GB2403398A

GB2403398A - Improvements in and relating to display apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2403398A
Application number: GB0314638A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Granville Wright
Original assignee: AXIOM DISPLAYS Ltd
Current assignee: AXIOM DISPLAYS Ltd
Priority date: 2003-06-24
Filing date: 2003-06-24
Publication date: 2005-01-05
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-24
Also published as: GB0314638D0; GB2403398B

Abstract

A display apparatus for displaying greeting cards comprises a display tray 1 having a front wall 10, a back wall 20 and a support portion 30 arranged between the front and back walls, wherein there is a smooth transition between the back wall and the support portion. The support portion reduces the tendency for the cards contained in the display tray to slump forward under gravity. In another embodiment there is a curved support frame (100 figure 4) to which the display tray may be secured by a releasable coupling means 50 which may be an interference fit joint. The support frame comprises a plurality of mounting portions (102 figure 4) arranged to receive the display trays in a range of configurations. The support frame may have a storage space behind which is accessible through a flap which is hinged (106 figure 7) at the lower edge of the frame.

Description

Improvements in and Relating to Display Apparatus

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to display trays, to frames for use with display trays, and to display apparatus systems including a frame and at least one display tray.

Background to the Invention

Display apparatus, for example shelves are used in shops to enable customers to easily browse and select items for purchase. Different types of goods require different types of display apparatus to provide suitable product display and thereby facilitate customer browsing.

In the field of greetings cards and stationery, it is often desirable to use stepped shelves to display substantially planar products, with each shelf arranged to store e.g. 12 greetings cards deep between substantially vertical front and back walls. The cards are arranged so that the front surface of the foremost card is at least partially visible above the front wall of the shelf and above the cards on the shelf below, and/or a transparent front wall is used.

The level of the front wall of each shelf must be carefully matched to the size of cards and the number of cards present on the shelf to prevent the cards from falling forward and giving a generally untidy appearance to the display presented by the display apparatus.

However, the number of cards present on the shelf will decrease as customers remove cards for purchase, and a retailer may wish to display a range of card sizes in the display apparatus. This leads to the problem of cards falling forward within the display apparatus, and giving an unacceptable appearance.

Furthermore, a fixed shelf arrangement is not suited to variable card sizes, and variability in the portions of the front surface of the foremost card that is visible.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a display tray suitable for use in a display apparatus, the tray comprising a front wall, a back wall and a support portion arranged between the front and back walls, wherein there is a smooth transition between the back wall and the support portion.

Suitably, in cross-section the support portion comprises a curve. Suitably, in cross-section the support portion comprises a generally concave curve. Suitably, in cross section the support portion comprises an arc of a circle.

Suitably, the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 5mm to 35mm. Preferably, the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 15mm to 30mm. More preferably the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 20mm to 25mm. Most preferably, the radius of the arc of a circle is 22mm.

Suitably, in cross-section the support portion comprises a linear section. Suitably, the linear section is arranged between the curve of the support portion and the front wall. Suitably, the linear section is arranged at approximately 70 degrees to the front wall.

Suitably, the display tray is arranged to support cards or other substantially planar items. Suitably, the display tray is arranged to support between 1 and 12 cards deep in normal use.

Suitably, the display tray comprises guiding means arranged to aid the insertion of cards between the back wall and the front wall. Suitably, the guiding means comprises a substantially planar section arranged at an angle to the back wall. Suitably, the guiding means is arranged at an angle in the range of 110 to 130 degrees to the back wall. Preferably, the guiding means is arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to the back wall.

Suitably, the display tray comprises coupling means arranged to be mounted on a support frame. Suitably, the coupling means comprises a first part of an interference fit joint. Suitably, the coupling means is arranged to releasably couple the display tray to a support frame.

Suitably, the coupling means comprises a fir tree section.

Suitably, the coupling means extend from the guiding means.

Suitably, the front wall is substantially transparent.

Suitably, the display tray is substantially transparent.

Suitably, the display tray comprises a plastics material.

