CA2075320C - Knock-down shelf unit - Google Patents
Knock-down shelf unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2075320C CA2075320C CA 2075320 CA2075320A CA2075320C CA 2075320 C CA2075320 C CA 2075320C CA 2075320 CA2075320 CA 2075320 CA 2075320 A CA2075320 A CA 2075320A CA 2075320 C CA2075320 C CA 2075320C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slot
- post
- knock
- face
- shelving unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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- 238000003197 gene knockdown Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010420 art technique Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N Diethyl ether Chemical compound CCOCC RTZKZFJDLAIYFH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
- F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
- F16B12/28—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for metal furniture parts
- F16B12/34—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for metal furniture parts using keyhole-shaped slots and pins
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B57/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions
- A47B57/30—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports
- A47B57/48—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of tongues, pins or similar projecting means coacting with openings
- A47B57/50—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features for adjusting shelves or partitions with means for adjusting the height of detachable shelf supports consisting of tongues, pins or similar projecting means coacting with openings characterised by shape or orientation of opening, e.g. keyhole-shaped
Abstract
A knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of vertical posts, a plurality of horizontal members and a locking attachment for connecting the horizontal members to the vertical posts, the vertical pasts being provided with a plurality of key hole shaped apertures oriented at an acute angle to vertical, and a head and stem portion adapted to extend from each of the horizontal members for interconnection with the key hole shaped apertures such that the vertical edge of each horizontal member is force fit connected to a respective one of the vertical posts.
Description
Knock-Down Shelf Unit This invention relates in general to shelving units, and more particularly to a secure knock-down utility shelving system which may be readily assembled and disassembled by a user.
It is known in the prior art to provide knock-down shelving units which may be assembled and disassembled for ease of transportation. Such units are often used in warehouses and storage rooms and are fabricated from sheet metal which may be roll formed, stamped and cut to the desired shape for assembly. These units axe typically provided with four vertical carner posts and a plurality of horizontal members. The corner pasts are often provided with a plurality of apertures for receiving screws or bolts to connect the horizontal members thereto at user selected heights.
For example, Canadian Patent 1,256,069 (Hirsh Company) discloses a shelving assembly having a plurality of generally horizontal shelves which are connected to four support columns or posts by conventional bolts or nuts.
Specifically, each shelf is provided with a flange which defines, at its corners, one or more holes for receiving a bolt or screw which is then inserted through a selected hole or aperture in the vertical column or post:
One disadvantage of the prior art design disclosed in the Hirsh Patent is that there are a multiplicity of components required for assembly, including the aforementioned nuts and bolts, as well as pliers and screwdrivers, etc. Furthermore, it is possible for the nuts and bolts to become loosened over time, thereby resulting in potential instability of the shelving assembly.
~acording to another prior art technique, the hori2ontal members are connected to the vertical posts by means of rivets. Ths rivets are inserted in vertically 20~~3~~
It is known in the prior art to provide knock-down shelving units which may be assembled and disassembled for ease of transportation. Such units are often used in warehouses and storage rooms and are fabricated from sheet metal which may be roll formed, stamped and cut to the desired shape for assembly. These units axe typically provided with four vertical carner posts and a plurality of horizontal members. The corner pasts are often provided with a plurality of apertures for receiving screws or bolts to connect the horizontal members thereto at user selected heights.
For example, Canadian Patent 1,256,069 (Hirsh Company) discloses a shelving assembly having a plurality of generally horizontal shelves which are connected to four support columns or posts by conventional bolts or nuts.
Specifically, each shelf is provided with a flange which defines, at its corners, one or more holes for receiving a bolt or screw which is then inserted through a selected hole or aperture in the vertical column or post:
One disadvantage of the prior art design disclosed in the Hirsh Patent is that there are a multiplicity of components required for assembly, including the aforementioned nuts and bolts, as well as pliers and screwdrivers, etc. Furthermore, it is possible for the nuts and bolts to become loosened over time, thereby resulting in potential instability of the shelving assembly.
