COUNTER FOR VENDING VANS, VENDING VAN AND RELATED SYSTEM.

The invention relates to the sector of vehicles equipped for itinerant sales, also called vending vans. In particular, the present invention concerns a counter for vending vans, as well as a corresponding vending van.

As is known, in the sector of itinerant sales vehicles called vending vans are widely used for transporting, preserving, exhibiting and selling goods to the public. The above mentioned vehicles are usually equipped with a display counter that allows the customer to see the products on sale, and furthermore with various machinery like for example refrigerators, ovens, deep fryers, slicers, ice-cream machines, as well as display cases on the walls, shelves and other pieces of furniture. In some known embodiments of vending vans, said display counter is incorporated in the vending van itself and, in particular, it is fixed and cannot be unloaded.

This means that the goods on sale are not exhibited in direct contact with the public and the salespeople who stand behind the counter must work at a certain, not negligible distance from the public, with consequent discomfort for both of them.

Another drawback posed by the known solutions lies in that the counter is rather bulky and occupies considerable space inside the loading compartment of the vending van. This considerably reduces the volume available for positioning the machinery and furniture mentioned above, as well as the space where the operator moves.

In order to solve these problems, at least partially, according to the known state of the art vending vans are used in which the display counter can be unloaded, that is, can be moved out of the loading compartment of the vending van and placed on the ground once the vehicle has been parked.

According to these further known solutions, pieces of equipment are used, which are mounted on the vehicle serving as a vending van and are suitable for drawing the display counter, displacing it and positioning it on the ground outside the vehicle. These pieces of equipment comprise articulated arms arranged on the roof of the

- l -

vending van and provided with hooks for grasping the counter.

A first drawback posed by these known solutions is represented by the fact that the above mentioned pieces of equipment are complicated and expensive.

A further drawback lies in that their installation requires special operations for reinforcing the parts of the vending van structure that must sustain said pieces of equipment as well as the load lifted by them.

A further drawback connected to the preceding one is represented by the fact that said reinforcing operations considerably affect the cost of the vending van.

Another drawback lies in that the articulated arms positioned in the upper part of the vehicle lift the centre of gravity of the latter, making it less stable and balanced and thus more subject to oscillations, pitching and dangerous unbalancing.

Another drawback is represented by the fact that the pieces of equipment mentioned above are costly, bulky and heavy, and they reduce the load-bearing capacity of the vending van.

A further drawback is constituted by the fact that much power is required for operating said equipment, considering the high load they have to lift.

Further known solutions of vending vans with unloadable display counter involve the use of complicated kinematic mechanisms consisting of various elements that must move in a coordinated manner to ensure that the counter remains in a horizontal position during its displacement.

Another drawback posed by these further known solutions lies in that said mechanisms comprise a considerable number of components and consequently assembly and maintenance operations are rather complex. A further drawback is represented by the fact that the installation of these mechanisms involves major changes to the chassis and/or other parts of the vending van.

A further drawback lies in that they are rather noisy during operation and require continuous maintenance. A further drawback posed by the vending vans of known type comprising an unloadable display counter lies in that the equipment and the mechanisms mentioned above allow the counter to be placed on the ground at a limited distance from the side of the vending van.

Furthermore, said distance is not enough to ensure that the salespeople can comfortably stand behind the counter and/or pass between the counter and the

side of the vending van.

For this reason, the operator must intervene manually to move the counter at such a distance from the side of the vending van to enable the counter to be used comfortably. The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks described above.

In particular, a first object of the invention is to construct a counter for displaying goods, to be used in vending vans and/or vehicles for itinerant sales in general, as well as a vending van comprising said counter that enable the previously- mentioned drawbacks to be overcome.

It is a further object of the invention to construct a counter that, when the vending van is parked, can be handled and/or moved out of the loading compartment of the vending van in which it is contained in a simple, comfortable and automatic manner. A further object of the present invention is to construct a counter that can be moved from at least one resting position inside the vending van in which it is contained to at least one working position preferably on the ground and outside said vending van for the display of products and at any distance from the side of the vending van. It is a further object of the invention to construct a counter that can be handled and/or unloaded without the aid of complex equipment and mechanisms that pose the drawbacks described above.

