Compact product display

Abstract

Merchandise display unit for exhibiting bulk and individual items, including: • a base (2) which • a support device (3) consisting of two parallel support beams (31) with intermediately arranged suspension points (32, 341), in particular horizontally extending rungs (32) or webs (341) in a rung plate (34), wherein in particular a crossbeam connecting the support beams is present at the upper end, • wherein at least one presentation container (4), in particular in the form of a woven basket, is suspended or can be suspended on one or more of the suspension points (32, 341).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a merchandise display unit for exhibiting unit or bulk goods stored in presentation containers, for example wicker baskets, in sales areas, in particular grocery stores and supermarkets.

[0002] In stores, it is common practice to display unpackaged goods such as fruits, vegetables, and baked goods, as well as packaged goods of all kinds, in presentation containers. These containers are typically tubs or baskets, placed on simple tables or special display stands. Display stands are usually designed to hold several containers in such a way that the goods are easily accessible to potential customers. They may have shelves or compartments for the display baskets, arranged on a single level or distributed across multiple levels like a shelf. The shelves or compartments are often angled to improve the visibility and accessibility of the display baskets from the front.

[0003] The disadvantage of existing solutions is that they either offer only a single level for placing merchandise displays or, in the case of multi-tiered displays such as sloping shelves, the display itself is bulky and massive, potentially distracting from the displayed merchandise and hindering its accessibility. Furthermore, due to their size and weight, such displays are difficult to move to a different location within the sales area. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to overcome these disadvantages of the prior art and to develop a product presenter that allows the inclusion of presentation containers on several levels and is as inconspicuous, compact and lightweight as possible while maintaining the necessary robustness and stability.

[0005] This problem is solved by a product display according to claim 1, which comprises a base, a support device, and at least one, usually several, display containers. The base constitutes the floor contact element of the product display according to the invention and has a plurality of feet—at least three, in particular at least four, preferably exactly four. The base supports the support device, which in turn serves to secure the display containers. For this purpose, the support device comprises two parallel support beams between which a plurality, in particular a plurality, of hanging points are arranged, for example, horizontal rungs extending between the parallel support beams. Alternatively, a rung element can also be provided, which is detachably or permanently attached to the longitudinal beams. The support beams, and thus the support device, can be vertically oriented, i.e., perpendicular to the base.In preferred designs, however, the support beams run at a non-zero angle to the vertical in order to allow for an offset between presentation containers suspended on different levels, thus enabling better visibility and accessibility of the same.

[0006] If the presentation containers themselves do not include hanging means, as is usually the case with simple baskets or tubs, the invention provides for the use of a holder which, on the one hand, provides these means and, on the other hand, is prepared to receive the respective presentation container. In preferred embodiments of the invention, these requirements are met by a two-part holder comprising a universal holding part and a support part tailored to the specific presentation container, wherein the holding part and the support part(s) can be connected via a common interface.

[0007] Attaching any presentation container, such as rectangular or oval trays or rectangular, especially square, round, or pyramid-shaped baskets, involves providing the desired container, a (universal) mounting bracket, and a support bracket tailored to the container; connecting the support bracket to the mounting bracket using the interface; hanging the resulting presentation container holder at the desired height on the support device; and inserting the presentation container into the holder. While the described sequence may be the simplest way to attach the container, the steps can also be performed in a different order. In particular, the last two steps could be reversed without significantly complicating the process.

[0008] In preferred embodiments, the support structure is designed to be as narrow and delicate as possible to be inconspicuous. This means that the support beams are as thin as possible and the rungs are rather short or the rung element is narrow. Support beams and rungs or rung elements can be made of wood, metal, or plastic, for example, even a transparent plastic such as acrylic glass. If not made of a transparent material, a suitable paint finish can also provide camouflage in the operating environment, for example, by painting the support beams and rungs the same color as the wall or shop fittings next to or in front of which the product display according to the invention is positioned.

[0009] The invention thus provides a merchandise display unit that advantageously allows goods to be displayed in presentation containers distributed across multiple levels, while remaining as unobtrusive as possible. Furthermore, since the support structure of the display unit is located on the back of the attached presentation containers, it does not obstruct access to the containers or the goods displayed within them in any way. Presentation containers of various sizes and shapes can be attached to and / or placed on the display unit, either individually or in virtually any combination. The unit is also compact and lightweight, thus facilitating its relocation within the store, whether loaded or unloaded.

[0010] Advantageous further training measures, which can be implemented individually or in combination, provided they do not obviously exclude each other, are the subject of the subclaims and are presented below.

