Display system

Abstract

 A display system is provided including frame means (18) and one or more support means (8,10,12,14) locatable on or with said frame means. The movement means (28,30,31,32) are provided to allow one or more of said support means to be moved relative to said frame means between at least a raised position and a lowered position.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a display system and a method of using a display system.

[0002] Although the following description refers almost exclusively to a display system comprising a plurality of shelf units for use in a glass shop frontage and method of use thereof, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the display system of the present application can be used in any suitable environment, such as a warehouse environment, in an office, in domestic premises and/or the like. The scale of the display system of the present application can be readily adapted according to its intended use. In addition, the shelf units can include any type of support means which allow one or more items to be supported in a required position in use.

[0003] The glass frontages of retail outlets are often used to advertise retail goods being sold by the retailer to entice a potential consumer into the retail outlet to make a purchase. The manner in which the retail goods are displayed and advertised in the window of the retail outlet is of importance as it projects an initial impression of the retailer to the consumer and also informs the consumer of new and existing product lines and/or prices. Such displays are often required to be changed on a regular basis to allow a wide range of the retailers stock to be displayed.

[0004] Changing of window displays is often a time consuming process, has to take place in limited space and, in more modern retail outlets where the glass frontages of the same can be very high, movement of aspects of the display can often present a health and safety risk to the worker or workers responsible for changing the window display. For example, it is known that some retail outlet glass frontages can be up to 8m high. Conventionally, a plurality of fixed shelf units are provided at different heights on a fixed shelf support within the glass frontage. A display worker typically has to use access equipment, such as a ladder, steps and/or the like, to access shelf units out of their reach. The access equipment either requires the worker to climb up the same to the level of the fixed shelf or requires the access equipment to be raised off the ground and moved between the fixed shelf units. Use of access equipment could result in the worker injuring themselves, particularly if they are also trying to lift, carry and/or remove products on and/or off the shelf units at the same time. In addition, use and/or hire of access equipment is typically expensive, it requires a large amount of space to position the access equipment relative to the shelf unit and often requires skilled workers to use the same.

[0005] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a display system which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

[0006] It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using a display system which overcomes the abovementioned problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a display system, said display system including frame means and one or more support means locatable on or with said frame means, and wherein movement means are provided to allow one or more of said support means to be moved relative to said frame means between at least a raised position and a lowered position.

[0008] Thus, according to the display system of the present invention, movement means are provided to allow the support means to be moved relative to a user, rather than the user having to move relative to the support means. The user is typically located on a ground surface and the support means are moved from a raised position to a lowered position adjacent the user when changing of, removal and/or location of one or more objects on said support means is required. This significantly reduces the safety and injury risk to a worker changing the window display compared to the prior art display systems where a user would have to move to the height of the shelf. It also significantly decreases the time associated with changing window displays and increases the ease of doing the same.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment the support means are in the form of one or more shelf units. However, the support means can take any suitable form via which an object can be supported thereon or therewith, such as any or any combination of one or more hooks, protruding members, shelf units and/or the like.

[0010] Preferably the one or more support means are movable between raised and lowered position relative to a ground or floor level. The one or more support means are preferably locatable a spaced vertical distance above a ground or floor surface in use.

[0011] In one embodiment the frame means is typically located on or in said ground or floor level. However, it is noted that at least part of the frame means can be located below said ground or floor level. In this embodiment one or more of the support means can be movable to a position at and/or below said floor or ground level.

[0012] In one embodiment at least part of the frame means is secured at and/or below ground level so that said frame means is substantially free standing in use.

[0013] In one embodiment a plurality of support means are provided. Each support means or at least two or more of said support means are preferably capable of being arranged and/or moved a spaced vertical distance apart.

[0014] It will be appreciated that the term "spaced vertical distance apart" does not limit the support means to being vertically aligned, but simply that the support means are a spaced distance apart in the vertical plane. The support means can be vertically aligned or non-aligned (i.e. off-set).

[0015] In one embodiment two or more of said support means could be arranged a horizontal distance apart on or with said frame means.

[0016] Preferably the support means are detachably attached to the frame means, either directly or indirectly, by attachment means, thereby allowing the support means to be detached for cleaning, repair and/or replacement.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment the support means are attached, integral with or detachably attached to carriage means in use and said carriage means are movably mounted on or movable relative to said frame means in use. Movement of the carriage means results in corresponding movement of the support means therewith.

