MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND UNIT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a unit for a merchandise display system and a merchandise display system. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a unit for a merchandise display system and a merchandise display system for the display of merchandise that must be kept cool.

BACKGROUND

Gondola-type shelving is commonly used in many stores as an arrangement for displaying merchandise. A gondola may have a number of upright posts to which shelves are attached for displaying merchandise. Typically, these upright posts comprise spaced slotted brackets between which shelves are hung with the use of mounting brackets. The mounting brackets on the shelves interengage with slots in the slotted brackets. The gondola conventionally also has a base support which comprises a number of feet configured for location on a store floor. The base support extends from the base of each upright post to stabilize the post. A bottom or lower shelf may be placed over the base support for additional display space. In such a merchandise display system, shelves and base supports may extend from two opposite sides of the upright posts, with a central wall or back-panel extending between and connected to pairs of the upright posts. Such an arrangement forms a doublesided gondola system and merchandise can be displayed on shelves extending from both sides of the central wall or back-panel. This type of merchandise display system may be modified to form a single-sided gondola system by the removal of shelves and brackets from one side of the central wall or back-panel. A one-sided gondola system may be suitable for positioning against a wall or partition of the premises where the gondola system is located. With these types of systems, the length of the shelves is dictated by the distance between the slotted brackets. If mounting hooks are needed to display merchandise, the mounting hooks are secured to an elongate member that spans the distance between the slotted brackets. The elongate member includes mounting brackets which interengage with the slots in the slotted brackets so as to secure the elongate member to the slotted brackets. With this system, the distance between adjacent rows of hooks is a constant along the length of the row of hooks. Therefore, valuable display space may be wasted when merchandise of different dimensions are displayed along the same row of hooks.

This potential drawback was identified in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248, and the proposed solution comprises a merchandise display grid system including a pair of spaced vertical slotted members having spaced slots and a grid of spaced vertical elongate members and spaced horizontal elongate members. Brackets are secured to each end of the grid. Each of the brackets has a hook member that interengages with one of the slots in the vertical slotted member to secure the grid between the vertical slotted members. A plurality of merchandise hangers are removably secured to the grid by an attachment member. The merchandise hangers support and display the merchandise. The merchandise hangers can include shelves, cups, hooks, trays and the like. The combination of the grid and the merchandise hangers enables a flexible display system that can accommodate varying sized merchandise to efficiently utilize the display space available.

The merchandise display grid system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248 aims to provide a merchandise support and display system that: more efficiently displays merchandise in a given space; includes a grid to be used with various types of merchandise hangers; provides for more flexibility in displaying merchandise in a given space; is more easily alterable to accommodate various sized merchandise; enables the use of different types of merchandise hangers; includes a grid and merchandise hangers that are freely positionable on the grid; more efficiently utilizes display space to display various sizes of food packages.

A known merchandise display system of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a merchandise display system 10 that is typically used in a retail establishment to display merchandise to consumers such as food packages in a grocery store.

The merchandise display system 10 includes a grid 12 and merchandise hangers 14. More particularly and with reference to FIG. 2, the grid 12 comprises a plurality of spaced vertical parallel rod-like members 16 and a plurality of spaced parallel horizontal rod-like members 18 connected and arranged to form the grid 12. The vertical and horizontal members 16 and 18 respectively have a perpendicular orientation relative to each other.

The grid 12, in some known arrangements, is made up of parallel, equally spaced vertical and horizontal members 16 and 18 respectively. However, it should be noted that the grid 12 can have adjacent members 16 and/or 18 that are not equally spaced to provide even more versatility in some applications or the grid can be comprised of only horizontal members 18.

The grid 12 can be of varying overall dimension so as to be adapted to the retail space in which it will be utilized to display merchandise. For example, one grid can be dimensioned to fit a designated retail area or a plurality of smaller grids could be used to fill the designated area.

Furthermore, the grid 12 is secured to the retail space by securing it to vertical slotted bracket members 20. One or a number of grids 12 can be utilized between two vertical slotted bracket members 20 depending upon the needs of the retailer.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, L-shaped brackets 22 are employed to secure the grid 12 to the slotted bracket members 20. In some known arrangements, two brackets 22 are employed on each side of the grid 12; however, any number of brackets 22 can be used to secure the grid 12 to the slotted bracket members 20.