It is another object of the invention to construct a counter that can be moved and/or unloaded using less power than that required by the known equipment and systems for counters having the same weight.

It is another object of the invention to construct a counter whose height can be adjusted and that can be levelled easily and rapidly when in working position, in such a way as to offer the customers the best possible view of the products on sale and enable them to make their choice. It is another object of the invention to develop a vending van comprising a counter that requires slight structural modifications of the vending van. Another object of the present invention is to construct a vending van and a corresponding counter that are economical and easy to use, as well as being easy to carry out. The objects described above are achieved by a counter for vending vans and a

corresponding vending van described and characterised in the respective independent claims.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The proposed solution advantageously makes it possible to construct a counter for vending vans that can be brought down to the ground and at any distance and position with respect to the side of the vehicle that transports it. This also allows the salespeople to comfortably move between the vending van and the counter and to be positioned as near as possible to the customers standing before the counter.

Still advantageously, the proposed solution makes it possible to construct a counter that can be moved and/or unloaded using means that are independent of the vending van that contains it. Still advantageously, when the counter is positioned on the ground outside the vending van, the proposed solution makes it possible to exploit the whole volume of the loading compartment of the vending van for fitting shelves, refrigerators, ovens, various machinery and equipment.

Still advantageously, the proposed solution makes it possible to construct a counter that can be moved and/or brought outside the vending van without causing dangerous oscillations and unbalancing of the vending van itself.

Still advantageously, the proposed solution makes it possible to construct a counter for vending vans that, if necessary, can be brought into a working position from which the shopkeeper can sell the goods while remaining inside the vending van. Still advantageously, the proposed solution enables a vending van comprising a counter to be carried out, wherein the floor of the loading compartment does not present any interruptions when the counter is in working position. The aims and advantages described above will be highlighted in greater detail in the description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, supplied as examples without limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an example of embodiment of a counter carried out according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of the counter of Figure 1 in a first position; - Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the counter of Figure 1 in a different

working position;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of an example of embodiment of a vending van carried out according to the invention comprising the counter of Figure 1; - Figure 5 shows a plan view of a portion of the vending van of Figure 4 without the counter of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the vending van of

Figure 5 with open loading compartment;

Figures from 7 to 10 each show a schematic cross-sectional view of the vending van of Figure 5 with open loading compartment and in different working positions.

First of all it is important to point out that corresponding components in different examples of embodiments are indicated by the same reference numbers. The position indications given in the different examples of embodiment should be transferred to the new position.

It is also important to underline that, for a better understanding of the schematic diagrams attached, some parts of the non-limiting examples of embodiment shown have been represented using dotted lines.

The embodiments of the invention described below refer to a counter for vehicles equipped for itinerant sales of the so-called vending van type.

Clearly, however, the proposed solution can also be applied to other types of vehicles requiring counters with functions similar to those of the counter that is the subject of the invention.

An example of embodiment of a counter 1 forming the subject of the present invention is illustrated in Figures from 1 to 5.

It is suitable for being preferably contained in a vending van, of the type indicated by number 500 in Figure 4, so that it can be transported where desired and substantially comprises a glass counter top 2 suitable for containing the goods to be exhibited to the customers for sale. According to the invention, the counter 1 comprises at least one withdrawable supporting element indicated as a whole by 3 provided with at least one support 5 suited to be placed in contact with the ground S.

Advantageously, said withdrawable supporting element 3, for example when it is placed in contact with the ground S, makes it possible to support the glass counter top 2 and to move the counter 1 independently of the vending van in

order to position it as desired.

In the preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention represented herein, the supporting elements 3 are two, as can be seen in particular in Figure 1, and the supports 5 are motorized. Each one of them comprises a supporting member 4 connected at one end with the glass counter top 2 and at the other end with the motorized support 5.

It should be noted that, in the preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, each withdrawable supporting member 4 advantageously allows the counter 1 to be raised/lowered with respect to the ground S, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The withdrawable supporting members 4 make it also possible to adjust the height of the glass counter top 2 with respect to the ground S as desired, and to make it perfectly horizontal.

