GB2027587A - Display module and components therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A spine assembly for use in a display module includes a pair of standards, each comprising an upwardly extending post and at least one leg, said leg including a post- engaging arm extending substantially horizontally from said upwardly extending post; said standards being spaced apart by a joiner extending between and removably interconnecting the posts of the respective standards, and by a shelf extending between and removably interconnecting with the said arm of each of the respective standards, thereby to form a free-standing assembly suitable for carrying display components. Each standard may include a plurality of legs at least one of which is formed as an extension of the post and is substantially co-axial therewith. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Display module and components therefor The present invention relates to apparatus suitable for storing and/or displaying merchandise for sale and in particular to a shelf assembly or other display module and components therefor.

In numerous diverse retail outlets including supermarkets, pharmacies, service stations and department stores goods are displayed for sale on a shelf assembly or similar display module. There are a number of important parameters which should be met by a satisfactory display module.

Firstly, the module must be strong enough and have a shelf or other display component arrangement which is suitable to carry the merchandise. Affixing the display module to a wall and providing movable shelves, baskets, hooks or other display components may alleviate the more apparent difficulties. However, it is also desirable that a display module be free-standing so that the lay-out of the shop may be more easily altered.

Additionally, from a manufacturer's point of view it is important that the assembly or module be versatile and provide a maximum number of alternative arrangements using a minimum number of different components. Desirably the assembly or module should also be simple to manufacture, erect, aiter or remove, and easy to pack, transport and store as well as being economical, functional and aesthetically pleasing so as to be attractive to the retailer.

Many varying shelf designs and shelf assemblies have been proposed and/or used in the past but each of the known prior art units has suffered from one or more difficulties. In many cases the components were bolted or otherwise connected by a separate fastening means, making erection a rather complex and time-consuming operation. In other cases relocating shelves or positioning them close to one another was either difficult or impossible.

It is an object of the present invention to provide in one embodiment, a display module and/or components therefor capable of alleviating such deficiencies in the known prior art.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a spine assembly for use in a display module and including a pair of standards, each comprising an upwardly extending post and at least one leg said leg including a post engaging arm extending substantially horizontally from said upwardly extending post, wherein said standards are spaced apart by a joiner extending between and removably interconnecting with the posts of the respective standards and by a shelf extending between and removably interCQnnecting with the said arm of each of the respective standards, whereby to form a free-standing assembly suitable for carrying display components.

In another embodiment there is provided a display module comprising a spine assembly as provided by the present invention and a display portion including one or more shelves, baskets, dividers and/or other display components.

The following description refers in more detail to the essential and optional features df the invention. To facilitate understanding of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings where these features are illustrated in preferred form. It is to be understood however, that the essential and optional features of the invention are not limited to the specific forms of these features as shown in the drawings.

In the drawings: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a pair of partially erected and interconnected display modules according to the invention; FIGURE 1 a is a cross-section along the line la-la of Figure 1.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a shelf support arm suitable for use in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a joiner suitable for use in accordance with the inventlon; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a post cap suitable for use in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a panel channel suitable for use in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 6 is a side view of a bracket suitable for use in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a cam suitable for use in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a divider suitable for use in accordance with the invention; and FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of a kick-plate suitable for use in accordance with the invention.

As shown in Figure 1 a spine assembly according to the invention includes a standard (1) which comprises an elongated post (2) which in use, is generally upstanding. The post may be of tubular section and may be formed from steel or other metals. Preferably the post is rectangular in cross-section as shown in Figure 1 with at least one face carrying a row of bracket slots (3) for receiving connecting lugs or hooks on brackets or other components. Two rows of bracket slots (3) may be provided, one on each of two opposed faces of the preferred rectangular post (2). The other two opposed faces of the preferred rectangular post (2) may carry connector slots (4) at selected points for receiving connecting lugs or hooks on connecting or other components.

When the post is not rectangular in crosssection, bracket and connector slots may be provided in positions which correspond to the above described.

Each standard preferably includes a plurality of legs (5) connected to the lower end of the post (2).