Specifically, the brackets 22 include a first leg 26 having an outer face 28. The horizontal members 18 are secured to the outer face 28 such as by welding or the like. A pair of second legs 30 is perpendicular to and integral with the first leg 26, positioned at the top and bottom of leg 26 as shown in FIG. 2. Each second leg 30 is itself L-shaped having a first portion 32 and a second hook portion 34 terminating in a depending lip 36. The second hook portion 34 is positioned in a slot 38 of the slotted bracket member 20 with the lip 36 overlapping the lower edge of slot 38 to secure the bracket 22 and therefore the grid 12 to the vertical slotted bracket member 20. The brackets 22 are sized accordingly to correspond to the end dimensions of the grid 12.

With the grid 12 in place, various types of merchandise hangers can be employed to display the various merchandise products in various formats.

FIG. 3 illustrates a merchandise shelf 40, which includes a body 42 having a support surface 44 on which merchandise products can be placed. The merchandise shelf 40 also includes an attachment element 46, similar to second leg 30 of bracket 22, to enable the body 42 to be secured to the grid 12. In the configuration of the merchandise shelf 40 shown in FIG. 3, the attachment element 46 is a pair of hook members 48 secured to the merchandise shelf 40. The attachment element 46 can be of a varying number of configurations. The hook members 48 include a plate portion 50 and a hook portion 52. The plate portion 50 can be either integral with the body 42 or be secured to the body 42 such as by adhesive or welding. The hook portion 52 is designed so that it is complementary to the horizontal members 18 that form the grid 12 so that the hook member 48 can be positioned over a particular member 18 and the plate portion 50 supports the merchandise shelf 40 against another member 18 in the grid 12. With the use of the grid 12, the merchandise shelf 40 can be of varying width, length or depth and it can be placed anywhere on the grid 12 as best shown in FIG. 5.

The use of the merchandise display grid system 10 with the various configurations of merchandise hangers allows for flexibility by the retailer in arranging displays in a space efficient manner and to allow for easy rearrangement of the display area. The merchandise display grid system 10 enables a retailer to customize a display area around the shapes of merchandise to maximize the display area as is shown in FIG. 6. With the merchandise display grid system 10 the retailer is not tied into only one predetermined arrangement of merchandise.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the entire face of a grid can be filled with merchandise products regardless of the size of the product packaging. This is accomplished by supporting the merchandise hangers on members 18 as required to accommodate the different size packaging. Specifically, in product row R1 the package P1 on the left end is longer than the remainder of the packages in that row. Therefore, product hook 52 in product row R2 is positioned on a member 18′ below the member 18 which supports the remainder of the product hooks in row R2. This selective positioning of merchandise hangers is carried on through the remainder of the display as required. For convenience, only the members 18 supporting the merchandise hangers have been illustrated in FIG. 6. The remainder are not shown in FIG. 6.

Further, the merchandise display grid system 10 enables the use of varying types of merchandise hangers that are positionable anywhere on the grid 12 to display merchandise giving the retailer more flexibility in displaying merchandise.

In some instances, the merchandise display grid system 10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 may be used in merchandise displays where the merchandise products on display require cooling (e.g. for the display of perishable goods). In these instances, the merchandise display grid system 10 may be positioned in front of a cooling panel 54, which comprises a panel 56 provided with air vents 58 and through which air vents 58 is pumped cooled air to keep the merchandise products at a suitable temperature. A side view of a merchandise display grid system 10 used in such a cooling application is illustrated in FIG. 7.

As can be seen, cooled air 60 is fed toward a rear surface of panel 56 and flows through the panel 56 through air vents 58. When it exits the air vents, some of the cooled air 60 flows over the merchandise shelves 40 (see section 62 of the arrow denoting air flow), but the remainder flows downwards (see sections 64 of the arrow denoting air flow) in a gap between the grid 12 and the panel 56.

As will be appreciated, the air that flows in the downward direction cannot reach the intended target, i.e. it cannot flow over and/or around merchandise products displayed on the merchandise shelves 40. Therefore, a portion of the cooled air supplied to the system does not reach the intended target and the cooling of such air amounts to energy that is wasted in the system. In some countries, a system such as that illustrated in FIG. 7 may not meet energy-reduction and/or energy conservation regulations of those countries.

