AU2012201730A1

AU2012201730A1 - Stackable basket assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2012201730A1
Application number: AU2012201730A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Ernst; Robert Ochsenschlager
Original assignee: Aldi Einkauf GmbH and Co OHG
Current assignee: Aldi Einkauf GmbH and Co OHG
Priority date: 2011-03-24
Filing date: 2012-03-23
Publication date: 2012-10-11
Also published as: DE202011004389U1; EP2502526A1; EP2502526B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a stacking-basket assembly with at least one base rack (la), and with at least one stacking-basket (2) connected or connectable to the base rack (la), wherein the base rack (la) is designed so as to be able to be optionally fitted with e.g. an add-on rack (lb), an add-on panel, etc. To be published with Fig. I -a 1 1 10 -1

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INVENTION TITLE: STACKING-BASKET ASSEMBLY The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- STACKING-BASKET ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a stacking-basket assembly with at least one base rack, and with at least one stacking-basket connected or connectable to the base rack. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A "stacking-basket" is, in general, a basket used particularly in self-service retail stores. Because such baskets normally need to be stackable, they are designed with their front wall lower than their side walls and rear wall. In this way, when a number of stacking-baskets are stacked one above another, they can define access openings through which the goods in the baskets can be removed. Such stacking-baskets are described in DE 197 54 960 Al, for example. Utility design DE 1 729 572 should also be referred to. [0003] DE 10 2008 007 390 Al describes a stacking-basket assembly of the general type outlined initially, with a base rack in the form of a table. This prior-art rack in table form has two baskets, stacked one above the other. These two baskets are connected to each other by means of a connecting system whereby the two baskets can be moved and tilted relative to each other. [0004] Although this prior-art stacking-basket assembly does aim to provide a high degree of safety when stacking-baskets and add-on baskets are arranged one above another in a vertical stack, this goal is only partially achieved. In fact, there is still always the danger, with stacking-baskets arranged one above another, that the rack may topple over, damaging the goods therein-or worse, causing injury to people. Such scenarios often arise due to faulty assembly and installation, or incorrect loading by support staff. The present invention is intended to provide a remedy for all this.