~acording to another prior art technique, the hori2ontal members are connected to the vertical posts by means of rivets. Ths rivets are inserted in vertically 20~~3~~
arranged slots in the vertical posts. In an effort to provide a secure connection, the distance from the side edge (i.e. vertical face) of the vertical post to the side edge of the slot is made slightly different to the distance from the side edge (i.e. vertical edge) of the horizontal member to the neck of the rivet such that there is effectively no clearance between the rivet and the slot. Therefore, in order to install the rivet into the slot, the rivet must be hammered into place by hammering down on the horizontal member sows to distort the metal forming the side edge of the slot.
This latter prior art technique also suffers from the disadvantage that the shelving unit is difficult to assemble. Furthermore, the connection of the rivet and slot edge is in the form of a single point connection which may become loosened with time as with the prior art Hirsh unit, thereby resulting in potential instability of the shelving unit.
According to the present invention, a knock-down shelving unit is provided which is easy to assemble, has few assembly components, and is characterized by an interference fit between the horizontal members and vertical posts resulting in extremely stable construction.
In particular, the knock-down shelving unit of the present invention comprises a plurality of vertical posts each including a pair of vertical faces disposed perpendicular to one another. A plurality of horizontal members are provided each including a vertical face and a vertical edge at each opposite end thereof. Attachment means are provided for connecting the horizontal members to the vertical posts so that the vertical face of the horizontal member abuts a vertical face of the post. The attachment means comprises a generally keyhole--shaped aperture having a hole and slot extending 'therefrom at a predetermined acute angle to vertical in one of said abutting fares, and a neck and a head portion extending from the neck projecting from the other of the abutting vertical faces, the head portion being cooperatively shaped .for insertion through the hole and the neck being cooperatively shaped to slide within the slot, whereby upon inserting the neck portion through the hole the neck slides within the slot at the aforementioned predetermined acute angle until the vertical edge of the horizontal member abuts an abutment surface on the vertical post and further sliding of the neck within the slot results in an :interference fit therebetween.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to a longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means for connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of an associated one of the post members being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the other of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being cooperatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of a support member into abutment with an abutment surface on an associated one of the post members upon relative 3a sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot, said abutment surface including a rib extending along a longitudinal axis of said post member and projecting between the faces of said post member to maintain said edges of the support members associated with respective ones of said faces in spaced relationship.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post member for use in a knock-down shelving unit comprising a pair of legs disposed generally perpendicular to one another to provide a pair of inwardly directed opposed faces, and apertures formed in each of said opposed faces to permit a support member to be secured to respective legs, each of said apertures including a hole to receive a head portion formed on the support member and a slot to receive a neck securing the head portion to the support member and permit sliding movement of the neck within the slot, each of said legs including a cavity disposed behind said face to accommodate the head portion when the neck portion is received in the slot, said cavity being defined between a pair of spaced webs, one of which is pierced to provide said aperture and the other of which presents a continuous outwardly directed surface, said one web terminating prior to an apex of said post member and said other web being jogged inwardly tn provide a coplanar continuation of said opposed face toward said apex.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to 3b one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means far connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of the post member being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the ather of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being co-operatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said slot extending from said hole to provide a linear edge delimiting said hole and slot and inclined to the longitudinal axis of said post, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of said support member into abutment with an abutment surface on the post member upon relative sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot.
A detailed description of the invention is provided below with reference to the following drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the knock-down shelving unit of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation view of a vertical post, horizontal member and attachment means therebetween, in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view through III-III in Figure 2;
3c Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation view of a horizontal member and vertical post in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective 'view of attachment means for use with the preferred embodiment of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of shelving unit;
Figure 7 is a side view of a horizontal member used in the embodiment of Figure 6;
Figures 8 and 8a. are sectional and plan views of a portion of the member shown in Figure 7 respectively; and Figure 9 is a section on the lane 9-9 of Figure 6.
Turning to Figure 1, an assembled shelving unit 1 is shown comprising four vertical posts 3 each having a frontal vertical face 2 and side vertical face ~, and to which a plurality of horizontal members 5 are attached. The horizontal members 5 are each characterized by a frontal vertical face 6 and horizontal ledges 8 (shown in detail with reference to Figures 2-5). Shelf units 7 rest on the horizontal members 5. Cross bracing members (not shown) may be provided for additional stability. However, the stable nature of the shelving unit constructed in accordance with the present invention substantially alleviates the requirement for cross bracing.