[0018] Preferably the support means are detachably attached to said carriage means.

[0019] The attachment means of the support means to either of the frame means and/or carriage means can include any or any combination of one or more nuts and bolts, welding, adhesive, screws, clips, ties, inter-engaging members, protrusion and recess fit, friction fit and/or the like.

[0020] In one embodiment the support means are provided in a cantilever arrangement with respect to the frame means and/or carriage means in use. Thus, in one embodiment the support means are joined at one end to the frame means and/or carriage means and the opposite end is provided in free space. In an alternative embodiment the support means can be joined at one end to the frame means and/or carriage means and joined at an opposite end or one or more further surfaces thereto to the or further frame means and/or carriage means in use.

[0021] In one embodiment the carriage means includes one or more arm members which extend from said carriage means. Typically the arm members function as support means and/or have support means located on or with said arm members.

[0022] In one embodiment the arm members are provided in a cantilever arrangement with respect to the frame means and/or carriage means in use. Typically the arm members extend substantially horizontally from the carriage means and/or frame means in a cantilever arrangement.

[0023] Preferably illumination means are associated with, can be associated with, or locatable with one or more of said support means, carriage means and/or frame means. The illumination means can be provided in any suitable number or arranged in any suitable position to provide illumination of an object being supported on or with said support means or an object in the locality of said illumination means, support means, carriage means and/or frame means.

[0024] The illumination means can include any or any combination of one or more bulbs, LEDS, halogen lights, fibre optic means and/or the like.

[0025] In one embodiment electrical connection means are associated with or locatable on one or more of said support means, carriage means and/or frame means to allow illumination means or other electrical items to be connectable therewith in use. This allows the display worker to select whether illumination is required for a particular shelf unit or support means, allows seasonal variation of illumination to be provided and/or other electrically powered display items to be provided.

[0026] In one embodiment the support means, carriage means and/or frame means have separate electrical connection means for general electric power supply and lighting power.

[0027] In one embodiment in the raised position, the support means are considered to be raised to a position or height above the ground or floor level, above a user, out of reach of a user and/or the like. In the lowered position, the support means are considered to be at or just above a ground or floor level, below a ground or floor level, adjacent a user or in reach of a user and/or the like.

[0028] The one or more support means can be moved between any or any number of user selected arbitrary positions or pre-determined positions relative to the frame means in use.

[0029] Preferably the carriage means includes one or more counterbalancing means to provide stability to the carriage means in use. The counterbalancing means can be attached, detachably attached or integral with the carriage means as required.

[0030] Preferably the movement means includes a hoist or pulley system for allowing one or more of the support means and/or carriage means to be moved relative to the frame means in use.

[0031] The hoist or pulley system is typically supported on the frame means in one example.

[0032] Preferably the movement means includes drive means for driving movement of the hoist or pulley system. The drive means can include any or any combination of electrical means, mechanical means, pneumatic means, hydraulic means and/or the like. The movement means, drive means, hoist or pulley system can be powered manually or can be powered using automated means, such as via an electrical motor and/or the like.

[0033] The motor can be mains powered, battery powered, generator powered and/or the like. It can be a fixed speed motor or a variable speed motor to allow either a constant speed or variable speed of movement of the support means, movement means, carriage means, hoist or pulley system and/or the like in use.

[0034] Control means can be provided to allow user actuation of said movement means. The control means can be located on the display system or remotely therefrom. For example, the control means can allow wired or wireless control of movement of the display means in use.

[0035] Preferably the hoist or pulley system includes one or more wires, cables, ropes and/or the like which are located over one or more wheels, ball bearings and/or rollers, preferably at or adjacent a top or upper end of the frame means. An end or portion of the wire, cable or rope is preferably attached to at least an upper support means and/or carriage means of the display system. A lower end or portion of the wire, cable or rope is provided at or adjacent a lower end of the frame means and further preferably is associated with the drive means preferably.

[0036] Movement of the wire, cable or rope of the hoist or pulley system typically moves the at least upper support means and/or carriage means between the one or more raised and lowered positions in use.

[0037] Preferably guide means are provided to guide the movement of the support means and/or carriage means relative to the frame means in use.