Suitably, the display tray comprises a material selected from a group comprising PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate and PETG. Suitably, the display tray is formed by extrusion.

In a second aspect, the present invention comprises a frame for use with display trays, the frame comprising a plurality of mounting portions arranged to in use receive a plurality of trays and thereby present a generally curved display.

Suitably, each mounting portion is arranged to releasably couple a display tray to the frame.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged at an angle to one another. Suitably, lower mounting portions are arranged at a greater angle to the vertical than higher mounting portions. Suitably, there is a monotonic decrease in angle to the vertical from the lower mounting portions to the higher mounting portions. Suitably, the frame is curved, with each mounting portion arranged at a substantially constant angle to the curve of the frame.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to receive at least two display trays such that in a first configuration the front wall of an upper tray is substantially aligned with the back wall of a lower tray, and in a second configuration in which the front wall of an upper tray is offset from the back wall of a lower tray.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged such that in the second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a substantially horizontal direction. Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged such that in the second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a substantially vertical direction.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged such that in the first configuration each display tray is substantially contiguous to its adjacent tray or trays. Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged such that in the second configuration each display tray is spaced apart from its adjacent tray or trays.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to independently receive pluralities of display trays in both the first and second configurations over the extent of the frame.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, wherein in each second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a substantially horizontal direction by a different amount.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, wherein in each second configuration the upper tray is offset from the lower tray in a substantially vertical direction by a different amount. Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, wherein the horizontal and vertical offsets increase together over the range of second configurations.

Suitably, the mounting portions are arranged to receive a display tray independently of display trays in other mounting portions.

Suitably, the mounting portion are all arranged to receive a single type of display tray.

Suitably, the frame is arranged to in use receive less display trays than there are mounting portions.

Suitably, the mounting portions comprise a second part of an interference fit joint.

Suitably, the frame comprises access means arranged to provide access to a storage space behind the frame.

Suitably, the access means comprises a flap mounted on a hinge. Suitably, the hinge is arranged at a lower edge of the frame. Suitably, the flap extends upwards from the hinge to between approximately one third and half way up the frame. Suitably, the access means is accessible irrespective of the configuration of display trays received in the mounting portions.

Suitably, the frame comprises a first alignment means arranged to vary the position of a first and second end of the frame relative to support at a lower edge. Suitably, the frame comprises a second alignment means arranged to vary the position of a first and second end of the frame relative to support at an upper edge. Suitably, the first and second alignment means are arranged to vary the position of the lower and upper edges of the frame relative to a support in a substantially horizontal direction.

In a third aspect, the present invention comprises a display system including a frame and at least one display tray, wherein the frame comprises the frame of the second aspect, and/or the display tray comprises the display tray of the first aspect.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an end cross sectional view of a display tray according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the display tray of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention arranged with display trays in a first configuration; Figure 4 shows the frame of Figure 3 arranged with display trays in a second configuration; Figure 5 shows the frame of Figure 3 arranged with display trays in an alternative second configuration; Figure 6 shows a schematic illustration of the frame of Figure 3 with a display tray received in all mounting portions; and Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of the frame of Figure 3 with a display tray received in all mounting positions and the flap open.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a display tray 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The display tray 1 is suitable for use in a display apparatus for displaying greetings cards or other similar items in a shop. The display tray 1 comprises a front wall 10, a back wall 20 and a support portion 30 arranged between the front and back walls 10,20. The support portion 30 is designed in combination with the front wall 10 to reduce the tendency for cards to slump forward under gravity in the display tray 1, thereby maintaining a tidy appearance irrespective of the number of cards present in the display tray 1.

In use, the display tray 1 is arranged substantially vertically to support one to twelve cards between the front and back walls 10,20. A portion of the front surface of the foremost card extends above the front wall for display to potential purchasers. Initially, the display tray 1 is fully stocked with cards and the cards are maintained upright by virtue of engagement with each other and the front and back walls 10,20. However as cards are removed from the display tray 1, there becomes space for the cards to adopt their own arrangement under gravity.

