FRAME FOR SUPPORTING AND MOVING A PANEL OF A DISPLAY CABINET FOR SHOW-CASING AND SELLING PRODUCTS

Abstract

A frame for supporting and moving one or more panels of a display cabinet or counter for show-casing and selling food and non-food products. A support and movement system allows the front opening—with variable geometry—of a panel of said display cabinet or counter through a single kinematic mechanism, regardless of the type of glass used.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a frame for supporting and moving one or more panels of a display cabinet or counter for show-casing and selling food and non-food products. In particular, the invention relates to a support and movement system which allows the front opening—with variable geometry—of a panel of said display cabinet or counter through a single kinematic mechanism, regardless of the type of glass used.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

According to the prior art, counters and display cabinets for show-casing and selling products are always provided with glass sheets or sheets made of transparent plastic material. These display cabinets have the function of isolating the products from the external environment for a correct preservation and/or for preventing customers from touching them with the risk of contaminations, damage of theft. However, the products must be clearly visible and easily reachable, when needed, thanks to mechanisms for lifting one or more sheets of said counters or display cabinets. To this end, the sheets are constrained in various ways to an upper frame supported by uprights or to a lower frame fixed to the counter or display cabinet.

Among the various systems for fixing sheets to the upper frame, some provide for lifting/rotating each sheet upwards in order to gain access into the inside of the counter, as mentioned, to replenish the goods on display or simply to clean the counter or display cabinet, sheets comprised.

Regardless of the lifting/rotating system used, each sheet must be capable of staying open in a sufficiently high position and in a stable safety position so as to be able to gain access into the counter or display cabinet without danger of the operator knocking his/her head. This is achieved by lifting the sheet upwards by rotating it using appropriately calibrated hinge systems and retaining springs. Once the goods have been loaded and/or unloaded and/or the necessary cleaning has been carried out, said sheets may be returned to their sales service position that to close the display compartment.

In the known systems for fixing to an upper frame which allow the rotation of the sheet, there have been observed various drawbacks including:

• • sheets of different shapes, whether flat or ribbed, often do not open sufficiently to allow the operator to work safely;
  • besides often not opening sufficiently, sheets of different shapes, whether are flat or ribbed, very often do not remain fixed in the fully-open position;
  • to be able to lift the sheets with flat shapes or with different bend radii, there often arises the need to use several and various systems for fixing and moving on an upper frame. This leads to management difficulties in the warehouse and corresponding additional costs.

In particular, the standard systems available on the market basically work in this way. When using a system with a spring suitable to lift a single or double curve panel or sheet, the system operates correctly, and that is the sheet remains in its maximum opening position, same case applying to its lowering to the closing position which is properly sustained until it is closed. However, if the same system were to be used for moving a flat sheet, in the maximum opening position the sheet would remain open, while in the closing position it would remain raised because the system is calibrated to always exert a force greater than the weight of the plate.

Vice versa, with a system calibrated for the flat sheet, the maximum opening position of a curved sheet would not be maintained due to the increased weight of the curved sheet.

In the light of the above, it is clear that a one system cannot be used for different shapes of sheets or panels to be moved.

Another drawback observed lies in the excessive wear of the mechanical components of said systems for fixing to the upper frame only after a few hundred cycles.

A further typical drawback of the above-mentioned movement systems of the prior art lies in the difficulty or laboriousness of mounting the end of a gas strut in the corresponding housing in the frame of a display cabinet or counter.

As a matter of fact, as known, a display cabinet or counter for showcasing products, especially food products, comprises a generally closed base for resting on the ground, on which there is fixed a shelf where the products are placed. This shelf is then surmounted by a frame carrying a plurality of panels adapted—on the one hand—to prevent direct contact with the products and their preservation, and—on the other hand—allow them to be viewed. The panels or sheets may be made of glass or transparent plastic and can be on all sides—upper, front, rear and lateral—depending on the needs or preferences. In any case, at least one of the two front and rear sides, that is the first facing towards the operators and the second towards the customers, can be opened to allow the handling of products and the interior and exterior cleaning of the panels.

