AUTO-ADJUSTABLE POSITION EXHIBITOR

Abstract

A showcase for the loading and exhibition of products, that is comprised of a frame with two lateral walls and a lower wall, where each lateral wall has at least a first and a second hole, a rear support with two arms and a lower joint, where each arm has at least a first hole, where the first hole of the frame is collinear with the first hole of the rear support in a convergence point between the frame and the rear support; and at least one shelf or rack with two lateral walls and a front joint, the shelf or rack being rotational between a first position and a second position when it is set up with the frame and the rear support.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to structures for the exhibition of products, and more specifically to exhibiting shelves that are easily transformable in order to exhibit products in a point of sale, and even more specifically to showcases of products with at least one shelf or rack used to hold up or bear and exhibit products in a point of sale and a method for the assembly, disassembly and transformation of these showcases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The constant growth of population demands a production in great volumes of products to be purchased. At the points of sale, structures that can bear a great volume of products in small spaces are required, without loosing the essential detail of exhibiting the product. The distributors of consumable products often have a problem with regard to how to set up the product on a showcase, in a quick and complete manner, in the less time possible, and at the same time having a showcase that is sufficiently capable of bearing these consumable products while being exhibited.

The producers try to solve these problems sending the products packed in a structure that can transport and exhibit the products at the same time. While this is useful for certain kinds of products, there are other products that have to be set up in situ due to the kind of product or because the producers prefer it this way.

These showcases are known in the art. An example is the publication No. CN 2657476, where a collapsible tripod for racks is released, which contains sheets at the left and right sides provided with holes for their connection.

The publication JP 2004045577 reveals a display panel that is easy to assemble, collapsible into a compact unit and designed to hide a transversal section and a connection face.

The French Patent No. 2 795 217 reveals a freight showcase that is self-standing, that has a frame and support sections, and is connected by a strip and separated by folding lines. The frame is prismatic and the support sections are formed internally. Springs provide an automatic assembly of the frame.

The British Patent No. 1 463 899 reveals a frame of showcase that has a body defined by triangular or rectangular sheets, each rectangular sheet has a plastic body and it has racks that sustain articles, and the triangular sheets have fold lines perpendicular to the bases. The sheets are preferably made of cardboard, the fold lines allow the collapsing of the showcase for its transportation, and the bodies are vacuum molded from strips made of plastics.

The British Patent No. 2 122 479 reveals an exhibiting structure for the display of flat articles that includes exhibition units that are piled one on top of the other, preferably in a base unit. The structure includes at least one exhibition unit that can have a supporting device, such as a panel that has an exhibition removable element.

The British Patent GB 2 440 112 reveals a temporary exhibition shelf for products, that is comprised of a body, configured to promote a product, the body is built with folded cardboard, plastic or other similar materials, and a plurality of modular shelves that are reusable and ready to receive new units of the product; the shelves are fixed in a detachable manner on the body, made of plastic and configured so that they can be reused with other configured bodies in order to promote different products once the previous products have been removed from the body.

Similarly, the American U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,944 reveals a display and dispensing device that includes a shelf made of cardboard that has a rear wall and lateral walls that hang, provided with vertical spaces and longitudinal spaces apart from each other that outline a pair of arms that are projected towards the front, and that have a rail that outlines the upper borders and crossed pieces that stretch out the exhibit device, and the walls are hung on the extremes opposite to the front extremes of the arms of each pair.

The American U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,411 reveals a unit of shelf made of folded cardboards that include a base element that has a rear panel, with lateral panels that stretch towards the front of the opposite borders of the base element.

The American U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,140 reveals an exhibition unit that is comprised of a frame and a plurality of trays that are set up in a removable manner. The frame is built of one only cardboard piece and it includes rear panels, lateral panels and an upper and a lower panel. The lateral, the upper and the lower panels are foldable in a double wall configuration for greater strength and stability. The trays include hooks to secure the trays in the frame. The trays can be divided into a plurality of compartments.

None of the previously mentioned publications reveals a showcase that can be assembled and packed quickly, that is easy to put up and that can be set up in different ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention releases a showcase for products in a point of sale, which is comprised of a frame, in which at least a shelf is in a rotational relationship with the lateral walls of the frame and at least one rear support, which is also in a rotational relationship with the lateral walls of the mentioned frame.

The frame is generally provided with a rear wall and at least two lateral walls.

The shelves or racks rotate from a first position in a packed form to a second position in an unpacked form, where in the second position the shelves are capable of bearing the products to be sold.

In order to rotate the shelves, at least one fastener is provided so that it allows the rotation of the shelf in relation to the lateral wall of the frame.

