WO2011058248A1

WO2011058248A1 - Variable-geometry display

Info

Publication number: WO2011058248A1
Application number: PCT/FR2010/000756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-François THOMAS; Jacques Bertheau; Philippe Berthaud
Original assignee: Hym
Priority date: 2009-11-12
Filing date: 2010-11-12
Publication date: 2011-05-19
Also published as: WO2011058246A1; FR2952288B1; EP2498648A1; FR2952287B1; EP2498648B1; FR2952288A1; FR2952287A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a variable-geometry display (1b) comprising a first element (10b) provided with a pivot link that enables it to be inclined between angularly different "first" and "second" positions. The display (1b) is noteworthy in that it comprises a second and a third element (20b, 30b) that are connected to the first element (10b) and to the second element (20b), respectively, by second and third pivot links that are arranged such that the horizontal space requirement of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) is approximately the same when said module is in said "first" position, said second element (20b) is in an "aligned" position and said third element (30b) is in a "complementary, folded" position, and when said module is in said "second" position, said second element (20b) is in a "folded" position and said third element (30b) is in a "complementary, aligned" position.

Description

EVOLUTIVE VARIABLE GEOMETRY DISPLAY

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.

Also known from British Patent Application GB 1 225 168, an adjustable display including a first member provided with a first pivot connection coupled to a support, a second member coupled to the first member by a pivot connection and a third member. coupled to the second element by a slide connection and the support by a pivot connection. This adjustable display allows the first, second and third elements to occupy different positions for the same horizontal size.

Finally, US Pat. No. 5,531,159 discloses a telescopic structure for shelves comprising, in particular, support arms coupled together by a double slide connection, the end of which allows pivoting of the arms relative to one another.

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 having a variable geometry, in particular for fruit and vegetables, this display unit comprising at least one presentation module able 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 allowing the inclination of the module relative to the support between at least a "first" and a "second" angularly separate 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 ns 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.

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 capable of cooperating with complementary catching 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 FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are schematic side views of the presentation module according to the invention in three configurations of FIG. different use, on which parts are shown transparent.

In general, 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 crates 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 product container 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 regardless of the flatness of the ground 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 FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the display unit 1b with variable geometry according to the invention comprises a first element 10b, a second element 20b and a third element 30b_ in the form of a profile having a U-shaped section whose 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 10a in the second element 20b. Similarly, the section of the third element 30b is larger than those of the second element 20b to accommodate the third element 30b in the second element 20b. .

The first element 10b is provided, at its left end, with a pivot connection of axis Ab making it possible to connect the first element 10b to a support (not shown) and allowing the inclination around the axis Ab of the first element 10b by relationship to support between at least:

a "first" position, illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the first element 10b coincides with the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab, and

a "second" position illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the first element 10b is inclined at an angle ab relative 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 each other 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 the figures 1, 3, wherein the second member 20b is in alignment with the first member 10b and a "folded" position, illustrated in FIG. which the second element 20b defines with the first element 10b an angle | 3b other than 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 element 20b each comprise a rounded cutout 12b, 22b defining the primary and secondary blocking shapes. The two rounded cutouts 12b, 22b are spaced from the axis Bb of the second pivot connection of the same interval. Thus, when the second element 20b is in the "aligned" position with respect to the first element 10b, the rounded cutouts 12b, 22b are therefore opposite one another.

The display unit lb also comprises an arm 4, retractable, pivotally mounted relative to an axis Db bonded to the support (not shown). The free end of the arm 4 has a shape compatible with those of the rounded cutouts 12b, 22b 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 relative 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 unit lb and connected to each other 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 an "aligned complementary" position, illustrated by the FIGS. 1, 3, in which the third element 30b is in alignment with the second element 20b and a "complementary folded" position, illustrated by FIG. 1, in which the third element 30b defines with the second element 20b an angle (f > b different from 180 °. "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 unit 1b illustrated in FIG. 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 "complementary folded" position in which it defines with the second element 20b an angle gb other than 180 °. In this first configuration, the arm 4 is at rest and hangs under the rack 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 unit 1b illustrated in FIG. 2, the first element 10b is in the first position in which it is merged 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, with respect to the first element 10b, an angle β different from 180 °, the third element 30b is in the "aligned complementary" position in which it is in alignment with the second element 20b. The third element 30b is held 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 20b. In this second configuration, the arm 4 is at rest and hangs under the display 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 footprint occupied by the first, second and third elements 10b, 20b, 30b in this second configuration is illustrated by the horizontal distance D2 separating 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 unit lb is therefore the same in the first configuration.