This advantageously makes it possible to exhibit the goods efficaciously for sale to the public, thus meeting the consumers' needs. In particular, in the preferred non-limiting embodiment illustrated, the withdrawable supporting members 4 comprise telescopic legs, indicated by 6 in the Figures from 1 to 3. Said telescopic legs 6 are operated by actuator means, not shown herein, manually or automatically controlled via a control unit that is not shown, either. More precisely, the extension and withdrawal of the legs 6 can be obtained via actuator means comprising hydraulic and/or pneumatic pistons and/or via mechanical systems.

According to another embodiment of the invention not illustrated herein, the withdrawable supporting members 4 comprise legs of the so-called articulated parallelogram type.

It is clear that in other construction variants not illustrated herein the withdrawable supporting members may comprise columns or elements performing functions similar to those described above.

As regards the motorized support 5, in the non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated herein it comprises at least one track indicated by 7 in the Figures from 1 to 3, moved by power means preferably consisting of at least one preferably electric motor.

More precisely, the electric motor is suited to be operated in order to move the counter 1 forward or backward at a speed that can be adjusted, even manually, by the operator via the control unit described above.

It is clear that, alternatively, the power means can be of the combustion, pneumatic or hydraulic type.

It is worth noting that the track 7 advantageously ensures suitable grip and adhesion of the supporting element 3 even on irregular and yielding ground, like for example ondulated and/or uneven and/or muddy ground and/or snow and/or ice and/or sand.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, the speed of each of the motorized supports 5 can be changed independently of the speed of the other support 5, via the control unit mentioned above, This makes it possible to steer the counter 1 even with reduced radiuses, by simply stopping one of the two motorized supports 5 or if necessary rotating the counter 1 around a corresponding central vertical axis by operating the two supports 5 in opposite directions or at different speeds.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention not illustrated herein, the motorized supports 5 are steering parts, that is, parts that rotate around a vertical axis.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the counter not illustrated herein, the support 5 comprises one or more wheels and/or balls moved by the above mentioned power means. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention not illustrated herein, the motorized supports 5 are connected to each other via transmission means comprising a transmission shaft powered by an electric motor.

It is clear, however, that in other non-limiting embodiments of the invention the support 5 can be non-motorized and comprise wheels and/or more generally idle rotating elements that allow the operator to move the counter 1 manually once the supports 5 are positioned in contact with the ground (S).

As regards the control unit, this is suited to control the movements of the counter

1. More particularly, it is suited to control the raising/lowering movements of the counter 1 with respect to the ground along a vertical axis. It is also suited to control the forward/backward travel movements of the counter

1 along a horizontal plane and any steering movements and/or changes of direction.

More particularly, the control unit comprises interface means preferably consisting of push buttons and/or keyboards that can be used by the operator to activate the various actuators and move the counter 1.

The control unit is preferably made up of electric devices with microprocessor and/or wired electronics and may also comprise display means consisting for example of a display for setting/displaying the condition and/or the height of the counter with respect to the ground. The control unit may also comprise a remote control unit consisting for example of a radio control that advantageously allows the operator to move freely while he/she displaces the counter 1.

It should also be noted that this control unit may cooperate with or comprise means for recording the position assumed by the counter 1 with respect to the ground S and/or the vending van 500.

These recording means preferably comprise position sensors like for example linear and/or optical and/or ultrasound and/or laser encoders and/or photocells.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit also comprises electronic levelling means suited to automatically control the withdrawable supporting members 4 in order to level the counter 1 and keep the glass counter top 2 substantially horizontal.

These levelling means cooperate with said recording means and preferably comprise an electronic level.

Here below is the description of an example of embodiment of a vending van, which is also the subject of the present invention, comprising at least one counter

1 subject of the invention.

Said vending van is illustrated in Figures from 4 to 10, where it is indicated as a whole by number 500.

It comprises a motorized vehicle provided with a chassis 501 supporting a platform 502 that occupies a loading area 503 of the vehicle, at least one counter

1 for the display of goods to the public for sale being positioned on said platform

502.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated herein, the platform 502 is provided with at least one through opening 504, visible in particular in Figure 5, suited to house the motorized supporting element 3 of the counter 1.

It should also be observed that the proposed solution enables the counter 1 to be advantageously and rapidly loaded/unloaded on/from the loading compartment

503.

