 20, 21, constitute the load bearing structure of the flat top 1. More precisely, at the side facing the staff operator, two profile lengths 3' and 3" are used respectively along the goods resting region 1a and along the enlarged packing region 1c, whereas at the opposite side, i.e. the side facing the customer passage, a unitary profile 3'" extends along the whole longitudinal development of the flat top 1.

[0019] Returning now to the cross section of the profile, shown in detail in figures 3, 4 and 6, this can be defined as substantially C-shaped with an opening facing towards the inmost part of the flat top 1. The profiles on the two sides thus have a symmetrical arrangement with respect to one another and, according to a fundamental aspect of the invention, the same type of profile is used on the two sides, providing in both cases suitable engagement means for the various mounting needs (that depending upon the regions, may or may not be used).

[0020] The bar has a lower base 30 that is substantially flat so as to allow the connection to the aforementioned uprights. On the lower base 30, there opens a seat 30a for threaded connection members 30b schematically shown in figure 3. These members, in addition to being used for the stable connection of the bar to the uprights, can be used, in the regions that are not occupied by the uprights, for anchoring some accessories, such as bag-holding trays (not shown), that are possibly required by the retailer as a function of his specific needs.

[0021] An outer face 31 of the profile, i.e. the surface exposed towards towards the customer or the staff operator, is slightly convex and has, in the central position, a guide 31a. In the depicted example this guide is substantially square-shaped so as to allow the snap fitting of shockproof protections 31b, usually made from plastic material and that can be personalised with various colour shades so as to be adapted to the specific requirements of the retailer.

[0022] Opposite to the position of the lower base 30, the profile has a substantially trapezoidal top bulge 32 with slanting sides on which locking means 32a are formed, to allow the hooking connection to the same top bulge 32 of accessories 32b like for example supports for keypads for inserting PIN codes or, as shown in figure 1, supports for barriers made from transparent plastic material for separating the customer from the staff operator at the counter, etc., especially on the profile 3'" at the customer side in the central region 1b. The locking means comprise two opposite grooves formed on the slanting sides; suitable appendices of the accessory, that is thus arranged over and straddling across the trapezoidal bulge, are forcibly inserted in grooves.

[0023] Again, below the trapezoidal top bulge the profile continues with an inner wall 34 that defines a face for abutment of inner components of the counter which will be introduced hereafter. The height extension of the inner wall 34 (i. e. the size along a direction that is perpendicular to a support plane 22 defined by the flat top) is defined between the top bulge 32 and a step-like recess 33 that is formed between the lower base 30 and the same wall. Such height determines, in practice, the volume available for housing the aforementioned inner components, and in particular: a conveyor belt 10 in the resting region 1a; a barcode reader 11 in the second or goods recording region 1b; and a goods collecting receptacle 12 in the third or packing region 1c.

[0024] In order to secure such components, four seats, consecutively arranged (from top to bottom) open up at the inner wall 34. The seats are indicated respectively with 35 (first seat), 36 (second seat), 37 (third seat), 38 (fourth seat), and each has a substantially squared cross section.

[0025] Considering now in particular figures 3 and 3a, where the first region 1a is shown in section, in this latter region the goods rest on the conveyor belt 10 that is pulled tight in a continuous loop between rollers 10c having a horizontal axis of rotation. In order to keep the conveyor belt stretched, known stretching systems are used (not represented in detail), contained inside the belt and supported by the second seat 36, which has greater dimensions with respect to the other three. A further support structure 10a for supporting the belt, having a known traditional configuration, is arranged in abutment with the inner wall 34 and with the recess 33, exploits the third seat 37 for snap-fitting with a protrusion 10a'. To this purpose the third seat 37 provides for a locking wing 37a that extends parallel to the inner wall 34 and partially shuts the access to the seat so as to hinder the accidental exit of the protrusion 10a'.

[0026] The fourth seat 38 is designed for housing a suitably shaped edge 10b' of a lower closure panel 10b of the conveyor belt and, at the same time, for accommodating screw means that permit to secure a central body of the optical reading scanner.