[0011] The base can comprise two longitudinal beams arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, which are connected at both opposite ends by a crossbeam. The base also has at least four, preferably exactly four, feet to provide support for ground contact. These feet can be attached or integrally formed, particularly vertically, at the ends of the crossbeams. A simple way to create feet in the case of tubular, metal crossbeams is to bend the ends of the crossbeams downwards by 90°.

[0012] The feet can also be screwed into threaded holes, such as threaded bushings, on the underside of the crossbeams' ends. For this purpose, disc-shaped feet with a base plate made of metal, plastic, or rubber can be used for weight distribution. Alternatively, simple cylindrical spacer columns with a thread at the top and plastic glides at the bottom can be used. Sliding plugs or wheels can also be fitted directly onto the ends of the crossbeams.

[0013] Instead of one, a pair, or all of the feet, wheels or casters, particularly swivel casters, can be used as alternative mounting devices. At least two casters are arranged in pairs on one side of the display unit, preferably a narrow side, so that the display unit can be moved, at least by lifting the opposite end. In embodiments where all mounting devices are wheels or casters, swivel casters are preferably used for at least two casters located on the same side. Even more preferably, all mounting devices are swivel casters, with at least one pair of these casters, preferably all, having locking mechanisms to prevent the display unit from rolling away uncontrollably without the need for external means such as wedges. The load capacity per caster should preferably be at least 25 kg.The feet preferably have a height of between 10 and 15 cm, in particular about 12 cm, which allows hand pallet trucks or forklifts to pick up and move the product presenter according to the invention as a whole.

[0014] In the product display according to the invention, the support beams, and thus the support device, form an angle of between 0° and 45° with the vertical in some embodiments, preferably between 13° and 30°, and particularly preferably approximately 15° or 17°. In these embodiments, it is advantageous if the support device further comprises support struts for bracing the inclined support beams, wherein the support struts extend, in particular, from the base to a central section of the support beams. Preferably, one support strut is provided for each support beam. The support struts can be vertically oriented or intersect, i.e., each extending from a point below one of the support beams to the other support beam. The support struts can be tied together at the point of intersection, for example by means of a wire, or connected, for example by welding. The support beams can be connected to each other at their upper end via a crossbeam.This serves to stabilize the support structure and can also serve as a sign holder.

[0015] The mullion element can be an elongated sheet metal panel from which a series of windows is cut out in a central section, so that the remaining material between the two continuous lateral side sections enclosing the central section forms mullion-like struts on which the retaining elements according to the invention can be suspended. The mullion sheet metal can be cut out mechanically or by laser. The mullion sheet metal can be permanently connected to the support beams of the support structure, for example, by being welded firmly to the support beams. For this purpose, the support beams and the mullion sheet metal are advantageously preferably made of the same metal alloy or at least of alloys that are thermally weldable to each other.Alternatively, the rung plate can also be detachably connected to the support beams, for example by inserting it (from one end of the beams) into longitudinal grooves in the facing inner sides of the longitudinal beams. For a stable connection in the transverse direction, these longitudinal grooves preferably have a cross-section that widens in the transverse direction of the support structure, for example a cross-section in the shape of a circle or square, which is connected to the inner side via a narrower neck. In these embodiments, the rung plate has a thickening on its longitudinal sides that is complementary to the cross-section of the grooves. Alternatively, the groove can also have an L-shaped cross-section and the rung plate can have a complementary-dimensioned bend on both longitudinal sides. This design is particularly easy to manufacture. Providing lateral bends on the rung plate is also advantageous in embodiments in which it is permanently, i.e., permanently, connected to the support beams.The connection is permanent, for example welded. The advantage here is that the contact area with the support beams is increased.

[0016] The metal sheet from which the muntin plate is manufactured, in particular cut out, preferably has a thickness of between 2 and 10 mm, particularly, in the case of an aluminum alloy, between 4 mm and 8 mm, or, in the case of a steel alloy, between 2.5 mm and 5 mm, particularly 3 mm. The muntin plate preferably has a width of between 12 cm and 30 cm, particularly preferably between 15 cm and 20 cm, approximately 16 cm, and a length of between 50 cm and 150 cm, preferably between 80 cm and 120 cm, particularly 100 cm. The windows in the central section are preferably rectangular and may have rounded corners, approximately with a radius of curvature of between 0.5 mm and 5 mm. Their number is between 6 and 12, preferably 9 or 10, resulting in a corresponding number of mounting options for the holders according to the invention.The rung plate is preferably attached to the support beams such that its front edge is offset backwards relative to the front edge of the support beams by approximately 1 / 3 to 2 / 3, preferably about half, of the thickness of the support beams in a direction perpendicular to the rung plate. The offset can be, for example, between 2 cm and 6 cm, particularly about 3 cm. This offset allows the use of holders without separate lateral stabilizing elements. The holders are designed so that their lateral sides contact the inner surfaces of the support beams and are supported by them. Such an offset is also advantageous in designs of the product display where rod-shaped rungs run directly between the support beams.