The frame comprises at least one pair of uprights fixed—with one end—to such shelf and—at the opposite end—to a corresponding support of the movement system of a panel or sheet. In particular, the support is a box-like section which extends straight along an axis and it is provided with a first opening—at one end—for fixing with a rotary element and a second opening facing towards the shelf when the system is in operative position. The second opening allows the insertion of a first fork-like end of a gas strut for sustaining the opening and closing of the panel. As a matter of fact, the gas strut is assembled by inserting said first fork-like end into the section so that the arms of the fork are in a plane orthogonal to the opening plane. In this position, the fork engages a transversely locked pin at the bottom of the section, so as to allow the rotation of the gas strut which follows the opening and closing movement of the panel. This operation is laborious given that the second opening only extends for a short portion of the section, only in proximity of the first opening, and it is therefore difficult to centre the pin with the fork.

Furthermore, it has been observed that after a number of opening/closing cycles or due to abrupt opening/closing movements, the fork disengages from the pin and completely loses the support required for the correct rotation and operation of the gas strut.

Obviously, such drawback is very dangerous given that it entails that the system will be released from the section and from the upright with the risk of the entire panel falling or breaking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The scope of the present invention is thus to design a system for moving panels of a display cabinet or counter for show-casing and selling products, that solves the problems outlined above.

Therefore, a first object of the invention is a frame for supporting and moving a panel or sheet of a display cabinet that is particularly versatile and capable of adapting to shaped or flat forms of the panels.

A second object is a frame with a robust and safe movement system that lifts the panels to a height comfortable for access to the interior of the display cabinet or counter without the danger of the operator knocking.

A further object is a frame with a movement system that is practical and easy to assemble, that does not require complicated operations and does not need different components for different shapes of the panels.

Still, a further object is to provide a frame with a movement system that prevents dangerous and unwanted release of the gas strut.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Advantages, characteristics and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively show a top perspective schematic view and a lateral schematic view of a support frame of a shaped panel of a display cabinet for showcasing products according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show a top perspective schematic view and a lateral schematic view of a support frame of a flat panel of a display cabinet for showcasing products according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top perspective and exploded view of the frame of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an enlargement of the exploded view of the mechanics of the movement system of the frame of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 5A-5D show steps for assembling a fixing element of an end of an element for retaining a panel in the frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a step for assembling a clamp-like section of a panel onto the frame according to the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B respectively show two steps for assembling a panel on the clamp-like section of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 1B, in cross-sectional view;

FIG. 9 shows the lateral view of FIG. 8 with the panel in the opening position;

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 2B, in cross-sectional view;

FIG. 11 shows the lateral view of FIG. 10 with the panel in the opening position;

FIG. 12 shows a top perspective and exploded view of the frame of FIG. 1 according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13A-13D show steps for assembling a fixing element of an end of an element for retaining a panel in the frame of FIG. 2 according to said particular embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 1B, in cross-sectional view, according to said particular embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 shows the lateral view of FIG. 14 with the panel in the opening position;

FIG. 16 shows an enlarged lateral view of the frame of FIG. 2B, in cross-sectional view according to said particular embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows the lateral view of FIG. 16 with the panel in the opening position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The idea on which the present invention is based is to provide a system for moving panels or sheets for display cabinets and counters for showcasing products that is particularly versatile so as to ensure the support and correct movement of all types of sheets used for said showcases. The aforementioned support and movement being carried out through appropriate retaining elements anchored to a section of the support frame.

Therefore, a particular geometry of the elements for coupling the gas strut respectively in the section and the respective rotation element of the sheet has been studied.

With the aforementioned idea in mind, an example of a cabinet for displaying products according to the present invention is schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and indicated with reference numeral 1. It comprises a base 2 for resting on the ground (shown in dashed line) which is generally closed and on which there is fixed a shelf 3 (shown with dashed line) for supporting products (not shown). Such shelf is then surmounted by a frame 4 carrying at least one panel or sheet 5 adapted to avoid—on the one hand—direct contact with the products and their preservation, and—on the other hand—allow them to be viewed. The panels or sheets may be made of glass or transparent plastic and can be on all sides—upper, front, rear and lateral—depending on the needs or preferences. In any case, at least one of the two front and rear sides, that is the first facing towards the operators and the second towards the customers, can be opened to allow the handling of products and the interior and exterior cleaning of the panels.

