CA2105500C - Sheet metal shelf system - Google Patents
Sheet metal shelf system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2105500C CA2105500C CA 2105500 CA2105500A CA2105500C CA 2105500 C CA2105500 C CA 2105500C CA 2105500 CA2105500 CA 2105500 CA 2105500 A CA2105500 A CA 2105500A CA 2105500 C CA2105500 C CA 2105500C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shelf
- elongate transverse
- sheet metal
- transverse member
- corner
- 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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Classifications
-
- 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
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/02—Shelves
- A47B96/027—Cantilever shelves
- A47B96/028—Cantilever shelves characterised by support bracket location means, e.g. fixing means between support bracket and shelf
-
- 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
- A47B57/52—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 the shelf supports being cantilever brackets
Abstract
A shelf system comprises flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets and a sheet metal shelf.
Each cantilever shelf-supporting bracket includes an upper edge surface formed with (i) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (ii) a second substantially rectangular notch. At each end of the shelf, the sheet metal is bent downwardly at right angle to form a flange and thereby define a corner.
The shelf further comprises elongate transverse members made of sheet metal, bent lengthwise at right angle, and each fitted and secured in one corner, under the shelf. Cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member is (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on the sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated shelf-supporting bracket and open to receive the tongue of this first notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between these sloping bottom edge surface and tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by the second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into the cavity.
Each cantilever shelf-supporting bracket includes an upper edge surface formed with (i) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (ii) a second substantially rectangular notch. At each end of the shelf, the sheet metal is bent downwardly at right angle to form a flange and thereby define a corner.
The shelf further comprises elongate transverse members made of sheet metal, bent lengthwise at right angle, and each fitted and secured in one corner, under the shelf. Cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member is (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on the sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated shelf-supporting bracket and open to receive the tongue of this first notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between these sloping bottom edge surface and tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by the second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into the cavity.
Description
SHEET METAL SHELF SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present irsvention relates to a sheet metal shelf and to a commercial shelf system including that shelf.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the invention:
The present irsvention relates to a sheet metal shelf and to a commercial shelf system including that shelf.
2. Brief description of the prior art:
Many sheet metal shelf systems have been proposed and are presently available on the market.
Examples are illustrated and described in the following United States patents:
2,900,085 (Levy) 1959 2,975,908 (Huet) 1961 3,321,089 (Krikorian) 1967 3,965,826 (Markham) 1976 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to improve the stability, strength and aesthetic appearance of sheet metal shelves and shelf systems using these shelves.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising an underside and an elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other. One of the longitudinal sections is secured to the underside of the shelf, and the elongate transverse member comprises mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. The elongate transverse member defines a corner and the mounting elements are located in the corner of the elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising one end at which the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a flange and thereby define a corner. The shelf further comprises an elongate transverse member (a) made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, (b) fitted and secured in the corner, under the shelf, and (c) comprising mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. The elongate transverse member defines a corner, and the mounting elements are located in the corner of the elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
The present invention is further concerned with a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising first and second opposite ends, wherein at the first end of the shelf the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a first flange and thereby define a first corner. The shelf further comprises a first elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, this first elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in the first corner, under the shelf. At the second end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at the given angle to form a second flange and thereby define a second corner. The shelf comprises a second elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, and the second elongate transverse member is fitted and secured in this second corner, under the shelf. The first and second elongate transverse members further comprise mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse members, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. These first and second elongate transverse members each define a corner, and the mounting elements are located in the corners of the elongate transverse members and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf system comprising flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets and a shelf made of sheet metal. The flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets each include an upper edge surface formed with (a) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (b) a second substantially rectangular notch. The shelf comprises an underside and elongate transverse members made of sheet metal and each bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other. One of the longitudinal sections of each transverse member is secured to the underside of the shelf. Cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member is (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on the sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated one of the shelf-supporting brackets and open to receive the tongue of this first 5 notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between the sloping bottom edge surface and the tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by the second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into the cavity.