[0038] In one embodiment guide means comprises one or more wheels, castors, bearings and/or the like which are located on the carriage means and run on said frame means. Typically the wheels, castors, bearings and/or the like run in a predefined direction along a path and/or channels substantially located on said frame means.

[0039] Further typically at least one of a plurality of wheels, castors, bearings and/or the like are located on the carriage means to be substantially opposed and/or orthogonal to the other wheels, castors, bearings and/or the like. This opposed and/or orthogonal arrangement ensures that the carriage means runs smoothly along the predefined path and/or channel.

[0040] In one embodiment the guide means includes one or more rail members on which the support means and/or carriage means are slidably or movably mounted. The one or more rail members can be attached to, detachably attached to or integrally formed with the frame means.

[0041] In one embodiment the guide means includes a pinch wheel arrangement

[0042] Preferably intermediate movement means are provided between an upper support means and a lower support means of the display system. The intermediate movement means allows movement of a lower support means on movement of an upper support means from a lowered to a raised position in use. Further preferably the lower support means moved is the neighbouring or adjacent support means to the upper support means in the display system.

[0043] Preferably the intermediate movement means includes substantially flexible connection means located between said upper support means and/or carriage means and said lower support means and/or carriage means. The substantially flexible connection means can include rope, chain, wire and/or the like and in a preferred embodiment is in the form of flexible webbing, such as for example similar to a seat belt webbing.

[0044] The connection means can be coiled or wound onto a spindle or drum in use. Retraction means can be provided to allow the connection means to be automatically retracted about said spindle or drum in use on lowering the upper support means and/or carriage means relative to said lower support means and/or carriage means.

[0045] The lower support means and/or carriage means typically does not move until the intermediate movement means located between the two is substantially uncoiled (i.e. at its maximum length). The length of the intermediate movement means can be adjusted as required to allow a required or pre-determined distance to be provided between the support means and/or carriage means in use.

[0046] Locking means can be associated with the intermediate movement means, movement means, support means, carriage means, frame means and/or the like to lock any of the same in a required position in use.

[0047] Brake means can be provided with the pulley or hoist system, movement means, support means, carriage means, frame means and/or the like to slow and/or stop movement of any of the same in use.

[0048] It will be appreciated that not all the carriage means of the display system have to have support means associated therewith at any one time.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using a display system, said display system including frame means and one or more support means locatable on or with said frame means, said method including the step of moving said one or more of said support means relative to said frame means between at least a raised position and a lowered position using movement means.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a shelf system that has two or more shelf units provided thereon that can be automatically moved between two or more different positions.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front view of a glass frontage of a retail outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partial detailed view of the display system shown in figure 1;

Figures 3a-3c show a front elevation, side elevation and plan view of the carriage details according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively;

Figures 4a-4c show a plan view, front elevation and side elevation of a shelf unit according to an embodiment of the present invention respectively;

Figure 5a shows a side view of a display system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5b shows a plan view of a shelf unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of the carriage according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Referring firstly to figure 1, there is provided display systems 2, 2' for use in the glass frontage of a retail outlet 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Each display system 2, 2' comprises movement means 6 and a plurality of support means in the form of shelf units 8, 10, 12, 14. The shelf units are movable by the movement means between a first raised position, as shown in display system 2, and a second lowered position, as shown in display system 2'. In the second lowered position, display goods can be located on and/or removed from a shelf unit. The shelf unit can then be raised through a vertical height to a suitable position in the glass frontage.

[0054] Each shelf unit 8-14 is detachably attached to a carriage 16 in a cantilever arrangement as will be explained in more detail below. With the shelf unit in a substantially rectangular configuration, this provides a user with an unobstructed view of least 3 sides of said shelf unit.

[0055] The carriages 16 are slidably mounted on a frame 18 to allow movement of the carriages between raised and lowered positions in use. The frame includes a plurality of frame members joined together to form a stable and substantially rigid tower either side of the retail outlet frontage. For example, the frame members can be arranged in substantially horizontal, vertical and/or diagonal directions as required. The frame in the illustrated embodiment typically extends between the ground 20 and ceiling 22 of the frontage and is attached to the ground and ceiling respectively by suitable means. However, it will be appreciated that the frame of the display system can be any suitable height as required. In addition, it will be appreciated that if required, the frame could be free standing or attached to an adjacent wall, depending on the construction features at the location in which the system is to be positioned.

