Display apparatus

Abstract

A display apparatus (100) has two side panels (108a,b) and at least one shelving arrangement comprising a pair of cross rails (110a,b,c, 112a,b,c) The cross rails extend between and are attached to the two side panels to create a frame (102). The cross rails are at different vertical positions in use such that each pair of cross rails define a forwardly inclined opening with the side panels wherein each cross rail is prismatic and defines a cross-section having an upwardly facing support feature. At least one product carrier (104) is provided, the at least one product carrier being supported on the upwardly facing support features of the cross rails, such that the product carrier or products carried therein extend into the opening.

Description

Display apparatusTechnical Field

[0001] The present application is concerned with a display apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a display apparatus having a novel structure.Background Art

[0002] There are many types of shelving for the display of items and goods in retail environments such as shops and the like. In many such stores, so-called gondola shelving is used. Gondola units typically comprise a base, supported on feet. The base is a box-like structure which may contain drawers for storage of stock or other items associated with the goods on the shelves (additional packaging, accessories and so on). The top surface of the base, which is typically flat and horizontal is used a lower shelf.

[0003] Extending upwardly from the base of the gondola unit is an upright board. This board is vertical in use, having formations for the attachment of shelves, hooks and the like. In one example, it may be a pegboard, in another it may be a slatboard. Shelves can then be assembled with the upright board, which project horizontally (or near to the horizontal), parallel to the base. Goods are then placed on the flat shelf surfaces for purchase.

[0004] A first problem with these prior art systems is that the shelves typically contain many parts, and are timely and complex to assemble. Parts are often misplaced.

[0005] Further, it is common to provide further display elements / holders for smaller items such as beauty products. Displays may "build up" the shelf, creating a tiered display for smaller items which is angled towards the viewer. These tiered displays are placed onto the existing flat shelves of the gondola units. These displays are often bespoke to the products in question and constructed from a lot of plastics materials which is often impossible or difficult to recycle.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.Summary of Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a retail goods display apparatus comprising:two side panels; at least one shelving arrangement comprising a pair of cross rails, the cross rails extending between, and attached to the two side panels to create a frame, wherein the cross rails are at different vertical positions in use such that each pair of cross rails define a forwardly inclined opening with the side panels; wherein each cross rail is prismatic and defines a cross-section having an upwardly facing support feature; at least one product carrier, the at least one product carrier being supported on the upwardly facing support features of the cross rails, such that the product carrier or products carried therein extend into the opening.

[0008] Advantageously the present invention provides a configuration that allows a simple and adaptable system which is easier and cheaper to manufacture than the prior art, as well as being highly customisable.

[0009] Preferably each of the side panels has a lower edge for contact with a horizontal support surface such that the frame is self-supported in use.

[0010] Preferably each of the side panels has at least one protrusion for engagement with a vertical board in use.

[0011] Preferably: each side panel has a front and a rear in use; and, the pair of cross rails comprises a forward cross rail positioned at the front of the side panels, and a rearward cross rail positioned at the rear of the side panels such that the at least one product carrier extends substantially the entire distance between the front and rear of the side panels.

[0012] Preferably at least one of the pair of cross rails comprises a cross rail cross-section comprising at least one of: a formation for receiving a flat, planar display element; a light receiving formation;a fastener receiving formation for receiving a fastener for securing one of the side panels to the cross rail; and, a channel for receiving an upstanding display element.

[0013] Preferably the pair of cross rails comprises a forward cross rail and a rearward cross rail, wherein a forward cross rail cross-section comprises at least one formation for receiving a flat, planar display element, and a flat, planar display element mounted therein.

[0014] Preferably the retail goods display apparatus comprises at least one light mounted in a light receiving formation in at least one of the cross-rail cross-sections.

[0015] Preferably the light receiving formation is positioned behind the flat, planar display element, which flat, planar display element is translucent.

[0016] Preferably at least one of the cross-sections comprises a fastener receiving formation, and the apparatus comprises at least one fastener securing one of the side panels to the cross rail, engaged in the fastener receiving formation.

[0017] Preferably at least one of the cross-sections comprises a channel for receiving an upstanding display element.

[0018] Preferably the cross-sections of the pairs of rails each comprise facing channels for receiving opposite ends of a fascia panel, and a fascia panel installed between the facing channels, the fascia panel covering the at least one product carrier, and comprising openings therein for receiving products carrier in the at least one product carrier.

[0019] Preferably the fascia panel spans more than one product carrier.

[0020] Preferably the fascia panel spans the space between the two side panels.

