Abstract:
The present invention relates to a pusher for use in packaging for displaying items for sale. In the preferred embodiment the pusher comprises an extendable member having a plurality of sections which are pivotally connected to each other at at least one pivot point and are configured to provide at least a pair of spaced apart portions. At least one resilient member is positioned about the spaced apart portions to bias them towards each other in a first direction. The biasing of the spaced apart portions towards each other results in an extension of the extendable member in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The disclosure relates to a pusher for use in packaging for displaying items for sale. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    It is known to transport pre-packaged items, such as confectionary, from a manufacturing site to a vending site in bulk cartons, such as cardboard boxes. One of the main functions of such a carton is to protect the items from physical damage during transit. At the vending site, the items are typically removed from the carton and arranged on display for sale. 
         [0003]    It may, however, be desirable to display multiple smaller items in a carton and dispense them directly therefrom. In such a case it can be advantageous to use the same carton that was used for transporting the items. Such cartons are often referred to as ‘shelf ready packs’. U.S. Pat. No. 7,284,662 describes a carton that allows a product to be shipped, displayed, and dispensed all from the same carton. 
         [0004]    Existing shelf ready packs exhibit a number of problems. For example, items which are stacked in such packs (whether horizontally, vertically or at an inclined angle) can look unsightly after removal of several items. Furthermore, removal of items can result in poor on-shelf presence of the product with the products often hidden from view. It is therefore desirable to have a shelf ready pack which maintains on-shelf presence of the product and allows for the item to be dispensed to the consumer in a controlled manner. It is also be desirable that such a shelf ready pack is formed and filled using existing manufacturing and filling equipment. 
         [0005]    DE-U-29908078 discloses such a shelf ready pack which aims to solve this problem. The pack comprises a vertical abutment surface having a horizontal pull-tab at its lower edge. The horizontal pull-tab is guided through an opening in the front wall of the pack to move the vertical abutment surface forward within the pack, and hence also any goods in front of it. However, such a pack requires regular attention by pulling the tab forward within the pack. 
         [0006]    EP-A-1462034 discloses a shelf ready pack having a resilient compressible slider in the dispensing direction, which is inserted behind the goods as they are packaged. As good are removed from the front of the pack, the resilient slider extends towards the front of the pack, thereby pushing the remaining goods contained therein to the front of the pack (see  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a pusher for use in packaging for displaying items, the pusher including an extendable member having a plurality of sections which are pivotally connected to each other at at least one pivot point and are configured to provide at least a pair of spaced apart portions; and at least one resilient member positioned about the spaced apart portions to bias them towards each other in a first direction; wherein the biasing of the spaced apart portions towards each other results in an extension of the extendable member in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. 
         [0008]    In a second aspect, the disclosure relates to a pusher for use in packaging for displaying items, the pusher including a resilient ring which is twisted to form a figure of eight. 
         [0009]    In a third aspect, the disclosure relates to a shelf ready pack for displaying items for sale, the shelf ready pack including a carton having a base, a rear wall, a front wall, and two side walls; and a pusher as described in any of the above aspects; wherein the pusher is arranged so that it abuts the back wall of the carton and extends towards the front wall of the carton. 
         [0010]    In a fourth aspect, the disclosure relates to a shelf ready pack for displaying items for sale, the shelf ready pack including a carton having a base, a rear wall, a front wall, and two side walls; a rigid member arranged to sit in the carton; and a resilient member; wherein the rigid member and the resilient member are arranged such that the resilient member is biased to urge the rigid member towards the front wall of the carton. 
         [0011]    In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure relates to a shelf ready pack for displaying items for sale, the shelf ready pack including a carton having a base, a rear wall, a front wall, two side walls, and a lid; and a resilient member secured between the front wall and the lid; wherein the resilient member is arranged such that the resilient member is biased to urge any items placed in front of it towards the front wall of the carton. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]    Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art pusher in a shelf ready pack, with the pusher in its extended state; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the prior art pusher of  FIG. 1  in its compressed state; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation of an element for a first embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a plan view of a pusher assembled from the element of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a plan view of a variation of the first embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation of an element for a second embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the element of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side elevation of a pair of elements for a third embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the elements of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a side elevation of a pair of elements for a fourth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the elements of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a side elevation of a pair of elements for a fifth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the elements of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation of a pair of elements for a sixth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the elements of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation of a pair of elements for a seventh embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a pusher assembled from the elements of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention positioned in a carton; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a side perspective view of the pusher and carton of  FIG. 19 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention positioned in a carton; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a side perspective view of the pusher and carton of  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention positioned in a carton; 
           [0037]      FIG. 24  is a side perspective view of the pusher and carton of  FIG. 23 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 25  is a front perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of a pusher according to the present invention positioned in a carton; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 26  is a side perspective view of the pusher and carton of  FIG. 25 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    A pusher will be described below for use with a container in the form of a cardboard carton which is a shelf ready pack. However, it can be used in a wide variety of other applications in different forms of containers. 
