EP1150595B1

EP1150595B1 - Device for a holder

Info

Publication number: EP1150595B1
Application number: EP00908164A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lasse Holmstedt
Original assignee: Samuelsons Inredningar AB
Current assignee: Samuelsons Inredningar AB
Priority date: 1999-02-09
Filing date: 2000-02-07
Publication date: 2003-06-11
Anticipated expiration: 2020-02-07
Also published as: ES2200831T3; AU2953600A; DE60003286D1; NO20013827D0; NO312222B1; EP1150595A1; SE512387C2; DK1150595T3; WO2000047088A1; ATE242609T1; SE9901481D0; DE60003286T2; SE9901481L; NO20013827L

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement (101) for holders (102) intended to support objects along a panel, in conjunction with which a number of carriers (105), each of which is so arranged as to be capable of detachable attachment to only a single holder (102) at a time, are so arranged as to be secured at intended points along the aforementioned panel. The holders (102) exhibit a width which corresponds essentially to the width of the carriers (105) and exhibit means for securing them to the panel. The holders (102) exhibit on their front side (110) an accommodating opening (111) which is angled internally inside the holders (102) so as to extend in the form of a slot (112) in an upward direction. The carriers (105), which are attached to the objects in question, exhibit attachment parts (117) and counter-pressure parts (119) extending in a direction respectively upwards and downwards from a horizontal (114) connecting part.

Description

The present invention relates to an arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. Such arrangement is disclosed in document EP-A-0 791 315.

Further previously disclosed are whole wall panels for the erection of shelves or other specific supporting devices for objects, for example in retail premises, in conjunction with which the installed panels exhibit horizontal, channel-like recesses, into which hook-like carriers for shelves, etc., are inserted to provide secure support. The disadvantage of such panel systems is the need to cover whole walls with such panels, which may be unnecessary in those cases in which you are already aware that you will use only a small part or isolated parts thereof for supporting purposes.

Also previously disclosed is a system from Pam International Co., Inc., USA marketed under the LinX™ brand, in which use is made of circular and square attachments, to which carriers for various purposes are securely hooked. These previously disclosed attachments are complicated to some extent with regard both to their attachment to a panel and to their design and construction.

There is an associated risk of the carriers that are securely hooked to the aforementioned attachments being easily lifted from the attachments under an influence from below, for instance if someone attempts to lift a shelf with a television set, for example, standing on it, or if someone accidentally makes contact with their head or their back when standing up under such a shelf.

Last, but not least, such previously disclosed systems require the panels in question to be provided from the outset with rows of holes, from which it then possible to select those which it is wished to use as a mounting for carriers. Rows of empty holes are not all that attractive.

The principal object of the present invention is thus, in the first instance, to solve the above-mentioned problems by simple and efficiently functioning means in order to achieve a solution which permits the optional positioning of carriers, for example along a wall or some other panel, and which also permits objects to be supported thereon in a safe and reliable fashion.

The aforementioned object is achieved by means of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention, which is characterized in that the holders exhibit on their front side an accommodating opening which is angled internally inside the holders so as to extend in the form of a slot in an upward direction at a distance from the respective front side of the holders, in that the carriers, which are attached to the objects in question, exhibit attachment parts and counter-pressure parts extending in a direction respectively upwards and downwards from a horizontal connecting part , in conjunction with which the aforementioned carriers are so arranged as to be introduced with their respective attachment part into the accommodating opening of the intended holder and, after being rotated, to be moved further up into the upward-facing accommodating slot for opposing interaction between the attachment part and a downward-facing holder part outside the accommodating slot and between the counter-pressure part and an external holder part.

The invention is described below as a number of preferred illustrative embodiments, in conjunction with which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the application of the invention as an example with holders installed ready for supporting purposes;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of holders and carriers in a position ready for connection;

Fig. 3 shows the aforementioned holder and supporter in the envisaged connected position, but with the holder and the carrier slightly separate from one another;

Fig. 4 shows a second illustrative embodiment of a carrier on a holder;

Fig. 5 shows a diagrammatic side view of a holder and a carrier connected together;

Fig. 6 shows a cross section of an example of the external attachment of a carrier;

Fig. 7 shows a cross section of an example of the recessed attachment of a carrier;

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a holder viewed at an angle from the front;

Fig. 9 shows the aforementioned holder at an angle from the rear;

Figs. 10-12 show different views of the holder from the side, from below and from the rear;

Fig. 13 shows examples of a number of different objects which can be supported at desired points by means of the present invention;

Fig. 14 shows a variant of a holder viewed from the front side and the rear side; and

Figs. 15-18, finally, show a variant of a preferred holder, in conjunction with which:

Fig. 15 shows the holder viewed at an angle from the front;

Fig. 16 shows the holder viewed at an angle from the rear;

Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of the holder with a carrier capable of being attached thereto; and

Fig. 18 shows a sectioned view of a holder and a carrier connected together.