[0056] Guide means in the form of two substantially parallel rail members 24, 26 are arranged substantially vertically on the frame 18. The rail members 24, 26 are substantially parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the frame.

[0057] The movement means includes a hoist system comprising a wire rope 28 wound on a rotatable drum 30 located adjacent ground 20 at a first end thereof. A second end of wire rope 28 is located over a hoist wheel 31 positioned adjacent a top of frame 18 and is joined to uppermost carriage 16 associated with upper shelf unit 14. Thus, wire rope 28 passes from the ground level, up through the frame 18, over the top of hoist wheel 31 and down to the uppermost carriage of the display system. Drive means in the form of an electrically powered motor 32 drives rotation of drum 30 and hence movement of the wire rope 28 between extended and retracted positions. Movement of the wire rope 28 from the retracted position to the extended position allows movement of the uppermost carriage and shelf unit 14 from a raised position to a lowered position. Movement of the wire rope 28 from the extended position to the retracted position allows movement of the uppermost carriage and shelf unit 14 from a lowered position to a raised position.

[0058] Intermediate movement means in the form of a flexible webbing 34, of a type similar to that of a car seat belt, is provided between two adjacent carriages of the display system. For example, webbing 34 is provided between the adjacent carriages connecting shelf units 8 and 10 respectively, as shown in figure 2. The flexible webbing allows a lower carriage to move towards an adjacent upper carriage on movement of the adjacent upper carriage as will be explained in more detail below. The webbing between each carriage is typically around 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) in length.

[0059] Each carriage 16 includes a front wall 36 and side walls 38, 40 protruding rearwards of the side edges of front wall 36 to provide a substantially U-shaped body when viewed in plan, as shown in figures 3a-3c. The exterior surface of each side wall 38, 40 has two sets of outwardly protruding engagement pins or shank bolts; an upper set 42, 44; and a lower set 42', 44'. The lower set of pins are longer in length than the upper set in the illustrated example so that a counter balance weight can be attached to both side walls. The two sets of pins 42, 44; 42', 44' allow detachable attachment with complementary recesses provided on a shelf unit. It will be appreciated that the recesses could be provided on the carriage and the pins on the shelf units if required. The pins within each set are arranged diagonally and a spaced distance apart on the side wall, such that the pin nearest the front wall is lower in height than the pin nearest the free edge of the side wall. The first and second sets of engagement pins allow the shelf unit to be engaged in one of two different positions with respect to the carriage and/or the counter- balance weight can be to be located in one of two different positions. More or less pins can be provided if more or less pre-determined positions of the shelf on the carriage are required.

[0060] Although not shown in figures 1-4 for the purpose of clarity, each carriage is held in position on the rail members by a plurality of bolts.

[0061] Each shelf unit 8-14 includes attachment portions 46, 48 provided at a rear end 50 of the shelf unit. The attachment portions 46, 48 engage with carriage 16 in use. The attachment portions 46, 48 are joined to the shelf body 52 which includes a top surface 54, base surface 56, side walls 58, 60 and a free front end 62 opposite to said rear end 50. The shelf unit can be provided in any suitable shape, size and/or design as required. One or more electrical sockets can be provided on the carriage 16 or shelf unit to allow one or more electrical items or lighting devices to be located therewith. The one or more lighting devices can be associated with any surface or surfaces of the shelf unit as required.

[0062] Each attachment portion 46, 48 is in the form of a plate like member having a first recess 64 located adjacent an upper rear edge and a second recess 66 located adjacent a lower front edge. In use, the upper recess 64 is located with pin 44 or 44' on the carriage and the lower recess 66 is located with pin 42 or 42' on the carriage. Thus, the shelf unit can be quickly and easily detachably attached to the carriage.

[0063] Flexible elongate webbing 34 is joined to front surface 36 of an upper carriage 16 by fixing 68 and is joined to a lower carriage via a retraction device 70. The retraction device operates in a similar manner to a seat belt retraction housing and typically includes a spindle on which the elongate webbing is wound around.

