A refrigerated display unit

Abstract

 A display unit comprises a base (2)and an upright display structure (3) extending from the base (2) and having a platform (15) associated with one of its sides at a predetermined level to constitute a step for facilitating access by the user to the upper portion (4f)of the display structure (3).

Description

[0001] The subject of the present invention is an improved display unit of the type comprising a base and an upright display structure extending from the base.

[0002] Display units of this type, which are better known in the relevant technical field and are referred to alternatively in the following text by the term "wall counters", typically have a display structure extending vertically, generally of the type with shelves or trays which are disposed one above another, and on which the products for sale are placed.

[0003] Whereas, on the one hand, the desire of retailers to increase the display area of counters as a proportion of the floor area of the shop is known, it is also known that a limitation imposed by the structure of currently-available counters is dictated by the fact that it is difficult for people of normal height to reach the products displayed on the highest shelves.

[0004] The main aim of the present invention is to provide a display unit, the structure of which facilitates access to the products on display and the height of which can consequently be extended.

[0005] Within the scope of this aim, an object of the invention is to provide such access even for people of short stature.

[0006] A further object of the invention is to provide a display unit, the base of which has adequate protection.

[0007] This aim and other objects are achieved by the invention by means of an improved display unit formed in accordance with the following claims.

[0008] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof described by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view showing, in section, a refrigerated display unit formed in accordance with the invention,
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the unit of Figure 1.

[0009] In the drawings, an improved display unit formed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated 1. The unit 1 comprises a base 2, extending from which there is a display structure, generally indicated 3, of the type with an open front and including a plurality of shelves 4a, b, c, d, e, f, above which there is a top or roof 4.

[0010] The top 4 houses ventilation means 5 for the optional formation of an air-film barrier for improving the insulation of the counter when it is of the refrigerated type, as in the embodiment shown, one or more lamps 6 for illuminating the shelves 4a-f and the products displayed, and possibly a sheet 8 which can be rolled up, for insulating the display counter at night.

[0011] The base 2 comprises a front wall 10 disposed along the side accessible to the customer and delimiting a tank 7 which in turn is disposed above an evaporator 11 of a refrigeration circuit not described in greater detail since it is of known type.

[0012] A platform 15 equipped with support brackets 16 is fitted along the front wall 10 of the base 2. The platform 15 is preferably located at a predetermined level, by way of indication, of about 20 cm, but its position of fixing can be adjusted in order to vary this level according to the retailer's specific requirements. For this purpose, the platform may optionally be equipped with quick fixing means of a type known in the specific field, for example, of the type with hooks or nut-and-bolt connections.

[0013] It is also envisaged that the projection of the platform from the front wall 10 be rendered adjustable.

[0014] To facilitate access to the top shelf 4f, the user is invited to mount the platform 15 with one foot, possibly supporting himself with his hand on the handle 18a of a trolley 18 normally available in supermarkets for collecting the shopping, and can easily reach the top shelf 4f, even though it is positioned at a level higher than the corresponding shelves of display units of conventional structure.

[0015] The entire platform, or its front face 19 remote from the wall 10 of the base, is preferably made of elastomer or another material which can absorb any knocks and thus performs the function of a trolley fender, protecting the display unit.

[0016] The invention thus achieves the objects set and affords many advantages in comparison with conventional counters, amongst which is facilitated access to all of the shelves of the display structure, even for people of quite modest height.

[0017] The platform also provides the base of the display counter with a trimming of pleasing appearance and performs the useful function of a trolley fender.

Claims

1. An improved display unit comprising a base (2) and an upright display structure (3) extending from the base, characterized in that it comprises a platform (15) associated with a wall (10) of the base (2) at a predetermined level thereof to constitute a step for facilitating access to the upper portion (4f) of the display structure (3).

2. A unit according to Claim 1, in which the platform (15) constitutes a trolley fender for protecting the base (2).

3. A display unit according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the platform (15) is connected to the base (2) in a position which is adjustable in order to vary the said level.

4. A display unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, including refrigeration means associated with the display structure (3).

5. A display unit according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the display structure (3) is of the open-fronted type.

Drawing