EP2498648B1 - Variable-geometry display - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a display with variable geometry used especially for the presentation of fruits and vegetables.

Item displays are commonly used in markets and stores to present products for sale to customers. In the particular case of fruits and vegetables, they can be placed in crates placed on these displays or removed and placed directly on the display to obtain a mass effect. In a nonlimiting manner, the remainder of the description focuses more particularly on the presentation of fruits and vegetables. It is obvious that the invention relates to a display allowing the presentation of any other type of articles.

Known displays are most often in the form of a tubular structure defining a frame provided with feet and carrying a presentation frame provided with one or more presentation trays on which the fruits and vegetables are arranged. As required, the presentation trays are horizontal or inclined. In the first case, the feet of the frame have the same height. In the second case, the front legs (for example) of the frame are shorter than the rear legs so that the presentation tray is inclined. It can also be provided that the feet are all the same length and that the inclination is obtained by a presentation frame whose heights at the front and rear are different. Fruits and vegetables thus presented and offered for sale are more visible, and the visual surface they occupy more important. It is thus possible, by playing on the selective use of flat or inclined displays, to vary the ambiances, to create presentation dynamics as well than areas of greater impact. The length of the frame, the number of its feet and presentation trays are adapted according to the configuration of the location and the quantity of articles to present. In some cases, the presentation trays are replaced by bins sized so as to be embedded in the presentation frame. Displays can be moved and sometimes have retractable wheels for easy handling. Thus, the store or the presentation booth can be organized and refitted at will. During these rearrangements, it is important that the floor space of the displays is identical and constant. It is thus possible in particular to anticipate the pace of the presentation area and the width of the passage areas between the displays. Among the displays currently offered there are two types of displays, horizontal displays and tilting displays. The tilting displays include a presentation tray connected by a pivot connection to the frame and allowing the inclination of the presentation tray between a "flat" position and one or more position (s) "inclined (s)". The presentation tray is locked in each position "inclined" by an arm articulated relative to the rear part of the frame, and whose free end is housed in one of the notches provided under the presentation tray. This display can be adjusted to different inclinations.

Horizontal displays and tilting displays often have different floor sizes and are difficult to organize optimally. In addition, it is understood that the floor space of the tilting displays varies according to the inclination of the presentation trays which makes it difficult or impossible to provide a varied presentation of fruits and vegetables while organizing booths presenting a certain homogeneity and a visual unity.

It is also known from the British patent application GB 1,225,168 , an adjustable display including a first member having a first pivot connection coupled to a support, a second member coupled to the first member by a pivot link and a third member coupled to the second member by a slide link and the support by a pivot link . This adjustable display allows the first, second and third elements to occupy different positions for the same horizontal size.

We finally know about the American patent US5,531,159 a telescopic structure for shelves comprising in particular support arms coupled together by a double slide connection, the end of one of which allows pivoting of the arms relative to each other.

The present invention aims to provide a variable geometry display alternative allowing with a single product to present articles in different configurations, flat, inclined, while having a constant footprint between each of these configurations.

The invention relates to a display with variable geometry for fruits and vegetables, this display having at least one presentation module adapted to receive fruits and vegetables, the module comprising a first element provided with a first pivot link capable of being coupled to a support for authorizing the inclination of the module relative to the support between at least a "first" and a "second" angularly distinct positions, the display also comprising locking means able to block the module in at least one of " first "and" second "positions. This display is remarkable in this that the module comprises a second element connected to the first element by hinge means arranged so that at least said second element is inclinable relative to the first element between at least one "aligned" position in which the second element is in the extension of the first element and a "folded" position in which the second element defines an angle different from 180 ° with respect to the first element, the articulation means comprising a second pivot connection provided between the first and second elements, in that the module comprises at least one third element coupled to the second element by the articulation means comprising a third pivot connection provided between the second and third elements, the third pivot connection being arranged to allow the inclination of the third element relative to the second element to least one "complementary aligned" position in which the third element is s the extension of the second element and a "complementary folded" position in which the third element defines an angle different from 180 ° relative to the second element, the hinge means being arranged so that the horizontal space of the first, second and third elements is substantially identical when the module is in the "first" position, the second element is in the "aligned" position and the third element is in the "complementary folded" position, and when the module is in the "second" position, the second element is in the "folded" position and the third element is in the "complementary aligned" position.

In the present application, it is considered that the horizontal space corresponds to the projection on a substantially horizontal plane of the bulk of parts that can be raised. Similarly, we consider that a horizontal distance corresponds to the projection on a plane substantially horizontal by a distance that can be composed of parts that can be inclined.