[0017] The support beams of the support structure can be hollow metal profile tubes with a round or rectangular, particularly square, cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes are also possible. In embodiments of the invention in which a rung plate is detachably connected or connectable to the support beams by being inserted into a longitudinal groove, strip elements are preferably welded to the inner sides of the support beams, defining the groove between them.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support beams are articulated, meaning they are connected to the base via a common joint or individual joints, allowing the angle of the support device relative to the vertical to be adjusted. To fix the support device at a desired angle, the support struts supporting the beams are either variable in length, for example, by being telescopic, or the point of attachment of the support struts to the support beams and / or the base can be changed. For instance, the support beams and / or the base may have two or more eyelets or holes for each support strut, positioned at varying distances from the pivot point of the support beams, for attaching the respective strut end. Changing the angle of inclination then simply involves repositioning the support strut ends.

[0019] In preferred embodiments of the product presenter according to the invention, the support beams are attached with a lower end in a central area of ​​the base, in particular in the middle of the longitudinal beams of the base or approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the longitudinal beams from their front edge, so that a free and flat area suitable for setting up a presentation container is obtained in front of the support device - preferably extending obliquely to the rear.

[0020] It is further preferred that the support beams have a length of between 120 cm and 200 cm, in particular approximately 160 cm, and are arranged at a distance of between 12 and 24 cm, preferably 16 cm, from each other. The support structure can comprise between 8 and 20, in particular 14, rungs, with the preferred distance between adjacent rungs being between 6 cm and 12 cm, in particular 8 cm. The rungs can be distributed (uniformly) over the entire length of the support beams, i.e., from the top to the bottom. However, a rung-free section can also be provided in a lower area of ​​the support beams near their connection point with the base, which in particular has an extent of between 1 / 10 and 1 / 5 of the length of the support beams and / or 12 cm to 40 cm.

[0021] In preferred embodiments of the product display unit according to the invention, the base has a length of between 50 cm and 80 cm, in particular 65 cm, and a width of between 40 and 80 cm, in particular approximately 60 cm.

[0022] The product display according to the invention can comprise one or more holders, in particular one holder per level occupied by the display units, for attaching one or more of the display containers to the rungs of the support structure. The holder can comprise a retaining element which, in some embodiments, takes the form of a flat sheet metal part with a curved suspension area adjoining an upper end of a central part for hanging the holder on a rung and, in particular, 90° angled guide wings which, in the hung state of the holder, bear against the outside of the support beams for its lateral stabilization.In embodiments of the product display according to the invention, in which there is a sufficient offset of approximately one to several centimeters between the front of the support beams and a plane defined by a rung element or by rungs running directly between the support beams, the guide wings of the holding element can be omitted. In these embodiments, the holding element can rest against the inside of the support beams with its lateral outer edges, thus ensuring sufficient lateral stability. The holding element is independent of the shape of the presentation container to be attached and is therefore also referred to here as a universal holder.

[0023] In embodiments of the product display according to the invention with a holder, the holder preferably further comprises a support element adapted to the shape of a presentation container to be attached to the product display. The holder has fastening devices for connecting it to the support element. These can be, for example, molded-in retaining tabs for attaching suspension sections of the support element, particularly if the latter is a support tube assembly consisting of bent and welded tubes. The fastening device can also include one or more clamping lips and, at a suitable height below these, support steps angled from the flat central part of the universal holder, which can accommodate a support element designed as a carrying tray.

[0024] The support element can take the form of a tubular frame with a single retaining ring and a single support bracket arranged below the fixing ring and connected to it via two suspension tube sections for holding a single frustoconical presentation container, in particular a basket, wherein the retaining ring preferably has a diameter of between 20 and 60 cm. In other embodiments, the support element is a tubular frame with two retaining rings arranged side by side and connected by a tube section serving as a suspension section for holding two frustoconical presentation containers, in particular baskets, wherein the retaining rings can each have a diameter between 10 and 30 cm and the diameter of both retaining rings is preferably the same.In other embodiments, the support element is a framework with a rectangular support bracket and a support bracket arranged centrally below the support bracket, connected to it via two suspension tube sections, for supporting a presentation container, preferably truncated pyramid-shaped, in particular a basket, which is held in the framework. In further possible embodiments, the support element is a carrying tray with a rectangular base and a rim consisting of four abutting rectangular side panels. The width of the carrying tray is preferably between 40 and 80 cm, and more preferably 61 cm, and the depth of the carrying tray is between 35 and 50 cm, and more preferably 41 cm.