[0027] With particular reference to figures 5a and 5b, a scanner support frame 13 is visible defining the central region of the flat top and comprises a housing 13a for the electrical and circuit components forming the scanner. Such a housing consists of a box made with metal profiles, that is fixedly attached to two cross members 13b that extend perpendicular with respect to the direction X so as to connect the profile lengths 3' and 3" to the unitary profile 3"', respectively, thus delimiting the central region from the goods resting region and from the packing region, respectively. The cross members 13b have connection wings 13c with threaded seats for the connection to the profiles 3 through bolts that are engaged with the first seat 35 and the fourth seat 38 of the profiles.

[0028] Considering now in particular figures 4 and 4a, these show a section view of the third region 1c of the flat top, that is the goods packing region. Such a region is defined by the receptacle 12 for collecting the products recorded for purchase and subsequently moved along (manually by the staff operator, or with the assistance of a second conveyor belt towards the tail of the checkout counter). The product collection receptacle finds an anchoring point in the first seat 35, in which an upper edge 12a, suitably shaped so as to ensure an optimal fitting, is forcibly inserted. The receptacle is made with the desired shape and dimensions e.g. through bending starting from a sheet of metal material.

[0029] The profile further comprises lightening channels running along the entire length of the profile. In particular, one lightening channel 39 is arranged at the lower part of the profile between the seat 30a of the base 30 and the fourth seat 38 of the wall 34. On a partition wall that separates the fourth seat from the lightening channel 39, a cavity 39a is made for the insertion of self-tapping connection screws that serve for connecting the profile with extremity cross pieces 4, that in practice materialize, respectively, the head and the tail of the checkout counter. An analogous hole 39b is made inside the second seat 36 of the wall 34 in a corner position and adjacent to the first seat 35. Such cross-pieces are preferably made from plastic material.

[0030] The checkout counter according to the invention has numerous advantages.

[0031] In particular, the special shape of the profile 3, with the provision of a remarkable number of attachment portions that are suitably studied and prearranged for the various mounting requirements in the different regions, makes it possible to have a single standard mounting component that, being cut in the desired size, provides a basic module for the construction of the checkout counter.

[0032] Again thanks to such a special shape, the checkout counter can be easily adapted to the customized requirements of the retailer, at the same time allowing a rapid and easy mounting, since the various seats/attachments make it possible to avoid most of the high-qualification professional drilling or welding operations that are currently foreseen in known systems.

[0033] A surprising result is thus obtained in terms of customization (dimensions, colours, accessories) with standard components that thus make it possible to substantially reduce mounting and customization costs. Indeed it is no longer necessary to prepare special production lines for different retailers.

[0034] Amongst other things, the upper locking means 32a allow for a quick and easy connection, without attachment and threaded fixing members, of accessories such as separation dividers or supports for alphanumeric keypads for inserting PIN codes. Also the support structure of the conveyor belt can be installed without using threaded connections, but simple fitting together.

[0035] Such a solution, therefore, makes it possible to considerably reduce the mounting time. In this regard, the checkout counter according to the invention can be easily assembled directly at the retailer's premises, since the parts can be mostly assembled to one another through simple snap-fitting. The cross-pieces 4 are moreover fixedly connected by means of screws that thread inside the profiles, with holes that are already prearranged, and thus can be mounted with minimal effort.

[0036] The shockproof protection elements are in turn snap fitted inside the guides 31a, they can therefore be removed rapidly when needed so as to be replaced in the case in which they become damaged or simply due to different customization needs.

[0037] The bars are made from metal material preferably like aluminium, whereas the uprights are normally made from folded sheet steel.

[0038] The terms horizontal, vertical, top and bottom used in the present description obviously refer to the configuration of the checkout counter, mounted and in use, supported by the floor of the retail environment.