Whilst a merchandise support and display system of a type as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248, and as described above, has been satisfactory and may continue to be satisfactory in certain instances, the applicant has recognised that it would be desirable to make cooling systems that employ the support and display system more efficient whilst maintaining the flexibility in displaying merchandise in a given space that the system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,248 provides. The applicant has recognised that this may be achieved by reducing or eliminating the gap between the rear of the grid and panel to minimise the amount of cooled air that is lost downwards and maximise the amount of air that is fed over and around merchandise products stored on merchandise hangers.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing considerations in mind.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit for a merchandise display system, comprising: an interface frame including a first side and a second side, the interface frame configured: to couple to a frame of a back panel of the merchandise display system to locate the first side against the back panel; and to provide a system to which merchandise hangers can be coupled at the second side; an aperture in the first side; an aperture in the second side; wherein a space within the interface frame between the first side and the second side defines an enclosed air flow channel between the aperture in the first side and the aperture in the second side.

Locating the unit against the back panel of a merchandise display system may reduce or eliminate a gap between the back of the unit and the front surface of the back panel. In merchandise display systems where cooling is required to maintain merchandise at a specific temperature (or in a specific temperature range), the lack of a gap (or a reduced gap) between the back surface of the unit and the front surface of the back panel (through which cool air is fed) may result in reduction or prevention of cool air from falling before it reaches the front of the merchandise hangers. Cooled air from the back panel is channelled to the merchandise hangers via the enclosed air channels of the unit and is prevented from falling after exiting the back panel, but before reaching the merchandise hangers, because it is constrained by the walls of the enclosed air channels.

Optionally, the interface frame may be further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of the merchandise display system to locate the first side to abut the back panel. That is a rear surface of the unit abuts a front surface of the back panel.

Optionally, the unit may comprise a plurality of apertures in the first side, a plurality of corresponding apertures in the second side and a plurality of enclosed air flow channels between corresponding pairs of apertures at the first side and the second side.

Optionally, the unit may comprise a plurality of horizontal members spaced from one another and extending between the first and second sides of the interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of the plurality of enclosed air flow channels.

Optionally, the unit may comprise a plurality of vertical members spaced from one another and extending between the first and second sides of the interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of vertical members and an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of the plurality of enclosed air flow channels.

Optionally, each of the horizontal members may comprise a formation configured for engaging with complementary engagement formations of the merchandise hangers. Further optionally the formation may comprise a step for engaging with the complementary engagement formations of the merchandise hangers. Yet further optionally, the formation. may comprise a hook for engaging with the complementary engagement formations of the merchandise hangers.

Optionally, the unit may comprise engagement members at the first side, the engagement members configured for releasable cooperative engagement with complementary engagement members of the frame of the merchandise display system. Further optionally, the engagement members may comprise hooks, and wherein the complementary engagement members of the frame of the merchandise display system comprise slots for receiving the hooks.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise display system, comprising: at least one unit as described above and hereinafter; a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough a frame configured to support the back panel, the at least one unit coupled to the frame with a first side of the at least one unit located against a second side of the back panel and so that apertures in a first side of the at least one unit are aligned with conduit openings of the conduits on the second side of the back panel; a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of the unit; wherein conduit openings of the conduits on a first side of the back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through the conduits to the at least one unit for further conveyance through one or more enclosed air channels thereof to be discharged over and/or around the plurality of merchandise hangers.

Optionally, the unit may be is integral with the back panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit for a merchandise display system, comprising: a merchandise hanger support, the merchandise hanger support configured to coupleably engage a merchandise hanger and comprising an elongate element including a first side and a second side, and further configured: to couple to a frame of a back panel of the merchandise display system to locate the first side against the back panel; and to provide a system to which merchandise hangers can be coupled at the second side; wherein a top surface of the merchandise hanger support between the first side and the second side provides a surface for directing air flow thereover between the first side and the second side.

Optionally, the merchandise hanger support may be further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of the merchandise display system to locate the first side to abut the back panel.

