Collapsible merchandise display container with communication rail

Abstract

A product presentation container (2) comprising a base frame (4), a first and a second side frame (8, 10) which are each pivotally arranged on the base frame (4) about a side frame pivot axis (14) and which each form a longitudinal side wall (16) of the product presentation container (2), as well as end walls (18) which are each pivotally arranged about an end-side pivot axis (24) and with at least one base element (26), wherein in an operating position of the product presentation container (2) the longitudinal side walls (16) and the end walls (18) are arranged parallel to each other and together with the base element (26) define a receiving space of the product presentation container (2), wherein the side frames (8, 10) and the end walls (18) can be moved into a disengaged position by pivoting, in which they are arranged in the base frame (4), characterized in that the product presentation container (2) comprises a communication rail (28),which is rigidly connected to the first side frame (8) or one of the end walls (18) and is pivotably arranged relative to the side frame (8) or end wall (18) to which it is rigidly connected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a collapsible merchandise display container with a communication rail. Merchandise display containers of this type are known in various designs. They have a receiving space bounded by two longitudinal side walls, two end walls, and at least one base element. For the purpose of transport or storage, these containers can be folded into a compact, space-saving position. Several solutions for this are known. Such a merchandise display container is disclosed, for example, in EP 1 511 411 A1. DE 10 2006 020 635 A1 also discloses a corresponding merchandise display container.

[0002] The product display container can be folded by pivoting the side frames and end walls around the side frame pivot axes or end wall pivot axes. The side frames and end walls remain connected to the base and are therefore immediately available for later transferring the product display container into its operating position.

[0003] In particular, the side frames and end panels can be moved into the storage position by being arranged within the base frame. For this purpose, the side frames can be arranged on the base frame in superimposed planes. The end panels can be arranged on other planes, preferably a plane common to both end panels. The planes are preferably arranged substantially horizontally. Planes are considered substantially horizontal if they deviate from the horizontal by up to + / - 15°. If the side frames and end panels are arranged within the space defined by the base frame, several of these product display containers can be easily stacked on top of each other in the storage position.

[0004] In operational use, product display containers are frequently equipped with communication rails. These rails provide customers with information about the goods displayed in the container. This information typically includes the price of the goods. Preferably, the communication rail offers a way to display prices, particularly electronically. These communication rails are typically attached to a side wall of the product display container. Therefore, the communication rail is a separate component that must be stored separately.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide such a product presentation container in which the handling of the communication rail is simplified.

[0006] According to the invention, this is achieved by firmly connecting the communication rail to a first side frame or one of the end walls of the product presentation container, wherein the communication rail is pivotable relative to the first side frame or the corresponding end wall containing the communication rail. The communication rail is thus an integral part of the product presentation container and no longer needs to be stored separately and arranged on the product presentation container after it has been moved into the operating position.The communication rail, which is pivotally mounted on the first side frame or the relevant end wall, can be pivoted in the out-of-service position so that, despite the communication rail being fixed to the side frame or end wall, the product display container can be moved into an out-of-service position in which the side frames and end walls, including the communication rail, are arranged in the base frame. Several product display containers can be stacked on top of each other in the out-of-service position.

[0007] Preferably, the communication rail has a cross-section in its longitudinal direction that gives it a contour facilitating information comprehension for customers. For this purpose, the communication rail can, in particular, have a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section. Alternatively, the communication rail can have a curved surface. On such a communication rail, the prices of goods arranged in the display container can be presented in a particularly legible manner for customers. However, a communication rail with such a contour occupies a certain amount of space. Here, a pivoting arrangement of the communication rail is particularly advantageous in order to be able to move the display container into the out-of-service position.

[0008] Preferably, the communication rail is pivotably arranged at the upper end of the longitudinal side wall or the end wall in the operating position, about a pivot axis that is horizontal in the operating position, by at least 90°. A communication rail arranged at the upper end of the longitudinal side wall or the end wall is positioned in the operating position of the product display container in such a way that price tags arranged on the communication rail are particularly easy for customers to see. By pivoting it by 90°, particularly preferably by 180°, the communication rail can be moved in the out-of-service position in the plane of the longitudinal side wall or the end wall to a position above the longitudinal side wall of the side frame or the end wall, in which it does not obstruct the folding of the product display container or the arrangement of the side frames and end walls in the base frame.