The shelf is generally provided with a lower wall and at least two lateral walls. There is at least a hole in the lateral walls of the shelf, as well as a hole that is collinear with the previously mentioned hole on the lateral walls of the shelf on the lateral wall of the frame. The fastener is capable of holding the shelf in a rotational manner, so that it fastens the shelf onto the frame and allows the rotation of the shelf in relation to the frame.

The hole in the lateral wall of the shelf is in an upper internal position of the lateral wall of the shelf, where the internal part is proximate to the frame and where the external part is distant from the frame. The hole on the lateral wall of the frame, which is collinear with the hole on the lateral wall of the shelf, is proximate to the external part of the lateral wall of the frame.

This way, it is possible to rotate the shelf upwards and inwards the frame for a packing position. To unpack the shelf, it has to be rotated downwards and outwards the frame, where the lower interior corner of the shelf works as a stop limit in order to keep the shelf in a fixed unpacked position.

There is at least one shelf in the frame and the number of shelves is limited to the distance between the shelves and the height of the showcase.

The rear support is held by the lateral wall of the frame. The rear support has at least one hole at the upper part of the rotation arms, where the hole can be collinear with the holes of the lateral walls of the shelf and of the frame respectively, or it can be collinear with a second hole on the lateral wall of the frame. If it is collinear with the other holes, the same fastener previously described is capable of fastening the shelf and the rear support in a rotational relationship, in relation to the frame. If it is not collinear with the other holes, a second fastener is provided and is capable of fastening the rear support in a rotational relationship, in relation to the frame.

In a first embodiment, the frame has a hexahedral shape. In the interior of the hexahedron, a spring or elastic mechanism is provided in order to store mechanical energy so that it can provide automatically the product that is being exhibited. The lower wall of the shelf bumps into the spring. The shelf is positioned in a movable manner within the hexahedron. Specifically, the shelf is set so that it can slide within the hexahedron, where the more weight the shelf that contains the product being exhibited has, the spring will be in a working position. When the weight of the shelf that contains the exhibited product is being removed, the spring will tend to go towards a resting position pushing the shelf upwards.

In a second embodiment, a fastening system can be provided between the frame and the rear support. Specifically, the fastening system can be fixed close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part of the frame or of the rear support and the intermediate part of the frame's length or of the rear support. However, the fastening system can also be fixed proximate to the lower extreme of the frame and of the rear support. Optionally, the fastening system is located, on the one hand, close to the lower extreme part of the frame, and on the other hand, close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part of the frame or of the rear support and the intermediate part of the frame's length or of the rear support.

In this second embodiment, the fastening system is provided with at least two more fasteners, as well as with two arms for each lateral extreme, a first arm coupled with the rear support and a second arm coupled with the lateral wall of the frame. Both fasteners allow the rotation of the fastening system in relation to the frame and in relation to the rear support. The arms are coupled with one another by means of a fastener that allows the rotation between the two arms. This way, when the showcase is being disassembled, the arms of the fastening system do not occupy too much space and they are rotational in relation to the whole exhibiting system. Preferably, the fastener that couples both arms with one another, blocks the movement of the arms, reason for which the height, the position and the lower area that the showcase occupies varies depending on the position of the arms. The position of the arms can be the result of the weight that the showcase has, as well as its height.

In a third embodiment, the showcase can have a double face for the supply of products. This means, a second frame with shelves is provided instead of the rear support. In this embodiment it is preferable to have a base and the fastening system described above. The base must have a similar area as that of the shelves, and it is preferable when the base can be in complete contact with the ground.

In an alternative of the third embodiment, the showcase can be folded by one of the two faces, and subsequently it can be folded up in such way that the rear part rests super-imposed in relation to the front part and hanging by the upper part of the frame of a wall. In a second alternative of the third embodiment, the showcase can be folded by one of the two faces, and subsequently it can be folded up in such way that the rear part rests super-imposed in relation to the front part and that the showcase can be rotated so that the shelves remain in a downward position, then forming a table for the exhibition of products, where the shelves function as the legs of the table. In a third alternative of the third embodiment, the base can be detached and be placed close to the joint of the two faces. The showcase can be rotated to 180° from its original position and it can then be self-standing.

This way, an objective of the present invention is to provide a showcase that can be easily assembled and packed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a showcase that can contain a substantially heavy load of products, in combination with the first objective.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a showcase substantially flexible as for its assembly and usefulness.

And yet another object of the present invention is a method for the assembly of the showcase mentioned above.

And one more object of the present invention is a method for the packing of the showcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The particular characteristics and advantages of the invention, as well as other objects of the invention will become apparent after the following description, given together with the attached figures, which are:

FIG. 1 is a conventional perspective view of the basic frame and the rear support, as well as the fastening system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conventional perspective view of the showcase of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conventional perspective view of the showcase of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view in detail of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a conventional perspective rear view of the showcase of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view in detail of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a conventional perspective rear view of the showcase of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conventional perspective view of a embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a conventional perspective view of a first step for the packing of the showcase.

