The invention relates to a flow stabiliser for an open refrigerated display case.

The display of chilled or frozen items is commonplace in many retail environments, most notably in supermarkets. Conventionally, such items have been displayed in refrigerated display cases having glass doors to allow customers to browse items before opening the doors to access the items. However, the presence of such doors has been seen as problematic in that they make it difficult for several customers to access the contents of the case, as well as providing an obstruction when open, narrowing the usable aisle space.

It is therefore common for supermarkets to use open-fronted display cases (Open Refrigerated Display Cases; herein ORDCs”). ORDCs utilise an air curtain which is cooled to below ambient temperature and propelled downward, across the open front of the display case. The air curtain separates the refrigerated interior of the display case from the ambient air surrounding the display case. The air curtain thus keeps the cool air inside the display case from spilling out due to buoyancy effects, and also provides a barrier from other external motions of air around the display case. ORDCs therefore do not need any physical barrier separating customers from the contents of the display case. Accordingly, ORDCs provide a desirable method of displaying food and other perishable goods as they allow both easy access and clear visibility of merchandise.

However, as a direct consequence of their open design, ORDCs do have significantly higher energy consumption compared to the closed-fronted alternative. The main energy losses occur within the air curtain, and are caused by the entrainment of warm ambient air into the air curtain and the turbulent mixing which occurs within the air curtain itself. The entrainment of warm ambient air causes an increase in temperature within the air curtain, and this warmer air must be cooled as it re-circulates through the system. It has been estimated that 70% to 80% of the cooling load of an ORDC is due to such effects.

In recent years, multi-decked designs have become commonplace to maximise the display space per unit of floor space. Consequently, the air curtains of such ORDCs must seal a larger display area. This has exacerbated entrainment issues and the resulting energy losses, as well as making the design of air curtains more challenging, particularly in respect of ensuring product integrity and temperature homogeneity while attempting to minimize their energy consumption.

It has previously been proposed to provide an open refrigerated display case in which each shelf of a display area is provided with a flow stabilising device which stabilises flow in the air curtain. Such a flow stabilising device is disclosed in GB2527628B.

The invention thus seeks to provide an improved flow stabilising device.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a flow stabiliser assembly for stabilising an air curtain flowing across an open front of a refrigerated display case, the flow stabiliser assembly comprising: a shelf mount configured to be mounted to a shelf; a flow stabiliser configured to receive and stabilise a planar air curtain; and an extension mechanism between the shelf mount and the flow stabiliser which is configured to support the flow stabiliser so that it extends along a width of the shelf at a front end of the shelf; wherein the extension mechanism is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount.

The translation movement relative the shelf mount may be such that separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (or the shelf when installed) increases as the flow stabiliser moves from the retracted configuration to the extended

configuration. All such examples of translational movement as discussed herein are considered to vary the separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (or the shelf when installed), except those that refer to a translational component of pure pivoting movement. The rotational movement relative the shelf mount may be considered to be about a rotational axis local to the flow stabiliser, which may be parallel with the lateral axis as described herein.

The extension mechanism may comprise a pin slot mechanism. The pin slot mechanism may comprise: a distal element coupled to the shelf mount via a proximal element so that it is supported by the proximal element. A slot of the pin slot mechanism may comprise a locking portion which departs from a profile of a central portion of the slot so that when a respective pin is received therein it is retained by weight acting through the distal element on the proximal element and is removable by lifting of the distal element. The locking portion may be one of two locking portions of the slot corresponding to the retracted and extended configurations of the flow stabiliser respectively.

The pin slot mechanism may comprise two pins received in one slot or in two respective slots so that the pin slot mechanism has a single degree of freedom.

The extension mechanism may be one of a plurality of extension mechanisms including a first stage extension mechanism between the shelf mount and an intermediate element, and a second stage pin slot mechanism between the intermediate element and the flow stabiliser.

When the extension mechanism comprises a pin-slot mechanism, it may comprise a pair of pins which are constrained to move together and are received in a slot. The slot may comprise: a locking portion configured to engage the pins to retain the flow stabiliser in the retracted configuration; an extension portion to stop relative movement of the flow stabiliser away from the shelf mount; and a central portion therebetween. The slot may be configured to permit movement of the pair of pins together in the slot with multiple degrees of freedom between the locking portion and the extension portion to effect translation and rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount.

The extension mechanism may comprise a linear extension member slidable relative the shelf mount or the flow stabiliser. The linear extension member may be pivotably coupled to the shelf mount or the flow stabiliser.

The linear extension member may be slidable relative the shelf mount and pivotably coupled to the flow stabiliser about a pivot axis. The extension mechanism may further comprise an auxiliary link extending from the shelf mount to an attachment point on the flow stabiliser spaced apart from the pivot axis, whereby sliding movement of the linear extension member may cause the auxiliary link to cooperate with the flow stabiliser to cause rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount, such that there is compound relative translation and rotation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount with a single degree of freedom. The linear extension member may be slidable relative the flow stabiliser and pivotably coupled to the shelf mount. The linear extension member may be pivotable between a lowered position in which pivoting movement is stopped by abutment with the shelf mount, and a lifted position. The extension mechanism may comprise a releasable locking arrangement for locking the linear extension member in a lifted position to prevent the linear extension member returning to the lowered position.

The extension mechanism may be configured to be placed in the retracted

configuration when the shelf mount is mounted to a substantially horizontal shelf. The extension mechanism may be configured to be placed in the extended configuration when the shelf is tilted downwards towards its front end.

The shelf mount, flow stabiliser and extension mechanism may be cooperatively configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount corresponding to rotation of a shelf about a pivot point between 300-600mm from the flow stabiliser through an angle of between 5-30 degrees.

The flow stabiliser may further comprise an actuator configured to be coupled to a shelf support and to act on the extension mechanism to drive movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount between the retracted and extended configurations in response to movement of the shelf mount relative the shelf support which corresponds to movement of a shelf relative the shelf support between first and second positions.

The actuator may be coupled to the shelf support and to the flow stabiliser at respective pivot points to drive movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount.

The flow stabiliser may define an air curtain plane along which it is configured to receive and stabilise a planar air curtain. The extension mechanism may be configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount so as to maintain alignment of the flow stabiliser so that it defines an air curtain plane which is common in both the retracted and extended configurations. According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided an open refrigerated display case comprising: a refrigerated display area having an open front and comprising one or more shelves; an air outlet and an air inlet opening into the display area and spaced from one another; a duct fluidically coupling the air inlet to the air outlet, the duct being configured to direct air flow out of the air outlet across the open front of the display area and toward the air inlet to form an air curtain across the open front of the display area; wherein a shelf of the one or more shelves is moveable between a first position and a second position to vary an incline of the shelf; wherein the shelf is provided with a flow stabiliser assembly comprising: a shelf mount mounted on the shelf; a flow stabiliser configured to receive and stabilise the air curtain; an extension mechanism between the shelf mount and the flow stabiliser which is configured to support the flow stabiliser so that it extends along a width of the shelf at a front end of the shelf; wherein the extension mechanism is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount and shelf between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract movement of the shelf; whereby the flow stabiliser is aligned with the air curtain when: the shelf is in the first position and the flow stabiliser is in the retracted configuration; and the shelf is in the second position and the flow stabiliser is in the extended configuration.

