The invention relates to a display cabinet for frozen products or confectioneries such as ice cream, a kit having a display cabinet, at least one first container and a plurality of second containers having a different depth, a carrier for being horizontally movably arranged in a display cabinet, and a method for presenting frozen products or confectionaries like ice cream and refrigerated products or comestibles like humid toppings in a display cabinet .

Background of the Invention

Display cabinets for low-temperature storing, presenting and distributing frozen confectioneries like ice cream are commonly known in the prior art.

Figure 6 shows a known display cabinet 100 having a refrigeration means 200 and a display area 300 which is disposed above the refrigeration means 200. The display area 300 is designed to receive containers 400 for/with ice cream which are kept frozen by the refrigeration means 200. The display cabinet 100 preferably has a housing 500 having a plurality of side walls which laterally delimit the display area 300 and do also house the refrigeration means 200. Usually, a transparent (glass) display unit 600 is provided on top of the housing 500 to allow the customers to see the displayed products.

Ice cream, for instance, is often served along with toppings like fruits, (fruit or chocolate) sauce, chocolate or the like. These toppings, in particular humid toppings, need to be refrigerated to keep them fresh. However, while ice cream is kept frozen at a temperature of about -16°C to -18°C by use of the refrigeration means, the toppings must be stored at a temperature of between +3 and +7°C, preferably about +4°C to be still flowable so that they can be dispersed/sprinkeled/spread/applied on the ice cream. Hence, the toppings cannot be stored in an area of the display unit similar to the containers used for the ice cream as the toppings would freeze therein and can then not be applied onto the ice cream. Therefore, toppings are stored separately in an additional refrigerator, which means that the consumer cannot visualize them. US 2010/0043471 Al shows a convertible refrigerated display having a pair of sliding shelves that project inside a front wall of a glass compartment and are engaged with threaded bars extending vertically and being driven by a gear motor to move the shelves in a desired vertical position. The implementation of said sliding shelves including their driving mechanism requires a lot of space and must be installed at the time of producing the display device. Further, there is a need for additional electricity consumers thus further increasing the current consumption. Moreover, the shelves are provided at a vertical position where they obstruct the customer' s view on the frozen and displayed product in the containers and where the temperature is too high for storing/displaying toppings to be refrigerated. Also, the shelves are only movable in a vertical direction so that the goods placed on said shelves cannot be easily moved horizontally along the display cabinet . Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to improve on the above- mentioned drawbacks, and an object thereof is to provide a display cabinet, a kit, a carrier and a method for presenting products or comestibles which allow for ice cream or the like to be kept frozen and other products or comestibles (like humid toppings) to be kept refrigerated within the same display cabinet while the visibility of and accessibility to both the product groups is easy.

The object is to be accomplished by means of the independent claims. The dependent claims advantageously study further the central idea of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a display cabinet for frozen confectioneries. The display cabinet comprises a refrigeration means and a display area disposed above the refrigeration means which is designed to receive at least one first container for ice cream or the like products to be kept frozen, i.e. maintained at a temperature preferably between -16°C and - 18°C, by the refrigeration means. The display cabinet further comprises a movable carrier or slide being horizontally movably arranged above the display area such that in each position of the carrier at least a part of the display area for receiving the first container is accessible from above (i.e. exposed) . The carrier may comprise a frame having an opening designed to receive at least one second container or having a flat or recessed supporting portion (like a cavity) made of a heat- conductive material for supporting the at least one second container for products like (humid) toppings to be kept refrigerated by the refrigeration means, i.e. maintained at a temperature preferably between +3°C and 7°C, more preferably around +4°C, and movable over the display area via the carrier. Alternatively the carrier comprises a frame that is formed with at least on second container integrally .