[0025] The product display can accommodate two or more, in particular three, four, or five, presentation containers. One of the presentation containers can be placed directly on the base. In addition, one, two, or more presentation containers can be attached to the support structure of the product display by means of holders, in particular of the type described above, consisting of a universal holding element and a special support element. The holding element, support element, and the presentation container inserted therein form a display or presentation gondola.

[0026] The product display according to the invention, with its supporting elements (base and support structure) and their sub-elements, can be made of various materials and comprise different profile shapes. In embodiments where the base comprises longitudinal beams and connecting transverse beams, these can be made of metal, for example, flat iron, angle or H-profiles, square tubes, oval or round metal tubes. The support beams of the support structure can be made of square tubes or round or oval metal tubes. Alternatively, they can also be made of plastic or wood. In both cases, rectangular profile cross-sections are suitable; hollow in the case of plastic, and solid in the case of wood. A round cross-section is advantageous for the rungs, but these too can be made of different materials, for example, round metal tubes, glass or carbon fiber rods, or round plastic or wooden rods.However, due to the high stress on the rungs, metal, fiberglass or carbon fiber is preferred.

[0027] A material mix is ​​also possible within the scope of the present invention, for example, a base made of metal, such as steel or aluminum tubes with a higher wall thickness to ensure a low center of gravity and corresponding stability, combined with plastic, wood, or thin-walled tubes or profiles made of a lightweight metal, such as aluminum, for the support structure to keep the weight of the product display low. For this reason, it is also preferred if, in the case of using metal as the material for the entire product display, a lightweight metal such as aluminum is used. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further properties, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These are intended merely to illustrate the present invention and in no way to limit its generality.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1A: An isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the merchandise presenter without presentation containers. Fig. 1B: A detailed view of the top end of a support beam. Fig. 1C: A side view of the preferred embodiment with a suspended presentation basket next to a wall. Fig. 2A: A detailed view of the support device with a universal holder suspended from the rungs Fig. 2B: A schematic view of the universal holder with attached support structure for a large round presentation basket Fig. 2C: A schematic view of the universal holder with attached support structure for two small round presentation baskets. Fig. 2D: A schematic view of a universal holder with a carrying tray attached to it. Fig. 2E: A schematic view of the universal holder with a support structure attached to it for a pyramid-shaped presentation basket. Fig. 3: An isometric view of two product displays arranged side by side according to the preferred embodiment of the Fig. 1 with three presentation containers each. Fig. 4: An isometric view of another embodiment of a base of a product presenter according to the invention. Fig. 5A: An isometric partial exploded view of the support device according to a second preferred embodiment of a merchandise presenter according to the invention with a rung plate instead of individual rungs and with a suspended matching holder with tray. Fig. 5B: A longitudinal section through the support device of the merchandise presenter according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5C, Fig. 5D: One front view and one side view of the product presenter according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5E: An isometric view of a simplified universal holder for use with the merchandise presenter of the second embodiment. Fig. 5F: Another longitudinal section through the support device of the second embodiment, but here with a universal holder with a hanging frame attachment instead of a tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following detailed description is exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, it provides practical illustrations of the use of various embodiments of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples mentioned offer several suitable alternatives.

[0031] The Fig. Figures 1A-1C show different views of the support structure of the product display. This structure comprises the two assemblies base 2 and support unit 3. The base 2 supports the support unit 3 and, by means of support devices, transfers the static (weight) forces generated by the display containers 4 and the vertical or horizontal dynamic forces caused during loading or unloading of the display containers, or during their attachment to or placement on the product display, into the surface on which the product display is erected. In the embodiment shown here, the base 2 comprises two longitudinal beams 21, which are connected parallel to and spaced apart from each other by means of two transverse beams 22 attached to opposite ends to form an H-shaped frame.

[0032] Four feet 23 serve as support devices, one at each end of the crossbeams 22. These can be provided as a separate part and connected to the crossbeams 22 by bolting or welding. If the crossbeams 22 are made of a ductile material such as metal profiles or plastic, they can also be created by bending the ends of the crossbeams 22, possibly after heating the material at least at the bending point. For example, the longitudinal and transverse beams 21, 22 can be made of steel or aluminum tubes with a box profile and dimensions of 40 x 20 mm.

[0033] In alternative embodiments not shown, at least one opening with an internal thread is provided at each end of the underside of the crossbeams 22, into which mounting devices in the form of disc feet, spacer columns, wheels, or casters can be screwed. The length of the longitudinal beams 21, and thus of the merchandise display 1, is preferably approximately 65 cm. The length of the crossbeams 22, and thus the width of the merchandise display 1, is preferably about 60 cm, but can also be greater or lesser to accommodate different spatial conditions. The height of the mounting devices should be between 10 and 15 cm, preferably about 12 cm, to allow the merchandise display 1 as a whole, whether loaded or unloaded, to be easily moved with a material handling vehicle (pallet jack, forklift).