         [0041]    In the following, the relative expressions top and bottom, upper and lower, front and rear, inner and outer, upward and downward, and derivatives thereof are used to refer to the completed carton and parts thereof when the carton is in its intended orientation, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for placing on a shelf or other display surface. However, the carton may be used and stored in other orientations as desired. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a prior art carton  10  containing a prior art pusher  16 . The carton comprises a base  11 , with two side walls  12 , 13 , a rear wall  14 , and an at least partial front wall  15 , all extending upwardly from the base  11 . The carton may be made of any suitable material, a common material for such cartons being cardboard. The carton  10  of  FIG. 1  is an example of a suitable shelf ready pack for the pusher. 
         [0043]    Now will be described various embodiments of a pusher, which includes an extendable member and a resilient member. The action of the resilient member causes the extendable member to contract in one direction and extend in a perpendicular direction, which provides a pushing effect when the pusher is located in a carton  10 . The extendable member may be constructed from one or more elements. Any suitable stiff material may be used for the elements. An example of such a suitable material is cardboard. In some embodiments the elements are provided with certain fold lines to enable the elements to be folded into the required configuration. Such fold lines may be formed in any suitable manner, e.g. by simply creasing the element material. The creasing could be done mechanically or by hand. In another example the fold lines may be formed by partially cutting through the element material, for example by laser scoring, and then folding along the scored lines. 
         [0044]      FIG. 3  illustrates a single element  20  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a first embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 4A . The element  20  is in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element  20 . Further transverse fold lines  26  are positioned respectively at about a third of the distance between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24 . Pivot formation points  27  are positioned respectively at about two thirds of the distance between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24 . The pivot formation points  27  for this, and for other embodiments, preferably comprise a slit  28  extending across at least half of the width of the element  20 . In order to form a pivot, the pair of pivot formation points  27  must be slit in opposing directions. A notch  29  may be formed where each slit  28  meets the edge of the element  20  (in this and other embodiments) to facilitate interlocking the slits  28 . Alternatively, the slits  28  may be formed in another manner, for example a more open slit in the form of a slot having a width and a base (not shown). 
         [0045]    The element  20  is thus divided into a plurality of sections: two sections A extending between the central fold line  25  and each further fold line  26 ; two sections B extending between each further fold line  26  and each pivot formation point  27 ; and two sections C extending between each pivot formation point  27  and each end  23 , 24 . 
         [0046]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the ends  23 , 24  of the element  20  are folded inwardly towards each other at the fold lines  25 , 26  and attached at the pivot formation points  27  by interlocking the slits  28 . This forms an extendable member  22  in which the sections A diverge from the central fold line  25  and sections B converge back towards each other from the further fold lines  26  and are pivotally connected at pivot formation points  27 . Sections A and B therefore define a quadrilateral section which has two opposing pairs of spaced apart vertices. Sections C diverge from the pivot formation points  27  to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30 , which is formed from a resilient material, is arranged to encircle the extendable member  22  at the vertices defined by the further fold lines  26 . A pair of corresponding notches (not shown) may be provided on opposing edges of the element  20  at the further fold lines  26 , in order to aid the location of the resilient member  30 . A non-limiting example of a suitable resilient member  30 , for this and other embodiments, is an elastic band. The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the spaced apart vertices defined by the further fold lines  26  towards each other, causing the quadrilateral section to contract in that direction, and to elongate in a perpendicular direction. This causes a scissor movement about the pivot point so that the first and second ends  23 , 24  are also urged towards each other. 