As the products to be refrigerated are placed above the display area, they are further distanced from the refrigeration means and also distanced to first containers for storing and displaying frozen products. As the temperature above the display area or first containers increases, the second containers can be placed in a region having an ideal and constant temperature for refrigerating products like toppings rather than storing them at a distant location (like a separate refrigerator) . For instance, the products to be refrigerated or the bottom of the second container is preferably about 5 to 15cm above the display area or top of the first container. Hence, there is only one refrigerating means needed and the refrigerated toppings are always available within the same display cabinet. As they are placed on or integrally formed with a slidable carrier, a good accessibility of the frozen products in the first containers is still given since the carrier does only need to be moved aside in case a user wants to access a first container currently positioned below the carrier. Further, the carrier can be easily moved in the vicinity of a first container in case a frozen product taken out of said first container should be garnished with a product (topping) provided in a second container on the carrier. The products to be kept frozen can thus be stored at a temperature of about -16°C to -18°C while the products on the carrier being placed above the display area and thus above the refrigeration means can be stored at a constant and ideal temperature of preferably between +3°C and 7°C, e.g., +4°C independent from their horizontal position. This is because the temperature above the refrigeration means or display area or first containers increases and thus passes from negative to positive temperatures at a particular level, and the carrier can be easily placed at a level having the desired temperature for refrigerating and not freezing the respective products in the second containers .

The carrier is preferably removably arranged above the display area so that an easy installation is obtained. Further, the display cabinet can be selectively and easily used with and without the carrier.

The carrier preferably spans the display area in a horizontal direction orthogonal to its moving direction. Hence, the carrier can be simply placed onto the display area or at least its frame. Further, as the carrier can be horizontally moved over the display area and since it spans over the whole display area, the carrier can be easily moved to any position above the display area; i.e. in the vicinity of every first container.

Moreover, the display cabinet preferably comprises a plurality of side walls laterally delimiting the display area and preferably housing the refrigeration means, wherein two opposite side walls of the plurality of side walls extending along the horizontal moving direction of the carrier comprise a sliding rail means for slidably receiving the carrier. The sliding rail means preferably comprises a stepped or recessed portion in at least one of the opposite side walls and/or a top face of at least one of the opposite side walls and/or a separate rail means preferably removably attached to at least one of the side walls which extend horizontally along the opposite side walls, preferably along the whole display area. Hence, the carrier can be easily placed onto the display area (or its frame) without changing the design of a yet existing display cabinet or by only slightly changing the display cabinet by attaching a simple rail means. Therefore, the carrier can be used with any existing display cabinet without or without considerably changing the respective display cabinet.

The frame of the carrier preferably comprises two opposite sliding portions for slidably supporting the carrier over the display area, which sliding portions preferably cooperates with the sliding rail means of the side walls. As the carrier or frame comprises (preferably integrally formed) opposite sliding portions, the carrier can easily and securely rest above the display area and on respective sliding rails. In case the sliding portions are integrally formed with the carrier (or frame) , secure and cost-saving sliding portions can be simply provided when producing the carrier . According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the sliding portions preferably has an L- shaped structure having a first leg extending from a side portion of the carrier upwards and a second leg extending sidewards from the upper end of the first leg and away from the display area. It is thus possible to provide the carrier with a preferably integrally formed sliding portion to securely support and guide the carrier laterally and from below. The frame of the carrier preferably has a substantially rectangular form, wherein the opening for receiving the at least one second container or the heat-conductive flat or recessed supporting portion for supporting the at least one second container preferably has a rectangular form as well. The carrier is preferably made of metal, more preferably a metal sheet, steel, aluminum, plastic, wood or the like, wherein the frame of the carrier is preferably integrally formed. Hence, the carrier can be easily produced. Preferably, the carrier is provided with an opening of the frame which is designed such that two or more of the second containers can be received therein. In case the carrier is provided with a heat-conductive supporting portion, this portion is designed such that two or more of the second containers can be supported thereon/thereby. Hence, a desired number of toppings or the like (i.e. second containers) can be received in/on and moved via the carrier . According to another preferred embodiment the carrier comprises plurality containers that are formed integrally with the frame or carrier. In order to better distinguish this integrated version over the second containers being separate from the carrier and either inserted in an opening or put on a supporting portion the integrated version will also be denoted "tray". This tray, meaning the entirety of the frame, the at least one second container and the sliding portion is made preferably from PETg (polyethylene terephtalate glycol modified) . This material may be thermally formed and thus easy production of the tray is possible. Furthermore it fulfills many requirements for materials that may be in contact with food such as European directives 82/711 EEC, 85/572 EEC, 90/128/EEC, 93/9/EEC, 1935/2004 EC y 2002/72 EC. It is also in line with demands of the US-food and drug association (FDA) and BGA (Bundesgesundheitsamt, now BfR: Bundesinstitut fur Risikouberwachung) .

