U.S. patent application number 12/322850 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for fitting for a sales counter and/or a display counter for merchandise.
Invention is credited to Franz Kallos.
Application Number | 20100201231 12/322850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42539843 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100201231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kallos; Franz |
August 12, 2010 |
Fitting for a sales counter and/or a display counter for
merchandise
Abstract
A fitting for a sales counter includes a counter body which
receives the goods and which is delimited at least in part by a
pane. The fitting has a pivot bearing with a pivot axis which
allows the pivoting of the pane from a basic position according to
its use to a special position in which the cleaning of the pane or
the counter body and/or the filling or emptying of the counter body
are made easier. In addition, two profiles are provided, namely, a
basic profile stationarily mounted to the counter body and a pivot
profile arranged movably thereto which can be mounted on a pivot
arm and which can receive the pane. The pivot bearing can be
brought into operative connection with the basic profile and the
one end of the pivot arm, so that the movement of these components
toward each other is facilitated. The pivot axis of the pivot
bearing is arranged vertically. The invention proposes to arrange
the pane in such a manner that it does not cross the pivot axis of
the pivot bearing. Furthermore, the invention proposes that the
pivot profile encompasses the pivot arm along its longitudinal axis
and is configured here essentially self-contained.
Inventors: |
Kallos; Franz; (Warstein,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Friedrich Kueffner
Suite 910, 317 Madison Avenue
New York
NY
10017
US
|
Family ID: |
42539843 |
Appl. No.: |
12/322850 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/140.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 3/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/140.4 |
International
Class: |
A47F 9/00 20060101
A47F009/00 |
Claims
1. Fitting for a counter (10) for the sale and/or presentation of
goods, with a counter body (11), which receives the goods and which
is, at least in part, delimited by a pane (20), wherein the fitting
has a pivot bearing (40) with a pivot axis (30) which allows
pivoting of the pane (20) from a basic position according to its
intended use into a special position which facilitates the cleaning
of the pane (20) and/or of the counter body (11) or the filling
and/or emptying of the counter body, wherein, additionally, two
profiles (12, 21) are provided, namely, a stationary basic profile
(12) arranged on the counter body and a pivot profile (21) arranged
thereto in a movable manner which is positionable on a pivot arm
(31) and in which the pane (20) can be received, wherein the pivot
bearing (40) with a basic profile (12), on the one hand, and, on
the other hand, with the one end (32) of the pivot arm (31) can be
brought into operative connection and thus facilitates the movement
of these components toward each other, and wherein the pivot axis
(30) of the pivot bearing (40) is arranged vertically, wherein the
pane (20) is arranged in such a manner that it does not cross the
pivot axis (30) of the pivot bearing (40) and that the pivot
profile (21) encompasses the pivot arm (31) along its longitudinal
axis (34) and is configured herein in an essentially self-contained
manner.
2. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pivot bearing (40)
includes a bolt part (41) and a bearing part (42), wherein the bolt
part (41) and/or the bearing part (42) are at least area by area
conical-shaped.
3. The fitting according to claim 2, wherein, on the conical area
(43) of the bolt part (41) or the bearing part (42), a preferably
casing-shaped, in particular a brass casing, damping element (44)
is provided which preferably manner is arranged in a relocatable
manner along the pivot axis (30) toward the bolt part (41) or the
bearing part (42) and which dampens the swivel movements of the
bolt part (41) or the bearing part (42) according to their
positions.
4. The fitting according to claim 3, wherein for the adjustment of
the damping element (44) an adjustment element, in particular a
screw nut, is provided.
5. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pane (20) is
receivable, in particular clampable in a groove (22) of the pivot
profile (21).
6. The fitting according to claim 5, wherein at least one wedge
(23) is provided which is positionable and adjustable in the groove
(22) of the pivot profile (21), wherein an adjustment of the wedge
or wedges (23) causes a clamping and/or adjustment of the pane (20)
in the pivot profile (21).
7. The fitting according to claim 5, wherein the clamping and/or
adjustment of the pane (20) and or the repositioning of the wedge
or wedges (23) is carried out through an adjustment element (24)
like a grub screw.
8. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein at the basic profile
(12) at least a start-up shoulder (13), preferably a start-up rack
(17) is arranged, while at the pivot profile (21) or at the pivot
arm (31) at least a counter-start-up shoulder (25), preferably a
counter-start-up rack (35) is provided and that in the basic
position the start-up shoulder (13) and the counter-start-up
shoulder (25) can be brought into operative connection in such a
way that a locking of the pane (20) in the basic position occurs
and a support of the weight of the pane (20) is effected at the
shoulders (13, 25).
9. The fitting according to claim 8, wherein at least a pair of
start-up shoulder (13) and corresponding counter-start-up shoulder
(25) are arranged near the other end (33) of the pivot arm
(31).
10. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein an adjustment device
(26) is provided through which the pane (20) is adjustable
horizontally in the pivot profile (21).
11. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the counter 10 has a
cooling system to keep the displayed goods cool, and wherein an
additional impact pane (14) is provided which avoids that the cold
air from the cooling system is guided directly against the pane
(20).
12. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein a flat rod (15) is
provided at the basic profile (12) which seals the basic profile
(12) and which is connectable with the basic profile (12) in a
form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner.
13. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pane (20) and/or
the impact pane (14) have on their one side (16, 20) facing the
pivot profile (21) or the basic profile (12) a sealing profile (28)
which is configured in such a way that possible liquid like spray
water or condensation water does not flow into the counter body
(11).
14. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pane (20) and or
the impact pane (14) are arranged perpendicular or tilted, in
particular up to an angle (29) of 20.degree. to the plumb line.
15. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pane (20) is of
arcuate or planar configuration.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a fitting for a sales counter
and/or a display counter for merchandise. Such counters are used in
many fields, for example, in the area of foodstuffs. Here
merchandise like meat, sausage, cheese or fish is displayed on the
counter body. In most cases, the counter body is limited by a glass
panel which is arranged in the direction of the potential clients.
Furthermore, the counter body has to be regularly filled and
cleaned. Particularly in the area of fish counters, the counter
body is covered with ice on top of which the merchandise is
displayed. It must be possible to regularly change the ice.
Therefore, it is important that the counter body can be made easily
accessible for a service person, for example, to remove the ice, to
clean or to disinfect the counter body and to put down new ice on
top of which the merchandise can be displayed.
[0002] In this connection, DE 1 983 707 proposes to arrange the
glass panel in a profile which can be swiveled via a pivot bearing
to gain access to the counter body. Herein, the guide rail has an
H-shaped cross-section. The bearing shaft of the pivot bearing
enters from below into this H-shaped cross-section, while the
groove holding the glass panel builds the second part of the
H-shaped cross-section. It is disadvantageous in this arrangement
that, based on its basic position, the glass panel can be pivoted
on the most by 90.degree. which can cause accidents during cleaning
or refilling. Furthermore, the counter body is not easily
accessible, which is disadvantageous when filling and emptying the
counter body. In addition, bacteria and fungi can accumulate in the
area of the rotary arm below the H-shaped cross-section, which,
particularly in the area of foodstuffs, must be strictly avoided.
However, this bottom groove of the H-profile which receives the
rotary arm is not further sealed off toward the outside.
[0003] A further fitting is shown in DE 1 919 852. In this case,
the glass panel of the sales counter is arranged on the counter via
two pivot bearings. A pole on the upper side of the guide rail
serves as guide rail. Here, too, we encounter the same kind of
previously mentioned disadvantages, namely that, on the one hand,
the glass panel is only pivotable by maximally 90.degree. and, on
the other hand, the area of the pivot bearing, in particular in the
area of the pole, can scarcely be protected from dirt and
contamination, for example, also through bacteria and fungi.
Furthermore, in the above-referenced construction a support or rail
has to be provided on the top side of the counter which receives
the pivot bearing. However, this arrangement does no longer comply
with the present aesthetic standards which, in particular in the
construction of a so-called counter landscape with several counters
arranged side by side, should contain a glass area that is
preferably not interrupted by other construction parts.