FIG. 10 is a conventional perspective view of a second step for the packing of the showcase.

FIG. 11 is a conventional perspective view of a third step for the packing of the showcase.

FIG. 12 is a conventional perspective view of a first step for the unpacking and the set-up of the showcase.

FIG. 13 is a conventional perspective view of a second step for the unpacking and the set-up of the showcase.

FIG. 14 is a conventional perspective view of a third step for the unpacking and the set-up of the showcase.

FIG. 15 is a conventional perspective view of a fourth step for the unpacking and the set-up of the showcase.

FIG. 16 is a conventional perspective view of a first embodiment of the showcase of the present invention, when the showcase is folded.

FIG. 17 is a conventional perspective view of the internal part of the first embodiment of the showcase of the present invention, when the showcase is folded.

FIG. 18 is a lateral view of the first embodiment of the showcase.

FIG. 19 is a conventional perspective view of the internal part of the first embodiment, when the showcase is put together.

FIG. 20 is a lateral view of the internal part of the first embodiment, when the showcase is put together.

FIG. 21 shows in conventional perspective, an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 shows in conventional perspective, a sub-embodiment of the alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a conventional perspective of a second sub-embodiment of the alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 24 shows a first step of assembly of the second sub-embodiment in FIG. 18.

FIG. 25 shows a second step of assembly of the second sub-embodiment in FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 26 shows a second sub-embodiment of the alternative embodiment.

FIG. 27 shows a conventional perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the invention in a first position.

FIG. 28 shows a conventional perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the invention in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Shell of the Showcase

What follows implies, in general, what is related to figures from 1 to 7. The present invention reveals a showcase 1 for products in a point of sale. The showcase 1 generally consists of a frame 10 and a rear support 20.

The frame 10 is composed of two lateral walls 11, 11′, a lower wall 12 and optionally an upper wall 13. The lateral walls have at least two faces, where a first face 14 is substantially perpendicular to a second face 15. It is preferable that the vertex formed between both faces 14, 15 is directed towards the exterior of the showcase 1, though the vertex being formed between both faces towards the interior of the showcase 1 is not to be ruled out. Optionally, it can be provided that the lateral walls have a tubular shape or an enlarged hexahedral shape. The lower wall 12 can be composed of only one face, which is substantially perpendicular to the first face 14 and second face 15 of the lateral wall 11, 11″, even if it can have two faces or, it can have a tubular shape or an enlarged hexahedral shape.

The rear support is constituted by two arms 21, 21′, which are the means of support opposite to the lateral walls 11, 11′ of the frame 10, a lower joint 22 between the two arms 21, 21′ and optionally an upper prop 25. The shape of the arms 21, 21′ can be formed with only one face 23, however, as it will be shown in one of the following modalities, it is preferable that the form of these arms 21, 21′ and of the lower joint 22 is similar to the form of the lateral walls 11, 11′ and the lower wall 12 of the frame 10, that is, that the arms 21, 21′ are provided with a first face 23 and with a second face 24, or that it has a tubular shape or an enlarged hexahedral shape.

The frame 10 and the rear support 20 have at least a certain convergence point 19. At the upper part of the frame 10 as well as at the upper part of the rear support 20 there is a hole. However, this hole in the frame 10 can be provided at an intermediate part. In order to put the frame 10 together with the rear support 20, a hole must be positioned at the upper part of the frame 10, collinearly with the hole at the upper part of the rear support 20. A first fastener 60 fixes the frame 10 on the rear support 20 through the collinear holes. The first fastener 60 must have certain looseness what will allow the rotation of the rear support 20 in relation to the frame 10. Preferably, the hole on the frame 10 must be positioned at the upper or intermediate part of the frame 10, specifically at the upper or intermediate part of the second face 15 of the frame, and more specifically at the upper or intermediate part of the second face 15 of the frame, and close to the vertex formed between the faces 14, 15 of the lateral walls 11, 11′. Preferably, the hole on the rear support 20 must be located at the upper part of the rear support 20, specifically at the upper part of the arms 21, 21′, and more specifically at the upper part of the arms 21, 21′ and close to the edge distant from the vertex between the first face 23 and the second face 24 of each arm 21, 21′.