         [0047]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the vertex defined by the central fold line  25  abuts the rear wall  14  and the first and second ends  23 , 24  which form the pushing members abut the goods. The pusher  21  is initially compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the bias of the resilient member  30 , causing the quadrilateral section to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the quadrilateral section in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0048]    The specific pattern and positioning of fold lines  25 , 26  of the first embodiment of the pusher  21  may be varied, for example as shown in  FIG. 4B . In this variation, rather than sections A extending from the vertex defined by the central fold line  25 , sections A extend from a flattened section  63 . The flattened section  63  may provide more stability to the pusher  21  as it pushes against the rear wall  14  of the carton  10 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  illustrates another single element  20  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a second embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 6 . The element  20  is again in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint of its longest side. Further transverse fold lines  26  are positioned respectively at about 1/7, 3/7, 5/7, and 6/7 of the distance between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24 . Pivot formation points  27  are positioned respectively at about 2/7 and 4/7 of the distance between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24 . In order to form a pivot, each corresponding pair of pivot formation points  27  must be slit in opposing directions. Preferably, the pivot formation points  27  at about 2/7 and 4/7 of the distance between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24  are additionally slit in opposing directions from each other, in order to form a more secure pusher  21  when assembled. 
         [0050]    The element  20  is thus divided into a plurality of sections: sections A between the central fold line  25  and each 1/7 further fold line  26 ; sections B between each 1/7 further fold line  26  and each 2/7 pivot formation point  27 ; sections C between each 2/7 pivot formation point  27  and each 3/7 further fold line  26 ; sections D between each 3/7 further fold line  26  and each 4/7 pivot; sections E between each 4/7 pivot and each 5/7 further fold line; sections F between each 5/7 further fold line and each 6/7 further fold line; and sections G between each 6/7 further fold line and each end  23 , 24 . 
         [0051]    To assemble the extendable member  22 , the ends  23 , 24  of the element  20  are folded outwardly towards each other at the central fold line  25  and the 6/7 fold lines  26 , and folded inwardly towards each other at the 1/7, 3/7, and 5/7 fold lines  26 . The corresponding 2/7 and 4/7 pivot formation points  27  are interlocked. This forms the extendable member  22 , in which: the sections A diverge from the central fold line  25 ; sections B converge back towards each other and are pivotally connected at the 2/7 pivot formation points  27 ; sections C diverge from the 2/7 pivot formation point  27 ; sections D converge back towards each other and are pivotally connected at the 4/7 pivot formation points  27 ; sections E diverge from the 4/7 pivot formation point  27 ; sections F converge back towards each other and meet at the 6/7 further fold line  26 ; and sections G overlap with sections F to secure the ends  23 , 24 . The skilled person would appreciate that overlapping sections G could be of a different size from that described, and would be able to alter the pusher  21  accordingly. Sections A and B therefore define a first quadrilateral; sections C and D define a second quadrilateral; and sections E and F define a third quadrilateral section which acts as a pushing member. A resilient member  30  is arranged so that it connects the opposing vertices of the second quadrilateral defined by the 3/7 fold lines  26 . A pair of corresponding notches  45  (not shown) may be provided on opposing edges of the element  20  at the 3/7 fold lines  26 , in order to aid the location of the resilient member  30 . The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the spaced apart vertices defined by the further fold lines  26  towards each other. 
         [0052]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first quadrilateral abuts the rear wall  14  and the third quadrilateral, which forms the pushing member, abuts the goods. The pusher  21  is thus compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the bias of the resilient member  30 , causing the quadrilateral sections to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the second quadrilateral in a second direction  61 , which is perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 7  illustrates a first element  40  and a second element  41  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a third embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 8 . The first element  40  is in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element  40 . An aperture  42  is positioned substantially midway between the central fold line  25  and the first end  23 . The aperture  42  is positioned substantially centrally with respect to the width of the member  22 . A pivot formation point  27  is positioned substantially midway between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24 . 
         [0054]    The first element  40  is thus divided into a plurality sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the aperture  42 ; section B extending between the aperture  42  and the central fold line  25 ; section C extending between the central fold line  25  and the pivot formation point  27 ; and section D extending between the pivot formation point  27  and the second end  24 . 
         [0055]    The second element  41  is in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element  41 . A reduced width portion  43  is provided between the central fold line  25  and the first end  23 , with a full width portion  44  immediately adjacent the first end  23 . The reduced width portion is dimensioned to fit through the aperture  42  in the first element  40 . A pivot formation point  27  is positioned substantially midway between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24 . In order to form a pivot, the pivot formation points  27  on the first and second elements  40 , 41  must be slit in opposing directions. 