[0064] In use of the display system, the shelf units 8-14 and corresponding carriages to which they are attached to are initially located adjacent ground 20 in a stacked type of arrangement. Each shelf unit is separated a spaced distance apart equal to the height of the carriage or carriages located above adjacent shelf units, as shown by display system 2' in figure 1. A user standing on ground 20 typically places one or more retail items on the uppermost shelf 14 in a required position (often described as "dressing" the shelf) and then actuates the hoist system which retracts wire 28 onto drum 30 using motor 32. This causes uppermost shelf 14 to be raised up the frame via sliding along rails 24, 26 by a required height.

[0065] As uppermost shelf 14 is raised, the flexible webbing 34 located between uppermost shelf 14 and lower adjacent shelf 12 starts to extend and unwinds from retraction device 70. During this time, shelf 12 remains stationary and sufficient space is now provided between the base surface 56 of shelf 14 and the top surface 54 of shelf 12 to allow "dressing" of shelf 12. On continued movement of uppermost shelf 14, the webbing 34 between shelves 14, 12 is extended to a maximum pre-determined length. Once this maximum point is reached, further movement of uppermost shelf 14 in an upwardly direction causes upwardly movement of lower shelf 12 along rails 24, 26.

[0066] Continued movement of shelf 12 increases the distance between shelf 12 and shelf 10, thereby allowing shelf 10 to be "dressed" by the user still located on ground 20. Since shelf 10 and shelf 12 are connected by a flexible webbing 34, a similar movement to that described above takes place. Shelf 10 is connected to shelf 8 in a similar manner.

[0067] Thus, it can be seen that the shelves will be separated by a pre-determined amount corresponding in this illustration to the length of the webbing between each of the shelf units. The length of webbing could be adjusted if required to adjust the distance between the shelf units. Thus, the shelf units could be separated by the same amount or different amounts in the fully raised position as required.

[0068] The shelf units are all dressed and/or undressed without the user leaving the ground surface, thereby making the system safe and easy to use.

[0069] Once the shelf units are in a fully raised position, the user simply actuates the motor in reverse to move the hoist system in reverse to lower the shelf units back to a level adjacent the ground.

[0070] Any number of shelf units and/or carriages can be provided on the display system and this typically corresponds to the weight and power that can be supported by the frame and motor.

[0071] Although the detailed illustrated example of the present invention is shown in a substantially vertical arrangement. It will be appreciated that the present invention could be provided in a substantially horizontal arrangement or an acute angle to the vertical or horizontal as required.

[0072] Referring to figure 5a, there is illustrated a further embodiment of a display system 102 according to the present invention. It is noted that the same reference numerals are used to describe the same features as the earlier described embodiments.

[0073] In this embodiment a lower part of the frame 18 is located in a recess 104 below the floor or ground level 20 and an upper part of frame 18 extends above ground 20. This allows shelf units 8, 10, 12, 14 to also be moved below floor level 20, thereby making access to any particular shelf unit even easier than in figure 1. For example, a top surface of a shelf unit could be moved to be substantially flush with floor level 20 in the arrangement in figure 5a, thereby allowing an item to be easily pushed or wheeled onto the shelf unit for example without any lifting action being imparted by the user. It also means that shelf units do not have to be physically removed from the frame when loading and/or unloading a particular shelf unit or when said shelf unit is not in use.

[0074] The shelf units 8-14 are moved relative to frame 18 in a similar manner as before with a wire rope 28 passing over pulley wheels 106 located at an upper end 110 of the frame. The shelf units 8-14 are typically mounted on carriages 16 which are slidably mounted on frame 18.

[0075] Each shelf unit 8-14 is provided with individual electrical cable means 112 to allow electrical voltage to be provided independently to each shelf unit if required. The electrical cable means 112 typically have recoil cable rewinding means 113 to allow automatic extension and recoiling of the cable on movement of a shelf unit between raised and lowered positions. In the illustration, the electrical cable means are located on a base 114 in recess 104 below the floor level 20.

[0076] The hoist or winch 31 and/or motor 32 are located in recess 104 below floor level 20 in the illustration, thereby making the same more accessible for replacement and/or repair.

[0077] Closure means (not shown), such as for example a trap door, can be provided over the opening of recess 104 in use to prevent a user from falling into recess 104.

