CA2696675A1 - A runner assembly for mobile shelving - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a runner assembly for supporting a mobile shelving unit above a longitudinal mobile shelving track, the runner assembly characterised by a longitudinal body of inverted U-shaped configuration having a plurality of longitudinally extending slots adapted to accommodate fastening means for attachment of mobile shelving components to the longitudinal runner body. For example, a roller adapted to slideably engage the longitudinal track, clips for engaging the mobile shelving unit, and transverse cross members for connecting two runner bodies, are each mountable to the runner body, meaning that no additional post-processing of the runner is required once it is cut to size.

Description

A runner assembly for mobile shelving The present invention relates to a runner assembly of the type adapted to support a shelving unit thereabove, and which is slideable along a track providing the shelving unit with inobility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile shelving systems typically comprise a plurality of mobile shelving units which are moveable along spaced apart tracks, with each individual slielf unit being a tall and narrow structure having an array of horizontal shelves_ In particular, the shelving units are attachable to structures known as runners which are conligured to slideably traverse the track.

Typically runners are in the foim of elongate brackets to which different items such as cross inembers joining two runners together, the sheiving units, rollers, etc, are attachable. A
problem with existing runner assemblies is that significant post-processing of the runner bracket is required after it has been cut to size. For example, a plurality of apertures need to be drilled into the runner bracket, as well as slots and other mounting means, in order to accommodate the various shelving system components such as cross members, motors, etc. This not only increases the complexity of the apparatus, and the ainount of parts, but also increases general costs in relation to manufacture, and labour that is required to assemble and install the shelving units on site.

Furthermore, even with significant post-processing, existing runner brackets are not configured to be truly versatile in terms of where along the runner the items are mountable.
There is therefore a need in the industry f'or a universal mobile platform to which different types of shelving, and other items, can be attached providing for rapid, versatile construction.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useftil altemative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed A rtumer assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit above a l.ongitudinal track, said runner characterised by:
a longitudinal body; and at least one slot extending longitudinally along the body, said slot adapted to accommodate one PAGE 8168 * RCVD AT 211712010 3:00:06 PM [Eastern Standard Tlme] *
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2 or more fastening means at desired positions along its length, whereby each of said fastening means is used to attach a mobile shelving component to the body, aiid wherein said fasteniiig means is a nut and bolt connection, and longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to slideably accommodate said nut, and a narrower outer, opening allowing for insertion through of said bolt to engage said nut Therefore, no additional post-processing of the runner is required after it has been cut to size, for example, no additional drilling or slotting. The runner incorporate an array of slots allowing for fastening of a roller cartridge, different types of shelving, and cross member bracket, as well as other items at any desired position along the runner.

In preference said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an upper surface thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a mobile shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar portion.

Preferably said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an tinderside thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening meansto the underside or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

In preference said fastening means is for attachment of a roller to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track.
Preferably said longitudinal body includes at least one vei-tical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an outer side thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.

In preference said fastening means is for attachment of a transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second spaced apart runner.

Amended Sheet I PEA/AU

=cA 02696675 2010-02-17 PCT/AU2008/001206 Received 20 November 2009

3 Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the junction between the transverse cross meznber and the runner.

Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a drive means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the track.

In preference said fastening means is for attachinent of a runner end bracket, said fastening means being integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the slbt for snug insertion therethrough.

In preference said end bracket further includes a means of engaging said longitudinal track to prevent tilt of the mobile shelving unit.

In preference said longitudinal body includes an invei-ted U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges thei-eof, each planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar portions.

In a further form of the invention there is a runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile slielving unit above a longitudinal track, said runner characterised by:

a tongitudinal body including at least one vertical planar portion; and at least one slot extending longitudinally along said at least one vertical planar portion, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means at desired positions along its length or to an end of the runner, whereby each of said fastening means is used to attach a mobile shelving component to the body.

Preferably said fastening means is for attachxnent of a transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second spaced apart runner.

In preference said fastening means is for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the junction between the transverse cross member and the runner.
Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a drive means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the track.

Amended Sheet IPEA/AU

Received 20 November 2009 Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a runner end bracket, said fastening means being integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the slot for snug insertion therethrough.