Obviously, the elongate transverse members bent lengthwise, for example at 90°, reinforce the sheet metal shelf. Also, the structure of the hollow box-like mounting elements of the elongate transverse members and the structure of the notches of the cantilever brackets block and stabilize the sheet metal shelves on the cantilever brackets. As the sheet metal of the opposite ends of the shelf are bent over the elongate transverse members, the aesthetic appearance of the shelf and shelf system is enhanced.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each elongate transverse member has first and second opposite ends, and the distance between a first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between a second mounting element and the second end of that elongate transverse member. Each 5a elongate transverse member has a plane of symmetry and the first and second mounting elements of each transverse member are symmetrical about this plane of symmetry. Accordingly, the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and the elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of the first and second corners.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelf system in accordance with the present invention, comprising a sheet metal shelf; and %i,~ ~ .r . . ., . . .,..,. ~ . ' -::. . .:;. :.. '~.:: .. ~... . ' "'~"
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Many sheet metal shelf systems have been proposed and are presently available on the market.
Examples are illustrated and described in the following United States patents:
2,900,085 (Levy) 1959 2,975,908 (Huet) 1961 3,321,089 (Krikorian) 1967 3,965,826 (Markham) 1976 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to improve the stability, strength and aesthetic appearance of sheet metal shelves and shelf systems using these shelves.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising an underside and an elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other. One of the longitudinal sections is secured to the underside of the shelf, and the elongate transverse member comprises mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. The elongate transverse member defines a corner and the mounting elements are located in the corner of the elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
Also in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising one end at which the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a flange and thereby define a corner. The shelf further comprises an elongate transverse member (a) made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, (b) fitted and secured in the corner, under the shelf, and (c) comprising mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. The elongate transverse member defines a corner, and the mounting elements are located in the corner of the elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
The present invention is further concerned with a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising first and second opposite ends, wherein at the first end of the shelf the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a first flange and thereby define a first corner. The shelf further comprises a first elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, this first elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in the first corner, under the shelf. At the second end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at the given angle to form a second flange and thereby define a second corner. The shelf comprises a second elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at the given angle, and the second elongate transverse member is fitted and secured in this second corner, under the shelf. The first and second elongate transverse members further comprise mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse members, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure. These first and second elongate transverse members each define a corner, and the mounting elements are located in the corners of the elongate transverse members and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
Still further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a shelf system comprising flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets and a shelf made of sheet metal. The flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets each include an upper edge surface formed with (a) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (b) a second substantially rectangular notch. The shelf comprises an underside and elongate transverse members made of sheet metal and each bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other. One of the longitudinal sections of each transverse member is secured to the underside of the shelf. Cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member is (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on the sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated one of the shelf-supporting brackets and open to receive the tongue of this first 5 notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between the sloping bottom edge surface and the tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by the second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into the cavity.
Obviously, the elongate transverse members bent lengthwise, for example at 90°, reinforce the sheet metal shelf. Also, the structure of the hollow box-like mounting elements of the elongate transverse members and the structure of the notches of the cantilever brackets block and stabilize the sheet metal shelves on the cantilever brackets. As the sheet metal of the opposite ends of the shelf are bent over the elongate transverse members, the aesthetic appearance of the shelf and shelf system is enhanced.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, each elongate transverse member has first and second opposite ends, and the distance between a first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between a second mounting element and the second end of that elongate transverse member. Each 5a elongate transverse member has a plane of symmetry and the first and second mounting elements of each transverse member are symmetrical about this plane of symmetry. Accordingly, the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and the elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of the first and second corners.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shelf system in accordance with the present invention, comprising a sheet metal shelf; and %i,~ ~ .r . . ., . . .,..,. ~ . ' -::. . .:;. :.. '~.:: .. ~... . ' "'~"
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Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the sheet metal shelf of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTTON OF TgiE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The shelf system in accordance with the present invention is generally identified by the reference; 10 in the accompanying drawings.
The shelf system 10 first comprises flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets such as 11. The elongate bracket 11 has a proximate end formed with a pair of hook-like tongues 12 and 13. A metallic upright member (not shown) is fixed to a generally vertical wall and is formed with a series of vertical slots to receive the tongues 12 and 13 and enable hooking of the bracket 11 to this upright member in a generally horizontal or sloping position. This type of attachment is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and, accordingly, will not be further described in the present specification.
The shelf-supporting bracket 11 further comprises an upper edge surface 14 formed with a distal notch 15 and a proximate notch 16. Distal notch 15 is rectangular. Regarding proximate notch 16, it presents the general configuration of a hook.
More specifically, notch 16 comprises a sloping bottom edge surface 17 and a horizontally extending rectangular tongue 13 delimiting between them a substantially rectangular cavity 19.
a The shelf-supporting brackets 11 are advantageously die cut in relatively thick sheet metal for low cost production thereof.