• le module est dans la "première" position, le second élément est dans la position "pliée" et le troisième élément est dans l'une des positions "complémentaire pliée", "complémentaire alignée",
• le module est dans la "première" position, le second élément est dans la position "alignée" et le troisième élément est dans l'une des positions "complémentaire pliée", "complémentaire alignée",
• le module est dans la "seconde" position, le second élément est dans la position "pliée" et le troisième élément est dans l'une des positions "complémentaire pliée", "complémentaire alignée",
• le module est dans la "seconde" position, le second élément est dans la position "alignée" et le troisième élément est dans l'une des positions "complémentaire pliée", "complémentaire alignée".

Particularly advantageously, the hinge means are arranged so that the horizontal space of said first, second and third elements is substantially identical in at least two of the following configurations:

• the module is in the "first" position, the second element is in the "folded" position and the third element is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,
• the module is in the "first" position, the second element is in the "aligned" position and the third element is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,
• the module is in the "second" position, the second element is in the "folded" position and the third element is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,
• the module is in the "second" position, the second element is in the "aligned" position and the third element is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions.

The locking means advantageously comprise at least one retractable arm pivotally mounted relative to the support and provided with hooking means adapted to cooperate with complementary clipping means provided on at least one of the first, second and third elements in order to blocking the module in at least one of the "first" and "second" positions and at least one of the second, third elements in at least one of "aligned", "aligned aligned", "folded", "complementary folded".

Preferably, at least two of the first, second and third members respectively have at least one primary, secondary, tertiary, arm-facing and arranged to align with each other in the "aligned" or "aligned" position, said primary, secondary, tertiary blocking shapes being adapted to receive the free end of said arm to maintain said "aligned" or "complementary aligned" position.

The support may comprise a frame and the module comprises a frame, the frame and the frame being each formed by a tubular structure.

Similarly, the module may comprise a plurality of substantially planar, adjacent plates whose dimensions allow the pivoting of at least one of the second, third elements relative to the first and second elements, respectively.

Advantageously, at least one of the first, second and third elements is provided with a lateral return intended to serve as a stop for the fruits and vegetables carried by the display stand.

The display can comprise a rear support provided with guide means connected to the free end of the third element, arranged so that the horizontal dimension is, at each moment, substantially identical.

The invention is described below, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic side views of the presentation module according to the invention in three different configurations of use, on which the parts are shown transparent.

Generally speaking, the variable geometry display unit according to the invention is intended to serve as a support for all types of articles and in particular for articles presented in boxes or in bulk such as, for example, fruits and vegetables. The display can of course be used to present other types of articles such as for example books, shoes.

This display comprises a presentation module to be fixed on a support relative to which it is pivotally mounted via a first pivot connection.

The presentation module is for example formed of a tubular structure .used in combination with crates, bins or any other container of products that can be embedded in the tubular structure. This tubular structure is for example made of mechanically welded and can be used in combination with panels arranged on its upper part and on which the products can be placed in bulk directly or in containers.

The presentation module can be coupled by the pivot connection to any type of existing or dedicated support module presentation, for example a wall, a base or a frame formed of a tubular structure, for example welded. This frame may comprise rigidly connected feet, for example by means of sleepers. One of the feet may be provided with adjustment means allowing the adjustment of its length so that the display can be installed stably whatever the flatness of the soil on which it is placed. The front and / or side faces of the support may be provided with panels bearing a decoration or an advertisement. In the following description, it will be assumed that the presentation module is used in combination with a support in the form of a tubular frame. This frame is represented only schematically by means of the axis of the pivot connection connecting the presentation module to the support.

With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 , the display 1b with variable geometry according to the invention comprises a first element 10 b, a second member 20 b and a third element 30 b is in the shape of profile with a U-section, the free end of the bars is oriented downwards. The section of the second element 20b is larger than those of the first element 10b to accommodate the first element 10b in the second element 20b . Similarly, the third element section 30b is of larger dimensions than the second element 20b for accommodating the third member 30 b in the second member 20 b.

• une "première" position, illustrée par les figures 1 et 2, dans laquelle le premier élément 10b est confondu au plan horizontal passant par l'axe Ab, et
• une "seconde" position illustrée par la figure 3, dans laquelle le premier élément 10b est incliné d'un angle αb par rapport au plan horizontal passant par l'axe Ab.

