Cladding system for shop fittings

Abstract

Claim: A cladding system for shop fittings, in particular for refrigerated display cases (1), comprising at least one cladding panel (2) and a support structure that can be arranged on the refrigerated display case (1), characterized in that the cladding panel (2) is held on the support structure by means of at least one detachable connecting element, wherein the connecting element enables the cladding panel (2) to be attached and detached without tools.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a cladding system for shop fittings, in particular for refrigerated display cases (1) in the food retail trade, which enables the quick, preferably tool-free, assembly and disassembly of panels (2). The system comprises one or more support structures – in particular in the form of angle brackets (3), rails or frames – as well as detachable connecting elements that allow for stable, service-friendly and marketing-suitable cladding of refrigerated display cases. State of the art

[0002] Modern refrigerated display cases are often fitted with permanently screwed or glued panels (usually made of wood or composite materials). These designs are time-consuming and expensive to assemble and disassemble, hinder maintenance and repairs, and limit the possibilities for quickly changing advertising / decorative surfaces.

[0003] Known removable systems address specific aspects (e.g., decorative magnetic foils, insert frames for prints), but are not designed for large-format, robust and repeatedly removable without tools coverings on long rows of refrigerated display cases and do not represent the combination of universal support structure, variable fastening methods and interchangeable advertising surface in a practical way. Object of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to provide a universal, modularly designed veneering system that • can be quickly and preferably tool-free mounted and dismounted on different refrigeration unit geometries, • securely supports stable apertures (2) that meet market requirements, • Maintenance access is permitted without interfering with the furniture structure, • Includes interchangeable print / decoration surfaces, • and can be used economically in branch operations. Summary of the invention

[0005] The problem is solved by a cladding system with at least one cladding panel (2) and a support structure, in particular an angle bracket (3), rail or frame, which can be arranged on the refrigerated cabinet (1), wherein the cladding panel (2) is held on the support structure by means of at least one detachable connecting element and the connecting element enables the cladding panel (2) to be attached and detached without tools.

[0006] The connecting means may include, in particular, magnets / magnetic element systems (4, 4a, 21), hook and loop fasteners (5), insertion rails (6), hooks / locking devices (7) or releasable adhesive tapes (8), also in combination.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the aperture (2) is laminated on its front side with a magnetic foil (21) on which printing media (10) made of iron / ferrofoil can be detachably arranged, so that changing motifs can be applied without disassembling the aperture.

[0008] To accommodate installation obstacles (cables, pipes) and to increase load-bearing capacity, the support structure can include cross braces, in particular a fixed cross brace (13) and / or an adjustable cross brace (14), which are connected via hinges (15) or joint pieces (16). Slotted holes / guides (17) with wing nuts and nuts (19) allow for fine adjustment and position locking without the use of tools during servicing. Magnetic mats (18) can serve as a decoupling / removal aid between the magnet and the metal substrate. Leveling elements (20) allow for leveling on uneven surfaces. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of a refrigerated display case (1) with mounted panels (2). Fig. Figures 2a-2d show side views of support structures, in particular angle brackets (3) with fixed (13) or adjustable crossbar (14), a negative angle geometry, and a multi-part adjustable variant, each with exemplary connecting means (4, 5). Fig. Figures 3a-3e show top view, side view and exploded views of adjustable support structures with elongated holes (17), magnetic mats (18), wing screws / nuts (19) and a compensating element (20). Fig. Figures 4a-4f show front-side variants of the aperture (2): smoothly printed, with recesses (11), with ventilation slots (12), with U-rail or C-pocket (9) and with magnetic foil (21) for receiving interchangeable iron / ferro foils (10). Fig. Figures 5a-5e show reverse side variants of the cover (2): integrated magnets (4 / 4a), hook and loop fastener (5), insertion rail (6), hook and locking device (7) and releasable adhesive tapes (8). Detailed description of the exemplary implementations; General structure and function

[0009] The system is installed on a refrigerated display case (1). One or more support structures – preferably angle brackets (3), alternatively rails or frames – are attached to or placed on a suitable area of ​​the display case for cladding. The panels (2) are then detachably attached to the support structures.

[0010] The mounting system is designed so that assembly / removal by one person, or – in the case of large-format panels – by two people, can be carried out quickly and without special tools; fine adjustments (alignment in length / height / depth) are made via elongated holes (17) and hand-operated fasteners (19). Load-bearing rigidity – depending on the span and panel weight – is ensured by cross braces (13, 14). Fastener (releasable without tools)

[0011] In advantageous embodiments, magnets (4) are used; magnets (4a) on the support structure can interact with the counterpart material on the aperture (2) or vice versa. Magnetic mats (18) can reduce detachment torques and protect surfaces.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, hook and loop fasteners (5), insert rails (6) and / or hooks / locking devices (7) are provided. Removable adhesive tapes (8) can serve as temporary or supplementary fixings.