The shelf system 10 further comprises shelves such as 20. The shelf 20 is made of sheet metal. At the front of the shelf 20, the sheet metal is bent downwardly to form a front flange 21 defining a front groove capable of receiving labels (not shown). The lower portion of the front flange 21 is bent rearwardly to form a front bottom lip 22. At the rear of the shelf 20, the sheet metal is bent downwardly to form a rear flange 23 defining an obtuse angle with the flat top surface of the shelf 20. The lower portion of the flange 23 is bent forwardly and upwardly to define an inner lip 24. The flanges 21 and 23 as well as the lips 22 and 24 will reinforce the shelf 2,0 lengthwise while preventing anybody from being cut by a sharp sheet metal edge.
zo As illustrated in Figure 2, the sheet metal at the respective opposite ends of the shelf 20 is bent at right angle (90°) to form downwardly extending flanges 25 and 26 and thereby define respective corners. Elongate transverse members 27 and 28, made of relatively thin sheet metal, are bent lengthwise at right angle (90°). Transverse member 27 is fitted under the shelf 20, into the corner corresponding to the flange 25. In the same manner, 'transverse member 28 is fitted in the corner corresponding to the flange 26. The transverse members 27 and 28 are then spot welded to the sheet metal of the shelf 20.
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s one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 can be secured to the sheet metal of a shelf 20 formed with no flanges 25 and 26. In this case, one of the two longitudinal sections, disposed at right angle with respect to each other, of the two elongate transverse members 27 and 28 is applied to the underside of the shelf 20 and spot welded to the sheet metal of that shelf. An elongate transverse member such as 27 and 28 can even be secured under the shelf between the two ends of that shelf for cooperation with a cc>rresponding shelf-supporting bracket 11.
The elongate transverse members 27 and 28 15 are fabricated at low cost by means of a die. This die will in particular bent lengthwise at right angle the transverse members 27 and 28. During the same operation, it will also cut and form in the sheet metal of each transverse member' 27 or 28 hollow box-20 like rectangular mounting elements 29 and 30 in the corner of that transverse member. The length of the mounting elements 29 and 30 corresponds to the width of the rectangular distal notch 15. The box--like .
rectangular mounting elements are also open at each end as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
The distance between the mounting element 29 and the corresponding end 31 of the elongate transverse member 27,28 is equal to 'the distance ' between the box-like mounting element 30 and the corresponding end 32 of the same elongate transverse member 27,28. Erloreover, each elongate transverse member 27,28 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry (see for example in Figure 2 the longitudinal plane of symmetry 35 of elongate transverse member 27) , and the box-like rectangular mounting elements 29 and 30 of that transverse member 27,28 is also symmetrical about 'this plane of symmetry. One can therefore appreciate that the opposite ends 31 and 32 of the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are interchangeable at will and that these members 27 and 28 can be spot welded in the corner of either end of the shelf 20.
This presents the advantage that only one piece is required for the angle irons of both ends of the shelf 20.
Also, as the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are interchangeable, the shelf 20 can be reversed at will, that is mounted an the shelf-supporting brackets 11 with eii~her the flange 21 or the :flange 23 at the front. The elongate transverse members 27 and 28 will still fit onto the corresponding pair of shelf-supporting brackets 11.
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Upon installation of the shelf 20 on the shelf-supporting brackets 11, the mounting elements 30 of the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are slid on the sloping edge surfaces 17 of the corresponding shelf-supporting brackets 11 until the hollow box-like mounting elements 30 reach the respective cavities 19 ( see arrow 33 in Figure 1 ) . The tongues 18 of the brackets 11 then penetrate in the interior of the mounting elements 30 through the open ends thereof.
The box-like mounting elements 29 are then positioned in the distal rectangular notches 15 of the brackets 11 (see arrow 3~ of Figure 1). The mounting elements ..: :. .a .,.'... ,. ' .. ... :: . . :; . ,.':
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29 and 30 then engage the notches 15 and 16, respectively, to lack the shelf 20 on the shelf-supporting bracket 11. It should be understood that each elongate transverse member such as 27 and 28 is associated to one shelf-supporting bracket such as 11 and is positioned thereon by means of the above described method. It should also be noted that the ends of 'the rear flange 23 and lip 24 are cut to provide for clearance for the passage of the brackets 11 (see Figure 1).