The lower end of post (2) is the end which, when post (2) is in use, is nearer the floor than the other or upper end. Preferably the post (2) and legs (5) are integral with each other. The legs (5) are preferably formed from the same materials as the post and conveniently at least part of leg (5) has the same cross-sectional configuration as is clearly seen in Figure 1.

Each standard may carry a plurality of legs. At least one of said legs may extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the post and is preferably L-shaped. One arm of such an L-shaped leg may join the post adjacent the lower end thereof while the other arm may be arranged to engage the floor upon which the assembly is to stand.

Each leg (5) may carry a foot (5a) for engaging the floor. The foot (5a) may be a rubber or plastics stopper and preferably engages within a recess in the end of the leg (5). A foot which is adjustable to compensate for minor variations in the level of the floor has been found particularly suitable. Such feet may be formed from nylon or other plastics materials or from metals with a rubber or plastics insert for engaging the floor.

Preferably each standard carries one pair of legs. In one arrangement not shown in the drawings, one of the legs is an extension of the post and preferably substantially co-axial therewith, and the other leg is L-shaped with one arm extending outwardly from the post substantially at right angles thereto (i.e.

substantially horizontally) and the other (floor engaging) arm extending substantially parallel to the post. Such an arrangement is particularly suited for use in a single sided display module which may serve as a free-standing wall unit.

Where a double sided display module or gondola is desired, an alternative leg arrangement has been found suitable. One example of such an alternative arrangement is shown in Figure 1. In Figure 1, each of the pair of legs (5) is L-shaped having a floor engaging arm (6) substantially parallel to post (2) with a post engaging arm (7) extending between post (2) and floor engaging arm (6). As is clearly seen n Figure 1, when the post engaging arms (7) of each leg are substantially co-axial, the pair of legs (5) forms an inverted-U when viewed from the side in the intended attitude for use. The post (2) conveniently extends upwardly from around the centre of the inverted-U.

Preferably the post engaging arm (7) of Lshaped leg (5) lies substantially horizontal and thus parallel to the floor in use. This arm may carry shelf engaging means (8) along its upper margin.

The shelf engaging means may be in the form of one or more slots and/or lugs for connection with complementary components on a shelf. Preferably and as exemplified in Figures 1 and 1 a, shelf engaging means (8) is in the form of a shelfchannel (9) which extends along the upper margin of arm (7). The shelf-channel may be formed by a groove or depression in the arm or preferably by affixing an elongated substantially U-shaped member to the arm by welding, rivetting or other means. The shelves may carry a complementary edge or flange adapted to fit into the shelf channel. Preferably the shelf-channel is arranged as in Figure 1 a so that it may receive the complementary edges or flanges of a pair of adjoining shelves. The shelf 33' shown in broken lines in Figure 1 a is included by way of illustration although not present in Figure 1.

It is preferable that the legs (5) do not extend beyond the lowest shelf. Therefore the length of post engaging arm (7) is preferably marginally shorter than the width of the narrowest shelf intended to be used in the display module. To support wider shelves a shelf support arm (10) may extend outwardly from leg (5). The arm (10) is preferably adjustable to accommodate shelves of varying widths. It has been found convenient for shelf support arm (10) to be slidably engageable within post engaging arm (7).

As shown in Figure 1 post engaging arm (7) may be tubular and of substantially rectangular cross-section with the upper and lower margins being substantially narrower than the other pair of opposed sides. As shown in Figure 2 shelf support arm (10) may be of shallow channel-shape when viewed from the side, and may be substantially rectangular or square in cross-section. Preferably at least one of the upturned ends (11) is angled such that in use the end face (12) is substantially parallel to the major longitudinal axis of the arm (10).The external dimensions of arm (10) may be such that when in use supporting a shelf, at least a portion of end face (12) engages the internal face of the upper margin (1 3) of post engaging arm (7) and the major longitudinal extension of arm (10) i.e. the base of the 'U', is resting on the internal face of the lower margin (14) of post engaging arm (7).

