GB2505950A

GB2505950A - Cardboard display stand with air supply conduit

Info

Publication number: GB2505950A
Application number: GB201216601A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Smith; Graham Collier
Original assignee: CHARAPAK Ltd
Current assignee: CHARAPAK Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-18
Filing date: 2012-09-18
Publication date: 2014-03-19
Also published as: GB201216601D0

Abstract

A display stand comprising a support structure 804 and shelves 802 made of cardboard or paperboard defining an air supply conduit 812 with orifices 818 through which air can flow to the display area on the shelf. There may be an air return conduit and air return orifices or holes to allow air to flow from the display area back into the support structure. There may be a cavity within the shelf to allow air to circulate through the shelf to the display area via a vent in the shelf. The display stand may comprise a shroud (Figure 10, 1008) to cover the stand and the stand may be coated with a moisture-resistant or water-proof layer. The stand may comprise an air flow control unit 806 which could serve to refrigerate, dry, fragrance, humidify or heat the air. Optionally, the stand is on wheels or casters.

Description

DISPLAY STAND

The present disclosure relates to a paperboard and/or cardboard based display stand suitable for the display of goods in a controlled air flow environment, and suitable for quick and easy assembly and disposal.

Retailers often want to display goods in an eye-catching and prominent way in their stores. In particular, goods of high, but short term, interest to the general public are often displayed for sale in a promotional display containing advertising and images, which is designed for short term use and easy disposal after the promotion ends. Such a promotional display may be placed, for example, at a high prominence location to draw customers into the store and buy the promotionally-displayed goods, and other items.

An example is of a newly released DVD to be displayed for a short period after its release. A display stand/unit for displaying copies of the new DVD for purchase may feature the movie title and images from the movie in a prominent way to entice the consumer to purchase the displayed DVD, perhaps as an impulse buy. After the promotional period, the display stands/units may be thrown away or recycled. Such display stands are limited to promoting goods without specific storage requirements.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a readily customisable display stand which can be used to display goods in a controlled environment, such as a refrigerated environment (for meats, fish, dairy items and cold drinks).

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a controlled environment display stand which is relatively inexpensive to produce and which may be thrown away after use, or preferably recycled.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a controlled environment display stand which can be delivered in a convenient flat-pack and which can be readily and easily assembled without The need for any specialist equipment, specialist knowledge, or heavy lifting.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a controlled environment display stand which can be easily positioned wherever the retailer wishes, such as by a store entrance, or in a walkway likely to be busy with customers who may make impulse purchases.

Some or all of the above objects may be achieved by aspects of the present invention.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a display stand comprising a support structure and at least one shelf coupled to the support structure. The support structure and the at least one shelf are each fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard, and together define at least one product display volume. The support structure defines at least one air supply conduit extending therethrough. The at least one air supply conduit is configured to distribute air to the at least one product display volume via at least one air supply orifice located in a surface of the display stand.

The display stand is fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard which allows for a display stand which can be easily customised, for example by printing a suitable design/images onto the display stand and cuffing/shaping part of the display stand is around the images used. The display stand may be fabricated from corrugated cardboard. The display stand, of paperboard and/or cardboard may be quickly prepared with the retailer's design choices and be recyclable after use. The paperboard and/or cardboard material is also relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and allows for the display stand to be shipped from the display stand manufacturer in a flat-pack for easy assembly.

The air supply conduits extending through the support structure allow for the flow of air from a controlled environment air unit through the support structure and out into the product display volume(s) over the one or more shelves. The display stand may, for example, be positioned over a refrigeration unit which can supply cooled air into the air supply conduits for supply/distribution to the product display volume(s).

The combination of air supply conduit(s) and a paperboard and/or cardboard display stand allows for the quick and inexpensive preparation of a display stand for short term use in displaying goods which require a controlled air environment. The display stand can be manufactured and assembled relatively quickly and easily, thus allowing the retailer to take full advantage of seasonal/short term consumer interests, not only to sell goods such as DVDs and books, but goods which require (or at least benefit from) a particular air flow environment. Provided the air flow control unit used (such as a refrigerator) is portable, the display stand may be positioned wherever a retailer chooses for maximum impact to entice consumers to buy the displayed goods.

The at least one air supply conduit may extend through the support structure and the at least one shelf. Thus air flow underneath items place on the shelf, as well as air flow over and/or through the items, can be achieved for improved temperate control of the product display volume.

The at least one air supply orifice may be located in a surface of the support structure and/or in a surface of the at least one shelf.

The support structure may comprise at least one air return conduit to convey air through the support structure from the at least one product display volume. The support structure may comprise at least one air return orifice positioned above the at least one shelf to receive a flow of air from the at least one product display volume, the at least one air return orifice coupled to the air return conduit to convey air into the support structure.

The at least one air return conduit may be comprised within the support structure and within the at least one shelf. Thus, return air may be drawn into the air return conduit via the air return orifice for re-conditioning and re-circulation, helping to refresh the air in the product display volume and reduce the volume of "stale" air within the product display volume.

The support structure may comprise a plurality of support structure units. At least one of the plurality of support structure units may comprise the at least one air supply conduit, and another of the plurality of support structure units may comprise at least one air return conduit to receive air from the at least one product display volume into the support structure, The support structure may be assembled from support structure units which may be custom-designed modular parts, designed depending on the particular properties required, such as air flow type, air flow rate, and particular air flow paths within product display volumes.