[0009] Particularly preferably, when the communication rail is fixed to the first side frame, the height of the first side frame and the dimensions of the communication rail are selected such that, in the out-of-service position, the first side frame, with the communication rail pivoted about its pivot axis, can be arranged within the space defined by the base frame. This facilitates the transfer of the product display container into the out-of-service position.

[0010] Furthermore, and particularly preferably, in the out-of-service position, the second side frame can be arranged directly below the first side frame in the base. The second side frame also has a recess for receiving at least part of the communication rail pivoted about the pivot axis. In the out-of-service position, the communication rail pivoted about the pivot axis then extends at least partially from the plane in which the first side frame is arranged into the plane below, in which the second side frame is arranged. This allows the product display container to be folded particularly compactly in the out-of-service position, especially if a communication rail with a suitable contour that facilitates the recording of information is used, such as a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section viewed in the longitudinal direction, or with a curved surface.In particular, the communication rail is designed such that, in the out-of-service position, it is completely arranged in the same planes as the first and second side frames. The product display container is then preferably designed such that, in the out-of-service position, the end walls are arranged above the planes that accommodate the side frames. It is also possible to design the product display container such that, in the out-of-service position, the end walls are arranged below the planes that accommodate the side frames.

[0011] If the communication rail is arranged on one of the end walls and the product presentation container is designed for arranging the end walls in the out-of-service position below the levels for receiving the side frames, a pivotally movable arrangement of the communication rail on the end wall is particularly advantageous for easily transferring the product presentation container into the out-of-service position.

[0012] Alternatively, the product display container can be designed in which the end walls, when not in use, are arranged in a plane between the first and second side frames. In this case, the end walls must be designed and positioned to allow the insertion of the communication rail of the first side frame, pivoted around its pivot axis.

[0013] Preferably, the product display container has an advertising or communication surface arranged on the longitudinal side wall of the first side frame or on the end wall containing the communication rail, and permanently attached to it. This surface can be designed as a sheet metal panel onto which advertising material in the form of a film or sticker can be affixed. Advertising material can also be magnetically attached to such a sheet metal panel. In particular, the advertising or communication surface is designed as a poster pocket. Product display containers are often used with poster pockets in which advertising posters can be arranged. In previously known product display containers, these poster pockets are either attached separately to the product display container or are part of a communication rail that is attached separately to the product display container, with the communication rail, including the poster pocket, being plugged into the product display container.Since the need to attach a separate communication rail is eliminated in the product display container according to the invention, in a preferred embodiment the advertising or communication surface is permanently arranged directly on a longitudinal side wall of the first side frame or on the end wall that incorporates the communication rail. It therefore does not need to be removed when moving the product display container into the out-of-service position and is immediately available when moving it into the operating position, ready to be fitted with appropriate posters. It does not need to be stored, mounted, or dismounted separately. The usability of the product display container is thus further improved.

[0014] Preferably, the base of the product display container has four base posts. Each side frame has two side frame posts. The base posts and side frame posts together form a plug-in connection, allowing the side frames to be secured to the base in the operating position. In particular, domes or prongs are arranged on the side of the base posts facing the side frame posts in the operating position, which engage in corresponding receptacles on the side frame posts. It is particularly advantageous if the base posts also have corresponding receptacles for the domes or prongs on their underside.

[0015] Preferably, the base posts are designed to form a corresponding plug-in connection with the base posts of another product display container. The upper surface of the base posts is designed to engage with the underside of the base posts of the other product display container, and vice versa. In the out-of-service position, the product display containers can be stacked on top of each other, with the respective base posts utilizing the same plug-in connection. Specifically, the domes or prongs arranged on the upper surface of the base posts of the lower product display container engage in corresponding receptacles on the base posts of the product display container above. This secures the stacked product display containers during transport.The stacked product display containers are secured against slipping.

[0016] Preferably, the side frames each feature wire mesh forming the longitudinal side walls. Longitudinal side walls made of wire mesh are simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The wire mesh forming the longitudinal sides each has two connecting wire sections that are inserted into corresponding side frame receptacles in the base frame. This allows the side frames to pivot about a side frame pivot axis on the base frame in a simple and cost-effective manner. In particular, a dedicated hinge connection requiring an additional component can be omitted.