[0078] Referring to figure 5b, a further embodiment of a shelf unit 108 is shown. In this embodiment, the shelf unit 108 is supported in a cantilever arrangement as with the previously described embodiment. The shelf unit 108 is attached to the carriage 16 via a lower support and an upper fin (not shown).

[0079] A void 116 is located adjacent the peripheral rim of each shelf unit 108 to allow electrical cabling and/or lighting to be located therein.

[0080] The frame members 18 in this embodiment are clad in 9mm thick medium density fibreboard (MDF) 118. The appearance of the frame therefore is of a single unit with a single slit 120 through which the shelf unit is connected to the carriage 16.

[0081] One example of the arrangement of the carriage 16 in the frame 18 is shown in figure 6. The carriage 16 includes a number of wheels 122 which run on the frame members 18 which function as rails. The wheels are located substantially opposite and orthogonally to each other so that the carriage runs smoothly along the frame by preventing any pivoting or rotation of the carriage 16. It will be appreciated that any pivoting or rotation of the carriage with respect to the frame would cause the carriage to jam or otherwise prevent the smooth running of the same between the rails.

[0082] The carriage 16 includes an arm or fin 124 which extends horizontally from the carriage and is attached to a further frame (not shown) under the shelf unit 108. By having the shelf unit 108 located on a single arm 124 in this way, the shelf can be connected to the frame in a cantilever-type manner, with only one groove 126 required, thereby improving the appearance of the system. As described previously, the shelf unit 108 can be raised or lowered using a pulley system. The wire rope 28 of the pulley system is detachably attached to the carriage 16 by a number of linkages 128, 130, in this example..

Claims

1. A display system, said display system including frame means and one or more support means locatable on or with said frame means, and wherein movement means are provided to allow one or more of said support means to be moved relative to said frame means between at least a raised position and a lowered position.

2. A display system according to claim 1 wherein the support means includes any or any combination of one or more hooks, protruding members or shelf units.

3. A display system according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of support means are provided on or with said frame means and at least two or more of said support means are capable of being arranged and/or moved a spaced vertical distance apart.

4. A display system according to claim 1 wherein the one or more support means are integral with, attached or detachably attached to carriage means and said carriage means are movably mounted on or movable relative to said frame means in use.

5. A display system according to a preceding claim wherein illumination means are associated with or locatable on one or more of said support means, carriage means and/or frame means.

6. A display system according to a preceding claim wherein electrical connection means are associated with or locatable on one or more of said support means, carriage means and/or frame means.

7. A display system according to claim 4 wherein the carriage means include counterbalancing means to provide stability to the carriage means in use.

8. A display system according to claim 1 wherein the movement means includes a hoist or pulley system for allowing the one or more support means and/or carriage means associated with the one or more support means to be movable relative to the frame means in use.

9. A display system according to claim 8 wherein the movement means includes drive means for driving movement of the hoist or pulley system and said drive means can include any or any combination of electrical means, mechanical means, pneumatic means or hydraulic means.

10. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the movement means, drive means and/or hoist or pulley system are driven manually or are powered using automated means.

11. A display system according to claim 8 wherein the hoist or pulley system includes one or more wires, cables and/or ropes which are locatable over one or more wheels, ball bearings and/or rollers at or adjacent a top or upper end of the frame means, and end or portion of the wire, cable or rope is attachable to at least an upper support means and/or carriage means and a lower end or portion of the wire, cable or rope is provided at or adjacent a lower end of the frame means.

12. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein guide means are provided to guide the movement of the support means and/or carriage means relative to the frame means in use.

13. A display system according to claim 1 wherein intermediate movement means are provided between an upper support means and a lower support means, the intermediate movement means allowing movement of a lower support means on movement of an upper support means.

14. A display system according to any preceding claim wherein the system includes any or any combination of: locking means associated with the intermediate movement means, movement means, support means carriage means and/or frame means to lock any of the same in a required position in use; brake means associated with the intermediate movement means, movement means, support means carriage means and/or frame means to stop movement of any of the same in use; control means to allow user actuation of said movement means, the control means located on the display system or remotely therefrom.

15. A method of using a display system, said display system including frame means and one or more support means locatable on or with said frame means, said method including the step of moving said one or more of said support means relative to said frame means between at least a raised position and a lowered position using movement means.

Drawing