MERCHANDISE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND UNIT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a unit (100, 200) for a merchandise display system, comprising: an interface frame (102, 112) including a first side (112, 212) and a second side (114, 214), the interface frame (102, 112) configured: to couple to a frame of a back panel (150, 250) of the merchandise display system to locate the first side (112, 212) against the back panel (150, 250); and to provide a system to which merchandise hangers (14, 158) can be coupled at the second side (114, 214); an aperture (118) in the first side (112, 212); an aperture (118) in the second side (114, 214); wherein a space within the interface frame (102, 112) between the first side (112, 212) and the second side (114, 214) defines an enclosed air flow channel (152, 252) between the aperture (118) in the first side (112, 212) and the aperture (118) in the second side (114, 214). The present invention also relates to a merchandise display system comprising the unit (100, 200).

Claims

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

2. A unit according to claim 1, wherein said interface frame is further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side to abut said back panel.

3. A unit according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of apertures in said first side, a plurality of corresponding apertures in said second side and a plurality of enclosed air flow channels between corresponding pairs of apertures at said first side and said second side.

4. A unit according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of horizontal members spaced from one another and extending between said first and second sides of said interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of said plurality of enclosed air flow channels.

5. A unit according to claim 4, comprising a plurality of vertical members spaced from one another and extending between said first and second sides of said interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of vertical members and an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of said plurality of enclosed air flow channels.

6. A unit according to claim 4, wherein each of said horizontal members comprises a formation configured for engaging with complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers.

7. A unit according to claim 6, wherein said formation comprises a step for engaging with said complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers.

8. A unit according to claim 6, wherein said formation comprises a hook for engaging with said complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers.

9. A unit according to claim 1, comprising engagement members at said first side, said engagement members configured for releasable cooperative engagement with complementary engagement members of said frame of said merchandise display system.

10. A unit according to claim 9, wherein said engagement members comprise hooks, and wherein said complementary engagement members of said frame of said merchandise display system comprise slots for receiving said hooks.

11. A merchandise display system, comprising: at least one unit according to any one of the preceding claims; a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough; a frame configured to support said back panel, said at least one unit coupled to said frame with a first side of said at least one unit located against a second side of said back panel and so that apertures in a first side of said at least one unit are aligned with conduit openings of said conduits on said second side of said back panel; a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of said unit; wherein conduit openings of said conduits on a first side of said back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through said conduits to said at least one unit for further conveyance through one or more enclosed air channels thereof to be discharged over and/or around said plurality of merchandise hangers.

12. A merchandise display system according to claim 11, wherein said unit is integral with said back panel.

13. A unit for a merchandise display system, comprising: a merchandise hanger support, said 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 said merchandise display system to locate said first side against said back panel; and to provide a system to which merchandise hangers can be coupled at said second side; wherein a top surface of said merchandise hanger support between said first side and said second side provides a surface for directing air flow thereover between said first side and said second side.

14. A unit according to claim 13, wherein said merchandise hanger support is further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side to abut said back panel.

15. A unit according to claim 13, wherein said merchandise hanger support comprises a formation configured for engaging with a complementary engagement formation of a merchandise hanger.

16. A unit according to claim 15, wherein said formation comprises a step for engaging with said complementary engagement formation of said merchandise hanger.

17. A unit according to claim 15, wherein said formation comprises a hook for engaging with said complementary engagement formation of said merchandise hanger.

18. A unit according to claim 13, comprising engagement members at said first side, said engagement members configured for releasable cooperative engagement with complementary engagement members of a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system.

19. A unit according to claim 18, wherein said engagement members comprise hooks, and wherein said complementary engagement members of said frame of said back panel of merchandise display system comprise slots for receiving said hooks.

20. A merchandise display system, comprising: a unit according to claim 13; a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough; a frame configured to support said back panel, said unit coupled to said frame with a first side of said unit located against a second side of said back panel and so that a top surface at said first side of said unit is positioned to direct air from conduit openings of a row of said conduits on said second side of said back panel over the top surface; a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of said unit; wherein conduit openings of said row of said conduits on a first side of said back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through said conduits to said unit for further conveyance over said top surface of said unit to be directed over and/or around said plurality of merchandise hangers.

21. A merchandise display system according to claim 20, wherein said unit is integral with said back panel.

22.-23. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate views of various aspects of known merchandise display systems;

[0047] 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;

[0048] 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:

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a merchandise display unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates view a side view of the merchandise display unit of FIG. 8;

[0051] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a bracket for coupling to the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 8 and 9;

[0052] 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

[0053] 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.

[0054] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a merchandise display unit according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates view a side view of the merchandise display unit of FIG. 13;

[0056] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of a bracket for coupling to the merchandise display unit of FIGS. 13 and 14; and

[0057] 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

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] The elongate element 260 may be formed from sheet metal, e.g. optionally sheet steel.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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).

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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).

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.