WO2004057132A2

WO2004057132A2 - Kiosk

Info

Publication number: WO2004057132A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/006070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Albino Vescovi
Original assignee: Albino Vescovi
Priority date: 2002-12-19
Filing date: 2003-12-18
Publication date: 2004-07-08
Also published as: AU2003300664A8; WO2004057132A3; AU2003300664A1

Abstract

Described is a kiosk (10), in particular one for the distribution of refreshments and the like, comprising supporting means for a lower base (12) and for an upper element (14). The kiosk comprises means for raising and lowering the upper element (14) with respect to the lower base (12).

Description

KIOSK

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kiosk, in particular a kiosk for the distribution of refreshments and the like.

Background Art In prior art, several different types of kiosks, in particular for the distribution of refreshments and the like, are known. These kiosks tend to have a rather closed structure, accessible only from a limited number of sides. In these prior art kiosks, space for personnel and users, especially storage space for items consumed and sold at the kiosk, is badly distributed, making the work of personnel difficult and moving around in the kiosk awkward.

Further, closing these prior art kiosks at the end of a day's work involves operating large, heavy shutters or other coverings which are not only difficult to move but which also do not provide the best guarantee of security and protection against would-be intruders .

Summary of the invention To overcome these drawbacks, the present invention provides a kiosk, in particular one for the distribution of refreshments and the like, comprising supporting means for a lower base and for an upper element, the kiosk being characterised in that it comprises means for raising and lowering the upper element with respect to the lower base.

In this way, it is possible to close the kiosk easily and effectively.

According to another aspect of it, the present invention provides a kiosk, in particular one for the distribution of refreshments and the like, comprising supporting means for a lower base and for an upper element, the kiosk being characterised in that the upper element (114) comprises storage means (185) . This optimises available space and makes it possible to create a compact, space-saving kiosk of desired size.

According to another advantageous aspect of it, the present invention provides a kiosk, in particular one for the distribution of refreshments and the like, comprising supporting means for a lower base and for an upper element, the kiosk being characterised in that the supporting means comprise a central column for supporting the upper element .

This provides a kiosk with a particularly advantageous structure.

Brief description of the drawings

The technical characteristics of the kiosk according to the invention are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred non-restricting embodiments of it and in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the kiosk when open; - Figure 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the kiosk when closed;

Figure 3 is a top view of the lower part or base of the first embodiment of the kiosk;

Figure 4 is a horizontal cross section of the lower part or base of the first embodiment of the kiosk, illustrating in particular the layout of the storage and working areas in the lower part of the kiosk;

Figure 5 is a vertical cross section of the first embodiment of the kiosk when open; - Figure 6 is a vertical cross section of the first embodiment of the kiosk when open, illustrating in particular the upper part of the kiosk;

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section of the first embodiment of the kiosk when closed, illustrating in particular the upper part of the kiosk;

Figure 8 is a bottom view showing only the structure of the upper element of the first embodiment of the kiosk;

Figure 9 is a top view showing only the structure of the lower base of the first embodiment of the kiosk; - Figure 10 is a horizontal cross section of the central column of the first embodiment of the kiosk; Figure 11 is a side view of a second embodiment of the kiosk when open;

Figure 12 is a vertical cross section of the second embodiment of the kiosk when open; - Figure 13 is a top view illustrating in particular the supporting beams in the roof and base of the second embodiment of the kiosk;

Figure 14 is a top view of the lower part or base of the second embodiment of the kiosk, illustrating in particular the layout of the storage and working areas.

Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

Figures 1 to 10 illustrate a first preferred embodiment 10 of the kiosk according to the present invention. In this first embodiment, the kiosk 10 comprises supporting means for a lower base 12 and for an upper element 14.

Advantageously, the first embodiment of the kiosk comprises means for raising and lowering the upper element 14 with respect to the lower base 12. Advantageously, the supporting means comprise a central column 16 for supporting the upper element 14, the central supporting column 16 comprising a lower section or portion 18 and an upper section or portion 20. The upper section 20 of the central column is attached to the upper element 14 and is slidably supported on the lower section 18.