A In preference said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an upper surface thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a mobile shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar portion.

In preference said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an underside thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the underside or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

Preferably said fastening means is for attachment of a roller to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track.

In preference said longitudinal body includes at least one vertical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an outer side thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.

Preferably said longitudinal body includes an inverted U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges thereof, each planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar portions.

In preference said fastening means is in the form of an engageable nut and abolt adapted to be inserted through an aperture in said mobile shelving component.

Preferably said longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to accommodate said nut, and a narrower outer opening allowing for insertion there through of said bolt to thereby engage said nut.

Amended Sheet iPF.A/A11 Received 20 November 2009 In yet a fuither forin of the invention there is proposed a runn.er assembly for supporting a mobile shelving unit above,a longitudinal mobile shelving track, said runner assembly ekiaracterised by:
a longitudinal body of inverted U-shaped configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges of the horizontal planar portion;
a plurality of longitudinally extending slots extending along an upper and lower side of said horizontal planar portion, and along an outer side of said two vertical planar portions, said slots adapted to accommodate fastening means for attachment of mobile shelving components to the longitudinal runner body, including a roller to the lower side of the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track, clips to the upper side of the horizontal planar portion for engaging the mobile shelving unit, and transverse cross members to the outer side of the vertical planar portion for connecting two runner bodies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Amended Sheet IPEA/AU

4 The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, setve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a mobile shelving track and runner assembly;

Figure 2 illustrates an underside perspective view of the mobile shelving track and tunner assemb[y of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the mobile shclving track and ranner assembly of Figure Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the mobile shelving track and ru.nrter assenibly of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the runner and cross members fonning part of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the runner and cross members shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the track fonning part of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a track end stop bracket forming part of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of Figure 1, without the cross members attached; and Figure 11 illustrates the cross sectional view of Figure 10 showing the way in which the ramp section is mounted to the track.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompatiying drawings.
Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and PAGE 11/66 RCVD AT 211712010 3:00:06 PM tEastern Standard Tlme] " SVR:F00003I9 " DNIS:3907 " CSID:3063525250 " DURATION (mm-ss):02-27 changes may be lnade to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention_ Wherever possible, the same reference mimbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

Whilst the present invention is directed specifically towards a tunner assembly for mobile

5 shelving, otlier components which form part of a complete mobile shelving system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention are also described.

A track and ntnner assembly 10 for mobile sheiving is shown in Figures 1-4.
The assenibly 10 comprises one or more longitudinal tracks 12, a longitudinAal runner 14 configured to slideably engage each track 12 and to support a shelving unit (not shown), otherwise known as a compactus, thereabove, and transverse cross members 16 for connecting two or more runners 14 together. A typical shelving unit is adapted to be mounted above hvo nmners 14 s[ideable along two tracks 12 which are spaced apart by a distance corresponding approximately with the length of the shelving unit.

The runner 14 of the present invention is shown most clearly in Figures 5-6.
The runner 14 is substantially in the form of an inverted U-shaped extrusion, having a primary channel 18 extenditig there along adapted to accommodate one or more roller cartridges 20, and four slots 22, 24, 26 and 28 extending along right, left and top sides thereof. In particular, slot 22 extends along the left side of the runner 14, slot 24 extends along the right side, and slots 26 and 28 extend along the upper side of the runner 14. The slots 22, 24, 26 and 28 are preferably in the form of T-slots, shaped like so to accommodate square nuts 30 having internal threads. This provides for fast, versatile construction because the nut 30 provides an anchor point for external items at any point along the ninner 14.

Once the nut 30 is moved to a desired position, the item, which typically includes a mounting aperture 32, is moved into position so that the aperture 32 and nut 30 become coaxially aligned. A screw 34 is used to extend through the aperture 32, through the slot 22, 24, 26 or 28, and into the nut 30 for threaded engagement therewith. Extending centrally along the top of the primary channel 18 is a further slot 36 providing a further mounting means for the roller cartridges 20 and end brackets 38, as will become apparent.

The runner 14 has been designed so that no additional post-processing of the extrusion is required after it has been cut, i.e. no drilling, slotting, etc.

