WO2000070282A1

WO2000070282A1 - A compartmentalisation bin

Info

Publication number: WO2000070282A1
Application number: PCT/EP2000/004235
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oliver Mcelvaney
Original assignee: Unilever Plc; Unilever Nv; Hindustan Lever Limited
Priority date: 1999-05-12
Filing date: 2000-05-10
Publication date: 2000-11-23
Also published as: AU4756600A

Abstract

A cabinet for storing and/or displaying chilled or frozen food products is equipped with at least one compartmentalisation bin (1) comprising at least two wall sections (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means (6) extending between the wall sections, the connecting means (6) being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume.

Description

A COMPA TMENTALISATION BIN

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a bin for compartmentalising a space and in particular to an adjustable bin for segregating different products stored in a fridge, freezer or other cabinet or on a shelf etc. It also relates to a cabinet equipped with such compartmentalisation bin.

Background of the invention

Chilled or frozen food products are typically displayed in retail outlets in a manner which facilitates self-service by the customer. For example, frozen confectionery products including ice creams are usually placed in a chest freezer cabinet with a hinged or sliding transparent lid. Having made a selection, the customer opens the lid and removes the desired confection. A myriad of confections are available and it is highly desirable that the different types are separated from one another so that the customer can readily find the one of his choice. This ensures that the time during which the lid is open is minimised to control energy usage and helps to maintain product quality and to assist the retailer in maintaining efficient stock control.

Whilst traditionally such segregation was achieved simply by loading the cabinet with the various products still in the cardboard cartons in which they are supplied by the manufacturer, more recently there has been a move toward providing dedicated binning systems for receiving the products. Such newer systems provide a more attractive point-of-sale display for the products and also allow for better ventilation within the freezer space with consequent improved product life, since a build up of ice crystals on the outside of the products is minimised and a good circulation of cold air is maintained to retain the products at the desired temperature. Such systems typically comprise an open-mouthed, square-shaped bin fabricated from transparent plastics material. A number of such bins are placed side by side standing on the base of the freezer with their open mouth facing upwardly. Usually, ventilation openings are formed in the side walls or of the bins.

A disadvantage of the known bin is that its dimensions, being fixed, must be specially selected so as most efficiently to utilise all the floor space of a particular freezer cabinet. Differently sized cabinets will require differently sized bins to maximise the usage of the cabinet capacity, and accordingly, the retailer is obliged to purchase a selection of different bin sizes. Furthermore, differently shaped display items will require differently sized or shaped bins to accommodate them, for example, it will be appreciated readily that a bin designed to hold loose goods such as wrapped ice-cream cones may be quite unsuitable for holding bags of frozen vegetables.

The present invention seeks to alleviate the above problems by providing a bin which can accommodate different sizes of products and which can be accommodated in differently sized cabinets with enhanced usage of available space. Brief description of the invention

It is a first object of the present invention to provide a compartmentalisation bin comprising at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume.

Preferably, the wall sections and connecting means are arranged to enable the storage volume to be adjusted in two, more preferably three, dimensions.

The connecting means preferably comprises formations located on the wall sections and which are releasably inter- engageable. In one arrangement, the formations comprise a clip means located on at least one wall section and a locating panel engageable with the clip means. The locating panel includes at least two locating means which locate with the clip means to secure the wall sections together at a distance from one another which is determined by the particular locating means selected to engage with the clip means .

Conveniently, the locating panel is fixed to or integrally formed with a wall section. Alternatively, each wall section includes a clip means and the locating panel is engageable with both clip means. In one such latter arrangement, the locating panel is slidable relative to the two clip means. Conveniently, the wall sections and/or the connecting means are formed from a resilient material. The connecting means may be disposed either on the interior, or more preferably, the exterior of the bin. In one arrangement, the locating means comprises an elongate protrusion which engages in a correspondingly shaped slot in the clip means.

In a preferred arrangement, the bin includes a base, and the base optionally has a foot for holding the base proud of a support surface. This advantageously allows for free circulation of air about the base. Ventilation openings may be provided in the wall sections and/or the base.

In one convenient arrangement, the upper portions of the wall sections define a rim of the bin extending about a mouth thereof and handle means are provided adjacent the mouth to facility lifting of the bin from above.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a cabinet for storing and/or displaying chilled or frozen food products wherein the cabinet is equipped with at least one compartmentalisation bin comprising at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume.

