GB2506602A

GB2506602A - A self-closing door assembly for a point-of-sale unit

Info

Publication number: GB2506602A
Application number: GB201217603A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Souter; Philip George Toovey
Original assignee: Maxim Design Group Ltd
Current assignee: Maxim Design Group Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-02
Filing date: 2012-10-02
Publication date: 2014-04-09
Also published as: GB201217603D0

Abstract

A self-closing door assembly for a point-of-sale unit comprising first and second upper track elements 201, 202 arranged one in front of the other, each having a base track element 205, 206 and a track runner element 207, 208, and first and second sliding doors 203, 204, each suspended from the track runner element of one of the first and second upper track elements and arranged to slide between a closed condition and an open condition, and being biased towards the closed condition by the angle of the track 209, 210 of the respective upper track element being inclined relative to horizontal and the action of gravity. The angle at which each track is inclined may be adjustable via a slot and projection arrangement. Biasing of the doors may be assisted by spring arrangements. There may be dampers at each end of each upper track element. The assembly can be used to conceal certain products from view, for example tobacco.

Description

SELF-CLOSING DOOR ASSEMBLY FOR A CABINET

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a self-closing door assembly for a cabinet, in particular to a self-closing door assembly for a point-of-sale unit.

Background of the Invention

It is known for point-of-sale display units to be located behind a pay counter in a retail outlet, to discourage unauthorised persons from accessing the display unit, and to allow the retailer convenient access to the display unit while attending to customers at the pay counter. It is known for shelves of a point-of-sale display unit to be arranged to maximise display area and/or to allow products of different shapes and sizes to be displayed.

Local legislation may allow a product *to be displayed for sale without *".: restriction or may require the item to be normally concealed from public view by the retailer. Regulations may require certain types of product, for example * . cigarettes and other tàbacéo products, to be kept generally out of sight. In this situation, it is desirable for a poirt-of-sale unit to allow products to be usually *" 20 concealed from view, but to also allow convenient access to those products to allow the sale or replenishment of stock. * S S * * S 55

Summary of the lñvéntion -

According to a first aspebt of the present invention there is provided aself-closing door assembly for a point-of-sale unit, comprising: first and second upper track eleniéritè, arranged one infront of the other, and first and-secOnd doors, each suspended from a different one of the first and second upper track elementá from the other; each of iaid firstS and second upper track elements bomprises a base track elethent and -a tráók runner element, eàchof said first and second doors is suspended from the track runner element of the respective üppertràck element, and is arranged to slide along atrack of the respéctivetrack riirther element, between a closed condition and an open condition, and each of said first and second doors is biased towards the closed condition by the angle of the track of the respective upper track element being inclined relative to horizontal, and the action of gravity.

In an iflustrated embodiment, each of the first and second upper tracks is arranged to allow the angle at which the track of the respective upper track element is inclined relative to horizontal to be adjusted.

In an illustrated embodiment, the self-closing door assembly further comprises first and second spring biasing arrangements to assist biasing of the first and second doors respectively towards the closed cobdition.

In an illustrated embodiment, said first and second doors are arranged to open in opposite directions of travel, and said first and second doors are arranged to allow each to slide fully across the other.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is described Use of a self-closing door assembly according to the first aspect for selectively screeniAg tobacbo products. . . C".: According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a point-of-sale-unitcômprisingà self-dosing dobr assembly adcordihg to the first aspect. . H * * . . S.....

* 20 BriefDescriptionoftheDrawings. . .

Fore better understanding of the inveition and to show howthesàmé may be carried into effeàt, there will how be described by way of example only, specifió embodimentS, methods end processes according tb the piesint invention with reference tothe accompanying drawings inwhich 25. . . Figure 1 shows a self-closing door assembly; . . .. . Figure 2 shows the self-closing door assembly of Figure.1 in fUrtherdetail; Figure shOws fUrther details of the upper track elements of the self-closing door assembly of Figure 2; . Figure 4 shows further details of the self-closing door assembly; Figure 5 shows steps in a method of providing a point-of-sale unit with a self-closing door assembly; Figure 6 shows a point-of-sale unit comprising the self-closing door assembly of Figures 1 to 5; Figure 7 shows the point-of-sale unit of Figure 6, with one of the self-closing doors in the fully closed condition and the other of the self-closing doors in the fully open condition; Figure B shows the point-of-sale unit of Figures 6 and 7, with both of the self-closing doors in the fully closed condition; Figure 9 shows second self-closing door assembly comprising an additional functional feature, with a pair of sliding doors thereof in a closed condition; Figure 10 illustrates the self-closing door assembly of Figure 9, with one of the pair of sliding doors thereof in a closed condition and the other of the pair of sliding doors thereof in a partially open condition; Figure 11 illustrates the self-closing door assembly of Figures 9 and 10, with one ofthe pair of sliding doors thereof in a closed dondition and the other of the pair of sliding doors **theréof in a fully open condition; and