The respective arms are preferably dimensioned such that the shelf support arm (10) is slidable within the post engaging arm (7) when the outer end thereof is raised but otherwise is held in position such as by frictional forces. The outer end ( 1 5) of the shelf support arm (10) is preferably adapted for engagement with a shelf.

Conveniently end (15) is fitted with one or more lugs, slots or other components for engagement with complementary components on the shelf. As shown in Figure 2, outer end (15) may be fitted with a plastics plug (16) having a pair of posts (17) extending upwardly from a plate-like base { 1 8) and spaced to receive a downwardly depending flange or edge of one shelf or preferably a pair of such flanges or edges on adjoining shelves.

A spine assembly provided by the invention may include a number of interconnected standards as shown in Figure 1. In this way assemblies of varying lengths may be built up by varying the number of standards and/or the spacing between adjacent standards. In the following description relating to the interconnection of standards to form a spine assembly it is convenient to merely describe the interconnection of a pair of standards to form a single assembly. It is t6 be appreciated however that a multiplicity of such interconnections may be similarly effected and such a plurality of assemblies is envisaged as being within the scope of the invention.

'pair of standards (1) may be conveniently interconnected by a joiner (19). The joiner preferably comprises an elongated tubular section having connecting means at each end. The length of joiner ( 1 9) may be varied to vary the spacing between adjacent standards. One preferred form of joiner suitable for use in the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The preferred connecting means shown in Figure 3 is in the form of a plurality of lugs (20) engageable within the connector slots (4) in neighbouring posts (2). In the preferred form illustrated a pair of plates (21) each containing three such lugs (20) are attached to one end of joiner (19). One plate (21) is on either side of joiner (19) whereby to provide two rows each of three lugs.Six connector slots (4) of complementary shape and spacing are provided on the facing edges of the respective posts (2).

Similar connecting means are provided at the other end of joiner (19).

Other connecting means are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. Such means should operate such that the joiner positively interconnects a pair of posts preferably without screws or bolts. The joiner preferably extends between the posts adjacent the upper extremities of the posts.

In an alternative arrangement not illustrated the joiner is in the form of a strap affixed to an infill panel of hardboard or other material which extends between a pair of posts. The joiner in this arrangement, conveniently has a joining slot adjacent either end. The joining slot may be adapted to engage a complementary slot in the top of the post.

The infill panel is preferably sandwiched between a pair of straps to form the joiner in such an arrangement. Preferably the upper edge of each joiner lies marginally below the upper ends of the posts when a spine assembly including an infill panel is erected. This may be achieved by adjustment of the depth of the slot in the post.

A post cap may be provided to engage within the top of the post. The post cap is preferably formed from plastics or other materials. Figure 4 shows an example post cap (22) which comprises a deck (23) of similar shape but marginally larger than the external configuration of the top of the post. Preferably a plug portion (24) depends from deck (23), the plug portion (24) being adapted for frictional engagement within the tubular post so that deck (23) engages the top edge of the post.

As shown in Figure 4 plug portion (24) may include outwardly extending fingers (25) positioned and arranged for engagement within slots in the post. Preferably post cap (22) engages within the top of a post (2) which already carries one or more joiners (19) whereby cap (22) serves to confine joiners (1 9) in engagement with post (2) and reduce the risk of accidental removal of a joiner ( 19).

The post cap may also be engaged in the open end of a post engaging arm (7) when the arm (7) does not carry a shelf support arm (10) and is of suitable cross-sectional configuration.

The display portion of a display module according to the invention may include a backdrop in the form of a panel (26) extending between adjacent posts (2). The panel (26) may be of metal hardboard or wooden construction and may be perforated. Unlike the infill panel described above which forms part of a joiner, a backdrop is used in addition to a joiner. Hence the backdrop is replaceable (or removable) without dismantling the spine assembly. To facilitate such versatility panel (26) is preferably slidably mounted between a pair of runners, one on each of the posts between which the panel extends.

