System for grocery stores and transport containers

Abstract

Revealbart is a system for a bakery that uses bags as packaging. Clean and / or sanitized bags are stored in one storage area, and used bags in a second. The bags can be cleaned using a cleaning device.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a system for grocery stores, in particular for bakeries, which concerns the storage of food, in particular baked goods. Background of the invention

[0002] It is known from the state of the art that bakeries pack baked goods in paper bags upon delivery. This leads to high paper consumption and thus resource consumption. Alternatively, reusable cups or trays can be used for dispensing baked goods. The reusability of this packaging makes it a more sustainable solution than paper packaging. However, handling, especially storage and cleaning, is quite complex, and production is comparatively energy-intensive. Compared to paper bags, reusable cups and trays require more space. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a system for a grocery store and a transport container with which food can be packaged in a sustainable, simple, space-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0004] The problem with regard to the system is solved according to the features of patent claim 1 and with regard to the transport container according to the features of patent claim 8.

[0005] Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0006] According to the invention, a system is provided for a grocery store, in particular for a bakery. This system has a plurality of reusable and cleanable transport containers or multi-way transport containers designed for transporting food, in particular baked goods. If baked goods are provided, bread, rolls, bread rolls, pretzels, and coffee pastries (dry goods) can be transported, in particular. It would also be conceivable to transport fruit and / or vegetables with the transport containers. The system has a first receiving device, e.g. a container, designed to receive a plurality of cleaned or clean transport containers. At least one transport container can be removed from the first receiving device as needed. Cleaned or clean means, in particular, that the transport device complies with food regulations with regard to its intended use.The system also includes a second receiving device, particularly in the form of a container. This serves to receive a plurality of used transport containers. A used transport container can be fed to the second receiving device as needed. A cleaning device is also provided for cleaning the used transport containers. The transport containers are designed as bags.

[0007] This solution has the advantage that, compared to reusable cups and bowls, the bags take up very little space and are lightweight. This is advantageous for grocery stores, as they require little space for the system. In grocery stores with limited space, this type of system is the only option if a reusable system is to be implemented. A system using reusable cups and bowls requires too much space for small grocery stores. In addition, a bag is easy to clean, for example, in a cleaning device suitable for dry cleaning. With a system using reusable cups and bowls, cleaning is usually carried out by the consumer themselves, which is a disadvantage, as cleaning at the grocery store or across multiple grocery stores is too time-consuming.Due to their low weight, bags can be transported between the receiving device and the cleaning device with less energy. Using a bag is also advantageous for consumers, as it saves space, is lightweight, and is easy to transport, for example, by attaching it to a bicycle handlebar. Another advantage of the system is that consumers can return used bags to the grocery store. A deposit system could be implemented for this purpose.

[0008] The bag is preferably made of a textile, making it easy to manufacture and uncomplicated to clean. After cleaning, the textile design allows for rapid drying. Natural and / or chemical fibers can be used as raw materials for the textile. For example, the textile may be made entirely or partially of cotton and / or a plastic.

[0009] The bag may be designed as a hollow and / or thin-walled and / or easily deformable and / or flexible object.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the system provides a plurality of grocery stores, each having a first and second receiving device for the bags. Thus, consumers can return bags to a respective grocery store.

[0011] A shared cleaning device can preferably be provided for the majority of grocery stores. This opens up the possibility for several grocery stores to share a cleaning device, thus saving costs, effort, and resources.

[0012] For example, used bags can be collected consecutively from at least two grocery stores via a transport system, such as a vehicle, cargo bike, or truck, and fed to the cleaning device. Cleaned and possibly dried bags can be fed consecutively to at least two grocery stores via a transport system after cleaning.

[0013] It's also conceivable that a majority of grocery stores have their own cleaning facilities. However, it's advantageous that consumers can return the bags to the stores at any time.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning device is arranged decentrally in a plurality of grocery stores. The cleaning device can thus be arranged independently of the location of the grocery store(s).