[0013] The invention is not limited to a specific connection technology; the crucial factor is the tool-free detachability during service operations. Adaptation to installation obstacles; stabilization

[0014] To bridge obstacles (e.g., pipes, cables) and to harmonize variants, adjustable crossbars (14) are integrated into the support structure via joints / hinges (16 / 15). Slotted holes (17) allow lateral and / or axial adjustment. Wing nuts (19) secure the setting. A compensating element (20) can compensate for height / tolerance differences and dampen vibrations. Aperture variants; interchangeable printing media

[0015] The panel (2) is designed as a printable panel and, depending on the application, may have cutouts (11) or ventilation slots (12) without obstructing the airflow of the refrigerated display case. In other versions, the panel has profile recesses (9), in particular U-channels or C-pockets, for receiving printed media (10).

[0016] In a particularly practical version, the cover (2) is laminated with a magnetic foil (21) which is attached to the front of the cover (2); printed iron / ferro foils (10) adhere directly and can be changed without tools. This allows seasonal / promotional changes without disassembling the cover. Materials and dimensions

[0017] The panels (2) can be made from different materials and thicknesses, for example, honeycomb panels 3, 5, 10 or up to 30 mm thick, acrylic glass, polycarbonate, rigid foam panels, aluminum composite or polystyrene. 10 mm thick rigid foam panels are particularly preferred.

[0018] The width of the apertures is typically between 1000 mm and 3000 mm, preferably between 2000 mm and 2500 mm; the height is between 200 mm and 500 mm, preferably between 300 mm and 400 mm.

[0019] The supporting structure can be made of metal profiles (e.g., steel, aluminum); panels (2) can be metal, plastic, or composite panels (e.g., aluminum composite, PP honeycomb, hollow chamber, HPL). The magnetic components are dimensioned to ensure reliable holding force while allowing for manual removal (the specific holding force must be adapted to the panel size / weight and the substrate). Surfaces can be coated for hygiene and cleaning. Assembly / disassembly procedure (example) 1. Attach the support structure (3) to the refrigerated cabinet (1); if necessary, align via (17), pre-fix via (4) / (5) / (8). 2. Configure the crossbars (13 / 14) in length / position; lock with (19). 3. Applying the apertures (2) using selected bonding agents (4, 5, 6, 7, 8). 4. Adjusting the joint pattern / alignment; service access by tool-free removal of individual panels or by opening / pulling off, depending on the variant. 5. Advertising change by removing / attaching printed media (10) to magnetic foil (21) or inserting into profile holders (9). Safety and operational aspects

[0020] The system is designed so that no modifications to the load-bearing furniture structure are required. Edges and corners can be rounded. The fasteners are secured against self-detachment under operational vibrations; magnetic surfaces are decoupled by magnetic mats (18) to facilitate removal during servicing and to protect surfaces. Advantages

[0021] The invention enables fast, repeated, tool-free handling of the panels, reduces service / downtime costs, allows for flexible advertising areas, is independent of materials and manufacturers, and scales to long cooling distances. The combinability of connecting elements and the adjustable support structure achieve broad applicability combined with high stability. Industrial applicability