The runners to receive the backdrop may be formed in the posts such as by grooves or slots extending along the posts. It is preferred however, that a separate panel channel is provided for removable attachment to the facing surfaces of a pair of spaced posts. Figure 5 shows an example panel channel suitable for use in accordance with the invention. As shown in Figure 5, a panel channel (27) may comprise a pair of spaced runners (28) and mounting means (29) for mounting panel channel (27) on a post (2). The mounting means (29) preferably comprises a pair of lugs (30) engageable within slots (4) in the posts. Other forms of mounting means are also envisaged.

The panel channel (27) may include one or more spacers (31) for retaining the spaced relationship between the runners (28).

The mounting means (29) are preferably located adjacent the upper and/or lower end of the panel channel (27). One or more panel channel guides (32) may also be included. Each guide (32) is preferably in the form of a finger extending outwardly so as to straddle post (2) whereby to serve as a guide to retain panel channel (27) in the desired orientation.

Each shelf (33) whether used in the spine assembly or in the display portion of a display module according to the invention may include a substantially flat base panel (34) preferably with downwardly extending marginal edges (35) which serve for engagement with shelf channel (9) and the shelfsupportarm (10). The marginal edges (35) may also include bracket engaging means for receiving a pair of brackets such as the bracket (37) shown in Figure 5. The bracket engaging means may be in the form of one'or more buttons (36) for engagement within complementary apertures or depressions.(38) in bracket (37). In addition shelf (33) may be adapted such as by provision of a flange or lip, to retain the nose (39) of the bracket (37). Thus the nose (39) may be engaged along the outer edge of the shelf (33), the bracket may be rotated relative to the side of the shelf so that the buttons (36) are engaged in the corresponding apertures or depressions (38) whereby to positively attach shelf (33) and bracket (37).

Preferably one bracket is attached to either end of a shelf. The length of each shelf should preferably be marginally greater than the distance between neighbouring posts such that brackets attached to either end of the shelf are aligned with the slots (3) on the respective posts (2).

Bracket (37) is preferably a substantially platelike metal component having as described above, a nose (39) and one or more apertures or depressions (38) serving as a component of the bracket engaging means. Bracket (37) may additionally include one or more and preferably three engaging hooks (40) for engaging within slots (3) of post (2). Brackets having such engaging hooks suitable for engagement in a row of slots are well known.

Preferably the brackets are reversible and can be used at either end of a shelf. This can be achieved by avoiding any lateral projections or indentations out of the plane of the plate-like body. For this reason apertures which can be engaged from either side of the bracket are preferred and are economical as they avoid the need for another different component.

The hooks (40) preferably extend outwardly from the main body of the bracket (37) a sufficient distance to allow the bracket (37) to be loosely mounted on the post (2) without the need to hammer or otherwise force the hooks (40) into firm engagement with the marginal edges of the bracket slots (3). When the brackets (37) are firmly affixed to the shelves as described above such loose mounting facilitates erection and shifting of the shelves and firmer mounting has been found unnecessary.

However, if it is desired to more firmly mount the brackets (37) on the posts such as because glass or wooden shelves are employed which are not rigidly connected to a bracket, a cam may be inserted between the bracket and its associated post. As seen in Figure 7 a cam (41) may comprise a pair of discs (42), the peripheries of which engage the post (2). An off-centre axle (43) which in use engages the bracket may extend between discs (42) whereby as discs (42) are rotated the distance between the bracket and post is altered by the camming effect of the off-centre axle (43) acting against the bracket (37). By providing a slot (44) in bracket (37) for receiving the axle (43) adjacent the hooks (40) and preferably between two hooks, the above described camming effect serves to firmly hold the brackets (37) relative to the post.A slot (58) or other means to facilitate rotation of the cam (41) may also be provided.

Preferably the thickness of the brackets (37) is such that a pair of brackets affixed to adjoining shelves may be engaged within the same bracket slots (3). In the preferred arrangement shown in Figure 6, bracket (37) is substantially in the form of a right angled triangle with the hooks (40) located along one of the two sides forming the right angle with the apertures or depressions (38) being located along the other of the two sides. In this arrangement the other of the two sides is preferably substantially horizontal in use with the nose (39) being located at the intersection of that side with the hypotenuse of the triangle.