[0021] Preferably there is an end cap at either end of each cross-rail, the end caps abutting the side panels.

[0022] Preferably the end caps are constructed from a material softer than the rails and / or the side panels.

[0023] Preferably the end caps comprise routing conduits for lights disposed in the rails.

[0024] Preferably at least one of the end caps comprises a curved channel in communication with a display element receiving portion of the cross-section of the rail to facilitate entry of the display element into the display element receiving portion.

[0025] Preferably the at least one product carrier is constructed from a plurality of flat, planar elements secured together with mating formations.

[0026] Preferably the at least one product carrier comprises at least two vertical side element with lateral elements extending therebetween.

[0027] Preferably at least some of the lateral elements comprise formations for receiving part of a product.

[0028] Preferably the at least one product carrier is simply supported such that it can be freely lifted out.

[0029] Preferably the side panels each comprise a main upright and a plurality of arms extending from the main upright, wherein one of each pair of cross rails is located at a free end of each arm.

[0030] Preferably the arms form part of a plurality of triangular projections from the right, each triangular projection supporting a pair of cross rails.

[0031] Preferably each side panel is shaped as a sawtooth.

[0032] Preferably the apparatus comprises a plurality of pairs of cross rails, wherein the plurality of pairs of cross rails are located further forward on the side panels the lower in the apparatus they are located.Brief Description of Drawings

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which:FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a display apparatus according to the present invention;FIGURES 2a and 2b are perspective views of a frame of the display apparatus of figure 1 ;FIGURE 3 is a side view of part of the frame of figure 2;FIGURE 4 is a view of a cross section of a first rail of the frame of figure 2;FIGURES 5a to 5c are perspective views of a first end cap of the frame of figure 2;FIGURE 6 is a view of a cross section of a second rail of the frame of figure 2;FIGURES 7a and 7b are perspective views of a second end cap of the frame of figure 2;FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the display stand of figure 1 ;FIGURE 9 is a section perspective view of the subassembly of figure 8 in situ in the display apparatus of Figure 1 ;FIGURE 10 is a side view of a first alternative embodiment; and,FIGURE 1 1 is a side view of a second alternative embodiment.Description of the first embodimentConfiguration

[0034] Figure 1 shows a display apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The apparatus comprises a frame 102, a plurality of product carrier subassemblies 104 and a plurality of finishing elements 106 as will be described below. The terms "front", "rear" / "back", "top" and "bottom" refer to the apparatus in use, the front side being the side facing the consumer in use.Frame 102

[0035] The frame 102 is shown in isolation in Figure 2. It comprises two end plates 108a, b three first rail assemblies 1 10a, b, c and three second rail assemblies 1 12a, b, c.

[0036] The end plates 108a, b are identical and as such only the plate 108a will be described. The plate 108a is constructed from sheet metal material, such as aluminium. It is flat and unitary having a main upright portion 1 14 having a plurality of hooks 1 16 extending from one side thereof. Four arms 1 18a, b, c, d extend normal to the upright portion, increasing in length from the uppermost arm 1 18a to the lowermost arm 1 18d. Angled support beams 120a, b, c, d extend from a position above where each arm joins the upright, and extend in a downward angle toward the end of each arm. The arms 1 18 and support beams 120 form four right-angled triangles 122a, b, c, d. Each of the triangles 1 12a, b, c, d has a triangular opening 126a, b, c, d in the centre. Webs 124a, b, c are provided partway along the arms 1 18a, b, c and extend vertically downwardly (parallel to the upright portion 1 14) to the upper edge of the support beams below. At the free end of each of the arms1 18 there are provided a plurality of three fastener openings 126 in a triangular formation. At the region where the support beams 120 meet the upright 1 14 there are provided a plurality of four fastener openings 128 in a triangular formation. These are shown in Figure 2b.

[0037] The resulting profile of the plates 108a, b is an upright sawtooth.

[0038] The first rail assemblies 1 10a, b, c are identical and as such only the rail assembly 1 10a will be described here. The rail assembly 1 10a comprises an elongate member 130 having a constant cross-section (i.e. it is prismatic). The cross section is shown in Figure 4. The rail assembly 1 10a also comprises end caps 132, one of which is shown in Figures 5a to 5c (the opposite end cap being a mirror image thereof).

[0039] The member 130 is constructed from extruded aluminium (other materials are envisaged). The cross section of the member 130 shown in Figure 4 comprises a box section having an enclosed centre opening 134.