The flow stabiliser assembly may be in accordance with the first aspect of the disclosure.

Movement of the shelf from the first position to the second position may cause a position of the air curtain to change in front of the display case (i.e. along a back-front direction of the display case), irrespective of the position of the flow stabiliser. For example, an inertia of a separate airflow along the shelf (e.g. from the back of the display case) may change based on the inclination of the shelf, and this may affect the position of the air curtain. Accordingly, the flow stabiliser may be aligned with a first position of the air curtain when the shelf is in the first position and the flow stabiliser is in the retracted configuration, and the flow stabiliser assembly may be aligned with a second position of the air curtain when the shelf is in the second position and the flow stabiliser is in the extended configuration. Nevertheless, in such examples, the extension mechanism is still configured to guide the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount in both translation and rotation. The disclosure extends to flow stabiliser assemblies and open refrigerated display cases having any combination of the features described herein, except such combinations as are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a conventional open refrigerated display case (ORDC);

Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a pivotable shelf for an ORDC;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pivotable shelf for an ORDC with a first example flow stabiliser assembly;

Figures 4-5 are perspective views of the first example flow stabiliser assembly in the retracted configuration and an exploded arrangement respectively.

Figures 6-7 are side views of the first example flow stabiliser assembly in the retracted and extended configurations respectively;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second example flow stabiliser assembly in the extended configuration;

Figures 9-11 are cross-sectional views of the second example flow stabiliser assembly in exploded view, the retracted configuration and the extended configuration respectively;

Figures 12-13 are cross-sectional views of a third example flow stabiliser assembly in retracted and extended configurations respectively;

Figures 14-15 are cross sectional views of a fourth example flow stabiliser assembly in retracted and extended configurations respectively;

Figure 16 is a perspective exploded view of the fourth example flow stabiliser. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth example flow stabiliser assembly including an actuator.

Figure 1 shows a conventional ORDC 2. The ORDC 2 comprises a cabinet portion formed by a lower wall 4, a back wall 6, an upper wall 8, and left and right side walls (not shown). A lower panel 10, a back panel 12 and an upper panel 14 are disposed within the cabinet portion.

The lower, back and upper panels 10, 12, 14 form a display area 15 which is provided with a plurality of shelves 17 (six are shown) on which items may be displayed. The shelves 17 are affixed to the back panel 12.

As shown, the lower, back and upper panels 10, 12, 14 are spaced from the respective lower, back and upper walls 4, 6, 8 to form a duct 16. An intake grille 18 is provided at the lower panel 10 to form an inlet to the duct 16. Similarly, a discharge grille 20 is provided at the upper panel 14 to form an outlet from the duct 16. The intake grille 18 and the discharge grille 20 are thus fluidically coupled to one another by the duct 16. The intake grille 18 and the discharge grille 20 are spaced from the back panel 12 toward the front of the cabinet portion and ahead of the shelves 17.

A fan 22 and a heat exchanger 24 are located within the duct 16 adjacent to the intake grille 18 and thus are disposed between the lower wall 4 and the lower panel 10. The fan 22 draws air into the duct 16 via the intake grille 18 which then passes through the heat exchanger 24 where it is cooled to well below the ambient temperature.

After passing through the heat exchanger 24, the air continues through the duct 16 between the back wall 6 and the back panel 12. The back panel 12 is perforated allowing air to pass from the duct 16 into the display area 15 where it cools items located on the shelves 17 and on the lower panel 10.

The remaining air flows through the duct 16 to the discharge grille 20. The air is ejected from the discharge grille 20 and descends over the open front of the display area 15 to form an air curtain 26. The air curtain 26 passes from the discharge grille 20 to the intake grille 18, where it is drawn in by the fan 22 and re-circulated through the duct 16. The air curtain 26 thus forms a non-physical barrier which separates the display area 15 from the ambient air surrounding the ORDC 2. As shown in Figure 1 , the air curtain 26 may be angled away from vertical by around 5- 10°. This may be achieved by angling the discharge grille 20. In particular, the discharge grille 20 may be provided with a honeycomb panel (not shown) which rectifies the air flow as it exits the discharge grille 20 to provide laminar flow. The air curtain 26 may also deviate away from the back panel 12 as a result of the air passing through the perforations in the back panel 12. The intake grille 18 is therefore offset from the discharge grille 20 to allow for this. Figure 2 shows a pivotable shelf 30 mounted to a back panel 12 of the ORDC 2 of Figure 1 in cross-section through one end of the shelf. The shelf 30 is shown in a first substantially horizontal position in solid lines, and a second downwardly inclined position in dashed lines. The shelf 30 comprises a pair of mounting portions, one at each lateral end of the shelf 30, for attaching to the back panel. Each mounting portion 32 comprises two attachment points 34, 36 vertically spaced apart when the shelf 30 is in the first substantially horizontal position to engage corresponding attachment points on the back panel 12.

In this example, the shelf 30 is pivotably coupled to the back panel 12 at an upper attachment point 34, for example by a pivot pin extending through the upper attachment point 34 and a corresponding hole in a upright support member of the back panel.

In this example, the lower attachment point 36 comprises an arcuate arm comprising a plurality of spaced apart locating recesses for locating a corresponding mounting formation on the back panel 12 in different angular positions of the shelf 30. In the example shown there are three locating recesses, but in other examples there may be two or more than three. In an example, the mounting formation of the back panel 12 may be a removable locating pin which can be inserted through a hole in an upright support member of the back panel and into one of the locating recesses of the shelf to hold retain it in a predetermined position, and which can be removed to permit the shelf to pivot to another predetermined position.

As shown, a front end 38 of the shelf 30 moves arcuately owing to pivoting movement of the shelf from the first shelf position to the second position. In particular, the arcuate movement of the front end causes it to move in translation downwardly and rearwardly towards the rear of the OR DC.

Figure 3 shows a flow stabiliser assembly 100 provided on a front end of a pivotable shelf 30, with the shelf shown in both the first substantially horizontal and the second downwardly inclined positions as described above.

The flow stabiliser assembly 100 comprises a plurality of shelf mounts 102 mounted to the shelf and a flow stabiliser 104. The flow stabiliser defines an air curtain plane 106 along which it is configured to receive and stabilise a planar air curtain.