As shown in greater detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the frontal face 2 of each vertical post 3 is provided with a plurality of key hole shaped apertures 11 each comprising a generally circular hole 13 and a slot 15 oriented at an acute angle. This angle is preferably in the range of from 8° to 30°, and more preferably is 10° from vertical.
Each horizontal member 5 includes at least one attachment connector l7 to attach the member 5 to a respective post 1. According to the preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a neck 19 and head portion 21.
Preferably, there are two attachment connectors 17 associated with each post, Preferably, the neck 19 and head portion 21 are in the form of a rivet which may be installed in the horizontal member 5 during fabrication thereof.
Alternatively, the neck 19 and head portion may be stamped or punched from the sheet metal horizontal member 5 so as ~to be integral therewith.
In operation, the attachment means 17 are inserted through respective key hole apertures 11 such that the head portion 21 passes through the circular hole 13 and 'the vertical edge 23 of the horizontal member 5 rests against the inside surface of the vertical side face 4 of the vertical post 3. Downward pressure is then applied to the horizontal member 5 such that the neck 19 slides downwardly 20~~~~0 within slot 15. Since the slot 15 is disposed at an angle, the clearance between the neck 19 and the edge of the slot diminishes such that additional downward pressure results in an interference fit between horizontal member 5 and 5 vertical post 3. The interference fit between horizontal member 5 and vertical post 3 extends over the full length of the edge 23 rather than forming a single point connection as in the prior art, thereby resulting in a firm interconnection. However, the shelving unit assembled in 10 accordance with the preferred embodiment of figures 2 and 3 may nonetheless be disassembled by applying upward force to the horizontal member 5 for dislodging the horizontal member from the vertical post 3.
As discussed above, the angle of inclination of 15 the slot 15 may vary within a preferred range of acute angles (although a 10° angle of inclination has been determined through experimentation to be optimum). As the angle of inclination increases, the interference fit between the slot 15 and neck 19 is reduced but a larger tolerance during assembly is obtained. Conversely, as the angle of inclination of slot 15 is made less, the tightness of the interface fit increases but the tolerance requirements are also increased.
According to a successful prototype, the head portion 21 is in the form of a circular disk having a diameter of approximately 7/16" and a thickness of approximately .005". The neck 19 is in the form of a circular cylinder having a diameter of approximately 0.240", and the length of the neck 19 from the base 'to the head portion 21 is approximately 0.08". The hole 13 is preferably circular and has a diameter of approximately 4.0500", and the slot 15 is generally oblong and has a width of approximately 0.250" and a length of approximately 0.500"
extending from the centre of focus of the oblong to the center of the hole 13. however, other dimensions of these components are possible.
Turning to the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the construction of vertical post 3° is substantially the same as shown in Figure 2 with the exception that the slot 15' is of generally oblong shape (i.e. with a semi-circular end portion). As an alternative to the rivet attachment means 17 of Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 an attachment means 17' is provided which is separable from the vertical post 3' and horizontal member 5'. In particular, the attachment means 17' of Figure 5 is shown comprising a first head portion 21', a neck 19' and further head portion 25, resulting in an overall shape generally similar to a yo-yo which is a adapted to be inserted through key hole apertures 11' in the vertical post 3' and through further key hole 27 in the horizontal member 5'. The neck 19' slides within slots 15' and 29 in response to downward pressure on the horizontal member 5'. As with the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, movement of the neck 19° in the slots results in vertical edge 23' wedging against the vertical face 4° of vertical post 3'. When installed, the head portion 21' projects from the apertures 11' and 27 adjacent vertical post 3' while the head portion 25 projects from the apertures 11' and 27 adjacent the horizontal member 5', thereby retaining the attachment means 17! within the two sets of apertures 11' and 27.
According to a successful prototype of the alternative embodiment, the head portions 21 and 25 are in the form of circular disks one having a diameter of approximately 7/16" and the other slightly greater than the diameter of the circular hole 13', and a thickness of approximately .005". The neck 19' is in the form of a circular cylinder having a diameter of approximately .2~0", and the distance of the neck 19' separating head portions 21 and 25 is approximately 0.80". By making one of the head portions larger than the hole 13', the enlarged head portion is prevented from passing through the hole 13' after the other head portion has already been inserted.
Furthermore, according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 4, the hole 13' is preferably circular and has a diameter of approximately 0.500", and the slot 15' is generally oblong and has a width of approximately 0.250'°
and a length of approximately .500" extending from the centre of focus of the oblong to the centre of the hole 13'.