2 [0005] The technical problem which the invention aims to overcome is: how to further develop a stacking-basket assembly of the general type described initially so as to improve its safety and do away with complex, cumbersome add-ons and/or assemblies, while still retaining the goods-stocking versatility inherent in such stacking-basket assemblies. [0006] The invention proposes to solve this technical problem with a generic stacking-basket assembly characterised in that its base rack is designed to optionally take e.g. an add-on rack, add-on panels, etc. [0007] Therefore, in the invention, the one or more stacking-baskets are not employed directly as a base to which a further basket or similar devices are attached; but instead, it is the base rack bearing the stacking-basket(s) that serves this purpose. The base frame can have the stacking-basket(s) affixed to it, e.g. by being screwed onto it. Alternatively, the stacking-basket can be e.g. suspended in or on the base rack, or can be detachably connected to it in some other way. In any case, in the present invention it is the base rack, and not the stacking-basket, that serves as the base, so to speak, for add-ons to be attached to. [0008] The base rack is therefore designed to optionally take e.g. an add-on rack, add-on panels, etc. For this purpose, the base rack may have one or more sockets for plug in members to be fitted into. In contrast with the teaching of the genus-defining specification DE 10 2008 007 390 Al, the individual stacking-baskets are therefore not connected directly to each other; instead, it is ultimately the base rack, possibly together with one or more add-on racks, that is responsible for coupling the baskets. This in itself is enough to provide an exceptionally high degree of stability, because it is not the stacking baskets themselves that are responsible for the connection and stability functions. Instead, the basic stability is provided by the base rack, which can also optionally be equipped with the add-on rack and with add-on panels, etc, as required. [0009] For this purpose, the add-on rack, add-on panel, etc, are provided with one or more plug-in members for insertion into the one or more sockets in the base rack, thereby providing a predefined connection-generally a positive and/or non-positive connection-between the base rack and the add-on rack or add-on panel. The add-on rack 3 may then, for its part, be equipped with one or more attached or attachable stacking baskets. [0010] The one or more stacking-baskets are always attached to a rack fixedly or detachably. Coupling the stacking-baskets to one another to form the desired stack is thus performed by means of the rack, which is connected between them. This rack is itself modular, and is designed to be readily extendable, being made up of the base rack and, optionally, one or more add-on racks. In addition, one or more add-on panels can be combined with the base rack. Such add-on panels are normally not designed to be detachably or fixedly connected to a stacking-basket, but serve, for example, to identify the goods stored in the stacking-basket assembly. This may be achieved, for instance, by means of ordinary or magnetic sheets bearing the relevant desired information, which are applied to the respective add-on panel. [0011] As already mentioned, by utilising a rack as a stacking-aid (so to speak), the inventive stacking arrangement already has exceptional stability such as the generic prior art of DE 10 2008 007 390 A l could not even begin to provide. A further increase in stability is provided by additional features of the invention, i.e. the fact that the base rack and/or the add-on rack are made with tubular framing and with at least two vertical tubes. Generally both the base rack and the add-on rack are made with tubular framing. [0012] In terms of the invention, "rack made with tubular framing" means a rack constructed using one or more open or closed frames made of tubing. Typically the tubing used is made of metal. In addition, the metal tubular rack may advantageously be made with four-sided tubing. [0013] That is to say, the tubes used to define the rack are generally four-sided tubes, and preferably square tubes, which provide exceptional stability, particularly as regards twisting. By using such four-sided tubing and a rack made of such tubing, both the base rack and the optional add-on rack attain a stability and torsional stiffness far greater than has been previously achievable with comparable stacking-basket assemblies. [0014] Furthermore, the arrangement described offers the advantage that the two or more vertical tubes of the base rack constitute and provide the one or more sockets in the 4 top of the base rack. Two sockets are generally provided, one in the top of each vertical tube. The respective plug-in member on the add-on rack, add-on panel, etc is plugged into the corresponding socket. [0015] In this regard, the invention advantageously utilises at least one flat plug-pin as a plug-in member. Such a flat plug-pin can be produced particularly easily and inexpensively, yet has stability, and accuracy of fit, comparable to or better than that of a tubular plug. Generally the flat plug-pin will have a recess in it, into which a bolt in the socket is fitted or will fit, thereby providing the above-described positive and/or non positive connection between the socket and the respective plug-in member. [0016] This is particularly important in that the steadiness of the inventive stacking basket assembly-i.e. its resistance to tipping over-is considerably greater than with previous designs. In this regard, the stability of the arrangement can be still further increased by engaging the recess in the flat plug-pin with a threaded bolt, and consequently screw-connecting the pin on e.g. the add-on rack to the base rack by means of the threaded bolt in the socket. [0017] In this regard, it is even possible to design the base rack to be mobile. For this purpose, the base rack is provided with wheels on the bottom. Generally, the base rack has a base frame bearing four such wheels, individual ones of which may be steerable and/or lockable. The base rack generally has vertical tubes standing upright on it. Most often there will be two vertical tubes on one side of the base frame. These tubes can bear one or more baskets, which are, or may be, connected to them. These two vertical tubes are generally connected to each other at the top by means of a crosspiece. [0018] To optimise the arrangement's weight, and to provide additional mounting means, it has proved beneficial to use perforated plate for any or all of the walls of the base rack. In practice, such perforated plates are used as rear walls of the base rack, and also as bottom plates. [0019] Generally, two stacking-baskets are attached to the base rack, one above the other. Both these stacking-baskets are generally connected fixedly to the base rack. The area of the bottom of the first and lowest stacking-basket is adapted to the base frame of 5 the base rack. On the other hand, the second stacking-basket, arranged above the first stacking-basket, has a smaller bottom area. In fact, it has proved beneficial for the area of the bottom of the second stacking-basket to be about 60% to 90%--and preferably about 80%-the area of the bottom of the first stacking-basket. Because the bottom areas of these stacking-baskets arranged one above the other are generally equal in width, the above mentioned ratio of their bottom areas corresponds to their depths (i.e. to the front-to-rear dimensions of the respective stacking-baskets). [0020] It has also proved beneficial to equip the stacking-basket assembly with a drawer to hold additional items of equipment. This drawer may, for example, hold the above-mentioned magnetic sheets, add-on panels, side walls, and partition walls, for the stacking-basket concerned. As a result, the accessories and equipment-items needed for setting-up and modifying the inventive stacking-basket assembly will be immediately available on the spot whenever required. [0021] In practice, a stacking-basket will be provided with side walls and/or partition walls. In this regard, it has proved particularly beneficial to use side walls and/or partition walls that are transparent, because this helps customers in a retail store make the decision to buy, and promotes sales in general. In this regard, it has proved particularly beneficial to make the side walls and/or partition walls of the stacking-baskets out of a transparent synthetic material such as PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Basically, of course, other glass-like thermoplastic synthetic materials can also be used. [0022] In this regard, it has also proved beneficial to have the edge surfaces of the walls polished. Generally, these edge surfaces are flame-polished. This involves bringing the edge surface being treated to melting point by sudden contact with a flame, without letting the material begin to burn. Then, the melted material cools down, spreading out perfectly smoothly while doing so. This results in particularly beautifully-polished, glossy surfaces, which enhances the inventive stacking-basket assembly and gives it a favourable appearance. [0023] In addition, a stacking-basket can be provided with an identification strip. This is usually attached to the bottom of the particular stacking-basket. The identification 6 strip serves to bear product information such as prices, product descriptions, product brand names, etc. [0024] A particularly attractive external appearance is provided if the base rack and/or optional add-on rack, add-on panel, and/or bottom area of the stacking-basket concerned, and/or rear walls of the base rack and/or add-on rack, are made of metal. These objects can advantageously be provided with a coating. Preferably, they will be given a powder-coated surface. This makes them not only particularly elegant-looking, but also durable, because such powder-coated surfaces are particularly scratch-resistant and durable. [0025] The result is a stacking-basket assembly that, first and foremost, is characterised by exceptional stability and resistance to toppling. There will be practically no (more) tipping movements due to e.g. faulty loading, and/or handling by potential purchasers, unlike with the prior art. Yet at the same time, the unit will be versatile as regards where it is located, due to the mobility of the base rack employed. [0026] To achieve this, a fundamental provision of the invention is that the individual stacking-baskets are not arranged directly on top of one another, but are attached to a modular rack, so to speak. In this way, the stacking-basket assembly can be largely adapted to demand, whilst still retaining the required stability. Along with these advantages, the stacking-basket assembly has an elegant external appearance, which has a sales-promoting effect. Herein lie the fundamental benefits of the invention. [0027] The invention will now be described in more detail on the basis of a single example of its embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: [0028] Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the inventive stacking-basket assembly, with three and two stacking-baskets respectively; [0029] Fig. 3 is a side view of the stacking-basket assembly; and [0030] Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the' stacking-basket assembly.