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit having a display cabinet according to the invention which further comprises at least one first container for frozen products like ice cream and a plurality of second containers for refrigerated products like (humid) toppings, wherein the second containers have a different depth so that the vertical distance between the bottom of the second containers to the refrigeration means or the top of the at least one first container depends on the depth of the second container when being provided in the opening of the frame of the carrier or being part of the carrier, wherein the deepest second container is designed to be closer to the refrigeration means than a flatter second container but still positioned above the first container. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the kit provides for the products in the second containers to be refrigerated at a predetermined ideal temperature for optimizing the product storage. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a carrier for being horizontally movably arranged in a display cabinet and above a display area for receiving at least one first container, wherein the carrier comprises a frame having an opening for receiving at least one second container or having a flat or recessed portion made of a heat-conductive material for supporting the at least one second container to be movable via the carrier or the carrier comprises a frame being integrally formed with at least one second container, wherein the frame further comprises two opposite sliding portions for slidably supporting the carrier over said display area. At least one of the sliding portions preferably has an L-shaped structure having a first leg extending from a side portion of the carrier upwards and a second leg extending sidewards from the upper end of the first leg and away from the opening or heat-conductive supporting portion to support and guide the carrier laterally and from below.

Said carrier allows for products being kept refrigerated to be placed in a display area further distanced from a refrigeration means than a product being kept frozen without changing the layout or design of a display cabinet.

The frame of the carrier preferably has a substantially rectangular form. In case of the carriers and the at least on second container being separate members the opening for receiving the at least one second container or the heat- conductive flat or recessed supporting portion for supporting the at least one second container preferably has a rectangular form. The opening of the frame is preferably designed such that two or more of the second containers can be received therein or the heat-conductive supporting portion of the frame is designed such that two or more of the second containers can be supported thereon/thereby. The carrier is preferably made of metal, more preferably a metal sheet, steel, aluminum, plastic, wood or the like. The frame of the carrier is preferably integrally formed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the carrier (tray) is made by integrally forming its frame with at least one second container and the opposite sliding portions. Advantageously this integrally formed carrier is made from PETg which allows easy production and also a great versatility regarding appearance of the tray.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for presenting frozen products or confectionery like ice cream and refrigerated products like humid toppings in a display cabinet. The method comprises the steps of: • placing at least one first container for frozen products in a display area of the display cabinet above a refrigeration means of the display cabinet,

• placing a movable carrier comprising a frame above the display area and first container such that the carrier is horizontally movable above the display area such that in each position of the carrier at least a part of the display area for receiving the first container is exposed/accessible from above, and in case of at least one second container being separate from the carrier,

• placing the at least one second container for refrigerated products on the frame, preferably in a heat-conductive cavity or in an opening of the frame or on a flat or recessed heat-conductive supporting portion of the frame (i.e. preferably made of a heat- conductive material) ,

wherein the first container is provided above the refrigeration means such that products stored/displayed therein are kept frozen, and the second container is provided above the refrigeration means and the first container such that products stored/displayed therein are kept refrigerated. The carrier is preferably movable along sliding rail means for slidably receiving the carrier, wherein the sliding rail means are preferably formed by a stepped or recessed portion in at least one of the opposite side walls of a plurality of side walls laterally delimiting the display area and/or a top face of at least one of the opposite side walls and/or a separate rail means preferably removably attached to at least one of the side walls which extend horizontally along the opposite side walls, preferably along the whole display cabinet or display area. Further features, advantages and objects of the present invention would come apparent for the skilled person when reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, when taking in conjunction with the figures of the enclosed drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure la shows a perspective view of a display cabinet according to the invention with a carrier according to the invention,

Figure lb shows a partial view of the display cabinet of figure la with the carrier,

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the interior of the display cabinet of figure la with the carrier, Figure 3a shows a top view of a carrier according to the invention,

Figure 3b shows a bottom view of the carrier of figure 3a, Figure 3c shows a side view of the carrier of figure 3a,

Figure 3d shows a sectional side view along line A-A of the carrier of figure 3a,

Figure 4 shows a perspective schematic view of the carrier of figure 3a,

Figure 5a shows a top view of a carrier according to a second embodiment of the invention, Figure 5b shows a sectional side view along line B-B of the carrier of figure 5a, and

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a known display cabinet.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure la shows a display cabinet 1 according to the present invention. The display cabinet 1 comprises a refrigeration means 2 (see also figure 2) for cooling (i.e. freezing and refrigerating) comestible products PI, P2 to be displayed by the display cabinet 1. Such refrigeration means 2 are well known in the prior art so that a further description thereof is omitted herein.