According to the successful prototype, the vertical post 3 (and vertical post 3') and the horizontal member 5 (and alternative horizontal member 5°) are fabricated from sheet metal having a thickness of approximately 0.036".
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 6 to 9 in which like components to those shown in Figures 1 through 3 will be identified with like reference numerals but with the suffix "a" added for clarity.
In the embodiment of Figures 6 through 9, the connectors 17a are stamped from the material forming the vertical face 6a of the horizontal member 5a. As can best be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the connector includes a web of material disposed generally perpendicular to the face 6a and constituting the neck 19a and a semi-circular head 21a disposed generally parallel to the face 6a. The spacing of the head 21a from the face 6a corresponds to the thickness of the material forming the vertical post 3a.
As can best be seen in Figure 9, the vertical post 3a is formed with a pair of perpendicular legs 30,32 which axe interconnected by a part-cylindrical rib 34 formed integrally with the limbs 30,32 at the apex of the post 3a.
Each of the limbs 30,32 are jogged as indicated at 36, and the distal portion of each limb folded back on itself to provide the vertical faces 2a,~a disposed perpendicular to n~~~ .~ .~
This latter prior art technique also suffers from the disadvantage that the shelving unit is difficult to assemble. Furthermore, the connection of the rivet and slot edge is in the form of a single point connection which may become loosened with time as with the prior art Hirsh unit, thereby resulting in potential instability of the shelving unit.
According to the present invention, a knock-down shelving unit is provided which is easy to assemble, has few assembly components, and is characterized by an interference fit between the horizontal members and vertical posts resulting in extremely stable construction.
In particular, the knock-down shelving unit of the present invention comprises a plurality of vertical posts each including a pair of vertical faces disposed perpendicular to one another. A plurality of horizontal members are provided each including a vertical face and a vertical edge at each opposite end thereof. Attachment means are provided for connecting the horizontal members to the vertical posts so that the vertical face of the horizontal member abuts a vertical face of the post. The attachment means comprises a generally keyhole--shaped aperture having a hole and slot extending 'therefrom at a predetermined acute angle to vertical in one of said abutting fares, and a neck and a head portion extending from the neck projecting from the other of the abutting vertical faces, the head portion being cooperatively shaped .for insertion through the hole and the neck being cooperatively shaped to slide within the slot, whereby upon inserting the neck portion through the hole the neck slides within the slot at the aforementioned predetermined acute angle until the vertical edge of the horizontal member abuts an abutment surface on the vertical post and further sliding of the neck within the slot results in an :interference fit therebetween.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to a longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means for connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of an associated one of the post members being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the other of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being cooperatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of a support member into abutment with an abutment surface on an associated one of the post members upon relative 3a sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot, said abutment surface including a rib extending along a longitudinal axis of said post member and projecting between the faces of said post member to maintain said edges of the support members associated with respective ones of said faces in spaced relationship.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post member for use in a knock-down shelving unit comprising a pair of legs disposed generally perpendicular to one another to provide a pair of inwardly directed opposed faces, and apertures formed in each of said opposed faces to permit a support member to be secured to respective legs, each of said apertures including a hole to receive a head portion formed on the support member and a slot to receive a neck securing the head portion to the support member and permit sliding movement of the neck within the slot, each of said legs including a cavity disposed behind said face to accommodate the head portion when the neck portion is received in the slot, said cavity being defined between a pair of spaced webs, one of which is pierced to provide said aperture and the other of which presents a continuous outwardly directed surface, said one web terminating prior to an apex of said post member and said other web being jogged inwardly tn provide a coplanar continuation of said opposed face toward said apex.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to 3b one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means far connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of the post member being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the ather of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being co-operatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said slot extending from said hole to provide a linear edge delimiting said hole and slot and inclined to the longitudinal axis of said post, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of said support member into abutment with an abutment surface on the post member upon relative sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot.