[0039] The present invention has been so far described with reference to preferred embodiments. It should be understood that there can be other embodiments falling within the same inventive concept, as defined by the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. A checkout counter for shops, supermarkets, hypermarkets or other retail facilities comprising a flat top (1) developing along a main longitudinal axis (X) and a support frame (2) for supporting said top in an elevated position with respect to a floor surface, at least three regions being defined on said top (1) sequentially positioned along said axis (X), wherein said three regions comprise a first, goods entering region (1a) comprising a conveyor belt (10) with a support structure (10a), a second goods recording region (1b) comprising an optical reading device (11) for reading the price of the goods, and a third goods packing region (1c) including a packing receptacle (12), said top (1) being delimited at least along longitudinal sides by bar profiles (3) parallel with said axis (X) and adapted to be connected to said support frame (2), each of said profiles (3) having a C-shaped cross section that comprises a flat base (30) for the connection to said support frame (2), a top bulge (32), an inner side wall (34) and an opposite side outer wall (31); said checkout counter being characterized in that all said profiles (3) have the same cross section further comprising at least one first, second, third and fourth seat (35, 36, 37, 38) which open on said inner wall (34) consecutively arranged starting from said top bulge (32) towards said base (30), said seats being selected depending on the regions of said top for the reversible connection by snap fitting or via screw elements at least of said support structure (10a) of the conveyor belt (10), of said optical reading device and of said goods packing receptacle (12).

2. The checkout counter according to claim 1, wherein tensioning means of said conveyor belt (10) are engaged in said second seat (36).

3. The checkout counter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a height development of said inside wall (34) is defined between said top bulge (32) and a step-like recess (33), said support structure (10a) of said conveyor belt abutting against said inner wall (34) and against said step-like recess (33), said support structure further providing a protrusion (10a') adapted to be snap fitted inside said third seat (37).

4. The checkout counter according to claim 3, wherein said third seat (37) provides a locking wing (37a) extending parallel to said inner wall (34) to partially shut the access of said seat avoiding the accidental exit of said protrusion (10a').

5. The checkout counter according to any of the previous claims, wherein said fourth seat (38) snap fits with a shaped edge (10b') of a lower closure panel (10b) of said conveyor belt.

6. The checkout counter according to any of the previous claims, wherein said fourth seat (38) houses screw means for the connection of a central body of said optical reading device.

7. The checkout counter according to claim 6, wherein said central body is fixed to said profile (3) via screw means housed in said first seat (35).

8. The checkout counter according any of the previous claims, wherein an upper edge (12a) of said goods packing receptacle (12) is forcibly inserted into said first seat (35).

9. The checkout counter according any of the previous claims, wherein said top bulge (32) has a substantially trapezoidal shape with slanting sides in which locking means (32a) are provided, adapted to permit the stable connection of accessory devices (32b).

10. The checkout counter according to claim 9, wherein said locking means are opposite grooves arranged parallel with said main axis (X), for forcible engagement with appendices of said accessory devices arranged over and straddling across said trapezoidal bulge (32).

11. The checkout counter according to any of the previous claims, wherein said outer wall (31) comprises a central guide (31a) for the snap fitting with a shockproof protection (31b).

12. The checkout counter according to any of the previous claims, wherein said cross section of said profiles further comprises threaded cavities (39a, 39b) arranged along said axis (X) for the insertion of connection means for connecting said profiles (3) with cross pieces (4) which delimit said top on the goods enter side and on the exit side.

13. The checkout counter according to claim 12, further comprising lightening channels running along said axis (X) for the entire length of the profile, at least one lightening channel (39) being arranged between said base (30) and said fourth seat (38), one of said threaded cavities (39a) being formed in a partition wall that divides said fourth seat from said lightening channel (39), a second of said threaded cavities (39b) being formed inside said second seat (36) in an angle position and adjacent with the first seat (35).

14. The checkout counter according to any of the previous claims, wherein said support frame (2) comprises uprights (20, 21) for resting on said floor surface and positioned in proximity to the goods enter and exit sides of said top, said uprights having a box-shaped open structure with mutually facing cavities, shelves or drawers being provided inside said cavities for use by a staff operator seated at the checkout counter.

15. The checkout counter according to claim 14, wherein said profiles (3) are connected to said uprights (20, 21) and comprise respectively two bar profile lengths (3', 3") arranged on said top respectively along said goods entering region (1a) and along said packing region (1c), and a unitary bar profile (3"') arranged along the entire longitudinal development of the top (1) at the customer passage side.

Drawing