         [0056]    The second element  41  is thus divided into a plurality sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25 ; section B extending between the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25  and the central fold line  25 ; section C extending between the central fold line  25  and the pivot formation point  27 ; and section D extending between the pivot formation point  27  and the second end  24 . 
         [0057]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the ends  23 , 24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  are folded inwardly towards each other at their central fold lines  25 . The full width portion  44  of the second element  41  is passed through the aperture  42  of the first element  40  such that the reduced width portion  43  sits within the aperture  42 , forming a pivotal connection. The pivot formation points  27  on the first and second elements  40 , 41  are interlocked in a similar manner as described above. This forms the extendable member  22 , in which: sections A converge from the first and second ends  23 , 24  to the pivot between the aperture  42  and the reduced width portion  43 ; sections B diverge outwards from this point to each central fold line  25 ; and sections C converge from the central fold lines  25  and are pivotally connected at the pivot formation points  27 . Sections B and C therefore define a quadrilateral section. Sections D diverge from the pivot formation points  27  to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30  is arranged around the extendable member  22  about the spaced apart vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41 . A pair of corresponding notches  45  (not shown) may be provided on opposing edges of one or both of the elements  40 , 41  at the central fold lines  25 , in order to aid the location of the resilient member  30 . The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other, causing the quadrilateral section to contract in one direction and to elongate in the perpendicular direction. This causes a scissor movement about the pivot point  27  so that the first ends  23  and the second ends  24  are also urged respectively towards each other. 
         [0058]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the rear wall  14  and the second ends  24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41 , which form a pushing member, abut the goods. The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the force of the resilient member  30 , causing the quadrilateral section to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the quadrilateral section in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 9  illustrates a first element  40  and a second element  41  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a fourth embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 10 . The first and second elements  40  are preferably identical and are in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A pivot formation point  27  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element  40 , 41 . A pair of corresponding notches  45  is provided on opposing edges of the element  40 , 41  towards the first end  23 . 
         [0060]    The elements  40 , 41  are thus divided into two sections: sections A extending between the first end  23  and the pivot formation point  27 ; and sections B extending between pivot formation point  27  and the second end  24 . 
         [0061]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the first and second elements  40 , 41  are pivotally connected by interlocking their pivot formation points  27 . This forms an X-shaped extendable member  22  in which sections A converge from first ends  23  to the pivot formation point  27  and sections B diverge from the pivot formation points  27  towards the second ends  24 , to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30  is arranged to connect the spaced apart first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  by locating the resilient member  30  in the pairs of notches  45 . Preferably, the resilient member  30  is in the form of a loop which encircles the pairs of notches  45  on the spaced apart portions. The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it respectively urges the first and second ends  23 , 24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other via a scissor movement about the pivot point, causing the X to contract in one direction and to elongate in the perpendicular direction. 
         [0062]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the rear wall  14  and the second ends  24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the goods. The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the bias of the resilient member  30 , causing the X to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the X in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 11  illustrates a first element  40  and a second element  41  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a fifth embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 12 . The first element  40  is in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element. Apertures  42  are positioned substantially midway between the central fold line  25  and each of the first and second ends  23 , 24 . The apertures  42  are positioned substantially centrally with respect to the width of the first element  40 . Alternatively, the apertures  42  could be replaced by deep notches (not shown). 
         [0064]    The first element  40  is thus divided into a plurality sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25 ; section B extending between the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25  and the central fold line  25 ; section C extending between the central fold line  25  and the midpoint between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24 ; and section D extending between the midpoint between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24  and the second end  24 . 
         [0065]    The second element  41  is in the form of an elongate tube having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the second element  41 . Any suitable tubular form may be used, for example the tube may be hollow or solid and may have any suitable cross-section such as a circular or square cross-section. The second element  41  is dimensioned to fit within the apertures  42  on the first element  40 . 
         [0066]    The second element  41  is thus divided into a plurality of sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the aperture  42 ; section B extending between the aperture  42  and the central fold line  25 ; section C extending between the central fold line  25  and the aperture  42 ; and section D extending between the aperture  42  and the second end  24 . 