Optionally, at least one fastening system 30 can be provided between the frame 10 and the rear support 20. The fastening system 30 is preferably positioned close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20 and the intermediate part 27 of the length L₂ of the frame 10 and the length L₁ of the rear support 20. Optionally, the fastening system 30 is placed close to the lower extreme part 26 of the frame. Optionally, the fastening system 30 is located, on the one hand, close to the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20, and on the other hand, close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20, and the intermediate part 27 of the lengths L₁, L₂ of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20. It is also possible to provide a showcase 1 with at least two fastening systems 30 between the frame 10 and the rear support 20.

In the fastening system 30, at least a second fastener 61 and a third fastener 62 are provided, as well as two arms 31, 31′. A first arm 31 is coupled with the rear support 20 and a second arm 31′ is coupled with the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10, and more specifically with the second face 15 of the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10. The fasteners 61, 62 make it possible for the fastening system 30 to rotate in relation to the frame 10 and in relation to the rear support 20. Specifically, the second fastener 61 grips the rear support 20 and the first arm 31 through a hole on the first arm 31, and there is a hole in the rear support 20 that is collinear with the hole of the first arm 31, where the second fastener 61 is positioned in a point slightly above in relation to the center of the intersection point between the rear support 20 and the first arm 31. The third fastener 62 grips the frame 10 and the second arm 31′ through a hole in the second arm 31′ and a hole in the frame 10 that is collinear with the hole in the second arm 31′, where the third fastener 62 is positioned in a point slightly above in relation to the center of the intersection point between the frame 10 and the second arm 31′. Optionally, the second fastener 61 and the third fastener 62 can be dismissed, and the hole of the second arm 31′ can be made to be collinear with a shared hole with a shelf 40, as will be explained further ahead, reason for which the mentioned second and third fasteners 61, 62 would not be necessary. The arms 31, 31′ are coupled with one another by means of a fourth fastener 63 that allows the rotation between both arms 31, 31′. The third fastener is positioned preferably centered in relation to the center of the convergence point between the first arm 31 and the second arm 31′. This way, when the showcase 1 is disassembled, the arms 31, 31′ of the fastening system 30 do not occupy a major space and are rotational in relation to all the exhibiting system (showcase) 1. Preferably, the fourth fastener 63 that couples the arms 31, 13′ with one another, blocks the movement of the arms 31, 31′, reason for which the height, the position and the lower area that the showcase 1 occupies varies depending on the position of the arms 31, 31′. The position of the arms 31, 31′ can be the result of the weight of the showcase 1, as well as its height.

The length of the arms 31, 31′ can vary from one to the other depending on the configuration between the arms 31, 31′, the frame 10 and the rear support 20. For example, if the fastening system 30 is positioned close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20 and the intermediate part 27 of the length of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20, or as well if the fastening system 30 is positioned close to the lower extreme part 26 of the frame and of the rear support 20, the arms 31, 31′ preferably should have the same length. If the fastening system 30 is positioned, on the one hand, close to the lower extreme part 26 of the frame, and on the other hand, close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20 and the intermediate part 27 of the length of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20, it is preferable that the part close to the lower extreme 26 of the frame 10 has a greater length than that of the part close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20 and the intermediate part 27 of the length of the frame 10 or of the rear support 20, in such way that when the showcase 1 is rotated towards a collapsing or packing position, the fastening system 30 does not stick out in relation to the rest of the exhibiting system (showcase) 1. This last configuration is plausible for when the showcase 1 has one side for load and hence a greater sustaining capacity of a certain side is required. This last configuration is also plausible for when the showcase 1 has two sides for load, and where a greater sustaining capacity of one of the two determined sides is required.

Fastened onto the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10, there are shelves and racks 40 that rotate from a first position in a folded or packed form, to a second position in an unfolded or unpacked form, where in the second position, the shelves 40 have the capacity to bear products to be sold. The shelves 40 are usually comprised of at least lateral walls 41, 41′ and a front joint 45 between the lateral walls 41, 41′. The lateral walls 41 have at least one face 43, however, a lower wall can be provided with a first face 42 that is substantially perpendicular to the face 43 of the lateral wall 41. It is preferable that the vertex formed between both faces 42, 43 is located at the upper part of the showcase 1, even though the possibility of a vertex between both faces formed towards the lower part of the showcase 1 is not to be ruled out. Optionally, lateral walls 41 can be provided with a tubular shape or with an enlarged hexahedral shape. The lower wall formed by the first face 42 can be comprised of a constant and uniform face that covers all the surface of the shelf 40, functioning as a sort of plank where the products to be sold are set up.

In order to rotate the shelves 40, at least one fastener 64 is provided, it is capable of fastening the shelve onto the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10, and it can allow the rotation of the shelf 40 in relation to the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10.

