Foldable display rack with hinged and telescopic decorated walls and method for displaying them

专利摘要:
The invention relates to a display rack, a kit, and a method for displaying goods. The display rack comprises a compact and one or more displayed states. The display rack comprises shelves which can be supported by hingedly mounted, slidably attached, and telescopically arranged side walls. The kit includes a display rack and an advertising wall for the display rack. The method involves spacing two shelves by means of two side walls by exerting a force on one of both shelves and hinging and sliding the side walls to a position essentially perpendicular to both shelves.
公开号:NL2020062A
申请号:NL2020062
申请日:2017-12-12
公开日:2018-06-18
发明作者:Marivoet Geert；Van Schijndel Bram；Defauw Sandy；De Piero Francesco
申请人:Pure Value Netherlands Bv；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

ROLL-UP BALL TSTAL RACK WITH HINGE-RENDERED AND TELESCOPICALLY FURNISHED SIDE WALLS AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING THEM
TECHNICAL DOMAIN
The invention relates to a display rack and a method for displaying goods. The display rack has a folded state and one or more displayed states. The invention corresponds to IPC A47B 43/00 and IPC A47B 45/00.
STATE OF THE ART WO 2011/104 623 describes a telescopic display structure with a plurality of columns, each of which has at least two hollow parts, whereby a part of the second part can slide into the first part. The display structure includes frames for shelves that are spaced by means of the columns.
Because the columns comprise hollow parts with a minimum length, the frames cannot be pushed against each other, which does not result in an optimum compactness for transporting the display structure. Furthermore, the display structure does not comprise a variable number of display frames and / or shelves, because the minimum length of the hollow parts implies a non-negligible minimum spacing of the frames. Furthermore, the construction of the display structure requires the simultaneous pulling of a first frame, the restraining of a second frame, and the pushing in of several attachment elements for telescoping the columns. This combination of actions is difficult or impossible for a single person to perform. Furthermore, objects can also easily fall through the side walls of the display structure. After all, the side walls do not include a means for supporting, for example, upright books. CN 103 239 074 describes a portable and foldable goods rack that comprises a rectangular frame. The rectangular frame comprises four columns, a base plate comprising through holes in the four corners, and mounting clips. The columns are metal connecting rods that can slide in and out.
The goods rack comprises shelves that can be spaced by means of the columns. Because the columns comprise extendable parts with a minimum length, the shelves cannot be pushed together, which does not result in an optimum compactness for transporting the display structure. Furthermore, the goods rack also does not include a variable number of shelving shelves. Furthermore, objects can also easily fall through the side faces of the goods rack. After all, the side surfaces do not comprise a means for supporting, for example, upright books. US 8 256 630 describes a frame structure with two side panels and a foldable frame coupled to the side panels for folding between a displayed and a folded state. The foldable frame includes a connecting piece carried between the side panels, a slidable pivot point slidably coupled to the connecting piece, and two foldable arms connecting the connecting piece to the side panels. Each of the foldable arms has a top end pivotally coupled to the sliding pivot point and a bottom end pivotally coupled to a side panel.
The frame structure does not include a variable number of shelving shelves. Moreover, the distance between the shelves cannot be adjusted.
It is an object of the present invention to find a solution to at least some of the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE UI TVI NDI NG
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a display rack for displaying goods. The display rack comprises a first shelf, a second shelf, and a pair of telescopically arranged side walls. The display rack is configured for pivotal attachment of the side walls to the first shelf and sliding attachment of the side walls to the second shelf.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the side walls comprises a bottom edge and a top edge. The side walls are configured to support the second shelf. The first shelf is adapted for hinged attachment of both lower edges of the pair of side walls. The second shelf is arranged for sliding attachment of both upper edges of the pair of side walls. Each of the side walls is telescopically arranged to adjust at least two different distances between the lower edge and the upper edge.
In a preferred embodiment, the pair of side walls hinged to the first board and slidably attached to the second board comprises a support condition, the side walls being essentially perpendicular to both boards. The pair of side walls is preferably foldable towards each other from the supporting position.
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a display rack according to the first aspect of the invention and a housing for the display rack. The display rack comprises an intended arrangement. The kit is adapted to attach the housing to the display rack in the intended arrangement. The housing comprises an advertising wall suitable for at least partially covering the shelves and / or the side walls of the display rack in the intended arrangement. The advertising wall of the attached housing is further configured to take products from at least one of the shelves.
In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for spacing a first and a second shelf for displaying goods. Two side walls are provided for spaced support of the second shelf on the first shelf. The second shelf is initially positioned on the first shelf. The side walls are herein positioned between the first shelf and the second shelf, and substantially parallel to both boards. Each of the side walls comprises a first and a second edge. An upward force is exerted on the second plank. Thereby, for at least one of the side walls: a. The first edge is essentially moved parallel to the surface of one of the two boards; and / or b. the side wall rotated about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation being essentially coaxial with the second edge and essentially parallel to a surface of one of the two boards; and / or c. the distance between the first and the second edge changed.
The invention is advantageous for various reasons.
First of all, the display rack comprises a compact transport condition in which all shelves are essentially stacked on top of each other and the pairs of side walls are located between the shelves. Here the minimum extent of the transport condition is essentially determined by the thickness of the shelves.
A second advantage relates to the ease of switching from the transport state to a displayed state. Because a pair of side walls is hinged to an underlying (first) board and slidably attached to an upper (second) board, when the upper board is on the underlying board, exerting an upward force on the upper board the side walls are automatically straightened. A pair of hands from a single operator is sufficient to lift the shelf above.
A third advantage concerns the presence of side walls. These can help prevent objects from falling out of the rack. Furthermore, the kit comprises a housing that can shield even more side surfaces to further prevent objects from falling from the rack.
A fourth advantage concerns the adjustability of the distance between the various shelves through the telescopically arranged side walls.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FI GUREN
Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10 and 12 are schematic representations of embodiments of display racks and / or methods according to the present invention.
Figure 5 is a detailed representation of various components of a first embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention.
Figures 11 and 13 are detailed representations of various components of a second embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention.
Figures 6 and 14 are schematic representations of embodiments of a kit according to the present invention, comprising a display rack and a housing.
Figures 8 and 17 are schematic representations of compact transport modes of multiple display racks according to the present invention.
Figure 15 is a detailed representation of an embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention comprising a cooling installation.
Figure 16 shows a detailed representation of various components of a cooling installation for an embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The invention relates to a display rack, a kit, and a method for displaying goods. In the detailed description, the three aspects according to the present invention are further elucidated with reference to preferred embodiments, figures, and examples.
Unless defined otherwise, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained. "One", "de" and "it" in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless the context clearly assumes otherwise. For example, "a segment" means one or more than one segment.
When "about" or "round" is used in this document for a measurable quantity, a parameter, a duration or moment, and the like, variations are meant of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably +/- 5% or less, even more preferably +/- 1% or less, and even more preferably +/- 0.1% or less than and of the quoted value, insofar as such variations of are applicable in the described invention. However, this should be understood to mean that the value of the quantity in which the term "approximately" or "round" is used is itself specifically disclosed.
The terms "include," "include," "consist of," "include," "contain," "contain," "include," "include," and are inclusive or open terms indicating the presence of what follows, and which do not preclude or preclude the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the prior art.