         [0067]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the ends  23 , 24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  are folded inwardly towards each other at their central fold lines  25 . Each of the first and second ends  23 , 24  of the second element  41  is passed through an aperture  42  of the first element  40  such that first and second ends  23 , 24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  are aligned respectively and pivotal connections are formed at the apertures  42 . This forms the extendable member  22  in which: sections A converge from the first and second ends  23 , 24  to the pivotal connection point between the aperture  42  and second element  41 ; sections B diverge outwards from this point to each central fold line  25 ; and sections C converge from the central fold lines  25  and are pivotally connected at the second pivotal connection point between the aperture  42  and second element  41 . Sections B and C therefore define a quadrilateral section. Sections D diverge from the second pivotal connection point between the aperture  42  and second element  41  to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30  is arranged so that it biases the spaced apart vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other. A pair of corresponding notches  45  (not shown) may be provided on opposing edges of one or both of the elements  40 , 41  at the central fold lines  25 , in order to aid the location of the resilient member  30 . The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other, causing the quadrilateral section to contract in one direction and to elongate in the perpendicular direction. This causes a scissor movement about the pivot points so that the first ends  23  and the second ends  24  are also urged respectively towards each other. 
         [0068]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the rear wall  14  and the second ends  24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the goods. The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the force of the resilient member  30 , causing the quadrilateral section to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress quadrilateral section in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 13  illustrates a first element  40  and a second element  41  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a sixth embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 14 . The first and second elements  40  are preferably identical and are in the form of an elongate tube having first and second ends  23 , 24 . A generally transverse fold line  25  is positioned substantially at the midpoint along the length of the elements  40 , 41 . Again, any suitable tubular form may be used, for example the tube may be hollow or solid and may have any suitable cross-section such as a circular or square cross-section. 
         [0070]    The elements  40 , 41  are thus divided into a plurality sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25 ; section B extending between the midpoint between the first end  23  and the central fold line  25  and the central fold line  25 ; section C extending between the central fold line  25  and the midpoint between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24 ; and section D extending between the midpoint between the central fold line  25  and the second end  24  and the second end  24 . 
         [0071]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the ends  23 , 24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  are folded inwardly at their central fold lines  25  to form a V-shape. The first and second elements  40 , 41  are arranged such that the first and second ends  23 , 24  of one element  40 , 41  are aligned with each other and with the central fold line  25  of the other element  41 , 40  and vice versa. Tethering members  51  are used to secure the first and second elements  40 , 41  to each other at the crossover points  52 . This forms the extendable member  22  in which sections A converge from the first and second ends  23 , 24  to the pivotal connection point formed by the first tethering member  51 . Sections B diverge outwards from this point to each central fold line  25  and sections C converge from the central fold lines  25  and are pivotally connected at the second tethering member  51 . Sections B and C therefore define a quadrilateral section. Sections D diverge from the second tethering member  51  to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30  is arranged about the spaced apart vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41 . A pair of corresponding notches  45  (not shown) may be provided on opposing edges of one or both of the elements  40 , 41  at the central fold lines  25 , in order to aid the location of the resilient member  30 . The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the vertices defined by the central fold lines  25  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other, causing the quadrilateral section to contract in one direction and to elongate in the perpendicular direction. This causes a scissor movement about the pivot points so that the first ends  23  and the second ends  24  are also urged respectively towards each other. 
         [0072]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the rear wall  14  and the second ends  24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the goods. The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the bias of the resilient member  30 , causing the quadrilateral section to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the quadrilateral section in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  illustrates a first element  40  and a second element  41  used to construct the extendable member  22  for a seventh embodiment of a pusher  21 , the assembled pusher  21  being shown in  FIG. 16 . The first and second elements  40  are preferably identical and are in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular, strip having first and second ends  23 , 24 . Two pivot formation points  27  are positioned at substantially 1/4 and 3/4 of the distance from the first end  23  to the second end  24 . Preferably, the two pivot formation points  27  are slit in opposing directions from each other, in order to form a more secure pusher  21  when assembled. A pair of corresponding notches  45  is provided on opposing edges of the element  40 , 41  substantially at the midpoint along the length of the element  40 , 41 . 
         [0074]    The element  40 , 41  is thus divided into a plurality sections: section A extending between the first end  23  and the first pivot formation point  27 ; section B extending between first pivot formation point  27  and the pair of notches  45 ; section C extending between the pair of notches  45  and the second pivot formation point  27 ; and section D extending between the second pivot formation point  27  and the second end  24 . 