7 [0031] The Figures show a stacking-basket assembly. In Figs. I and 3, the stacking basket assembly is fitted with a total of three stacking-baskets 2, these being borne on a base rack 1 a alone or on a base rack I a in combination with an add-on rack I b. On the other hand, the example shown in Fig. 2 is fitted with only two stacking-baskets 2, the third stacking-basket 2 being indicated by dot-and-dash lines. Some or all of the individual stacking-baskets 2 arefixedly connected to the base rack I a or add-on rack l b respectively. Alternatively or in addition, a stacking-basket 2 may be detachably connected to the base rack I a or add-on rack l b respectively. [0032] According to the invention, the base rack Ia is designed to take the already discussed add-on rack l b if required, as shown in Fig. 2, in which the add-on rack l b is indicated by dot-and-dash lines. This means that the add-on rack I b may be attached to the base rack I a or not, as required. The base rack I a and the add-on rack l b may be connected to each other bothfixedly and detachably, and this feature forms part of the invention. [0033] As an alternative to the add-on rack Ib, the base rack I a can, however, also be equipped at the top with add-on panels and/or other add-on parts, which are not shown. Such an add-on panel may, for example, be designed to indicate the goods arranged in the stacking-baskets 2 below, or to indicate their price, or to serve as a promotional means, etc. For this purpose, the add-on panel may be equipped with a suitable magnetic sheet (not shown) bearing the required information. [0034] The connection between the base rack I a and the add-on rack I b is provided, in the embodiment example shown, by means of two plug-receiving sockets 3 in the base rack I a, into which a respective plug-in member 4 is fitted. The resultant connection is positive and/or non-positive (i.e. it occurs shapewise and/or forcewise). [0035] The base rack I a has a base frame 5 and at least two vertical tubes 6. The base frame 5 is arranged essentially horizontal and, like the base rack 1 a as a whole, is designed to be mobile. For this purpose, the base frame 5 has wheels 7 on the bottom, which may be designed so as to be steerable and/or lockable-individually or all together. The wheels 7 are attached, foot-like, to the base frame 5.