The display cabinet 1 further comprises a display area 3 for displaying the frozen products PI. Therefore, the display area 3 is disposed above the refrigeration means 2 (see figure 2) so that the display area 3 can be maximally cooled, e.g. to a temperature of about -16°C to -18°C. The display area 3 is designed to receive at least one or more first containers 4 for frozen products PI like ice cream to be (kept) frozen by the refrigeration means 2.

For example, the display area 3 can comprise a basically horizontal wall provided with openings designed to receive and support the respective first container (s) 4. The first containers 4 can be designed to extend over the whole width of the display cabinet 1 so that a plurality of containers 4 can be provided within the display area 3 side-by-side along the longitudinal direction of the display area 3 (i.e. in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the traverse direction) as shown in the known display cabinet of figure 5. However, also any other arrangement - preferably side- by-side - of the first containers 4 is possible, as, for instance, shown in figures 1 and 2 where the first

containers 4 are arranged side-by-side in two or more rows, wherein the first containers 4 in all, a few or one of the rows extend along a traverse direction of the display cabinet 1 or display area 3 and the first containers 4 in at least one of the other rows extend in the same direction or in a direction orthogonal to the other containers 4. However, the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the first containers 4 as long as they are provided or receivable in the display area 3 above the refrigeration means 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the display cabinet 1 can comprise a plurality of side walls 50-53 preferably forming a housing 5 of the display cabinet 1. The side walls 50-53 preferably laterally delimit the display area 3. Further, the side walls 50-53 or the housing 5 preferably houses and thus covers the refrigeration means 2. The side walls 50-53 preferably comprise insulating interior panels or

themselves are insulating. For cooling purposes (e.g. to allow cooling of the refrigeration means 2), the housing 5 can comprise a ventilation grille 54. The display cabinet 1 can also comprise a transparent display unit 6 which is preferably made of glass or a transparent plastic material and is provided on top of the housing 5 allowing the customers to see the displayed products PI, P2. Preferably, the display unit 6 comprises an opening 60 at one of its sides to access the display area 3.

According to the present invention, the display cabinet 1 further comprises a movable carrier 10 which is preferably removably arranged above the display area 3. The carrier 10 itself is also covered by the invention. The movable carrier 10 is arranged to be movable in a horizontal direction M while being positioned above the display area 3 in each of its moving positions. Further, the carrier 10 is movably arranged such that in each position of the carrier 10 at least a part of the display area 3 for receiving the first container (s) 4 is accessible from above. That is to say that at least a part of one of the first containers 4 or even one or more of the first containers 4 are exposed independent from the position of the carrier 10 along its moving direction. Therefore, the carrier 10 preferably has a width being equal to or smaller than the width of the first containers 4. Preferably, the vertical distance between the carrier 10 and the display area 3 or the carrier 10 and the first containers 4 or the carrier 10 and the refrigeration means 2 is identical independent from the horizontal position of the carrier 10 along its moving direction M. The carrier 10 comprises a frame 11 having - according to one embodiment - at least one opening 12 designed to receive one or more of second containers 13 for products P2 like toppings to be (kept) refrigerated (i.e. not frozen) by the refrigeration means 2. According to an alternative or additional embodiment (not shown) , the frame 11 can also have a flat or recessed (e.g. a cavity) supporting portion or area for supporting the at least one second container 13 for products P2 like (humid) toppings to be (kept)

refrigerated by the refrigeration means 2. To allow the refrigeration means 2 to refrigerate the second containers 13 being placed on the carrier 10 or in a cavity thereof, the supporting portion is made of a heat-conductive