[0017] The side frame mounts of the base are preferably designed as elongated slots. This is particularly advantageous in conjunction with the use of plug connections, as the side frames can be easily lifted in the operating position by arranging the wire connection sections in the elongated slots of the side frame mounts. This causes the connecting wire sections to shift within the elongated slots of the side frame mounts. The plug connection can then be easily disconnected. Subsequently, a side frame can be pivoted around the connecting wire sections arranged in the elongated slots, and the product display container can be easily moved into the out-of-service position. Such a product display container can be manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0018] Preferably, the end walls are designed as wire mesh. End walls made of wire mesh can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively. Each end wall made of wire mesh has two pivoting wire sections that are inserted into corresponding end wall receptacles in the base frame. In this way, the end walls can be easily pivoted around an end wall pivot axis on the base frame. In particular, a dedicated hinge connection, which would otherwise require an additional component, can be omitted. The end wall pivot axes are then arranged horizontally.

[0019] Preferably, the end walls each have locking wire sections. Recesses for receiving these locking wire sections are arranged in the side frames, particularly in any existing side frame posts. The locking wire sections allow the side frames and end walls to be connected to each other in the operating position, thus fixing the merchandise display container in place. To move it to the out-of-service position, the locking wire sections are removed from the corresponding recesses in the side frames. Such a merchandise display container can be manufactured in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

[0020] Alternatively, the end walls can also be pivotally mounted on the side frames. In this case, the end wall pivot axes would be arranged vertically in the operating position.

[0021] The end walls and / or the side walls can alternatively be formed by or clad with flat elements. Such flat elements, which (co-)form the end walls and / or the side walls of a corresponding product display container, can be formed in particular by sheet metal, wooden panels, or panels made of wood fibers such as MDF. For end walls and / or side walls formed by flat elements, the use of connecting or locking tabs and hinges instead of the previously described wire sections, such as connecting wire sections, pivot wire sections, and / or locking wire sections, can be advantageous.

[0022] Preferably, the base frame has a receptacle for holding the base element in the out-of-service position. The receptacle is arranged such that the base element, in the out-of-service position, is preferably located below the side frames and longitudinal side walls. Even in the out-of-service position, the base element remains attached to the product display container and does not require separate storage. It is immediately available for assembling the product display container in the operating position. The usability of the product display container is further improved.

[0023] Preferably, the product display container includes an additional communication rail that is firmly attached to one of the two end walls or one of the side frames. A product display container equipped with such an additional communication rail can be positioned flexibly. In particular, using four such product display containers in a sales area, an island-like arrangement of the product display containers can be created, with each side of such an island being equipped with a corresponding communication rail via which information about the offered goods can be provided to the customer.

[0024] Preferably, the end wall or side wall containing the additional communication rail is arranged in the uppermost position when the unit is out of service. In this case, a pivotable arrangement of the additional communication rail is possible, but not strictly necessary for moving the display container into the out-of-service position. The display container can be manufactured particularly easily. With a suitable design of the base posts, such a display container can also be easily stacked, even in combination with display containers without such an additional communication rail.

[0025] Further advantages and details can be found in the following description of the figures, which include exemplary embodiments according to the invention. The figures schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 a product presentation container according to the invention in the operating position; Fig. 2 to Fig. 12 different stages in transferring the merchandise presentation container according to Fig. 1. into the decommissioning position, including detailed illustrations; Fig. 13 the merchandise presentation container according to Fig. 1 in the out-of-service position; Fig. 14 Detailed view of the base posts of the merchandise display container as shown in Fig. 13; Fig. 15 a product presentation container according to the invention with a further communication rail on an end wall in the out-of-service position.

[0026] Parts with identical or similar effects are provided with identical reference numerals, where appropriate. Individual technical features of the embodiments described below can be combined with the features of claim 1 and with the features of individual embodiments described above to form articles according to the invention.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a product presentation container 2 according to the invention with a base frame 4. The base frame 4 has four base frame posts 6, which define a rectangular base. A first side frame 8 and a second side frame 10 are arranged on the base frame posts 6 of the base frame 4. The side frames 8 and 10 each have two side frame posts 12. In the Fig. In the operating position shown in Figure 1, the side frame posts 12 are attached to the base frame posts 6. For this purpose, the base frame posts 6 and the side frames 12 have a Fig. 1. An unrecognizable plug connection 38 is shown. The first and second side frames 8, 10 are each pivotally fixed to the base frame 4 via side frame pivot axes 14. The first side frame 8 and the second side frame 10 each have a wire mesh that is connected to the side frame posts 12 and forms longitudinal side walls 16. Longitudinal side walls 16 designed as wire mesh can be produced simply and cost-effectively.

