GB2220133A - Display and storage rack - Google Patents

Abstract

A display and storage rack comprising a storage region (50) a display region (18) a movable divider portion 12 between the storage and display regions and incorporating parts of one or the other thereof. In the embodiment shown the display panel 18/divider portion 12 is slidable left or right on a track to expose different part of the storage area 50. Racks which are circular, triangular and hexagonal in plan are also disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

Display and Storage Rack This invention relates to display and storage racks and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with: (i) racks or racking for bulk or multiple product display and storage; (ii) a modular adaptable rack with relatively movable portions; and (iii) a combined display and storage rack, in particular, a socalled 'merchandiser rack' - that is a rack for use at a point of (product) sale The term 'rack' used herein embraces any form of support, mounting, enclosures or pen, whether lattice, framework, panel, free-standing, wall-hung or whatever, for an item or items of product of prescribed shape and size.

One particular use is the storage of wooden 'mouldings' - that is pre-profiled cross section timber lengths and their associated fixtures and fittings for jointing, cornering and mounting.

The display function is of paramount importance for effective product merchandising, as opposed to mere long-term storage or warehousing.

Often, for example in a retail outlet, both the display and storage functions must be combined, either because there is severe pressure on storage space, or because the retailer does not wish to finance unduly large stocks.

Nevertheless, the product, however individually packaged or presented, might not necessarily lend itself to bulk storage on existing shelving or the like alongside other disparate products.

Timber 'mouldings' are a case in point.

Accordingly, what might, for convenience of reference, be termed the concept of 'merchandiser rack' storage has evolved for retail use - often to the extent that the product supplier provides and funds the storage and is responsible for its upkeep and replenishment.

In that regard, for marketing purposes, a full rack may have a more appealing 'aura' encouraging purchases - than a partly depleted one, particularly when supplies of some vital product element, variant or component have become exhausted - and without which it is difficult to use the remaining product components.

As responsibility for merchandising passes to the product supplier, so the competition for the most advantageous location in the 'store' depends upon the prominence and convenience of the 'merchandiser rack' - and its consequent overall sales performance.

Sales space is naturally at a premium, with the retailer having expectations upon the sales volume and value per unit area - and competition between the space allotted to different products and the most 'strategic' display locations being a function of this.

The cost of the merchandiser rack is not insignificant for the product supplier, particularly, where a large number of outlets is involved.

The product 'merchandiser' must attract potential customers to the product offered - and in this regard competes visually with a multitude of surrcund'g products, and their respective stands.

Once brought to the display, the product must be 'explained' and a selection offered.

Access to the product must be readily obtainable, without loss of security - for example, through inadvertent dislodgement.

The overall stability of the merchandiser is important for safety considerations - ie. it must not be liable to topple over - even though the height compared with the base area (representing the share of available sales area allotted by the retailer) is great, in order to achieve the necessary storage volume that will not require undue frequency of replenishment.

The product mix is significant to that end and so the merchandiser must not restrict unduly the range and variety which can be accommcdated.

Flexibility of storage and the ability to cater for product changes may also be advantageous.

The display and storage functions may be mutually exclusive or ccppetitive in the sense of space allocation - ie. the more rocm given aver to the display, the less roam for storage.

Yet without a prominent display, the product may fail to be noticed against the visually competitive aspect of the envircament - and thus closer inspection of the product is not promoted.

On the other hand, if there is inadequate roan for bulk storage, so the display will quickly empty and look discouragingly depleted.

Restrictions on base standing areas of racks and racking arise from limitations upon sales floor space, particularly in socalled 'dc-it-yourself' (DIY) supermarkets, where diverse products compete for precious room against sales turnover and profitability performance targets for sales floor area.

Such sales points are under the constraint that product stocks are all on display and must be accessible to potential purchasers without disrupting the entire display.

Cbmmcnly, product is simply piled up informally or stacked in a regular array by non-specialised store staff, or may be vulnerable to disturbance upon product self selection and examination - particularly if there is a sorting through for items meeting particular requirements.

For non-hcoogenous products, such as timber, where differences of finish or grain may be apparent, there is the added risk of such sorting disruption.