By varying the above described right angle the angle of the shelves (33) relative to the posts (2) may be varied as desired. In this way sloping shelves may be provided if required. Adjustable brackets are known which may be set at varying angles and brackets of this type may be used in accordance with the invention.

So that higher loads may be carried by the bracket (37) without the hooks (40) shearing off, it is preferred that sharp angles are avoided in the hooks (40). This may be achieved by employing curves where two straight edges would otherwise intersect at a given angle. When more than one hook (40) is used as in Figure 6 the uppermost hook (40) usually takes the majority of the strain caused by loading the shelf (33). Preferably, the finger (45) of this hook (40) which passes through one bracket slot (3) in post (2) and engages the internal face of post (2) is spaced marginally further from the main body of bracket (37) than the fingers (46) (47) of the lower hooks (40). It has been unexpectedly found that with such an arrangement the load is spread more evenly between the hooks (40).Therefore higher loads may be carried because of the more even load distribution.

The shelves (33) may also be provided with wire work to retain merchandise in selected areas of the shelf. The wire work may include a front fence along the outer edge of the shelf i.e. the edge nearer the customer in use, and one or more dividers (which may also serve as side fences) extending across the shelf. The dividers and fence may each include a peripheral wire frame with wire pickets extending across the frame.

Preferably there is a row of apertures (59) along the outer edge of shelf (33) for receiving pegs extending downwardly from the front fence.

Preferably a corresponding row of apertures (60) extends along the opposite inner edge of shelf (33).

As best seen in Figure 8, a divider (48) may carry, adjacent one end, a downwardly extending.

peg (49) for engaging apertures (60) arranged along the inner edge of shelf (33). Adjacent the other end of the divider a pair of fingers (50) may extend as shown in Figure 8 beyond frame (51).

The fingers are preferably positioned to straddle an upstanding picket on the front fence so as to locate this end of divider (48).

Other accessories are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. For example, a facia may be provided in addition to or in place of the top shelf. The facia is preferably carried by brackets of the type described above. The nose of the bracket preferably carries one or more clips for attaching the side and/or front panels of the facia. These panels may carry advertising if desired. Lights may also be provided behind the facia.

A kick plate may also be provided. The kick plate preferably extends between adjacent legs and preferably may be easily mounted and removed without tools and without disturbing stock on any of the shelves. In addition the kick plate should be sufficiently strong to withstand impact from supermarket trolleys, shoes and the like.

Preferably and as illustrated in Figure 9 the kick plate comprises a panel (52) of a length sufficient to extend between adjacent legs (5) such that when in position the rear of each end of the panel (52) rests against the front of the respective legs (5). Behind panel (52), locating means may be provided to locate the kick plate relative to the legs (5). The locating means may be in the form of flanges adjacent either end of the panel. When the panel is in position the flanges preferably lie beside the respective legs whereby to locate the panel. Conveniently and as shown in Figure 9, the flanges are formed by the end faces of a channel (53) which extends along the rear of the panel (52). The channel (53) may be attached to the panel (52) or be integral therewith.

The kick plate may be mounted on the assembly by hinge means. Preferably and as shown in Figure 9, the hinge means is in the form of a pair of studs (54), a separate one of which projects outwardly from each end of the kick plate.

The front legs of each standard may be provided with complementary means forjournalling the studs. Such complementary means preferably comprises apertures or sockets (55) in the legs (5).

Preferably the apertures or sockets (55) are provided in those surfaces of a pair of adjacent legs (5) which face one another.

The studs (54) are preferably of unequal length to facilitate mounting of the kick plate. The studs (54) are conveniently mounted on the kick plate rearwardly and upwardly of the panel (52). This may be achieved by the provision of a mounting web (56) which extends at an angle from the panel (52). The web is preferably shorter in length than the distance between adjacent legs by an amount marginally greater than the length by which one of the studs (54) extends beyond the plate. The other stud (54) is preferably considerably longer.