S

Figure 12 shows the self-closing door assembly of Figures 9, 10 and-li; * : * with both of the -pair of-sliding ddors thereof in a fully closed condition;--* . * -.-.--

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

-T There will now -be -descbed by-way of example a specific mode * .. -contemplated by the inventor(s). In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order-to prOvide a thorough -uñdérstanding. It will be * *-apparent-hOwever, tO one skilled in the art: that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific detthilè. In Other instancei, well known methOds and structures are -not described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description. ------

----fluurei ----A self-closing door assembly 101 is shown -in Figure 1-. The áelf-closng doOr assembly 101 is shown in use in apOint-of-sále unit 1O2 in which items, such as item 103, are located. In this example, item 103 is located upon a shelf 104.. *-------As will be described in further detail below, the selfclosing door assembly 101 is arranged to normally conceal items from view, but to also allow convenient access to those items.

Figure 2 Figure 2 shows the self-closing door assembly 101 in further detail.

The self-closing door assembly 101 comprises first and second upper track elements 201, 202, arranged one in front of the other. In this illustrated example, the first upper track element 201 *is located behind the second upper track element 202.

The self-closing door assembly 101 also comprises first and second doors 203, 204 each suspended from a different one of the first and second upper track elements 201, 202 from the other. In this illustrated example, the first door 203 is suspended from the first upper track element 201 and the second dbôr 204 is suspended from the secbnd upper track ilement 202.

Each of the first and second upper tracks 201, 202 comprises a base track *r" element 205, 206 and a track runner element 207, 208 respectively. Each of the first and second doors 203, 204 is suspended from the track runner element 207, * 208 of the respective upper track elemèht 201 202 and is arranged to slide * 20 along a-track 209, 210 of the respective track-runner element 207, 208, bètwééñ r a closed condition and an open condition. - * Each of the first and seconddoors 203, 204 is biased towards the closed bdhdition by the inclined angle of the track 209, 210 of the respective upper track element 201, 202 and the action of gravity. The track 209, 210 Of the respédtivé upper track element 201, 202 is inclined relative to horizontal, such that the each of the first and second doors 203', 204 is biasedtowards the loWer end Of the respective track 209, 21 0 -* : --Fiqure*3 * -* ** Further details of the upper traák elements-201, 202 of Self-closing-doOr assemblylOl are shOwn in Eiáure3. -. .* Advantageously, each of the first and second upper track elements is arranged to allow the inclined angle at which the track is arranged relative to the base track element to be adjusted. Thus, the self-closing door assembly 101 allows the angle at which the track 209, 210 of the respective upper track element 201, 202 is inclined relative to horizontal to be adjusted.

As shown each of the first and second base track elements 201, 202 is provided with a projection 301, 302 at one end, and defines a slot 303. 304 at the other end. Each of the track runner elements defines an aperture 305, 306 and 307, 308 at each end.

The track runner element 207, 208 is secured to the base track element 205, 206 by locating the aperture 305, 306 at one end of the track runner element 207, 209 over the projection 301, 302 of the base track element 205, 206 and securing a mechanical fixing 309, 310 through the slot 303, 304 of the base track element 205, 206 and through the aperture 307, 308 at the other end of the track rUnner elémént 207, 208. The angle of the track 209,210 relative to the base track eiémènt 205: 206 is adjustable by-pivoting the trâck.runnér element 207, 208-abbUt the projection 301,-302 of the base track element 205, 206; as indicated by arrows -X and -Y. An9 suitable mechanical fixing may be used. In this exámplé, the mechanical fixing is a nUt and bolt. -- ---. . --- -. -. . -- ---Fuciure4 -* S *-Further details of the self-closing door assembly 101 are illustrated in Figure 4. -. . -----. . -- -Beneficially, each of the first and second upper track elements 201, 202-is provided with a-damper arrangement at-each-end thereof for cushio'ning travel of the respective door 203', 204: In this FigUre, a single damper arrangement 401, 462 is shown for eabh of the first and, second upper track elements 201, 202: ---Further, each of the first second track runnerelements 207, 209 is provided with a retaining rail 403, 404 for limiting upward movement of the respective door 203, 204. -This featUre facilitates smooth and reliable operation of the first-and second doOrs 203, 204: ---. -------Each Of the first second track runner elements 207, 208 comprises an upstanding 1ip 405, 406 that provides a track channel 407, 408 in which the track 209, 210 of the respective track runner element 207, 208 is located. Each of the first and second doors 203, 204 is provided with bearings (not shown) which are received within the respective track channel 407, 498 to slide along the respective track 209, 210. This feature provides for smooth travel of each sliding door 203, 204 along the respective track 209, 210.