The first element 10b is provided at its left end with a pivot connection axis Ab for connecting the first element 10b to a support (not shown) and allowing the inclination around the axis Ab of the first element 10b with respect to the support between at least:

• a "first" position, illustrated by the Figures 1 and 2 , in which the first element 10b coincides with the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab , and
• a "second" position illustrated by the figure 3 , wherein the first element 10b is inclined at an angle αb with respect to the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab .

It is understood that the first position can also be defined differently. This first position may for example correspond to a position in which the first element forms a defined angle with the substantially horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab.

The first and second elements 10b , 20b are connected to one another by a second pivot link Bb axis allowing the pivoting of the second element 20b relative to the first element 10b between an "aligned" position, illustrated by Figures 1, 3 wherein the second member 20b is in alignment with the first member 10b and a "folded" position, illustrated by the figure 2 , in which the second element 20b defines with the first element 10b an angle βb different from 180 °. The axis Bb is provided so as to preserve a free portion 3b in the portion of the first element 10b located on its right. This free portion 3b and the second member 20b each have a rounded cutout 12 b, 22 b defining the shapes of primary and secondary locking. The two cuts rounded 12 b, 22 b are spaced from the axis Bb of the second pivot connection of the same interval. Thus, when the second member 20 b is in the position "aligned" with respect to the first element 10b, the rounded cut-outs 12 b, 22 b are thus facing one another.

The display 1b also comprises an arm 4, retractable, pivotally mounted relative to an axis Db connected to the support (not shown). The free end of the arm 4 has a form compatible with those of rounded cutouts 12 b, 22 b so as to be housed therein. As further details, in this configuration, the arm 4 simultaneously blocks the second arm 20b in its aligned position with respect to the first arm 10b and the first arm 10b in its second position relative to the support. The arm 4 may be double and have two branches disposed on either side of the display 1b and interconnected by a cross member (not shown).

The second and third elements 20b , 30b are connected to each other by a third pivot connection Cb axis allowing the pivoting of the third element 30b relative to the second element 20b between a "complementary aligned" position , illustrated by Figures 1, 3 wherein the third member 30b is in alignment with the second member 20b and a "folded complementary" position, illustrated by the figure 1 Wherein the third element 30 b defines with the second member 20 b φb an angle different from 180 °. The position "Complementary folded" may be defined by a stop integrated in the pivot connection, a pin or other equivalent means such as for example a retractable arm. This "complementary folded" position can also be delimited by a fixed wall, for example linked to the support.

In the first configuration of the display 1b illustrated by the figure 1 , the first element 10b is in the "first" position in which it coincides with the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab of the first pivot connection, the second element 20b is in the "aligned" position in which it is in alignment with the first element 10b , the third element 30b is in the "folded complementary" position in which it defines with the second element 20b an angle φb other than 180 °. In this first configuration, the arm 4 is at rest and hangs under the display 1. The footprint occupied by the first, second and third elements 10b , 20b , 30b in this first configuration is illustrated by the horizontal distance D1 separating the opposite ends of the first and third elements 10b , 30b .

In the second configuration of the display rack 1b illustrated by the figure 2 the first element 10b is in the first position in which it coincides with the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab of the first pivot connection, the second element 20b is in the "folded" position in which it defines, by relative to the first element 10b, a βb angle different from 180 °, the third element 30 b is in the "complementary aligned" position in which it is in alignment with the second member 20 b. The third element 30b is maintained in this "complementary aligned" position for example by its support against the second element 20b . For this purpose, the third element 30b can be further extended beyond the third axis Cb so that its end comes to bear inside the profile forming the second element 20 b . In this second configuration, the arm 4 is at rest and hangs under the rack 1. The "folded" position of the second element 20b is for example maintained by means of a foot (not shown) disposed between the second element 20b and the support. The floor space occupied by the first, second and third members 10 b, 20 b, 30 b in this second configuration is illustrated by the horizontal distance D2 between the opposite ends of the first and third elements 10b, 30b. The horizontal distance D2 is substantially similar to the horizontal distance D1 . The size of the display 1b is therefore the same in the first configuration.

In the third configuration of the display 1b illustrated by the figure 3 the first element 10b is in the "second" position in which the first element 10b is inclined at an angle αb with respect to the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab , the second element 20b is in the "aligned" position in which it is in alignment with the first element 10b and the third element 30b is in the "aligned complementary" position in which it is in alignment with the second element 20b . In this third configuration, the arm 4 is raised, its end is housed in the rounded cutouts 12 b, 22 b for holding the first and second members 10b, 20b in their respective positions. The "complementary aligned" position of the third element 30b with respect to the second element 20b is maintained as described in the previous configuration. The footprint occupied by the first, second and third elements 10b , 20b , 30b in this first configuration is illustrated by the horizontal distance D3 separating the opposite ends of the first and third elements 10b , 30b . The horizontal distance D3 is substantially similar to the horizontal distances D1 and D2. The size of the display 1b is therefore the same in the first, second and third configurations.