More specifically, the upper section consists of a cylindrical element 20 having an inside surface that is coaxially supported on the outer profile of the lower supporting section 18. The upper section slides over the lower section by means of sliding elements or blocks which are fixed to the inside of the upper section 20 and whose inside profile is designed to come into contact with the outside surface of the lower section 18. More specifically, these sliding and intermediate supporting elements consist of flat plates 27 which are circumferentially arranged around the lower section of the column and which can be made from any suitable material, preferably "polyzene" . These "polyzene" plates 27 are fastened to the upper section by bolts 28. Drive means are provided for raising and lowering the upper element 20 .

The means for raising and lowering the upper element 20 with respect to the lower base comprise a drive motor 30 supported on the upper element 20.

More specifically, the motor 30 is mounted on a supporting plate

32 at the top end of the central column 16, above the face of the thin covering wall 17 of the upper element.

The drive means comprise a device 34 for the angular transmission of the motion of the drive shaft of the electric motor 30. The transmission device 34 transmits rotational motion to a threaded rod or worm screw 36 acting in conjunction with the threading in an axial hole 38 made in a fixed transversal plate 40, which is central to the lower section 18 at the top end of this section. As illustrated in particular in Figure 6, sensor means are provided for detecting the lowered or raised position of the upper element .

These sensor means comprise first sensor means 42 located at an upper position, half way along the lower section, and second sensor means 44 located at the lower base of the supporting section 18. These sensors may be of any type known to an expert in the trade.

In practice, when the lift/lower mechanism is activated by operation of the electric motor, that is by the rotation of this latter, the upper part of the kiosk is raised or lowered until it reaches a predetermined upper or lower position, where the sensors issue a signal that causes the motor 30 to stop.

As shown with reference also to Figure 8, the cover element 14 presents a plurality of radial beams 50, which extend from a free end of the upper section.

These radial elements 50 are supported by a plurality of struts 52 which join the beams 50 to an intermediate point on the upper section 20 of the central column 16.

At their radial or outer ends, the beams 50 support a side covering 54 that has an upwardly converging truncated cone shaped profile. This upwardly converging truncated cone shaped profile is supported by inclined, upwardly converging structural members or rafters 56 held in place by the radial elements or supporting beams 50. At the bottom, these structural members or rafters 56 are fastened to a circumferential base element 58, and at the top, the structural members or rafters 56 are fastened to an upper circumferential element, labelled 55.

According to another aspect, illustrated in Figure 9, the means for supporting the lower section comprise a plurality of radial beams 60 supported on the ground by respective feet 62.

The radial beams 60 support the base of the lower section 18 of the column through a bolted joint 64.

As may be inferred in particular from Figures 2, 3 and 5, the radial beams 60 of the base support a circular supporting floor

65.

The numeral 66 in Figures 2 and 5 denotes an outer circumferential wall of the base 12.

The outer wall 66 has an upwardly diverging truncated cone shaped profile.

The conical wall 66 is supported on the floor by supporting feet, labelled 68. This foot or base block 68 is positioned at the base block 69 that supports the radial end of the supporting floor 65.

The kiosk further comprises a work unit, denoted in its entirety by the numeral 70, which incorporates working equipment and which extends circumferentially around the outer profile of the kiosk.

More specifically, the work unit 70 consists of a circumferential counter extending towards the inside of the kiosk from the upper edge of the truncated cone shaped outer wall 66. Access to the inside of the kiosk is provided by an open area, labelled 72, which is closed by a suitable portion or door 74, which may be of the pivoting or other suitable type which is not illustrated in detail since it is obvious to anyone in the trade with normal technical skills. The kiosk has a walking and transit area for personnel, this area being labelled 76 in the drawings and extending circumferentially between the central column 16 and the outer circumferential counter 70.

Between the central column 16 and the walking area 76 there is provided a further area for accommodating and storing kiosk wares and equipment and being defined by a main supporting board 80 located at the same height as the outer circumferential counter 70.