The term “wireless communication” in this document refers to any technology for transferring data wirelessly. A non-exhaustive list of examples of signals that can be sent and / or received using wireless communication includes mechanical waves, sound waves, electromagnetic waves, radio waves and light signals. A non-exhaustive list of examples of wireless communication technologies includes 2G, 3G, 3G +, 3GPP, 4G, 4G +, 5G, 6LowPAN, Bluetooth, Bluetooth 4.0, Bluetooth 4.1, Bluetooth 4.2, Bluetooth 5, Bluetooth Low-Energy, CDMA, CDMA2000, Cellular, Dash7, EDGE, EDGE Evolution, EV-DO, Flash-OFDM, GPRS, GSM, HIPERMAN, HSPA, iBurst, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11 ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.1 1g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.15.4, IEEE 802.15.4-2006, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.1 6-2009, IEEE 802.16m, IEEE 802.20, IPv4, IPv6, LoRaWAN, Low Rate WPAN, LTE, NarrowBand-loT, Near Field Communication, Zero, RFID , RTT, Sigfox, Thread, UMTS, UMTS W-CDMA, UMTS-TDD, UWB, Weightless, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, Wireless USB, WLAN, WWAN, ZigBee and Z-Wave.
In a first aspect, the invention relates to a display rack for displaying goods. Figures 1 and 9 show schematic representations of embodiments of display racks according to the present invention. The display rack comprises a first shelf (101), a second shelf (102), and a pair of telescopically arranged side walls (103). The display rack is configured for pivotal attachment (105) of the side walls (103) to the first shelf (101) and slidable attachment (104) of the side walls (103) to the second shelf (102).
In a preferred embodiment, each of the side walls (103) comprises a bottom edge and a top edge. The side walls (103) are configured to support the second shelf (102). The first shelf (101) is adapted to pivotally attach (105) both lower edges of the pair of side walls (103). The second shelf (102) is adapted to slidably attach (104) both top edges of the pair of side walls (103). Each of the side walls is telescopically arranged to adjust at least two different distances between the lower edge and the upper edge.
In a preferred embodiment, the pair of side walls (103) pivotally attached (105) to the first board (101) and side walls (103) slidably attached to the second board (102) include a support condition (Figures 1C and 9C), the side walls (103 ) are essentially perpendicular to both boards (101, 102). The pair of side walls (103) are preferably foldable towards each other from the support state (transition from figure 1 C to 1 B; transition from figure 9C to 9B).
In a second aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a display rack according to the first aspect of the invention and a housing for the display rack. Figures 6 and 14 show schematic representations of embodiments of kits according to the present invention. The display rack (601) includes an intended order. The kit is adapted to attach the housing (602, 603) to the display rack (601) in the intended arrangement. The housing (602, 603) comprises an advertising wall (603) suitable for at least partially covering the shelves and / or the side walls of the display rack in the intended arrangement. The advertising wall (603) of the attached housing is further configured to take products from at least one of the shelves (Figures 6D, 6E, 14C and 14E).
In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for spacing a first (101) and a second (102) shelf for displaying goods. Two side walls (103) are provided for spaced support of the second shelf (102) on the first shelf (101). The second shelf (102) is initially positioned on the first shelf (101) (Figures 1A and 9A). The side walls (103) are herein positioned between the first shelf (101) and the second shelf (102), and substantially parallel to both boards (101, 102). Each of the side walls (103) comprises a first and a second edge. An upward force is exerted on the second board (102). Thereby, for at least one of the side walls (103): a. The first edge is essentially slid parallel to the surface of one of the two boards (104) (Figures 1B and 9B); and / or b. the side wall rotated (105) about a rotation axis (Figures 1B and 9B; angle a), the rotation axis being essentially coaxial with the second edge and essentially parallel to a surface of one of the two boards; and / or c. the distance between the first and the second edge changed (Figures 1D and 9F).
The invention is advantageous for various reasons. First, the display rack comprises a compact transport condition in which all shelves are essentially stacked on top of each other and the pairs of side walls are located between the shelves (Figures 1A, 3A, 4A, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 12A and 17A). Here the minimum extent of the transport condition is essentially determined by the thickness of the shelves.
A second advantage relates to the ease of switching from the transport state to a displayed state. Because a pair of side walls is hinged to an underlying (first) board and slidably attached to an upper (second) board, when the upper board is on the underlying board, exerting an upward force on the upper board the side walls are automatically straightened (Figures 1B and 9B). A pair of hands from a single operator is sufficient for lifting the upper shelf (102).
A third advantage relates to the presence of side walls (103). These can help prevent objects from falling out of the rack. Furthermore, the kit comprises a housing (602, 603) which can shield even more side surfaces to further prevent objects from falling from the rack.
A fourth advantage concerns the adjustability of the distance between the different shelves through the telescopically arranged side walls (Figures 1D and 9F).
In a preferred embodiment of the method, sliding (step a.) And rotating (step b.) Are performed simultaneously and simultaneously for both side walls (Figures 1B and 9B) until both side walls are positioned essentially perpendicular to both shelves ( Figures 1C and 9C). After this, the distance between the first and the second edge for both side walls can be changed simultaneously (step c.) (Figures 1D and 9F).
Said steps of the method can be carried out manually. Said steps can alternatively also be carried out mechanically. Furthermore, the method can also comprise the mechanical fitting of a housing. The method may also include mechanically placing products on at least one of the shelves. In this way, in a production environment, the display rack can be assembled mechanically, covered with the housing and filled with products, after which the filled display rack is transported to a store. The empty display rack can then be folded into the store to the transport condition, and then brought back to the production environment.
In an alternative preferred embodiment of the method, the second board (102) could first be lifted on one side. Here, both side walls (103) are pivotally rotated around the pivotable attachment (105), but the upper edge of only one of the two side walls (103) is displaced via the slidable attachment (104) relative to the second shelf (102). After this, the top edge of the other side wall can then be moved via the slidable attachment (104) relative to the second shelf (102). In this way, both side walls (103) are straight, for spaced support of the second shelf (102) on the first shelf (101), with both side walls (103) essentially orthogonal to both boards (101, 102) (Figures 1C and 9C).
Figures 2, 4D, 11 and 15A show embodiments of display racks according to the present invention comprising at least two shelves. The display rack comprises a bottom shelf (1, 1303), a top shelf (3; 1301) and zero, one or more intermediate shelves (2; 1302). The bottom shelf, the top shelf and each of the intermediate shelves comprises a top side and a bottom side. The display rack further comprises one or more pairs of side walls (4, 1306, 1307, 1308, 1311) for supporting an intermediate shelf or the top shelf. Each of the side walls includes a bottom edge and a top edge. The number of pairs of side walls is preferably equal to one more than the number of intermediate shelves. The top of each intermediate shelf and of the bottom shelf is adapted to pivotally attach (61; 1324) both lower edges of a pair of side walls. Here, the pivot axes of the pair of side walls are preferably substantially parallel. The underside of each intermediate shelf and of the top shelf is adapted to slidably attach (60; 1321) both top edges of a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls is telescopically arranged (1306, 1311) for adjusting (1307, 1308) at least two different distances between the lower edge and the upper edge. A pair of side walls hingedly attached to a first shelf and slidably attached to a second shelf comprise a support condition wherein the side walls are essentially perpendicular to both boards. Preferably, the side walls of said pair in the supporting state are essentially parallel to each other. The pair of side walls in the support state are foldable toward each other.
Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a display rack and a method for arranging it. The display rack comprises at least two shelves (101, 102) which can be spaced by means of a pair of side walls (103). Each of the shelves (101, 102) comprises an upper side and a lower side. Each of the side walls (103) includes a bottom edge and a top edge. The top of the underlying shelf (101) and the bottom edge of the side walls (103) are adapted to pivotally attach (105) the side walls (103) to the top of the underlying shelf (101). The pivot axes (105) of both side walls (103) are essentially parallel. Furthermore, the underside of the top shelf (102) and the top edge of the side walls (103) are adapted to slidably adhere the side walls (103) to the bottom side of the top shelf (102). The side walls (103) are furthermore telescopically arranged for adjusting at least two different distances between the lower edge and the upper edge. The side walls can herein be arranged for stably supporting the upper shelf at a discrete number of distances from the lower shelf. The side walls can also be arranged for stably supporting the upper shelf on a continuum of distances from the lower shelf.