[0015] The cleaning device, for example, is simply a washing machine. This allows the bags to be easily cleaned at a temperature of 60°C or greater to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and dirt. Cleaning with a washing machine is also easy.

[0016] Furthermore, a drying device is preferably provided to dry the bags after cleaning. This can be a clothesline, clothes rack, or a conventional textile dryer.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, after a predetermined time interval has elapsed and / or a predetermined quantity of used bags has been reached in the second receiving device, the bags from the second receiving device can be introduced into the cleaning device for cleaning. This is carried out by appropriately designed device means. For example, a collection process for the used bags can be automatically triggered via the transport system using appropriately designed means.

[0018] It is conceivable to feed the bags, after cleaning and / or drying, to the first receiving device, in particular unironed.

[0019] For example, the bags are stacked in the first receiving device, which makes it easy to monitor the quantity and enables quick handling by simply removing the top bag for a packaging process.

[0020] It is advantageous to provide a sensor that emits a signal when a certain number of used bags is exceeded. This signal can, for example, trigger a bag collection process. A conceivable sensor could be a weight sensor that can detect the weight of the receiving device and / or the bags. Alternatively or additionally, a simple camera can be used as a sensor that captures the number of bags visually. Using image analysis by a control unit, e.g., with an AI module, the quantity can then be precisely determined and monitored.

[0021] It is also conceivable to provide an actuating device on one of the receiving devices, which, when activated by a person, triggers the collection of the used bags. This allows for easy handling in practice.

[0022] It is conceivable that the bags are fed into and / or removed from the cleaning device by a robot. Automation can save time and labor.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the feeding of the bags into the drying device and / or the removal of the bags from the drying device is carried out by a robot.

[0024] According to the invention, a bakery is provided with the system according to one or more of the above-mentioned aspects. The bags are used for baked goods. It has been shown that the bags can be used for a large portion of the usual range of bakeries, while allowing for easy compliance with standard food regulations. In particular, the bags can be used to package dry baked goods such as bread, rolls, bread rolls, pretzels, and coffee pastries.

[0025] The applicant reserves the right to make an independent claim for a greengrocer's shop using the system in accordance with one or more of the aspects mentioned above.

[0026] According to the invention, a transport container is provided, in particular for the system according to one or more of the above-mentioned aspects, wherein said transport container is designed as a bag. The bag can be designed according to one or more of the above-mentioned aspects. The bag has an opening, in particular a closable opening. The bag has at least one wall which has at least one grid section or mesh section in order to enable improved air exchange between the interior of the bag and the environment. The remaining wall(s) or the wall(s) not designed as a grid section is / are closed or has a finer mesh than the at least one grid section. The mesh size of the at least one grid section is preferably selected such that the particles of the transported foodstuff which usually arise do not fall out of the bag.The at least one grid section advantageously enables faster drying of the bags after cleaning. Furthermore, the at least one grid section enables improved air exchange during storage of the bags in the receiving devices, which reliably prevents, for example, mold formation if used bags are fed into the receiving device while moist.

[0027] Advantageously, in a wall, at least one grid section is larger compared to the closed section of this wall.

[0028] The bag, for example, has two walls that can be connected to each other via their edges in a material-locking and / or form-fitting and / or friction-locking manner, for example via a seam. To form the opening of the bag, the walls in this area are not firmly connected or sewn.

[0029] The bag advantageously has an opening side and a bottom side, with the mesh section of the bag spaced from the bottom side so that particles or crumbs from a food item contained in the bag can collect at the bottom and not escape through the mesh section. This reliably prevents particles from escaping, either in addition to or as an alternative to the mesh section's corresponding mesh size.

[0030] It is also conceivable that a wall of the bag is formed substantially completely or entirely as a grid section, which enables particularly simple production.

[0031] The bag advantageously has at least one tab by which it can be hung essentially upright.