Display of product to its best advantage - ie. affording the greatest visual interest and purchase appeal - requires that the nature and purpose of the product be conveyed in a readily digestible way, for example with illustrations of the product being fitted or erected and finally installed or in use.

The display must thus be both: (i) eye-catching from a distance - in competition with the plethora competitive displays in a retail situation - which generally means the presence of a simple uncluttered element of visual impact; and (ii) informative in sufficient detail for product comprehension when inspected at close quarters.

Quite a lot of information must often be digested at this level, in order to ensure correct and complete product selection commonly after enabling browsing through various alternatives.

Thus, for example, a kit component system necessarily ccmprises a range of alternative interfitting parts, with attendant ancillary fixtures and fittings.

The psychology and 'mechanics' of product selection involve a complex sequence of style variant determination, assessment of quantities required and allocation of sufficient fixtures and fittings.

Although variety of choice, and thus the ability to adapt to or fit individual purchasers tastes and requirements, may constitute a potential incentive to purchase, the attendant very complexity of choice may beccme a potential deterrent to purchase, if not properly presented - or result in an imperfect selection resulting in post purchase disappointment and even (unwarranted) disillusionment with the product.

Rather, repeat purchase - even if only to supplement stock after a trial initial purchase - must be encouraged.

The other major requirement is that of physical bulk storage that is accatirdation of as much product as desired, in a manner allowing ready discharge for sales and re-stocking of disparate product variants independently and without disrupting the display.

Thus the combined display and storage roles, each with their respective - and sometimes conflicting - requirements or constraints, must be integrated in harness.

In particular, both display and storage require space on their own account, and space is generally at a premium.

This competitive space demand of display and storage must be resolved, without one being met at the expense of the other, ie.

so much space must not be given to display as to leave inadequate space for storage.

Otherwise the rack will all to quickly became depleted and eventually exhausted - possibly at a rate which becomes a burden upon the store - for whom supplementary reserve stocks may represent a nuisance and expense - or the product supplier, whose merchandiser team may have to travel far and often an store replenishment visits.

Yet supplementary store floor space cannot simply be created or manufactured - only better use made of the existing space allocated.

This may mean using areas not normally used - or indeed regarded as useable.

In this sense, usable working space can potentially be 'created' fran formerly 'redundant' space.

Moreover, one and the same space can be used to greater effect, ie. 'worked' harder, by filling a dual or multiple role.

This requires an analysis of the elements of the display and storage functions and their interaction.

Thus, the display function becomes secondary, or even redundant, when the prospective purchaser has been attracted to the rack or stand.

Or at least the display process is in two distinct stages, namely, those of remote and close inspection.

Thus, when the prospective purchaser has been attracted to the rack from a remote viewpoint in successful ccmpetition with other racks - by a necessarily more dramatic and large scale presentation of the key product features - there is the opportunity of a more detailed smaller-scale explanation and demcnstration of the product.

These two display stages should lead to a perusal and examination of product samples.

Product contact and handling may be encouraged, for product familiarisation, in order to lower barriers to the intended purchase decision.

It follows that the rack itself should facilitate access to the product - and in particular the display should not obstruct product access - any more than it should unduly limit the amount of product which the display can accommDdate, as previously discussed.

Having 'accessed' the product, some 'sale re-inforcing' cross reference to the product may be desirable - even if only to witness the suppliers brand name or more elaborately to facilitate a selection of particular styles, sizes, fitments and fixtures .

This self-selection dimension is essentially another display function and oommcnly the storage region is sub-divided into caartrnents, whether or not delineated by physical barriers or boundaries, each with an associated display descriptor.

It is generally desirable that the display be self contained, in the sense that every element necessary t install or use the product should be available frcm one and the same rack; ie.

fixing clips and screws may have to sit alongside the product proper.

Just as a physical interaction with the product may lower or break down barriers to purchase, so may preliminary interaction with the display itself.

Hence the popularity of dencstrator sample displays of such bulky items as retractable loft ladders, sliding door kits, and shower enclosures.

However, these typically afford so much space to display that there is little roan left for easily accessible product storage, even in relation to the slower or longer sale cycle or turnover of larger items.

Even if the product itself does not lend itself to motion (as with the foregoing loft-ladder, etc. examples), movement in the display itself may be a further attraction in competition with other static displays.