The flow stabiliser is an aerodynamic device which in this example comprises a pair of stabilising beams 108 which are spaced apart from one another to define a slot between them which extends transversely along a lateral axis corresponding to the width of the front end of the shelf. The slot has an upper stabilising inlet and a stabilising outlet and a stabilising throat disposed therebetween as described in GB2527628B. The stabilising beams 108 are configured to stabilise an air curtain received into the slot and discharged from it along the air curtain plane 106. The particular orientation of the air curtain plane 106 is defined by the flow stabiliser and is a function of the aerodynamics of flow through the slot. In this example, the air curtain plane 106 (i.e. the direction of local peak velocity) is substantially aligned with an inner beam of the flow stabiliser (i.e. that closer to the shelf). For example, when the beams have an aerodynamic profile between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the air curtain plane 106 may be substantially aligned with a chord-wise plane of the inner beam. . In this example a corresponding inner slot is provided between the inner stabilising beam and the front of the shelf. The air curtain also flows through this inner slot, and the flow stabiliser may act to stabilise the flow through the inner slot as described above, or indirectly by virtue of stabilisation of flow through the outer slot between the beams 108.

In the example of Figure 3, there are two shelf mounts 102 each supporting a respective stabiliser arm 105 of the flow stabiliser 104 which extends forwardly from the shelf mount 102. The stabilising beams 108 are supported on the respective stabiliser arms 105 so as to extend laterally along a width of the shelf 30 at a front end of the shelf. The flow stabiliser assembly 100 comprises an extension mechanism 110 between each shelf mount 102 and the respective flow stabiliser arm 105. In other examples, there may be more than two shelf mounts 102 and respective flow stabiliser arms 105, or there may be a single shelf mount 102 supporting the flow stabiliser 104.

The extension mechanism 110 is configured to guide the flow stabiliser 104 to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract movement of the shelf and thereby maintain alignment of the flow stabiliser 104 so that the air curtain 106 it defines is common in both the retracted and extended configurations.

In this particular example, the shelf 30 is configured to pivot so that the front end of the shelf and thereby the shelf mount 102 moves arcuately between the first (horizontal) position and the second (inclined) position. In this example, the extension mechanism is configured to guide the flow stabiliser between a retracted configuration

corresponding to the first position of the shelf and an extended configuration corresponding to the second position of the shelf to counteract the arcuate movement of the shelf mount therebetween. For simplicity in the following description, only the first and second positions of the shelf together with the corresponding retracted and extended configurations of the flow stabiliser assembly are discussed. However, it will be appreciated that the shelf moves through a succession of intermediate positions and may be configured to be retained in any number of predetermined intermediate positions. Similarly, a flow stabiliser assembly inherently moves through a succession of intermediate configurations between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. In some examples, a flow stabiliser may be configured to guide relative movement of the flow stabiliser to an intermediate configuration to compensate for corresponding movement of the shelf from to an intermediate position.

The arcuate movement of the front end of the shelf (and thereby of the shelf mount) as the shelf pivots from the first position to the second position corresponds to

translational movement of the shelf mount downwardly and rearwardly, and rotation of the shelf mount (about its own rotational axis parallel with the lateral axis) through an angle equal to that of the pivoting movement of the shelf. The extension mechanism is configured to guide movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount to compensate for such translational and rotational movement of the shelf mount.

In some examples, such a flow stabiliser may be configured for use in an ORDC having a substantially vertical air curtain. In such examples, translational alignment of the flow stabiliser can be maintained when the shelf pivots from a first substantially horizontal position to a second inclined position by configuring the extension mechanism to guide the flow stabiliser in (at least) translation relative the shelf mount by an amount corresponding to the rearward translation movement of the shelf mount.

In other examples, including the particular example of Figure 3, a flow stabiliser may be configured for use in an ORDC in which the air curtain is inclined with respect to the vertical. Accordingly, translational alignment of the flow stabiliser can be maintained when the shelf pivots from a first horizontal position to a second inclined position by configuring the extension mechanism to guide the flow stabiliser in translation relative the shelf mount by an amount corresponding to the sum of (i) the rearward translational movement of the shelf mount and (ii) a forward offset of the inclined air curtain which corresponds to the downward translational movement of the shelf mount.

In yet further examples, the air curtain may laterally displace owing to movement of a shelf. For example, an inertia of a separate airflow along the shelf (e.g. from the back of the display case) may change based on the inclination of the shelf, and this may affect the position of the air curtain. Accordingly, the flow stabiliser may be configured to align with a first position of the air curtain when the shelf is in the first position and the flow stabiliser is in the retracted configuration, and the flow stabiliser assembly may be configured to align with a second position of the air curtain when the shelf is in the second position and the flow stabiliser is in the extended configuration.

Accordingly, the configuration of a flow stabiliser to compensate for movement of a shelf may take into account the particular dimensions and movement of a shelf of an ORDC between pre-set first and second positions, and may take into account the particular position and angular orientation of an air curtain of the ORDC, and whether or not it may displace in use. For example, a flow stabiliser for use in an ORDC having relatively deeper shelves (or at least a larger distance between a pivot point and the front end of the shelf) may be configured to compensate for relatively larger translational movements of the shelf mount than a flow stabiliser for use in an ORDC having relatively shallow shelves (or at least a smaller distance between a pivot point and the front end of the shelf).

Flow stabiliser assemblies as described herein may be configured and suitable for counteracting pivoting movement of shelves configured to rotate about a pivot point between 300-600mm from the flow stabiliser. Further, flow stabilisers as described herein may be configured and suitable for counteracting pivoting movement of shelves configured to pivot through an angle of between 5-30 degrees.

Example flow stabiliser assemblies having extension mechanisms for guiding relative movement between a flow stabiliser and a shelf mount will now be described in detail with respect to Figures 4 to 16. To simplify the drawings, each of the examples shown are depicted with a single shelf mount and respective stabiliser arm of a flow stabiliser, with a stabiliser beam omitted. As mentioned above, it will be appreciated that example flow stabilisers may include a single shelf mount which supports a flow stabiliser, or may include multiple shelf mounts which support multiple stabiliser arms.

Figure 4 shows a first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 comprising a shelf mount 102, a stabiliser arm 105 of a flow stabiliser, and an extension mechanism 110 therebetween. As will become apparent from the below description, the extension mechanism 110 as shown in Figure 4 is in a retracted configuration.

The shelf mount 102 comprises a mount body 120 comprising an L-shaped abutment shoulder having an upright member 121 configured to abut a front end of a shelf and a rearwardly-extending tab 122 configured to overly an upper surface of the shelf. The shelf mount 102 further comprises a clamp member 124 configured to cooperate with the mount body 120 to clamp the shelf mount 102 to a shelf. In this particular example, the clamp member 120 is configured to be received on a rearward side of a front end of the shelf and has a laterally-extending groove for receiving a rearwardly-extending lip of the shelf. The clamp member 120 and the mount body 120 are configured to be fastened together, for example by a mechanical fastener such as a bolt or screw, so as to secure the shelf mount 102 to the shelf.

Forward of the abutment shoulder, the mount body defines a proximal element 130 of the extension mechanism 110. The terms“proximal” and“distal” are used herein to refer to the relative position of components in a linkage defined by the extension mechanism with respect to the shelf, with“proximal” denoting relatively close proximity to the shelf or shelf mount, and distal denoting greater separation from the shelf.

Accordingly, in use a distal element of the extension mechanism is supported on the shelf mount indirectly via the proximal element. Any intermediate element would be between the proximal and distal elements (at least functionally, if not spatially).