The frame 4 comprises at least two uprights 6 with a first end 6A fixed to said shelf 3 and a second end 6B fixed to a support 7 for a system for moving the sheets 5. In the embodiments shown in the examples of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the uprights 6 are two, parallel and slightly inclined with respect to the plane of the shelf 3. Furthermore, the uprights are fixed to the base using conventional means such as screws and nuts, or other known systems (not shown).

The supports 7 are conventional box-like sections that extend hollow on a straight axis X-X to accommodate the movement system of a 5 panel (FIG. 5D). Said sections extend between a first end 7A for connection with said second end 6B of an upright 6, and a second end 7B for connection with a sheet 5 (FIGS. 1, 2 and 3). Preferably, the sections have a rectangular cross-section with two parallel and opposite larger longitudinal walls 7C, and two parallel and opposite smaller longitudinal walls 7D (FIG. 5C). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5C, a smaller wall 7D is at least partially open, same case applying to the second end 7B, and preferably also the first end 7A, is axially open. Preferably, a pair of holes (not shown) are present on the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening and in proximity of the first end 7A of the section. Furthermore, on the opposite smaller longitudinal wall there are obtained at least two holes 7E for engagement with screws 7F for fixing a fixed element 8 (FIG. 4), as explained below.

In particular, as better shown in FIG. 4, the movement system comprises a first fixed element 8 for supporting a first end 9A of a retaining element 9 within a section 7, a second rotary element 10 or mobile support hinge—on one side—for a second end 9B of said retaining element and—on another side—for a clamp-like element 11 for fastening a panel or sheet 5 to be moved.

Advantageously, according to the invention, the first fixed element 8 is a shaped element comprising (FIG. 4) a portion 8A for rotatably supporting the said first end 9A of said retaining element 9, provided with at least two holes 8B or an elongated hole. In particular, the two holes or the elongated hole are arranged on an oblique line A-A with respect to said section X-X of said section 7, as better shown for example in FIG. 8. Preferably, said shaped element 8 comprises a first portion 8C for fixing to an inner surface of the section 7, a second portion 8D for fixing to a second inner surface of the section 7 opposite to the first surface and said support portion 8A arranged astride between said two first 8C and second 8D portions. According to the aforementioned preferred embodiment, said first fixed element 8 is such to be fittingly inserted into the section 7. As a matter of fact, the two first 8C and second 8D portions are plate-like and parallel to each other, while the support portion 8A extends oblique between them.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support portion 8A consists of two parallel walls 8E defining a space for the insertion of said first end 9A of said retaining element 9. Furthermore, these two walls each have two holes 8B passing through transversely aligned two by two. Preferably, the two first 8C and second 8D portions are partially transversely staggered and at least one, preferably the first, has two through holes 8F for engagement with fixing means in the section. In addition, the second portion 8D preferably comprises a groove 8G for engagement with further means for fixing said fixed element 8 in the section 7, as explained below. In particular, the groove faces towards the first portion 8C and it is freely accessible in the orthogonal direction due to the above-mentioned staggering of the two first and second portions.

Furthermore, the fixed element 8 comprises a retaining pin 8H and respective retaining rings 81 for rotatably constraining said first end 9A of the retaining element 9, as described below.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the fixed element 8 of the system for moving the panel or sheet 5 comprises safety means for ensuring that said element 8 is fixed in the operative position in the section 7. In particular, said safety means comprise a block 12 (FIG. 4) provided with a body 12A for fixing to the inner surface of said profile opposite to the fixing wall of the first portion 8C for fixing the fixing element 8. Said body comprises two engagement holes 12B with corresponding screws 12C. Furthermore, from the body there extends a bracket 12D with through-hole 12E for inserting a taper screw 12F for engagement with the above-mentioned groove 8G of the first fixed element 8, as explained below.

Advantageously, the second rotary element 10 of the movement system according to the invention comprises at least two holes 10A (as shown in FIG. 4) or an elongated hole, arranged in an oblique line B-B with respect to said axis X-X of the section 7, as better shown in FIG. 8. It should be observed that the inclination of the oblique lines A-A, B-B respectively of the holes 8B of the fixed element 8 and the holes 10A of the rotary element 10 is opposite, when the retaining element 9 lies in the inoperative condition in the section (FIG. 8). This particular geometry of the holes of each of the fixed 8 and rotary 10 elements advantageously allows the versatility of the entire system for moving the sheets or panels, as better explained below.