[0004] Therefore, it is the object of the invention to create a
fitting for a counter, in which the glass panel can be opened more
than 90.degree. and thus allows easy filling and emptying of the
counter or the counter body. In addition, the glass panel and the
counter body should be easy to clean, whereby particularly bacteria
and/or fungi infection and build-up shall be avoided.
[0005] The glass panel is arranged in such a way that it does not
cross the pivot axis of the pivot bearing. This has the advantage
that the glass panel can be pivoted up to 180.degree. without
colliding with an eventually present frame or a top shelf. This
greatly reduces the danger of accidents, because passing persons do
not run against the opened glass panel and possibly injure
themselves.
[0006] Furthermore, the swivel profile is arranged in such a way
that the pivot arm is enclosed along its longitudinal axis. In this
area, the pivot profile is constructed essentially self-contained.
This means that no contaminations whatsoever can get to the pivot
arm or between pivot arm and pivot profile. Thus, an infection from
bacteria or fungi is prevented.
[0007] Preferably, the pivot bearing has a damping so that the
glass panel cannot be pushed open uncontrolled which could injure a
person or the glass panel could be damaged.
[0008] Additional advantages and embodiments result from the
following description, the dependent claims and the drawings.
[0009] In the drawing:
[0010] FIG. 1a is a counter in a first embodiment with the fitting
according to the invention;
[0011] FIG. 1b is a counter in a second embodiment with the fitting
according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 1c is a counter in a third embodiment with the fitting
according to the invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a counter with glass panel during the opening
process;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a fitting according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 shows a fitting according to the invention with pivot
arm;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the elements of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the elements of FIGS. 4 and 5
in an assembled state;
[0018] FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a basic profile according
to the invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a pivot profile according to the invention with
counter-run shoulder;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a basic profile according to the invention with
start-up shoulder;
[0021] FIG. 10 shows the elements from FIGS. 8 and 9 outside
operative connection;
[0022] FIG. 11 shows the elements from FIG. 10 in operative
connection;
[0023] FIG. 12 shows a fitting according to the invention with
basic profile and pivot profile in sectional view in a first
embodiment; and
[0024] FIG. 13 shows the elements from FIG. 12 in a second
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 1a shows a counter 10 with a fitting according to the
invention. It contains the pivot profile 21, which is linked via a
pivot bearing 40 on the basic profile 12, not-shown. Furthermore,
the pane 20 is visible which is positioned in front, perpendicular
and of flat configuration. In the direction of the counter body 11
one distinguishes the impact pane 14. The counter 10 as illustrated
in FIG. 1a has a cooling system to refrigerate the merchandise
displayed on the counter body 11. For this purpose, for example,
cooled air is guided through ventilation slots into the free volume
of the counter 10. In order for this cooled air not to be guided
directly onto the inside of the pane 20 and thus possibly cloud the
glass, the impact pane 14 is provided against which the cooled air
is guided.
[0026] In the present embodiment, furthermore a top shelf is
provided above on the pane 20 on top of which the goods can be
placed that were purchased by the client or where the client can
also put his/her money. This top shelf can also serve a mere
decorative or informative character, for example, by arranging
information material and/or decorative elements there.
[0027] FIG. 1b shows a further embodiment of a counter 10. One can
again distinguish the pivot profile 21 as well as the pivot bearing
40. However, in this case the pane 20 is arranged at an angle 29
and not perpendicular, as in the previous embodiment. The angle 29
usually has a value between 5.degree. and 20.degree.. The impact
pane 14 is also arranged at an angle 29 to the plumb line and runs
parallel to the pane 20.
[0028] A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 1c. In this case, the
two counters 10 already build a counter landscape. Naturally it is
possible to extend the counter landscape arbitrarily. Each of the
counters 10 has a counter body 11 as well as a pivot arm 21 pivoted
in via a pivot bearing 40. The pane 20 of the counter 10 as
illustrated on the right side in FIG. 1c is here of arcuated
configuration. This serves aesthetic purposes and possibly also
spacial purposes. In this case, the panes 20 can be of concave or
convex configuration. In general, every imaginable form of the pane
20 is possible.