Other concentric supporting surfaces, labelled 82, 84 and 86 in Figure 5, are located at higher levels and decrease in size from the surface at the bottom, which is the largest in diameter, to the one at the top, which is the smallest in diameter. These surfaces constitute shelving providing additional support surfaces and are located centrally for use by personnel working in the kiosk. At a level below the counter 70, there is a portion 85 which extends radially inwards and whose top constitutes a lower working surface 85a for personnel, as illustrated in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the kiosk roof 14 can advantageously extend downwards until it rests on the underlying conical base and, more specifically, on the latter' s upper edge 70, thus creating a total closing system and providing greater security against tampering and intrusion.

In practice, according to a preferred embodiment, the mobile structure is made up of the following main components : eight rectangular base tubes 60 of steel, sixteen rubber feet 62, two perforated, circular iron plates 623, eight struts 52 made from rectangular steel tubes, sixteen beams 50 made from rectangular steel tubes, eight projecting curtain members 56 made from rectangular tubes, eight steel panels 54 in the shape of circular arcs, eight plus eight two-hole slots 528, one top covering 17 of steel or wood, a protective guard 33, one mobile tube 20 with circular section, one worm screw 36, several polyzene plates 26, one square section tube 18, with base plate 114a, one rectangular section tube 21, one motor 30 for driving the worm screw mechanism, four limit sensors 42, 44, two semicircular cord coated steel plates 218 hanging on a wire 219. Assembly of the kiosk according to the first embodiment of the invention can be performed as described below.

The first stage in the assembling of the mobile structure includes the steps of fitting two feet 62 on each of the eight rectangular tubes of the base 60, and then bolting the eight rectangular tubes to the plate and counterplate 623, 623 of the base connecting joint. This creates a radial base structure, illustrated in Figure 9. The second stage consists in placing the square section iron tube 18 with its base plate 114a on the plate of the radial base structure using two sets of bolts (the tube 18 has an opening 18' at the base to allow electric cables to be passed through it) . The top end of the square section tube 18 has welded to it another rectangular section tube 21 (illustrated in Figure 10) , which slides inside it and in which the worm screw mechanism 36 can run without damaging the electric cables running along the outside of this rectangular tube. This part of the structure is fixed. The upper part of the structure is mobile and consists of a half- column 20, with circular cross section, that can slide over the square section tube 18 thanks to the "polyzene" plates which can be adjusted using bolts that fasten them to the half-column 20 to which the radial structure of the roof is fixed.

The electromechanical cylinder 30 that drives the worm screw is fixed to the top part of the roof. For preventing infiltration of liquid, the plate 32 forming part of the protective guard 33 is fitted under the drive cylinder.

The drive cylinder is connected to the worm screw 36 which runs down through the circular section tube 20 and into the rectangular section tube 21. Next, the eight pairs of beams 50 are fitted to the top of the central column using the two-hole slots 528. The eight struts 52 are also fixed to the beams 50 and to the column 20. This creates a radial structure similar to the base structure, as illustrated in Figure 9. The eight projecting curtain tubes 56 are then bolted to the outer ends of each pair of beams 50 and finally, the arched curtain panels 54 are fitted to the curtain tubes to form the outer circumference of the roof. If the kiosk is mounted outdoors, a substantially horizontal circular steel covering or plate 17 is fitted to the upper radial structure. If the kiosk is mounted indoors, on the other hand, a substantially horizontal circular wooden covering or board is fitted. Both types of coverings are fixed using bolts and cover the outer roof circumference formed by the eight arched circumferential panels 54. The top and bottom ends of the panels 54 are located at the circumferential tubular elements 55 and 58 and are held in place by the connecting portions 56. Instead of being made from the circular sector panels 54, the circumferential covering or conical side wall of the roof might be made from a lateral covering of fabric held in place by the circumferential tubular elements 55 and 58. The four limit sensors are fixed to the lower plate, two at the base and two at the limit point .

The two semicircular plates 218 and sixteen wooden panels 218a used to display informative material (product details, prices, etc.) are fixed to the struts 52 by means of steel cables. For the floor 76, the rubber-coated wooden floor, consisting of eight segments 76a, is fixed to the lower radial structure.