Optionally, the merchandise hanger support may comprise a formation configured for engaging with a complementary engagement formation of a merchandise hanger.

Optionally, the formation may comprise a step for engaging with the complementary engagement formation of the merchandise hanger.

Optionally, the formation may comprise a hook for engaging with the complementary engagement formation of the merchandise hanger.

Optionally, the engagement members may comprise hooks, and wherein the complementary engagement members of the frame of the back panel of merchandise display system may comprise slots for receiving the hooks.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a merchandise display system, comprising: a unit as described above and hereinafter;

a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough;

a frame configured to support the back panel, the unit coupled to the frame with a first side of the unit located against a second side of the back panel and so that a top surface at the first side of the unit is positioned to direct air from conduit openings of a row of the conduits on the second side of the back panel over the top surface;

a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of the unit;

wherein conduit openings of the row of the conduits on a first side of the back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through the conduits to the unit for further conveyance over the top surface of the unit to be directed over and/or around the plurality of merchandise hangers.

Optionally, the unit may be integral with the back panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate views of various aspects of known merchandise display systems;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of a known merchandise display system of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 when used to display merchandise that requires cooling;

One or more embodiments of the present invention are described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a merchandise display unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates view a side view of the merchandise display unit of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a bracket for coupling to the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 8 and 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a portion of a merchandise display system, incorporating the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 8 and 9 and the bracket of FIG. 10, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of a merchandise display system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a merchandise display unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates view a side view of the merchandise display unit of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a bracket for coupling to the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 13 and 14; and

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a portion of a merchandise display system, incorporating the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 13 and 14 and the bracket of FIG. 15, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates a unit 100 for a merchandise display system (hereinafter a “merchandise display unit 100”). The merchandise display unit 100 comprises an interface frame 102 formed from first and second end wall panels 104, 106, a plurality of horizontal members 108 and a plurality of vertical members 110.

The plurality of horizontal members 108 extend between the first and second end wall panels 104, 106. They are spaced from one another in a vertical direction and are arranged in a parallel manner. Each one of the plurality of horizontal members 108 is secured, at a first end thereof, to the first end wall panel 104 and, at a second end thereof, to the second end wall panel 106. The horizontal members 108 may be secured to the first and second end wall panels 104, 106 by welding or the like.

The plurality of vertical members 110 extend between an uppermost one of the plurality of horizontal members 108 and a lowermost one of the plurality of horizontal members 108 and are arranged in a parallel manner transverse (optionally perpendicular) to the orientation of the horizontal members 108. Each one of the plurality of vertical members 110 is secured at intervals over its length, corresponding to points at which the horizontal members 108 cross the vertical member, to the horizontal members 108. This may be by welding or the like.

When viewed from a first (e.g. back) side 112 or a second (e.g. front) side 114, the arrangement of first and second end wall panels 104, 106, plurality of horizontal members 108 and plurality of vertical members 110 resembles a grid.

The vertical members 110 comprise planar elements (e.g. formed from sheet metal, optionally sheet steel). The horizontal members 108 comprise elongate planer elements (e.g. formed from sheet metal, optionally sheet steel).

In general, each of the horizontal members 108 comprises an engagement formation configured for interacting with a complementary formation (or formations) of a merchandise hanger to be coupled to the merchandise display unit 100. That is, the formation is configured for engaging with a complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hanger so that the merchandise hanger can be hung from the second side 114 of the merchandise display unit 100. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 8, the complementary engagement formation (or formations) comprise a step for engaging with the complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hangers. The step may be formed in the material of the planar element forming the horizontal member by bending the material in a first direction to form a flange extending from the plane of the planar element and then bending an end of the flange in a second direction, transverse to the first direction. In the illustrated arrangement, the step upstands from the plane of the planar element, but in an optional arrangement, the step may depend from the plane of the planar element. A combination of horizontal members having both upstanding and depending steps may be employed in an optional arrangement. Optionally, the formation, or step, may be configured as a hook for engaging with the complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hanger.