In this illustrated example, the first and second doors 203, 204 are provided with a respective forwardly projecting member 409, 410 to allow a hand to act thereon, with a gripping or pushing action, to move the respective door 203, 204.

The forwardly projecting member 409, 410 of the first and second sliding doors 203, 204 may also act as a stop.

It is to be appreciated that each of the assembly components shown in Figure 4 may be fabricated from any suitable* material or combinatiOn of is materials, for example a metal material, and may be manufactured using any * * suitable process orcombinatiOn of processes. Itis further to appreciated that the doors 203, 204 may be provided with any desired aesthetic appOarance. * * *..

Ficiure5 * 20 Steps in a method 501 of providing a.point-of-sale unit with a self-closing r door assembly as described herein are shown in Figure 5 At step 502, the first base track element is fitted tO the point-of-sale uhit and the first track runner element is then fitted to the first base track demerit, ata desired inclined angle, at step 503. At step 504, the first door is suspended from the track Of the flrst traók runner element and sliding of the first door along the first track runner element is tested. When operation of the first door is deemed to be satisfactory, at step 505, the second baèe track element is fitted to the point-of-sale unit; and the èecond track runner element is then fitted tO the secOnd base track element, at a desired inclined angle, at step 506. At step 507 the second door is suspended from the track of the second track runher element and sliding of the second door along the first track runner element is tested.

The first and second upper track elements are separable, to facilitate installation and to allow subsequent adjustment of the angle of incline of a track of an upper track element.

It is to be appreciated that further elements may be installed, for example a cover plate to conceal the first and second upper track elements.

It is further to be appreciated that the first and second upper track elements may be secured to a point-of-sale unit by any suitable fixing or combination of fixings.

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows a point-of-sale unit 601 comprising a self-closing door assembly 101.

As illustrated by arrows A and B, pointing in opposing directions, the first and second doors 203; 204 of the selfclosing door assembly 101 are arranged to open in opposite directions oftravel. The first door 203 is arranged to slidably open in direction A and the second door 204 is arranged to slidably open in direction B; . . . In this embOdiment, the sélf-closingdbor assembly 101 isarranged to allow each of the first and secOnd doors 203, 204to be opened manuall9.

* 20 In the scenario Of Figure 6, both doors 203, 204 are biased towards the full F closed condition by the arrangement of the respective upper track elements and the action of gravity.

Figurel. ..-.. . : ..

Figure 7 shows the point-of-sale unit 601 of Figure 6, with one of the doors 203, 204 in the fully closed conditiOn and the other of the doors 203, 204 in the fully open conditiOn -. . . . . y. -.

In thu illustrated embOdiment, the first and sSOond doors 203,204 hávd subStantially identical dimensions, and are substantially identical in mirror image According to this embodiment, the first door 203 is arranged to slide fully across the first door 204 and, similarly, the second doOr 204 ié arranged to slide fully across the second doOr 203. . In Figure 7, the second door 204 is shown in the fully open condition, located behind the first door 203. The second door 204 has been opened under the application of an opening force applied thereto to act in the direction B. In this open condition, products, such as product 701, stocked on the first shelf 702 are accessible. It is to be appreciated that a point-of-sale unit comprising a self-closing door assembly 101 may be used with any suitable product or products.

In this illustrated scenario, product 701 is a tobacco product, which, in the particular retail environment of this Figure, must be kept generally out of sight.

The sliding doors 203, 204 are therefore opaque to keep products with the point-of-sale 601 hidden from view when the sliding doors 203, 204 are closed.

The arrangement of the self-closing door assembly 101 advantageously biases the sliding doors 203, 204 towards the closed condition, but conveniently allows manual access when desired. It is to be appreciated however that the self-closing dàor assembly 101 maybe provided with a locking: mechanism to sélectivély prevent normal operation of the sliding dors 203, 204, for éxamplé * when the retail outlet is closed or whed a suitable member of staff is not available tO serve stock from the point-of-sale unit: * * The construction of the self-cJosing door assembly 101 advantageoUsly * C provides for the convenient and effective manual operation and smooth travel of r 20 a pair of sliding, seif-closiAg doorfor a shelf of a point-of-sale unit. An operàtivë *:, need Only concern themselves with opening a door to access àontained stock, and not also concern themselves with áôtively closing an opened door.