In this example, the proximal element 130 is integrally formed with the abutment shoulder of the mount body 120, but in other examples it may be fixedly attached to the abutment shoulder or another portion of the mount body 120.

The proximal element 130 comprises two support plates 132 which are each generally planar in planes normal to the lateral axis (i.e. an axis or direction corresponding to the width of the shelf), and disposed in side-by-side relationship with respect to the lateral axis so that there is a gap between them.

The stabiliser arm 105 comprises a support portion configured to support the stabiliser beams as mentioned above. Rearward of the support portion, the stabiliser arm 105 defines a distal element 150 of the extension mechanism 110. In the retracted configuration of the extension mechanism 110 as shown in Figure 4, the distal element 150 is disposed between the plates 132 of the proximal element 130.

The distal element 150 is coupled to the proximal element 130 via an intermediate element 140 between them. In this example, the intermediate element 140 comprises two sliding intermediate plates 142 disposed on each lateral side of the distal element 150. Each intermediate plate 142 is supported on a respective one of the support plates 132 of the proximal element 130.

Accordingly, the stabiliser arm 105 is supported on the shelf by way of a mechanical linkage including the shelf mount 102 defining the proximal element 130; the intermediate element 140 supported on the proximal element, and the distal element 150 of the stabiliser arm 105 which is supported on the intermediate element 140.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the flow stabiliser assembly 100, which shows the particular configuration of the elements of the extension mechanism in more detail.

The exploded view shows duplicate support plates 132 of the proximal element 130: both in an assembled configuration to form the mount body 120, and in exploded view to show their cooperation with other elements of the extension mechanism.

As shown in Figure 5, each support plate 132 of the proximal element 130 defines a pair of first stage guide slots 134 on its inwardly-facing side (i.e. the side facing the opposing support plate 132), including an upper slot and a lower slot. In this example, the slots are cambered (i.e. curved) within the plane of the plate to each have a substantially arcuate profile oriented so that, when installed (i.e. on a shelf of an ORDC) and in the retracted configuration, each slot has a substantially dished profile (i.e. corresponding to an arc towards the lowest portion of a circle).

Each slot 134 is configured to engage with a corresponding pin 144 which protrudes from an outer face of a respective intermediate plate 142. The pins and slots are mutually configured so that the intermediate plates 142 are slidable relative the support plates 132 between a retracted position and an extended position with a single degree of freedom. In particular, since each pair of plates 132, 142 engage by virtue of two pins being received in two respective slots, free relative rotation between them (i.e. without translation) is prevented. In other examples, there may be a single slot with at least two pins received therein to have the same effect.

The term“single degree of freedom” as used herein is intended to mean that movement of one element A with respect to another element B is restricted to a single predetermined path, such that relative position and orientation along any component direction or about any component axis (i.e. in any frame of reference) is determinative of all relative positions and orientations in all other component directions and about all component axes. For example, when an element A is configured to move

translationally (e.g. with a vertical component and a horizontal component of movement) and rotationally (or angularly) with respect to element B with a single degree of freedom, such movement is restricted to a single predetermined path such that the horizontal position of the element A relative element B is determinative of both the relative vertical position and the relative rotational position.

The proximal element 130 and the intermediate element 140 thereby define a first stage pin slot mechanism in which the proximal element 130 and the intermediate element 140 serve as proximal and distal elements respectively. The intermediate element 140 and the distal element 150 further define a second stage pin slot mechanism in which the intermediate element 130 and the distal element serve as proximal and distal elements respectively, as follows.

Each plate 142 of the intermediate element 140 further comprises a pair of second stage guide slots 146 on an inner side of the plate to cooperate with corresponding pins 154 on opposing outer surfaces of the distal element 150. In this particular example, the slots 146 are cambered (i.e. curved) within the plane of the respective plate to each have a substantially arcuate profile oriented so that, when installed and in the retracted configuration, each slot has a profile corresponding to an inverted dish (i.e. corresponding to an arc towards the highest portion of a circle). As such, the slots 146 in this example have an inverse camber to the slots 134 of the proximal element 130.

The slots 146 of the intermediate element comprise locking portions which depart from the profile of a central portion of the slot so that when the respective pin is received therein it is retained by weight acting through the distal element 150 on the

intermediate element 140, and is removable by lifting of the distal element 150 (i.e. by lifting the flow stabiliser 104). In this particular example, the slot is on the supporting part of the second-stage pin-slot mechanism (i.e. the intermediate element 140), and so the locking portions extend downwardly from a profile of the central portion of the slot so the distal element must be lifted to exit the locking portion. Such locking portions may advantageously prevent inadvertent extension or retraction of the pin-slot mechanism. In other examples, a locking portion may be provided at one end of the slot only. In yet further examples there may be one or more locking portions at an intermediate position along the slot corresponding to locking of the flow stabiliser assembly in an intermediate configuration between the retracted and extended configurations to compensate for movement of a shelf to a corresponding intermediate position, as mentioned above.

Figure 6 shows the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 in the retracted configuration corresponding to attachment to a shelf in a first substantially horizontal position. In this configuration, the pins 144 of the intermediate element 140 are received at proximal ends of the slots 134 of the proximal element 130, and the pins 154 of the distal element 150 are received at proximal locking portions of the slot 146 of the intermediate element 140. Accordingly, the intermediate element is in its proximal-most position and the distal element is in its proximal most position in the retracted configuration.

Figure 7 shows the flow stabiliser assembly 100 in the extended configuration corresponding to the shelf being in the second downwardly inclined position. As shown in Figure 7, the shelf mount 102 is rotated by an amount corresponding to the pivoting of the shelf. In this configuration, the pins 144 of the intermediate element 140 are received at distal ends of the slots 134 of the proximal element, and the pins 154 of the distal element 150 are received at distal locking portions of the slot 146 of the intermediate element 140. Accordingly, the intermediate element is in its distal-most position and the distal element is in its distal-most position in the extended

configuration, such that the flow stabiliser is moved in translation relative the shelf mount so as to increase the separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (and shelf).

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, in this particular example the camber of the first stage guide slots 134 of the proximal element is such that the weight of the intermediate element acts to bias the pins 144 to the proximal end of the slots 134 when the shelf is in the first substantially horizontal position, and to bias the pins 144 to the distal end of the slots 134 when the shelf is in the second inclined position. Accordingly, in this example no locking portions are required to prevent inadvertent sliding movement relative the intermediate element 140 and the proximal element.

In an example of use, the flow stabiliser assembly 100 in the retracted configuration is mounted on a shelf and stabilises an air curtain received along an air curtain plane.

The shelf is moved from a first substantially horizontal position to a second inclined position by an actuator or a human operator. The operator may grasp the flow stabiliser 104 and pull it and optionally lift it to cause it to move relative the shelf mount from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration so that the flow stabiliser 104 is substantially aligned with the same air curtain plane in both configurations. The user may extend the flow stabiliser assembly before or after moving the shelf. The shelf and flow stabiliser assembly 100 may be reverted to the first substantially horizontal position and the retracted configuration by pushing the flow stabiliser towards the shelf mount, and repositioning the shelf. Although an example has been described in which the extension mechanism comprises first and second stage pin-slot mechanisms, in other examples there may be a single such pin slot mechanism or more than two pin-slot mechanisms.