There is a smooth transition between the back wall 20 and the support portion 30. This eliminates any corner or other feature which could trap the bottom edge of cards in the display tray 1 at or near the back wall 20, and thereby cause the cards to fall forwards. The support portion 30 comprises a curve 32 in the form of a portion of a circular arc, and an angled, planar section 34.

In cross-section the angled planar section 34 is shown as a linear section arranged between the curve 32 and the front wall 10. The curve 32 is arranged to allow the bottom of the cards present in the display tray 1 to fall forward under gravity toward the front wall. The slope of the planar section 34 encourages cards present in the display tray to fall fully forward against the front wall 10.

The front wall 10 is separated from the back wall 20 by approximately 25mm, and the radius of the curve 32 is approximately 22mm. If a larger radius is used, cards present in the display tray 1 tend to be squeezed together at the bottom of the front wall 10. This is undesirable as it leads to the cards splaying apart at the top, and presents an untidy display. Alternatively, if a smaller radius is used, the transition between the back wall 20 and support portion 30 becomes less effective at preventing the cards from slumping forwards. If a larger or smaller separation of front and back walls 10, 20 is used, the radius of the curve 32 should also be respectively increased or decreased as appropriate.

The display tray further comprises guiding means 40 arranged to aid the insertion of cards between the back wall 20 and the front wall 10. The guiding means 40 comprises a substantially planar section 42 arranged at an angle of approximately 120 degrees to the back wall. If an angle below 110 degrees is used, the guiding effect is lessened, and if an angle of above 130 degrees is used the minimum possible separation of trays is increased, thereby reducing the number to trays that can be fitted to a frame. If a person tries to insert a card or bundle of cards into the display tray 1, but misjudges the location of the back wall 20, the cards will contact the planar section 42 and be directed downward toward the display tray 1.

To enable the display tray 1 to be mounted on a support frame, coupling means 50 is provided. The coupling means comprises a first part of an interference fit joint arranged to releasably couple the display tray 1 to a support frame. Conveniently, the coupling means 50 can comprise a fir tree section (not shown) extending from the guiding means 40. The coupling means 50 allows the display tray 1 to be easily and efficiently coupled to or removed from a support frame without the use of tools.

To aid the presentation of cards within the display tray 1, the front wall 10 can be manufactured from a substantially transparent material, for example a plastics material such as PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate or PETG. For ease of manufacture, the display tray 1 can be made as a one-piece extrusion.

Figure 3 shows a frame 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention arranged with a plurality of display trays 101 in a first configuration.

The frame 100 comprises a plurality of mounting portions 102, each mounting portion 102 arranged to receive one of the plurality a trays 101 and thereby present a generally curved display. The curved display is suitable for displaying greetings cards etc. in a shop.

Each mounting portion 102 is arranged to releasably couple a display tray 101 to the frame 100, allowing a variable display to be produced depending on the arrangement of display trays 101 in the mounting portions 102.

To produce the generally curved display the mounting portions 102 are arranged at an angle to one another, with lower mounting portions 102 arranged at a greater angle to the vertical than higher mounting portions 102. In this way it is easy for a purchaser to view cards in display trays 101 at the lower mounting portions 102, as the cards lo in these trays are angled upwards to face the purchaser.

The cards in the display trays 101 at the upper mounting portions 102 directly face the purchaser at close to eye level.

To give the best presentation across the frame 100, the mounting portions 102 are arranged to give a monotonic decrease in angle to the vertical from the lower mounting portions to the higher mounting portions. In the frame of Figure 3, the lower twelve mounting portions 102 are arranged at angles of 31, 28, 27, 24, 23, 20, 19, 16, 15, 12, 11, and 7 degrees from the vertical in order from the bottom upwards. The upper mounting portions 102 are arranged at 3 degrees to the vertical. This arrangement is shown in Figure 6, which comprises a schematic illustration of the frame of Figure 3 with a display tray 101 received in all mounting portions 102. The frame 100 as shown in Figure 3 is intended to be mounted on a base of approximately 600mm depth. However, the frame 100 can be mounted over a range of base depths typically around 500mm - 600mm, allowing the frame 100 to be mounted on a range of different base units by rotating the frame 100.

