US20100201231A1

US20100201231A1 - Fitting for a sales counter and/or a display counter for merchandise

Info

Publication number: US20100201231A1
Application number: US12/322,850
Authority: US
Inventors: Franz Kallos
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Vieler International GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2009-02-06
Filing date: 2009-02-06
Publication date: 2010-08-12

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.

Description

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.
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° 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.
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° 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.
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° 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.
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° 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.
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.
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.
Additional advantages and embodiments result from the following description, the dependent claims and the drawings.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 a is a counter in a first embodiment with the fitting according to the invention;

FIG. 1 b is a counter in a second embodiment with the fitting according to the invention;

FIG. 1 c is a counter in a third embodiment with the fitting according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a counter with glass panel during the opening process;

FIG. 3 shows a fitting according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a fitting according to the invention with pivot arm;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the elements of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the elements of FIGS. 4 and 5 in an assembled state;

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of a basic profile according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a pivot profile according to the invention with counter-run shoulder;

FIG. 9 shows a basic profile according to the invention with start-up shoulder;

FIG. 10 shows the elements from FIGS. 8 and 9 outside operative connection;

FIG. 11 shows the elements from FIG. 10 in operative connection;

FIG. 12 shows a fitting according to the invention with basic profile and pivot profile in sectional view in a first embodiment; and

FIG. 13 shows the elements from FIG. 12 in a second embodiment.

FIG. 1 a 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. 1 a 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.
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.
FIG. 1 b 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° and 20°. The impact pane 14 is also arranged at an angle 29 to the plumb line and runs parallel to the pane 20.
A further embodiment is shown in FIG. 1 c. 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. 1 c 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 17 b 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

10 Counter
11 Counter body
12 basic profile
13 Stopping shoulder at 17
14 Impact pane
15 Flat rod
16 One side of 14
17 Stopping rack
20 Pane
21 Pivoting profile
22 Groove at 21
23 Wedge
24 Adjustment element
25 Counter-stopping shoulder at 35
26 Adjustment device
27 One side of 20
28 Sealing profile
29 Angle of 20
30 Pivot axis
31 Pivot arm
32 One end of 31
33 Other end of 31
34 Longitudinal axis of 31
35 Stopping rack
40 Pivot bearing
41 Bolt part
42 Bearing part
43 Conical area
44 Damping element
45 Adjustment element

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° to the plumb line.

15. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the pane (20) is of arcuate or planar configuration.