         [0075]    To assemble the pusher  21 , the first and second elements  40 , 41  are curved so that their respective pivot formation points  27  can be interlocked. This forms the extendable member  22  in which: sections A converge from the first and second ends  23 , 24  to the first pivot formation point  27 ; sections B diverge outwards from this point to the notches  45 ; and sections C converge from the notches  45  and are pivotally connected at the second pivot formation point  27 . Sections B and C therefore together define two arcuate portions between the pivot formation points  27 , forming an eye-shaped section. Sections D diverge from the second pivot formation point  27  to form a pair of pushing members. A resilient member  30  is arranged around the spaced apart longitudinal midpoints of each of the first and second elements  40 , 41 . The notches  45  aid the positioning of the resilient member  30 . The arrangement of the resilient member  30  is such that it urges the spaced apart midpoints of the first and second elements  40 , 41  towards each other, causing the eye-shaped section defined by the arcs to contract in one direction and to elongate in the perpendicular direction. This causes a scissor movement about the pivot points so that the first ends  23  and the second ends  24  are also urged respectively towards each other. 
         [0076]    In use, the assembled pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that the first ends  23  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the rear wall  14  and the second ends  24  of the first and second elements  40 , 41  abut the goods, in the direction of the front wall  15 . The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the force of the resilient member  30 , causing the eye-shaped section to flatten in that direction  60 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the resilient member  30  is able to compress the eye-shaped section in a second direction  61  perpendicular to the first direction  60 . This has the effect of causing the pusher  21  to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 17  illustrates an eighth embodiment of a pusher  21 . The pusher  21  is formed from an extendable member  22  and a resilient member  30 . The extendable member  22  comprises an element  20  which is in the form of an elongate, generally rectangular strip. The element  20  is folded into a loop having legs  62 . The resilient member  30  is arranged around the extendable member  22  so as to cause the legs  62  to extend, thereby elongating the extendable member  22 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 18  illustrates a ninth embodiment of a pusher  21 . The pusher  21  is formed from a resilient ring  70  which is twisted to form a figure of eight, thereby introducing some biasing into the ring structure. The crossover point  71  at the centre of the figure of eight, resulting from twisting the resilient member  70 , may be secured by a tethering member (not shown). The figure of eight has a pushing surface  72  at each end. 
         [0079]    In use, the twisted pusher  21  is inserted into a carton  10  adjacent the rear wall  14  behind the goods (not shown). The pusher  21  is arranged in the carton  10  such that one pushing surface  72  abuts the rear wall and the other pushing surface  72  abuts the goods, in the direction of the front wall  15 . The pusher  21  is compressed by the goods in a first direction  60  against the force of the bias introduced by the twist in the resilient ring  70 . As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the force exerted on the pusher  21  by the goods reduces, and thus the bias in the resilient ring  70  causes it to extend in the first direction  60  and thereby push the goods forward within the carton  10 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate a tenth embodiment of a pusher  21  assembled in a carton  10 . The pusher  21  is in the form of a first, rigid, member  53  which sits in the carton  10  behind the goods to be dispensed (not shown). The rigid member  53  may be a plate-like member (i.e. it does not have a substantial thickness), or another shape with a flat front surface forming a vertical abutment surface. Alternatively it may have a non-flat front surface. If the rigid member  53  is plate-like then it may have a horizontal stabilising element at its base (not shown). The rigid member  53  is connected to the front wall  15  of the carton  10  by a second, resilient, member  30  such that the resilient member  30  urges the rigid member  53  towards the front wall  15  of the carton  10 . The resilient member  30  may be secured to the rigid member  53  and the front wall  15  via apertures  42 . For example, the resilient member  30  may be an elastic band which is secured to the rigid member  53  and the front wall  15  by tying it through the apertures  42 . Alternative means of securing the resilient member  30  would be obvious to the skilled person. A channel  54  may be provided in the base  11  to receive the resilient member  30  and ensure that the base  11  provides a substantially flat surface for the goods (not shown). 
         [0081]    In use, the rigid member  53  is pushed to the back of the carton  10  and goods are packed into the carton  10  between the rigid member  53  and the front wall  15  (not shown). As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the resilient member  30  pulls the rigid member  53  forwards, which causes the rigid member  53  to push the remaining goods towards the front of the carton  10 . 