At least a portion of a peripheral edge of the at least one shelf may be located within the support structure. The at least one shelf may comprise at least one in-shelf air supply orifice in at least one of the upper and lower faces of the at least one shelf proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one in-shelf air supply orifice configured to allow the passage of air through the at least one air supply conduit in the support structure. A plurality of such in-shelf air supply orifices may be located in one or more surfaces of the at least one shelf, for example, two such orifices may be present, each orifice located proximal to an opposite peripheral edge of the at least one shelf.

The at least one shelf may comprise at least one in-shelf air return orifice in at least one of the upper and lower faces of the at least one shelf proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one in-shelf air return orifice configured to allow the passage of air through the at least one air return conduit in the support structure. Thus air can travel past a shelf slotted in the support structure and so air flow is still possible using a relatively simple shelf-support structure couphng mechanism.

The at least one shelf may comprise at least one air flow side orifice proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one air flow side orifice providing an orifice into a cavity within the at least one shelf. When the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf is located within the support structure, the at least one air flow side orifice may be located within the air supply conduit such that the at least one air flow side orifice, with the at least one air supply conduit, are configured to convey air from the at least one air supply conduit into the cavity within the at least one shelf. Thus it may be simple to convey air from the support structure into the shelf, for example to provide controlled air flow under goods in the shelves they are resting on. A plurality of such air flow side orifices may be located at one or more surfaces of the at least one shelf.

The at least one shelf may comprise at least one shelf orifice coupled to the at least one air supply conduit to distribute air from the support structure and shelf to the at least one product display volume. The at least one shelf may comprise a plurality of shelf orifices coupled to the at least one air supply conduit to distribute air from the support structure and shelf to the at least one product display volume. Thereby it is possible to distribute air from a volume within a shelf to a product display volume, to allow conditioned air flow thorough goods on display on the shelf.

The support structure and the at least one shelf may be configured to be coupled by at one or more of: slotting the at least one shelf into the support structure, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge located within the support structure; slotting a portion of the at least one shelf into the support structure, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge adjacent the support structure; slotting a portion of the support structure into the at least one shelf, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge adjacent to the support structure; and locating the at least one shelf on one or more supports coupled to the support structure.

The at least one shelf may comprise at least one guide within the at least one shelf, the at least one guide defining at least one air distribution volume within the at least one shelf. The at least one shelf may comprise a pair of guides positioned between a back corner of the at least one shelf and a centre-front position of the at least one shelf, each of the pair of guides defining an air distribution volume within the at least one shelf. Such a guide or guides may provide enhanced shelf structural stability, and may act to define air flow volumes to control air flow precisely within an air distribution volume within the shelf.

The display stand may further comprise at least one shelf strip, the at least one shelf strip located along an adjoining edge between the at least one shelf and the support structure, and configured to reduce leakage of air flow out from the air supply conduit at the joining edge. Such a shelf strip may be used to reduce potential leaks from the air supply conduit, and may add to the structural stability and aesthetics of the display stand.

The display stand may further comprise a shroud configured to be positioned over the display stand while allowing access to the at least one product display volume. The shroud may have dimensions such that a space exists between the display stand and the shroud when the shroud is positioned over the display stand. The shroud may be fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard. Such a shroud may be used to further customise the appearance of the display stand and may assist in insulating the product display volumes from the environment outside the shroud.

The support structure andlor the at least one shelf may be fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard, the paperboard and/or cardboard at least partially coated with a moisture-resistance layer. Particular materials which may be used include corrugated paperboard, corrugated cardboard, poly(ethylene)-coated corrugated board, Paratherm, polymer coated paperboard, and polymer coated cardboard. Advantages of using such materials include that the display stand is lightweight, durable and easily recyclable, and readily and quickly customisable. The display stand may be available as a lightweight flat-pack kit of parts suitable for quick and easy assembly without specialist tools being required.

The display stand may further comprise an air flow control unit coupled to the display stand such that air provided from the air flow control unit is conveyed to the at least one air supply conduit of the display stand. The air flow control unit may be further configured to receive air from the at least one air return conduit of the display stand. The air flow control unit may be at least one of an air temperature control unit, an air refrigeration unit, an air heating unit, an air temperature stabilisation unit, an air drying unit, an air humidifying unit, and an air fragrancing unit. The air flow control unit may be comprised substantially of stainless steel. A retailer may advantageously hire such a re-usable air flow control unit for use with multiple display stands when required.

The air flow control unit may comprise a drain pan configured to be located underneath a bottom orifice of the return air conduit of the display stand. Such a drain pan may be useful for catching moisture generated in the air flow process, thereby prolonging the life of the display stand which may be susceptible to excess moisture.

The display stand may further comprise a wheeled dolly configured to be located underneath the display stand and configured to facilitate the movement of the display stand. Thus the display stand may be easily re-located to a desirable position.