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6 The description in the following paragraphs relate to examples of items which are mountable to the runner 14. Some of these are necessary items, for example, the transverse cross members 16, but others are not necessarily essential, such as a locking bracket 40 for exaniple. It is to be understood that other items which are not shown and described herein, could also be mounted to the n.inner 14, for example, sensors (not shown), motors (not shown), inechanical drive devices, and the like.

Mounted above the runner 14 are one or more clips 42 t:onhgured for engagement with a corresponding receiving means located beneath the shelving unit, such as a correspondingly shaped aperture (not shown), for example. Clip 42 includes a mounting portion 44 having a mounting aperture 46 extending there through, and a second portion 48 upstanding from the mounting portion 44 and doubled over for engagement with the corresponding receiving means.
The clips 42 are fixed to the ninner 14 using a screw 34 adapted to extend through aperture 32 to thereby engage a nut 30 located within slot 28, as described above. In the embodiment shown, there are two spaced apart clips 42 for each runner 14.

Two cross inembers 16 are adapted to extend between runners 14 on spaced apart tracks 12 to provide the required support for each shelving unit. The cross members 16 are in the fonn of substantially I-shaped extrusions having slots 50, 52 and 54 on left side, right side and top sides thereof, respectively. In preference the slots 50, 52 and 54 are also substantially in the form of T-slots engageable by screw/nut connections as described above, when mounting external items thereto.

Each cross member 16 is coupled to the runner 14 using hollow, triangular shaped brackets 56 at the junction therebetween. The perpendicular walls of the bracket 56 include outwardly extending projections 58 being shaped to fit snugly within the side slots 52 and 22 of both the cross member 16 and the ninner 14 respectively. The projections 58 are ribbed to facilitate insertion through the slots and so that any impact loads on the bracket 56 are reduced.
Also located on the perpendicular walls of the bracket 56 are mounting apertures 32. The mounting apertures 32 on the bracket 56 are positioned to fix the cross member 16 in a perpendicular arrangement relative to the runner 14, that is, each perpendicular wall of the bracket 56 is mounted to the cross member 16 and. runner 14 respectively.
Again, nuts 30 and screws 34 are preferably used for connecting the respective components.

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7 In order for the runner 14 and hence the shelving unit to be slideable along the track 12, the runner 14 must also include means of housing the roller cartridges 20 mentioned above. The present invention provides that the primary channel 18 of the runner 14 accominodates one or more roller cartridges 20.

Each roller cartridge 20 is also of an inverted U-shaped confib iration and of a size to fit inside the runner primary channel 18. The top side of the cartridge 20 includes two spaced apart mounting apertures 32, so that when the cartridge 20 is positioned in a desired location along the channcl 18, it can be secured using self-tapping screws 34 extending through the apertures 32 and into slot 36. Such a configuration means that the rollers may be fitted to the runner 14 without the need for drilling. Typically, each shelving unit will include a roller at longitudinal ends of each ninner 14, however, there inay be circumstances where more are required, and the runner channel 18 may accommodate for this.

The roller cartridge 20 includes larger, co-axially aligned apertures 60 extending through its side walls. A pin 62 which extends through the apertures is used to maintain a roller 69 inside the cartridge 20. The roller 69 is rotatable about the pin 62 and allows the runner 14 and hence the shelving unit to move relative to the track 12, as will become apparent.

Also mountable to the runner 14 are end brackets 38 as mentioned. Not only are the end brackets 38 used to cap off the ends of the runner 14, they are configured to prevent the shelving unit from tilting. Each end bracket 38 is in the fortn of a rigid housing having an internal structure which corresponds substantially in shape with the cross section of the runner extrusion, so that it may engage an end thereof. A self-tapping screw 34 is used to fix the end bracket 38 in place, the screw 34 extending through an uppermost aperture 32 of the bracket 38, and into the runner slot 36. At the base of the end bracket 38 are two transversely extending shoulders 64 wluch when engaged with the track (as described below), are designed to prevent the shelving unit from toppling over. The end bracket 38 theref'ore constitutes the anti-tilt means of the assembly 10.