material thus transferring the cooling energy via the carrier (particularly the heat-conductive supporting portion) to the second containers 13 thus being (kept) refrigerated. It is noted that also the whole frame 11 or carrier 10 can be made of a heat-conductive material thus forming or providing the supporting portion. It is also possible that the supporting area comprises an opening having a cross-section area being smaller than the cross-section area of the second container 13, so that the second container 13, when being placed on the supporting area, provides thermal transfer directly via the opening being open towards the display area 3 or refrigeration means 2. In the latter case, the bottom of the second container 13 does not expose through and from the carrier 10 towards the display area 3. The second containers 13 are movable via the carrier 10 over the display area 3 and, if present, over the first containers 4 received therein. To allow the carrier 10 to be movable over the display area 3, at least two opposite side walls 50, 52 of the plurality of side walls 50-53 extending along the horizontal moving direction M of the carrier 10 preferably comprise a sliding rail means 7 for slidably receiving the carrier 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the carrier 10 spans the display area 3 in a horizontal direction and orthogonal to its moving direction M as can be seen in figures la, lb and 2. Then, the sliding rail means 7 can comprise a stepped or recessed portion in at least one of the opposite side walls 50, 52, wherein the carrier 10 can rest on the stepped portion or engaged with the recessed portion in a slidable manner. These structures also allow for a good, easy and secure guidance of the carrier 10 along its moving

direction M, i.e. when moving the carrier 10 along the respective side walls 50, 52. The carrier 10 can thus be moved along the (whole) display cabinet 1 or its opposite supporting side walls 50, 52.

It is also possible that the sliding rail means 7 is formed by a top face of at least one of the opposite side walls

50, 52 so that the carrier 10 simply rests on said top face to be supported by said side wall 50, 52.

Furthermore, there can also be provided a separate rail means preferably removably attached to at least one of the side walls 50, 52 which extends horizontally along one or both of the opposite side walls 50, 52, preferably along the whole display area 3 when seen in the moving direction M.

To improve the slidability of the carrier 10, the frame 11 of said carrier 10 can comprises one or two opposite sliding portions 14 as depicted in figures 1 to 4 for slidably supporting the carrier 10 over the display area 3. In a preferred embodiment, these sliding portions 14 preferably cooperate (s) with the sliding rail means 7 of the side walls 50, 52.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the sliding portions 14 has an L-shaped structure as shown in figures 2 and 4 (left sliding portion 14) and in figures 3c and 3d (right sliding portion 14) having a first leg 15 extending from a side portion 17 of the carrier 10 upwards and a second leg 16 extending sidewards from the upper end of the first leg 15 and away from the display area 3 or opening 12 or heat-conductive supporting portion. Hence, the carrier 10 can be slidably provided on the sliding rail means 7 such that it rests on said sliding rail means 7 with its (horizontally extending) second leg 16 while the carrier 10 is laterally guided by the first leg 15 preferably being in a slidable contact with a side portion of the sliding rail means 7 to thus support and guide the carrier 10 laterally and from below (see, for instance, figure 2) . It is noted that the sliding portion 14 or at least the second leg 16 can also be formed in a hook-like manner so that the carrier 10 can be hooked in the (corresponding) sliding rail means 7 thus increasing the guidance of the carrier 10 along its moving direction M. As can be seen in figures 2 and 4 (right sliding portion

14) and in figures 3b, 3c and 3d (left sliding portion 14), the sliding portions 14 can also be formed by a laterally extending resting portion 19 extending sidewards from a side portion 18 and away from the display area 3 or opening 12 or heat-conductive supporting portion. In this case, a lateral face portion 20 of the frame 11 or carrier 10 can form a guiding portion preferably being in slidable contact with a side portion of the sliding rail means 7. Hence, the carrier 10 can be supported and guided laterally and from below by means of the resting portion 19 and the lateral face portion 20 as can be clearly seen in figure 2.

According to another embodiment, the sliding portions 14 can also be simply formed by an edge portion 18a of the carrier 10, wherein the bottom portion 19a of the carrier 10 forms a resting portion to rest on the sliding rail means 7 while the lateral face portion 20 of the carrier 10 can form a guiding portion preferably being in slidable contact with a side portion of the sliding rail means 7 to thus support and guide the carrier 10 laterally and from below .