8 [0036] A drawer 8 for storing additional items of equipment for the stacking-basket assembly can also be seen. In the example shown, this drawer is located under the base frame 5 (although it could be located elsewhere). As a result, the space between the foot like wheels 7 of the base frame 5, which exists anyway, is optimally utilised, i.e. by the drawer 8 located beneath the base frame 5 and inserted, so to speak, between the foot-like wheels 7. [0037] The above-mentioned vertical tubes 6 stand upright on the predominantly horizontal base frame 5, and are attached to it. The above-mentioned sockets 3 for the plug-in members 4 to be optionally plugged into are provided in the top of the vertical tubes 6. As shown in the exploded view in Fig. 4, the plug-in members 4 each consist of flat plug-pins 4. Two flat plug-pins 4 in conjunction constitute the plug-in member 4, and the two of them are both held-spaced apart from each other-in the respective socket 3. [0038] Each flat plug-pin 4 has a recess 4a in it, which can be engaged by a bolt 4b, which may be a threaded bolt. The bolt or threaded bolt 4b is located on the respective vertical tube 6 in the region of the socket 3, and is secured to the vertical tube 6. [0039] On the other hand, the plug-in member 4, i.e. the suitably-designed flat plug-pin 4, is a component of the add-on rack lb. Once the add-on rack I b has its plug-in members 4 inserted into the sockets 3 in the top of the base rack I a, the add-on rack I b is detachably coupled to the base rack 1a. A fixed connection can be produced by means of the bolts 4b. Thus, the add-on rack lb is connected positively and/or non-positively (i.e. shapewise and/orfbrcewise) to the base rack I a. [0040] The base rack 1a and/or the add-on rack I b are made with tubular framing. The tubular framing is made of four-sided tubing. That is to say, the individual tubes used for producing the vertical tubes 6, the base frames 5, and also the add-on tubes 9 which ultimately define the add-on rack lb and which have the plug-in members or flat plug-pins 4 attached to the bottom of them, are all four-sided tubes made of e.g. steel. In this regard, tubes with a square cross-section, i.e. square tubes, have proven to be particularly good and torsion-resistant.