If not properly structured, such mobile features may add unduly burdensome complexity and cost to the display - although this can be offset by enhanced sales performance.

This, in general, the cost of fabricating, erecting and maintaining and modifying the rack is significant when operating from multiple retail sites - adding yet another dimension to the pressure upon its sales performance.

It will thus be appreciated that the otherwise 'humble' and superficially basic merchandiser rack has a vital and demanding role to play, albeit in conjunction with the individual product packaging, if any and the characteristic of the product itself.

In a specific exu,çlary case in point, a merchandiser rack for architectural mouldings has to acoondate a large variety of predeminantly long lengths of various cross-sections and fitments and (internal and external corner joints and mitres and preprofiled and pieces complementing the strip face profile to facilitate but-jointing) together with attendant fixtures and fittings.

According to one aspect of the invention a display and storage rack comprises a display region a storage region the display portion being movable in relation to the storage region as a partition or divider to selectively expose different storage portions thereof.

Such relative movement may take many diverse forms, but rectilinear or sliding motion has particular advantages for a rectangular display or storage profile or overall rack configuration.

Thus, for example, the display portion may comprise a sliding panel or door movable across the front viewing aspect of the storage region.

Multiple storage elements may be provided.

For example, two or more sliding doors may run on the same or multiple tracks, and may be co-operatively disposed for exposing or accessing respective portions of the storage region, If the rack is structured for viewing from one primary aspect, normally the front when the rack is intended for location in the aisle of a retail outlet, the overall rack configuration then being relatively wide and shallow, so that aspect contains the path of movement of the or each display panel.

The panel(s) may be displaced entirely from the viewing aspect, for example to one side or other of the stand, but this generally requires extending the track unduly or turning the panels through or around a corner, with attendant extra complexity of mounting and runner mechanism.

In order to avoid unnecessary height limitations, the display panel(s) may be mounted solely from below and braced cantilever fashion upon spaced runners and tracks.

Rotatable elements may also be incorporated, for example as turntables, and these may co-operate with the sliding elements.

Indeed, the sliding elements could be mounted on such rotatable elements.

In addition, a roller blind or shutter screen could be featured, either statically or on a movable element.

The support for the movable element(s) could be on the rack frame itself, either from above and/or below, or independently floorstanding.

The movable display elements themselves could incorporate storage regions and provision could be made on the mountings to enable removal and replacement to facilitate re-stocking - for example, with a pre-filled replacement element.

There now follows a description of some particular embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the acccmpanying diagrammatic and schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of display and storage rack; Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the rack shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the base of the rack shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows an end elevation of the rack base shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a side elevation of the base of the rack shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 6 shows an end elevation of the rack base shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a plan of the rack base shown in Figures 3 to 6; Figure 8 shows an end elevation of the rack base shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a front elevation of an alternative display and storage rack configuration to that shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 10 shows a side elevation of the rack shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows a section of part of the runner track of the rack shown in Figures 3 and 4 and also Figure 9 and 10;; Figure 12 shows a plan view of a display and storage rack incorporating several diverse display door mounting and types; Figure 13 shows a circular display and storage rack; Figure 14 shows a triangular display and storage rack; Figure 15 shows a polygonal display and storage rack; and Figure 16 shows a display and storage rack with a selector facility.

Referring to the drawings, and in particular Figure 1, a display and storage rack comprises a storage region 50 defined by a generally rectangular modular framework 11.

The framework 11, itself incorporates a series of individual rectangular subframes 31, 32, 33 of similar shape and size mounted one upon the other in a stacked vertical array, to form a generally upright rear support.

The frame 11 is mounted on a horizontal base frame 40, of greater width in this particular example, than the (upright) frame 11, and incorporating a pair of spaced tracks or guides 61, 62 shown mhore clearly in Figures 3 and 5.

The frame 11 is primarily for support and storage of a product, or product range, not shown in detail and not itself forming part of the present invention, but shown in packaged form in broken outline in Figure 1.

An example relating to one such product, or range of products, namely architectural mouldings, ie timber strips of prescribed cross-sectional profiles is described later.

In front of the upright frame 11 is located a (movable) display region 18, defined by a movable display frame or door 12 of relatively narrow width, mounted upon a wheel or runner system in the tracks 61, 62.