[0028] Furthermore, the product display container 2 comprises two end walls 18, which are also designed as wire mesh. The wire mesh of the end walls 18 each has two pivoting wire sections 20, which are inserted into corresponding end wall receptacles 22 of the base frame 4, in this case arranged in the base frame post 6. This allows the end walls 18 to pivot about end wall pivot axes 24 on the base frame 4.

[0029] The product display container 2 further comprises two base elements 26, which can be suspended at different heights on the longitudinal side walls 16, which are designed as wire mesh. In the Fig. In the operating position of the product display container 2 shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal side walls 16 and the end side walls 18 are each parallel to each other and vertically aligned. Together with the base elements 26, they define a receiving space for the product display container 2.

[0030] A communication rail 28 is pivotally mounted on the first side frame 8. The communication rail 28 is rigidly connected to the first side frame 8, in this case the longitudinal side wall 16 of the first side frame 8, and is pivotally fixed at the upper end of the longitudinal side wall 16 about a pivot axis 30. Furthermore, the product display container 2 includes an advertising or communication area designed as a poster pocket 32, which is also rigidly mounted on the longitudinal side wall 16 of the first side frame 8. The poster pocket 32 ​​is located below the communication rail 28.

[0031] Fig. 2 to Fig. 12 show the product presentation container 2 of the Fig. 1, which is being taken out of service. In a first, in Fig. In step 2, the floor elements 26 are detached from the longitudinal side walls 16 and hooked onto the base frame 4. The base frame 4 has corresponding receptacles for the floor elements 26.

[0032] The end walls 18 are then detached from the first side frame 8 and the second side frame 10. The end walls 18 have locking wire sections 34 which are inserted into corresponding recesses 36 in the side frame posts 12 of the first and second side frames 8 and 10. To move the product display container 2 into the out-of-service position, the locking wire sections 34 are removed from the recesses 36. This state is shown in the detailed view according to... Fig. 3 shown.

[0033] After the end walls 18 have been detached, they can be pivoted outwards about the end-face pivot axes 24, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0034] The second side frame 10 is then lifted to separate the side frame posts 12 from the base frame posts 6 and to release the plug connection 38. The longitudinal side walls 16 of the first and second side frames 8, 10, which are designed as wire mesh, each have connecting wire sections 40 arranged in side frame receptacles 42. The side frame receptacles 42 are arranged in the base frame posts 6 and are designed as elongated slots. This allows the first and second side frames 8, 10 to be lifted relative to their respective base frame posts 6, thereby releasing the plug connection 38. The side frames 8, 10 can then be pivoted about their respective side frame pivot axis 14. The lifted second side frame 10 is in Fig. 5 shown. Fig. 6 is a detailed representation from Fig. 5, which shows the arrangement of the connecting wire section 40 in the side frame receptacle 42. Furthermore, the plug connection 38 is shown in Fig. 6 clearly visible.

[0035] The second side frame 10 is then pivoted about the side frame pivot axis 14 and placed on the base elements 26. The second side frame 10 is arranged within the base frame 4. For this purpose, the connecting wire section 40 is slidably arranged in the side frame receptacle 42, which is designed as an elongated hole. This condition is shown in Fig. 7 shown.

[0036] This process is repeated for the first page frame 8, as shown in Fig. Figure 8 shows the first side frame 8 being placed on the second side frame 10 in the base 4. Initially, the communication rail 28 remains stationary, even in Fig. 9 recognizable.

[0037] The communication rail 28, which has a triangular cross-section in its longitudinal direction, is then pivoted about its pivot axis 30 by approximately 180°, as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 illustrates this. The first side frame 8 thus presents a flat surface on which the two end walls 18 can subsequently be arranged. The communication rail 28 extends into the planes in which the second side frame 10 is arranged. The product display container is compactly arranged in the out-of-service position.

[0038] The end side walls 18 are then successively pivoted into the base frame 4 and placed on the first side frame 8, as shown in Fig. 12 and Fig. 13 shown. Fig. Figure 13 shows the merchandise display container 2 in its out-of-service position. Additional, identical merchandise display containers in their out-of-service position can be stacked on the base frame posts 6. The base frame posts 6 also form, or utilize, a corresponding plug-in connection for this purpose.