At least one hole is provided in each of the lateral walls 11 of the frame 10, where the hole of the lateral wall 11 is collinear with the hole on the lateral wall 11′, in a way that the fasteners 64 in each of the lateral walls 11, 11′ are at the same height, and in a way as well that the shelf 40 remains at a constant and uniform height on its sides, in relation to the frame 10.

In the same way, a hole is provided in each of the lateral walls 41 of the shelf, where the hole of the lateral wall 41 is collinear with the hole of the lateral wall 41′, so that when the shelf 40 is set up with the fasteners 64 onto the frame 10, the shelf 40 remains at a constant and uniform height on its lateral sides 41, 41′ in relation to the frame 10. When setting up the shelf 40 into the frame 10, the holes on the lateral wall 41 of the shelf 40 must be uniform with the holes on the lateral wall 11 of the frame, and the holes on the lateral wall 41′ of the shelf 40 must be uniform with the holes on the lateral wall 11′ on the frame.

The fasteners 64 are capable of holding the shelf 40 in a rotational manner, in such way that shelf 40 is fastened onto the frame 10 and that it allows the shelf 40 to rotate in relation to the frame 10. Specifically, a fastener 64 is required for the lateral wall 41 of the shelf 40 and the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10, and another fastener 64′ for the lateral wall 41′ the shelf 40 and the lateral wall 11′ of the frame 10. Equally, it is preferable that the fasteners 64 have the capacity to fasten the shelf 40 in a loosening manner, so that each showcase 1 can be provided independently from the shelves 40, and so that the shelves 40 may be set up in situ.

The hole in each of the lateral walls 41, 41′ of the shelf 40 is located at an internal upper position of the lateral wall 41, 41′ of the shelf 40, where the internal part is the most proximate to the frame 10 and where the external part is the most distant from the frame 10. The hole of the lateral wall 11, 11′ of the frame, same that, when the shelf 40 is set up with the frame 10 and is collinear with the hole of the lateral wall 41, 41′ of the shelf 40, is located proximate to the external part of the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10. However, a hole on the lateral wall 11, 11′ of the frame can be provided, being central accordingly to the width of the lateral wall 11 of the frame 10.

This way, the rotation of the shelve 40 is possible upwards and towards the interior of the frame 10 for a packing position. To unpack the shelf 40, it is rotated downwards and towards the exterior of the frame 10, where the lower interior corner of the shelf 40 works as a stop limit in order to support the shelf 40 in a fixed unpacked position.

Optionally, a base 50 can be provided, this one is capable of holding on to the frame 10 at the lower or upper part of the frame 10. This is, it is required that the base 50 be a hexahedron with base and top that allow the entrance of the lateral walls 11, 11′ of the frame 10. Among the hexahedrons a rhombohedron is preferable and even more preferable is a truncated rhombohedron, so that, among other functions, it can be coupled with the way the lateral walls 11, 11′ of the frame 10 fall and to provide a better coupling of the showcase 1 with the ground.

Optionally, an advertising panel or overhang 3 on the convergence point 19 between the frame 10 and the rear support 20 can be added.

Optionally, a tilted prop 4 between the interior and exterior corners of the rear support 20 or between the interior corners of the frame 10 can be provided. The prop 4 is provided in order give the showcase 1 greater rigidity.

First Embodiment

Reference in this section will be made to figures from 8 to 15.

In a first embodiment, the rear support 20 has a convergence point 19 with the frame 10 in a part slightly above the intermediate part of the length of the frame 10, reason for which the rotation point of the rear support 20 in relation to the frame 10 is precisely at this convergence point 19.

In this first embodiment, a more complete frame 10 is shown. Specifically, it shows a frame that has a rear wall 16 that does not allow visibility to the user towards the rear support 20. Specifically, in this case, the first face 14 has been dismissed from the lateral wall 11 and it has been substituted completely by a rear wall 16. Hence, when the shelf 40 rotates, the upper part of the lateral walls 41 of the shelf 40 will bump, when the showcase is moved to the folded position, into the mentioned rear wall 16. When the shelf rotates, the lower internal corner of the shelf will bump, when the showcase is moved to an unfolding position, into the mentioned rear wall 16.

In order to collapse the showcase 1 in this first embodiment, initially the shelves 40 must be rotated upwards and towards the interior of the frame 10. Subsequently, the rear support 20 is rotated towards the frame 10. Subsequently, the showcase 1 is uncased and then the showcase is enveloped.

In order to set up the showcase 1, this one has to be unfolded, and the clothing or casings 55 are then separated from the showcase. The rear support 20 is rotated in opposite direction from the frame 10. Each of the shelves 40 is rotated downwards and outwards in relation to the frame 10, until the lower interior corner of the shelf 40 bumps into the rear wall 16 or into the first face 14 of the lateral wall 11. Finally, the showcase 1 is cased.