FigureR: * * Figure 8 showsthe point-of'sale unit 601, with both sliding doorè 203:204 in the fully closed coddition. In this scenario, the opening fobe applied to óperi second door 204 has been remOved. Upon removal of that applied opening fdrce,the second door 204 has returned from the fully open cohditiOnshdwn in Figure 7 to the fully closed condition shown in Figure 6, as a result of the inclined angle of the track of the respective upper track element relative to horizontal and the action of gravity. Hence the slidihg doorS are normally closed,but.can be opened by the application of an opening force applied thereto, and will self-close when that opening force is removed The self-closing door assembly 101 may also comprises a door guide member 801 to guide the travel of each of the first and second doors 203, 204. In an example, the door guide member defines a first groove (not shown) for receiving the lower end of the first door 203 and defines a second groove (not shown) for receiving the lower end of the second door 204.

In this illustrated application, the point-of-sale unit 601 comprises a plUrality of like self-closing door assemblies 101. It is to be appreciated that a plurality of like self-closing door assemblies 101 may be arranged differently in different applications. A plurality of like self-closing door assemblies 101 may be arranged to fit a particular display area. It is further to be appreciated that the self-closing * door assembly 101 may have any suitable overall dimensions. The width and height of the selfôIosing door aèsembly 101 may be adapted to áccommodáte *". is different items, or different quantities of an item.

*.. .*.

Ficjure9 H H A second embodiment of a self-closing door assembly 901 for a cabinet is shown in Figure 9. The self-closing dóàr assembly 901 is similar to self-closing r * :* 20 door assembly 101, but comprises an additional functional feature.

5elfclosing door assembly 901 comprises first and séddñd biasing sfring árràngements 902, 903, to assist in the biasing of the first and second doors 203; 204 respectively towards *the closed condition, Each ofthe fiSt and second biasing spring arrangements 902, 903 áomprlses a door member 904, 905, a frame member 906, 907 and a spring 908, 909. In this illustratedirrthnetherit, door member 904 is secured to the first door 203, frame member 906 is sebured to an upper track element, and spring 908 is connected between the door member 904 and the frame member 906. Similarly, in this illustrated arrangement, door member 905 is secured to the second door 204, frame member 907 is secured to an upper track element, and spring 909 is connected between the dobrinember 905 and the fràmè member 907.

With the first and second doors 203, 204 in the fully closed condition, the springs 908, 909 are in the most relaxed condition.

Figures 10.11 & 12 Figure 10 shows the self-closing door assembly 901, with the first door 203 in a partially open condition and the second door 204 in the fully closed condition.

As can be seen, the first self-closing door 203 has been opened from the fully closed condition shown in Figure 9, in the direction A, towards the fully open condition. As the self-closing door 203 is opened, the spring 908 of biasing spring arrangement 902 is extended as the door 203 travels towards the fully open condition, the door opening action transferring potential energy into the spring 908.

Figure 11 shows the self-closing doOr assembly 901, with the first door 203 in the fully open condition and the second door 204 in the fully closed condition In the fully open condition of the first Self-dosing door, the spring 908 of biasing spring arrangement 902 is in the most extended condition.

C... Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the opening of first door 203 of self-closing door "". assembly 901 from the fully closed cOndition to the fully Open cOnditiOn under the *..* application.of an opening force applied thereto to act in the direction A. r 20 Upon removàlof that applied door opening force, the second door 203 will retUrn from the fully open, condition shown in Figure' 11 to the fully closed eonditionshownin Figure' 9, as a result of the' inclined angle of the track of the respective Upper track element relative to horizontal and the action of gravity, and also due to' the retractinö action of the spring 908 of the biasing spring arrangement 902. Thus, as the first door 203 is opened, energy is transferred into the spring 908 as it is extended by the travel of the first door 203; this potential energy then acting in the reversediréction, to pull the first door 203 back towards the fUlly cloSed cOndition,when the opening force applied.toihefirstdobr 203 is releàséd.

Hence, the sliding doors 203, 204 are normally closed, but can be Opened by the application of an opening force applied theretO, and will self-close when that opening force is removed.

Figure 12 shows the self-closing door assembly 901, with each of the pair of sliding doors 203, 204 thereof in a closed condition. Each sliding door 203, 204 is biased towards the closed condition by the inclined angle of the track of the respective upper track element 201, 202 and the action of gravity. Each sliding door 203, 204 is also biased towards the closed condition by the respective spring biasing arrangement 902, 903.

The arrangement of self-closing door assembly 901 is such that when both the sliding doors 203, 204 are in the fully closed condition, they together extend across a width W and when one of the sliding doors 203, 204 is in the fully open condition, they together extend across approximately half of the width W. It is to be appreciated that any suitable type of biasing spring arrangement may be used in a self-closing door assembly as described with reference to Figures 9 to 12.

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