The display frame 12 is thus movable linearly across the entire width or 'frontage' of the rack, and selectively and alternatively, obscures and exposes portions of the storage frame 11 and any product stored thereon.

Although only a single door 12 is illustrated, more than one such door may be provided on the same or supplementary tracks 61, 62.

moreover, additional panels or doors may be mounted, for example hinged, upon door 12.

The doors may be mounted on sliding pivots, to fold concertina f,ashion, as depicted in Figure 12.

Multiple doors may be linked for example, with a combined swivel or tilt or slide action of vertical slatted blinds.

The doors may run on independent track, for example, directly floor mounted, track, that is separate from the base frame Thus a multiplicity of co-operatively interfitting display panels may be provided.

The e door and door panel 12 need not extend to the full height of the support frame 11 and may be movable across only a limited potion thereof.

The door track may extend around the rack and to facilitate this the base configuration, shown more clearly in Figure 7, may be polygonal and even continuously curved - for example, circular, with one or more display panels positioned and relatively movable about the periphery of the stand.

The display panels 12 may be manually moveable or may be powered or poser assisted, for example by electric motors, with cable, belt or pulley drive couplings, or by pneumatic of other fluid powered actuators.

Magnetic attraction or repulsion is also a possibility, if not for the drive itself, then for cushioning or buffer action at the end stops, or limits of travel of the doors 12.

The entire frame may be fabricated fran pressed or extruded mild steel sections, spot welded into sub assemblies, themselves simply bolted or otherwise detachably held together by say, selftapping screws, in order to achieve a modular construction.

In this way the rack may be stored in broken or knocked-down component form remotely at the product supplier's warehouse, ready for transportation in this convenient kit to a merchandiser site, where it can be quickly erected.

Similarly, maintenance, for example replacement of damaged elements, can readily be effected on site by replacing the relevant component, rather than having to replace the whole unit.

Reverting to Figure 1, the storage region 50 is divided into three main sections by the principal frame assemblies 31, 32 33, in each of which respective product support fixtures, for example, brackets, hooks, shelves and the like 35, 36 may be fitted, for mounting different products or product packs 51, 52 respectively.

In addition, there is an upper carrpartrnent bay 38 and a lower cxtxxurbaent bay 39, between which tall product components may be located, either upright, or where space, in particular working height, is limited, on a slant or inclined.

me display door 12 may carry a subsidiary product display or storage ccmçartment 19, or merely a pocket for brochures etc.

moreover, even elaborate audio-visual aids may be deployed, such as lamps, illuminated signs, or even pre-recorded messages, slide shows, or videos.

However, the principal function of the display panel 12 is the carriage or large areas of visual material, eg display cards 18.

MOre elaborate display material may be featured, for example, multi-leaved books or flip charts, cards and the like.

The lower canparhnent tray 39, shown in more detail in Figure 7, may have a mesh floor 72, and may be canted or tilted slightly backwards, as depicted in Figures 2 and 8, in order to promote product retention and overall stability of bulk product stored.

Thus tall products standing on the base tray tend to lie backwards, with their upper ends resting against the rear frame 11 or located in the upper carq?artrnent bay 38.

This also creates slightly greater clearance for the wheels or runners 149, 150 and axles 148 of the door nrsvement mechanism.

The door 12 itself may also be canted slightly backwards, and supported by a downwardly-canted upper bracing strut, for ease of viewing its entire depth from close quarters, although this is not illustrated.

Alteratively, the base tray can be canted forward for ease of product viewing and braced underneath by a corresponding upwardly canted strut.

The front face of the base is canted backwards to create a viewing area from above and may acococodate additional showcard or product labelling material, for example, identifying the products stored in the individual base ccnsxqrbment trays 39.

The subdivision of the base compartments 39 may be by upper bracing struts 49 slightly upwardly displaced therefran and thus acting as a cantilever bracing for the weight of the product stored.

Alternatively upright divider plates 59 of sheet material are also provided and may be secured to, marginally spaced from or simply about the mesh floor 72.

Figures 3 to 6 illustrate how a simple and straightforward series of section length pressings or extrusions may be assembled and configured to achieve an integrated base frame 40 and spaced running tracks or guideways 61, 62 for the movable door panel 12.