The display stand may further comprise a thermometer configured to measure the temperature at one or more locations within the display stand.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a display stand supplied as an unassembled flat packed kit of parts.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 illustrates a portion of a support structure and shelf; figures 2a-2d illustrates schematic plan views of ways of coupling a shelf to a support structure; figure 3 illustrates a schematic plan view of air flow from a support structure to a product display volume; figure 4 illustrates a schematic plan view of air supply conduits and an air return conduit; figures 5a-5b illustrate schematically, in side and front views, a display stand and air flow from the support structure to the product display volumes; figure 6 illustrates schematically a perspective view of air flow from air supply conduits through and into a shelf; figure 7 illustrates a schematic plan view of air flow within a shelf; figures Sa-Sb illustrate schematically, in side and front views, a display stand and air flow from the support structure and shelves to the product display volumes; figures 9a-9c illustrate a schematic plan view of a shelf coupled to a support structure by tabs, and showing example locations of air flow side orifices; figure 10 illustrates schematically a display stand with a shroud, refrigeration unit and wheeled dolly; figure 11 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of a central back panel of a support structure; figure 12 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of two lateral back panels of a support structure; figure 13 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of two side panels of a support structure; figures 14 and 15 illustrate cardboard blanks suitable for construction of a shelf; figure 16 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of a shelf strip; figure 17 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of a shroud front and side panel; figure 18 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of a shroud back and side panel; and figure 19 illustrates a cardboard blank suitable for construction of a shroud top panel.

Embodiments described herein relate to a display stand fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard and having at least one air supply conduit for the distribution of air to one or more product display volumes.

Goods which are suitable for display in temporary, disposable display stands tend to be goods such as DVDs, books, and souvenir-type items which do not require any special environment. A special environment may be considered to be a refrigerated environment, or a heated environment, for example. If a retailer wished to create a promotional stand for short term use to display goods which require a particular environment, then they are not easily able to do this. If an existing display unit suitable for maintaining a particular environment is available, it may not be straightforward to create a promotional display for that existing unit, and even if it was possible, it is unlikely that unit may be re-positioned in the store, for example at the entrance. The retailer has much less flexibility in displaying goods which require a particular environment than goods which can be displayed under ambient conditions.

For example, if the weather one day is particularly warm and sunny, many people may think about having a barbeque. A retailer may wish to take advantage of the pleasant weather and promote goods which consumers may wish to buy due to the weather, such as cold drinks, and meats and fish for cooking on a barbeque. However, these items require a refrigerated environment, and so the retailer is not easily able to create a promotional refrigerated display to entice the public into buying barbeque food and drink.

Another example is of a particular event which is linked to goods which require temperature control. For example, it is traditional to eat strawberries and cream during a tennis tournament. A retailer may thus wish to promote these items and encourage shoppers to buy these items to enjoy during the tennis tournament. The retailer may perhaps wish to display the items alongside images of the tennis players who are performing well in the tournament to provide an up to date and eye-catching display.

However, as with food suitable for barbequing, strawberries and cream need to be displayed and kept in a refrigerated environment. Most standard retail refrigeration units are large, fixed in place in the store, and difficult to change the appearance of, for example by adding promotional images and logos. Thus the retailer cannot currently take advantage of the current consumer interests to display their goods and maximise sales.

Figure 1 illustrates terminology used in this disclosure, and shows a shelf 102 coupled to a support structure 104. The support structure 104 has two side walls and a back wall.

One or more air supply conduits within the support structure are not shown in this figure.

The shelf 102 has an upper face 106 a lower face 108, a front edge 110 and a back edge 112. The shelf 102 and the support structure 104 together define a product display volume 114 which may be used, for example, to display items which require a particular environment, such as meats, fish, dairy products and drinks (which require refrigeration), or hot pies, pasties and chicken pieces (which require a heated environment).

26 In the examples which follow, the shelf and support structure are fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard, possibly corrugated paperboardicardboard. The support structure and shelf/shelves of the display stand may be fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard which is at least partially coated with a moisture-resistant layer. The coating may be applied to the surfaces of the display stand which are more likely to be contacted by moisture, such as the upper surfaces of the shelves and the walls of an air return conduit. In other examples, all surfaces may be so coated. Suitably coated paperboard/cardboard materials include poly(ethylene) (PE) coated corrugated board, Paratherm, or other polymer coated paperboard or cardboard. The display stand may be shipped to the retailer as an unassembled flat-packed kit of parts comprising the required parts of the display stand.

A retailer may hire an air flow control unit, such as a refrigerator. When the retailer wishes to have a promotional display of chilled goods, he can contact the display stand provider to request a display stand with particular dimensions, shelves, shape and images, for example. Since it is relatively quick to print and produce the paperboardlcardboard elements for the display stand, the retailer can receive his customised display stand quickly for use in promoting his goods. That the display stand can be produced relatively quickly is important if the retailer wishes to display goods relating to a sudden likely interest from the public, such as a sudden spell of hot weather (he may wish to promote cold drinks).

Figures 2a-2d illustrate, in schematic plan views, different ways in which a shelf 202 may be coupled to a support structure 204. These figures illustrate that the shelf has at least one peripheral edge adjacent the support structure: in the examples shown one back edge and two side edges of each shelf are adjacent the support structure while the front edge of the shelf is proximal an open face of the support structure.

In figure 2a a shelf 202 is coupled to a support structure 204 by slotting the back edge 206 of the shelf 202 into the support structure 204. Figure 2b shows a shelf 202 coupled to a support structure 204 by slotting a portion of the shelf 208 into the support structure 204. In this example, two shelf tabs 205 at the back edge of the shelf 202 are slotted into the support structure 204.

In figure 2c a shelf 202 is coupled to a support structure 204 by slotting a portion of the shelf 208 into the support structure 204. In this example, two shelf tabs 208 at the back edge of the shelf 202, and two shelf tabs 210 each at an opposite side of the shelf 202, are slotted into the support structure 204. In figure 2d a shelf 202 is coupled to a support structure 204 by slotting a portion 212 of the support structure 204 into the shelf 202, such that the shelf 202 has at least a peripheral edge adjacent to the support structure 204. In this example, two support structure tabs 212 are slotted into the back edge of the shelf 202.