Referring now to Figures 7-8 in particular, it can be seen that the track 12 is also made up of an extruded length of metal and includes a hollow profile. The track 12 comprises generally a base 66, intemal walls 68, 70, 72 and 74, and external walls 76 and 78 which are each integrally formed. The external walls 76 and 78 at upper ends of the track 12 extend a short distance inwardly, past internal walls 70 and 72. The base 66 and the extemal walls 76 and 78 form a PAGE 14166 " RCVD AT 211712010 3:00:06 PM [Eastern Standard Time] "
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8 substantially triangular eross-sectional sliape, however, because the external walls fall short of meeting at an apex, they define a cetitral channel 80 extending along the track 12.

The internal geolnetry of the track 12, in particular the high, hollow profile, allows for robust but unobtrusive track joining, and should remove the need for installers to use glue and lit fasteners with high precision, as will beco>.ne apparetit.

The inside surface of internal walls 70 and 72 are shaped to perform two functions.
Firstly, at a lowermost region of the channel 80, ttte internal walls 70 and 72 define a V-shaped guide 82, which is the surface upon which the rollers 69 are supported. The rollers 69 engage the guide 82 centrally with both edges of the roller 69 contacting the guide. The weight of the shelving unit on the roller retains it in the desired position, and allows sufficient friction for it to rotate smoothly across the guide. ln order to prevent wear, and to strengthen the guide, retaining beads (not shown) retain crinoline strips, generally made of steel, along the V-shaped guide 82.
Secondly, disposed above the V-shaped guide 82 are opposed recesses 84 for accommodating shoulders 64 associated with the end bracket 38. Those skilled in the art would realise that when the asseinbled runner 14 is positioned above the track 12, with the shelving unit supported thereabove, any lateral inovemcnt of the shelving unit would be restricted by the shoulders 64, because they are prevented from upward movement by the upper ends of the external walls 76 and 78. Accordingly, tilting of the shelving units is prevented. This is particularly important when the shelving units have significant weight on the top shelves making them prone to such movement.

Between internal walls 68 and 70, and internal walls 72 and 74, hollow regions 86 are defined. The hollow regions 86 are adapted to accommodate joining pins 88 which are used to join two track ends together. The hollow regions 86 also accommodates pins 90 associated with an end stop bracket 92 of the track 12. Therefore, the end stop bracket 92 is mounted to the end of the track 12 using two joining pins 90 associated therewith, while for joining two segments of track 12 together, individual joining pins 88 are used, as shown in Figtue 1.

In both cases, the joining pins 88 and 90 include a plurality of apertures 94 spaced apart there along, and are adapted to be inserted into the hollow regions 86 of the track 12 until they are in co-axial alignment with apertures 96 extending through the base 66 of the track 12. Self-tapping screws 34 are once again used to engage the coaxial apertures and thereby secure the components together.

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9 The end stop bracket 92, as its name suggests, is adapted to be mounted to the end of a track 12. For example, there could be three or fotu- track segments joined to form a single track, wherein the two endmost track segment-, include end stop brackets 92 for preventing the n.inner 14 from travelling beyond the tracks. An enlarged view of the end stop bracket 92 is shown in Figure 9 and it can be seen that it comprises a substantially triangular shaped housing 98, joining pins 90 extending outwardly from an intemal bracket plate 100, and a stop portion 102 extending between the pins 90 and into channe180 when the bracket 92 is mounted to the track 12.

The stop portion 102 includes a plurality of ribs 104 which provide an elastomeric buffer for reducing impact loads. 5helving units when moved generate a significant amount of force due to their weight and therefore require that the track end stops be robust enough to dampen such force upon impact. The end stop bracket 92 also includes anti-tilt shoulders 106 as per the runner end brackets 38.

The height of the track 12 also needs to be maintained level along its length.
It is also preferable for the height of the track 12 to also be casily adjustable even after assembly. One or more packers 108 shown most clearly in Figure 2 and the cross sectional views, are used to achieve this. Each packer 108 is substantially rectangular in shape and includes a 3x2 matrix of apertures 110 extending there through. One row of three apertures 110 of the packer 108 includes elevated square su.rrounding portions 112. The adjacent row of three apertures I 10 include locating means 1 l 1 for engaging the elevated square surrounding portions 112 of a second packer 108 positioned therebeneath. Each adjacently stacked packer 108 is rotated by 180 degrees relative to the other.