Thus, the front base section shown in Figures 3 and 4, incorporates an open-fronted part U-section beam 73 running the entire length (or rather width as viewed fran the from) of the base frame 40, between end plates 79 and supporting a canted front face panel 42 for labelling display, as previously explained.

The rear face of beam 73 forms a lateral restraint wall at one side of the front track 61, which is defined between an upper rail flange on a support plate 74 welded to the underside of the beam 73 and an upper flange 71 or a guide bar 75 welded onto the rear upper face on the beam 73.

Similarly, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the rear track 62 is defined by the rail flange of a lower support plate 77, welded to the underside of an angle beam 76, forming the rear of the base frame, or an intermediate member when the track width is significantly less than the base depth. An upper flange 72 on the angle beam 76 restrains the wheel 148 movement vertically.

The runner mechanism is illustrated in Figure 11 and incorporates a pair of laterally spaced axles 14 to which the door frame 12 is secured, and upon which are mounted front and rear wheel pair sets 149, 150, locating in stepped rail flanges 151, 152 - which allow some lateral axial and thus for-and-aft running clearance, without the door 12 engaging the base frame 40.

The door 12 movement is free, but restrained sufficiently by frictional effects to inhibit unwanted motion, for example by mechanical vibration, casual brushing contact, draughts or other disturbance and has a comfortably smooth 'feel' to the 'user', which encourages further use. This is promoted by the use of synthetic plastics, for example nylon or polypropylene, wheels which are smoother and quieter runing.

Figures 9 and 10 depict an alternative storage layout, for example for tall lengths of product such as wood mouldings.

Referring to the drawing Figures 9 and 10, a merchandiser rack for product storage and display comprises a generally upright rectangular storage frame 111 defining a storage region 150, indicated more clearly in Figure 10, and a movable display panel screen or door 112.

The door 112 incorporates visual display material, such as show cards and posters 118, in addition to provision for promotional leaflet storage 120 and even sample product element display 220.

The storage region 150 occupies the entire width of the unit as a whole, but the display panel 112 is only a fraction of that overall width and thus only temporarily screens or 6obscures a portion of the total product stored, but is movable laterally as indicated by arrow - to selectively expose and allow access fran the front of the unit to the remainder of the product stored in the storage region 150.

Product storage may be by a variety of physical support and restraint methods - for example, shelves, platforms or baskets upon which the product rests, or hooks or brackets from which the product, suitable packaged, hangs. Dividers may also be employed to separate one product category and variant from another.

In the present example, a mixture of shelf trays 180, wall bracket hooks 181 and dividers 183, 184 are utilised, but these can be varied at will by a system of detachable mountings 114 for individual conconents, for example using a back panel support grid.

The panel or door 112 is mounted generally upright, but preferably sloping slightly backwards (or towards the unit) for ease of viewing, as indicated in Figure 10, upon a movable lower or under frame 227.

The under frame 227 is carried a pair of spaced axles with runners or wheels 228, 229 running in and located by a pair of spaced track rails 232, 233, secured to a base frame 235, upon which the unit as a whole sits and engages a support surface 240.

This emtxxiinent is specially adapted for the display and storage of so-called 'architectural mouldings' - that is timber strips of specially profiled cross-section and the ancillary support clips, brackets, fitments and end and corner jointing components.

The product mix may thus vary, fran say, 6 or even 8 foot lengths of uniform-section wood 'mculding', to small packs or kits of assembly and installation components.

The strip lengths may be stored upright where height constraints allow, or canted or inclined across the unit, in vertical comparments separated from one another by dividers 183 (upper) and (lower) 184 The smaller kit packs may be hung frail the brackets or books protruding cantilever-fashion from the back panel Shorter lengths may simply rest in, say, the lower basket tray(s) and partially assembled 'dem=Mstrator' product may be presented upon the lower region of the door.

The particular show cards 220 presented may be varied by simply unmcunting them from the frame of the door The entire unit may be fabricated fran pressed, folded and cut mild steel, with, say, nylon wheels 228, 229 for the door 112, and painted to the desired colour finish.

The door may be supported from an upper track in addition to, or instead of a lower track or guide.

The weight loading of the unit is distributed over the support surface 240 by the base frame 235 to meet any prescribed store floor loading levels and constraints.