The examples of figures 2a-2d may also include one or more supports coupled to the support structure 204 to couple the support structure 204 and the shelf 202. In other examples, the support structure 204 and the shelf 202 may be coupled only by one or more supports coupled to the support structure. Such supports may include brackets, pegs, tabs, rivets, or other supports which act to hold the shelf in place with respect to the support structure. The supports may be (at least partially) located within the shelf space, for example to hide the supports and contribute to a neater overall appearance.

Different combinations of the coupling means between the support structure and the shelf are possible.

Further, the front edge of the shelf located at an open face of the support structure may not necessarily be flush with the front of the side panels of the support structure. The front edge of the shelf may lie within the support structure, or may jut out past the front of the support structure side panels. Further, the front edge of the shelf may not be flat, but may be curved, angled, or otherwise shaped.

Figure 3 illustrates, in a schematic top-down view, an embodiment where the supplied air flow from an air supply conduit of the support structure 304 can flow from the support structure 304 to a product display volume via a plurality of air supply orifices 3DB located in a surface of the support structure 304. Air flow is illustrated by arrows 306, 310, 314 and 316.

Air can flow up in the direction indicated by arrows 306 through an air supply conduit in the support structure 304, and can pass out 310 of the support structure 304 from air supply orifices 308 in the support structure 304 to the product display volume over the shelf 302. Thus a controlled air flow can pass up 306 from, for example a refrigeration unit underneath the display stand 300, and may be channelled through the air supply conduit of the support structure 304 to the products displayed in the product display volume via the air supply orifices 308. The air flow 310 from the air supply orifices 308 can circulate and/or pass over/through goods displayed on the shelf 302 in the product display volume, for example in order to cool them.

The return air flow 314 from the product display volume can then pass through an air return orifice 312 in the support structure 304 and can flow back down 316 a air return conduit 318 in the support structure 304. There may be a plurality of air return orifices 312 in the support structure. In the example of a refrigeration unit being located underneath the display stand 300, the air flow 314 from the product display volume may be sucked into the air return orifice 312 by a pump or fan pulling air into the air return orifice 312 via the air return conduit 318. Thus, the support structure 304 comprises at least one air return conduit 318 to draw air 314 from the at least one product display volume 302 into the support structure 300. The support structure also comprises at least one return flow orifice 312 positioned above the at least one shelf 302 to receive air flow from the at least one product display volume, the at least one air return orifice 312 coupled to the air return conduit 318 to draw air 314 from the at least one product display volume into the support structure 302.

The air supply conduit in this example is shown as the cavity within the support structure 304, excluding the volume reserved for the air return conduit 318. In other examples, dedicated cavities within the support structure 304, such as that reserved for the air return conduit 318, may also be implemented as air supply conduits to convey air to the product display volume(s). For example, the air supply conduits may be located in the back wall of the support structure and not in the side walls.

Figure 4 illustrates, in a schematic plan view, an embodiment having two air supply conduits extending through the support structure 404 to convey air 410 through the support structure 404 to a product display volume over a shelf 402 coupled to the support structure 404. Figure 4 also illustrates one air return conduit in between two air supply conduits extending through the support structure 404 for return air flow 414 back down the display stand. An air environment control unit may be located at the base of the display stand 400.

In this example, the shelf 402 is coupled to the support structure 404 by the back edge of the shelf 402 being slotted into the support structure 404, and so the back edge of the shelf 402 is located within the support structure 404. The shelf 402 comprises two in-shelf air supply orifices 408 passing through the upper and lower faces of the shelf 402 proximal to the back edge of the shelf 402. The two in-shelf air supply orifices 408 are located within the air supply conduit such that they, with the air supply conduits, are configured to allow the passage of air 410 through the air supply conduits in the support structure 404. These in-shelf air supply orifices 408 allow air to be conveyed up through the support structure 404 past the shelf without the back edge of the shelf 402, slotted in the support structure 404, blocking the air flow 408 past the height/location of the shelf 402.

The shelf 402 in figure 4 further comprises an in-shell air return orifice 412 passing through the upper and lower faces of the shelf 402 proximal to the back edge of the shell 402. The in-shelf air return orifice 412 is located within a air return conduit of the support structure 404 such that the in-shelf air return orifice 412, with the air return conduit, are configured to allow the passage of air through the air return conduit. As with the in-shelf air supply orifices 408 allowing air to be conveyed up through the support structure 404, the in-shelf air return orifice 412 allows the return passage of air down through the support structure 404 past the shelf 402 without the back edge of the shelf 402, slotted in the support structure 404, blocking the return air flow 414 past the height/location of the shelf 402. The shelf 402 of figure 4 may, in other examples, be coupled to the support structure in another way such as those illustrated in figures 2a-2d.

Figure 5a illustrates a cross sectional side view, and figure Sb illustrates a front view, of a display stand 500 having a support structure 504, three shelves 502, and an air flow control unit 506 which supplies air 508 to the support structure 504. The support structure 504 and shelves 502 are located on top of the air flow control unit 506 and air is supplied upwards 508 into the support structure 504.