An additional floor segment 76b acts as an entrance to the floor. The storage units of this first embodiment are illustrated in detail in Figure 4 and make up the working and storage areas of a bar/cafe . They include a unit A with a storage cabinet Al, a storage cabinet A2, a storage cabinet A3, a switchboard A41 and a centralised vacuum cleaner A42.

A cash desk, labelled B, and a refrigerated display unit, labelled C, are provided. Dl denotes an ice maker, D2 a storage compartment for dishwasher detergents, D3 a dishwasher, D4 a waste bin, and D5 a sink.

The reference character Ξ denotes a two-door refrigerator unit and F a "cafe" unit equipped with: a waste bin (Fl) ; hoppers for coffee grounds (F2 and F4) ; and a water purifier (F3) . A two-door refrigerator unit G and a unit H with a waste bin (HI) and a storage cabinet (H2) are provided. Also provided is a unit I equipped with: a recessed storage area to house a coffee grinder (II) and a stepped display unit (12) with sliding doors for products on sale and with storage space underneath. The modular conical base also has an opening 72 providing access to the working area of the bar/cafe kiosk.' A second preferred embodiment of the kiosk according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 11 to 14.

The second preferred embodiment is denoted by the numeral 100 in the accompanying drawings . This second embodiment of the kiosk according to the invention is of the "static" type, where the roof 114 is a fixed unit supported by the central column 116 which is made in a single cylindrical body.

The second embodiment of the kiosk has several features in common with the first embodiment described above. For the sake of brevity, the parts that are similar or equivalent to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference characters and will not be described in detail again.

The column 16 of the second preferred embodiment presents a circular tubular element connected by a suitable joint 164 to the radial supporting members 60, which are identical to those used for the first preferred embodiment, and at the top of it supports the beams 50 and struts 52 of the roof 114.

The second embodiment of the kiosk differs from the first embodiment, not only in that it presents fixed or static type structure, but also in that its roof 114 constitutes storage means to hold articles used by personnel working in the kiosk or articles for sale.

The roof supporting structure (radial beams, struts, etc.) is the same as those of the first embodiment, except, if necessary, in size in order to better support the added load and weight. The roof 114 of the second embodiment, however, differs in that it includes one or more shelves, in particular a first shelf and a second shelf, for supporting materials at different levels and extending circumferentially. The numeral 180 denotes the lower shelf and the numeral 182 the upper shelf above it. The numeral 154' denotes the fixed, radially external panel of the built-in wall cabinets 85. The circumferential panel 154' constitutes the back of the hanging cabinets 185 and is inclined in such manner as to define the truncated cone shaped outer surface of the roof 114. Provision is also made for a plurality of doors, labelled 184, arranged circumferentially in pairs and opening to give personnel working on the circumferential floor 176 of the base element 112 access to a plurality of storage areas or compartments. The floor 176 of this embodiment, illustrated in Figure 14, is divided into two parts, a wooden part and a metal part, labelled 176a and 176b, respectively. The numeral 177 denotes channels for the drainage of water.

The reference SC denotes a short conduit protruding radially from the bottom end of the of the transparent cover 192 and designed to convey the kiosk washing water which, when the transparent cover is washed, is made to flow directly into the radial or similar drainage channels.

This - second embodiment of the kiosk according to the invention is designed especially as an ice cream parlour.

Thus, the drawings, in particular Figure 14, show a plurality of ice cream tubs 179. The reference numeral 181 indicates a transparent wall, preferably of glass, which extends for a distance D extending between the lower edge of the upper element and the worktop of the lower base, and which covers at least a part of the circumferential extension of the kiosk, and in particular, a semicircular part of it, as illustrated in Figure 14.