It is noted that the carrier 10 can comprise identical or different sliding portions 14 preferably on its opposite sides as also shown in figures 2 to 4, while the sliding portions 14 are not limited by the given embodiments in respect of their layout, design and dimensions.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame 11 of the carrier 10 has a substantially rectangular form, wherein the opening 12 for receiving the second container (s) 13 or the heat-conductive flat or recessed supporting portion for supporting the second container (s) 13 preferably has a rectangular form as well. However, the invention is not limited to the dimensions and design/forms of the carrier 10 and its opening 12 or heat-conductive supporting

portion. It has already been noted that the opening 12 can also be designed such that two or more of the second containers 13 can be received therein, as exemplarily shown in figures lb and 2. Therefore, the opening 12 can comprise fixed or (re-) movable separators dividing the opening 12 in a desired number and size of receiving openings. On the other hand, in case the carrier 10 comprises a supporting portion, said heat-conductive supporting portion is designed such that two or more of the second containers 13 can be supported thereon or the carrier 10 comprises a desired number of respective supporting portions for supporting one or more second containers 13 each. It is noted that the carrier 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention where the at least one second container and the frame are separate parts can comprise either opening (s) 12 or supporting portion (s) or both, dependent on the demand of the user. It is also possible that an opening 12 in the carrier 10 can be selectively closed by a lid made of a heat-conductive material thus transforming the opening 12 into a supporting portion and the other way around when removing said lid again. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier 10 is made of metal, preferably a metal sheet. However, the carrier 10 can also be made of any other suitable material like, for instance, steel, aluminum, plastic, wood, or the like. In case the carrier 10 is made of a material having a bad heat- conductivity (like wood) , a heat-conductive supporting portion can be separately inserted in said wooden carrier 10 being made of a metal or other material having a high heat-conductivity. The frame 11 of the carrier 10 can preferably be integrally formed, e.g. it can be made of a metal sheet and produced by way of a pressing and bending process. To attain a high rigidity and stability of the frame 11, at least two opposite side walls lib, 11c on opposite sides of a horizontal wall 11a comprising the opening 12 or heat-conductive supporting portion when seen in the intended moving direction M substantially

orthogonally extend from the horizontal wall 11a (see figures 3b and 4) . A bottom face of these side walls lib, 11c being opposite to the horizontal wall 11a can form the bottom portion 19a of the carrier 10 as described above, while a lateral face portion of said side walls lib, 11c can form the lateral face portion 20.

In the following, an example for the dimensions of the carrier 10 is given with respect to figure 4, wherein the dimensions are not limiting to the invention:

Example 1 : · overall length of the frame 11 (LI) : 400-600mm

• length of the opening 12 or supporting portion (L2) :

150-550mm

• Overall width of the frame 11 (Wl) : 130-180mm • Width of the opening 12 or supporting portion (W2) :

100-180mm

Width of the portion of the horizontal wall 11a side of an L-shaped sliding portion 14 (W3) :

25-40mm

Width of the portion of the horizontal wall 11a side of a horizontally extending sliding portion 14 including the resting portion 19 (W4) : 40-60mm

Height of the first leg 15 (HI) : 15-25mm

• Width of the second leg 16 (W5) : 5-20mm

Height of the side walls lib, 11c (H2) : 10-20mm

• Width of the resting portion 19 (W6) : 5-20mm

In the following, an example for the distance Dl between the bottom 13a of the second container (s) 13 and the refrigeration means 2, the distance D2 between the bottom 13a of the second container (s) 13 and the display area 3, or the distance D3 between the bottom 13a of the second container (s) 13 and the top 14a of the first container (s) 4 are given with respect to figure 2, wherein the dimensions are not limiting to the invention:

Example 2 : · Dl: 150-500mm

• D2/D3: 50-200mmm

It is again noted that the dimensions presented by "Example 1" and "Example 2 " are not limiting to the invention. In fact, the particular dimensions mainly depend on the display cabinet 1 and its structure/layout and dimensions as well as the layout and dimensions of the first

containers 14 and second containers 13 used. The first container (s) 4 and the second container (s) 13 are preferably made of metal, steel, aluminum, plastic, glass, carton, polystyrene or the like, wherein the first

container (s) 4 are preferably made of a metal and the second container (s) 13 are preferably made of a plastic material .

As a first embodiment it has been described in detail that the second container 13 and the carrier 10 respectively are being made as independent parts. The second containers 13 are inserted into an opening or are placed on a supporting area of the carrier 10. As a preferred embodiment the carrier can also be made by a frame that is formed

integrally with the second containers. Such an embodiment will be described now with reference to figures 5a and 5b. It is to be noted that any parts that correspond to parts previously detailed and explained are denoted with

corresponding reference numerals but increased by 100. In particular it is to be noted that the interaction between the carrier and the sliding rails of the display cabinet 1 maybe made in the very same way as the ones that have been described with reference to figures 3a to 3d.

