Hinged and removable frame with sliding plates

Abstract

The frame is formed by the joining of four section bars that constitute an upper transom (1.1), a lower transom (1.2) and two mullions (1.3); some section bars (4) are internally attached to both the transoms (1.1, 1.2) and the mullions (1.3); said section bars (4) have some slideways (4.1) where the plates (3, 3′) slide; some plastic washers (5) are attached externally to both the mullions (1.3) and the transoms (1.1, 1.2) which touch the various parts of the furniture avoiding the entrance of insects or dust and contributing to its thermal proof; some retaining elements of the section bar (4) are attached to the upper transom (1.1) to hold the plates (3, 3′); each frame (1, 1′) can be blocked into its maximum opening position thanks to two couples of pins (12, 12′) where one pin (12) of each couple slides in a slit (11.1); said retaining elements consist of flat springs (8) or threaded pins (9).

Description

[0001] The frame in question can be validly employed in the field of displays, counters, of wall display units and warm, neutral and refrigerated shelves, particularly destined to large distribution. STATE OF THE ART [0002] The counters, the displays, the wall diplay units and shelves for the sale of foodstuff are often equipped with glass or plastic plates at the back side or the one which can be accessed by the operator. Their function is that of both insulating the foodstuffs thermally contained inside them from the external environment and of avoiding insects and dust to penetrate inside especially when service has not been made. [0003] The plates can be simply rested upon these furniture items and in this case they are removed when the units are being used and they are replaced back when sale operations are over. Alternatively the plates can be sliding along some slideways purposely made on the funiture units. [0004] Other times the plates are inserted in one or more than one f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a frame that solves problems with traditional frames by allowing for easy cleaning and access to all parts of the furniture. The frame can also be raised upward, allowing for easy cleaning and unloading of goods. The frame is made up of section bars with slideways and retaining elements to hold plates securely. The frame can be blocked into its maximum opening position or removed from the furniture. The frame is attached to the furniture using pins and blocks or directly to the furniture. The frame is made of soft plastic material and the plates can also not be sliding. The technical effects of the invention are improved access, easy cleaning, and a stable frame that can be raised upward for unloading."

Problems solved by technology

Thus one sees that, although using these barriers, there is a thermal loss of a certain entity.

Moreover dust and insects can in any case slip into the gaps left open by the frames themselves.

This device undoubtedly reduces the disadvantages of the remaining known frames but, as such finishing is made of stiff plastics, it is less adaptable to furniture units.

However it consequently allows access for insects and dust into the furniture and a waste of heat from the remaining sides.

The same effect can be found on frames featuring badly dimensioned and little strong inner sliding section bars made of plastics, where the weight of the plates when the counter is heated can deform the lower bars of the same frames, adhering to the heated furniture, with the sudden and dangerous dropping of plates.

Such a danger is increased by the fact that only glass panes are used on heated furniture units: the economic damage determined by their breakage can be therefore extremely high; anyway the safety of operators is not to be neglected too.

However the possibility of placing the frames at the back of the shop or on the above mentioned recesses does not always exist.

Furthermore the available room in the back shop is not always sufficient.

Eventually many times the frames have such a size that they cannot be taken off, handled and replaced easily.

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