According to another aspect of the invention, the kiosk is advantageously illuminated by a plurality of lamps 190, preferably neon lamps, positioned vertically and distributed circumferentially, or at equal radial intervals, on the outer circumference of the central column. The lamps 190 are protected by a circumferential sheet 192, made preferably of transparent plastic, and consisting, if necessary, of two or more circular sector shaped elements, supported by the central column through a pair of wooden blocks 197, positioned at diametrically opposite areas of the central column and shown in Figure 3 illustrating the equivalent structure in the first embodiment of the kiosk. The light contacts 194, 196 of the vertical lamps 190 are powered through electrical cables that run in the central column. The numerals 174a and 174b denote glass panes forming respective doors located inside the kiosk. As illustrated, these doors 174a, 174b extend radially and divide the floor into two parts: a service part for production and a service part for the sale of products .

Thus, the kiosk 100 of the second preferred embodiment is made up of the following main components : a static central column structure 116 (of steel) ; a circular floor, one half 176a of wood and the other half 176b of steel; a modular conical base 112 divided into two parts, with the elements necessary for the production, refrigeration and displaying of ice creams; and a conical roof 114 providing also a storage space. Looking in more detail, the central structure of this kiosk, like the one of the first embodiment, is made up of the following components: eight rectangular base tubes of steel, sixteen rubber feet, two perforated, circular iron plates, one central column 116 of iron, eight struts made from rectangular steel tubes, sixteen beams made from rectangular steel tubes, eight plus eight two-hole slots, eight plates for mounting the conical wooden roof, two semicircular steel plates.

Like the first embodiment, the kiosk is assembled preferably on site using ordinary screws and bolts . The first stage in the assembling of the kiosk includes the steps of fitting two feet on each of the eight rectangular tubes of the base, and then bolting the eight rectangular tubes to the plate and counterplate . This creates a radial base structure. The second stage consists in placing central steel column 116 on the plate of the radial base structure using two sets of bolts.

Next, the sixteen beams are fitted to the top of the central column using the two-hole slots. The eight struts are also fixed to the beams and to the column. This creates another radial structure similar to the base structure. The two semicircular plates and eight wooden panels used to display informative material (product details, prices, etc.) are fixed to the struts by means of steel cables . The floor structure to be placed on the radial structure of this second embodiment of the kiosk differs from that of the first embodiment in that it is designed for a more specific use. One half is made of wood and is the part on which the units for displaying, cooling and selling the ice creams are positioned. The other half, made of steel, is the part where the ice cream is produced. The half made of steel is divided into four segments, each of which is in turn divided into an outer tread plate and an inner tread plate. This configuration is designed to enable the inclusion of a radial channel and a small tangential channel for draining off the waste liquids produced during ice cream production and machine cleaning. These liquids flow out through a "T"-shaped hole, which is not illustrated in the accompanying drawings . The working areas are designed to accommodate the functions of an ice cream parlour and comprise an area A, constituting a work unit, divided into an area Al for the single-door cold storage cabinet, an area A2 for a washbasin, an area A3 for a two-door cold storage cabinet, and an area A4 for a waste bin. An area B is occupied by the ice cream production centre which includes an area Bl, for a sterile ice cream mix storing and maturing machine, an area B2 for the pasteuriser and an area B3 for the ice cream self-cooling end mixer. Another area, labelled C, is used for a refrigerated cabinet for displaying the ice cream tubs.

Another area, labelled D, is used for the cash desk.

Yet another area, labelled E, is provided for a mobile unit which controls access to the structure and is used as a waste bin.

For assembling the lower floor portion 112, the wooden cover panel 66 and the related wooden supporting surface are fixed around the steel floor. On the steel floor 176b are placed the steel work unit (area A) and the electronic ice cream production centre (area B) , whose units are simply rested on the floor. The central column of this ice cream parlour type kiosk has fixed to it two " "-shaped structures which support the glass partition, with doors 174a e 174b, isolating the production area from the display and selling area. At the bottom of the column in the centre of the structure there is a guard which acts as a drip channel .