[0029] The more detailed composition of the fitting according to
the invention is made clear in FIG. 2. Aside from the pivot profile
21 one also distinguishes the basic profile 12 which is fastened to
the counter 10. The impact pane is also arranged at the basic
profile 12. In this case, the pane 20 is configured perpendicular
and planar. Furthermore, one can also distinguish the adjustment
device 26. Via this adjustment device 26 the pane 20 is adjustable
horizontally in its entirety with regard to the pivot profile 21.
Thus, the pane 20 can also be adjusted retroactively in the pivot
profile 21, for example, after the pane has settled or moved with
time in the pivot profile 21. While at the one end 32 of the pivot
arm 31 the fitting is arranged, at the other end 33 of the pivot
arm 31 the counter-start-up shoulder 25 can be seen, which can be
brought into operative connection with the start-up shoulder 13 at
the basic profile 12. However, this will be commented in more
detail at a later point.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows the pivot bearing 40 from its exterior. Here,
the pivot bearing 40 has a pivot axis 30 which is arranged in such
away that the pane 20 does not cross this axis when mounted.
Furthermore, the basic profile 12 as well as the pivot profile 21
are shown. Herein, the pivot profile 21 clasps the pivot arm 31 and
thus seals it off so that no dirt can settle on the pivot arm 31.
In addition, one can see the groove 22 in which the pane 20 can be
received. FIG. 4 again shows the pivot bearing 40, however, without
pivot profile 21, only with basic profile 12 and pivot arm 31.
[0031] The exact construction of the pivot bearing 40 is made clear
in FIGS. 5 and 6. The pivot bearing 40 is generally composed of a
bolt part 41 and a bearing part 42, wherein the bolt part 41 is
connected with the basic profile in a torque proof manner. The
pivot arm 31 is with its one end 32 connected with the bearing part
42 in a torque proof manner. The bolt part 41 has a conical area
43. In this conical area 43 the damping element 44 is arranged,
which in this case is configured as a brass casing. Naturally, it
would also be possible to provide the bearing part 42 with a
respective conical area 43 and fit the damping element 44 thereon.
The damping element 44 also has an externally accessible adjustment
element 45 which, in the present case, is configured as screw nut.
When this screw nut, i.e. the adjustment element 45 is moved, the
damping element 44 also moves along the pivot axis 30. Thus, it
comes into more or less strong operative connection with the
conical area 43 of the bolt part 41 and in this manner causes a
damping of the movement of the pivot bearing 40. Through a
corresponding damping it is ensured that the pivot arm 31 and,
thus, also the pane 20 cannot be opened too zestfully, rapidly and
impetuously, so that accidents with persons or property damages are
avoided. Simultaneously, however, the damping element 44 can be
adjusted in such a manner that a service person can easily pivot
the pivot arm 31 and thus open the counter 10.
[0032] Furthermore, one recognizes the longitudinal axis 34 of the
pivot arm 31 along which the pivot arm 31 can be encompassed by the
pivot profile 21.
[0033] FIG. 7 again shows the construction of the basic profile 12.
It is fastened to the counter 10 and carries the impact pane 14
which herein is received with its one side 16 in a groove of the
basic profile 12.
[0034] In addition, a special sealing profile 28 is provided which
is configured in such a way that possible dampness from spray water
or condensation water or also dew water, if the counter body 11 is
covered with ice, cannot run into the basic profile 12, but is
always redirected back into the counter body 11.
[0035] Furthermore, there is provided a flat rod 15 which seals off
the basic profile 12 toward the outside. Thus, the basic profile 12
can be mounted onto the counter body 11 wherein regular fastening
tools like screws and such can be used. In order to avoid
contamination and bacteria or fungi infection also in this area,
the entire fastening system is then covered by the flat rod 15.
Preferably, it is connectable in a form-fitting and force-fitting
manner with the basic profile 12. In a form-fitting and
force-fitting connection with the basic profile 12 one also reaches
the best sealing property.
[0036] The function of the start-up shoulder 13 and the
counter-start-up shoulder 25 is made obvious in FIGS. 8 to 11. One
recognizes the start-up rack 17 at the basic profile 12. It
features the start-up shoulder 13. There is also a counter-start-up
rack 35 at the other end 33 of the pivot arm 31 provided at the
pivot profile 21 that features the counter-start-up shoulder 25.