[0034] Approximately one-third of the way along the front edge of the longitudinal beams 21 of the base 2, the support device 3, which extends roughly vertically, is attached to it. The support device 3 serves to attach the merchandise presentation containers 4, which can take the form of tubs, bowls, or baskets, such as the one shown in Fig. 1C indicates a basket 4 containing the goods G. The support structure 3 comprises a pair of spaced-apart and parallel support beams 31, between which several horizontally extending rungs 32 extend, mechanically connecting the support beams. The spacing of the support beams, and thus the clear length of the rungs 32, corresponds to the spacing of the two longitudinal beams 21 of the base and is preferably about 16 cm.

[0035] In some embodiments of the invention, the support beams 31 can be positioned exactly vertically. However, it is preferred that they be positioned as shown in the Fig. 1A and Fig. The support beams 31 are clearly visible and run inclined relative to the vertical, in particular at an angle between 0 and 45°, approximately 13–30°, preferably approximately 15°. The inclined support beams 31 are supported by support struts 32. The support struts 32 each extend from a point of application in the middle region of the support beams 31, more precisely along approximately 1 / 3 of the length of the support beams 31, to their connection point with the base 2. This connection point lies approximately vertically below the point of application on the support beam and, according to the dimensions of the support beams 31, is located in an end region of the longitudinal beams 21, i.e., near their connection point with one of the transverse beams 22. The support beams 31 can be hinged to the base (not explicitly shown) to allow the angle of inclination to be changed. For this purpose, the support struts 32 can preferably be easily detachable and fastened to several fixed points distributed along the longitudinal beams 21 of the base 2.

[0036] The rungs 32 running between the support beams 31 preferably have a visible length of approximately 16 cm, but extend, as shown in the exploded view Fig. 1B, which extends the upper part of the support device into the receiving holes 310 in the support beam 31, so that its length is slightly greater than the visible (central) part. The uppermost rung 32o is located very close to, i.e., only a few centimeters away from, the upper end of the support beam 31. The lowermost rung 32u, however, is not arranged in the same way near the lower ends of the support beam, but a rung-free area of ​​approximately 1 / 5 to 1 / 6 of the length of the support device 3 remains. This takes into account the fact that the fastening of presentation containers, as in the Fig. 2, shown, is achieved by attaching a holder that has a certain height, and therefore attachment to very low rungs would not be possible at all. Furthermore, presentation containers 4 hung so low would also conflict with those placed on the free area 5 of the base 2, which extends from the foot end of the support device to the end of the base 2 opposite to the direction of inclination of the support device 3, as is the case, for example, in the Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 2A - 2E show the possibility preferred by the invention of connecting presentation containers with the product presenter according to the invention.

[0038] In the Fig. Figure 2A shows a section of the support structure 3 of the product presenter 1, and a holding element 43 of a (presentation container) holder 40 is shown suspended from a rung 32 of this section. Since the holding element 43 is used in all versions of the holder 40 presented here, it is also referred to as the universal holding element or simply the universal holder.

[0039] The (universal) holding element 43 comprises a plate-shaped central section 430 and a bent upper suspension collar 431, as well as a pair of lateral wings 432. The suspension collar 431 serves to suspend the holding element 43 (and thus the holder 40) from a rung 32 of the support structure 3 of the product display 1. When suspended, the wings 432 rest against the outer surfaces of the support beams 31 and provide lateral stabilization; that is, they transfer the transverse forces acting on the display containers attached by means of the holder 40 into the support structure. Without the wings 432, such forces could cause the holding element 43, and thus the holder 40 along with the display container it holds, to slip and, in the worst case, fall.

[0040] The holder 40 further comprises a carrying part 44 which can be detachably connected to the holding part 43. The carrying part 44 is adapted to the shape of the presentation container to be carried and is therefore, unlike the holding part 43, not universal.

[0041] In the Fig. In the variant shown in Figure 2B, which is designed to hold round presentation containers of typically larger dimensions, such as the indicated frustoconical basket 4a, the support element has the form of a support tube 44a with a large centering and support ring 440a and a U-shaped support or carrying bracket 441a. Both are connected via the two suspension sections 442a. The suspension sections 442a serve to detachably connect the support tube 44a to the universal holder 43.