In yet another embodiment not shown, the variable geometry display according to the invention is arranged so that during the passage between the first, second and third configurations, the horizontal distances D1 , D2 and D3 are at each moment substantially equal between -they. Thus, the display will have a fixed footprint, not only at certain predetermined positions, but also between these predetermined positions. To do this, the display can comprise a rear support provided with guide means connected to the free end of the third element, for example a slide in which a finger is coupled to the free end of the third element.

Optionally, one of the elements, for example the first element can be provided with a lateral return intended to serve as a stop for fruits and vegetables, especially in the second position of the first element to prevent the fall of fruits and vegetables .

The display with variable geometry according to the invention can therefore occupy a predetermined floor space and fixed in different positions which facilitates its use and its location in sales places.

It is understood that the examples described are only particular illustrations and in no way limiting the fields of application of the invention. Those skilled in the art may provide arrangements of size, shape and material to the particular embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (8)

1. Variable-geometry display (1b) in particular for fruit and vegetables, said display (1 b) including at least one display module capable of receiving said fruit and vegetables, said module including a first element (10b) provided with a first pivot link capable of being coupled to a support to enable the inclination of said module relative to said support between at least a "first" and a "second" position which are angularly different, said display (1b) also including locking means (4) capable of locking said module in at least one of said "first" and "second" positions, characterised in that said module includes a second element (20b) linked to said first element (10b) by articulation means arranged so that at least said second element (20b) can be inclined relative to said first element (10b) between at least an "aligned" position in which said second element (20b) is in the extension of said first element (10b) and a "folded" position in which said second element (20b) defines an angle different from 180° relative to said first element (10b), said articulation means including a second pivot link provided between said first and second elements (10b, 20b), in that said module includes at least a third element (30b) coupled to said second element (20b) by said articulation means including a third pivot link provided between said second and third elements (20b, 30b), said third pivot link being arranged so as to enable the inclination of said third element (30b) relative to said second element (20b) between at least a "complementary aligned" position in which said third element (30b) is in the extension of said second element (20b) and a "complementary folded" position in which said third element (30b) defines an angle different from 180° relative to said second element (20b), said articulation means being arranged so that the horizontal space required by said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) is substantially identical when said module is in said "first" position, said second element (20b) is in said "aligned" position and said third element (30b) is in said "complementary folded" position, and when said module is in said "second" position, said second element (20b) is in said "folded" position and said third element (30b) is in said "complementary aligned" position.
2. Display (1b) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said articulation means are arranged so that horizontal space required by said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) is substantially identical in at least two of the following configurations:

   - said module is in said "first" position, said second element (20b) is in said "folded" position and the third element (30b) is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,

   - said module is in said "first" position, said second element (20b) is in said "aligned" position and the third element (30b) is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,

   - said module is in said "second" position, said second element (20b) is in said "folded" position and the third element (30b) is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions,

   - said module is in said "second" position, said second element (20b) is in said "aligned" position and the third element (30b) is in one of the "complementary folded", "complementary aligned" positions.
3. Display (1b) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said locking means include at least one retractable arm (4) mounted pivotably relative to said support and provided with engagement means capable of co-operating with complementary engagement means provided on one at least of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) in order to lock said module in at least one of said "first" and "second" positions and one at least of said second, third elements (20b, 30b) in at least one of said "aligned", "complementary aligned", "folded", "complementary folded" positions.
4. Display (1b) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that at least two of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) include respectively at least one primary (12b), secondary (22b), tertiary locking forms, oriented towards said arm (4) and arranged so as to be in alignment with one another in the "aligned" or "complementary aligned" position, said primary (12b), secondary (22b), tertiary locking forms being capable of receiving the free end of said arm (4) in order to maintain said "aligned" or "complementary aligned" position.
5. Display according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said support includes a frame and said module includes a chassis, said frame and said chassis each being formed by a tubular structure.
6. Display according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said module includes a plurality of adjacent, substantially planar shelves having dimensions enabling the pivoting of at least one of said second, third elements relative to said first, second elements respectively.
7. Display according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of said first, second, third elements is provided with a lateral shoulder intended to serve as an abutment for said fruit and vegetables carried by said display.
8. Display according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it includes a rear support provided with guide means linked to the free end of the third element (30b), arranged so that the horizontal space required is substantially identical at any moment.

Images