In one embodiment, the display rack comprises a positioning element (106) for each side wall. The positioning element (106) is suitable for retaining and supporting a pivotally mounted side wall and comprises two elongated rigid support elements. A first support element includes a pivot point for attachment to the underlying shelf (101). The second support element includes a pivot point for attachment to the side wall (103). Both support elements further comprise a third pivot point where the support elements are connected to each other. The third pivot point of the support elements allows a pivotal movement of the side walls (103) relative to the underlying shelf. The positioning elements are preferably all attached to the same side face of the display rack, i.e. the rear face.
The positioning elements are advantageous because it improves the stability of the support through the side walls. Furthermore, due to the positioning elements, the side walls cannot fold to the outside. The attachment of the positioning elements to the rear surface allows unhindered loading of goods into the display rack and removal from the display rack along the front, i.e. the face opposite the rear surface.
In Figures 1A and 9A, the upper shelf (102) lies on the lower shelf (101). The two side walls (103) for spaced support of the upper shelf (102) on the lower shelf (101) are positioned between the shelves (101, 102). Here, the side walls (103) are essentially parallel to both shelves (101, 102). By exerting an upward force (Figures 1B and 9B) on the upper board (102), the upper board (102) is moved upward. The upward force is transmitted via the sliding attachment (104) to the side walls (103). As a result, the sliding attachments are simultaneously shifted towards the ends of the upper shelf (102), as well as the angle α between the side walls (103) and the lower shelf (101). If positioning elements (106) are present, they are also folded open at the third pivot point. Finally, the side walls (103) are brought into a position where they are essentially parallel to each other and where they are essentially perpendicular to both boards (Figures 1C and 9C). The angle a 'is herein about 90 ". Preferably the angle a' is at least 85" and at most 95 ", more preferably at least 87 ° and at most 93", and most preferably at least 89 "and at least highest 91 ". The side walls are also arranged telescopically extendable. Once the sidewalls are essentially perpendicular to the underlying board, the sidewalls can be extended or shortened by exerting a further upward or downward force, ie the distance between the lower edge and the upper edge of each sidewall can be changed (figures 1D and 9F) .
In one embodiment of the display rack, the upper side of an underlying shelf comprises a pair of fastening means, wherein each fastening means comprises two or more substantially aligned mounting holes. Preferably, each fixing means comprises at least four fixing holes. Furthermore, the lower edge of each side wall comprises two or more substantially aligned hinge holes. Preferably, each side wall comprises at least four hinge holes. The side walls can be hinged to the underlying shelf by providing one or more cylindrical connection systems through one or more mounting holes and through one or more hinge holes. Preferably, two connection systems are provided per side wall, each connection system provided by two fixing holes and two hinge holes. An example of a connection system is a bolt that can be closed by a nut.
In a preferred embodiment the first shelf comprises a pair of fastening means, wherein each fastening means comprises two or more, preferably four, hinge openings (1324) for hingedly mounting a lower edge of a bottom edge of a side wall on the fastener. Furthermore, the hinge openings of the fastener are configured to essentially sink the lower edge of the sidewall perpendicular to the first shelf into the first shelf (Figures 9C and 9D; Figures 10C and 10D). Preferably, the distance between the lower edge and the upper edge of a side wall is telescopically adjustable when the lower edge of the side wall is sunk in the first shelf (Figures 9E and 9F; Figures 10A and 10F). Preferably, the fastening means comprises a locking system (1325, 1326) for preventing lifting of the recessed sidewall from the first shelf when telescoping the distance between the lower edge and the upper edge.
This is advantageous because in this preferred embodiment the side walls can be held stably upright because the recessed portion of a side wall is at least partially surrounded by the underlying (first) shelf. In addition, the underlying (first) shelf can have contact walls with the recessed portion of the side wall that prevent the side wall from hinging. To fold a pair of side walls back together, they must first be lifted from the underlying (first) shelf.
In a preferred embodiment of the display rack, at least one of the shelves and the side walls comprises a metal or an alloy, preferably steel or aluminum.
This is advantageous for various reasons. Firstly, a metal or an alloy offers the possibility of making thin boards with sufficient strength for the curved application. Secondly, the elements from which the side walls and / or the boards are essentially made can be made simply starting from a sheet of metal or an alloy by laser cutting, punching, and crimping the sheet. Thirdly, a metal or an alloy is a durable material which allows the frequent and long-term use of a display rack according to this preferred embodiment. Fourth, shelves and side walls made of a metal or alloy can be easily cleaned.
In a preferred embodiment, a shelf and / or a side wall comprises a plastic. Preferably a board, preferably each board, comprises a plastic cover plate. Alternatively, a board, preferably any board, can be made of plastic. The plastic preferably comprises polypropylene. More preferably, the plastic comprises glass fiber reinforced polypropylene. In a preferred embodiment, instructions for setting up and / or collapsing a display rack are printed on a plastic part of a shelf.
This is advantageous for various reasons. A plastic is easy to clean, without losing its luster. Moreover, plastic weighs less than a metal or an alloy. Polypropylene (polypropylene, PP) is highly resistant to chemical solvents, bases and acids. A polypropylene board / cover plate is therefore highly resistant to aggressive cleaning agents. Furthermore, polypropylene is also highly resistant to bacterial growth, and is therefore suitable for displaying food.
In one embodiment of the display rack, each side wall (4a, 4b) comprises a pair of protruding hook elements (11) and each upper shelf one or more rail systems (22) suitable for slidably hooking in each of the hook elements of each side wall of a pair of side walls .
In an alternative preferred embodiment of the display rack, an upper (second) shelf comprises two or more sliding slots (1321) for slidingly attaching an upper edge of a side wall with one or more elongated connecting elements (1322). These sliding slots are preferably sliding recesses. Preferably the sliding slots are essentially straight. Preferably, an upper edge of a side wall with one elongated connecting element can be slidably attached in a corresponding pair of sliding slots.
This is advantageous because the sliding slots determine the sliding freedom of movement of the upper edge of the side wall. Furthermore, an upper edge can easily be attached to the sliding slots via the one or more elongated connecting elements. Furthermore, the elongated connection element prevents the release of a side wall from the upper (second) shelf.
In an embodiment of the display rack, the telescopically arranged side walls comprise a first frame (4a), a second frame (4b) and an attachment system (10) with two mutually displaceable adhesive elements. The second frame is extendable with respect to the first frame. The frames are further adapted to only move with forces according to the extension direction. To this end, the first frame can be at least partially moved into the second frame, or the second frame at least partially into the first frame. To this end, the outer frame comprises at least partially closed side walls or rails for at least partially surrounding the inner frame and for preventing movement of the inner frame relative to the outer frame in each direction of movement perpendicular to the extending direction. The first frame further comprises two or more pairs of recesses. The attachment system is further suitable for mounting on the second frame and for securing the second frame with respect to the first frame by placing the two suture elements in a pair of recesses.
In a preferred embodiment a, and preferably each, telescopically arranged side wall comprises: a frame (1307, 1311); One or more extension elements (1306) comprising recesses, the one or more extension elements extendable with respect to the frame; and • an attachment system (1308, 1314) comprising two adhesive elements that can be moved relative to each other.
The attachment system is herein configured to be attached to, and preferably in, the frame to fix the frame relative to the one or more extension elements by placing the adhesive elements in recesses of the one or more extension elements. Preferably the extend elements and the frame are configured to prevent displacements of the extend elements relative to the frame perpendicular to the telescopic extend direction. The attachment system is preferably simple to move manually relative to the frame, for removing the adhesive elements from the recesses, so that the extendable elements can be telescoped in or out relative to the frame. Consequently, a single operator can not only partially straighten the side walls by lifting the upper (second) shelf, since the side walls automatically pivot and slide, but the same single operator can also extend or shorten a pair of side walls telescopically.