[0042] Instead of as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, a closed centering and support ring 440a is used. In alternative designs, the part of the centering and support ring 440a shown between the connection points with the suspension sections 442a can also be omitted. This makes it possible to bend the support tube assembly from a single tube, the ends of which only need to be joined together, which can be done by welding and / or creating a plug connection.

[0043] In the Fig. Figure 2C shows a version of a support element 44b, also realized as a support tube structure, which serves to hold two small presentation containers with a round base, for example, the frustoconical presentation baskets 4b indicated in the figure. The support tube structure 44b comprises two (smaller) centering and support rings 440b, which are connected via a suspension section 442b, by means of which the support tube structure 44b can be attached to the universal holder 43. The tilting moment caused by the support tube structure 44b itself and the presentation containers held therein is transferred to the universal holder 43 by support sections of the support tube structure 44b (not shown).

[0044] The Fig. Figure 2D illustrates a tray-like support element 44d, which consists of a rectangular base 444 and two lateral side surfaces 445 and longitudinal side surfaces 446 attached to it. The support element 44d can either serve as a presentation container itself or other containers can be placed on it. As with the other support elements, the connection to the universal holder is preferably made by hooking it onto connection structures of the universal holder 43 (not shown).

[0045] The Fig. Figure 2E shows a holder 40 with a support part 44c, which in its construction corresponds to the support part 44a of the Fig. However, 2B corresponds to a centering and support ring 440c with a rectangular base shape and thus serves to accommodate presentation containers with a corresponding cross-section, such as the truncated pyramid-shaped basket 4c indicated in the figure.

[0046] In addition to the basic presentation container shapes described above—round, rectangular, and especially square—containers with other basic shapes are also conceivable, such as those with an elliptical / oval, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, or other ground plan and / or cross-section. Besides containers that, like those shown in the figures, have a fixed cross-sectional shape that does not change along their height, containers can also be used in which the cross-section varies at different heights, for example, from round to square or vice versa. Containers with sides curved in the vertical direction, such as hemispherical ones, are also compatible with the product presenter according to the invention and can be used advantageously.

[0047] The Fig. Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, two product displays according to the invention placed side by side, each with three presentation containers on it. The shape and size of the containers 4 are not important here; that is, the cuboid shape shown is merely exemplary, and other shapes and sizes can also be used. Likewise, different containers can be attached to the two product displays 1. Rather, the intention of the figure is to show that, in contrast to the devices known from the prior art and those currently used in stores for this purpose, the product displays 1 of the present invention are significantly slimmer and less conspicuous, and the goods displayed in the presentation containers are readily accessible. In doing so, the invention reduces the structure required to support the presentation containers and goods to a minimum.In addition to the positive visual impression and excellent accessibility for customers, the main advantage for the retailer is that the product presenter according to the invention is quick to load due to its simple handling and easy to move due to its low weight.

[0048] In the Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a base for a merchandise display according to the invention. The base 2 according to this embodiment also comprises two longitudinal beams 21 and two transverse beams 22, which are joined to form an H-shaped structure, for example – in the case of metal beams – by welding. Instead of a central beam, this "H" has a double beam in the form of the longitudinal beams 21 spaced parallel to each other at a distance BB2. The distance BB2 can be, for example, 20 cm. The length LB of the base results from the sum of the length of the longitudinal beams 21 and twice the thickness of the transverse beams 22 in the longitudinal direction and is preferably about 60 cm. The main difference from the base of the merchandise display 1 according to the preceding figures is the omission of feet. In the embodiment shown here, ground contact is achieved by other ground contact elements 24, 25 attached to the ends of the transverse beams.On the front crossbeam 22a, these are two sliding plugs 25, made of rubber or plastic, for example; on the rear crossbeam 22b, these are wheels 24. This design makes a merchandise display unit using this base movable according to the principle of a hand truck, i.e., by lifting the front crossbeam 22a, using the wheels 24.

[0049] The Fig. Figures 5A - 5F show a second preferred embodiment of a product presenter according to the invention with a rung plate instead of individual rungs directly connected to the support beams of the support device.

[0050] The support device 3 of this embodiment is in the Fig. 5A is shown in an isometric partial exploded view and in the Fig. 5B is shown in longitudinal section, each with a suitably simplified holder 40' attached. The structure of the support device essentially corresponds to that of the first embodiment, with the crucial difference that the attachment points 341 for (presentation container) holders, such as the holder 40' shown, are not individual rungs, but are created by windows or cutouts 340 in the rung plate 34. This simplifies the manufacturing process compared to the variant shown in the Fig. 1-3 essential. The cutouts 340 can be manufactured mechanically or by laser. The retaining collar 341 of the holder 40 is suspended on one of the webs 341 remaining between the lateral sections 34l, 34r, which form the central section 34m. On the longitudinal sides, the slat plate has bends 342 for improved attachment to / into the support beams 31. The bends 342 are shown exaggeratedly large here for better visibility. In actual implementation, their height would preferably be only about 1-2 sheet thicknesses, i.e., about 4-12 mm. The slat plate 34 can be permanently welded to the support beams 31. Alternatively, grooves with an L-shaped cross-section are created on the facing inner sides of the support beams 31, into which the slat plate with the bends 342 can be inserted. This makes the product display 1 advantageously disassemblable.The offset V2 of approximately 3 cm between the front of the rung plate 34 and that of the support beams 31 enables the lateral support of the retaining part 43' of the holder 40' on the insides of the support beams 31.