It should be noted, in fact, that when the counter 1 is arranged with the motorized supporting elements 3 at the level of the through openings 504, the withdrawable

supporting members 4 allow the motorized supporting elements 3 to move from a first resting position raised from the ground S, shown in Figure 6, to at least a second working position in contact with the ground S, shown in Figure 7. It should be noted that when the supports are in the resting position, the counter 1 rests on the platform 502 of the vending van 500.

Vice versa, when the supports 5 are in the working position, the counter 1 does not rest on the platform 502 and therefore is disconnected from the vending van

500.

This advantageously enables the counter 1 to be loaded/unloaded on/from the loading compartment 503 as will be described in greater detail below.

It should be noted that advantageously the vending van 500 requires minimal structural modifications in order to accomodate the counter 1. The operation of the vending van 500 will now be described making reference to the particular embodiment represented in the Figures from 6 to 10, since there are no substantial differences from the other embodiments described.

In practice, the operator U, once having reached the place where he/she intends to sell the goods, opens the side of the vending van 500 to obtain the configuration shown in Figure 6. He/she successively provides for activating the telescopic legs 6 of the counter 1 by taking action on the means for interfacing with the control unit, for example via the control buttons.

Said unit activates the actuator means of the legs 6, which thus provide for extending the legs 6 to bring the tracks 7 in contact with the ground S and successively to raise the glass counter top 2 from the loading platform 502, as shown in Figure 7.

Successively, when the counter 500 is completely raised from the platform 502 and is free and released from the vehicle 500, the operator can activate the tracks

7.

The counter 1 can thus be moved and brought for example into the working position shown in Figure 8. It is also clear that, by controlling the tracks 7 as described above, the operator can advantageously make the counter 1 rotate and/or move forward and/or move backward until reaching the desired position, for example the position shown in Figure 9, where the back of the counter 1 is near the side edge of the platform 502, or an intermediate position between the two.

Advantageously, once having reached the desired position, the operator U may, by taking action on the control unit, also raise and/or lower the glass counter top 2 to bring it to the desired height suitable for the type of product to be sold, as shown for example in Figure 10. More precisely, to do so he/she takes action on the control unit via the interface means, in such a way as to operate the withdrawable supporting members. It should be noted that the proposed solution allows the operator to get on the platform 502 and work behind the counter 1 inside the loading area 503, as shown in Figure 8. It is important to observe that in this case the counter 1 still occupies, at least partially, the loading compartment 503.

This advantageously allows the operator U to carry out his/her activity also when, due to various reasons, for example the limited space available, it is not possible for him to work from the ground. The proposed solution advantageously enables the counter 1 to assume any working position outside the loading compartment 503, at any distance from and in any position with respect to the vending van 500.

In particular, the above mentioned distance may be such as to allow the operator U to stand on the ground and/or pass comfortably between the counter 1 and the side of the vending van 500 for the sale of the products, as shown in Figure 10. It is worth noting that the control unit if necessary may also be programmed in such a way as to move the counter 1 to a predefined distance from the side of the vending van 500, and/or at a predefined working height, cooperating with the means for recording said distance. The energy necessary for the operation of the actuator means and/or of the control unit may be supplied by the vehicle or by independent power sources like for example accumulators and/or batteries or by the power mains. It is clear that, in other embodiments of the invention, the actuator means of the telescopic legs 6 may be activated even manually, for example using a crank that, once set rotating, moves the worm screw through kinematic mechanisms. The above clearly shows that the proposed solution makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks described above and to achieve the set objects. Advantageously, the proposed solution enables the counter 1 to be moved and/or unloaded from the vending van 500 with no need to use complicated systems and/or mechanisms installed on the vending van or separate from the vending van.

Although the invention has been described with reference to the attached drawings, it may undergo modifications in subsequent stages of its implementation that shall all come within the scope of the invention expressed in the following claims and shall consequently be covered by the present patent. It is also worth noting that where the characteristics mentioned in the following claims are followed by reference signs, these are used merely to facilitate the readability of the claim itself and shall not be seen as limiting its interpretation in any way. It is important to underline, moreover, that all the components may be replaced by other, technically equivalent parts and that any materials may be used, provided that they are compatible with the intended usage, and the various elements may be of any size, according to need.