In a preferred embodiment of the display rack, the display rack further comprises at least three wheels. The display rack preferably comprises four wheels. The display rack preferably further comprises a mobile support frame comprising the at least three and preferably four wheels (63, 1390, 1391). One or more of the wheels can also comprise a braking system. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the display rack according to the present invention. The display rack comprises a support frame (1) with four wheels (63) for rolling the display rack. Multiple shelves (2, 3) are spaced from each other by means of pairs of hingedly mounted (61), slidably attached (60), and telescopically arranged side walls (4). Moreover, the bottom side of the bottom shelf does not have to be equipped with a rail system for slidably attaching side walls and the top side of the top shelf need not be arranged for hinged mounting of side walls. The presence of wheels improves the ergonomics for an operator when moving the display rack, in compact and displayed condition. The braking systems can prevent unintentional rolling of the display rack, for example during the display of goods in a retail space.
In a preferred embodiment, a shelf of the display rack comprises an edge for preventing products from falling out of the display rack. Preferably, in addition to the displayed condition, the shelf and the edge also comprise a collapsed state, wherein the edge does not protrude higher than the top of the shelf. The rim in the displayed condition can comprise a horizontal profile which can be supported by vertical carriers. The vertical carriers can be pliable to slide the vertical carriers and the horizontal profile sideways into the shelf. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the housing of the kit, once the housing is mounted on the display rack, can form an edge for preventing product failure from the display rack.
In a preferred embodiment, a shelf of the display rack comprises a slide mechanism for moving products on a shelf from the rear of the rack to the front. The pull-in mechanism can be operated manually by an operator or can be provided for automated movement of the products.
In one embodiment, a display rack, preferably the bottom shelf, comprises recesses, cavities and / or protrusions for connecting a plurality of display racks to each other to form a row or an island of display racks.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack comprises a weighing sensor. The weighing sensor comprises a communication module and a weighing system on one or more shelves. The weighing system makes it possible to determine the weight of the products on a certain shelf. With the presence of essentially identical products and with knowledge of the weight of a single product, this makes it possible to determine the quantity of products on a shelf. The weighing sensor is configured to send data continuously, at predetermined times, or upon removal of a product, via the communication module, the data being suitable for monitoring the quantity of products on each shelf that is provided with a weighing system. Such weighing systems are well known in the relevant field. An example is described in US 2005/0 086 133.
The weighing sensor allows automatic inventory management. Furthermore, the weighing sensor makes it possible to place orders for replenishing the stock based on the current quantity of products present and / or the speed of product withdrawal, i.e. the quantity of products that are taken out of the display rack in a certain amount of time. In addition, the weighing sensor also allows a distributor to optimize the advertising budget for a general purchase over a large region, or a product purchase in a certain trade area.
In one embodiment, the weighing sensor is a weighing plate, suitable for positioning on or integration into a shelf of the display rack. The weighing plate comprises two plates and one or more force and / or distance sensors positioned between the two plates. Furthermore, the weighing plate can also comprise a resilient material positioned between the two plates. The two plates are preferably made of plexiglass. An example of a force sensor is a force sensitive resistor (English: force sensitive resistor (FSR)). An example of a distance sensor is a capacitive sensor. Distance data from a distance sensor can be converted into a weight. This can be done, for example, by calculating the elastic properties of the resilient material, or, for example, by calibration. Preferably, the weighing plate comprises the communication module and is also positioned between the two plates. The communication module of the weighing sensor is preferably a module for wireless communication, more preferably a Bluetooth low-energy chip (BLE chip). The weighing plate preferably comprises a battery, more preferably a coincell or lithium-polymer battery. Most preferably, the communication module is configured to send out data in the event of a weight change. The weighing plate is advantageous because it includes energy-saving features. Furthermore, all components are preferably positioned between the two plates, and the weighing plate is therefore easy to handle and move, and is also robust for frequent use.
In an alternative embodiment, the weighing sensor is a textile comprising one or more pressure sensors. The textile can be stuck on a shelf of the display rack. The textile is preferably location-sensitive, more preferably with an accuracy of at most 10 cm, even more preferably at most 8 cm, even more preferably at most 6 cm, even more preferably at most 4 cm, such as an accuracy of 4 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 0.5 cm, 0.25 cm, or any value between or below. On the basis of this sensor, the purchase of a number of products and the corresponding collection location can be monitored. Knowledge of the weight of a product and / or the support surface of a product can be used in this embodiment to monitor the amount of products present on a shelf, as well as their location. Typically, products are purchased from the front. After purchasing a few products, the remaining products may be on the shelf at the rear of the rack, which is harder to reach. The rack can for this purpose be provided with a slide mechanism for moving products from the rear of the rack to the front. The textile preferably comprises a module for wireless communication, more preferably based on Bluetooth technology. A plurality of shelves of the display rack are preferably provided with such a textile. An example of such a textile-containing pressure sensor is the Physiosense sensor (Physiosense GmbH).
Additionally or alternatively, the display rack comprises a weight sensor on a wheel of the display rack. The display rack preferably comprises a weighing sensor on each of the wheels of the display rack. These weight sensors make it possible to monitor the product intake of the entire display rack. This is advantageous when the deferment rack comprises the same type of products with essentially the same weight (e.g. essentially identical bottles of ketchup), or when a decrease in different types of products is based on weight differences of the different types of products (e.g. bottles of ketchup on the one hand and jars mayonnaise on the other hand) is clearly distinguishable.
Additionally or alternatively, the display rack comprises at least one of a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a gas sensor, and a humidity sensor. A location sensor can be based on BLE, NFC, Wi-Fi or GPS. Each of the temperature sensor, gas sensor, and humidity sensor is advantageous to monitor the environmental conditions for counterfeit products. Examples of decayable products are fruit, vegetables and plants. The gas sensor is preferably an electrochemical gas sensor. An example of a gas sensor is an ethylene sensor. A gas sensor can furthermore be advantageous for monitoring leaks in dangerous products.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack further comprises a detection system for monitoring the attention of a consumer. The detection system can thereby comprise one or more of the following devices: an infrared sensor, an eye detection system, a camera, a Wi-Fi tracker, and a Bluetooth low energy beacon (eg an iBaecon). These devices can be configured to monitor the distance and position of consumers in relation to the display rack, the field of view of consumers, the time span that consumers spend on the display rack, and the age, gender, ethnicity and facial expressions of consumers . Such devices are well-known in the relevant field. Examples are described in US 2013/0 117 053.
The detection system makes it possible to record and analyze consumer behavior. Based on this information, the placement of the deferment rack in a store, the placement of products on the various shelves of the display rack, as well as the advertising wall of the kit according to the present invention can be optimized.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack comprises a promotional chip for sending promotional data to and / or receiving recognition data from a customer's user device via wireless communication. An example of a user device is a smartphone. The promotion data is preferably customer-specific. The customer can, for example, have an account with a store, which is linked to his user device. The user device may, for example, comprise an application for displaying a customer card on a screen of the user device, for online shopping, and the like. The promotional chip can recognize the customer by the user device, and be configured to display customer-specific promotion data on the user device screen. The promotional chip is preferably an RFID chip.