Although the interface frame 102 is illustrated with parallel, equally spaced horizontal members 108 and vertical members 110, it should be appreciated that, in optional arrangements, the interface frame 102 may be formed with horizontal members 108 and/or vertical members 110 of unequal spacing, for example, to provide more versatility in some applications. Additionally, in some optional arrangements, the interface frame 102 may comprise only the horizontal members 108 and the first and second end wall panels 104, 106. In yet other optional arrangements, the interface frame 102 may comprise two horizontal members 108 and the first and second end wall panels 104, 106.

The first and second end wall panels 104, 106 are configured for coupling to a frame of a back panel forming part of the merchandise display system. In this regard, the first and second end wall panels 104, 106 comprise coupling elements 116 for securely coupling the interface frame 102 to the frame of the back panel. These coupling elements 116 will be described in more detail in relation to FIG. 9.

At a second side 114 of the interface frame 102, and between an adjacent pair of horizontal members of said plurality of horizontal members 108 and between an adjacent pair of vertical members of said plurality of vertical members 110 (or between a vertical member 110 and one of the first and second end panels 104, 106) there is an aperture 118 leading to an interior space bounded by the adjacent pair of horizontal members 108 and the adjacent pair of vertical members 110 (or between a vertical member 110 and one of the first and second end panels 104, 106). A plurality of apertures 118 are present at the second side 114 of the interface frame 102 (see FIG. 8) leading to a respective plurality of spaces within the interface frame 102. A corresponding plurality of apertures (not shown in FIG. 8, see FIG. 9) are present at the first side 112 of the interface frame 102. Each one of the spaces between the apertures (not shown) on the first side 112 and the apertures 118 on the second side 114 defines an enclosed air channel between the first side 112 and second side 114 of the interface frame 102.

In one or more optional arrangements in which the interface frame 102 comprises two horizontal members 108 and the first and second end wall panels 104, 106, a single aperture will be present on the first side 112 and on the second side 114 and a single enclosed air channel is defined in a space between the horizontal members 108, first and second end wall panels 104, 106 and the apertures at the first side 112 and second side 114.

With reference to FIG. 9, a side view (viewed from one end) of the interface frame 102 of the merchandise display unit 100. The apertures at the first side 112 of the interface frame 112 are denoted by reference numerals 120, the enclosed air channels, by reference numerals 122, and the engagement formations, by reference numerals 130.

FIG. 9 illustrates the coupling elements 116 in more detail. The coupling elements 116 each comprise an L-shaped element, which comprises a first portion 124 and a second, hook portion 126 that terminates in a depending lip 128. The second, hook portion 126 is configured for location in a slot of a frame of the back panel of the merchandise display system with the lip 128 overlapping the lower edge of the slot to secure the coupling element 116 (and therefore the merchandise display unit) to a vertical slotted upright post of the frame of the back panel.

Various types of merchandise hangers can be employed with the merchandise display unit 100 in a merchandise display system to display various products. The merchandise hangers may comprise, for example, shelves, cups, hooks, trays and the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bracket 132 suitable for supporting a merchandise hanger (e.g. a shell) and for coupling, or engaging, the merchandise hanger to the merchandise display unit 100 so that the merchandise hanger is located at the second side 114 of the merchandise display unit 100.

The bracket 132 comprises an elongate planar member that is formed from sheet material (e.g. sheet metal, optionally sheet steel). The bracket 132 has an upper edge 134, a lower edge 136 and a mounting edge 138 which is generally perpendicular to the upper edge 134.

The mounting edge 138 comprises three attachment hooks 140 (or lugs) each comprising an L-shaped element. The L-shaped element comprises a first portion 142 and a second, hook portion 144 that terminates in a depending lip 146. The second, hook portion 144 is configured for engagement with the engagement formation 130 of the horizontal member 108 of interface frame 102 so as to overlap an upper edge of the step, or hook, forming the engagement formation 130 to secure the attachment hook 140 (and therefore the bracket 132) to the horizontal member 108 of the interface frame 102. That is, the attachment hooks 140 are designed so that they are complementary to the engagement formations 130 of the horizontal members 108 so that the attachment hooks 140 can be positioned over engagement formations 130 of particular horizontal members 108.

When two or more of brackets 132 are mounted at intervals to the same horizontal members 108, a shelf can be supported on the upper edges 134 of the brackets 132.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of a merchandise display system 148 comprising the merchandise display unit 100, brackets 132 and a back panel 150 of the merchandise display system 148.