An arrangement 1 for

holders

2, 2¹, which are intended to support objects 3 of varying kinds, such as shelves 3¹, hangers 3² and rail adapters 3³ along a panel 4 with a number of

carriers

5, 5¹, each of which is so arranged as to be capable of detachable attachment with only a

single holder

2, 2¹ at a time, arranged in such a way as to enable their optional attachment at

specific points

6, 6¹, 6² ... 6ⁿ along the aforementioned panel 4, has the

aforementioned holders

2, 2¹ and

carriers

5, 5¹ arranged in a special way. More specifically, the

holders

2, 2¹ exhibit a width B, B¹ such that this corresponds essentially to the width X, X¹ of the

carrier

5, 5¹. The

holders

2, 2¹ also exhibit means 7 for securing them to a panel 4, preferably in the form of a number of accommodating openings 7 arranged on their rear side 8 to permit the accommodation therein of part 9A of fixing screws 9, which are screwed in from the rear side 4A of the panel. On the front side 10 of the holders, the

holders

2, 2¹ exhibit an accommodating opening 11, which is preferably slot-shaped and extends horizontally 14 viewed when the

holders

2, 2¹ are installed on the erected panel 4. The aforementioned accommodating opening 11 is angled internally inside the

holders

2, 2¹ so as to extend in the form of a slot 12 in an upward 13 direction at a distance C from the respective front side 10 of the holders. The

carriers

5, 5¹, which are attached to the

objects

3, 3¹, 3², 3³ in question that are to be supported along the panel 4 on its front side 4B, in this case exhibit an attachment part 17 extending in a direction upwards 13 from a horizontal 14 connecting part 16 at its inner end 16A and a counter-pressure part 19 extending in a direction downwards 18.

The

aforementioned carriers

5, 5¹ are so arranged in this case as to be capable of being introduced with their respective attachment part 17 in a direction from the front 20 into the accommodating opening 11 of the intended holder and, after rotation 21 in a downward direction, of being moved further up into the upward-facing 13 accommodating slot 12 in order to permit subsequent

opposing interaction

22, 23 and 24, 25 between the attachment part 17 and a downward-facing 18 holder part 26 in the

holder

2, 2¹ outside the accommodating slot 12 and between the counter-pressure part 19 in the

carrier

5, 5¹ and an external holder part 27 which is formed by the holder's external part below the accommodating opening 11 in the

holder

2, 2¹ in question.

The

aforementioned carrier

5, 5¹ exhibits essentially perpendicular transitions between the respective centrally located horizontal connecting part 16 and the upward-facing 13 attachment part 17 and between the respective centrally located horizontal connecting part 16 and the downward-facing 18 counter-pressure part 19.

The

holder

2, 2¹ exhibits a preferably circular or rectangular peripheral form. A circular form may be preferable if it is wished to recess the holder 2 into the panel 4 in conjunction with erection of the panel, as illustrated in Fig. 7, for example, with the help of a fixing plate 28 at the rear, through which the aforementioned fixing screws 9 that are attached to the holder 2 extend, and additional screws 29, for example wood screws or self-tapping screws, are so arranged in turn as to attach the aforementioned fixing plate 28 to the rear side 4A of the panel 4. Simple recessing of the circular holder 2 is achieved by making a circular hole 30, for example with a drill or a tank cutter, in the panel 4 to match the diameter of the holder.

In the case of a holder 2¹ of rectangular form, surface mounting as illustrated in Fig. 6, for example, is preferable. It is sufficient in this case to use only the aforementioned fixing screws 9, which are introduced via drilled holes 31 through the panel 4 and are accommodated therein and screwed securely to the matching holes 7 in the holder 2¹ from the rear side 4A of the panel, in conjunction with which the holder 2¹ is clamped securely to the front side 4B of the panel.