[0051] The Fig. 5C and Fig. Figure 5D shows a front and a side view of the merchandise display 1' according to the second embodiment. The height H2 of the rung plate 34 is preferably about 100 cm, and the overall height H1 of the support device 3 is preferably about 120 cm. The offset V between the lower end of the support device 3 and the front end 26 of the base 2 is preferably 12 cm, and the angle α between the vertical and the support device 3 is about 17°.

[0052] The Fig. 5E and Fig. Figure 5F shows an alternative universal holder 40'. On this holder, more precisely on the angle profile 405 on the mounting plate 401, the suspension sections of presentation basket carrying parts, such as those in the Fig. 2b and Fig. 2 C shown carrying parts 44, are attached. Reference symbol list 1, 1' Merchandise presenter 2 Basis 21 longitudinal beams 22 crossbeams 23 Stand 24-inch wheel 25 sliding plugs 26 front end of 2 3 Support device 30 upper end range of 3 31 support beams 32 rungs 32o / u top / bottom rung 33 Support strut 34 rung plates 34L left section 34M Middle Section 34R right section 340 excerpt 341 Suspension bridge 4 Display / Presentation Gondola 40, 40' Holder 430 Middle section 431 Hanging collar 432 lateral wing 43, 43' universal holding part 4a large round basket 4c pyramid-shaped basket 4b small round basket 44 Carrying part 440a,b,c Centering ring 441a,c Carrying handle 442a,b,c Suspension section 4d bathtub 44d tub-shaped support part 444 Bathtub floor 445 lateral side of 44d 446 Front side of 44d G Ware Underground W Wall V1 Support Device Offset V2 rung plate offset Bba base width front Bbb rear base width BB2 Spacing of base longitudinal beams LB Length Base H1 Height of 34 H2 height of 3