The merchandise display unit 100 is coupled to a frame of the back panel 150 in the manner described above so as to locate the first side 112 of the interface frame 102 of the merchandise display unit 100 against the surface of the back panel. Brackets 132 are coupled to horizontal members 108 of the interface frame 102 in the manner describe above so as to locate mounting edges of the brackets 132 against the second side 114 of the interface frame 102.

In the illustrated merchandise display system 148, the back panel 150 comprises a plurality of channels 152 that extend through the back panel from a first side to a second side (i.e. the surface against which the first side 112 of the interface frame 102 is located). The channels 152 are arranged to convey cooled air (e.g. cooled to temperatures suitable for refrigerated merchandise products) provided from a cooling system (not shown) from the first side of the back panel to the second side of the back panel. Although the means by which cooled air is conveyed through the back panel are termed “channels” above, it should be appreciated that this term may cover any suitable means for conveying air through the back panel, such as, for example, conduits, tubes, slots, holes, apertures, etc.

The interface frame 102 of the merchandise display unit 100 is located, in the illustrated arrangement, so that one or more of the apertures in the first side 112 of the interface frame 102 are adjacent one or more of the channels 152 of the back panel 150. Thus, cooled air 154 flowing through a channel 152 can exit the channel 152 to flow into the enclosed air channel 122 of the interface frame 102. This cooled air within the enclosed air channel 122 can exit the enclosed air channel 122 via the aperture at the second side 114 of the interface frame 102. A bracket 132 of a merchandise hanger may be suitably positioned so that cooled air 156 exiting the aperture at the second side 114 of the interface frame 102 flows over and/or around merchandise displayed on the merchandise hanger supported by bracket 132.

As can be seen from the merchandise display system 148 illustrated in FIG. 11, because the rear surface (i.e. the first side 112) of the interface frame 102 abuts the front surface (i.e. the second side) of the back panel 150, there is no (or minimal) gap between the rear surface of the interface frame and the front surface of the back panel 150. Thus, the amount of air that falls after exiting the channels 152 may be reduced or minimised compared with the known arrangement described above in relation to FIG. 7. Consequently, compared with conventional systems, more cooled air may be able to reach the merchandise products that require cooling. Thus, airflow over and/or around merchandise may be increased compared with conventional systems. This may reduce the problems associated with poor airflow in conventional systems such as, for example, merchandise not reaching the correct temperature and/or more energy being used to maintain a temperature suitable for the merchandise being stored/displayed.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the merchandise display system 148 of FIG. 11. As can be seen, the merchandise display system 148 includes two merchandise hangers 158 supported by brackets 132. Of course, the merchandise display system 148 could comprise numerous merchandise hangers 158 of the type illustrated, and/or of multiple different types. Such additional merchandise hangers are omitted from FIG. 12 simply for clarity purposes.

FIG. 13 illustrates a unit 200 for a merchandise display system (hereinafter a “merchandise display unit 200”). The merchandise display unit 200 comprises a merchandise hanger support 202 formed from first and second end wall panels 204, 206 and an elongate element 260.

The elongate element 260 extends between the first and second end wall panels 204, 206. The elongate element 260 is secured, at a first end thereof, to the first end wall panel 204 and, at a second end thereof, to the second end wall panel 206. The elongate element 260 may be secured to the first and second end wall panels 204, 206 by welding or the like.

A first (e.g. back) side 212 is for location against a back panel of a merchandise display system and a second (e.g. front) side 214 is a side against which back edges, or mounting edges, of merchandise hangers can located.

The elongate element 260 may be formed from sheet metal, e.g. optionally sheet steel.

In general, the elongate element 260 comprises an engagement formation configured for interacting with a complementary formation (or formations) of a merchandise hanger to be coupled to the merchandise display unit 200. That is, the formation is configured for engaging with a complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hanger so that the merchandise hanger can be hung from the second side 214 of the merchandise display unit 200. In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 13, the complementary engagement formation (or formations) comprise a step for engaging with the complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hangers. The step may be formed in the material of a planar element forming the elongate element 260 by bending the material in a first direction to form a flange extending from the plane of the planar element and then bending an end of the flange in a second direction, transverse to the first direction. In the illustrated arrangement, the step upstands from the plane of the planar element, but in an optional arrangement, the step may depend from the plane of the planar element. Optionally, the formation, or step, may be configured as a hook for engaging with the complementary engagement formation (or formations) of the merchandise hanger.