In the case of the surface mounting of holders 2, it is appropriate to proceed in such a way that the

carrier

5, 5¹ cannot be displaced laterally unintentionally and risk falling down from the erected installation position M, for example through the influence of customers 32 in the shop. Provided for this purpose is at least one locking means 33 acting between the

carrier

5, 5¹ and the

holder

2, 2¹, which is so arranged as to engage when the

carrier

5, 5¹ is moved into the accommodated carrying position Z in the

holder

2, 2¹. The aforementioned lateral-displacement locking means 33 is formed preferably by a projecting part 34, which is accommodated in an opening 35. The aforementioned projecting part has the form of a pin 34 resembling a curved ridge and is arranged on the

holder

2, 2¹, from the centre of which it projects in a direction upwards 13 from the lower horizontal side edge 36 of the accommodating opening.

A slot-shaped opening 35 forms the aforementioned pin-accommodating opening and extends through the horizontal connecting part 16 and a part of the upward-projecting attachment part 17. The fit between the aforementioned accommodating slot 35 and the pin 34 prevents free play from occurring, and the parts fit together effectively and reliably.

The aforementioned accommodating slot 12 is formed by the upper part of a tunnel 37 extending through the

holder

2, 2¹, and a recess 37 of T-shaped cross-sectional form is produced together with the accommodating opening 11.

Fig. 5 illustrates how the carrier 5 exhibits a stop 38 on the end part 19A of the counter-pressure part 19 to provide support against the panel 4 and to make the whole more stable.

Fig. 14 illustrates a variant of a holder 2, in which screw holes 75 also extend through the holder 2 to enable the holder 2 to be screwed securely in place from its front side on a panel, for example a wall.

The additional arrangement 101 illustrated in Figs. 15-18 differs from previous arrangements 1 in that the slot-shaped accommodating opening 111 is restricted laterally by

side walls

151, 152, the inward-facing side walls 151A, 152A of which are so arranged as to extend parallel with the external envelope surface 153 of the preferably circular and flat holder 102. Since the holders 102 exhibit a width CB, which corresponds essentially to the width CX of the carriers 105 at the connection point CI, CII between

parts

102, 105, the

aforementioned side walls

151, 152 have very little thickness T. The

aforementioned end walls

151, 152 form a locking means to prevent the carrier 105 from being displaced laterally when it is moved to the accommodated carrying position CZ with the front part 105A introduced through the slot-shaped accommodating opening 111 on the front side 110 of the holder 102 and into the transverse internal accommodating slot 112 in the holder 102.

The function of the aforementioned arrangement 101 is the same as that of the aforementioned illustrative example, apart from the locking means, which prevents the carrier 105 from being displaced laterally 114 and falling from the holder 102 in the case of the holder being attached to the outside of a panel, and it is thus not recessed into the panel 104. This additional arrangement 101, which is intended to be used in conjunction with holders 102 intended to support objects 103 along a panel 104 with the help of a number of carriers 105, each of which is so arranged as to be capable of detachable attachment to only a single holder 102 at a time and is so arranged as to be secured to the intended fixing point 106 along the aforementioned panel 104 in question either externally or enclosed in a matching recess therein, comprises an arrangement as follows:

The holders 102 exhibit a width CB, which corresponds essentially to the width CX of the carriers 105, and exhibit means 107 for their attachment to a panel 104, for example screw hole openings. The holders 102 also exhibit on their front side 110 an accommodating opening 111, which is angled internally inside the holders 102 so as to extend in the form of a slot 112 in an upward 13 direction 113 at a distance CC from the respective front side 110 of the holders 102. The carriers 105, which are attached to the objects 103 in question, exhibit an attachment part 117 and a counter-pressure part 119 extending respectively in a direction upwards 113 and in a direction downwards 118 from a horizontal 114 connecting part 116. The aforementioned carriers 105 are so arranged in this case as to be introduced 120 with their respective attachment part 117 into the accommodating opening 111 of the intended holder and, after rotation 121, to be moved further up into the upward-facing 113 accommodating slot 112 in order to permit

opposing interaction

122, 123 and 124, 125 between the attachment part and a downward-facing 118 holder part 126 outside the accommodating slot 112 and between the counter-pressure part 119 and an external holder part 127.

The accommodating opening 111 of the aforementioned holder 102 exhibits a lower side edge 136, which is smooth and essentially perpendicular to the rear side 108 and the front side 110 of the holder. The carrier 105 makes contact with the aforementioned horizontal side edge 136, when the holder 102 is installed on the panel 104, with its similarly horizontal connecting part under load from the object 103 that is being supported.