In the third configuration of the display unit 1b illustrated in FIG. 3, the first element 10b is in the "second" position in which the first element 10b is inclined at an angle ab with respect to the horizontal plane passing through the axis Ab. 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 12b, 22b to maintain the first and second elements 10b, 20b in their respective positions. The "aligned complementary" 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 unit lb is therefore the same in the first, second and third configurations.

In still 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 Dl, D2 and D3 are at all times substantially equal Thus, the display unit will have a fixed floor space, not only during certain predetermined positions, but also between these predetermined positions.To do this, the display can include a rear support provided with guide means connected to the free end of the third element, for example a slide in which circulates a finger 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 of variable geometry according to the invention can thus 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

1 - Displays (lb) variable geometry including fruit and vegetables, said display unit (lb) comprising at least one presentation module adapted to receive said fruits and vegetables, said module comprising a first element (10a) provided with a first connection pivot adapted to be coupled to a support to allow the inclination of said module relative to said support between at least a "first" and a "second" angularly distinct positions, said display (1b) also comprising locking means (4) capable of blocking said module in at least one of said "first" and "second" positions, characterized in that said module comprises a second element (20b) connected to said first element (10b) by hinge means arranged so that at least said second element (20b) is inclinable relative to said first element (10b) between at least one "aligned" position in which said second element (20b) is an extension of said first element (10b) and a "folded" position in which said second element (20b) defines an angle different from 180 ° with respect to said first element (10b), said articulation means including a second pivot connection provided between said first element (10b); and second elements (10b, 20b), in that said module comprises at least a third element (30b) coupled to said second element (20b) by said articulation means comprising a third pivot connection provided between said second and third elements (20b). , 30b), said third pivot connection being arranged to allow the inclination of said third element (30b) with respect to said second element (20b) between at least one "complementary aligned" position in which said third element (30b) is in the extension said second element (20b) and a "folded complementary" position in which said third element (30b) defines an angle different from 180 ° with respect to said second element (20b), said articulation means being arranged so that the horizontal space of 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 member (20b) is in said "folded" position and said third member (30b) is in said "complementary aligned" position.

2 - Display (Ib) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said hinge means are arranged so that the horizontal dimension of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) is substantially identical in at least two of 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 one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said locking means comprise at least one arm (4) retractable pivotally mounted relative to said support and provided with attachment means adapted to cooperate with complementary catching means provided on at least one of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) so as to block said module in at least one of said "first" and "second" positions and one at least one of said second, third elements (20b, 30b) in at least one of said "aligned", "aligned aligned", "folded",

"complementary folded".

4 - Display (Ib) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least two of said first, second and third elements (10b, 20b, 30b) respectively comprise at least one form of primary blocking (12b), secondary (22b) , tertiary, oriented towards said arm (4) and arranged to be in alignment with each other in the "aligned" or "complementary aligned" position, said primary (12b), secondary (22b) blocking shapes , Tertiary being able to receive the free end of said arm (4) to maintain said "aligned" or "complementary aligned" position.

5 - Display according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support comprises a frame and said module comprises a frame, said frame and said frame being each formed by a tubular structure.

6 - Display according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said module comprises a plurality of substantially planar plates, adjacent and whose dimensions allow the pivoting of at least one of said second, third elements with respect respectively to said first, second elements.

7 - Display according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of said first, second, third element is provided with a lateral return intended to serve as a stop for said fruits and vegetables carried by said display.

8 - Display according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a rear support provided with guide means connected to the free end of the third element (30b), arranged so that the horizontal space is at each moment substantially identical.