Furthermore, the display rack can comprise one or more electronic price indications. An electronic price indication can herein comprise a screen, a battery and a module for wireless communication. Data concerning a new price for display on the electronic price display screen can then be received via the wireless communication module. Such electronic price indications are well known in the relevant field. Examples are described in US 6 570 492.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack comprises a communication module and at least one of a weighing sensor, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a gas sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, an eye detection system, a camera, a Wi-Fi tracker, a Bluetooth low-energy beacon, a RFID promotional chip, and an electronic price display. Said communication module can herein send data concerning several sensors, systems and the like. Alternatively, a communication module may be provided per sensor, system, and the like.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack further comprises a cooling installation. The cooling installation is suitable when placing the housing of the kit according to the second aspect of the present invention to keep products cool on the shelves to a predetermined maximum temperature. Such cooling installations are well known in the relevant field. An example is given in US 6 360 548.
In a preferred embodiment, the display rack comprises a cooling installation, at least one temperature sensor, and a feedback loop for controlling the cooling installation based on the measurements with the at least one temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the display rack may comprise at least one temperature sensor and a warning system for warning when a measured temperature is outside a preset interval. The warning system can generate an auditory or visual warning on the display rack and alternatively or additionally generate an auditory or visual warning on a user device (such as a smartphone, desktop, communicatively linked to the display rack. Appropriately cooled products require fewer preservatives. Appropriate cooling ensures that the products effectively reach their expiry date, resulting in fewer unnecessary discarded products.
In one embodiment, the display rack can be provided with an electrically driven cooling installation on the bottom or on the top of the display rack. The shelves are then preferably provided with openings and / or grids for air flow by means of forced convection. Alternatively, the display rack may be provided with dry ice, which comprises a solid form of carbon dioxide. The dry ice is preferably positioned at the top of the display rack. The air in the vicinity of the dry ice is cooled. The density of the cooled air causes it to sink through natural convection through the openings and / or grids of the shelves so that the cooled air can reach every shelf. The dry ice solution is advantageous because no electricity or battery needs to be provided, which can be useful for outdoor locations such as festivals, city centers, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more aspects of the present invention are marketed under the name Proteus.
Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a method for setting up an embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention. Figure 3A shows a display rack comprising a mobile support frame (1) in a compact state. By exerting an upward force on the second lower board, the side walls between the second lower board and the lower board are straightened. The side walls (4) thereby pivot on the hinged attachment (61) on the bottom edge with the bottom shelf and the side walls (4) slide on the top edge along the second bottom shelf (Figures 3B and 3C). Once the side walls (4) are straight, they can be telescopically extended by an appropriate further upward force (figures 3E and 3F). To this end, in one embodiment the two attachments of the attachment system must first be pushed towards each other so that they come out of the pair of recesses so that the two frames can move telescopically relative to each other. By fitting the attachments in another pair of recesses, both frames are fixed back relative to each other. After straightening and possibly extending or shortening the lower side walls, other pairs of side walls can be straightened and possibly extended or shortened (Figures 3G to 3M). The length of the different pairs of telescopically extendable side walls can be selected differently for each pair. It is also possible to opt not to spatialize two adjacent planks, thus obtaining a display rack with fewer shelves.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relates to: 1. A display rack for displaying goods, the display rack comprising: - a bottom shelf, a top shelf and zero, one or more intermediate shelves, the bottom shelf, the top shelf, and each of the intermediate shelves comprising an upper side and a lower side; and - one or more pairs of side walls for supporting an intermediate shelf or the top shelf, each of the side walls comprising a bottom edge and an upper edge, the number of pairs of side walls preferably equal to one more than the number of intermediate shelves, characterized in that - the top side of each intermediate board and of the bottom board is arranged for hingedly fixing both lower edges of a pair of side walls; - the underside of each intermediate board and of the top board is adapted to slidably attach both top edges of a pair of side walls; and - each of the side walls is telescopically arranged to adjust at least two different distances between the bottom edge and the top edge, wherein a pair of side walls hingedly attached to a first shelf and slidably attached to a second shelf comprise a support condition with the side walls in are essentially parallel to each other and perpendicular to both boards, the pair of side walls collapsible towards each other in the support state. A display rack according to the preceding description 1, wherein: the top side of each intermediate shelf and of the bottom shelf comprises a pair of fixing means, each fixing means comprising two or more essentially aligned mounting holes, preferably each fixing means comprising four fixing holes; and - the lower edge of each side wall comprises two or more substantially aligned hinge holes, preferably four hinge holes, the hinge holes of a side wall and the fixing holes of a fixing means being suitable for hingedly fixing the side wall to the fixing means by the arranging one or more cylindrical connection systems, preferably two connection systems, through one or more fixing holes and through one or more hinge holes, preferably each connection system provided by two fixing holes and two hinge holes. A display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing descriptions 1 and 2, wherein the top edge of each side wall comprises a pair of projecting hook elements, and wherein the bottom side of each intermediate shelf and of the top shelf comprises one or more rail systems suitable for slidably hooking in each of the hook elements of each side wall of a pair of side walls. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 3, wherein each of the telescopically arranged side walls comprises a first frame, a second frame and an attachment system with two mutually displaceable bonding elements, the second frame extendable with respect to the first frame, the first frame comprising two or more pairs of recesses, the attachment system suitable for mounting on the second frame and for securing the second frame relative to the first frame by placing the two suturing elements in a pair of recesses. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 4, the display rack comprising a positioning element for each side wall, the positioning element suitable for supporting a hingedly mounted side wall in support condition, the positioning element comprising a first and a second elongated rigid support element, the first support element comprising a first pivot point for attachment to the shelf to which the pivotally mounted side wall is attached, the second support element comprising a second pivot point for attachment to the side wall, and the two support elements comprising a third pivot point where the support elements are hingedly connected to each other for collapsing the side walls towards each other in the supporting state. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 5, the display rack comprising a rollable support frame, the support frame comprising at least three wheels, preferably four wheels, the support frame and the bottom shelf adapted to fix the bottom shelf to the rollable support framework. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 6, wherein the bottom shelf, the top shelf, and the intermediate shelves each comprise an essentially rectangular upper side, the rectangular upper sides essentially comprising the same length dimension and the same width dimension, the dimensions suitable for the covering at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, and more preferably at least 98%, of the support surface of a Chep pallet with a whole number of non-overlapping rectangles of this length and width dimension. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 7, the bottom shelf, the top shelf, the intermediate shelves, and the side walls comprising a metal or an alloy, preferably comprising steel or aluminum, more preferably essentially made of galvanized steel with a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm or from aluminum with a thickness of approximately 1.2 mm. A display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 8, the display rack comprising a sensor, the sensor comprising a communication module and a weighing system on at least one of the intermediate shelves and / or on the bottom shelf, the sensor configured for transferring data suitable for monitoring the quantity of products on each shelf with a weighing system. A display rack according to the preceding description 9, wherein the sensor further comprises a detection system for monitoring the attention of consumers, the detection system comprising one or more of the following devices: an infrared sensor, an eye detection system, a camera, a Wi-Fi tracker, a Bluetooth low energy beacon, wherein one or more of the devices are suitable for monitoring the distance and position of consumers in relation to the display rack, the field of view of consumers, the time span that consumers spend on the display rack, and the age, the gender, ethnicity and facial expressions of consumers. A display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing descriptions 1 to 10, the display rack comprising a cooling installation. 12. A kit comprising a display rack according to any one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 11 and a housing for the display rack, the display rack comprising an intended arrangement, the kit adapted for attaching the housing to the display rack in the intended arrangement, the housing comprising an advertising wall, the advertising wall suitable for at least partially covering the shelves and / or the side walls of the display rack in the intended arrangement, the advertising wall of the attached housing further suitable for taking products on the tops of at least one of the planks. A method for spacing a first and a second shelf for displaying consumer goods, the first and the second shelf comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, the method comprising the steps of: - providing two side walls for spaced support of the second board on the first board, the second board positioned on the first board, the side walls positioned between the first and the second board, the side walls substantially parallel to both boards, each of the side walls comprising a first contact edge and a second contact edge; - exerting an upward force on the first board and thereby for at least one of the side walls: a. sliding the first contact edge essentially parallel to a surface of one of the two boards; and / or b. rotating the side wall about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation essentially coaxial with the second contact edge and essentially located on a surface of one of the two boards; and / or c. changing the distance between the first and the second contact edge. A method according to the preceding description 13, wherein the sliding (step a.) And the rotation (step b.) Are carried out simultaneously and for both side walls until both side walls are positioned substantially perpendicular to both boards, after which the changing of the distance between the first and the second contact edge (step c.) for both side walls is carried out simultaneously. A method according to the preceding description 14 for spacing two shelves from a display rack according to one of the preceding descriptions 1 to 11.