Second Embodiment

Reference will be made to figures from 16 to 20

In a second embodiment, the frame 10 has a hexahedral shape. Specially, a geometric figure such as a cuboid is preferred; however, a cube or a rhombohedron can also be used for the frame 10.

In the interior of the hexahedron, a spring 2 or an elastic mechanism is provided, used to store the mechanical energy and so to provide the product that is being exhibited automatically. The lower wall of the shelf bumps into the spring.

In the interior of the frame 10, the shelf 40 is placed, and it is placed in a movable manner, specifically slidable within the frame 10.

Between the shelf 40 and the lower part of the frame 10 or the floor, there is a spring 2 or an elastic mechanism used to save mechanical energy. The spring 2 is there so that it can push the shelf 40 upwards. Therefore, the more weight the shelf 40 has, the spring 2 will be in a working position and the shelf 40 will be in a lower position in relation to the frame 10. While the weight is being removed from the shelf 40, the spring 2 will tend to go towards a resting position, pushing the shelf upwards in relation to the frame 10, just as is shown with an arrow in FIG. 18 or 20.

In FIG. 16 an alternative is shown, where a casing 55 is provided at the lower external part, in order to cover the spring 2 and form a kind of base 50, and this way form a window 51 towards the interior of the showcase 1, and specifically towards the products that are being exhibited.

A way of holding the casing 55 together with the shelf 40 can be provided. For example, the casing 55 can be fastened onto the shelf 40 by means of a fastener, with the finality of making it possible for the casing to also slide according to the filling of the shelf 40. In this embodiment, it is possible to make the lower part of the casing of a soft and collapsible material, with the object of, if the shelf is with a maximum load, the casing 55 does not obstruct the stretching of the spring 2 upwards into the working position.

As another embodiment, a window 5 can be provided in order to measure the existing level of product within the frame 10.

The products are piled one on top of the other, so that the shelf 40 is being pushed downwards, and therefore, the window 5 measures the amount of product within the frame 10.

The same way as in the previous embodiment, it is preferable to have a rear wall 16; however, the first face 43 of the shelf 40 can function as a rear wall 16.

Different figures in which the frame 10 can be collapsible can be supplied; these are described in application No. PCT/IB2009/00702 of the same applicant.

Third Embodiment

Reference will be made to figures from 21 to 26.

In the present embodiment, the rear support 20 is comprised of two arms 21, 21′ and a lower joint with a similar shape as that of the lateral walls 11, 11′ and of the lower wall 12 of the frame 10. Specifically, the rear support 20 is composed of two arms 21, 21′, a lower joint 22 and optionally an upper wall. The lateral walls 21, 21′ have at least two faces, where a first face 23 is substantially perpendicular to the second face 24. It is preferable that the vertex formed between both faces 23, 24 is towards the exterior of the showcase 1, though that the vertex between both faces 23, 24 is formed towards the interior of the showcase 1 is not to be ruled out, so that these faces may be coupled directly with the rear part of the frame 10. Optionally, it is possible that the lateral arms 21, 21′ have a tubular shape or an elongated hexahedral shape. The lower joint 22 can be comprised of only one face, which is substantially perpendicular to the first face 23 and the second face 24 of the lateral wall 21, 21′.

Fastened onto the lateral arms 21, 21′ of the rear support 20, are the shelves or racks 40 that rotate from a first position in a folded or packed form, to a second position in an unfolded or unpacked form, where in the second position, the shelves 40 are capable of sustaining products that will be sold. The lateral walls 41 of the shelves 40 have at least one face 43; however, there can be a lower wall 44 with a first face 42 that is substantially perpendicular to the second face 43 of the lateral wall 41. Optionally, the lateral walls can have a tubular shape or an elongated hexahedral shape. The lower wall 44 can be comprised of a constant and uniform face that covers all the surface of the shelf 40, functioning as a plank where the products to be sold are set up.

In order to rotate the shelves 40, at least one fastener is provided, it is capable of fastening the shelf 40 onto the lateral arms 21, 21′ of the rear support 20 and it also allows the rotation of the shelf 40 in relation to the lateral arms 21, 21′ of the rear support 20.

At least one hole is provided in each of the arms 21, 21′ of the rear support 20, where the hole of the arm 21 is collinear with the hole of the arm 21′, in such way that the fasteners in each of the arms 21, 21′ are at the same height, and in such manner that the shelf 40 remains at a constant and uniform height of its sides in relation to the rear support 20.