Generally, the rotary element 10 has an entirely conventional shape and preferably comprises a body 10B for rotatably fixing to said second end 7B of the section 7 and an arm 10C. The body has two main faces 10D (only one visible in FIG. 4) opposite and connected by a perimeter edge 10E. On the perimeter edge 10E there is also provided for a protrusion 10F provided with a hole for engagement with a rotation pin, as explained below.

According to a preferred embodiment, both the hole of the protrusion 10F of the body 10B and each 10A hole of the arm 10C comprise a wear-resistant bushing 10H, preferably made of plastic material.

According to a further embodiment, the main face 10D of the body 10B, opposite to that from which the arm 10C protrudes, comprises a plate 13 fixed to said face using conventional retaining screws 13A, for forming a kind of slidable engagement with the aforementioned clamp-like element 11 to support plate 5, as explained below.

In particular, the arm 10C extends from one of said two main faces 10D and is passed through by said at least two holes 10A or elongated hole. Preferably, the arm is formed by a two-branch fork 10G each with at least two holes or a single elongated hole, the holes being transversely aligned with respect to each other. The space defined between the two branches is such to house the aforementioned second slot-like end 9B of the retaining element 9. A pin 10I for rotatably locking of the retaining element 9 then engages a hole 10A for each branch 10G and, at the same time, the hole of said second end 9B, as described below. Preferably, a pair of Seeger rings 10J hold said locking pin 10I in place.

The rotation element 10 is then connected to the second end 7B of the section 7 through a support 14. This is a conventional element and it generally comprises a body 14A from which there extend two slotted branches 14B defining an engagement space fitting the size of the aforementioned protrusion 10F of body 10E of rotation element 10 so that the respective holes are aligned transversely with respect to the axis X-X. A corresponding pin 14C engages said holes of the rotation element 10 and the two branches 14B to allow the rotation of the former on the latter. Furthermore, the support is locked to the second end 7B of the section by engaging a screw 14 D which passes through the body 14A in the direction of the axis X-X and it is inserted into a hole 14G of a retaining pin 14E transversely inserted into two holes 7G of said second end 7B, opposite and obtained one on each of said larger longitudinal walls 7C (FIG. 4).

The retaining element 9 is preferably a gas strut with the first end 9A formed as a slot and fixed on the cylinder 9C, while the second end 9B is also a slot but fixed on the slidable stem 9D of the plunger (FIG. 4).

In the light of the above, the movement system according to the present invention is advantageously universal given that it can be adapted to the assembly of sheets—both straight and curved—using the structure described above alone. Furthermore, it is particularly easier to assemble with respect to the known systems.

As a matter of fact, once the two uprights 6 have been fixed to the base 2 of the display cabinets 1 in an entirely conventional manner, the sections 7 are prepared and fixed to said uprights using simple and precise operations.

First and foremost, the support 14 is fixed to the axial edge of the second end 7B of the section 7 in an entirely conventional manner, that is, it is placed on said edge, the retaining pin 14E is inserted into the corresponding transversal holes 7G of said second end and so locked using the screw 14D which axially passes through the body 14A to be screwed into the hole 14G of the said retaining pin (FIGS. 4 and 5A).

The rotation element 10 can now be mounted on the support after fixing the plate 13, using screws 13A, on the face 10D of the body 10B opposite to the one from which the arm 10C protrudes (FIGS. 4 and 5A). Assembly is conventionally done by inserting the protrusion 10F into the space between the two branches 14B of the support 14 so as to align the respective holes and, therefore, allow to lock in place using the pin 14C inserted between them and secured by conventional retaining rings (not shown).

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the space defined by the two walls 8E of the fixed element 8, so that the respective hole is aligned with a hole 8B of each wall. In this position, the retaining pin 8H is inserted into the aforementioned hole 8B of one of the two walls 8E so that it also passes through the hole of the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 and the hole 8B of the second wall 8E. Furthermore, the retaining rings 81 are mounted on the pin 8H. Preferably, before inserting the first end 9A between the two walls 8E, wear-resistant bushings 8J like the ones described for the rotary element 10 may be inserted into said holes 8B (FIG. 5B).