The first and second end wall panels 204, 206 are configured for coupling to a frame of a back panel forming part of the merchandise display system. In this regard, the first and second end wall panels 204, 206 comprise coupling elements 216 for securely coupling the merchandise hanger support 202 to the frame of the back panel. These coupling elements 216 will be described in more detail in relation to FIG. 14.

With reference to FIG. 14, there is shown a side view (viewed from one end) of the merchandise hanger support 202 of the merchandise display unit 200. The engagement formation is denoted by reference numeral 230.

FIG. 14 illustrates the coupling elements 216 in more detail. The coupling elements 216 each comprise an L-shaped element, which comprises a first portion 224 and a second, hook portion 226 that terminates in a depending lip 228. The second, hook portion 226 is configured for location in a slot of a frame of the back panel of the merchandise display system with the lip 228 overlapping the lower edge of the slot to secure the coupling element 216 (and therefore the merchandise display unit) to a vertical slotted upright post of the frame of the back panel.

FIG. 14 also illustrates a front lip 262 of the elongate element 260. The front lip 262 comprises a flange that extends transverse to a front edge of the elongate element. The front lip 262 may be formed in the material of a planar element forming the elongate element 260 by bending material at an edge of the raised step portion in a direction to form a flange extending from the plane of the step portion of the planar element so as to depend from the plane of the step portion.

Various types of merchandise hangers can be employed with the merchandise display unit 200 in a merchandise display system to display various products. The merchandise hangers may comprise, for example, shelves, cups, hooks, trays and the like.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bracket 232 suitable for supporting a merchandise hanger (e.g. a shelf) and for coupling, or engaging, the merchandise hanger to the merchandise display unit 200 so that the merchandise hanger is located at the second side 214 of the merchandise display unit 200.

The bracket 232 comprises an elongate planar member that is formed from sheet material (e.g. sheet metal, optionally sheet steel). The bracket 232 has an upper edge 234, a lower edge 236 and a mounting edge 238, which is generally perpendicular to the upper edge 234.

The mounting edge 238 comprises an attachment hook 240 (or lug), which comprises an L-shaped element. The L-shaped element comprises a first portion 242 and a second, hook portion 244 that terminates in a depending lip 246. The second, hook portion 244 is configured for engagement with the engagement formation 230 of the elongate element 260 of merchandise hanger support 202 so as to overlap an upper edge of the step, or hook, forming the engagement formation 230 to secure the attachment hook 240 (and therefore the bracket 232) to the elongate element 206 of the merchandise hanger support 202. That is, the attachment hook 240 is designed so that it is complementary to the engagement formation 230 of the elongate element 260 so that the attachment hook 240 can be positioned over an engagement formation 230 of the merchandise hanger support 202.

The mounting edge 238 also comprises a tongue element 264, which extends toward a remote end of the bracket from the mounting edge 238. The tongue element 264 is configured to abut the front lip 262 of the elongate element 260 of merchandise hanger support 202.

When two or more of brackets 232 are mounted at intervals to the elongate element 260, a shelf can be supported on the upper edges 234 of the brackets 232.

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional side view of a merchandise display system 248 comprising the merchandise display unit 200, bracket 232 and a back panel 250 of the merchandise display system 248.

The merchandise display unit 200 is coupled to a frame of the back panel 250 in the manner described above so as to locate the first side 212 of the merchandise hanger support 202 of the merchandise display unit 200 against the surface of the back panel. Brackets 232 are coupled to the elongate element 260 of the merchandise hanger support 202 in the manner describe above so as to locate mounting edges of the brackets 232 against the second side 214 of the merchandise hanger support 202.

In the illustrated merchandise display system 248, the back panel 250 comprises a channel 252 that extends through the back panel from a first side to a second side (i.e. the surface against which the first side 2l2 of the merchandise hanger support 202 is located). The channel 252 is arranged to convey cooled air (e.g. cooled to temperatures suitable for refrigerated merchandise products) provided from a cooling system (not shown) from the first side of the back panel to the second side of the back panel. Although the means by which cooled air is conveyed through the back panel are termed “channels” above, it should be appreciated that this term may cover any suitable means for conveying air through the back panel, such as, for example, conduits, tubes, slots, holes, apertures, etc.