In the same way, a hole is provided on each of the lateral walls 41 of the shelf, where the hole on the lateral wall 41 is collinear with the hole on the lateral wall 41′, in such way that when the shelf 40 is set up with the fasteners onto the rear support 20, the shelf 40 remains at a constant and uniform height of its lateral sides 41, 41′ in relation to the rear support 20. When setting up the shelf 40 on the rear support 20, the holes on the lateral wall 41 of the shelf 40 must remain uniform with the holes on the arm 21 of the rear support 20, and the holes on the lateral wall 41′ of the shelf 40 must be uniform with the holes on the arm 21′ of the rear support 20.

The fasteners are capable of holding the shelf 40 in a rotational manner, in such way that it fastens the shelf 40 onto the rear support 20 and that at the same time it allows the shelf 40 to rotate in relation to the rear support 20. Specifically, a first fastener is required for the lateral wall 41 and for the arm 21, and a second fastener for the lateral wall 41′ and the arm 21′. In the same way, it is preferable that the fasteners are capable of holding the shelf 40 in a loosening manner, so that each showcase 1 can be provided independently from the shelves 40, so that the shelves 40 can be set up in situ.

The hole of the arms 21, 21′ of the rear support 20, same that, when the shelf 40 is set up with the rear support 20 it is collinear with the hole of the lateral wall 41, 41′ of the shelf 40, is situated proximate to the external part of the arm 21 of the rear support 20. However, the hole of the arm 21, 21′ of the rear support can be central in relation to the width of the arm 21, 21′ of the rear support 20.

This way, the rotation of the shelf 40 upwards and towards the interior of the rear support 20 is possible to achieve when in a packing position. To unpack the shelf 40, it has to be rotated downwards and towards the exterior of the rear support 20.

The third embodiment can be combined with the second embodiment. This is, it is possible that both the frame 10 and the rear support 20 have hexahedral shapes.

Other Modalities

In the figures of this third and last embodiment, several sub-modalities are shown that can be applied to all the modalities of the present invention, and more specifically, speaking about FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28.

In the embodiment of FIG. 21 what is shown is how the fastening system 30 is located proximate to the lower extreme part 26 of the frame 10 and of the rear support 20.

In FIG. 22, while being folded, the showcase 1 can hang on a vertical wall, due to the fact that the second face 15 of the upper wall 13 of the frame 10, works as a hanging device for the showcase 1. This means, that because the vertex between the first face 14 and the second face 15 of the frame 11 is formed, usually towards the exterior of the showcase 1, the showcase 1 can be hung from the upper wall 13 of the frame, specifically from the second face 15 of the upper wall 13 of the frame 10. And so, the only parts projecting out are the rear support 20 and all its respective walls and the shelves 40 attached to the rear support 20.

In figures from 23 to 25, the shelves 40 can be removed, with the exception of the extreme shelves 40. Additionally, a shelf 40 has been rotated with respect to the other one, with the finality of having these two rotating in opposite directions. Besides, a rear wall 16 has been opted for instead of the first face 14. This way, when the shelves are unfolded and the showcase 1 is rotated so that the shelves 40 are facing downwards, it so happens that the showcase 1 can have the form of a table, where the products can be exhibited on top of the rear wall 16. The shelves 40 work as the table's legs.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show how the fastening system 30 can be a multi-position system. This means, as it was mentioned before, that the third fastener that couples both arms 31, 31′ with one another, blocks the movement of the arms 31, 31′, reason for which the height, the position and the lower occupation area of the showcase 1 is adjustable depending on the position of the arms 31, 31′.

Finally, FIG. 26 is adaptable only to the third embodiment and to the combination between the second and third modalities. In this case, the showcase 1 is reversed 180° in relation to its original position. The base 50 is reversed and put on the place of the overhang 3. This reversed base 50 will give stability to the showcase 1. Additionally, the shelves 40 are rotated 180° in relation to their initial position. If the arms 31, 31′ of the fastening system 30 are at 180° from each other, the shelves are tilted downwards. If the arms 31, 31′ of the fastening system are between 45° and 135°, the shelves have no tilt. The fastening system 30 and the area between the frame 10 and the rear support 20 can be covered with the casing 55.

Alterations of the structure described in the present invention can be made beforehand by those with skills and art in the matter. However, it must be understood that the present description is related to the preferred modalities of the invention, which is for illustrative purposes only, and it must not be constructed as a limitation of the invention. All the modifications that do not depart from the spirit of the invention are included within the body of the attached clauses.