[0032] The applicant reserves the right to make an independent claim for a method using the system according to one or more of the above aspects.

[0033] Disclosed is a system for a bakery in which bags are used as packaging. Clean and / or cleaned bags can be arranged in a first storage area of ​​the bakery, and used bags can be arranged in a second storage area. The bags can be cleaned using a cleaning device. Short description of the drawings

[0034] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a system according to a first embodiment and Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b each shows a plan view of a transport container in the form of a bag according to a respective embodiment. Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically shows a system 1 that is part of a bakery 2 or a shop that sells baked goods. The bakery 2 is shown in a simplified manner with a dash-dot line. The system 1 has a first receiving device 4, which is designed, for example, in the form of a container or a box. A plurality of transport containers in the form of bags 6 can be stacked in this. The bags 6 are new and / or cleaned. In addition, the system has a second receiving device 8, which is designed, for example, in the form of a container or a box. A plurality of used bags can be accommodated in this.

[0036] During a sales process for baked goods, a bag 6 is removed from the first receiving device 4 as needed and used to package the baked goods. Used bags, which are returned by consumers, for example, are fed to the receiving device 8. The bags 6 can be made available to a consumer, if needed, for a deposit fee.

[0037] The used bags 6 from the second receiving device 8 are transported via a transport means or system to a cleaning device 10 for cleaning. This cleaning device is located either within the bakery 2 or decentrally. After cleaning, the bags 6b are fed to the first receiving device 4.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2a shows a bag 12, made of cotton, for example. It has two equally sized walls or textile parts that are sewn together in a U-shape along their edges, thus creating an opening. One textile part is designed as a mesh section 14. The second in the Fig. 2a non-visible textile part is closed.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2b shows a bag 16 in which, in contrast to bag 12, Fig.2b, the visible textile part has a closed textile section 18. Thus, one section is designed as a grid section 20 and the other section as a closed textile section 18. Under conditions of use of the bag 16—in which an opening 22 is arranged at the top (as seen in the direction of gravity)—the closed textile section 18 is arranged below the grid section 20. The bag 16 is thus completely formed with a closed textile in its lower region—particularly in the circumferential direction. List of reference symbols 1 system 2 bakery 4, 8 Mounting device 6 bags 10 Cleaning device 12, 16 bags 14, 20 grid section 18 Textile section 22 Opening

Claims

[1] System for a bakery (2), with a plurality of reusable and cleanable transport containers (6) designed for storing baked goods, with a first receiving device (4) which is designed to receive a plurality of cleaned or new transport containers (6), wherein at least one transport container (6) can be removed from the first receiving device (4) if required, with a second receiving device (8) which is designed to receive a plurality of used transport containers (6), wherein a transport container (6) can be fed to the second receiving device (8) as required, and with a cleaning device (10) which is designed to clean the used transport containers (6), wherein the transport containers are designed as bags (6). [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the bag (6) is formed from a textile. [3] System according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of bakeries (2) are provided, each having a first and second receiving device (4, 8) for bags (6). [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the bakeries (2) share the cleaning device (10) or have a respective cleaning device (10). [5] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning device (10) is a washing machine. [6] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a drying device is provided to dry the bags (6) after cleaning. [7] Bakery with a system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bags (6) are used for baked goods. [8] Transport container for the system according to one or more of the above-mentioned aspects, wherein it is designed as a bag (12, 16), wherein the bag (12, 16) has at least one wall which has at least one grid section (14, 20) or mesh section in order to enable improved air exchange between the interior of the bag and the environment. [9] Transport container according to claim 8, wherein the remaining wall(s) or the wall(s) not formed as a grid section are closed or have a finer mesh compared to the at least one grid section (14, 20). [10] Transport container according to claim 9, wherein the bag (12, 16) has an opening side and a bottom side, wherein the at least one grid section (14, 20) of the bag (12, 16) is spaced from the bottom side.

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