[0040] The box section is defined by a first, front wall 136, a second, top wall 138, a third, back wall 140 and a fourth, bottom wall 142. In three internal corners of the member 130 (bottom and top rear) there are provided part-circular fastener receiving openings 144.

[0041] A cantilevered projecting front arm 146 is provided extending from the front, lower corner and extends substantially parallel to the bottom wall 142. The arm 146 defines an upwardly projecting light receiving formation 148 and a lower shelf front panel receiving formation 150.

[0042] An upper shelf front panel receiving formation 152 is provided projecting from the front, upper corner of the cross section of the member 130. The upper and lower shelf front panel receiving formations 150, 152 face each other for receiving a thin, planar shelf front panel (described in more detail below).

[0043] At either end of the top wall 138 there is provided fore and aft shelf top panel receiving formations 154, 156 which face each other for receiving a thin, planar shelf top panel (described in more detail below).

[0044] At the back wall 140 there is provided a first fascia panel receiving formation 158 that is open towards the rear of the section in use. Midway along the back wall there isprovided a rearwardly projecting light receiving formation 160. Atthe lower end ofthe back wall 140 there is provided a cantilevered projecting rear arm 162.

[0045] At the bottom wall 142 there is provided a downwardly projecting light receiving formation 164.

[0046] The end cap 132 is constructed from a moulded plastics material. It comprises a generally polygonal flat panel 164 having an exterior facing side 166 and interior facing side 168. Three openings 1 70 are provided through the panel 164.

[0047] On the exterior side 166 there is provided a shelf edge projection 1 72 having a concave inner surface 1 74 for receiving a corner of the relevant end plate 108a in use.

[0048] On the interior side 168 there are provided two mating protrusions 176, 1 78. A wiring conduit 180 is provided from an inlet opening 182, to a first outlet opening 184 through to a second outlet opening 186 and to a third outlet opening 187 in the end cap 132.

[0049] Also on the interior side there are provided an upper shelf front panel receiving formation 188 and a lower shelf front panel receiving formation 190 which face each other for receiving a thin, planar shelf front panel (described in more detail below). At the front of the end cap there are provided shelf top panel receiving formations 192, 194 which face each other for receiving a thin, planar shelf top panel (described in more detail below).

[0050] Both sets of shelf panel receiving formations terminate at a curved or scalloped surface 196, 198 respectively for guiding a panel as will be described below.

[0051] The second rail assemblies 1 12a, b, c are identical and as such only the rail assembly 1 12a will be described here. The rail assembly 1 12a comprises an elongate member 200 having a constant cross-section (i.e. it is prismatic). The cross section is shown in Figure 6. The rail assembly 1 12a also comprises end caps 202, one of which is shown in Figures 7a and 7b (the opposite end cap being a mirror image thereof).

[0052] The member 200 is constructed from extruded aluminium (other materials are envisaged). The cross section of the member 200 shown in Figure 6 comprises a box section having an enclosed centre opening 204.

[0053] The box section is defined by a first, front wall 206, a second, top wall 208, a third, back wall 210 and a fourth, bottom wall 212. In three internal corners of the member 200 (bottom and top rear) there are provided part-circular fastener receiving openings 214.

[0054] A support ledge 216 is provided on the front wall 206. Above the support ledge 216 there is provided a second fascia receiving formation 218 in the form of a forward-facing channel.

[0055] Two upwardly facing board-receiving channels 220, 222 are provided on the top wall 208. Between them an upwardly facing light receiving channel 224 is provided.

[0056] The end cap 202 is constructed from a moulded plastics material. It comprises a generally polygonal flat panel 226 having an exterior facing side 228 and interior facing side 230. Three openings 232 are provided through the panel 226.

[0057] On the interior side 230 there is provided a mating protrusion 234.

[0058] A support ledge 236 is provided on the front edge of the panel 226. Above the support ledge 236 there is provided a second top panel receiving formation 238 in the form of a forward -fa ci ng channel.

[0059] Two upwardly facing board-receiving channels 240, 242 are provided. Between them an upwardly facing light receiving channel 244 is provided.Product carrier subassemblies 104

[0060] The display apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of product carrier subassemblies 104. In this embodiment there are 12 in total (four rows of three). One such subassembly is shown in Figure 8. Each subassembly 104 is constructed from a plurality of flat panel sections. The flat panel sections are manufactured from sheet material such as card, plasticised card or sheet plastics material.