[0022] The cladding system can be manufactured industrially and used in branch networks with a high density of devices (e.g. food retailers, petrol stations, system catering) and is suitable for both new construction and retrofitting of existing refrigerated display cases. Reference numeral list. 1 Refrigerated display case (basic unit) 2 Cover plates / front covers (visible, printable, in different versions) 3 Angle brackets (in variants: fixed, adjustable, with slot, etc.) 4 magnets / magnetic element system (e.g. individual magnets, magnetic strips, magnetic sheets for fastening) 4a Magnets on angle bracket (3), for connecting the aperture (2) to the bracket (3) 5 hook and loop fasteners (fastening option) 6. Insertable rail (mounting option) 7 snap-in hooks (mounting option) 8 Adhesive mounting (two-sided, mounting option) 9 Pocket / Profile mount (e.g. C-pocket, U-rail, frame profile) 10 Printing medium (e.g. cardboard, plastic, iron foil, ferrofoil, which is connected to / with aperture (2)) 11. Recess / cutout (for ventilation or locking) 12 ventilation slots (special design of the recesses) 13 Fixed cross brace (for stabilizing the angle bracket (3)) 14 Adjustable crossbar (for variable stabilization of the angle bracket (3)) 15 Hinge (movable connection for angle bracket (3) or cross braces) 16 Joint piece (connecting element between angle bracket (3) and crossbars (13, 14)) 17 Slotted holes / guides (for receiving and guiding fasteners) 18 Magnetic foil mat (variant of attachment, applied to angle bracket (3)) 19 wing nuts with nuts (manual fixing, especially in conjunction with 17) 20 Compensating plates / spacers (for height adjustment or leveling of the bracket) 21 Magnetic foil (laminated onto aperture (2), as a carrier for interchangeable printing media (10) made of iron foil) Explanations of the figures: Figure group 4 - Front side variants of the aperture Fig. 4a Fig. Figure 4a shows a front view of a cover (2) in a smooth, printable embodiment without cutouts or additional functional features. Fig. 4b Fig. 4b shows a front view of a cover (2) with at least one recess (11) which is provided for adaptation to installation conditions or for functional design. Fig. 4c Fig. Figure 4c shows a front view of a panel (2) with several cutouts (11) in the form of ventilation slots (12). Fig. 4d Fig. Figure 4d shows a front view of a cover (2) with an integrated profile mount (9), in particular in the form of a U-channel for receiving a printing medium (10). Fig. 4e Fig. Figure 4e shows a front view of a cover (2) with an integrated profile receptacle (9), in particular in the form of a C-rail for receiving a printing medium (10). Fig. 4f Fig. Figure 4f shows a front view of a aperture (2) whose front side is covered with a magnetic foil (21) on which an interchangeable printing medium (10) made of iron or ferrofoil can be detachably arranged. Figure group 5 - Reverse side variants of the aperture Fig. 5a Fig. Figure 5a shows a rear view of a cover (2) with integrated magnetic elements (4, 4a) for detachable attachment to a support structure. Fig. 5b Fig. Figure 5b shows a rear view of a cover (2) with a hook and loop fastener arrangement (5) as a detachable connecting element. Fig. 5c Fig. Figure 5c shows a rear view of a cover (2) with an insertion rail (6) for positive locking attachment to the support structure. Fig. 5d Fig. Figure 5d shows a rear view of an aperture (2) with hook or locking devices (7) that allow tool-free insertion and removal. Fig. 5e Fig. Figure 5e shows a rear view of a cover (2) with a releasable adhesive fastening (8) as a connecting element.

Claims

[1] Claim: Cladding system for shop fittings, in particular for refrigerated display cases (1), comprising at least one cladding panel (2) and a support structure that can be arranged on the refrigerated display case (1), characterized by , that the aperture (2) is held on the support structure by means of at least one detachable connecting element, wherein the connecting element enables the aperture (2) to be attached and detached without tools. [2] Claim: Veneering system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the support structure is designed as an angle bracket (3), rail, frame or equivalent holding device and the connecting means is selected from a group consisting of magnetic elements (4, 4a, 21), hook and loop fastener (5), rail (6), hook (7), adhesive tape (8) or a combination thereof. [3] Claim: System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the aperture (2) has a laminated magnetic foil (21) on which interchangeable printing media (10) made of iron foil or ferrofoil are detachably attached. [4] Claim: System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cover (2) is provided with integrated recesses (11) or ventilation slots (12) so that the air circulation of the refrigerated cabinet (1) is not impaired. [5] Claim: System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the aperture (2) is designed as a pocket or profile receptacle (9), in particular as a C-pocket or U-rail, into which printing media (10) can be inserted. [6] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the angle bracket (3) includes a fixed crossbar (13) or an adjustable crossbar (14). [7] Claim: System according to claim 6, characterized by, that the adjustable crossbar (14) is connected via a hinge (15) and / or a joint piece (16). [8] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the angle bracket (3) has at least one elongated hole (17) into which a releasable fastening is made by means of a wing screw with nut (19). [9] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the angle bracket (3) includes a magnetic mat (18) which creates a force-fit connection between aperture (2) and support structure. [10] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the angle bracket (3) has a compensating element (20) for leveling height differences. [11] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the connecting element is designed as a permanent magnet, electromagnet, suction cup, locking lug or equivalent tool-free fastening element. [12] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the aperture (2) is made of printable material and can be alternately fitted with printing media (10). [13] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the aperture (2) is formed in sections which are independently detachable and attached. [14] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the assembly and disassembly of the aperture (2) is possible by a single person within a few minutes without tools. [15] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the aperture (2) is made of different materials and material thicknesses, in particular honeycomb chamber panels, acrylic glass, polycarbonate, rigid foam panels, aluminum composite or polystyrene, with material thicknesses between 3 mm and 30 mm, preferably 10 mm, in particular as a rigid foam panel. [16] Claim: System according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the aperture (2) has a width of 1000 mm to 3000 mm, preferably 2000 mm to 2500 mm, and a height of 200 mm to 500 mm, preferably 300 mm to 400 mm.

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