The mounting web may be substantially planar or as shown in Figure 9 may have q longitudinal crease (57) to provide a substantially V-shaped web. The studs may be attached near the upper marginal edge of the kick plate and conveniently in the vicinity of the preferred crease (57).

To mount a kick plate having the preferred features described, the longer of the two studs (54) is inserted in an aperture (55) in one of the legs (5). The kick plate is swung outwardly so that the locating means are out of the plane of the legs (5). The longer stud (54) is then inserted as far as possible into the aperture (55) thereby allowing the shorter stud (54) to be aligned with its respective aperture (55). The kick plate is then slid sideways to engage both studs (54, 54') in their respective apertures (55). The panel (52) is then swung inwardly and the flanges (53) positioned between the legs (5) whereby the marginal ends of the panel (52) lie substantially flush against the front of the respective legs (5).

Preferably the kick plate is predominantly metal and may comprise studs affixed to a single piece of sheet metal which is folded or creased to provide the features described above.

The display module and spine assembly provided by the invention is easy to erect, is freestanding and versatile. The rigidity of the module and assembly is improved by the positive engagement between shelves and brackets while avoiding the transport and storage difficulties of the known prior art in which the shelves and brackets are welded together. The use of bolts or similar fastenings is obviated by the positive connections provided thereby facilitating speed erection without special tools and hence providing cost savings. In addition the weight carrying capacity of the assembly is considered to offer advantages over the previously known systems.

One particular advantage provided by the display module and spine assembly of the invention is versatility. For example, by substitute the backdrop with one of a different height, color, pattern, aperture arrangement etc., or by removing the backdrop and panel channeis the appearance of whole shop may be altered without dismantling the shelving. Further, a basic system of spine assembly plus minimal shelving, brackets and backdrops may initially serve as an economical display module. At a later date this unit may be retained as the basis for a more attractive display module formed by the addition of further display components, post caps, kickplates, facia components and the like.

It is to be understood that the inventive concept in any of its aspects can be incorporated in many different constructions so that the generality of the preceding description is not to be superseded by the particularity of the attached drawings.

Various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the invention particularly described without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims (27)

1. A spine assembly for use in a display module and including a pair of standards, each comprising an upwardly extending post and at least one leg said leg including a post engaging arm extending substantially horizontally from said upwardly extending pbst, wherein said standards are spaced apart by a joiner extending between and removably interconnecting with the posts of the respective standards and by a shelf extending between and removably interconnecting with the said arm of each of the respective standards, whereby to form a free-standing assembly suitable for carrying display components.

2. A spine assembly according to Claim 1 wherein each standard includes a plurality of legs, at least one of said legs being formed as an extension of said post and being substantially coaxial therewith.

3. A spine assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein each standard includes a plurality of legs at least one of said legs being substantially L-shaped and having a floor engaging arm extending from said post engaging arm downwardly and substantially parallel to said post.

4. A spine assembly according to Claim 3 wherein each standard comprises a pair of legs each of said pair being substantially L-shaped and having a floor engaging arm extending from said post engaging arm, downwardly and substantially parallel to said post and wherein the respective post engaging arms of each leg are substantially co-axial whereby said pair form an inverted U with said post extending upwardly therefrom.

5. A spine assembly according to any preceding claim wherein each leg carries an adjustable floor engaging foot.

6. A spine assembly according to any preceding claim wherein each said post engaging arm carries shelf engaging means along the upper margin thereof said means comprising one or more slots and/or lugs for removable engagement with complementary components on said shelf.

7. A spine assembly according to Claim 6 wherein said shelf engaging means comprises a shelf channel extending along the upper margin of said post engaging arm for removable engagement with downwardly depending members on said shelf.

8. A spine assembly according to any preceding.

claim wherein an adjustable shelf support arm extends outwardly from one of said legs.

9. A spine assembly according to Claim 8 wherein said shelf support arm is slidably engaged within one of said post engaging arms, said shelf support arm being of shallow channel shape when viewed from the side and of complementary crosssection to its associated post engaging arm, and wherein at least one of the upturned ends of said shelf support arm is angled such that the end-face is substantially parallel to the major longitudinal axis of the post engaging arm and in use engages the internal face of the upper margin thereof.