Figure 5a shows a series of air supply orifices 512 above each shelf 502, the air supply orifices 512 located in an inner surface of the sides of the support structure 504. Air 508 from the air flow control unit 506 can flaw up through back and side portions of the support structure 504 and out from the air supply orifices 512 to the product display volumes 514. The return air 516 flows from the product display volume 514 to an air return conduit in a back portion of the support structure 504 via a series of air return orifices 518 in the inner back surface of the support structure 504, to the air flow control unit 506 for re-conditioning.

Figure 6 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, a shelf 600. The back edge of the shelf 600 comprising orifices 608, 612 is slotted into a support structure as described earlier. The shelf 600 has two in-shelf air supply orifices 608 to allow the passage of air 610 through the support structure via air supply conduits within the support structure, and has one in-shelf air return orifice 612 to allow the passage of return air 614 from the product display volume above the shelf 600 through the support structure via air return conduits within the support structure.

The shelf 600 has a cavity 602 within it which can serve as part of the air supply conduit of the display stand to convey air from the support structure and the shelf through to the product display volume above the shelf. The shelf 600 thus also comprises two air flow side orifices 606 proximal to the back edge of the shelf 600, the two air flow side orifices 606 providing orifices into the cavity 602 within the shelf 600 from the air supply conduit in the support structure. The air flow side orifices 606 may be directly connected to the in-shelf air supply orifices 608 as shown, or may be located away from the in-shelf air supply orifices, for example, to increase shelf stability by having the shelf orifices distributed with shelf material between them.

When the back edge of the shelf 600 is located within the support structure, the two air flow side orifices 606 are located within the air supply conduit of the display stand such that the two air flow side orifices 606, with the air supply conduits, are configured to allow the passage of air 604 from the air supply conduits into the cavity 602 within the shelf 600. The shelf also has an in-shelf air return orifice 612 passing through the upper and lower faces of the shelf 600 as described in relation to figure 4, to allow the passage of return air 614 through the air return conduit of the support structure.

An exemplary shelf may comprise one or more in-shelf air supply orifices which pass through only one face of the shelf. For example, a shelf positioned at the top of a support structure, above which there is no need to have an air supply conduit, may have an in-shelf air-flow orifice through the bottom face only of the shelf. Such a shelf may further comprise one or more air flow side orifices as shown in figure 6, such that air may flow from the air supply conduit in the support structure, through the one or more in-shelf air supply orifices and through the one or more air flow side orifices, into a cavity within the

shelf, for example.

Figure 7 illustrates a schematic plan view of a shelf, and shows how air flow supplied within a shelf, for example from an air supply conduit, can be directed to a product display volume above the shelf. Any coupling between the shelf and a support structure is not shown in this figure. The shelf 700 has two air flow side orifices 702 as described in relation to figure 6 to allow air flow from the air supply conduits to pass into the volume within the shelf 700.

The shelf 700 comprises a plurality of shelf orifices 706 proximal to a front edge 712 of the shelf 700. The shelf orifices 706 are coupled to the air supply conduit of the support structure via the volume 714 within the shelf (this volume may be considered as part of the air supply conduit) to distribute air 704 from the support structure and shelf 700 to a product display volume located above the shelf Thus air can flow into the shelf volume and out from a series of holes at the front of the shelf on the upper surface to reach the product display volume. The air from the shelf orifices may pass over and around goods positioned in the product display volume, and return air may pass back through an air return orifice in the support structure, for example.

The shelf of figure 7 also comprises a guide 708 within the shelf 700. The guide 708 defines the air distribution volume(s) 714 within the shelf through which air may pass from the air supply conduit(s) within the support structure and from which the air may be supplied to the product display volume. Figure 7 shows a pair of guides 708 each positioned between a back corner of the shelf 700 and a centre-front position of the shelf 700. Each of the pair of guides may be considered to define an air distribution volume 714 within the shelf 700. Such guides, as well as defining air distribution volumes within the shelf, may also provide structural support to help the shelf support any goods resting on the shelf in the product display volume. Other such suitable guides may not necessarily form a triangle within the shelf, and may not join with the back wall or together toward the front of the shelf, while still providing the described benefits of increased shelf structural stability and defining air flow volumes within a shelf 700.

Figure 8a illustrates a cross sectional side view, and figure Bb illustrates a front view, of a display stand 800 having a support structure 804, three shelves 802, and an air flow control unit 806 which supplies air 808 to the support structure 804. The support structure and shelves are located on top of the air flow control unit 806 and air is supplied upwards 808 into the support structure 804 and shelves 802.

Figures Ba and 8b show that air flows 810 from the air supply conduit into an air distribution volume 812 within each shelf 802, and exits each shelf 802 into the product display volumes 814 via a series of shelf orifices 818 located at the front of the shelves.

The return air flow 816 passes from the product display volume 814 to an air return conduit in the back of the support structure 604 via a series of air return orifices 820 in the inner back surface of the support structure 804, to the air flow control unit 806 for re-conditioning.

Figures 9a-9c illustrate different configurations of a shelf 902 coupled to support structure 904 via shelf tabs 906 or support structure tabs 914. Also shown are possible locations for air supply orifices in the support structure 904 co-located with air flow side orifices in the shelves 902 to provide an air supply conduit through the support structure and shelves. An example shelf orifice 912 is also shown as a slit along a front upper face of the shelf from which air passing from the air supply conduit and through a cavity in the shelf can flow into a product display volume located above the shelf.