9 [0041] On the basis of Figs. I and 2, it can be seen that some or all of the walls of the base rack Ia and add-on rack l b are in the form of perforated plates 10. In the present case, this applies to the rear walls. Also, individual bottom areas of the stacking-baskets 2 may be in the form of perforated plates 10. Not only does this reduce the weight of the inventive stacking-basket assembly compared with embodiments in solid form, but it also provides the opportunity to utilise the perforated plate 10 for additional mountings. Furthermore, it gives a particularly favourable overall visual impression. [0042] Comparing Figs. 1 to 3, it can be seen that, in the embodiment-example shown, two stacking-baskets 2 are attached to the base rack I a in a one-above-the-other configuration. The bottom area of the first and lowest stacking-basket 21 is adapted to the base frame 5. In fact, the first stacking basket 21 sits upon the base frame 5, and may be connected to it. In contrast, the bottom area of the basket above it, the second stacking basket 22, is smaller than that of the first stacking-basket 21. This can be seen particularly in the side view in Fig. 3. [0043] In fact, the ratio of the area of the bottom of the second stacking-basket 22 to that of the first stacking-basket 21 ranges between about 60% and 90%, and is preferably about 80%. Since both stacking-baskets 21 and 22 are the same width B in the embodiment example, the above-described difference in their rectangular bottom areas manifests itself in a difference in the depth T (i.e. the front-to-rear dimension T) of those areas. In fact, the ratio of the depth T of the bottom area of the second stacking-basket 22 to that of the first stacking-basket 21 is 60% to 90%. [0044] The additional, third, stacking-basket 23, i.e. the top stacking-basket 23, shown in Figs. I and 3, is attached not to the base rack I a but to the add-on rack l b. Furthermore, the bottom area of the third stacking-basket 23 is less again than that of the second stacking-basket 22. Indeed, the ratio of the bottom area of the third stacking-basket 23 to that of the first stacking-basket 21 is about 30% to 50%, and preferably about 40%. [0045] Each stacking-basket 2 is equipped with side walls 1 and/or partition walls 12. All these walls 11, 12 are transparent. Moreover, the side walls 11 and/or partition walls 12 are made of a transparent synthetic material, for instance PMMA. In addition, 10 these walls 11, 12 each have a polished edge surface 13, shaped like an arc of a circle, thereby giving a high-quality overall visual impression. [0046] Also, each stacking-basket 2 is equipped with an identification strip 14 in front. This identification strip 14 is attached at the bottom to a bottom surface, and may be designed to take information such as prices, product details, etc. [0047] The base rack I a and/or the add-on rack lb are, like the individual stacking baskets 2, made of metal. In addition, these items I a, I b, and 2 are usually given a durable surface coating. Powder-coating has proved particularly favourable for this purpose. [0048] Comparing Figs. 1, 2, and 3, it becomes clear that it is optional whether or not the add-on rack l b is added onto the base rack Ia. This makes the stacking-basket assembly versatile and adaptable to very different requirements and to the various goods customarily contained in the individual stacking-baskets 2. The foot-like wheels 7 on the bottom also contribute to the stacking-basket assembly's versatility. Of course, the individual stacking-basket assemblies can also be connected to one another in a row, thus providing a modular-construction facility. Using perforated plates 10 for, inter alia, the bottoms of the stacking-baskets 2 enables versatility with regard to adding the partition walls 12 on; and the partition walls 12, together with other items of equipment, can be stored in the drawer 8, where they will be available for immediate use. [0049] Consequently, the inventive stacking-basket assembly provides a maximum of flexibility and mobility, while at the same time being particularly stable and resistant to toppling over. In fact, the inventive stacking-basket assembly can take total loads of several hundred kilograms. The open, transparent, design of the individual stacking baskets 2 makes it possible to hold large amounts of goods, which are presented, moreover, in a particularly sales-promoting manner. What is more, even small residual amounts can be readily noticed by potential customers, due to the baskets' transparency. The information strips 14 located directly in the customer's field of vision enable customers to "get their bearings" quickly. [0050] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and S1I "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. [0051] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

1. A stacking-basket assembly with at least one base rack, and with at least one stacking-basket connected or connectable to the base rack, wherein the base rack is designed to be able to be optionally fitted with e.g. an add-on rack, an add-on panel, etc.

2. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the base rack has at least one socket into which a plug-in member can be fitted.

3. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim I or 2, wherein the base rack and/or the add-on rack are in each case made with tubular framing, with at least two vertical tubes.

4. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tubular framing is made with four-sided tubing.

5. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the two vertical tubes of the base rack have sockets in the top to take the plug-in members.

6. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the plug-in members are in the form of flat plug-pins.

7. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 6, wherein the base rack is designed to be mobile, having wheels on the bottom for this purpose.

8. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein individual wheels thereon are steerable and/or lockable.

9. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base rack has a base frame with the vertical tubes standing upright thereon.

10. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 9, wherein individual walls of the base rack are in the form of perforated plates. 13

11. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 10, wherein two stacking-baskets are connected to the base rack, in a one-above-the-other configuration.

12. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the area of the bottom of the first and lowest stacking-basket is adapted to the base frame, whereas the area of the bottom of the second stacking-basket, arranged above the first stacking-basket, is smaller.

13. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the area of the bottom of the second stacking-basket is approx. 60 % to 90%-but preferably approx. 80/-that of the first stacking-basket.

14. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 13, wherein each stacking-basket has transparent side walls and/or transparent partition walls.

15. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the side walls and/or partition walls are made of a transparent synthetic material.

16. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the edge surface of each wall is polished, particularly by being flame-polished.

17. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 16, wherein each stacking-basket is equipped with an identification strip.

18. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one of claims I to 17, wherein a drawer is provided to accommodate additional appurtenant items of equipment.

19. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drawer is arranged on or under the base frame of the base rack.

20. A stacking-basket assembly as claimed in any one claims I to 19, wherein the base rack and/or add-on rack and/or respective stacking-basket, and/or the rear walls of the base rack and/or add-on rack, are made of metal and in particular have a coated surface, which is preferably powder-coated.