One or more packers 108 (depending on the desired height) are adapted to sit beneath the joining pins 90 at the ends of the track 12, as well as beneath the joining pins 88 at one or more joints between track segments. The apertures 110 are designed to accommodate the head portions of the self-tapping screws 34 which engage the joining pins 88 and 90. Those skilled in the art would realise that any number of stacked packers 108 could be added or removed to increase or decrease the height of a particular section of track 12.

A further advantage to the improved stiffness chLuacteristics of the track extrusion is that it allows ior wider spacing of the packers 108 along the track 12.

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SVR:F0000319 " DNYS:3907 " CSID:3063525250 " DURATION (mm-ss):62-27 The assembly 10 includes a plurality of optionally attachable ramp sections 114. These are used to provide a smooth surface over the track 12 and prevent the track 12 from forming a tripping hazard. Each ramp section 114 includes a substantially rectangular body 116 having a hook section 118 at one end thereof, and a straight edge 120 at the opposed end adapted to lie 5 substantially flush with the ground when assembled. The ramp section body 116 includes a plurality of ribs 122 on its upper surface for gripping purposes. There are reinforcing members 124 positioned bclow the body 116 which are advantageous because they reduce the overall wcight ol' the ramp section and maintain strength. The hook section 118 extends downwardly from the body 116, then inwardly and upwardly with respect to the track 12.

10 The track extrusion is also designed to accommodate the ramp sections 114_ Turning now to Figures 10-11, between the lower end of the external walls 76 and 78, and the internal walls 68 and 74 respectively, there are defined receiving channels 125 for engaging the hook section 118 of each ramp section 114. In particular, each ramp section 114 is configured to engage the receiving channels 125 by way of a rotatable snap-fit. Figure 12 illustrates this process, whereby the hook section 118 is inserted into the receiving channel 125 and then urgcd upwardly while rotating edge 120 of the body downwardly until the hook secxion 118 is snap-6t in place. This ranip pivot geotnetry is designed to allow removal and refitting of ramps (for re-levelling purposes) without having to lift up or up-end the track 12.

A rubber tube 126 is also itiserted between the rounded end of the external walls 76 and 78 and the junction between the downwardly and inwardly extending surfaces of the hook section 118. The tube 126 provides a down-torce and minimises ramp "kick-up"
which could create a tripping hazard. A further advantage to the rubber tube 126 is that it also acts as a flexiblejoiner, assisting in handling and simultaneous fitting of multiple ramp sections to the track 12.

The ramps are optional as the track extrusion has been designed to be aesthetic and safe even if used without ramps 114.

Finally, the ninner 14 is able to be locked at different positions along the track 12. A
locking bracket 40 is shown in the drawings which is also engageable to an upper slot 28 of the runner 14, as well as the side slots, by means described above. The locking bracket 40 includes a housing 128 niounted to the runner 14, the housing 128 defining a vertical chamber extending downwardly alongside the runner 14 to the track 12. The chamber includes a vertical aperture PAGE 17166 " RCVD AT 2117/2010 3:00:06 PM [Eastern Standard TimeJ *
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11 130. Wheii the shelving unit is to be locked, the runner is moved along the track 12 until the vertical aperture 130 becomes co-axially aligned with an aperture 132 that has been pre-drilled into the track 12. Once aligncd, a locking pin 134 can he inserted through the co-axially aligned apertures 130 and 132, into the hollow region 86 where it rests on the base 66, thereby locking the nznner 14 to the track 12.

A jig 136 is provided for forming the pre-drilled apertures 132 in the track

12. The jig 136 is an elongate structure mountable to the track: 12 in a transverse arrangenient as shown in Figure 1. The jig 136 includes a downwardly extending section 138 at its centre which extends inside channel 80, as weli as downwardly extend'nig sections 140 at ends thereof which abut with the external walls 76 and 78 of the track 12. On opposed ends of the jig 136 are apertures 144 and 146.