Obviously, the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 bent lengthwise at right angle (90°), reinforce the sheet metal shelf 20. Also, the structure of the hollow box-likes mounting elements 29 and 30 of the elongate transve~°se members 27 and 28 and the structure of the notches 15 and 16 of the cantilever brackets 11 bloc). and stabilize the sheet metal shelves 20 on the cantilever brackets 11. As the sheet metal of the opposite ends of the shelf 20 ors bent over the elongate transverse members 27 and 28, the aesthetic appearance of the shelf and shelf system is enhanced.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, 'this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTTON OF TgiE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The shelf system in accordance with the present invention is generally identified by the reference; 10 in the accompanying drawings.
The shelf system 10 first comprises flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets such as 11. The elongate bracket 11 has a proximate end formed with a pair of hook-like tongues 12 and 13. A metallic upright member (not shown) is fixed to a generally vertical wall and is formed with a series of vertical slots to receive the tongues 12 and 13 and enable hooking of the bracket 11 to this upright member in a generally horizontal or sloping position. This type of attachment is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and, accordingly, will not be further described in the present specification.
The shelf-supporting bracket 11 further comprises an upper edge surface 14 formed with a distal notch 15 and a proximate notch 16. Distal notch 15 is rectangular. Regarding proximate notch 16, it presents the general configuration of a hook.
More specifically, notch 16 comprises a sloping bottom edge surface 17 and a horizontally extending rectangular tongue 13 delimiting between them a substantially rectangular cavity 19.
a The shelf-supporting brackets 11 are advantageously die cut in relatively thick sheet metal for low cost production thereof.
The shelf system 10 further comprises shelves such as 20. The shelf 20 is made of sheet metal. At the front of the shelf 20, the sheet metal is bent downwardly to form a front flange 21 defining a front groove capable of receiving labels (not shown). The lower portion of the front flange 21 is bent rearwardly to form a front bottom lip 22. At the rear of the shelf 20, the sheet metal is bent downwardly to form a rear flange 23 defining an obtuse angle with the flat top surface of the shelf 20. The lower portion of the flange 23 is bent forwardly and upwardly to define an inner lip 24. The flanges 21 and 23 as well as the lips 22 and 24 will reinforce the shelf 2,0 lengthwise while preventing anybody from being cut by a sharp sheet metal edge.
zo As illustrated in Figure 2, the sheet metal at the respective opposite ends of the shelf 20 is bent at right angle (90°) to form downwardly extending flanges 25 and 26 and thereby define respective corners. Elongate transverse members 27 and 28, made of relatively thin sheet metal, are bent lengthwise at right angle (90°). Transverse member 27 is fitted under the shelf 20, into the corner corresponding to the flange 25. In the same manner, 'transverse member 28 is fitted in the corner corresponding to the flange 26. The transverse members 27 and 28 are then spot welded to the sheet metal of the shelf 20.
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s one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 can be secured to the sheet metal of a shelf 20 formed with no flanges 25 and 26. In this case, one of the two longitudinal sections, disposed at right angle with respect to each other, of the two elongate transverse members 27 and 28 is applied to the underside of the shelf 20 and spot welded to the sheet metal of that shelf. An elongate transverse member such as 27 and 28 can even be secured under the shelf between the two ends of that shelf for cooperation with a cc>rresponding shelf-supporting bracket 11.
The elongate transverse members 27 and 28 15 are fabricated at low cost by means of a die. This die will in particular bent lengthwise at right angle the transverse members 27 and 28. During the same operation, it will also cut and form in the sheet metal of each transverse member' 27 or 28 hollow box-20 like rectangular mounting elements 29 and 30 in the corner of that transverse member. The length of the mounting elements 29 and 30 corresponds to the width of the rectangular distal notch 15. The box--like .
rectangular mounting elements are also open at each end as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
The distance between the mounting element 29 and the corresponding end 31 of the elongate transverse member 27,28 is equal to 'the distance ' between the box-like mounting element 30 and the corresponding end 32 of the same elongate transverse member 27,28. Erloreover, each elongate transverse member 27,28 has a longitudinal plane of symmetry (see for example in Figure 2 the longitudinal plane of symmetry 35 of elongate transverse member 27) , and the box-like rectangular mounting elements 29 and 30 of that transverse member 27,28 is also symmetrical about 'this plane of symmetry. One can therefore appreciate that the opposite ends 31 and 32 of the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are interchangeable at will and that these members 27 and 28 can be spot welded in the corner of either end of the shelf 20.
This presents the advantage that only one piece is required for the angle irons of both ends of the shelf 20.