10. A spine assembly according to Claim 8 or Claim 9 wherein the outer end of said shelf support arm is fitted with one or more lugs, posts or slots for removable engagement with complementary components on said shelf.

11. A spine assembly according to any preceding claim wherein said joiner comprises an elongated tubular section having at each end connecting means in the form of a plurality of lugs engageable within slots in the respective posts.

12. A spine assembly according to Claim 11 wherein a separate pair of plates each plate carrying three lugs is attached at each end of the joiner with one plate of each pair being on either side of the joiner whereby to provide two rows each of three lugs at either end of the joiner said lugs being removably engageable within six slots of complementary shape and spacing provided on the facing margins of the respective posts.

13. A spine assembly according to any one of Claims I to 11 wherein said joiner comprises a strap affixed to an infill panel extending between said pair of standards.

14. A spine assembly according to Claim 14 wherein said strap carries a joining slot adjacent either end engageable within complementary slots adjacent the top of each post so that the upper edge of said joiner lies below the upper ends of said posts.

1 5. A display module comprising a spine assembly according to any preceding claim and a display portion including one or more shelves, baskets, dividers and/or other display components.

16. Display module according to Claim 15 which further includes a backdrop slidabiy mounted between a pair of standards on runners extending along said standards.

17. A display module according to Claim 16 wherein said runners are provided by a pair of panel channels removably engaged with the facing surfaces of a pair of spaced posts each said panel channel comprising a pair of spaced runners and mounting means comprising a pair of lugs removably engaged within complementary slots in said posts.

18:A A display.module according to any one of Claims 1 5 to 1 7 which includes a plurality of shelves, each shelf including a substantially flat base panel with downwardly extending marginal edges for engagement with said shelf engaging means and further including bracket engaging means for receiving a pair of brackets.

19. A display module according to Claim 18 wherein said shelves are supported by brackets, each bracket comprising a substantially plate like metal component having a nose, one or more shelf engaging components cooperable with said bracket engaging means and one or more engaging hooks extending outwardly from the main body of the bracket for engagement within complementary slots in one of said posts.

20. A display module according to Claim 19 wherein a separate bracket is positively attached adjacent each end of each said shelf and wherein the engaging hooks loosely engage the slots in the posts.

21. A display module according to Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein a cam is provided having a pair of discs the peripheries of which bear against a post and an off-centre axle which bears against an edge of said bracket said edge facing said post whereby on rotation said cam urges said bracket away from said post such that said engaging hooks are urged into frictional engagement with said post.

22. A display module according to any one of Claims 19 to 20 wherein each bracket comprises a plurality of engaging hooks, each hook having a finger which passes through the slot in the post and engages the inner face thereof and wherein the finger of the uppermost hook is spaced marginally further from the main body of said bracket than the fingers of lower hooks.

23. A display module according to anyone of Claims 1 5 to 22 wherein at least one shelf carries wire work comprising a front fence extending along the outer edge of the shelf and a divider, the fence and divider each comprising a peripheral wire frame and wire pickets extending across the frame and wherein said divider carries, adjacent one end, a downwardly extending peg engaged in an aperture adjacent the inner edge of the shelf and, adjacent the other end, a pair of fingers extending beyond the frame and straddling an upstanding picket on said front fence whereby to locate said other end of said divider.

24. A display module according to any one of Claims 1 9 to 23 which further includes a kick plate extending between said standards said kick plate comprising a panel which rests against the front margin of the legs of neighbouring standards with locating means in the form of flanges adjacent either end of said panel to locate the kick plate relative to the legs of said standards.

25. A display module according to Claim 24 wherein said kick plate is hingedly mounted on the legs of said standards by hinge means comprising a pair of studs of unequal length a separate one of which projects outwardly from either end of the kick plate said studs being mounted on a mounting web extending at an angle to said panel and wherein said web is shorter in length than the distance between said legs by an amount marginally greater than the length by which the shorter of the studs extends beyond the web.

26. A spine assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A display module substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.