The fixed element 8 thus mounted on the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the profile 7 from the opening of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D (FIG. 5C) and herein fixed at the first end 7A of the section using two conventional screws which engage the holes 8F of the first portion 8C of the fixed element 8.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, before fixing the fixed element 8 in the profile 7, the safety block 12 is inserted into the profile 7 and fixed in proximity of the first end 7A using screws 12C which pass through the holes of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening for engaging corresponding holes (not shown) of the body 12A of said block.

Upon fixing the block 12, the first end 9A with the element 8 fixed is inserted into the section 7 as described above, until the second portion 8D of the element abuts against the body 12A of the block in the space defined by the bracket 12D. This will allow to align the hole 12E of the bracket with the groove 8G of said second portion 8D. At this point, the taper screw 12F may be inserted into hole 7E of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section, opposite to the one provided with opening, and screwed into the hole 12E until the tip engages said groove 8G and safely locks the fixed element 8 (FIG. 5D). The screwing of the two screws into the holes 8F of the fixed element 8 as explained above then strengthens the locking.

Subsequently, the second end 9B of the retaining element 9 is inserted into the space between the two branches 10G of the rotary element so as to transversely align the hole of the second end with one of the holes 10A of the rotary element. The retaining pin 101 is then inserted into said holes and locked therein using conventional Seeger rings 10J.

Once the profiles 7 have been prepared as described above, a connection profile 15 can be mounted between two profiles 7 (FIGS. 3 and 6). This profile is fixed—using support brackets—to the second ends 7B of the profiles in an entirely conventional manner. Therefore, it will not be explained in detail hereinafter.

In this configuration, the two profiles 7 are ready to receive the clamp-like element 11. This element is also a straight hollow section with a portion provided with two adjustable jaws 11B adapted to receive an edge of a sheet or panel 5 and to fasten it by interposing a rubber profile 11C, according to the prior art (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

Advantageously, according to the invention, the outer surface of the clamp-like element 14 opposite with respect to the jaws 11B is provided with a grooved straight seat 11A for slidably engaging the plate 13 of the rotary element 10 (FIGS. 6 and 7). In this manner, the clamp-like element 11 can be easily mounted on said rotary elements through a simple and precise movement.

The assembly just described above can be provided to support and move both curved and straight sheets or panels.

In particular, with reference to FIG. 8, when the retaining element 9 is inside the section 7, if the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is pivoted on the hole 8B of the fixed element 8 closest to the first portion 8C of the element, that is the portion constrained to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section 7 opposite to the parallel one provided with an opening, and the second end 9B is hinged on the hole 10A of the rotary element 10 farthest from said smaller longitudinal wall, the support and movement system is ready to move a curved panel or sheet.

Furthermore, in this position, the panel or slab is in the position for closing the display cabinet. Upon lifting the panel, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotary element 10 protrudes from the section 7, bringing the panel into its maximum opening position without the danger of the operator knocking his/her head.

When retaining element is inside the section 7 and, on the other hand, the first end 9A of the retaining element 9 is pivoted on the hole 8B of the fixed element 8 farthest from the first portion 8C of the element, that is the portion constrained to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D of the section 7 opposite to the parallel one provided with an opening and the second end 9B is hinged on the hole 10A of the rotary element 10 closest to said smaller longitudinal wall, the support and movement system is ready to move a straight panel or sheet (FIG. 10). In this case, the clamp-like element 11 will be shaped, as known, so as to hold the panel or the straight sheet in the suitable inclination. When the sheet is raised, the support and movement system will be able to bring it to the maximum opening position always preventing the operator from knocking his/her head (FIG. 11).

In the light of the above, it is clear that using only one movement system, or in other words, using one mechanism, one can support and move various types of sheets or panels. The system is therefore versatile and it does not require multiple pieces to be combined according to the geometry of the sheet or panel to be supported, which clearly saves parts in stock, to be produced and time to be spent on assembly. Another important advantage is that of saving production costs.

Furthermore, the system ensures that the panel or plate is opened wide enough to prevent the operator from knocking his/her head when loading/unloading the display cabinet and cleaning it.

In other words, the elevating superstructure of the invention comprises a linkage system provided with a hinge and a rear piston attachment with variable geometry that can rotate sheets of different shapes or flat sheets upwards in a fully safe manner.