Also, as the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are interchangeable, the shelf 20 can be reversed at will, that is mounted an the shelf-supporting brackets 11 with eii~her the flange 21 or the :flange 23 at the front. The elongate transverse members 27 and 28 will still fit onto the corresponding pair of shelf-supporting brackets 11.
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Upon installation of the shelf 20 on the shelf-supporting brackets 11, the mounting elements 30 of the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 are slid on the sloping edge surfaces 17 of the corresponding shelf-supporting brackets 11 until the hollow box-like mounting elements 30 reach the respective cavities 19 ( see arrow 33 in Figure 1 ) . The tongues 18 of the brackets 11 then penetrate in the interior of the mounting elements 30 through the open ends thereof.
The box-like mounting elements 29 are then positioned in the distal rectangular notches 15 of the brackets 11 (see arrow 3~ of Figure 1). The mounting elements ..: :. .a .,.'... ,. ' .. ... :: . . :; . ,.':
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29 and 30 then engage the notches 15 and 16, respectively, to lack the shelf 20 on the shelf-supporting bracket 11. It should be understood that each elongate transverse member such as 27 and 28 is associated to one shelf-supporting bracket such as 11 and is positioned thereon by means of the above described method. It should also be noted that the ends of 'the rear flange 23 and lip 24 are cut to provide for clearance for the passage of the brackets 11 (see Figure 1).
Obviously, the elongate transverse members 27 and 28 bent lengthwise at right angle (90°), reinforce the sheet metal shelf 20. Also, the structure of the hollow box-likes mounting elements 29 and 30 of the elongate transve~°se members 27 and 28 and the structure of the notches 15 and 16 of the cantilever brackets 11 bloc). and stabilize the sheet metal shelves 20 on the cantilever brackets 11. As the sheet metal of the opposite ends of the shelf 20 ors bent over the elongate transverse members 27 and 28, the aesthetic appearance of the shelf and shelf system is enhanced.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, 'this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
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Claims (14)
1. A shelf made of sheet metal and comprising one end at which said sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a flange and thereby define a corner, said shelf further comprising an elongate transverse member (a) made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at said given angle, (b) fitted and secured in said corner, under the shelf, and (c) comprising mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure, wherein the elongate transverse member defines a corner, and said mounting elements are located in the corner of said elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
2. A shelf as recited in claim 1, wherein said mounting elements are cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member by means of a die.
3. A shelf as recited in claim 1, wherein said given angle is 90°.
4. A shelf as recited in claim 3, wherein said hollow, open box-like structures are hollow, open rectangular box-like structures.
5. A shelf made of sheet metal and comprising first and second opposite ends, wherein:
(a) at said first end of the shelf the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a first flange and thereby define a first corner, said shelf further comprising a first elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at said given angle, said first elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in said first corner, under the shelf;
(b) at said second end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at said given angle to form a second flange and thereby define a second corner, said shelf further comprising a second elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at said given angle, said second elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in said second corner, under the shelf;
(c) said first and second elongate transverse members further comprise mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of said elongate transverse members, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure; and (d) said first and second elongate transverse members each define a corner, and said mounting elements are located in the corners of said elongate transverse members and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
(a) at said first end of the shelf the sheet metal is bent downwardly at a given angle to form a first flange and thereby define a first corner, said shelf further comprising a first elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at said given angle, said first elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in said first corner, under the shelf;
(b) at said second end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at said given angle to form a second flange and thereby define a second corner, said shelf further comprising a second elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at said given angle, said second elongate transverse member being fitted and secured in said second corner, under the shelf;
(c) said first and second elongate transverse members further comprise mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of said elongate transverse members, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure; and (d) said first and second elongate transverse members each define a corner, and said mounting elements are located in the corners of said elongate transverse members and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
6. A shelf as recited in claim 5, wherein said mounting elements are cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse members by means of a die.
7. A shelf as recited in claim 5, wherein said given angle is 90°.
8. A shelf as recited in claim 5, wherein:
each of said first and second elongate transverse members has first and second opposite ends and comprises first and second mounting elements amongst said mounting elements adapted to engage the shelf-supporting structure;
the distance between the first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between the second mounting element and the second end of the elongate transverse member; and each of said first and second elongate transverse members has a plane of symmetry and the first and second mounting elements of each elongate transverse member are symmetrical about the corresponding plane of symmetry;
whereby the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and said first and second elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of said first and second corners.
each of said first and second elongate transverse members has first and second opposite ends and comprises first and second mounting elements amongst said mounting elements adapted to engage the shelf-supporting structure;
the distance between the first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between the second mounting element and the second end of the elongate transverse member; and each of said first and second elongate transverse members has a plane of symmetry and the first and second mounting elements of each elongate transverse member are symmetrical about the corresponding plane of symmetry;
whereby the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and said first and second elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of said first and second corners.