Coming now to figure 5a it can be seen that the second containers 113.1 to 113.4 are formed integrally with frame 111. The frame 111 and the cavities or alveolas that form the second containers 113 together form carrier 110 which is in the following named tray in order to better

distinguish over carrier 10 of the first embodiment.

In the preferred embodiment of the tray four cavities are formed all having equal size. These cavities as the second containers 113 are arranged in line in the frame 111 symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tray 110 and the distances between each of the second containers 113 are equal. The tray and the frame 111 are generally rectangular with the smaller edges of the carrier

110 forming the sliding portions 114. As it has been explained with respect to figures 3a to 3d these opposite sliding portions 14 maybe formed for example in an L-shape or as a laterally extending resting portion 119.

The top view of the tray of figure 5a shows that the corners of the second containers 113 are rounded. This is in particular advantageous, because PETg is used as a material for manufacturing the tray.

Figure 5b shows a sectional view along line B-B. In case that the sliding portion 114 which is shown on the left side of figure 5b is made as a laterally extending resting portion 119 it is preferred that the side wall facing this laterally extended resting portion 119 is used as a lateral face portion 120 for guiding the sliding movement of the tray. Figure 5b further shows that the depth of each of the second containers 113 is equal. Of course this equal depth and the number of the four second containers 113 is not limiting to the invention. In particular a different number of containers 113 could be integrally formed with the frame

111 and also the some or each of the second containers 113 might have a different depth in order to achieve suitable refrigeration as the respective distance to the

refrigeration means 2 varies.

As separate parts inserts 130 may be used as it is

exemplary illustrated for second container 113.2 in figure 5a and 5b. This insert may be formed as a glass pack of 300 microns. The dimensions of the second containers 113 as well as the dimensions of the inserts 130 correspond to each other. Thus, the heat transfer from the food in the glass pack to the tray or the respective second container 113 is good and refrigeration of the topping maybe

performed .

In figure 5b it is illustrated that a sidewall 132 of the first second container 113.1 of the tray extending in the direction of movement of the tray 110 at the same time is used as a lateral face portion 120 in order to guide the sliding movement of the tray. In that particularly

preferred embodiment this sidewall 132 and the appropriate side wall 133 intersect with the frame 111 rectangular. Since all the second containers 113.1 to 113.4 of the preferred embodiment have the same shape and orientation, use of the insert 130 should not distract any person using the tray. All the sidewalls 132, 133 that are shown in the cross-sectional view of figure 5b are parallel to each other and thus extend in a vertical direction in case that the tray is basically positioned horizontally. The shorter sidewalls (134 and 135 of the second containers 113) may also extend in the vertical direction and are in particular parallel to the long side of the frame 111. It is to be noted that reference numerals for the sidewalls have been inserted only with regard to the leftmost second container 113.1 in the drawing in order to improve readability of the drawings .

Of course if preferred as an alternative to the generally box shaped design of the second containers 113 it is also possible for example to slightly taper the second

containers 113 to the bottom 113a of the second containers 113.

Example 3 :

The overall dimensions of the tray are approximately • LI: 425mm

• Wl : 150mm

• H: 50mm The dimensions of each of the equally sized containers 113 are approximately:

• W2: 120mm

• L3: 100mm

The tray (or carrier 110) according to the second

embodiment comprises the frame 111, the opposite sliding portions 114 and the four illustrated second containers 113.1 to 113.4 being integrally formed of PETg which has the thickness of 1.5 millimeters. The material is

preferably colored in silver which gives a metal like impression. The inserts 130 are made with a thickness of 300 micron in a transparent material therefore allowing the silver-colored tray shining through the inserts 130.

It is again noted that the invention is directed to the display cabinet 1 having said carrier 10 or 110 as well as the carrier 10, 110 itself. Further, the invention also covers a kit having a display cabinet 1 according to the invention and further comprises at least one first container 4 for frozen products PI like frozen confectionary (e.g. ice cream) and a plurality of second containers 13, 113 for refrigerated products Ps like (humid) toppings. The second containers 13, 113 of the kit have a different depth so that the distance Dl between the bottom 13a, 113a of the second containers 13, 113 and the refrigeration means 2 (or the distance D2 between the bottom 13a, 113a of the second containers 13, 113 and the display area 3, or the distance D3 between the bottom 13a, 113a of the second containers 13 and the top 14a of the first container (s) 4) depends on the depth of the second container 13, 113 when being provided in the opening 12 of the frame 11 of the carrier 10 or being an integrally formed part of carrier 110. Hence, the deepest container 13, 113 is designed to be closer to the refrigeration means 2 (or display area 3; or first container (s) 4) than a flatter second container 13, 113 but still positioned above the first container 4. Hence, by varying the distance to the refrigeration means 2 (or display area 3; or first container (s) 4) dependent on the depth of the second container 13 or 113 the temperature for refrigerating the products P2 in the second containers 13, 113 can be