To improve presentation with a base depth of 400mm-550mm an alternative frame can be used, having a reduction in the angle range of the mounting portions and/or having a generally less curved shape.

To provide the change in angle, the frame 100 is generally curved, with each mounting portion 100 arranged at a substantially constant angle to the curve of the frame 100.

To allow full flexibility in the number and position of display trays 101 mounted to the frame 100 and make up a display the mounting portions 102 are each arranged to receive a display tray 101 independently of display trays in other mounting portions 102. The mounting portions 102 are all arranged to receive display trays 101, meaning that the display produced by the frame 100 can be easily maintained in the event of loss or breakage of trays 101.

The mounting portions 102 comprise a second part of an interference fit joint and are designed to allow display trays 101 to be easily and efficiently coupled to or removed from the frame 100 without the use of tools or the need for additional components.

If desired a mixture of different trays could be used, each tray having a first part of an interference fit joint arranged to be coupled to the mounting portions 102. This could, for example, allow the frame 100 to be used in a display suitable for use with different cards types having a large size range.

Further flexibility is provided as the frame 100 is arranged to in use receive less display trays 101 than there are mounting portions 100, giving rise to a range of display configurations as will be discussed below with reference to Figures 3, 4 and 5.

Figure 3 shows the frame 100 arranged with display trays 101 in a first configuration. The mounting portions 102 are arranged to receive display trays 101 such that in the first configuration a front wall 110 of an upper display tray 101 is substantially aligned with a back wall 120 of a lower display tray 101. In the first configuration the lo trays 101 are arranged in alternate mounting portions 102, with a maximum number of trays 101 mounted on the frame 100. This configuration has adjacent trays 101 contiguous with one another, and is suitable for displaying smaller cards, or a smaller proportion of the front face of larger cards.

Figure 4 shows the frame 100 arranged with display trays in a second configuration. The mounting portions 102 are arranged to receive display trays 101 such that in the second configuration the front wall 110 of an upper tray is offset from the back wall 120 of a lower tray in a substantially horizontal direction, with the display trays 101 spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction.

In this configuration a display tray 101 is mounted in every third mounting portion 102. This configuration is suitable for displaying larger cards, or a larger proportion of the front face of cards.

The mounting portions 102 are arranged to receive pluralities of display trays 101 in both the first and second configurations over the extent of the frame 100, for example in the first configuration at the lower part of the frame 100 for displaying smaller cards, and in the second configuration at the upper part of the frame 100 for displaying larger cards.

Furthermore, the mounting portions 102 are arranged to receive display trays 102 in a range of second configurations, wherein in each second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a horizontal direction by a different amount. For example, Figure 5 shows the frame 100 receiving display trays 101 at every fourth mounting portion 102. In each second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is also offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a vertical direction by a different amount.

The mounting portions 102 can also receive blanking plates (not shown), arranged to block off the opening between the display trays 101 when the display trays 101 are mounted spaced apart on the frame 100. The blanking plates are arranged with interference fit joints that can be easily coupled to and decoupled from the mounting portions 102 without the need for tools.

Figure 7 shows a schematic illustration of the frame 100 of Figure 3 with a display tray 101 received in all mounting portions 102 and a flap 105 open. The flap 105 comprises part of the frame 100, and forms access means arranged to provide access to a storage space behind the frame. The flap 105 is mounted on a hinge 106 arranged at a lower edge of the frame 100, and extends upwards from the hinge 106 to approximately half way up the frame 100.

The flap 105 can be opened to allow access to the storage space without removal of display trays 101 from the frame 100, and without removal of cards from the display trays 101.

To allow the frame 100 to be positioned accurately and efficiently on a support, the frame 100 comprises a first alignment means (not shown) arranged to vary the position of first and second ends of a lower edge of the frame relative to a support. The first alignment means allows movement of a lower edge the frame 100 backwards and forwards relative to a support in a substantially horizontal direction. This horizontal movement can be used to vary the angle at which the frame is supported.