9. A shelf made of sheet metal and comprising an underside, and an elongate transverse member made of sheet metal and bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other, one of said longitudinal sections being secured to the underside of the shelf, wherein the elongate transverse member comprises mounting elements cut and formed in the sheet metal of said elongate transverse member, and adapted to engage a shelf-supporting structure, and wherein the elongate transverse member defines a corner and said mounting elements are located in the corner of said elongate transverse member and are formed by hollow, open box-like structures.
10. A shelf as recited in claim 9, wherein said mounting elements are cut and formed in the sheet metal of the elongate transverse member by means of a die.
11. A shelf as recited in claim 9, wherein said given angle is 90°.
12. A shelf system comprising:
flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets each including an upper edge surface formed with (a) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (b) a second substantially rectangular notch; and a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising an underside and elongate transverse members made of sheet metal and each bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other, one of said longitudinal sections of each transverse member being secured to the underside of the shelf, cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member being (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on said sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated one of said shelf-supporting brackets and open to receive the tongue of this first notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between the sloping bottom edge surface and the tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by said second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into said cavity.
flat cantilever shelf-supporting brackets each including an upper edge surface formed with (a) a first notch defining a sloping bottom edge surface and a tongue delimiting between them a cavity, and (b) a second substantially rectangular notch; and a shelf made of sheet metal and comprising an underside and elongate transverse members made of sheet metal and each bent lengthwise at a given angle to define a pair of longitudinal sections angularly disposed with respect to each other, one of said longitudinal sections of each transverse member being secured to the underside of the shelf, cut and formed in the sheet metal of each elongate transverse member being (a) a first hollow box-like mounting element adapted to slide on said sloping bottom edge surface of the first notch of an associated one of said shelf-supporting brackets and open to receive the tongue of this first notch and thereby enable positioning of the first mounting element in the cavity between the sloping bottom edge surface and the tongue, and (b) a second hollow box-like mounting element adapted to be received by said second rectangular notch of the associated shelf-supporting bracket after the first box-like mounting element has been positioned into said cavity.
13. A shelf as recited in claim 12, wherein said shelf has first and second opposite ends, and wherein at said first end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at said given angle to form a first flange and thereby define a first corner, a first one of said elongate transverse members being fitted and secured in said first corner, under the shelf, and wherein at said second end the sheet metal of the shelf is bent downwardly at said given angle to form a second flange and thereby define a second corner, a second one of said elongate transverse members being fitted and secured in said second corner, under the shelf.
14. A shelf as recited in claim 13, wherein:
each of said first and second elongate transverse members has first and second opposite ends;
the distance between the first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between the second mounting element and the second end of the elongate transverse member; and each of said first and second elongate transverse members has a plane of symmetry and said first and second mounting elements of the elongate transverse member are symmetrical about said plane of symmetry;
whereby the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and said first and second elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of said first and second corners.
each of said first and second elongate transverse members has first and second opposite ends;
the distance between the first mounting element and the first end of the elongate transverse member is equal to the distance between the second mounting element and the second end of the elongate transverse member; and each of said first and second elongate transverse members has a plane of symmetry and said first and second mounting elements of the elongate transverse member are symmetrical about said plane of symmetry;
whereby the first and second ends of each elongate transverse member are interchangeable, and said first and second elongate transverse members can be fitted in any of said first and second corners.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105500 CA2105500C (en) | 1993-09-03 | 1993-09-03 | Sheet metal shelf system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105500 CA2105500C (en) | 1993-09-03 | 1993-09-03 | Sheet metal shelf system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2105500A1 CA2105500A1 (en) | 1995-03-04 |
| CA2105500C true CA2105500C (en) | 2001-04-17 |
Family
ID=4152257
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2105500 Expired - Lifetime CA2105500C (en) | 1993-09-03 | 1993-09-03 | Sheet metal shelf system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2105500C (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-09-03 CA CA 2105500 patent/CA2105500C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2105500A1 (en) | 1995-03-04 |
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| EEER | Examination request |