Claims

[1] Merchandise display unit for displaying bulk and packaged goods, comprising: • a base (2) which • a support device (3) consisting of two parallel support beams (31) with intermediately arranged suspension points (32, 341), in particular horizontally extending rungs (32) or webs (341) in a rung plate (34), wherein in particular a crossbeam connecting the support beams is present at the upper end, • wherein at least one presentation container (4), in particular in the form of a woven basket, is suspended or can be suspended on one or more of the suspension points (32, 341). [2] Merchandise display according to claim 1, wherein the base (2) comprises two longitudinal beams (21) spaced apart and arranged parallel to each other, which are connected at both opposite ends by a transverse beam (22) and the base (2) further comprises at least four, in particular exactly four, support devices (23, 24, 25), in particular - vertically extending feet attached to the ends of the crossbeams or molded-on feet (23), preferably created by bending the ends of the crossbeams by 90°, or - wheels or sliding plugs 25 attached to the ends of the crossbeams (22). [3] Merchandise display according to claim 2, wherein a threaded bushing is provided on the underside of each end of the crossbeams (22) and the support devices (23) are feet screwed into the threaded bushing, in particular disc feet or wheels or casters, in particular swivel casters pivoting about the vertical. [4] Merchandise display according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the support devices (23) have a height of between 8 cm and 15 cm, in particular approximately 10 cm. [5] Merchandise display according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support beams (31) form an angle with the vertical of between 0 and 45°, preferably between 13° and 30°, particularly preferably about 15° or 17°. [6] A product display stand according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support beams (31) are at an angle to the vertical and the support device (3) further comprises support struts (33) for supporting the support beams (31), which in particular extend from the base (2) to a central section of the support beams (31) and are preferably vertically oriented. [7] A product display according to the preceding claim, wherein each support beam (31) has a support strut (32) and the support struts in particular cross each other. [8] A product display stand according to one of the three preceding claims, wherein the angle of the support beams (31) to the vertical is adjustable, in particular by the fact that the support beams (31) are connected to the base via a common joint or each of a joint and the length of the support struts (33) is variable, for example by being telescopic, or by the fact that a fastening point of the support struts (33) on the support beams (31) and / or on the base (2) is variable. [9] Merchandise presenter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support beams (31) are attached with a lower end approximately in the middle of the base (2), in particular in the middle of longitudinal beams (21) of the base (2), so that a free and flat area 5 suitable for setting up a presentation container is obtained. [10] Merchandise display according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support beams (31) have a length of between 120 cm and 200 cm, in particular approximately 160 cm, and are arranged at a distance of between 12 and 24 cm, preferably 16 cm, from each other. [11] A product display stand according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between 8 and 20, in particular 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 hanging points (341) are provided, wherein the preferred distance between adjacent hanging points (32, 341) is between 6 cm and 12 cm, in particular 8 cm, 9 cm or 10 cm. [12] Merchandise presenter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging points (341, 32) are distributed over the entire length of the support device (3). [13] A product display stand according to one of the preceding claims, wherein no hanging points (32) are provided in a lower area of ​​the support beams (31) near their connection point with the base (2), wherein the free area in particular has an extent of between 2% and 20% of the length of the support beams and / or 4 cm to 40 cm. [14] A product display stand according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging points are rungs (32) running directly between the support beams 31. [15] Merchandise display according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging points are webs (341) in a rung plate (34) which is connected to the support beams (31), for example by plugging or welding. [16] Product display according to the preceding claim, wherein the rung plate (34) has bends 34 with which it is inserted, in particular, into longitudinal grooves on the insides of the support beams (31), so that the connection between the rung plate (34) and the support beams (31) is detachable. [17] Merchandise display stand according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (2) has a length of between 50 cm and 80 cm, in particular 65 cm and a width of between 40 and 80 cm, in particular approximately 60 cm. [18] A product display unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a holder (40) with a retaining part (43) for attaching one or more display containers (4) to the hanging points (341) of the support assembly, in particular in the form of a flat sheet metal part (43) with a curved hanging area (431) adjoining an upper end of a central part (430) for hanging the retaining part (43) and thus the holder on a rung (32) and, in particular, 90° angled guide wings (432) which, in the hung state of the holder, bear against the outside of the support beams (31) for its lateral stabilization. [19] Merchandise presenter according to the preceding claim, wherein the holder (40) comprises a support part (44) adapted to the shape of a presentation container to be attached to the merchandise presenter (1) and the retaining part (43) has fastening devices for connecting the retaining part (43) to the support part (6) for presentation containers, in particular molded retaining webs for hanging hanging sections of a support part (6) designed as a support tube structure (61) and / or one or more support steps and clamping lips for hanging a support part (44) designed as a carrying tray (62). [20] A merchandise display according to the preceding claim, comprising a holder with a carrying part (44) in the form of a • a support tube structure (44a) with a single retaining ring (440a) and a single support bracket (441a) arranged below the retaining ring and connected to it via two suspension tube sections (442a) for receiving a single frustoconical presentation container, in particular a basket (4a), wherein the retaining ring (440a) preferably has a diameter of between 20 and 60 cm, and / or • a support tube structure (44b) with two retaining rings (440b) arranged side by side and connected by a tube section serving as a suspension section, for receiving two frustoconical presentation containers, in particular baskets (4b), wherein the retaining rings (440b) each have a diameter between 10 and 30 cm and the diameter of both retaining rings is preferably the same, and / or • a support tube structure (44c) with a rectangular support bracket (440c) and a support bracket (441c) arranged centrally below the support bracket and connected to it via two suspension tube sections for supporting a presentation container, preferably truncated pyramid-shaped, in particular a basket (4c) received in the support structure (44c), • a carrying tray (44d) with a rectangular base (441d) and a rim consisting of four abutting rectangular side parts (445, 446), wherein the width of the carrying tray (44d) is preferably between 40 and 80 cm, in particular 610 cm and the depth of the carrying tray (44d) is between 35 and 50 cm, in particular 41 cm. [21] Merchandise presenter according to any of the preceding sections, comprising two or more, in particular three, four or five presentation containers. [22] A product display unit according to the preceding claim, comprising a display container which is placed directly on the base (2) and one, two or more display containers which are attached to the support (3) of the product display unit (1) by means of holders (43) and support structures suspended therein. [23] Merchandise presenter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a colour of the base (2) and / or the support device (3) corresponds to a colour of the presentation container(s) (4) or of a background at a location where the merchandise presenter (1) is installed. [24] A merchandise display according to any of the preceding claims, wherein its supporting elements base (2) and support device (3) and their sub-elements are wholly or partially made of: • Metal, in particular flat iron, angle or H-profiles, square tubes, oval or round metal tubes, and / or • Plastic, especially plastic profiles, and / or • Wood • Glass or carbon fiber.

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