In the following, the invention is described a.d.h.v. non-limiting examples illustrating the invention, which are not intended or may be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. EXAMPLE 1
Figure 4 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a display rack and a method for arranging it. Figure 4A shows the display rack in a compact state. The display rack comprises a support frame (7) on wheels, to which a bottom shelf (8) is attached by means of a screwed-on hook element (5). The display rack further comprises two intermediate shelves (2), and a top shelf (3). The intermediate shelves (2) are provided with recesses (21) for easily gripping an intermediate shelf (2) with a pair of grippers (9). By means of an upward force exerted on the grippers (9), the lower side walls (4) can first be straightened and then extended telescopically. When straightening (Figure 4B), the side walls (4) pivot to the hinged attachment (61) of the bottom edge. When straightening (Figure 4B), the side walls (4) also slide (60) on the underside of the upper intermediate shelf (2). A positioning element (12) is also opened to support the side walls (4) and to prevent the side walls from bending over. After straightening the bottom pair of side walls, the next pair can be straightened (Figure 4C). EXAMPLE 2
Figure 5 shows a schematic detailed representation of various components of the exit rack from the first example. The support frame (7) with four wheels is suitable for fixing the bottom shelf (8). To this end, a pair of hook elements 5 is hooked into the recesses of the supporting frame provided for this purpose and subsequently screwed down with the aid of screws or bolts (64) in the provided holes (16) in the bottom shelf (8). Furthermore, the bottom shelf (8), as well as the intermediate shelves (2), comprises two fixing elements. A fastening element comprises four aligned holes (19) on the top of the relevant board. The side walls further comprise a first frame (4a) and a second frame (4b). The second frame (4b) can be telescopically extended with respect to the first frame (4a). Furthermore, the side wall also comprises an attachment system (10) that can be attached to the second frame. The attachment system includes a pair of mutually movable adhesive elements for securing the second frame (4b) relative to the first frame (4a) by placing the adhesive elements in a pair of recesses in the first frame (4a). The first frame (4a) comprises hinge holes for hingedly fastening the first frame to the fixing holes of the bottom shelf (8) or an intermediate shelf (2) with two bolts (13) and nuts. The second frame (4b) further comprises a pair of hook elements (11) for slidably attaching the second frame (4b) to a rail system (22) on the underside of an intermediate shelf (2) or an upper shelf (3). Furthermore, the exit rack also comprises, per side wall, a positioning element (12) comprising two rigid support elements. One of the two supporting elements is hinged to the shelf to which the side wall is hinged. The other support element is hinged to the side wall itself. The two support elements are furthermore also hinged to each other. The positioning element (12) serves to support the side walls and to prevent the side walls from bending over. EXAMPLE 3
Figure 6 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the kit according to the second aspect of the present invention. The display rack (601) of the kit includes an intended arrangement. The intended arrangement includes which pairs of side walls are straightened, and for each pair of straightened side walls, the distance between the top edge and the bottom edge of the side walls. This distance can be represented, for example, by indicating the pair of recesses in which the adhesive elements of the attachment system are placed. In the display rack (601) in Figure 6, all positioning elements are arranged on the same side of the display rack, the rear surface. A rear wall (602) is provided on the rear surface to prevent products from falling out of the rack from the rear and / or to display visual elements for attracting consumers to the display rack. Furthermore, the kit also comprises an advertising wall (603) for covering at least partially the shelves and / or the side walls of the display rack in the intended arrangement. The advertising wall (603) and the rear wall (602) form part of the kit housing. In Figure 6B, the rear wall (602) is attached to the display rack (601) and the advertising wall, preferably made of cardboard, and preferably provided with cut-outs and preformed folds, is folded into a front wall and two side walls for the display rack in the curved arrangement. Part of the advertising wall (602) lies on the shelves when placed on the display rack (601). The advertising wall can be provided with visual elements for attracting consumers to the display rack.
In one embodiment, the housing (602, 603) comprises cardboard. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the housing comprises plastic, more preferably expanded polystyrene, such as, for example, Archi-foam. EXAMPLE 4
Figure 7 shows a further preferred embodiment of the display rack. The positioning element (12, 26) furthermore comprises a spring system (26) in Figure 7. The spring system (26) is thereby attached to the third pivot point of the support elements (12) and to a cylindrical connection system for pivotally mounting the side wall (4). The spring system (26) helps to straighten the side walls (4). After all, when a side wall (4) is rotated about its pivot axis, just before the perpendicular positioning of the side wall on the shelf to which it is pivotally attached, the intended direction of movement of the upper edge of the side wall is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the upward force. As a result, it is difficult to fully straighten the side wall (4) by the upward force. A spring system (26) offers a solution to this problem. EXAMPLE 5
Figure 8 shows various preferred sizes and preferred stacks on a Chep pallet (802, 804) of display racks (801, 803, 805) according to the present invention. Here, the display racks are in the compact state, i.e. all the side walls of the display rack are essentially positioned parallel to the shelves of the display rack. The shelves of the display rack and the support frame are essentially rectangular. The dimensions of the boards define a rectangle. The rectangle is suitable for covering the surface of the Chep pallet at least for 90%, preferably for 95%, more preferably for 98%. Here, the rectangle defined by the shelves of the display rack can essentially be congruent on the surface of the pallet (Figure 8A). Here, the rectangle defined by the shelves of the display rack can also not be congruent on the surface of the pallet (Figure 8C). In Figure 8A, four display racks (801) per height level fit on the pallet (802). In Figures 8B and 8C, two display racks (803, 805) per height level fit on the pallet (804). Furthermore, the support frames and / or top shelves of the display racks can be adapted to prevent sliding of different display racks stacked on top of each other in the compact condition. In figures 8B and 8C, the wheels of a display rack, for example, sink into the top shelf of the underlying display rack. In the stacks in Figures 8B and 8C, a shelf is also provided on the surface of the Chep pallet for sinking the wheels of the display racks at the lower height level. EXAMPLE 6
Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of an operating principle according to the present invention. Figure 10 shows detailed representations of a preferred embodiment of a display rack according to the present invention. The alphabetical numbering of the sub-figures of figures 9 and 10 corresponds.
The display rack comprises a first shelf (101), a second shelf (102), and two telescopically arranged side walls (103), each pivotally attached to a lower edge (105) on the first shelf (101) and slidably attached to an upper edge (104) on the second shelf (102).