Figure 9a shows two shelf tabs 906 at the back of the shelf 902 slotted into the support structure 904. Four pairs of support structure air supply orifices/shelf air flow side orifices 908 are shown providing an orifice for the flow of air 910 from the air supply conduit within the support structure 904 to a cavity within the shelf 902 for distribution via the shelf orifice 912 to the product display volume over the shelf 902. Each pair of support structure air supply orifices/shelf air flow side orifices is located away from the shelf tabs 906 used to couple the shelf 902 to the support structure 904.

Figure 9b shows two shelf tabs 906 at the back of the shelf 902 slotted into the support structure 904. Two pairs of support structure air supply orifices/shelf air flow side orifices 908 are shown providing an orifice for the passage of air 910 from the air supply conduit within the support structure 904 to a cavity within the shelf 902. Each pair of support structure air supply orifice/shelf air flow side orifice is co-located with a shelf tab 906 used to couple the shelf 902 to the support structure 904.

Figure 9c shows two support structure tabs 914 coupling the support structure 904 to the shelf 902. Two pairs of support structure air supply orifices/shelf air flow side orifices 908 are shown providing an orifice for the passage of air 910 from the air supply conduit within the support structure 904 to a cavity within the shelf 902. Each pair of support structure air supply orifice/shelf air flow side orifice is co-located with a support structure tab 914 used to couple the shelf 902 to the support structure 904. Different combinations of the coupling means between the support structure and the shelf are possible, and different locations of air supply orifices in the support structure and air slow side orifices in the one or more shelves of the display are also possible.

Figure 10 illustrates a display stand 1000 having a support structure 1004 and shelves 1002. The display stand 1000 comprises a shroud 1008 configured to be positioned over the display stand 1000 while allowing access 1010 to the product display volumes 1006.

The shroud 1008 may have dimensions such that a space 1012 exists between the display stand 1000 and the shroud 1008 when the shroud 1008 is positioned over the display stand 1000 as shown. The shroud 1008 may be fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard, and may be coated/laminated if desired.

The shroud may be printed with images relating to the goods being offered from the display stand and/or the retailer, and may further add to the visual appeal of the display stand. Further, by providing a cover for the display stand, the controlled air environment in the display stand and in the product display volumes may be more easily regulated as the display stand and in the product display volumes are shielded from outside influences, such as changes in temperature or wind, by the shroud 1008. By maintaining a gap 1012 between the display stand 1000 and the shroud 1008, the shroud can act as insulation further aiding the provision of a regulated environment for the controlled air flow within.

The display stand in figure 10 further comprises an air flow control unit 1014 configured to be located underneath the display stand 1000 such that air provided from the air flow control unit 1014 is conveyed into at least one air supply conduit of the display stand 1000. The airflow control unit 1014 may be further configured to receive air from at least one air return conduit of the display stand 1000.

The air flow control unit may be at least one of an air temperature control unit, an air refrigeration unit, an air heating unit, an air temperature stabilisation unit, an air drying unit, an air humidifying unit, and an air fragrancing unit. Display stands as described herein may be used with an air refrigeration unit for displaying goods which require refrigeration such as meat, fish, dairy products and cold drinks. Display stands may be used with an air heating unit for displaying goods which require a warm environment such as hot pies, pasties, pizza, other hot take-away food, and hot drinks. A display stand may be imagined with the air heating unit located above the display stand to provide heated air flow down to product display volumes and (warm) return air flow can rise up through air return conduits back to the air heating unit.

An air temperature stabilisation unit may be used for maintaining the temperature of certain goods within an allowed temperature range, such as chocolate or some chilled foods. An air drying unit may be used to keep goods under a dry atmosphere such as soft fruit, or dry biscuit/cake products. An air humidifying unit may be used to keep goods in a moist atmosphere such as fish, salad vegetables, or plants and flowers. An air fragrancing unit may be used, for example, to release the fragrance of a perfume on display, or the aroma of freshly baked bread or cakes to entice customers to buy baked goods on display. One or more thermometers may be located within the display stand to measure the temperature at one or more locations. There may be a feedback system in ao place whereby, for example, if the required temperature of a refrigerated display stand becomes too high, the air refrigeration unit works harder to cool the air flow further. In a similar vein, moisture detectors and/or heat detectors may also be included in the display stand according to the particular configuration being used.

The air flow control unit 1014, for example an air drying unit or an air refrigeration unit which tend to generate a moist return air flow, may comprises a drain pan configured to be located underneath a bottom orifice of the return air conduit of the display stand, in order to catch and collect any moisture in the return air flow. The air flow control unit 1014 may be comprised substantially of stainless steel.

The display stand 1000 further comprises a wheeled dolly 1016 configured to be located s underneath the display stand 1000 and configured to facilitate the movement of the display stand 1000. Thus1 if the retailer wishes to move the display stand to a prominent position in store, this can be easily achieved. The wheeled dolly, and the refrigeration unit, may be a standard size as used in the retail industry for maximum flexibility in setting up and moving such display stands in store.

Figures 11-19 illustrate plan views of cardboard blanks which, when assembled together, are suitable for use as a display stand. If the display stand is fabricated from corrugated material, such as corrugated paperboard or corrugated cardboard, then a direction along the corrugation flutes is indicated on each figure (c FLUTE >) which may be used for increased strength of the display stand.