When the pivot profile 21 is pivoted in the direction of the basic
profile 12, the start-up rack 17b and the counter-start-up rack 35
move up against each other, as shown in FIG. 10. When pivoting
further in the same direction, the counter-start-up rack 35
overcomes the resistance of the start-up rack 17 and the situation
illustrated in FIG. 11 is produced. Herein, the counter-start-up
shoulder 25 of the counter-start-up rack 35 is in operative
connection with the start-up shoulder 13 of the start-up rack 17.
There exists a sort of catch mechanism. In order to open the
counter 10 and to pivot the pane 20 again, a service person has to
use a certain force. Herein, an unintended pivoting is nearly
impossible. In addition, there is the advantage that the weight of
the pane 20 which is carried by the pivot profile 21 is transferred
via the counter-start-up shoulder 25 to the start-up shoulder 13 of
the start-up rack 17 so that the pivot bearing 40 which is located
at one end 32 of the pivot arm 31 is discharged of the weight of
the pane 20. Thus, a support of the weight of the pane 20 in the
basic position it is achieved through the cooperation of the
counter-start-up rack 35 with the start-up rack 17.
[0037] The FIGS. 12 and 13 show again a cross-section through the
fitting according to the invention, once with a tilted pane 20 and
once with a perpendicular pane 20. In FIG. 12 the pane 20 is
pivoted from the plumb line by the angle 29. Herein, the pane 20 is
arranged parallel to the impact pane 14. When examining the
perpendicular pane 20 from FIG. 13, one discerns that the impact
pane 14, nevertheless, is arranged in an angle 29 to the plumb
line. This is done in order to better distribute the flowing cold
air which is used to cool the counter 10.
[0038] Furthermore, one sees that the pivot profile 21 completely
encompasses the pivot arm 31 so that no dirt, bacteria or fungi can
settle in the area of the pivot arm 31. Also, the sealing profile
28 is discernible which seals the basic profile 12 against
contamination, spray water and condensation water.
[0039] In addition, on can see that the pane 20 is received with
its one side 27 in the groove 22 of the pivot profile 21. In order
to safely fasten the pane 20 in the groove 22, one or several
wedges 23 are provided. These are adjusted via adjustment elements
24, for example, setcrews, in such a manner that the pane 20 is, on
the one hand, safely locked in the groove 22, while, on the other
hand, it is adjusted correctly in order to present the desired
image. In addition, the wedge 23 can have on its side facing the
pane 20 a profiling in order to obtain better gripping results.
Naturally, it is also possible to glue the pane 20 to the pivot
profile 21.
[0040] As also shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, an alteration of a counter
10 with perpendicular pane 20 into a counter 10 with a pane 20
tilted by an angle 29 is easily done by exchanging the pivot
profile 21. The pivot profiles 21 herein only differ in their upper
area which also contains the groove 22.
[0041] In conclusion it is pointed out that the embodiments
described herein are merely exemplary realizations of the
invention. The invention is not limited to them. Changes and
modifications are still possible.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0042] 10 Counter [0043] 11 Counter body [0044] 12 basic profile
[0045] 13 Stopping shoulder at 17 [0046] 14 Impact pane [0047] 15
Flat rod [0048] 16 One side of 14 [0049] 17 Stopping rack [0050] 20
Pane [0051] 21 Pivoting profile [0052] 22 Groove at 21 [0053] 23
Wedge [0054] 24 Adjustment element [0055] 25 Counter-stopping
shoulder at 35 [0056] 26 Adjustment device [0057] 27 One side of 20
[0058] 28 Sealing profile [0059] 29 Angle of 20 [0060] 30 Pivot
axis [0061] 31 Pivot arm [0062] 32 One end of 31 [0063] 33 Other
end of 31 [0064] 34 Longitudinal axis of 31 [0065] 35 Stopping rack
[0066] 40 Pivot bearing [0067] 41 Bolt part [0068] 42 Bearing part
[0069] 43 Conical area [0070] 44 Damping element [0071] 45
Adjustment element
* * * * *