[0039] The part of the plug connector 38 arranged on the base frame post 6 is in Fig. Figure 14 shows an enlarged view. A dome is arranged on the top of the base frame post 6, which engages in a corresponding receptacle on the underside of the side frame posts 12 or the base frame post 6 of another product display container 2. This allows the product display containers 2 to be stacked on top of each other in a space-saving and simple manner when not in use.

[0040] Fig. Figure 15 shows another product presentation container 2, which is positioned opposite the product presentation containers 2 according to the Fig.The communication rails 1 to 14 differ only by an additional communication rail 29, which is permanently attached to one of the end walls 18. This additional communication rail 29 can also remain permanently attached to the product presentation container 2 in the depicted out-of-service position. It is therefore available for transferring the container to an operating position and does not need to be stored separately.

Claims

[1] A product presentation container (2) comprising a base frame (4), a first and a second side frame (8, 10) which are each pivotally arranged on the base frame (4) about a side frame pivot axis (14) and which each form a longitudinal side wall (16) of the product presentation container (2), and end walls (18) which are each pivotally arranged about an end-side pivot axis (24) and with at least one base element (26), wherein in an operating position of the product presentation container (2) the longitudinal side walls (16) and the end walls (18) are arranged parallel to each other and together with the base element (26) define a receiving space of the product presentation container (2), wherein the side frames (8, 10) and the end walls (18) can be moved into a disused position by pivoting, in which they are arranged in the base frame (4), characterized by, that the product presentation container (2) comprises a communication rail (28) which is fixedly connected to the first side frame (8) or one of the end side walls (18) and is pivotably arranged relative to the side frame (8) or end side wall (18) to which it is fixedly connected. [2] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 1, characterized by , that the communication rail (28) has a contour which facilitates the intake of information by customers, in particular having a triangular or trapezoidal cross-section or a curved surface when viewed in its longitudinal direction. [3] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the communication rail (28) is arranged to pivot about a pivot axis (30) that is horizontal in the operating position by at least 90° at the upper end of the longitudinal side wall (16) of the first side frame (8) or the end wall (18). [4] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 3, characterized by , that the height of the first side frame (8) and the dimensions of the communication rail (28) are chosen such that the first side frame (8) can be arranged in the out-of-service position with the communication rail (28) pivoted about the pivot axis (30) within the space limited by the base frame (4). [5] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 4, characterized by , that the second side frame (10) can be arranged in the base frame (4) directly below the first side frame (8) in the out-of-service position and has a recess for receiving at least part of the communication rail (28) pivoted about the pivot axis (30). [6] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 3, characterized by , that the end wall (18) having the communication rail (28) can be arranged in the base frame below the side frames (8,10) in the out-of-service position. [7] Merchandise presentation container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the product presentation container (2) includes an advertising or communication area, in particular a poster pocket (32), which is firmly attached to the longitudinal side wall (16) of the first side frame (8) and / or the end side wall (18). [8] Merchandise presentation container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base frame (4) has four base frame posts (6) and the side frames (8,10) each have two side frame posts (12), wherein the base frame posts (6) and the side frame posts (12) each form a plug connection (38) by which the side frames (8,10) can be fixed to the base frame (4) in the operating position. [9] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 8, characterized by, that the base frame posts (6) are designed to form a plug connection with the opposite side of the base frame posts of another merchandise presentation container. [10] Merchandise presentation container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the side frames (8,10) each comprise wire mesh forming the longitudinal side walls (16) and each have two connecting wire sections (40) inserted into side frame receptacles (42) of the base frame (4). [11] Merchandise presentation system according to claims 9 and 10, characterized by , that the side frame mounts (42) are designed as elongated holes. [12] Merchandise presentation container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the end walls (18) are designed as wire mesh and each has two pivoting wire sections (20), wherein the base frame (4) has corresponding end wall receptacles (22) into which the pivoting wire sections (20) are inserted. [13] Merchandise presentation container according to claim 12, characterized by , that the end walls (18) each have locking wire sections (34) and recesses (36) for receiving the locking wire sections (34) are arranged in the side frames (8,10). [14] Merchandise presentation container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a further communication rail which is firmly connected to one of the end walls (18) or one of the side frames (8,10).

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