This holder 102, too, can exhibit circular, rectangular or some other peripheral form.

The invention has now been explained in such a way that its function is also apparent, although the invention is not restricted to the above illustrations and description, but may be varied within the scope of the Patent Claims without departing from the idea of invention.

Claims

Arrangement (1; 101) comprising holders (2, 2¹; 102) intended to support objects (3; 103) such as shelves (3¹), hangers (3²) and adapters (3³), etc., along a panel (4), in conjunction with which a number of carriers (5, 5¹; 105) are provided, each of which is so arranged as to be capable of detachable attachment to only a single holder (2, 2¹; 102) at a time, said holders are so arranged as to be secured at intended points (6, 6¹, 6², ... 6ⁿ; 106) along the aforementioned panel (4; 104), whereby the holders (2, 2¹; 102) exhibit a width (B, B¹; CB) which corresponds essentially to the width (x, x¹; CX) of the carriers (5, 5¹; 105), and whereby the holders (2, 2¹; 102) exhibit means for securing them to the panel (4; 104), characterized in that the holders (2, 2¹; 102) exhibit on their front side (10; 110) an accommodating opening (11; 111) which is angled internally inside the holders (2, 2¹; 102) so as to extend in the form of a slot (12; 112) in an upward (13; 113) direction at a distance (C, CC) from the respective front side (10; 110) of the holders (2, 2¹; 102), in that the carriers (5, 5¹; 105), which are attached to the objects (15, 15¹, 15², 15³) in question, exhibit attachment parts (17; 117) and counter-pressure parts (19; 119) extending in a direction respectively upwards (13; 113) and downwards (18; 118) from a horizontal (14; 114) connecting part (16; 116), in conjunction with which the aforementioned carriers (5, 5¹; 105) are so arranged as to be introduced (20; 120) with their respective attachment part (17; 117) into the accommodating opening (11; 111) of the intended holder and, after being rotated (21; 121), to be moved further up into the upward-facing (13; 113) accommodating slot (12; 112) for opposing interaction (22, 23 and 24, 25; 122, 123 and 124, 125) between the attachment part and a downward-facing (18; 118) holder part (26; 126) outside the accommodating slot (12; 112) and between the counter-pressure part (19; 119) and an external holder part (27; 127).
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 1, characterized in that the carrier (5, 5¹) exhibits essentially perpendicular transitions between the respective centrally located horizontal connecting part (16) and the attachment part (17) and between the respective centrally located horizontal connecting part (16) and the counter-pressure part (19).
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that at least one locking means (33) acting between the carrier (5, 5¹) and the holder (2, 2¹) is so arranged as to engage when the carrier (5, 5¹) is moved into the accommodated carrying position (Z) in the holder (2, 2¹).
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 3, characterized in that the locking means is formed by a projecting part (34), which is capable of being accommodated in an opening (35).
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 4, characterized in that a projecting pin (34) is arranged on the holder (2, 2¹) at its centre, projecting in a direction upwards (13) from the lower side edge (36) of the accommodating opening.
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 5, characterized in that the opening (35) is slot-shaped and extends through the horizontal connecting part (16) and the upward-projecting attachment (17).
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claims 5-6, characterized in that the projecting pin is in the form of a curved ridge (34).
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that the accommodating slot (12) is formed by the upper part of a tunnel (37) extending through the holder (2, 2¹).
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that the carrier (5) exhibits a stop (38) on the end part (19A) of the counter-pressure part (19) to provide support against the panel (4).
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of Patent Claims 1-2, characterized in that the accommodating opening of the holder (102) is restricted laterally (114) by side walls (151, 152), which form a locking means to prevent the carrier (105) from being displaced laterally (114) when it is moved to the accommodated carrying position (CZ) in the holder (102).
Arrangement in accordance with Patent Claim 10, characterized in that the accommodating opening (111) of the holder (102) exhibits a lower side edge (136), which is smooth and essentially perpendicular to the rear side (108) and the front side (110) of the holder.
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that the holder (2, 2¹; 102) exhibits circular or rectangular peripheral form.
Arrangement in accordance with one or several of the above Patent Claims, characterized in that the holder (2, 2¹; 102) exhibits on its rear side (8) accommodating openings (7; 107) for fixing screws (9).