The jig 136 is first adapted to be mounted to the track 12 so that aperture 144 is positioned over a desired point to be drilled. The purpose of this smaller aperture 144 is to mark the track 12 with a suitable tool (not shown), the mark acting as a locating guide for a drill bit or the like used to drill a hole through the track 12. T'he jig 136 is then demounted from the track 12, rotated by 180 degrees, and mounted to the track 12 again so that the larger aperture 146 extends over the marked point. A drill (not shown) can then be used to drill a hole through the track 12 wliere marked.

It is to be understood that the design of soine of the components shown and described could change where necessary. For example, where there is a mechanical driving means associated with the runner, one of the track external walls 78 would extend a greater distance outwards from the clianne180 and include a flat upper surface (not shown) for accommodating a drive wheel (not shown). Such a track would therefore include a further hollow region 86. In such circumstances, the same packers 108 could be used but simply rotated by 90 degrees so that instead of extending longitudinally relative to the track 12, it would extend transversely.
Further advantages and iunprovements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the iuvention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the fiill scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

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In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "coinprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features spccified may be associated with further features in various embodimcnts of the invention.

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Claims (26)

1. A runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit above a longitudinal track, said runner characterised by:
a longitudinal body; and at least one slot extending longitudinally along the body, said slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means at desired positions along its length, whereby each of said fastening means is used to attach a mobile shelving component to the body;
and wherein said fastening means is a nut and bolt connection, and longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to slideably accommodate said nut, and a narrower outer opening allowing for insertion through of said bolt to engage said nut.

2. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 1 wherein said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an upper surface thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

3. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 2 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a mobile shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar portion.

4. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 1-3 wherein said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an underside thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the underside or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

5. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 4 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a roller to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track.

6. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 1-5 wherein said longitudinal body includes at least one vertical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an outer side thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.

7. A runner assembly as characterised in claims 6 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second spaced apart runner.

8. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 7 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the junction between the transverse cross member and the runner.

9. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 6-8 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a drive means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the track.

10. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 6-9 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a runner end bracket, said fastening means being integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the slot for snug insertion therethrough.

11. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 10 wherein said end bracket further includes a means of engaging said longitudinal track to prevent tilt of the mobile shelving unit

12. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of the above claims wherein said longitudinal body includes an inverted U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges thereof, each planar poi-tion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar portions.

13. A runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit above a longitudinal track, said runner characterised by:
a longitudinal body including at least one vertical planar portion; and at least one slot extending longitudinally along said at least one vertical planar portion, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means at desired positions along its length or to an end of the runner, whereby each of said fastening means is used to attach a mobile shelving component to the body.

14. A runner assembly as characterised in claims 13 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second spaced apart runner.

15. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 14 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the junction between the transverse cross member and the runner.

16. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-15 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a drive means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the track.

17. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-16 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a runner end bracket, said fastening means being integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the slot for snug insertion therethrough.

18. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-17 wherein said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an upper surface thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

19. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 18 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a mobile shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar portion.

20. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-19 wherein said longitudinal body includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an underside thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the underside or to an end of the horizontal planar portion.

21. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 20 wherein said fastening means is for attachment of a roller to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track.

22. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-21 wherein said longitudinal body includes at least one vertical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending along an outer side thereof, said at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.

23. A runner assembly as characterised in any one of claims 13-22 wherein said longitudinal body includes an inverted U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges thereof, each planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar portions.

24. A runner assembly for mobile shelving as characterised in any one of claims 13-23 wherein said fastening means is in the form of an engageable nut and a bolt adapted to be inserted through an aperture in said mobile shelving component.

25. A runner assembly as characterised in claim 24 wherein said longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to accommodate said nut, and a narrower outer opening allowing for insertion there through of said bolt to thereby engage said nut.

26. A runner assembly for supporting a mobile shelving unit above a longitudinal mobile shelving track, said runner assembly characterised by:
a longitudinal body of inverted U-shaped configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse edges of the horizontal planar portion;
a plurality of longitudinally extending slots extending along an upper and lower side of said horizontal planar portion, and along an outer side of said two vertical planar portions, said slots adapted to accommodate fastening means for attachment of mobile shelving components to the longitudinal runner body, including a roller to the lower side of the horizontal planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal track, connection means to the upper side of the horizontal planar portion for engaging the mobile shelving unit, and transverse cross members to the outer side of the vertical planar portion for connecting two runner bodies.