Lastly, the central column is covered by a translucent plexiglas tube 192 housing the neon lamps 190 which backlight it. The refrigerator for storing and displaying the ice cream tubs is placed against the wood floor panel and rested on the floor. Lastly, the cash desk area (area D) and the area Ξ are fitted. The roof of the second embodiment of the kiosk also has an important storage function. It comprises eight built-in wall cabinets, labelled 185 in Figure 13, made of wood and closed by the sliding doors 184, which open from the inside of the kiosk. The wall cabinets are mounted by means of suitable plates (not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings) on the eight radial beams 50, to form the lateral surface of the roof 114. The last stage in the assembly of the kiosk is to protect the production area with a semicircular wall made up of eight plus two glass panes 181, 174a, 174b. The panes 181 are placed between the wooden supporting surface 170 and the lower edge of the roof 114. The kiosk according to the present invention may be used to accommodate businesses such as, purely by way of example, a bar/cafe or an ice cream parlour, and is distinguished by the fact that it has a versatile, multipurpose, self-contained structure ideal for the selling of refreshments such as coffee, ice creams, sandwiches, drinks and the like. The kiosk offers many advantages thanks to its convenient modular structure that can be mounted practically anywhere, either indoors (for example in an indoor shopping centre or hypermarket) or outdoors . Advantageously, the kiosk has a circular structure and, especially in the ice cream parlour version, permits installation on site of all the tools and equipment necessary for the production and sale of ice cream. All stages in the production process are open to the public view, while at the same time guaranteeing the required high standards of hygiene. Another innovative aspect of the kiosk according to the invention is that the same basic structure can be adapted and used for different applications: a bar/cafe, an ice cream parlour or other business .

Thanks to its modularity, the kiosk can be manufactured on an industrial scale and can be easily adapted to suit specific requirements .

Moreover, the kiosk according to the invention can be easily dismantled and reassembled.

In the first preferred embodiment, the roof can be lowered onto the lower half of the kiosk to securely close it and protect the equipments and the products against intrusion.

The modularity of the kiosk makes it adaptable to the specific requirements of the business it is intended for, although the design as it stands is such that the kiosk can meet the needs of the specific business it is fitted out for down to the smallest detail.

Although the kiosk is extremely compact, its working space is optimised and its structure incorporates several ergonomic features that greatly facilitate the tasks of sales and production personnel working in the kiosk. A considerable advantage offered by the compact structure is that the kiosk occupies little space, thus minimising running costs. The fittings of the bar/cafe, of the ice cream parlour or of another business can be added to the same basic structure. The roof may be made as a plain covering element providing shelter and security or it may be fitted out to also provide storage space, for example by mounting the closed built-in wall cabinets. The basic framework of the kiosk may be fitted with the wooden floor suitable for the bar/cafe or with the steel and wooden floor suitable for the ice cream parlour. In the ice cream parlour version of the kiosk, the steel floor is especially designed to facilitate cleaning of equipment and draining out of waste liquids.

In the ice cream parlour version, all the stages in the production or working process are open to the public view, as a guarantee of hygiene and quality.

The circular shape of the kiosk facilitates access by customers and control by personnel . The covering of the conical base and of the roof can be decorated and used as a means of advertising. The circular shape improves legibility from all sides and guarantees that product descriptions and other details can be easily displayed. It will be understood that even the top part of the kiosk with storage features according to the second preferred embodiment described herein might be made mobile relative to the lower portion or base of the kiosk, as in the first preferred embodiment, and that the first preferred embodiment might be made in a fixed or static version like the second preferred embodiment. The invention can be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept . Moreover, all the details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A kiosk (10), in particular one for the distribution of refreshments and the like, comprising supporting means for a lower base (12) and for an upper element (14) , the kiosk being characterised in that it comprises means for raising and lowering the upper element (14) with respect to the lower base (12) .

2. The kiosk according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the supporting means comprise a central column (16, 116) for supporting the upper element (14, 114) .

3. The kiosk according to claim 2 , characterised in that the central supporting column (16) comprises a lower section (18) and an upper section (20) which is attached to the upper element (14) and which is slidably supported by the lower section (18) .