Further, whilst an example has been described in which the slot of the second stage pin slot mechanism has locking portions, it will be appreciated that the slots of any stage may have one or more locking portions.

Further, whilst an example has been described in which a distal element of a pin-slot mechanism (e.g. the distal element 150 acting on the intermediate element 140, or the intermediate element 140 acting on the proximal element 130) is provided with a pin to engage a slot in a proximal element, it will be appreciated that in other examples the pin and slot may be configured in the opposite arrangement. In such examples, a locking portion may also depart from the profile of a central portion of the slot in an opposing manner - i.e. the locking portion on the distal element may extend upwardly from the central portion of the slot so as to retain a pin on the proximal or intermediate element.

Further, whilst an example has been described (and further examples shall be described below) in which the flow stabiliser is aligned with the same air curtain plane in both configurations, in other examples the flow stabiliser may be configured to align with a first air curtain plane in the retracted configuration, and a different second air curtain plane in the extended configuration.

In other examples, alternatives to a pin-slot mechanism may be used. For example, there may be first and second stage mechanisms in which an elongate or curved member is received in a corresponding guide slot to permit relative translational or compound translational and rotational movement therebetween.

Figure 8 shows a second example flow stabiliser assembly 200 which is similar to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 in features relating to the attachment of a shelf mount 202 to a shelf and the provision of a flow stabiliser comprising a stabiliser arm 205. As such, the flow stabiliser assembly has a mount body 220 and a stabiliser arm 205 substantially as described above with respect to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100. The second example flow stabiliser assembly 200 differs from the first example in the configuration of an extension mechanism 210 between the shelf mount 202 and the flow stabiliser.

As described above, an extension mechanism 210 is provided between the shelf mount 202 and the flow stabiliser which is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount and thereby maintain alignment of the flow stabiliser so that it defines an air curtain plane which is common in both the retracted and extended configurations.

A forward portion of the mount body 220 defines a proximal element 230 of the extension mechanism 210. The stabiliser arm 205 comprises a support portion as described above for supporting guide beams of the flow stabiliser. Rearward of the support portion, the stabiliser arm 205 defines a distal element 250 of the extension mechanism.

With reference to Figure 9, the proximal element 230 and the distal element 250 cooperate to define a pin-slot extension mechanism 210. In this particular example, the distal element 250 is substantially planar and comprises a pair of pins 252, 254 spaced apart from one another, each pin projecting from both lateral sides of the planar element (though in other examples each pin may be provided on one side only). The pins are fixedly mounted to the distal element 250 so that they are constrained to move together. The proximal element 230 comprises a guide slot 232 which is configured to receive and retain the pair of pins in two different positions corresponding to a retracted configuration of the extension mechanism (Figure 10) and an extended configuration (Figure 11).

The guide slot 232 comprises a locking portion 234 at its proximal end which is configured to retain the pair of pins in a position corresponding to the retracted configuration of the extension mechanism, and an extension portion 236 at its distal end which is configured to retain the pair of pins in a position corresponding to the extended configuration. The guide slot 232 comprises a central portion 238

therebetween. The guide slot 232 is configured to permit movement of the pair of pins 252, 254 together within the slot 232 with multiple degrees of freedom between the locking portion 234 and the extension portion 236 to effect translation and rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount 202.

In cross-section, the locking portion 234 is branched with respect to the central portion in that the locking portion 234 extends in two directions from a junction with the central portion. In this example the locking portion 234 is generally elongate with a width corresponding to the diameter of the pins, and is upright when the shelf is in a first substantially horizontal position so that it has a continuous proximal wall. The central portion 238 extends distally from a midpoint of the locking portion so that a distal wall of the locking portion 234 is discontinuous. At the junction between the central portion and the locking portion the diameter of the central portion is substantially equal to the diameter of the pins. The central portion 238 expands in the distal (or forward) direction to merge with the extension portion 236, which in this example is defined by an elongate distal wall which is elongate along a direction that is inclined with respect to the elongate direction of the locking portion. In this particular example, the slot 232 has an opening for receiving the pins 252, 254 into the slot which opens into the slot 232 at a midpoint along the elongate distal wall of the extension portion 236.

An example of relative movement between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount will now be described from a starting configuration in which the shelf mount 202 is attached to a shelf in a first substantially horizontal position, and the extension mechanism 210 is in the retracted configuration as shown in Figure 10. In this configuration, a first pin 252 of the pair is received in a lower end of the locking portion 234 below the junction with the central portion 238, whereas a second pin 254 is received in an upper portion of the locking portion 234 above the junction with the central portion 248 and away from the upper end of the locking portion 234. Weight of the flow stabiliser acting through the distal element 250 exerts a moment on the pins 252, 254 engaging the locking portion which is reacted at least partially by engagement of the second pin 254 against the distal wall of the upper portion of the locking portion 234. The weight acting through the distal element 250 prevents the lower first pin 252 from inadvertently exiting the branched lower portion of the locking portion 234, such that the extension mechanism is retained in the retracted configuration until the distal element 250 is lifted.

The shelf is pivoted to a second downwardly inclined position so that the shelf mount 202 and thereby the flow stabiliser assembly 200 moves arcuately. An operator lifts the flow stabiliser so that the pins 252, 254 of the distal element ride upwardly in the locking portion 234 of the slot until the lower first pin 252 is aligned with the junction with the central portion 238. Such alignment permits rotational movement of the distal element 250 so that the lower pin moves into the central portion of the slot, followed by translational movement to move the upper second pin 254 downwardly towards the junction with the central portion of the slot, thereby freeing both pins from the locking portion 245.

With both pins 252 in the central portion, free rotation and translation of the distal element 250 relative the proximal element 230 is permitted within a boundary defined by engagement of the pins with walls of the slot 232, so as to move the pins 252, 254 into engagement with the extension portion 236 to place the extension mechanism in the extended configuration (Figure 11), whereby it is moved in translation relative the shelf mount to increase the separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (and shelf).

The extension portion has a lower end corresponding to a junction between the distal wall of the extension portion 236 and a lower wall which is continuous with the central portion of the slot. The extension mechanism 210 is in the extended configuration when the lower first pin 242 is at the lower end of the extension portion and the upper second pin engages the distal wall of the extension portion.

Weight acts through the distal element to bias the lower first pin 252 to the lower end of the extension portion where it is supported, and a moment acts on the distal element (as supported at the lower end of the extension portion) which biases it in rotation so that the upper second pin 254 engages the distal wall of the extension portion.

Accordingly, once the pins 252, 254 are freed from the locking portion 234, the extension mechanism is biased to the extended configuration.