Preferably the cabinet is equipped with a multiplicity of compartmentalisation bins.

Preferably, the cabinet is a fridge or a freezer.

It is a third object of the present invention to provide a process for distributing food products to customers, said food products being stored in compartmentalisation bins themselves located in a cabinet from which the food products are then picked by customers, wherein:

• said compartmentalisation bin comprise at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume,

• the storage volume being adjusted to the size of the food products stored in it.

Preferably, the cabinet is fridge or a freezer,

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by way of example only, embodiments of a compartmentalisation bin according to the invention. In the drawings : -

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a bin in a contracted, usable state; Figure 2 is a perspective view o the bin of Figure 1 in an expanded, usable state;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the expanding connector of the Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a side view of the connector of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bin; Figures 6 and 7 are perspective views of a third embodiment of a bin in contracted and expanded states respectively; Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views from different sides of the wall section of the embodiment of Figure 6; Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bin;

Figures 11 and 12 are detailed side and perspective views respectively of the upper rim of the bin of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a bin; and

Figures 14 and 15 are partial elevational and perspective views respectively of the base of a wall section of Figure 13.

Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, a bin 1 according to the invention is adjustable in its width and height dimensions between the states shown in the two figures and including intermediate states. The bin 1 comprises a pair of substantially U-shaped upper wall sections 2a, 2b and a pair of lower substantial U-shaped wall sections 3a, 3b. Connecting each pair of upper or lower wall sections 2a, 2b or 3a or 3b is an adjustable expanding connector means, which will be described below. Likewise, upper wall section 2a is connected to lower wall section 3a by a connector means, as is upper wall section 2b connected to lower wall section 3b. A base for the bin is provided by extensions 3aa and 3bb respectively of the base part of the U-shape of the wall sections 3a, 3b.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, each connector means comprises a pair of clips 4, fixed to or punched out from a wall section, and each of which is formed with an elongate slot 5. One clip of the pair is located on one of the wall sections to be connected and the other is located on the other of the wall sections. The connector means further comprises a panel 6 which is slidably retainable between a pair of clips 4, the panel 6 having a thickness which matches the clearance between the clip 4 and wall section so that the panel 6 passes relatively freely beneath the clip 4. Each panel 6 is provided with a number of locating, elongate protrusions 7, any one of which can engage with the slot 5 of a clip 4 in an interference fit to prevent relative sliding between the panel 6 and clip 4. The choice of protrusion 7 which is located in the slot 5 determines the distance which separates the two wall sections and therefore controls the size of the bin in the relevant dimension.

As shown clearly in Figures 1 and 2, the bin size may be reduced in the vertical direction by pushing the upper wall sections 2a, 2b toward the lower wall sections 3a, 3b. Alternatively, it may be increased by pulling them apart. In both cases, the force exerted causes the protrusions 7 to disengage from the slots 5 so that relatively sliding occurs between the panel 6 and clips 4, which connect the upper and lower wall sections. When the desired size is achieved, the protrusions 7 now closest to slots 5 are aligned to enter the slots 5, thus fixing the bin into the new size.

In like fashion, the horizontal width of the bin can be adjusted by moving the wall sections 2a, 2b and 3a, 3b toward or away from one another by means of relative sliding between their connecting clips 4 and panels 5.

The relative sliding is facilitated by the panels 6 and/or clips 4 being fabricated from a resiliently deformable material. A limitation on the relative sliding is provided by pairs of stops (now shown) which prevent the panel from sliding completely out of the clip.

Since the size of the bin can be altered in two dimensions, it will be apparent that the bin size can be selected to suit a wide variety of cabinet sizes and/or to accommodate very many product package sizes.

The bin 20 depicted in Figure 5 is identical to that described above, with the difference that the wall sections are provided with openings 80, which serve as passageways for circulating air. Although not shown, the base of the bin will also be provided with openings. In cases where the cabinet is a freezer and the bins are intended to hold frozen goods, then the provision of openings improves the penetration of cooling air about the products and prevents the build up of ice crystals.