As explained, the possibility to choose the variable engagement position of the gas strut allows to use sheets with various shapes (centre of gravity) and weight while maintaining the lifting force for each slab with the same maximum opening degrees, regardless of the sheet used and always keep the plate in the maximum opening position with force such to ensure safety for the operator when loading unloading and cleaning the counter.

Preferably, the presence of a fixed element which is coupled to one end of the retaining element before being introduced into the section advantageously allows to speed up, simplify and make the assembly of the system of the invention more precise. Furthermore, providing an additional safety element facilitates the assembly further and makes the mechanism even stronger.

The wear of the pins which are subject to rotation is also prevented by providing wear-resistant plastic bushings.

Numerous changes can be implemented by the person skilled in the art, but without departing from the scope of protection of the attached claims.

For example, the shapes described and represented may vary depending on specific needs or preferences.

Moreover, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the fixed element 8 can be reversibly blocked within the section 7 even in a simpler and easier manner with respect to the above embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 12, all the above described elements of the frame are substantially the same with the exemption of minor modifications of the fixed element 8, and the block 12. In particular, preferably the first portion 8C of the fixed element 8 can have no through holes 8F and it is adapted to rest to an inner surface of the section 7, the second portion 8D being adapted to rest onto a second inner surface of the section 7 opposite to the first surface and a third portion 8A being astride between the first and second portions. The third portion 8A is provided with at least one hole 8B which can be engaged with a respective pin 8H according to the above embodiment.

The block 12′ comprises a body 12A′ for fixing to the inner surface of said section 7, as above, trough screws 12C′ engaging corresponding holes (not shown). From the body, a bracket 12D′ extends having a surface (not indicated) towards the longitudinal minor surface 7D of the section 7 provided with the aperture as per the above embodiment. Advantageously, said surface is provided with a releasable retaining element 12G′ acting as a spring. Preferably, said element is an elastic plate provided with a free-elastic tooth 12H′ adapted to engage said groove 8G of the first fixed element 8.

The elastic plate 12G′ can be fixed to the surface of the bracket 12D′ by means of screws 12K′, as shown in FIG. 12. However, other suitable means known in the art can be used as for instance welding, rivets. Screws are preferred since in case of breakages or undue bending, the plate can be easily substituted.

Preferably, from the bracket 12D′ an arm 12I′ extends towards the minor surface 7D of the section 7 opposed to said body 12A′ of the block 12. This arm can be removably fixed to said minor surface by means of screws 12L′ engaging the above holes 7E of the same minor surface and corresponding holes (not indicated in FIG. 12) of said arm. In this manner, the block 12′ is firmly fixed into the section 7 but can be easily removable if necessary.

The main advantage of the present preferred embodiment of the invention is that the assembling, but specially the disassembling, of the fixed element 8 into the section 7 is simpler. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the fixed element with the retaining element 9 is prepared according to the above description of the first embodiment. Then, the block 12′ is inserted into the section 7 and fixed in proximity of the first end 7A using screws 12C′ (FIG. 13C) which pass through the holes of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D provided with an opening, for engaging corresponding holes (not shown) of the body 12A′ of said block. Similarly, the arm 12I′ of the block is fixed to the smaller longitudinal wall 7D opposite to the one with the opening, by means of screws 12L′ (FIG. 13D).

Afterwards, the fixed element 8 is inserted into the section 7 from the opening of the smaller longitudinal wall 7D (FIG. 13C). Then, the fixing element is pushed against the block 12′ forcing its second portion 8D to elastically pass the tooth 12H′ of the releasable retaining element 12G′. In this manner, said tooth snaps into the groove 8G of the fixed element 8 so that to releasable but firmly retaining the same element in a safety working position (FIG. 13D).

Should the retaining element 9 be disassembled for any reasons, it is sufficient to pull with a predetermined force the same element out of the section 7 overcoming the spring force of the releasable retaining element 12G′.