Claims

1. A showcase to load and exhibit products comprising:

a frame with two lateral walls and a lower wall, each lateral wall having and upper extreme, a lower extreme, an exterior extreme that faces outwards the showcase and an interior extreme that faces inwards the showcase,

where each lateral wall has at least a first and a second hole,

where the first hole of the frame is positioned substantially between the lower extreme and the upper extreme, proximate to the exterior extreme, or substantially between the intermediate part between both extremes and the upper extreme, proximate to the exterior extreme, or substantially proximate to the upper extreme and the exterior extreme of the showcase, and

where the second hole is located between the upper extreme and the lower extreme and proximate to the exterior extreme of the showcase, and

where the lower wall joins the two lateral walls through the lower extreme of the lateral walls;

a rear support with two arms and a lower joint, each arm having an upper extreme, a lower extreme, an exterior extreme that faces outwards the showcase and an interior extreme that faces inwards the showcase,

where each arm has at least a first hole, where the first hole of the rear support is proximate to the upper extreme and the interior extreme of the arm, the lower joint puts both arms together through the lower extreme of the arms;

where the first hole of the frame is collinear with the first hole of the rear support in a convergence point between the frame and the rear support and where the fastener goes through the first hole of the frame and the first hole of the rear support in such way that the it is possible to rotate both the frame and the rear support, and forming an angle between the frame and the rear support; and

at least one shelf or rack with two lateral walls and a front joint, the shelf or rack can rotate between a first position and a second position, where in the first position the shelf is capable of loading products to be exhibited and where in the second position the shelf is in a packing position, where the lateral walls of the shelf have an upper extreme, a lower extreme, an interior extreme proximate to the interior of the showcase when the shelf is in the first position and an exterior extreme distant from the interior of the showcase when the shelf is in the first position; each of the lateral walls of the shelf has a first hole, where the first hole of the shelf is substantially close to the interior extreme and to the upper extreme of the lateral wall of the shelf;

where the second hole of the frame is collinear with the first hole of the shelf and where a second fastener goes through the second hole of the frame and the first hole of the shelf in such way that the rotation between the frame and the shelf is possible, and in such way that the interior extreme of the shelf bumps into the frame.

2. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, that is comprised of a fastening system between the frame and the rear support, the fastening system has a first arm coupled with an arm of the rear support and a second arm coupled with the lateral wall of the frame, where the first and second arms of the fastening system are coupled with one another by means of a fastener that allows the rotation between the arms in a blocking manner, making it possible to couple the angle between the frame and the rear support depending on what the showcase needs.

3. The showcase in accordance with claim 2, where the fastening system is substantially close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme of the frame or of the rear support and the intermediate part between the lower extreme and the upper extreme of the frame or of the rear support, or substantially close to the inferior extreme of the frame and of the rear support or, on one hand, close to the lower extreme of the frame or of the rear support, and on the other hand, close to the intermediate part between the lower extreme of the frame or of the rear support and the intermediate part between the lower extreme and the upper extreme of the frame or of the rear support.

4. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the showcase comprises a base capable of clasping the frame in the mentioned lower extreme or upper extreme of the frame, where the base has a substantially hexahedral shape.

5. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the showcase is comprised of an overhang on the convergence point between the frame and the rear support.

6. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the showcase comprises a tilted prop between a first upper corner of the frame and the lower corner of the opposite side of the frame and/or a tilted prop between a first upper corner of the rear support and the lower corner of the opposite side of the rear support.

7. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the rear support additionally comprises an upper prop.

8. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the convergence point between the frame and the rear support is situated at the upper extreme of the frame and the upper extreme of the rear support.

9. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the convergence point between the frame and the rear support is located at the upper extreme of the rear support and a substantially intermediate point between the upper extreme and the lower extreme of the frame.

10. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the frame has a substantially hexahedral shape and where the tray is positioned in a sliding manner within the hexahedron; where between the lower extreme of the frame and the tray there is a spring that pushes the tray towards the upper extreme of the frame.

11. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the second fasteners are loosening, reason for which the trays can be set up and removed from the showcase.

12. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the arms of the rear support are comprised of at least a second hole, where the second hole is located between the upper extreme and the lower extreme and proximate to the exterior extreme of the showcase, where the showcase is composed of at least one shelf and where the second hole of the rear support is collinear with the first hole of the second shelf and where a third fastener goes through the second hole of the rear support and the first hole of the second shelf, in such manner that the rotation is possible between the rear support and the second shelf and in such manner that the interior extreme of the second shelf bumps into the rear support.

13. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where the first fastener is loosening, reason for which the frame and the rear support can be separated and the rear support can be hung directly on a wall.

14. The showcase in accordance with claim 1, where a first fastener is loosening, reason for which the frame and the rear support can be separated, where the frame contains a third hole at the lower extreme and at the interior extreme, where the shelf is coupled with a first hole of the frame and a second shelf is coupled with the third hole of the frame.

15. The showcase in accordance with claim 4, where the showcase is reversed and the base is also reversed, where the convergence point between the frame and the rear support are coupled with the base, and where the shelves or trays are also reversed.