A detailed description of the invention is provided below with reference to the following drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of the knock-down shelving unit of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevation view of a vertical post, horizontal member and attachment means therebetween, in accordance with the preferred embodiment;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view through III-III in Figure 2;
3c Figure 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevation view of a horizontal member and vertical post in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective 'view of attachment means for use with the preferred embodiment of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of shelving unit;
Figure 7 is a side view of a horizontal member used in the embodiment of Figure 6;
Figures 8 and 8a. are sectional and plan views of a portion of the member shown in Figure 7 respectively; and Figure 9 is a section on the lane 9-9 of Figure 6.
Turning to Figure 1, an assembled shelving unit 1 is shown comprising four vertical posts 3 each having a frontal vertical face 2 and side vertical face ~, and to which a plurality of horizontal members 5 are attached. The horizontal members 5 are each characterized by a frontal vertical face 6 and horizontal ledges 8 (shown in detail with reference to Figures 2-5). Shelf units 7 rest on the horizontal members 5. Cross bracing members (not shown) may be provided for additional stability. However, the stable nature of the shelving unit constructed in accordance with the present invention substantially alleviates the requirement for cross bracing.
As shown in greater detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the frontal face 2 of each vertical post 3 is provided with a plurality of key hole shaped apertures 11 each comprising a generally circular hole 13 and a slot 15 oriented at an acute angle. This angle is preferably in the range of from 8° to 30°, and more preferably is 10° from vertical.
Each horizontal member 5 includes at least one attachment connector l7 to attach the member 5 to a respective post 1. According to the preferred embodiment, the connector comprises a neck 19 and head portion 21.
Preferably, there are two attachment connectors 17 associated with each post, Preferably, the neck 19 and head portion 21 are in the form of a rivet which may be installed in the horizontal member 5 during fabrication thereof.
Alternatively, the neck 19 and head portion may be stamped or punched from the sheet metal horizontal member 5 so as ~to be integral therewith.
In operation, the attachment means 17 are inserted through respective key hole apertures 11 such that the head portion 21 passes through the circular hole 13 and 'the vertical edge 23 of the horizontal member 5 rests against the inside surface of the vertical side face 4 of the vertical post 3. Downward pressure is then applied to the horizontal member 5 such that the neck 19 slides downwardly 20~~~~0 within slot 15. Since the slot 15 is disposed at an angle, the clearance between the neck 19 and the edge of the slot diminishes such that additional downward pressure results in an interference fit between horizontal member 5 and 5 vertical post 3. The interference fit between horizontal member 5 and vertical post 3 extends over the full length of the edge 23 rather than forming a single point connection as in the prior art, thereby resulting in a firm interconnection. However, the shelving unit assembled in 10 accordance with the preferred embodiment of figures 2 and 3 may nonetheless be disassembled by applying upward force to the horizontal member 5 for dislodging the horizontal member from the vertical post 3.
As discussed above, the angle of inclination of 15 the slot 15 may vary within a preferred range of acute angles (although a 10° angle of inclination has been determined through experimentation to be optimum). As the angle of inclination increases, the interference fit between the slot 15 and neck 19 is reduced but a larger tolerance during assembly is obtained. Conversely, as the angle of inclination of slot 15 is made less, the tightness of the interface fit increases but the tolerance requirements are also increased.
According to a successful prototype, the head portion 21 is in the form of a circular disk having a diameter of approximately 7/16" and a thickness of approximately .005". The neck 19 is in the form of a circular cylinder having a diameter of approximately 0.240", and the length of the neck 19 from the base 'to the head portion 21 is approximately 0.08". The hole 13 is preferably circular and has a diameter of approximately 4.0500", and the slot 15 is generally oblong and has a width of approximately 0.250" and a length of approximately 0.500"
extending from the centre of focus of the oblong to the center of the hole 13. however, other dimensions of these components are possible.
Turning to the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the construction of vertical post 3° is substantially the same as shown in Figure 2 with the exception that the slot 15' is of generally oblong shape (i.e. with a semi-circular end portion). As an alternative to the rivet attachment means 17 of Figures 2 and 3, in the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 an attachment means 17' is provided which is separable from the vertical post 3' and horizontal member 5'. In particular, the attachment means 17' of Figure 5 is shown comprising a first head portion 21', a neck 19' and further head portion 25, resulting in an overall shape generally similar to a yo-yo which is a adapted to be inserted through key hole apertures 11' in the vertical post 3' and through further key hole 27 in the horizontal member 5'. The neck 19' slides within slots 15' and 29 in response to downward pressure on the horizontal member 5'. As with the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, movement of the neck 19° in the slots results in vertical edge 23' wedging against the vertical face 4° of vertical post 3'. When installed, the head portion 21' projects from the apertures 11' and 27 adjacent vertical post 3' while the head portion 25 projects from the apertures 11' and 27 adjacent the horizontal member 5', thereby retaining the attachment means 17! within the two sets of apertures 11' and 27.