Initially (Figures 9A and 10A), the second shelf (102) is positioned on the first shelf (101). The telescopically arranged side walls (103) are herein positioned between the first shelf (101) and the second shelf (102), and substantially parallel to both boards. By exerting an upward force (Figures 9B and 10B) on the second board (102), the side walls (103) are automatically at least partially straightened. Here, the upper edges of the side walls (103) slide outwards along the underside of the second shelf (102) by means of the slidable attachment (104). At the same time, the side walls (103) pivot (105) open about an axis of rotation essentially coaxial with the lower edge. The angle α between the side walls (103) and the first shelf (101) hereby increases. The side walls can be brought into a vertical position, said angle α being approximately equal to 90 ". Figures 9C and 10C show the first shelf (101), the second shelf (102) and the side walls (103) in the supporting state. In the supporting state, the side walls (103) are essentially perpendicular to both boards (101, 102) Furthermore, the pair of side walls (103) are foldable towards each other from the supporting state, and a portion of the side walls (103) can be sunk from the supporting state in the first shelf (101) (Figures 9C and 10C) The hinging of the partially recessed side walls (103) is prevented by the recessed portions being surrounded by the first shelf (101). To fold, they must first be lifted back out of the first shelf (101) before the desired rotation can be carried out The first shelf (101) is equipped with a locking system for preventing a recessed side wall from being lifted from the first shelf Ee If the side walls (103) are recessed and locked (Figures 9D and 10D), the height of the side walls (103) can be adjusted telescopically (Figures 9F and 10F). Said operations can be performed manually or by machine.
Figures 9 and 10 show two shelves. A display rack includes at least two shelves, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, or more shelves. The display rack comprises a number of pairs of side walls equal to one less than the number of shelves. Figure 11 shows a detailed representation by analogy with Figure 10, but with several shelves, more specifically six shelves. The display rack in Figure 11 comprises four wheels (1390, 1391). Two of the wheels (1391) are rotatable. One of the rotatable wheels comprises a braking system. The wheels are mounted on a bottom frame (1350; see Figure 13), on which a bottom shelf (1303) is mounted. The bottom shelf (1303) includes a ledge (1330) for supporting the housing (602, 603) of the kit (see Figure 14). Furthermore, the display rack of Figure 11 comprises a plurality of intermediate shelves (1302) and a top shelf (1301), as well as a plurality of pairs of side walls (1304, see Figure 12). Figure 12 shows a schematic representation of the structure of the display rack of Figure 11, analogous to Figure 9. The display rack is transformed from a transport state (Figure 12A) to an intended arrangement (Figure 12N).
A telescopically arranged side wall (1304) comprises (see Figure 13): a frame (1307, 1311); Two extending elements (1306) each comprising recesses; and • an attachment system (1308, 1309, 1310, 1314) comprising two relative to each other movable attachment elements (1314).
The frame (1307, 1311) consists of a frame frame (1307) and two elongated bars (1311). The two elongated bars (1311) each have one or more openings at the top for passing an elongated connecting element (1322). The frame frame (1307) also comprises holes at a top for feeding the elongated connection element (1322). The attachment system (1308, 1309, 1310, 1314) comprises a transfer element (1308), two springs (1310), and an upper beam (1309). The top bar is provided for feeding through the connection element (1322). The attachment system (1308, 1309, 1310, 1314) can be inserted into the frame frame (1307). The elongated bars (1311) can also be inserted into the frame frame (1307). Subsequently, the whole (1305) can pass through the connecting element (1322) through the openings provided for this in the frame frame (1307), the elongated bars (1311) and the upper beam (1309), as well as through corresponding sliding recesses (1321). the upper shelf can be slidably attached to the upper shelf. By relative movement of the transfer element (1308) with respect to the frame (1307, 1311), with compression of said springs (1310), the suturing elements are displaced and the extendable elements (1306) can be moved over the elongated rods (1311). Via a protruding element (1312) the sliding of an extending element (1306) of an elongated rod (1311) can be prevented. The attachment elements can be positioned in the recesses of the extension elements (1306) for fixation of the extension elements (1306) relative to the frame (1307, 1311). By relative movement of the transfer element (1308) with respect to the frame (1307, 1311), with compression of said springs (1310), the adhesion elements are removed from the recesses and the extend elements (1306) can be moved over the elongated rods (1311) to the extent that the protrusion elements (1312) allow this.
Each of the bottom board (1303), the intermediate boards (1302), and the top board (1301) comprises a cover plate of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene and an aluminum frame (1 320, 1 323, 1 324, 1325, 1 326). The aluminum frame of the top shelf (1301) and the intermediate shelves (1302) comprises the said sliding recesses (1321) for the passage of a connecting element (1322). The aluminum frame of the bottom shelf (1303) and the intermediate shelves (1302) further comprises a pair of fasteners, each fastener comprising four hinge openings (1324) for hingedly securing the extendable elements (1306) of a side wall with two elongated connection systems (1313) on the fastener. The hinge openings (1324) are further configured for partially sinking the side wall into the shelf essentially perpendicular to the shelf. Because the recessed sections are at least partially surrounded by the board, they are positioned stably. The aluminum frame of the bottom shelf (1303) and the intermediate shelves (1302) further comprises a locking system (1325, 1326) for preventing lifting of the recessed sidewall from the shelf when telescoping the sidewall. The locking system is accessible through openings (1393, 1393 ") in the corresponding cover plates.
The cover plate of the top shelf (1301) further comprises four recesses (1392) for the sunken positioning of the wheels of another display rack with the same wheel positioning. This is illustrated in Figure 17A. Multiple layers of display racks in transport condition can in this way be stacked on a standard pallet (1704). The shelves of the display rack comprise an essentially rectangular top side. Each of the tops includes an essentially the same length dimension and an essentially the same width dimension. The dimensions are suitable for covering at least 95% of the bearing surface of a standard pallet with a whole number of non-overlapping rectangles with this length and width dimension. The ledge (1330) of the bottom shelf (1303) comprises a rectangular shape with a length dimension of approximately 600 mm and a width dimension of approximately 400 mm, so that four display racks can be placed side by side on a standard pallet of approximately 800 mm at approximately 1200 mm . The standard pallet (1704) is preferably provided with a pallet cover plate (1705) with recesses or openings corresponding to the wheel positioning of four adjacent racks.
Furthermore, such a standard pallet (1704) with pallet cover plate (1705) can also be used for transporting four adjacent filled display racks (see figure 17B). The filled display racks can herein be provided with a housing (602, 603; see figure 14) and / or a protective cover (1710). Furthermore, a lined and filled display rack can be surrounded with straps (1711), for example made of plastic. In one embodiment, the housing (602, 603) comprises cardboard. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the housing comprises plastic, more preferably expanded polystyrene, such as, for example, Archi-foam.
Preferably, the standard pallet (1704) comprises a transponder comprising a location sensor, a temperature sensor, a shock sensor, a weight sensor, a wireless communication module, and a tangible non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for logging sensor data when the module cannot communicate with a gateway. Preferably the standard pallet (1704) is an Ahrma pallet. EXAMPLE 7
This example relates to a modification of the display rack from example 6, wherein the display rack comprises a cooling installation. The cooling installation is preferably at the bottom of the display rack, but can alternatively also be at the top. In yet another embodiment, each shelf is provided with a cooling element.
Figure 15 shows the modifications with respect to the display rack described in example 6. The display rack comprises a cooling installation (1540) at the bottom. The display rack includes the same top shelf (1301) and modified intermediate shelves (1502). The modified intermediate boards (1502) include a grated set of openings (1541) for air flow on a first side (of the cover plate). Furthermore, the modified intermediate boards can also comprise on a second side opposite the first side a second provision (1542) for air flow. This second feature may comprise a gridded set of openings, but may alternatively also comprise a single opening. The cooling installation (1540) preferably comprises a pair of recesses (1545) suitable as a handle, a control panel (1543), a grid (1544) for external air flow, and flow-through screens (1546) corresponding to the screened set of openings (1541), and if present the second provision (1542), for air flow. A modified housing (1550) can shield the control panel (1551) but leave the external air flow grid (1544) at least partially uncovered. Preferably, the display rack also includes a ledge (1330) just above the wheels (1390, 1391) for supporting the housing.
The cooling installation preferably comprises a rechargeable battery, so that the cooling installation can also provide cooling during transport of a lined and filled display rack. EXAMPLE 8
Figure 16 shows an embodiment of a cooling installation for a display rack according to the present invention.