Accordingly, the flow stabiliser is guided in translational and rotational movement from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration by interaction of the pins with the slot. The location of the pins and the shape of the slot are cooperatively defined to effect and guide a predetermined translation and rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount to compensate for arcuate movement of the shelf mount corresponding to movement of the shelf from the first substantially horizontal position to the second inclined position. In other examples, the extension portion of the slot may have a locking feature to prevent inadvertent movement of the extension mechanism away from the extended configuration.

In this particular example, the central portion of the slot has a slot width which is greater than the maximum diameter of either of the pins, such that multiple degree of freedom movement (e.g. free rotation and translation) is possible within the slot. In other examples, the slot may permit multiple degree of freedom movement even when the slot width corresponds to the diameter of the pins. For example, the slot may be branched at both the extension portion and the locking portion and configured to permit free rotational or translational movement of one of the pins into the respective branch.

In other examples, the slot may be provided with at least one intermediate locking portion for locking the flow stabiliser in an intermediate configuration between the retracted and the extended configuration.

Whilst examples of the invention are described herein in which a distal element of an extension mechanism is provided as part of a stabiliser arm of a flow stabiliser, in other examples such a distal element may be coupled to or integral with any part of a flow stabiliser, for example a mounting bracket for a flow stabiliser.

Figures 12 and 13 show a third example flow stabiliser assembly 300 which is similar to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 in features relating to the attachment of a shelf mount 302 to a shelf and the provision of a flow stabiliser comprising a stabiliser arm 305. As such, the flow stabiliser assembly has a mount body 320 and a stabiliser arm 305 substantially as described above with respect to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100. The third example flow stabiliser assembly 300 differs from the first example in the configuration of an extension mechanism 310 between the shelf mount 302 and the flow stabiliser (stabiliser arm 305).

As described above, an extension mechanism 310 is provided between the shelf mount 302 and the flow stabiliser which is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount such that the flow stabiliser is aligned with respective air curtain planes in the retracted and extended configurations (which may be a common air curtain plane).

The extension mechanism 310 comprises a linear extension member 312 which is pivotable at one of its ends, and as such guides the flow stabiliser to move in two separate degrees of freedom corresponding to linear extension and pivoting movement (which effects both translational and rotational movement of the flow stabiliser).

In this particular example, the extension member 312 is pivotably attached to a mount body 320 of the shelf mount 302 for pivoting movement of the extension member (and thereby the flow stabiliser) about an axis parallel with the lateral axis of the shelf.

Figure 12 shows the flow stabiliser assembly 300 in a retracted configuration corresponding to the shelf mount 302 being mounted on a shelf in a first substantially horizontal position. In the retracted configuration, the mount body 320 supports the extension member 312 so that it extends forward (or distally) from the shelf along a substantially horizontal direction to define a first angular position of the extension member 312 relative the shelf mount 302. In particular, the mount body 320 comprises a recess 322 for receiving the proximal end of the extension member 312 which has a lower recess wall 324 which acts as an angular stop on which the extension member 312 rests.

A releasable locking arrangement is defined between the extension member 312 and the mount body 320 for retaining the extension member in a second angular position relative the shelf mount 302 in which it is lifted relative from first angular position.

Figure 13 shows the flow stabiliser assembly 300 in an extended configuration corresponding to the shelf mount 302 being mounted on a shelf in a second

downwardly inclined position. As shown in Figure 13, to compensate for the change in angular orientation of the shelf mount, the extension member 312 is pivoted relative the shelf mount to a second angular position relative the shelf mount. In this example, the pivoting movement from the first angular position to the second angular position is so as to lift the distal end of the extension member 312 (and thereby the flow stabiliser). The releasable locking arrangement comprises a detent mechanism that engages between the extension member 312 and the mount body 320 when the extension mechanism is in the second angular position. For example, the detent mechanism may comprise a spring-loaded pin 318 on the extension member 312 configured to be received in a corresponding pin hole 319 in the mount body. The pin hole may be accessible from a side of the mount body so as to release the pin. The locking arrangement thereby serves to guide pivoting movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount, which effects both relative rotational and translational movement without adjusting a separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (or the shelf when installed).

In this example, the recess 322 in the mount body further comprises an upper wall which is configured to act as an angular stop to prevent movement of the extension member beyond the second angular position. The upper and lower walls of the recess thereby serve to guide pivoting movement movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount in rotation, which effects both relative rotational and translational movement.

The extension member 312 is elongate and is configured to cooperate with the flow stabiliser (in particular with the stabiliser arm 305 of the flow stabiliser) to slide relative the flow stabiliser and thereby guide relative translational movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount to vary the separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf mount (or shelf when installed). In this particular example, the stabiliser arm 305 comprises an elongate guide slot 350 configured to slidably receive a distal end portion of the extension member. As shown in Figure 12, the guide slot 350 is sufficiently deep so that the stabiliser arm 305 can be retracted towards the shelf mount 302 so as to abut the shelf mount in a retracted position. In the retracted position, a majority of the length of the extension member is received in the stabiliser arm 305.

The extension member 312 and stabiliser arm 305 cooperate to permit the stabiliser arm (i.e. the flow stabiliser) to move distally along the extension member 312 from the retracted position to an extended position whilst the extension member cooperates with the walls of the elongate slot 350 to prevent rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the extension arm.

A stop pin 352 is provided towards a proximal end of the slot 350 which is received in a corresponding extension slot 314 along a length of the extension member 312. In this example, the stop pin 352 serves to stop distal movement of the flow stabiliser along the extension member 312 in the extended position. In other examples, two such pins may be provided to both stop distal movement and cooperate with the extension slot 314 to prevent relative rotation of the flow stabiliser relative the extension arm, and in such examples the extension member may not rely on cooperation with walls of the elongate guide slot 350 as described above to prevent relative rotation.

An extension latching arrangement is defined between the flow stabiliser and the extension member 312 to retain the flow stabiliser in the extended position. In this example, the extension latching arrangement comprises a pivotable detent 316 on the extension member 312 which is configured to move from a retained position as shown in Figure 12 in which it conforms with the profile of the extension member 312 and is retained within and against a wall of the elongate guide slot 350 of the stabiliser arm 305, and an engaged position in which it pivots away from the extension member 312 to engage an outer wall of the stabiliser arm 305 as shown in Figure 13. When the flow stabiliser is moved to the extended position relative the extension member 312, the pivotable detent 316 pivots to the engaged position in which it opposes a wall of the stabiliser arm 305 - in this example a proximal end wall of the stabiliser arm 305. Accordingly, the detent 316 prevents inadvertent retracting movement of the flow stabiliser relative the extension arm.

In an example of use the flow stabiliser assembly is in a starting configuration in which the shelf mount 302 is mounted on a shelf in a first substantially horizontal position, the extension member is in the first angular orientation relative the shelf mount and the flow stabiliser is in the retracted position relative the extension member.

An operator adjusts the shelf to a second inclined position so that the front end of the shelf and the shelf mount move arcuately. Weight of the flow stabiliser biases the flow stabiliser to move distally relative the extension member 312 to the extended position.