A third embodiment of bin 30, shown in Figures 6 to 9, is adjustable in depth and width. Bin 30 is comprised of 4 identical wall sections 31a, b, c and d. Each wall section has two clips 34a, 34b, one upper and one lower. Two locating panels 3βa and 36b are formed integrally with each wall section so as to have a fixed end and a free end. As before, each clip has a slot and each panel has several locating protrusions. The bin is readily assemblable from its parts by threading the free ends of the panels 3βa, 36b of wall section 31b through the clips 34a, 34b of the wall section 31c to the desired position. In turn, panels 36a, 36b of panel 31c fit into clips 34a, 34b of wall section 31d and so on until all four wall sections are interconnected. The depth and width of the bin can then be adjusted in analogous fashion to that described above in relation to the embodiment of Figure 1.

Yet another embodiment of bin 40 is shown in Figures 10 to 12. This differs from the embodiment of Figure 6 in that it is adjustable in width only, and accordingly, has a somewhat simpler construction of two wall sections 41a, 41b only. Each panel 46 may be fixed to or integrally formed with the wall section. A flange 49 is formed at or adjacent the upper rim of each wall section and is intended to provide a handle or grip by means of which the bin 40 may be grasped to remove it from or place it in a cabinet. This feature is particularly useful where the bin is used in a freezer and is packed closely in an array of like bins, since it facilitates the separation of one bin from all the others quickly and easily, enabling one bin to be withdrawn for cleaning, refilling and the like without disturbing the other bins or causing ice-burn to the hands.

A modification of the bin 40 is shown in Figures 13 to 15. In this case, bin 50 has a base formed from overlapping returns 51aa and 51bb of the wall sections 51a, 51b respectively. Each return includes a downwardly extending foot which serves to hold the base clear of the floor of the cabinet, thereby providing a passageway for air to circulate under the bin. This is of particular importance when the bin is used for compartmentalising a freezer cabinet.

Generally, when used for compartmentalising a freezer, the bin will normally be provided with ventilation openings in its sides and base. For other purposes, where circulation of air to the contents of the bin is not required, the openings need not be provided. It will be noted that in the embodiments of the bin described above, the connector means is provided on the outside surfaces of the bin walls and this has the advantages of spacing adjacent bins apart to provide air circulation passageways between them and of facilitating the separation of one bin from its neighbours. However, the connector means may equally be placed on the inner surface of the bin walls.

Suitable materials for forming the bin of the invention include various plastics materials, wood, laminates and fibreboards, metal etc. Transparent, translucent or coloured plastics materials such as Perspex are particularly suitable. Such materials can be produced to a high quality by precision injection moulding. The bin of the invention affords a retailer substantial flexibility in managing and utilising available display space. Since the bin size is adjustable in up to three dimensions, the use of the volume of the cabinet or other display space can be maximised. Furthermore, a single adjustable bin type, or combination of adjustable types can be used in differently sized and shaped display spaces.

Since the bin size can be so easily adjusted, it is a simple matter for the retailer to reorganise his selling space. For example, if a particular product is the subject of a promotion, the bin for that product may very easily be enlarged to accommodate more units of that product.

It will be appreciated that the bin of the invention is of relatively simple construction and is easy to assemble. It will normally be shipped to retailer in knock-down form and assembled in situ to suit the particular storage requirements of the individual retailer. Whilst the bin of the invention has been described in particular in relation to the storage of frozen goods in retail outlets, it will be apparent that the bin is equally suitable for storage of other classes of goods, including non-food items. Likewise, the use of the bin is not restricted to retail applications but will be equally useful in domestic, office and other situations.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Compartmentalisation bin comprising at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume.

2. Compartmentalisation bin according to claim 1 wherein the wall sections and connecting means are arranged to enable the storage volume to be adjusted in two, preferably three, dimensions.

3. Compartmentalisation bin according to claim 1 wherein the connecting means comprises formations located on the wall sections and which are releasably inter-engageable.

4. Cabinet for storing and/or displaying food products wherein the cabinet is equipped with at least one compartmentalisation bin comprising at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume.

5. Cabinet according to claim 4 wherein said cabinet is equipped with a multiplicity of compartmentalisation bins.

6. It is a third object of the present invention to provide a process for distributing food products to customers, said food products being stored in compartmentalisation bins themselves located in a cabinet from which the food products are then picked by customers, wherein:

• said compartmentalisation bin comprise at least two wall sections which define between them a storage volume for holding goods and connecting means extending between the wall sections, the connecting means being adjustable so as to alter the separation between the wall sections to enlarge or reduce the storage volume, • the storage volume being adjusted to the size of the food products stored in it.