Each part which may be assembled from the blanks shown in figures 11-13 may be considered a structural support unit which when coupled together form a structural support. Figure 11 shows a central back panel 1100 of a support structure. A panel wall 1102 forms an inward-facing (towards the product display volume) central back panel wail of the support structure and comprises a plurality of air return orifices 1110. Two other panel walls 1104, 1106 may be folded around to form a double-thickness outward-facing central back panel wall of the support structure. When assembled, the central back panel 1100 has a thickness of, in this example, around 90 mm, indicated by strips 26 1108. Thus when assembled the central back panel wall 1100 of the support structure forms a chamber configured for use to convey air in an air return conduit via the air return orifices 1110. A slot 1112 of the support structure central back panel 1100 may be used to engage a peripheral edge of a shelf.

Figure 12 shows two lateral back panels 1202, 1204 of a support structure which are generally mirror images of each other. When assembled each lateral back panel 1202, 1204 may be located respectively to the left and right of an assembled central back panel (see figure 11) to form a composite back panel of a support structure. Considering one lateral back panel 1202 only, one panel wall 1206 forms an inward-facing side back panel of the support structure, and two other panel walls 1208, 1210 may be folded around to form a double-thickness outward-facing side back panel wall of the support structure. The lateral back panels 1202, 1204 each have a thickness of, in this example, around 90 mm, indicated by strips 1212. Thus when assembled the two lateral back panels 1202, 1204 of the support structure each form a chamber, which are configured for use as air supply conduits to supply air to a product display volume. A slot 1208 of the support structure lateral back panels may be used to engage a peripheral edge of a shelf.

Figure 13 shows two side panels 1302, 1304 of a support structure which are generally mirror images of each other. Each side panel 1302, 1304 may be located respectively to the left and right of a corresponding assembled left or right lateral back panel (see figure 12) substantially perpendicular to the back panel of the support structure. The side panels each fold to give a double-thickness side panel of the support structure. Rivet holes 1306 are shown for positioning rivets (for example, plastic peg-type snap-rivets) which are configured to support the front edge of a shelf coupled to the support structure.

In this example of figure 13, there are no air supply conduits (supply or return) in the side walls of the support structure.

Figures 14 and 15 each show a cardboard blank which forms a shelf when assembled. A shelf formed from the blank of figure 14 is configured for location at the top or centre of a support structure, whereas a shelf formed from the blank of figure 15 is configured to be located at the bottom of a support structure, for example just above an air flow control unit located below the support structure Shelf element 1402, 1502 forms the main body of the shelf and comprises a plurality of shelf orifices 1410, 1510. These shelf orifices, in an assembled display stand, would be coupled to the air supply conduit within the support structure and the shelf itself, and are configured to distribute air from the support structure and shelf to a product display volume which would be located above the shelf.

Shelf element 1404, 1504 would be located within the volume of the shelf and acts as a guide as described earlier in relation to figure 7. Shelf elements 1406, 1506 fold to give a box which can be affixed in the tab regions 1412, 1512 of the shelf, to provide structural support to the tabs and to reduce any controlled air flow leaking from the air supply conduit into the air return conduit, or vice versa, via the tab regions 1412, 1512.

From figures 11, 12, 14 and 15 the mechanism for engaging a shelf with a support structure back panel can be understood. When the shelf is assembled, the tab regions 1412, 1512 of a shelf form upper and lower panels of shelf tabs into which an assembled box 1406, 1506 can be located to form two shelf tab blocks per shelf. When a shelf is engaged with a composite back pane! comprising a central back panel 1100 and two lateral back panels 1202, 1204, the peripheral edge of the shelf where the tab regions are located can slot into the single composite slot formed from the slot 1112 of the central back panel region and the slots 1208 of the lateral back panels. The two shelf tab blocks are configured to be located in the single composite slot at the two regions where the central back panel meets each lateral back panel. The shelf tab blocks thus create a division between the air supply conduit within the space inside the assembled central back panel 1100, and the air return conduits within the spaces inside the assembled lateral back panels 1202, 1204, thereby minimising any air flow between the air supply and air return conduits within the support structure.

The tab ends 1414, 1515 of the shelves 1402, 1502 are configured to each pass through the composite back panel, and fold back to adjoin the outer back wall of the back panel.

In this example the tab end flaps 1416, 1516 are configured to tuck into the outer back wall of the composite back panel to help secure the shelf in place. The lower face of the is shelf of figure 15 configured to be located at the bottom of the display stand does not include tab ends and tab end flaps at the tab regions, since this face of the shelf may be located directly on top of a support located underneath the display stand.

Shelf elements 1408, 1508 may be used as strengtheners for side tabs at the front edge region of the shelf. The side tabs regions may be used to help support the front edge of the shelf by, for example, plastic peg-type rivets located in side panels of the support structure coupling the shelf to the support structure side panels as described in relation to figure 13.

Figure 16 shows a plan view of a shelf strip 1602. When assembled, the shelf strip 1602 forms a cylinder with a triangular cross-section. The shelf strip 1602 may be located along an adjoining edge between a shelf and the support structure, for example toward the back of the product display volume. A shelf strip may be affixed above and/or below one or more shelves to provide structural support, and to reduce leakage of air flow out from an air supply conduit at the joining edge between the shelf and the support structure.

Figure 17 shows a cardboard blank which, when assembled, is suitable as a shroud front and side panel. When assembled, panel 1702 is located at the front of the display stand and panel 1704 at a side of the display stand. Figure 18 shows a cardboard blank which, when assembled, is suitable as a shroud back and side panel. When assembled, panel 1802 is located at the back of the display stand and panel 1804 at a side of the display stand. Figure 19 shows a cardboard blank which, when assembled, is suitable as a top-cap part of a shroud 1902 which may be located over the top of the shroud. Together, the shroud panels illustrated in figures 17-19 fit together to form a shroud which may be located over a display stand as illustrated in figure 10 while allowing access to the product display volume(s) in the display stand.

