Merchandise display system and unit

Abstract

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

1 . A unit for a merchandise display system, comprising:
 an interface frame including a first side and a second side, said interface frame configured:   to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side against said back panel; and   to provide a system to which merchandise hangers can be coupled at said second side;   an aperture in said first side;   an aperture in said second side;   
       wherein a space within said interface frame between said first side and said second side defines an enclosed air flow channel between said aperture in said first side and said aperture in said second side. 
     
     
         2 . A unit according to  claim 1 , wherein said interface frame is further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side to abut said back panel. 
     
     
         3 . A unit according to  claim 1 , comprising a plurality of apertures in said first side, a plurality of corresponding apertures in said second side and a plurality of enclosed air flow channels between corresponding pairs of apertures at said first side and said second side. 
     
     
         4 . A unit according to  claim 3 , comprising a plurality of horizontal members spaced from one another and extending between said first and second sides of said interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of said plurality of enclosed air flow channels. 
     
     
         5 . A unit according to  claim 4 , comprising a plurality of vertical members spaced from one another and extending between said first and second sides of said interface frame, wherein a space bounded by an adjacent pair of vertical members and an adjacent pair of horizontal members defines one of said plurality of enclosed air flow channels. 
     
     
         6 . A unit according to  claim 4 , wherein each of said horizontal members comprises a formation configured for engaging with complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers. 
     
     
         7 . A unit according to  claim 6 , wherein said formation comprises a step for engaging with said complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers. 
     
     
         8 . A unit according to  claim 6 , wherein said formation comprises a hook for engaging with said complementary engagement formations of said merchandise hangers. 
     
     
         9 . A unit according to  claim 1 , comprising engagement members at said first side, said engagement members configured for releasable cooperative engagement with complementary engagement members of said frame of said merchandise display system. 
     
     
         10 . A unit according to  claim 9 , wherein said engagement members comprise hooks, and wherein said complementary engagement members of said frame of said merchandise display system comprise slots for receiving said hooks. 
     
     
         11 . A merchandise display system, comprising:
 at least one unit according to any one of the preceding claims;   a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough;   a frame configured to support said back panel, said at least one unit coupled to said frame with a first side of said at least one unit located against a second side of said back panel and so that apertures in a first side of said at least one unit are aligned with conduit openings of said conduits on said second side of said back panel;   a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of said unit;   wherein conduit openings of said conduits on a first side of said back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through said conduits to said at least one unit for further conveyance through one or more enclosed air channels thereof to be discharged over and/or around said plurality of merchandise hangers.   
     
     
         12 . A merchandise display system according to  claim 11 , wherein said unit is integral with said back panel. 
     
     
         13 . A unit for a merchandise display system, comprising:
 a merchandise hanger support, said merchandise hanger support configured to coupleably engage a merchandise hanger and comprising an elongate element including a first side and a second side, and further configured:   to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side against said back panel; and   to provide a system to which merchandise hangers can be coupled at said second side;   wherein a top surface of said merchandise hanger support between said first side and said second side provides a surface for directing air flow thereover between said first side and said second side.   
     
     
         14 . A unit according to  claim 13 , wherein said merchandise hanger support is further configured to couple to a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system to locate said first side to abut said back panel. 
     
     
         15 . A unit according to  claim 13 , wherein said merchandise hanger support comprises a formation configured for engaging with a complementary engagement formation of a merchandise hanger. 
     
     
         16 . A unit according to  claim 15 , wherein said formation comprises a step for engaging with said complementary engagement formation of said merchandise hanger. 
     
     
         17 . A unit according to  claim 15 , wherein said formation comprises a hook for engaging with said complementary engagement formation of said merchandise hanger. 
     
     
         18 . A unit according to  claim 13 , comprising engagement members at said first side, said engagement members configured for releasable cooperative engagement with complementary engagement members of a frame of a back panel of said merchandise display system. 
     
     
         19 . A unit according to  claim 18 , wherein said engagement members comprise hooks, and wherein said complementary engagement members of said frame of said back panel of merchandise display system comprise slots for receiving said hooks. 
     
     
         20 . A merchandise display system, comprising:
 a unit according to  claim 13 ;   a back panel, comprising a plurality of conduits extending therethrough;   a frame configured to support said back panel, said unit coupled to said frame with a first side of said unit located against a second side of said back panel and so that a top surface at said first side of said unit is positioned to direct air from conduit openings of a row of said conduits on said second side of said back panel over the top surface;   a plurality of merchandise hangers coupled to a second side of said unit;   wherein conduit openings of said row of said conduits on a first side of said back panel are configured to receive cooled air from a cooling system for conveyance through said conduits to said unit for further conveyance over said top surface of said unit to be directed over and/or around said plurality of merchandise hangers.   
     
     
         21 . A merchandise display system according to  claim 20 , wherein said unit is integral with said back panel. 
     
     
         22 .- 23 . (canceled)