In this example, frictional engagement between the extension member 312 and the elongate guide slot 350 in the stabiliser arm 305 prevents extension of the flow stabiliser arm in the absence of operator input, although in other examples sliding movement to the extended position may occur under such biasing. The operator pulls on the flow stabiliser to extend the flow stabiliser relative the extension member 312 to reach the extended position. The pivotable detent 316 pivots to engage the proximal end wall of the stabiliser arm to prevent inadvertent retraction of the flow stabiliser from the extended position. The operator lifts the flow stabiliser and extension member 312 so that it pivots upwardly to the second angular position, at which point the detent pin 318 engages the pin hole 319 to retain the extension member in the second angular position.

With the extension member in the second angular position and the flow stabiliser in the extended position, the flow stabiliser assembly is in the extended configuration.

Movement of the flow stabiliser in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration counteracts arcuate movement of the shelf mount and thereby maintains alignment of the flow stabiliser so that it defines an air curtain plane which is common in both the retracted and extended configurations.

In other examples, the flow stabiliser assembly may be configured to stop in at least one intermediate configuration between the extended and retracted configurations as described above. For example, there may be a one or more further releasable locking arrangements configured to lock the angular position of the extension member relative the shelf mount in an intermediate angular position. Further, there may be a detent, releasable latching mechanism or simple mechanical fastener (e.g. a grub screw or locking pin) for stopping the linear extension of the extension member in an

intermediate position.

Figures 14 to 16 show a fourth example flow stabiliser assembly 400 which is similar to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 in features relating to the attachment of a shelf mount 402 to a shelf and the provision of a flow stabiliser comprising a stabiliser arm 405. As such, the flow stabiliser assembly has a mount body 420 and a stabiliser arm 405 substantially as described above with respect to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100.

The fourth example flow stabiliser assembly 400 differs from the first example in the configuration of an extension mechanism 410 between the shelf mount 402 and the flow stabiliser (stabiliser arm 405).

As described above, an extension mechanism 410 is provided between the shelf mount 402 and the flow stabiliser which is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount such that the flow stabiliser is aligned with respective air curtain planes in the retracted and extended configurations (which may be a common air curtain plane).

In this example, the extension mechanism 410 comprises a linear extension member 412 which is coupled between the mount body 420 and the stabiliser arm 405 to permit the stabiliser arm 405 to move distally from a retracted position as shown in Figure 14 to an extended position as shown in Figure 15.

In this example, the extension member 412 is pivotably coupled to the stabiliser arm and is slidably coupled to the mount body 420 so as to prevent relative rotation between the extension member 412 and the mount body 420. In particular, a proximal end of the extension member is received in an elongate receiving slot 430 within the mount body 420. The extension member 412 comprises an elongate extension slot 414 along its length, and the receiving slot 420 of the mount body 420 is provided with a pair of guide pins 432 which are received in the extension slot 414 and cooperate with the extension slot 414 to prevent relative rotation between the extension member 412 and the mount body 420. The proximal-most guide pin 432 cooperates with a proximal end of the extension slot 414 to stop distal movement of the extension member relative the mount body 420 beyond an extended position as shown in Figure 15. In this example, the distal most guide pin 432 also cooperates with a distal end of the extension slot 414 to stop retracting (proximal) movement of the extension member relative the mount body 420 beyond a retracted position. However, in other examples, an alternative form of stop may be provided, such as a detent or shoulder on the extension member which may be configured to engage a wall of the mount body 420, or a locking pin or grub screw. Further, such stops may be provided to lock the flow stabiliser assembly in an intermediate configuration as described above.

Further, in other examples there may be a single guide pin 432 and such relative rotation may be prevented by cooperation between the extension member and the walls of the elongate receiving slot 430, as described above with respect to the third example flow stabiliser assembly 300.

As the extension member 412 is pivotably mounted to the flow stabiliser, the flow stabiliser is configured to rotate relative the extension member and thereby relative the shelf mount. Figure 14 shows the flow stabiliser (i.e. the stabiliser arm 405) in a first angular position relative the shelf mount corresponding to the flow stabiliser assembly 400 being mounted to a shelf in a first substantially horizontal position. Figure 15 shows the stabiliser arm 405 in a second angular position relative the shelf mount corresponding to the flow stabiliser assembly 400 being mounted to a shelf in a second inclined position. Rotational movement of the flow stabiliser between the first and second angular positions is to counteract the pivoting movement of the shelf.

The extension mechanism 410 is configured to guide the rotation of the flow stabiliser between the first and second angular positions relative the extension member. In particular, in this example the extension mechanism 410 comprises a tie 416 pivotably attached to both the mount body 420 and to the flow stabiliser (stabiliser arm 405).

The tie may otherwise be referred to as an auxiliary link. The tie 416 extends between the mount body 420 and the stabiliser arm at a position offset from the extension member 412 such that movement of the flow stabiliser and the extension member 412 to the extended position causes the flow stabiliser to rotate relative the mount body 420. Accordingly, the tie 316 has a function substantially equivalent to a pivotable coupling between the flow stabiliser and the mount body 420, but which permits non- arcuate movement of the flow stabiliser since it is coupled between them at two respective pivot points.

In the absence of the tie 316, the extension member 412 would be configured to cooperate with the mount body 420 and the flow stabiliser to permit translational movement of the flow stabiliser by extension of the extension member to vary separation between the flow stabiliser and the shelf (or shelf mount when installed), and also permit separate rotational movement of the flow stabiliser relative the extension member and also the shelf mount, resulting in a two degree of freedom mechanism. The tie 316 fixes the separation between the respective pivot points on the mount body 420 and the stabiliser arm 405, and thereby removes a degree of freedom such that translational and rotational movement of the flow stabiliser relative the shelf mount is constrained to a single degree of freedom.

Figure 16 is an exploded view of the flow stabiliser assembly 400. As shown in Figure 16, tie 316 is attached to the mount body 420 and the stabiliser arm 405 by pivot pins 417 received through corresponding holes in the mount body and the stabiliser arm. The extension member 412 is pivotably attached to the stabiliser arm 405 using a pivot pin 407 received through a hole in the stabiliser arm. The extension member is slidably retained in the elongate receiving slot 430 of the mount body 420 by guide pins 432 extending through holes in a side wall of the mount body 420 to cooperate with the extension slot 414.

In other examples, the extension member 412 may be coupled for sliding movement relative the flow stabiliser and may be pivotably attached to the mount body 420.

In other examples, an extension member may be curved rather than linear.

Figure 17 shows a pivotable shelf 30 coupled to a shelf support 12 which in this example is a back plate of an ORDC as described above with respect to Figure 2. A fifth example flow stabiliser assembly 500 is mounted to a front end of the shelf 30.

The fifth example flow stabiliser assembly 500 is similar to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100 in features relating to the attachment of a shelf mount 502 to the shelf and the provision of a flow stabiliser 504 comprising a stabiliser arm 505. As such, the flow stabiliser assembly has a mount body and a stabiliser arm 505 substantially as described above with respect to the first example flow stabiliser assembly 100.

The fifth example flow stabiliser assembly 500 differs from the first example in the configuration of an extension mechanism 510 between the shelf mount and the flow stabiliser 504.