The merchandise hanger support 202 of the merchandise display unit 200 is located, in the illustrated arrangement, so that a top surface of the elongate element 260 is positioned to receive air from the channel 252 thereover. The top surface of the elongate element 260 serves as a surface over which air from the channel 252 can flow and thus directs air flow from the channel 252 towards the front edge of the merchandise hanger support 202. Optionally, the top surface of the elongate element is located only slightly below channel 252 to avoid any significant drop in the air flow form the channel 252 before the air flow encounters the top surface of the elongate element.

Cooled air 254 flowing through the channel 252 can exit the channel 252 to flow on to the top surface of the elongate element 260. This cooled air within the can flow over the top surface of the elongate element 260 and up over engagement formation 230 so as to be directed toward the front edge of the elongate element 260. A bracket 232 of a merchandise hanger may be suitably positioned so that cooled air 256 flowing from the front edge of the elongate element 260 flows over and/or around merchandise displayed on the merchandise hanger supported by bracket 232.

As can be seen from the merchandise display system 248 illustrated in FIG. 16, because the rear surface (i.e. the first side 212) of the merchandise hanger support 202 abuts the front surface (i.e. the second side) of the back panel 250, there is no (or minimal) gap between the rear surface of the merchandise hanger support 202 and the front surface of the back panel 250. Thus, the amount of air that falls after exiting the channel 252 may be reduced or minimised compared with the known arrangement described above in relation to FIG. 7. Consequently, compared with conventional systems, more cooled air may be able to reach the merchandise products that require cooling. Thus, airflow over and/or around merchandise may be increased compared with conventional systems. This may reduce the problems associated with poor airflow in conventional systems such as, for example, merchandise not reaching the correct temperature and/or more energy being used to maintain a temperature suitable for the merchandise being stored/displayed.

It will be appreciated that the merchandise display units 100, 200 of one or more embodiments of the present invention, in addition to being suitable for use in a merchandise display system as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 16 (i.e. where a cooling system is present), may also be used for the display of merchandise that does not require cooling. That is, the merchandise display units 100, 200 may also be suitable for coupling to a frame of a back panel that does not have cooling channels provided therein.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the brackets 132 comprise three hooks for attaching the bracket to the front surface of the merchandise display unit 100. However, in optional arrangements, the number of hooks may be different dependent upon the weight of the merchandise the bracket 132 is intended to support and dependent upon the length of the bracket 132. Therefore, in some optional arrangements, there may be one, four, five, or more hooks. In further optional arrangements, the hooks may be of different sizes (with different size complementary engagement formations in the merchandise display unit 100 to accommodate the differently sized hooks).

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the horizontal members 108 and vertical members 110 are described, in an example, as being forming from sheet metal (optionally sheet steel). In one or more optional arrangements, the members may be formed from plastic. In one or more further optional arrangements, the members may be formed by extrusion and/or by injection moulding.

In the above-described one or more embodiments, the elongate element 260 is described, in an example, as being formed from sheet metal (optionally sheet steel). In one or more optional arrangements, the elongate element may be formed from plastic. In one or more further optional arrangements, the elongate element may be formed by extrusion and/or by injection moulding.

Any references made herein to orientation (e.g. top, bottom, upper, lower, front, back, left, right, horizontal and vertical) are made for the purposes of describing relative spatial arrangements of the features of the apparatus, and are not intended to be limiting in any sense.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

In addition, the terms “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is means otherwise.

In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example, embodiments in accordance with the invention are not limited to any of the particular materials disclosed herein. Other materials suitable for performing the function described herein for a particular material may also be utilized in embodiments of the invention.

The scope of the present disclosure includes any novel feature or combination of features disclosed therein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof irrespective of whether or not it relates to the claimed invention or mitigate against any or all of the problems addressed by the present invention. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features during prosecution of this application or of any such further application derived therefrom. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in specific combinations enumerated in the claims.

MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND UNIT

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