The skilled person will understand the term "display stand" to refer to any shelved display arrangement according to this disclosure which may alternatively be named a display cabinet, display unit, shelving unit or display.

The product display volumes may be different sizes depending on the retailer's requirements for space to display their goods for sale. Any number of shelves may be included in the display stand, and the particular air flow and return air flow schemes to be used may be tailored depending on the space and shelving requirements.

Certain figures include a "dot and cross" notation for air flow, whereby a "dot" indicates air flow in a direction out of the plane of the page, and a "cross" indicates air flow in a direction into the plane of the page. It will be appreciated that air flow indications illustrated in the figures are simplified and that real air flow may be laminar, turbulent, or a combination, and may be at least partially in a general direction as indicated in the figures.

Throughout this disclosure, the descriptors relating to relative orientation and position, such as upper", "lower", "front", "back" and "side", as well as any adjective and adverb derivatives thereof, are used in the sense of the orientation of the display stand components as presented in the drawings. However, such descriptors are not intended to be in any way limiting to an intended use of the described or claimed invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A display stand comprising: a support structure; and at least one shelf coupled to the support structure; the support structure and the at least one shelf each being fabricated from paperboard and/or cardboard and together defining at least one product display volume; and the support structure defining at least one air supply conduit extending ID therethrough, the at least one air supply conduit configured to distribute air to the at least one product display volume via at least one air supply orifice located in a surface of the display stand.
2. The display stand of claim 1 wherein the at least one air supply conduit extends through the support structure and the at least one shelf.
3. The display stand of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one air supply orifice is located in a surface of the support structure and/or in a surface of the at least one shelf.
4. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises at least one air return conduit to convey air through the support structure from the at least one product display volume.
5. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises at least one air return orifice positioned above the at least one shelf to receive a flow of air from the at least one product display volume, the at least one air return orifice coupled to the air return conduit to convey air into the support structure.
6. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of support structure units, wherein at least one of the plurality of support structure units comprises the at least one air supply conduit, and another of the plurality of support structure units comprises at least one air return conduit to receive air from the at least one product display volume into the support structure.
7. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the at least one shelf is located within the support structure; and wherein the at least one shelf comprises at least one in-shelf air supply orifice in at least one of the upper and lower faces of the at least one shelf proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one in-shelf air supply orifice configured to allow the passage of air through the at least one air supply conduit in the support structure.
8. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the at least one shelf is located within the support structure; and wherein the at least one shelf comprises at least one in-shelf air return orifice in at least one of the upper and lower faces of the at least one shelf proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one in-shelf air return orifice configured to allow the passage of air through the at least one air return conduit in the support structure.
9. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one shelf comprises: at least one air flow side orifice proximal to the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf, the at least one air flow side orifice providing an orifice into a cavity within the at least one shelf; and when the peripheral edge of the at least one shelf is located within the support structure, the at least one air flow side orifice is located within the air supply conduit such that the at least one air flow side orifice, with the at least one air supply conduit, are configured to convey air from the at least one air supply conduit into the cavity within the at least one shelf.
10. The display stand of any of preceding claims 2-9, wherein the at least one shelf comprises: at least one shelf orifice coupled to the at least one air supply conduit to distribute air from the support structure and shelf to the at least one product display volume.
11. The display stand of any of preceding claims 2-10, wherein the at least one shelf comprises a plurality of shelf orifices coupled to the at least one air supply conduit to distribute air from the support structure and shelf to the at least one product display volume.
12. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure and the at least one shelf are configured to be coupled by one or more of: slotting the at least one shelf into the support structure, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge located within the support structure; slotting a portion of the at least one shelf into the support structure, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge adjacent the support structure; slotting a portion of the support structure into the at least one shelf, such that the at least one shelf has at least one peripheral edge adjacent to the support structure; and locating the at least one shelf on one or more supports coupled to the support structure.
13. The display stand of any of preceding claims 2-12, wherein the at least one shelf comprises: at least one guide within the at least one shelf, the at least one guide defining at least one air distribution volume within the at least one shelf.
14. The display stand of anyof preceding claims, further comprising at least one shelf strip, the at least one shelf strip located along an adjoining edge between the at least one shelf and the support structure, and configured to reduce leakage of air flow out from the air supply conduit at the joining edge.
15, The display stand of any preceding claim, further comprising a shroud configured to be positioned over the display stand while allowing access to the at least one product display volume.
16. The display stand of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure and the at least one shelf, fabricated from paperboard andIor cardboard, the paperboard and/or cardboard at least partially coated with a moisture-resistance layer.
17. The display stand of any preceding claim, further comprising: an air flow control unit coupled to the display stand such that air provided from the air flow control unit is conveyed to the at least one air supply conduit of the display stand.
18. The display stand of claim 17, wherein the air flow control unit is at least one of an air temperature control unit, an air refrigeration unit, an air heating unit, an air temperature stabilisation unit, an air drying unit, an air humidifying unit, and an air fragrancing unit.
19. The display stand of any preceding claim, further comprising: S a wheeled dolly configured to be located underneath the display stand and configured to facilitate the movement of the display stand.
20. A display stand substantially as described herein with reference to theaccompanying description and drawings.
21. A display stand according to any preceding claim supplied as an unassembied flat packed kit of parts.