[0061] The subassembly 104 shown in Figure 8 has two side panels 246, 248, and a plurality of lateral panels 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 260 extending normal thereto. The side panels 246, 248 have a series of slots 262 into which tabs 264 on the lateral panels are received, this forming a box-like structure which is lightweight. The lateral panels 252, 258, 260 define openings 266 for receiving and displaying goods 10 (see Figure 9).

[0062] The side panels 246, 248 importantly comprise a nose support portion 268 at a front edge, a tail tab 270 at a rear edge and a support portion 272 that is below a line L between the nose support portion and the tail tab 270.Finishing elements 106

[0063] The finishing elements 106 comprise, with reference to Figure 9, a shelf front panel 274 and a shelf top panel 276. Both are elongate and constructed from a flexible material such as a plastics material. The finishing elements 106 further comprise a shelf rear panel 278 constructed from a stiffer material, and a fascia panel 280. Various lights in the form of LED strips (not shown) are provided as described below.Assembly

[0064] The frame 102 is assembled as follows.

[0065] Each of the first rail assemblies 1 10a, b, c is assembled by inserting the end caps 132 into either end of the member 130. The mating protrusions 1 76, 1 78 engage the opening 134 of the box section member 130 to secure the caps with a friction fit. It will be noted that upon assembly, the shelf front and top panel receiving formations on the member and the caps 132 align. It will also be noted that optionally, LED strips may be mounted in any of the light receiving formations 148, 164, 160. The wiring for such strips (by which we mean traditional conductive metal wiring or fibre optic light guides) is passed to the member 130 via the wiring conduit 180 and may exit at the first, second or third outlets 184, 186, 187 as required (each being open to a respective light receiving formation).

[0066] Each of the second rail assemblies 1 12a, b, c is assembled by inserting the end caps 202 into either end of the member 200. The mating protrusions 234 engage the opening 204 of the box section member 200 to secure the caps with a friction fit. It will also be noted that optionally, an LED strip may be mounted in the light receiving formation 224.

[0067] The rail assemblies 1 10a, b, c, 1 12a, b, c and the end plates 108a, b are assembled as shown in Figures 2a, b. Each first rail assembly 1 10a, b, c is positioned with the front of the respective arm 1 18a in the concave inner surface 1 74 of the cap 132. This aligns the openings 126 with those in the cap 132 and member 130. Screws 282 are then passed from the outer lateral surface of each end plate 108a, b, through the caps 132 and into the openings 144 in the member 130 where the thread engages the inner surface thereof. Eachsecond rail assembly 1 12a, b, c is positioned to align the openings 128 with those in the cap 202 and member 200. Screws 284 are then passed from the outer lateral surface of each end plate 108a, b, through the caps 202 and into the openings 214 in the member 200 where the thread engages the inner surface thereof.

[0068] This creates the frame 102, which in use comprises the end plates 108a, b and three (in this case) open shelf formations each comprising a first rail assembly 1 10a, b, c and a second rail assembly 1 12a, b, c being offset both rearwardly and vertically upwardly from the first rail assembly 1 10a, b, c. A rectangular, forward tilted opening 286 is created between the rail assemblies and end plates. Referring to figure 3, this created a rectangular space or void 288 between each shelf formation.

[0069] The carrier subassemblies 104 are constructed as described above. Each carrier subassembly 104 can be inserted into the opening 286, with the support portion 272 in the void 288 (below the opening 286). The front ofthe carrier is supported by the nose support portion 268 resting on the projecting rear arm 162 of the member 130. The rear of the carrier is supported by the tail tab 270 supported on the support ledge 216 of the member 200. The carrier subassemblies 104 are therefore supported at a forward-titled angle.

[0070] The finishing elements can then be installed. Shelf panels 274, 276 which may contain product information (such as barcode / name / price etc) are installed by sliding them into the receiving formations via the surfaces 196, 198 in the end caps 132. It will be noted that they may be translucent to allow light from a light strip in the formation 148 to shine through.

[0071] The shelf rear panel 278 is inserted into either formation 220 or 222. This provides two lighting options- backlit (if in formation 220) or front lit (in formation 222).

[0072] The fascia panel 280 shown in Figure 9 is inserted to extend between the first fascia panel receiving formation 158 in the member 130 and the second fascia panel receiving formation 218 in the 200. It therefore covers a plurality of carrier subassemblies 104 and is provided with openings 290 for exposing the products 10.Use

[0073] The present invention offers a highly flexible, adaptable and simple solution to shelving of products.Variations

[0074] Any number of shelf formations may be provided. It will be noted that the size and number of carriers is highly customisable, and being constructed from flat, tab and slot components, are cheap to manufacture from inexpensive sheet material.