selectively defined. This is because the temperature above the refrigeration means 2 ((or display area 3; or first container (s) 4) continuously increases. Hence, products P2 which should be refrigerated at a lower temperature can be placed in deeper second containers 13 while products P2 which should be refrigerated at higher temperatures can be placed in flatter second containers 13, 113.

As an alternative it is also possible to arrange the display area 3 in a slightly angled manner or to layout the carrier 10, e.g. the sliding portion 14 or the horizontal wall 11a or the like, such that the carrier 10, 110 and the display area 3 are slightly angled with respect to each other. As a result, the distance between the carrier 10 or the bottom 13a, 113a of the respective second containers 13, 133 and the refrigeration means 2 or the display area 3 or the top 4a of the first containers 4 differs (increases, decreases) along the carrier 10, 110 in a direction

orthogonal to its moving direction M. Hence, particular parts of the carrier 10, 110 are higher than others (or at least further distanced from the refrigeration means 2/ the display area 3/ the top 4a of the first container (s) 4) thus being disposed in a different temperature level. Hence, when second containers 13, 113 are positioned in a region of the carrier 10,110 being closer to the

refrigeration means 2/ the display area 3/ the top 4a of the first containers 4 than others, these containers 13, 113 are positioned in a level having a slightly lower temperature than second containers 13, 113 being positioned on the (same) carrier 10, 110 in higher level areas.

In the following, a method for presenting frozen products PI (e.g. comestibles or confectionery) like ice cream and refrigerated products P2 (e.g. comestibles) like (humid) toppings in a display cabinet is described. The following steps can be carried out in any desired order. A first container 4 for frozen products PI is placed in a display area 3 of the display cabinet 1 above a

refrigeration means 2 of the display cabinet 1.

A movable carrier 10, 110 comprising a frame 11, 111 is placed above the display area 3 and the first container 4 (if the latter has already been placed in the display area 3) such that the carrier 10, 110 is horizontally movable above the display area 3 such that in each position of the carrier 10, 110 (along its moving direction M) at least a part of the display area 3 for receiving the first

container 4 is exposed or accessible from above.

In case of the carrier 10 and at least one second container 13 being separate parts the at least one separate second container 13 for refrigerated products P2 is placed in a heat-conductive cavity or in an opening 12 of the frame 11 or on a flat or recessed heat-conductive supporting portion of the frame 11. The first container 4 is provided above the refrigeration means 2 such that the products PI stored or placed therein are (kept) frozen, and the second container 13, 113 is provided above the refrigeration means 2 an the first container 4 such that the products P2 stored or placed therein are (kept) refrigerated (but not frozen) .

According to a preferred embodiment, the carrier 10, 110 is movable along sliding rail means 7 for slidably receiving the carrier 10, 110, wherein the sliding rail means 7 are preferably formed by a stepped or recessed portion in at least one of the opposite side walls 50, 52 of a plurality of side walls 50-53 laterally delimiting the display area 3 and/or a top face of at least one of the opposite side walls 50, 52 and/or a separate rail means preferably removably attached to at least one of the side walls 50, 52 which extend horizontally along the opposite side walls 50, 52, preferably along the whole display cabinet 1 or display area 3.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this application and all features of the embodiments can be combined in any possible way as long as being covered by the scope of the invention as given by the appended claims. For instance, the invention is not limited to the number, dimensions, material and arrangement of the first and second containers nor to a particular vertical distance between these containers since this depends on the power of the refrigeration means 2, the size of the display cabinet 1 and the desired temperatures for the respective products PI, P2. The invention is also not limited to the dimensions and material of the carrier 10. Moreover, the display cabinet 1 may also comprise more than one carrier 10.

Further, the invention is not limited to ice cream and respective humid toppings but can comprise or relate to any products (preferably comestibles) to be kept frozen and refrigerated .