Suitably, the first alignment means comprises a horizontal slot mounted at a lower part of each of the first and second ends of the frame; the slots allowing the lower edge of the frame 100 to slide relative to a bolt or other support contained therein.

The frame 100 further comprises a second alignment means (not shown) arranged to vary the position of the first and second ends of the frame relative to a support at an upper edge. The second alignment means allows the upper edge the frame 100 moved backwards and forwards relative to a support in a substantially horizontal direction in cooperation with the first alignment means to vary the angle at which the frame is supported. This enables the position of the frame 100 to be easily matched to adjacent frames, and also allows the frame to compensate for unevenness in the support to which it is attached.

Suitably, the second alignment means comprises an adjustable foot mounted at an upper part of each of the first and second and second ends of the frame. The feet are adjustable to different horizontal lengths, thereby allowing the upper edge of the frame to be maintained away from a wall or other support by a desired distance at both the first and second ends.

The frame 100 can be installed at a range of angles to vary the amount of space taken up by the display. This enables one frame size to be used in locations of different dimensions. As has been previously discussed, the frame 100 can conveniently be used over a range of lo base depths of approximately 400mm - 700mm, and can be modified to connect to existing slotted upright of retailer's merchandising units. The frame 100 can be pre- fabricated over a range of standard widths, again allowing easy incorporation of the frame into pre-existing merchandising units, or alternatively can be made to bespoke sizes.

As well as supplying a one-piece frame, the frame can be provided in kit form as two side sections including the hinge, with the option of a range of cross members including mounting portion to be fixed in place between the side sections. When in kit form, the frame can easily be disassembled to occupy a small storage space when not in use and can be easily assembled without the need for additional tools, fittings or skills.

The frame 100 can be used in combination with a range of known display trays. In addition, the frame 100 can be used with the display tray 1 of Figures 1 and 2.

Furthermore, the display tray 1 of Figures 1 and 2 can be used with a range of known locating or support structures.

The frame and display trays can be supplied as a modular system that allows a retailer to adapt the display to match a range of card sizes, and enable full facing or partially covered displays to be produced. The system is easy to install, and is easy to reconfigure without the need for tools or additional components. The system offers convenient storage space for card stock, and itself packs down easily for storage for when not required. The system is made up from a small number of different lo component parts. The system is therefore easy to manufacture and assemble and is less vulnerable to the effects of lost or broken parts.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any lo method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A display tray suitable for use in a display apparatus, the tray comprising a front wall, a back wall and a support portion arranged between the front and back walls, wherein there is a smooth transition between the back wall and the support portion.

2. The display tray of claim 1, wherein in cross-section lo the support portion comprises a curve.

3. The display tray of claim 1 or 2, wherein in cross- section the support portion comprises a generally concave curve.

4. The display tray of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein in cross section the support portion comprises an arc of a circle.

5. The display tray of claim 4, wherein the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 5mm to 35mm.

6. The display tray of claim 4, wherein the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 15mm to 30mm.

7. The display tray of claim 4, wherein the radius of the arc of a circle is in the range 20mm to 25mm.

8. The display tray of claim 4, wherein the radius of the arc of a circle is 22mm.

9. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein in cross-section the support portion comprises a linear section.

10. The display tray of claim 9 wherein, the linear section is arranged between the curve of the support portion and the front wall.

11. The display tray of claim 9 or 10, wherein the linear section is arranged at approximately 70 degrees to the front wall.

12. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray is arranged to support cards or other substantially planar items.

13. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray is arranged to support between 1 and 12 cards deep in normal use.

14. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray comprises guiding means arranged to aid the insertion of cards between the back wall and the front wall.

15. The display tray of claim 14, wherein the guiding means comprises a substantially planar section arranged at an angle to the back wall.

16. The display tray of claim 14, wherein the guiding means is arranged at an angle in the range of 110 to 130 degrees to the back wall.

17. The display tray of claim 14, wherein the guiding means is arranged at an angle of 120 degrees to the back wall.

18. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray comprises coupling means arranged to be mounted on a support frame.