Claims

1. Frame (4) for supporting and displacing a sheet or panel (5) of a display cabinet or counter (1) for product showcases, comprising at least one straight and hollow section (7) with axis (X-X) for housing a system for moving the sheet (5), said system comprising a fixed support element (8) inside said section (7) for a first end (9A) of a retaining element (9) of the sheet (5), a rotary element (10) for supporting, on one side, for a second end (9B) of said retaining element (9) and, on another side, for a clamp-like element (11) for fastening said panel or sheet (5), characterised in that said first fixed element (8) is a shaped element comprising a portion (8A) for rotatably supporting said first end (9A) of said retaining element (9) provided with at least two holes (8B) or an elongated hole, arranged on an oblique line (A-A) with respect to said axis (X-X) of said section (7), which can be engaged by a respective pin (8H), and in that said second rotary element (10) comprises at least two holes (10A) or an elongated hole, arranged on an oblique line (B-B) with respect to said axis (X-X) of the section (7), the inclination of the oblique line (A-A; B-B) respectively of the holes of the fixed element (8) and of the rotary element (10) being opposite, when the retaining element (9) is in the inoperative condition inside the section.

2. Frame (4) according to claim 1, wherein said fixed element (8) comprises a first portion (8C) for fixing to an inner surface of the section (7), a second portion (8D) for fixing to a second inner surface of the section (7) opposite to the first surface and said support portion (8A) arranged astride between said two first and second portions.

3. Frame (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion (8A) for supporting said fixed element (8) consists of two parallel walls (8E) defining a space for inserting said first end (9A) of said retaining element (9), the latter two walls each having two through holes (8B) transversely aligned two by two.

4. Frame (4) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the two first (8C) and second (8D) portions are parallel, plate-like, transversely partially staggered and at least one has two through holes (8F) for the engagement with fixing means in the section (7), said second portion comprising a groove (8G) facing toward the first portion and freely accessible in the orthogonal direction.

5. Frame (4) according to claim 4, further comprising a block (12) provided with a body (12A) for fixing to the inner surface of said section (7) and a bracket (12D) with a through hole (12E) for inserting a taper screw (12F) for engagement with the aforementioned groove (8G) of the second portion (8D) of the first fixed element (8).

6. Frame (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said rotary element (10) comprises a body (10B) for rotatably fixing to said second end (7B) of the section (7) and an arm (10C) carrying said at least two holes (10A) or elongated hole.

7. Frame (4) according to claim 6, wherein said arm (10C) is formed by a two-branch fork (10G) defining a space for engagement with said second end (7B) of the section (7) and each branch having at least two holes (10A) or a single hole, which are aligned transversely.

8. Frame (4) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said body (10B) of said rotary element (10) has two opposite main faces (10D), from one of which there protrudes said arm (10C), while the other comprises a plate (13) for the slidable engagement with a clamp-like element (11) for supporting the sheet or panel (5).

9. Frame (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein both the at least two holes (8B; 10A), or corresponding elongated single holes, respectively of said fixed element (8) and of said rotary element (10), comprise an wear-resistant bushing (10H).

10. Frame (4) according to claim 1, wherein said first fixed element (8) comprises a first portion (8C) for resting onto an inner surface of the section (7), a second portion (8D) for resting onto a second inner surface of the section (7), opposite to the first, and a portion (8A) astride between said first and second portions, said portion being provided with at least one hole (8B) which hole can be engaged by a respective pin (8H) for fixing to said first end (9A) of the retaining element (9), said first fixed element (8) engaging in a releasable snap-in manner a block (12′) fixed within the section (7) to removably fix the retaining element (9) in its working position.

11. Frame (4) according to claim 10, wherein said block (12′) comprises a body (12A′) for fixing to the inner surface of said section (7), from the body a bracket (12D′) extends having a surface towards a longitudinal minor surface (7D) of the section provided with an aperture, said surface is provided with a releasable retaining element (12G′) acting as a spring.

12. Frame (4) according to claim 11, wherein said releasable retaining element (12G′) is an elastic plate provided with a free-elastic tooth (12H′) adapted to engage a groove (8G) of the second portion (8D) of the first fixed element (8).

13. Frame (4) according to claim 11, wherein from the bracket (12D′) an arm (12I′) extends towards the minor surface (7D) of the section (7) opposed to said body (12A′) of the block (12′) to be removably fixed to said minor surface.

14. Openable display cabinet (1) for show-casing products, comprising a base (2) for resting on the ground on which there is fixed a shelf (3) for supporting products, a frame (4) fixed on said base and carrying at least one panel or sheet (5) adapted to separate products from the external environment, said frame being according to any one of claims 1 to 13.