In this example, the shelf mount 502 defines a proximal element 530 of the extension mechanism 510 forward of the front end of the shelf. The proximal element 530 is in the form of a pair of plates which are each planar along respective planes normal to the lateral axis, and spaced apart so that there is a lateral gap between them. Each plate of the proximal element 530 comprises a guide slot 532 configured to receive a guide pin. In this particular example, the guide slot 532 is curved, as will be described further below.

The flow stabiliser 504 comprises a stabiliser arm 505 having a support portion configured to support the stabiliser beams 508 as described above. Rearward of the support portion, the stabiliser arm 505 defines a distal element 550 of the extension mechanism 110 slidably supported on the proximal element 530. In this example, the distal element 550 is generally planar and is received between the plates of the proximal element 530 so that on each side of the distal element two guide pins 552 mounted are received in the respective guide slots 532 of the proximal element 530, which are sized to correspond to the diameter of the pins 552.

Since each guide slot 532 receives two guide pins 552, slidable movement of the distal element 550 relative the proximal element 530 is constrained to a single degree of freedom, as described above.

Figure 17 shows superimposed views of the flow stabiliser assembly 500 in a retracted configuration when the shelf 30 is in a first substantially horizontal position, and in an extended configuration when the shelf 30 is in a second downwardly inclined position.

In this particular example, the shelf 30 is for an ORDC in which the air curtain is substantially vertical. It should be appreciated that the drawings are schematic and the particular orientation of the flow stabiliser may differ in a practical implementation. As shown in Figure 5, the flow stabiliser assembly 500 is configured to guide the flow stabiliser 504 relative the shelf mount 502 from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration to compensate for the pivoting movement of the shelf 30 from the first position to the second position.

In particular, in the retracted configuration with the shelf 30 in the first position, the guide pins 552 of the proximal element 550 of the extension mechanism 510 are located at a proximal-most end of the guide slot 532 so that the flow stabiliser 504 is retracted towards the shelf.

The flow stabiliser assembly 500 further comprises an actuator 560 coupled to the shelf support 12 (i.e. to the back plate in this example) and configured to act on the extension mechanism 510 to drive movement of the flow stabiliser 504 relative the shelf mount 502 between the retracted and extended configurations in response to movement of the shelf mount 502 relative the shelf support 12 - in particular such movement as corresponds to movement of the shelf 30 relative the shelf support between the first substantially horizontal position and the second inclined position.

The actuator 560 may take any suitable form to act on the extension mechanism 510.

In this particular example, the actuator is a pivotable member 560 coupled to the shelf support 12 and the flow stabiliser 504 at respective pivot points 563, 564 such that in use there is a fixed separation between them in use. In this particular example, the pivotable member 560 is substantially L-shaped to follow the profile of the mounting portion of the shelf and the laterally-extending portion.

The actuator 560 is coupled to a shelf-support pivot point 563 which is rearward of the flow stabiliser but closer to the flow stabiliser 504 when the shelf 30 is in the second inclined position than when the shelf 30 is in the first substantially horizontal position. Accordingly, as the separation between the shelf-support pivot point 563 and the flow stabiliser pivot point 564 is fixed by the actuator, pivoting movement of the shelf to the second position causes the flow stabiliser to be pushed forwardly by the actuator away from the shelf mount 502 to maintain the fixed separation. Correspondingly, pivoting movement of the shelf 30 from the second position to the first position causes the actuator 560 to draw the flow stabiliser towards the shelf mount 502.

In this example, the flow stabiliser pivot point 564 is provided on an arm projecting from the distal element 550 of the extension mechanism 510. The arm is configured so that the separation between the shelf-support pivot point 563 and the flow stabiliser pivot point 564 is equal when (i) the shelf is in the first substantially horizontal position and the extension mechanism is in the retracted configuration and (ii) the shelf is in the second inclined position and the extension mechanism is in the extended configuration. In other examples, it may be similarly configured so that the separation between the shelf-support pivot point 563 and the flow stabiliser 564 is equal to that of (i) and (ii) above in at least one intermediate configuration of the flow stabiliser assembly corresponding to a respective intermediate position of the shelf. As will be appreciated, the particular configuration of the arm and the flow stabiliser pivot point 564 in any example depends on the relative position of the shelf-support pivot point 563 and a pivot axis of the shelf. However, it should be appreciated that the flow stabiliser pivot point 564 should be spaced apart from a rotational axis of the distal element so as to guide rotational movement of the distal element.

Although an example actuator has been described which is pivotably coupled to a rear panel of a shelf support, it should be appreciated that an actuator can be coupled to any support element relative to which a corresponding shelf is configured to move. For example, an actuator may be coupled to a side wall of an ORDC. Although an example has been described in which an actuator acts on an extension mechanism of the fifth example flow stabiliser assembly, it should be appreciated that the actuator or any other suitable type of actuator may be provided for any flow stabiliser assembly as disclosed herein.

By providing a flow stabiliser assembly which counteracts movement of a shelf between at least two different inclinations, the flow stabiliser permits an air curtain to be maintained and stabilised despite adjustment of the orientation of a shelf.

Previously considered implementations of an adjustable shelf are either incompatible with flow stabiliser devices as adjustment of the shelf takes the flow stabiliser out of the air curtain, or require adjustment of the shelf in such a way that the front edge of the shelf does not move in constrained ways that may not be suitable for all installations (for example, by lifting a rear end of the shelf).

Accordingly, the flow stabiliser assemblies which are the subject of the present disclosure enable use of an adjustable shelf which can be rotated between different angles of inclination, whilst compensating for such movement and maintaining alignment with and stabilisation of an air curtain. Such alignment may be with an air curtain plane common between different positions of the shelf, or which may be deflected owing to reconfiguration of the shelf.

Whilst particular examples of extension mechanisms have been described, it should be understood that the term“extension mechanism” as functionally defined is not limited to the particular examples. In particular, other example extension mechanism may include a telescopic arrangement of components; a rack and pinion arrangement; or a threaded arrangement of components whereby components are moveable relative one another by virtue of a threaded connection therebetween. Further, an extension mechanism may be powered or actuated by a biasing arrangement such as a spring biasing arrangement.

Additionally, the extension mechanism of the present invention is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative the shelf mount between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration to counteract arcuate movement of the shelf mount, in that it is configured to guide the flow stabiliser to move in translation and rotation relative to the shelf mount from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration by effecting both translation and rotation simultaneously or in a single action. This provides benefits over previously-considered arrangements comprising separate sub-mechanisms (e.g. a sub-mechanism configured to effect only translation of the flow stabiliser and a separate sub-mechanism configured to effect only rotation of the flow stabiliser).

In particular, the arrangement of the present invention prevents accidental incomplete movement of the flow stabiliser. For example, in previously-considered arrangements, a user might use a sub-mechanism to effect translation of the flow stabiliser but forget to effect rotation of the flow guide using the other sub-mechanism. The present invention prevents this by providing an extension mechanism configured to effect both translation and rotation at the same time or in a single action.