19. The display tray of claim 18, wherein the coupling means comprises a first part of an interference fit joint.

20. The display tray of claim 19, wherein the coupling means is arranged to releasably couple the display tray to a support frame.

21. The display tray of claim 19 or 20, wherein the coupling means comprises a fir tree section. Suitably, the coupling means extend from the guiding means.

22. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the front wall is substantially transparent.

23. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray is substantially transparent.

24. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray comprises a plastics material.

25. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray comprises a material selected from a group comprising PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate and PETG.

26. The display tray of any preceding claim, wherein the display tray is formed by extrusion.

27. A frame for use with display trays, the frame comprising a plurality of mounting portions arranged to in use receive a plurality of trays and thereby present a generally curved display.

28. The frame of claim 27, wherein each mounting portion is arranged to releasably couple a display tray to the frame.

29. The frame of claim 27 or 28, wherein the mounting portions are arranged at an angle to one another.

30. The frame of claim 29, wherein lower mounting portions are arranged at a greater angle to the vertical than higher mounting portions.

31. The frame of claim 29 or 30, wherein there is a monotonic decrease in angle to the vertical from the lower mounting portions to the higher mounting portions.

32. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the frame is curved, with each mounting portion arranged at a substantially constant angle to the curve of the frame.

33. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to receive at least two display trays such that in a first configuration the front wall of an upper tray is substantially aligned with the back wall of a lower tray, and in a second configuration in which the front wall of an upper tray is offset from the back wall of a lower tray.

34. The frame of claims 33, wherein the mounting portions are arranged such that in the second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a substantially horizontal direction, and/or in a substantially vertical direction.

35. The frame of claim 33 or 34, wherein the mounting portions are arranged such that in the first configuration each display tray is substantially contiguous to its lo adjacent tray or trays.

36. The frame of any one of claim 33 to 35, wherein the mounting portions are arranged such that in the second configuration each display tray is spaced apart from its adjacent tray or trays.

37. The frame of any one of claims 33 to 36, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to independently receive pluralities of display trays in both the first and second configurations over the extent of the frame.

38. The frame of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, and wherein in each second configuration the front wall of the upper tray is offset from the back wall of the lower tray in a substantially horizontal direction by a different amount.

39. The frame of any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, and wherein in each second configuration the upper tray is offset from the lower tray in a substantially vertical direction by a different amount.

40. The frame of any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to receive display trays in a range of second configurations, and wherein the horizontal and vertical offsets increase together over the range of second configurations.

41. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 40, wherein the mounting portions are arranged to receive a display tray independently of display trays in other mounting portions.

42. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 41, wherein the mounting portion are all arranged to receive a single type of display tray.

43. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein the frame is arranged to in use receive less display trays than there are mounting portions.

44. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 42, wherein the mounting portions comprise a second part of an interference fit joint.

45. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 43, wherein the frame comprises access means arranged to provide access to a storage space behind the frame.

46. The frame of claim 45, wherein the access means comprises a flap mounted on a hinge.

47. The frame of claim 46, wherein the hinge is arranged at a lower edge of the frame.

48. The frame of claim 46 or 47, wherein the flap extends upwards from the hinge to between approximately one third and half way up the frame.

49. The frame of any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the access means is accessible irrespective of the lo configuration of display trays received in the mounting portions.

50. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 49, further comprising a first alignment means arranged to vary the position of a first and second end of the frame relative to a support at a lower edge.

51. The frame of any one of claims 27 to 50, further comprising a second alignment means arranged to vary the position of a first and second end of the frame relative to support at an upper edge.

52. The frame of claim 51 as dependent on claim 50, wherein the first and second alignment means are arranged to vary the position of a lower and upper edges of the frame relative to a support in a substantially horizontal direction.

53. A display system including a frame and at least one display tray, wherein the frame comprises the frame of any one of claims 27 to 52, and/or the display tray comprises the display tray of any one of claims 1 to 26.

54. A display tray substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 1 and 2.

55. A frame substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 3 to 7.

56. A display system substantially as herein described, with particular reference to Figures 3 to 5.