According to a successful prototype of the alternative embodiment, the head portions 21 and 25 are in the form of circular disks one having a diameter of approximately 7/16" and the other slightly greater than the diameter of the circular hole 13', and a thickness of approximately .005". The neck 19' is in the form of a circular cylinder having a diameter of approximately .2~0", and the distance of the neck 19' separating head portions 21 and 25 is approximately 0.80". By making one of the head portions larger than the hole 13', the enlarged head portion is prevented from passing through the hole 13' after the other head portion has already been inserted.
Furthermore, according to the alternative embodiment of Figure 4, the hole 13' is preferably circular and has a diameter of approximately 0.500", and the slot 15' is generally oblong and has a width of approximately 0.250'°
and a length of approximately .500" extending from the centre of focus of the oblong to the centre of the hole 13'.
According to the successful prototype, the vertical post 3 (and vertical post 3') and the horizontal member 5 (and alternative horizontal member 5°) are fabricated from sheet metal having a thickness of approximately 0.036".
A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 6 to 9 in which like components to those shown in Figures 1 through 3 will be identified with like reference numerals but with the suffix "a" added for clarity.
In the embodiment of Figures 6 through 9, the connectors 17a are stamped from the material forming the vertical face 6a of the horizontal member 5a. As can best be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the connector includes a web of material disposed generally perpendicular to the face 6a and constituting the neck 19a and a semi-circular head 21a disposed generally parallel to the face 6a. The spacing of the head 21a from the face 6a corresponds to the thickness of the material forming the vertical post 3a.
As can best be seen in Figure 9, the vertical post 3a is formed with a pair of perpendicular legs 30,32 which axe interconnected by a part-cylindrical rib 34 formed integrally with the limbs 30,32 at the apex of the post 3a.
Each of the limbs 30,32 are jogged as indicated at 36, and the distal portion of each limb folded back on itself to provide the vertical faces 2a,~a disposed perpendicular to n~~~ .~ .~
one another. It will be noted that the faces 2a,4a are spaced from intermediate portions indicated at 38 of the limbs 30,32 so as to define a cavity 40 in each of the limbs 30,32. The depth of the cavity 40 - that is, the spacing of the face 2a,4a from the intermediate portion 36 - is slightly greater than the thickness of the head 21a.
The vertical faces 2a,4a each have a series of keyhole slots lla having a semi-circular hole 13a and an incline slot 15a. The shape of the hole 13a corresponds to that of the head 21a and the width of the slot 15a corresponds to the thickness of the neck 19a. As can also be seen from Figures 6 to 9, the vertical edge 23a of each of the members 5a projects beyond the horizontal ledges 8a to allow the edge 23a to be received behind the rib 34.
To assemble the horizontal members 5a onto the vertical posts 3a, the vertical face 6a is placed in abutment with one of the vertical faces 2a,4a. The heads 21a are aligned with an appropriate one of the holes 13a so that the head passes through and allows the opposed vertical faces 6a,2a to move into abutment. At this time, the vertical edge 23a of the horizontal member 6a is spaced from the rib 34. The horizontal member 5a is then moved downwardly relative to the post 3a to move the neck 19a into the slot 15a. This movement continues until the lateral edges of each o~ the ledges 8a engage the rib 34 to produce an interference fit and inhibit further downward movement.
Similarly, a second horizontal member 6a can then be assembled on the post 3a against the vertical face 4a and moved downwardly until its vertical edge 23a abuts the rib 38. The rib 34 therefore provides an abutment surface far the lateral edges of ledges so that each of the horizontal members 5a may be assembled independently of the other.
As the neck 19a is accomodated within the slot 11a, the head 21a moves within the cavity 38 and inhibits relative horizontal movement between the post and horizontal 2~~~~~~
The vertical faces 2a,4a each have a series of keyhole slots lla having a semi-circular hole 13a and an incline slot 15a. The shape of the hole 13a corresponds to that of the head 21a and the width of the slot 15a corresponds to the thickness of the neck 19a. As can also be seen from Figures 6 to 9, the vertical edge 23a of each of the members 5a projects beyond the horizontal ledges 8a to allow the edge 23a to be received behind the rib 34.