4. The kiosk according to claim 3 , characterised in that the upper section consists of a cylindrical element (20) having an inside surface that is coaxially supported on the outside profile of the lower supporting section (18) . 5. The kiosk according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the upper section (20) slides over the lower section (18) by means of sliding blocks (27) which are fixed to one of the sections (18, 20) and which are designed to come into frictional contact with the opposite surface of the other section. 6. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 3 to

5. characterised in that the upper section (20) slides over the lower section by means of sliding blocks (27) which are fixed to the inside of the upper section and whose inside profile is designed to come into contact with the outside surface of the lower section.

7. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that drive means (30) are provided for raising and lowering the upper element (20) , the drive means being mounted on the upper element. 8. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that drive means (30) are provided for raising and lowering the upper element (20) , the drive means being mounted on the top face of the covering wall (17) of the upper element (20) .

9. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that drive means (30) are provided for raising and lowering the upper element (20) , the drive means acting on a worm screw device (36) that extends into the supporting column (16) .

10. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises sensor means (42, 44) for stopping the upper element (14) when it reaches the raised and/or lowered limit position.

11. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the upper element (14, 114) presents a plurality of supporting beams (50) which extend radially from the central column (20, 116) .

12. The kiosk according to claim 11, characterised in that each of the radial beams (50) is supported by a respective strut (52) which connects the beam (50) to an intermediate point on the column (16, 116) . 13. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the upper element (14, 114) constitutes means for covering the kiosk.

14. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the upper element (14) comprises an upper covering (17) .

15. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the upper element (14) comprises a side wall (54, 154').

16. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the beams (50) support the side wall (54,

154') at the free end of the side wall of the covering (54).

17. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the side wall (54, 154') of the upper element (14, 114) presents an upwardly converging truncated cone shaped outer profile.

18. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the upper covering (17) of the upper element has a substantially flattened shape.

19. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the means for supporting the central column (16, 116) comprise a plurality of radial beams (60) .

20. The kiosk according to claim 19, characterised in that the radial beams (60) support the base of the central column (16) . 21. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the base element (12) comprises a supporting floor.

22. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the base element (12) comprises a substantially circular supporting floor (64) .

23. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 19 to 22, characterised in that the radial base beams (60) support the supporting floor (64) of the base element (12) .

24. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the base element (12, 112) presents an outer wall (66) with an upwardly diverging truncated cone shaped outer profile.

25. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the base element (12, 112) presents an outer wall (66) that is supported on the ground by respective feet (68) .

26. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a work unit (70) incorporating working equipment and extending circumferentially around the outer profile of the kiosk. 27. The kiosk according to claim 26, characterised in that the work unit (70) consists of a circumferential counter extending towards the inside of the kiosk from the upper edge of the truncated cone shaped outer wall (66) . 28. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the side wall of the base element has an opening providing access to the interior of the kiosk.

29. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a walking and transit area (76) for personnel, extending circumferentially between the central column and the outer circumferential counter (70) .

30. The kiosk according to claim 29, characterised in that between the central column (16) and the walking area (74) there is provided an internal storage area.

31. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the upper element (114) comprises storage means (185) .

32. The kiosk according to claim 31, characterised in that the upper element (114) is equipped with one or more shelves (180, 182) , in particular a first shelf and a second shelf, located at different heights and extending circumferentially.

33. The kiosk according to claim 31 or 32, characterised in that the storage means (185) open from the internal radial side to give access to the products they contain.

34. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises radial channels for the drainage of water .

35. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a transparent wall (181), preferably made of glass, designed to circumferentially cover at least a part of the circumferential extension of the kiosk.

36. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that means for illuminating the kiosk are provided. 37. The kiosk according to claim 36, characterised in that the illuminating means comprise a plurality of lamps (190) distributed radially.

38. The kiosk according to claim 36 or 37, characterised in that the illuminating means are distributed circumferentially. 39. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 36 to 38, characterised in that the illuminating means extend vertically.

40. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 36 to 39, characterised in that the illuminating means are positioned around the outer edge of the central column (16, 116) .

41. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 36 to 40, characterised in that the illuminating means are protected by a circumferential cover (192) .

42. The kiosk according to any of the foregoing claims from 36 to 41, characterised in that the illuminating means have electrical contacts (194, 196) which are powered through electrical cables that run in the central column.