[0075] A more traditional shelf arrangement may be provided, and mounted in the same frame arrangement as shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 . In Figure 10, a right-angled horizontal shelf 300 is shown hanging from the rail assemblies 1 10a, 1 12a. In Figure 1 1 , a rearward- slanted horizontal shelf 302 is shown hanging from the rail assemblies 1 10a, 1 12a.

[0076] In one alternative embodiment, the unit may be a table top unit- in other words the apparatus does not have to be supported on a floor surface. It may be hung from the vertical surface of a gondola. Multiple units may be hung from a vertical surface such as slotted uprights or a slatboard. Such units may be individual- i.e. multiple units of a single shelf (two cross beams) arranged in a vertical column.

[0077] In another embodiment, the side panels can be constructed from other materials such as wood.

Claims

Claims1. A display apparatus comprising: two side panels; at least one shelving arrangement comprising a pair of cross rails, the cross rails extending between, and attached to the two side panels to create a frame, wherein the cross rails are at different vertical positions in use such that each pair of cross rails define a forwardly inclined opening with the side panels; wherein each cross rail is prismatic and defines a cross-section having an upwardly facing support feature; at least one product carrier, the at least one product carrier being supported on the upwardly facing support features of the cross rails, such that the product carrier or products carried therein extend into the opening.

2. A display apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each of the side panels has a lower edge for contact with a horizontal support surface such that the frame is selfsupported in use.

3. A display apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the side panels has at least one protrusion for engagement with a vertical board in use.

4. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: each side panel has a front and a rear in use; and, the pair of cross rails comprises a forward cross rail positioned at the front of the side panels, and a rearward cross rail positioned at the rear of the side panels such that the at least one product carrier extends substantially the entire distance between the front and rear of the side panels.

5. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the pair of cross rails comprises a cross rail cross-section comprising at least one of: a formation for receiving a flat, planar display element; a light receiving formation; a fastener receiving formation for receiving a fastener for securing one of the side panels to the cross rail; and,a channel for receiving an upstanding display element.

6. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pair of cross rails comprises a forward cross rail and a rearward cross rail, wherein a forward cross rail crosssection comprises at least one formation for receiving a flat, planar display element, and a flat, planar display element mounted therein.

7. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one light mounted in a light receiving formation in at least one of the cross-rail cross-sections.

8. A display apparatus according to claim 7, dependent on claim 6, wherein the light receiving formation is positioned behind the flat, planar display element, which flat, planar display element is translucent.

9. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the cross-sections comprises a fastener receiving formation, and the apparatus comprises at least one fastener securing one of the side panels to the cross rail, engaged in the fastener receiving formation.

10. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the cross-sections comprises a channel for receiving an upstanding display element.1 1. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the cross-sections of the pairs of rails each comprise facing channels for receiving opposite ends of a fascia panel, and a fascia panel installed between the facing channels, the fascia panel covering the at least one product carrier, and comprising openings therein for receiving products carrier in the at least one product carrier.

12. A display apparatus according to claim 1 1 , wherein the fascia panel spans more than one product carrier.

13. A display apparatus according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the fascia panel spans the space between the two side panels.

14. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising an end cap at either end of each cross-rail, the end caps abutting the side panels.

15. A display apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the end caps are constructed from a material softer than the rails and / or the side panels.

16. A display apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the end caps comprise routing conduits for lights disposed in the rails.1 7. A display apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein at least one of the end caps comprises a curved channel in communication with a display element receiving portion of the cross-section of the rail to facilitate entry of the display element into the display element receiving portion.

18. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one product carrier is constructed from a plurality of flat, planar elements secured together with mating formations.

19. A display apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the at least one product carrier comprises at least two vertical side element with lateral elements extending therebetween.

20. A display apparatus according to claim 19, wherein at least some of the lateral elements comprise formations for receiving part of a product.

21. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one product carrier is simply supported such that it can be freely lifted out.

22. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the side panels each comprise a main upright and a plurality of arms extending from the main upright, wherein one of each pair of cross rails is located at a free end of each arm.

23. A display apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the arms form part of a plurality of triangular projections from the right, each triangular projection supporting a pair of cross rails.

24. A display apparatus according to claim 23, wherein each side panel is shaped as a sawtooth.

25. A display apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of pairs of cross rails, wherein the plurality of pairs of cross rails are located further forward on the side panels the lower in the apparatus they are located.14

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