The rear uprights of the frame may be secured to a wall for additional stability.

When the unit is used as a 'mouldings rack' an orderly stacked 'queue' of individual lengths is carried in each bay, with the foremost length disposed to be the next imnediately accessible one, through a constraining 'gate' assembly (not shown), which inhibits the stack as a whole toppling out.

The floor of the lower basket(s) is conveniently a mesh to allow debris to fall through to the floor below.

The door sliding mount is arranged to limit the rearward movement of the door - to avoid inadvertent contact with the product or storage fitments located behind it.

In this regard, the front strips 250, 260 of the base frame 235 and basket(s) 240 are disposed to act as front and rear buffers - restraining fore-and-aft door play, whilst retaining some clearance.

Referring to Figure 12, a display and storage rack comprises a generally rectangular frame 160, with a set of internesting sliding display door segments 161 on one side.

On the other side of the rack frame 160 are a set of concertinafolding display doors 162 and a roller blind fabric display sheet 163.

Along an intermediate divider wall 164 is fitted a roller shutter display door 16.

Figure 13 shows a display and storage rack with a circular base frame 170 and a series of peripheral arcuate display door segments 171 mounted on a circular track 172.

Figure 14 shows a triangular base frame 180 for a display and storage rack with peripheral door segments 181 along each side face.

Figure 15 shows a polygonal (in fact hexagonal in this example) base frame 190, with display door segments 191 along two side faces and a concertina display door panel assembly 192 along another side face.

Figure 16 shows a display and storage rack with a product selector facility. Specifically, a display door 110 is movable linearly across a series of product storage components.

The door 110 incorporates an aperture 2 for selective alignment with a single one of a series adjacent storage compartments 215 to 217 extending the full height of the rack and accommodating oorrespondingly tall product elements 216.

A series of smaller apertures 3, 4 are also provided in the door 1, and align the smaller compartments 6, 7 in the storage region behind the display door 1, for other corresding1y smaller product elements, for example corner joints, fixtures and fittings.

The visual material on the display door 1 indicates the product range available and the correct product variant for particular uses. Once this basic selection is made, by aligning an upper arrow 8 with the correct 'use' station of a display panel 9 on the storage region, the access aperture or window or slot 2 is automatically aligned with the correct storage bat or ocEpertment 2 for the basic 'bulk' product supply 216.

Selection of ancillaries is automatically effected by alignment of the various apertures 3, 4 with the appropriate ancillary occpartrnents 6, 7. The latter are set when the rack is originally erected and stocked.

Subsidiary supplementary display features are also present on the display door 1, comprising a flip chart 2 and a roller blind 211.

Figures 13 to 16 are simply to illustrate the enormous range of variants within the basic concept on an integrated display and storage rack according to the invention.

Programmed instruction, guidance and learning is also possible with the arrangement, for example, by prompting operation of the rack with pre-recorded audio-visual material, and monitoring the action taken and instituting ccngratulatory or corrective prompts.

Claims (11)

1. Display and Storage Rack

   Claims 1.

   A display and storage rack comprising a storage region (50) a display region (18) a movable divider portion (12) between the storage and display regions and incorporating parts of one or other thereof.
2. 2.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in Claim 1, incorporating a plurality or relatively movable divider portions.
3. 3.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in either of the preceding claims, wherein a divider portion is linearly movable on slides, rollers, or wheels in track or guideway.
4. 4.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a divider portion is movable along a curved path and the divider itself may be curved in plan.
5. 5.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a divider portion is rotatable about an axis internally or externally to itself.
6. 6.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage region is surrounded by a potential movement path of a divider portion.
7. 7.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage region is generally circular in plan and a divider portion in nxnzable internally or externally around the periphery thereof.
8. 8.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the storage region is polygonal in plan and a divider portion is movable internally or externally about one or more peripheral segments thereof.
9. 9.

   A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the divider portion incorporates supplementary movable elements.
10. 10.

    A display and storage rack, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, incorporating a selector facility in which markings on the display and storage regions are ccoperatively disposed in relation to access points in the display and storage areas in the storage region, whereby selective alignments of these marking sets admits access only to prescribed storage areas.
11. 11.

    A display and storage rack, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accarpanying drawings.

    Display and Storage rack