The cooling installation includes an evaporator (1604) including fans (1607), an evaporator housing (1613) housing including an evaporator cover plate (1614), a compressor (1605), and a condenser (1602) including a fan (1621). Furthermore, the cooling installation comprises a battery (1608) and a controller (1606). The cooling installation also comprises a housing comprising an upper plate (1601) comprising a flow-through grid, a removable front grid (1603) attachable via magnets (1612), handles (1611), wheels with (1609) and without (1610) brake, a drainage plug ( 1615), and a connection plug (1616) for a charging cord. The cooling installation further comprises also a coolant, such as e.g. R290. EXAMPLE 9
This example describes an embodiment of a display system for mechanically setting up, coating, and filling a display rack. Someone with ordinary knowledge in the field will appreciate that the same system and / or an analog system can be used to dismantle and collapse a display rack.
The display system comprises a set-up system and a filling system.
A stack of display racks is delivered in the transport condition on a standard pallet (1704), as described in example 6. A column of the standard pallet is driven off the pallet and delivered to the set-up system. First, the column is de-stacked by lifting the second lower display rack and moving the lower display rack. The moved display rack is then erected by clamping pairs of adjacent shelves and moving them vertically relative to each other. The side walls hereby automatically at least partially straighten out when moving said neighboring boards vertically relative to each other. A pair of arms hooks into a cavity, preferably a cavity on the attachment system, of each of the side walls to completely straighten the side walls. The vertical forces due to the relative vertical displacement are, after all, essentially perpendicular to the desired sliding direction of the sliding attachment once the side walls have almost but not been fully straightened. The side walls are then at least partially sunk in the underlying shelf and locked. Said arms, or another pair of arms, displaces the attachment system relative to the frame for each of the pair of side walls, and the side walls are telescopically extended. This process is repeated from top to bottom until the intended arrangement of the display rack is achieved.
Optionally, in the intended arrangement, the display rack is coated with the kit housing prior to filling the display rack.
The filling system comprises a forming platform with a size corresponding to the fillable part of a shelf of the display rack. The products are pushed from a production line row by row onto the forming platform. The filling system further comprises a robot gripper comprising a fork plate. The fork carriage can take the entire layer from the forming platform. The gripper is also provided with upright smooth edges which act as a guide funnel when placing the layer in a compartment of the display rack. The robot brings the fork gripper with products on it into the box. The front of the grab is tapered by means of flexible plastic strips. This prevents the gripper from getting stuck when it is entered in the compartment. The front of the grapple remains with a plate at the front of the compartment, while the fork board with side walls is pulled back from the compartment. The products are placed in the box in this way. The robot starts with the lower compartment and then loads the other compartments of the display rack in a similar way. EXAMPLE 10
As an alternative to example 9, a display rack may itself comprise a mounting system. The mounting system may include motors, e.g. motors capable of generating a torque in the hinged attachment of a side wall for mounting or collapsing the side walls. The set-up system can thus include the necessary actuators for each of the operations (including mounting side walls, sinking side walls, locking side walls, telescoping side walls).
Furthermore, an application can be provided for a user device (e.g. a smartphone) for sending a composing message to a module for wireless communication of the display rack. Upon receipt of the set-up message, the actuators are then suitably driven to set up the display rack into an intended set-up. Preferably, the set-up message comprises information regarding the desired intended set-up.

权利要求:
Claims (15)
[1]
CONCLUSI ES
A display rack for displaying goods, the display rack comprising a first shelf (101), a second shelf (102) and a pair of telescopically arranged side walls (103), the display rack configured for hinged attachment (105) of the side walls to the first shelf and sliding attachment (104) from the side walls to the second shelf.
[2]
2. Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, the display rack comprising the pair of side walls for supporting the second shelf, each of the side walls comprising a bottom edge and a top edge, wherein - the first shelf is adapted for hingedly fixing both bottom edges of the pair of side walls; - the second shelf is arranged for sliding attachment of both upper edges of the pair of side walls; and - each of the side walls is telescopically arranged to adjust at least two different distances between the lower edge and the upper edge, wherein the pair of side walls hingedly attached to the first shelf and slidably attached to the second shelf comprise a support condition, the side walls being essentially are perpendicular to both boards, the pair of side walls foldable towards each other from the supporting position.
[3]
3. Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first shelf comprises a pair of fastening means, each fastening means comprising two or more, preferably four, hinge openings for hingedly fitting a side wall to the side wall with one or more, preferably two, elongated connection systems. fastener, wherein the hinge openings of the fastener are further configured to partially sink the side wall into the first shelf essentially perpendicular to the first shelf.
[4]
The display rack according to the preceding claim 3, wherein the display rack comprises a locking system for preventing lifting of the recessed side wall from the first shelf when telescoping the side wall.
[5]
Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a telescopically arranged side wall: - a frame; - one or more extension elements comprising recesses, the one or more extension elements extendable with respect to the frame; and - an attachment system comprising two mutually displaceable bonding elements, the bonding system being configured to be attached to the frame and to secure the frame relative to the one or more extension elements by placing the bonding elements in recesses of the one or more extension elements.
[6]
Display rack according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three, and preferably four, wheels, preferably one or more of the wheels comprising a braking system.
[7]
Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the first and the second board each comprise an essentially rectangular top side, each of the rectangular top sides essentially comprising the same length dimension and the same width dimension, the dimensions suitable for covering at least 90% of the bearing surface of a standard pallet with a whole number of non-overlapping rectangles with these lengths and width dimensions.
[8]
Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the first shelf, the second shelf and the side walls comprises a metal or an alloy, preferably steel or aluminum.
[9]
9. Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, the display rack comprising a communication module and at least one of a weighing sensor, a temperature sensor, a location sensor, a gas sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, an eye detection system, a camera, a Wi-Fi tracker, a Bluetooth low energy beacon, a promotional chip, and an electronic price display.
[10]
10. Display rack as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the display rack comprises a cooling installation.
[11]
11. Kit comprising a display rack according to any one of the preceding claims and a housing for the display rack, the display rack comprising an intended arrangement, the kit adapted to attach the housing to the display rack in the intended arrangement, the housing comprising an advertising wall, the advertising wall suitable for at least partially covering the shelves and / or the side walls of the display rack in the intended arrangement, the advertising wall of the attached housing further configured to take products from at least one of the shelves.
[12]
12. Method for spacing a first and a second shelf for displaying goods, the method comprising the steps of: - providing two side walls for spaced support of the second shelf on the first shelf, the second shelf positioned on the first shelf, the side walls positioned between the first and the second boards, the side walls substantially parallel to both boards, each of the side walls including a first edge and a second edge; - exerting an upward force on the second board and thereby for at least one of the side walls: a. sliding the first edge essentially parallel to a surface of one of the two boards; and / or b. rotating the side wall about an axis of rotation, the axis of rotation essentially coaxial with the second edge and essentially parallel to a surface of one of the two boards; and / or c. changing the distance between the first and the second edge.
[13]
Method according to the preceding claim 12, wherein the sliding (step a.) And the rotation (step b.) Are carried out simultaneously and for both side walls until both side walls are positioned substantially perpendicular to both boards, after which the changing of the distance between the first and the second edge (step c.) for both side walls is performed simultaneously.
[14]
A method according to the preceding claim 13, wherein said steps are performed by machine.
[15]
A method according to any one of the preceding claims 12 to 14 for spacing the first and the second shelf of a display rack according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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同族专利:

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公开号 | 公开日

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NL2017976B1|2017-12-14|

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NL2020062B1|2021-10-14|

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法律状态:

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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NL2017976A|NL2017976B1|2016-12-12|2016-12-12|Foldable display rack with hinged and TELESCOPICALLY FURNISHED SIDE WALLS AND METHOD FOR LAYING THEM|

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