         [0082]      FIGS. 21 and 22  illustrate an eleventh embodiment of a pusher  21  assembled in a carton  10 . Again, the pusher  21  is in the form of a first, rigid, member  53  which sits in the carton  10  behind the goods to be dispensed (not shown). The rigid member  53  is similar to, and may have the same variations as, the rigid member  53  of the tenth embodiment. A second, resilient, member  30 , in the form of a ring or loop, is placed around the side walls  12 , 13  and rear wall  14  of the carton  10 . The front wall  15  of the carton  10  is shorter than the side walls  12 , 13  and rear wall  14  such that the resilient member  30  may be placed around the side walls  12 , 13  and rear wall  14  of the carton  10  without contacting the front wall  15 . The rigid member  53  is placed between the resilient member  30  and the front wall  15 , such that the resilient member  30  is biased to urge the rigid member  53  towards the front wall  14  of the carton  10 . The resilient member  30  may be secured to the rigid member  53  by, for example, an adhesive strip. Alternative means of securing the resilient member  30  would be obvious to the skilled person. 
         [0083]    In use, the rigid member  53  is pushed to the back of the carton  10  and goods are packed into the carton  10  between the rigid member  53  and the front wall  15  (not shown). As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the resilient member  30  pulls the rigid member  53  forwards, which causes the rigid member  53  to push the remaining goods towards the front of the carton  10 . 
         [0084]      FIGS. 23 and 24  illustrate an eleventh embodiment of a pusher  21  assembled in a carton  10 . Again, the pusher  21  is in the form of a first, rigid, member  53  which sits in the carton  10  behind the goods to be dispensed (not shown). The rigid member  53  is similar to, and may have the same variations as, the rigid member  53  of the tenth embodiment. A second, resilient, member  30  is secured between the side walls  12 , 13 , towards the front wall  15 . The resilient member  30  may be secured to the side walls  12 , 13  via apertures  42 . The rigid member  53  is placed between the resilient member  30  and the front wall  15  such that the resilient member  30  is biased to urge the rigid member  53  towards the front wall  14  of the carton  10 . The resilient member  30  may be secured to the rigid member  53  by, for example, an adhesive strip. Alternative means of securing the resilient member  30  would be obvious to the skilled person. 
         [0085]    In use, the rigid member  53  is pushed to the back of the carton  10  and goods are packed into the carton  10  between the rigid member  53  and the front wall  14  (not shown). As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the resilient member  30  pulls the rigid member  53  forwards, which causes the rigid member  53  to push the remaining goods towards the front of the carton  10 . 
         [0086]      FIGS. 25 and 26  illustrate an eleventh embodiment of a pusher  21  assembled in a carton  10 . In this embodiment, the carton  10  has a lid  17  which extends from the rear wall  14  towards the front wall  15 , with a gap between the lid  17  and the front wall  15 . The pusher comprises a resilient member  30 , which is secured between the lid  17  and the front wall  14 . The resilient member  30  may be in the form of a single wider resilient member  30  or two or more spaced apart narrower resilient members  30  (not shown). The resilient member  30  may be secured to the lid  17  and the front wall  14  via apertures  42 . Alternative means of securing the resilient member  30  would be obvious to the skilled person. 
         [0087]    A channel (not shown) may be provided in the base  11  to receive the resilient member  30  and ensure that the base  11  provides a substantially flat surface for the goods (not shown). 
         [0088]    In use, goods are packed into the carton  10  between the resilient member  30  and the front wall  14  (not shown). As goods are removed from the carton  10 , the resilient member  30  pulls the remaining goods towards the front of the carton  10 . 
         [0089]    As will be perceived by the skilled person, the dimensions of the elements  20 , 40 , 41  and resulting pushers  21  will depend on the dimensions of the carton  10  into which the pusher  21  is to be fitted. Additionally, the ratios of the various sections A,B,C,D,E,F,G of the elements  20 , 40 , 41  of the different pusher  21  embodiments may be altered by the skilled person. Similarly, the specific pattern and positioning of fold lines  25 , 26  of the embodiments of the pusher  21  formed from the foldable elements  20 , 40 , 41  may be varied. The dimensions of the carton  10  may also determine which pusher  21  embodiment is most suited to the carton.