To assemble the horizontal members 5a onto the vertical posts 3a, the vertical face 6a is placed in abutment with one of the vertical faces 2a,4a. The heads 21a are aligned with an appropriate one of the holes 13a so that the head passes through and allows the opposed vertical faces 6a,2a to move into abutment. At this time, the vertical edge 23a of the horizontal member 6a is spaced from the rib 34. The horizontal member 5a is then moved downwardly relative to the post 3a to move the neck 19a into the slot 15a. This movement continues until the lateral edges of each o~ the ledges 8a engage the rib 34 to produce an interference fit and inhibit further downward movement.
Similarly, a second horizontal member 6a can then be assembled on the post 3a against the vertical face 4a and moved downwardly until its vertical edge 23a abuts the rib 38. The rib 34 therefore provides an abutment surface far the lateral edges of ledges so that each of the horizontal members 5a may be assembled independently of the other.
As the neck 19a is accomodated within the slot 11a, the head 21a moves within the cavity 38 and inhibits relative horizontal movement between the post and horizontal 2~~~~~~
member 5a. The intermediate portion also inhibits the head 19a from being bent from its parallel position by the application of a horizontal force. The intermediate portion provides a snug fit for the head so that any horizontal force would have to extrude the head through the slot rather than simply cause the head to band relative to the neck and pass through the slot. The engagement of the edge 23a with the rib 34 also inhibits outward movement of the horizontal member 5a relative to post 3a to enhance the rigidity of the structure 1a.
It will be seen, therefore, that the embodiment of Figures 6 through 9 provides a connection that can be integrally formed with the horizontal member 4a and also permits the two horizontal members 5a to be fitted independently of one another to the post 1a. The inclination of the slot 15a to the vertical is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5 namely in the range of 8° to 30° and preferably 10°.
The folding back of the limbs 30, 32 to define the cavity 40 is not only of benefit in retaining the head 21a but also improves the aesthetics of the shelving unit. The intermediate portions 38 present an unperforated external face to the posts 3a and hide the keyhole slots 11a when the unit is assembled. This allows the unit to be used in furniture applications as well as more conventional utilitarian applications.
It will be seen, therefore, that the embodiment of Figures 6 through 9 provides a connection that can be integrally formed with the horizontal member 4a and also permits the two horizontal members 5a to be fitted independently of one another to the post 1a. The inclination of the slot 15a to the vertical is similar to that described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5 namely in the range of 8° to 30° and preferably 10°.
The folding back of the limbs 30, 32 to define the cavity 40 is not only of benefit in retaining the head 21a but also improves the aesthetics of the shelving unit. The intermediate portions 38 present an unperforated external face to the posts 3a and hide the keyhole slots 11a when the unit is assembled. This allows the unit to be used in furniture applications as well as more conventional utilitarian applications.
Claims (23)
1. A knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to a longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means for connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of an associated one of the post members being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck: with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the other of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being cooperatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of a support member into abutment with are abutment surface on an associated one of the post members upon relative sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot, said abutment surface including a rib extending along a longitudinal axis of said post member and projecting between the faces of said post member to maintain said edges of the support members associated with respective ones of said faces in spaced relationship.
2. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 1 wherein said slot is disposed at are acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the post member.
3. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 2 wherein said apertures are formed in said faces of said post member.
4. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 2 wherein each of said faces of said post member is provided on a respective leg of said post member and said apertures are formed therein, each of said legs further including a wall spaced from said face to define a cavity disposed behind said face to receive said head portion when said neck portion is received in said slot.
5. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 1 wherein said support member terminates in a flange that extends between said rib and said face and lateral edge portions extend from said support member to abut said rib.
6. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 5 wherein said support member includes a ledge at opposite sides of said abutment face and lateral edges of said ledges abut said rib when said flange is located behind said rib.
7. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 1 wherein said rib is partly cylindrical.
8. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 1 wherein said rib overlies a portion of each of said legs to define a recess therebetween and a terminal portion of said support member is received in said recess when said support member abuts said abutment surface.
9. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 1 wherein said neck and head portion are integrally formed with one of said juxtaposed faces.
10. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 9 wherein said head portion is partly cylindrical.
11. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 10 wherein said neck portion is a planar web disposed generally perpendicular to said abutment face.
12. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 11 wherein said head portion is disposed parallel to and spaced from said abutment face.
13. A post member for use in a knock-down shelving unit comprising a pair of legs disposed generally perpendicular to one another to provide a pair of inwardly directed opposed faces, and apertures formed in each of said opposed faces to permit a support member to be secured to respective legs, each of said apertures including a hole to receive a head portion formed on the support member and a slot to receive a neck securing the head portion to the support member and permit sliding movement of the neck within the slot, each of said legs including a cavity disposed behind said face to accommodate the head portion when the neck portion is received in the slot, said cavity being defined between a pair of spaced webs, one of which is pierced to provide said aperture and the other of which presents a continuous outwardly directed surface, said one web terminating prior to an apex of said post member and said other web being jogged inwardly to provide a coplanar continuation of said opposed face toward said apex.
14. A post member according to claim 13 wherein said other. web extends inwardly to intersect said other leg at an apex of the post.
15. A post member according to claim 14 wherein an inwardly directed rib is provided at said apex and extends along the longitudinal axis of said post member.
16. A post member according to claim 15 wherein said webs are spaced apart a distance to receive the head portion snugly therebetween.
17. A post member according to claim 16 wherein said webs are interconnected at their distal edge remote from said apex.
18. A post member according to claim 15 wherein said slot is disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the post member.
19. A knock-down shelving unit comprising a plurality of post members mutually spaced from one another in generally parallel relationship and each including a pair of faces disposed perpendicular to one another, a plurality of support members extending between respective pairs of said post members, each of said support members including an abutment face and being delimited at opposite ends by an edge extending normal to the longitudinal axis of said support member, and attachment means for connecting said support members to said post members with portions of said abutment face of a support member and a face of the post member being juxtaposed, said attachment means comprising an aperture in one of said juxtaposed faces and having a hole and a slot extending therefrom and a neck with a head portion extending therefrom projecting from the other of said juxtaposed faces, said head portion being co-operatively shaped to pass through said hole and said neck to slide within said slot, said slot extending from said hole to provide a linear edge delimiting said hole and slot and inclined to the longitudinal axis of said post, said neck portion and slot being configured to bring said edge of said support member into abutment with an abutment surface on the post member upon relative sliding movement of said neck portion within said slot and thereby inhibiting further sliding of the neck portion within the slot.
20. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 19 wherein said neck portion is formed as a planar web projecting substantially normal to said other face and said head portion is disposed to one side of said web and generally parallel to said other face.
21. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 20 wherein said hole and said head portion are semicircular.
22. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 20 wherein said neck portion and head portion are integrally formed with the member associated with said other face.
23. A knock-down shelving unit according to claim 22 wherein said other face is associated with said support members.
Priority Applications (9)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2075320 CA2075320C (en) | 1992-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Knock-down shelf unit |
| JP5516918A JPH07508186A (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | Frame structure for shelving unit |
| EP93907691A EP0633742B1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | Framework for shelving unit |
| DE69303165T DE69303165T2 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | FRAME SUPPORT FOR SHELVING UNIT |
| AU38821/93A AU675218B2 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | Framework for shelving unit |
| PCT/CA1993/000116 WO1993019642A1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | Framework for shelving unit |
| KR1019940703494A KR100271081B1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-03-19 | Framework for shelving unit |
| US08/041,508 US5463966A (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1993-04-01 | Framework for shelving unit |
| US08/221,417 US5553549A (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1994-03-31 | Framework for shelving unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2075320 CA2075320C (en) | 1992-08-05 | 1992-08-05 | Knock-down shelf unit |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2075320A1 CA2075320A1 (en) | 1994-02-06 |
| CA2075320C true CA2075320C (en) | 2003-10-28 |
Family
ID=4150253
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2075320 Expired - Lifetime CA2075320C (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1992-08-05 | Knock-down shelf unit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2075320C (en) |
-
1992
- 1992-08-05 CA CA 2075320 patent/CA2075320C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2075320A1 (en) | 1994-02-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |