EP1631172B1 - Device for holding a transversal rod supported by supporting arms - Google Patents

Abstract

The device serves to detachably hold a traverse rod ( 7 ), which is supported by a least two supporting arms ( 3 ) and which is a provided for suspending hangers, particularly clothes hangers, therefrom. The supporting arms ( 3 ) can be suspendded in differently configured holding devices, e.g. profiled vertical tracks ( 2 ). The hangers are provided for hanging objects, particularly articles of clothing, and can be freely displaced on the transverse rod ( 7 ). Devices of this type are typically used on presentation walls or on fixed or mobile merchandise racks in stores. The supporting arms ( 3 ) are, via their first en ( 31 ), fixed in a detachable or fixed manner in a supporting structure ( 2 ). A connecting means ( 5,6 ) is mounted at the second end ( 30 ) of each supporting arm ( 3 ) in order to receive the transverse rod ( 7 ), said second en projecting into the room, and is provides with a fork-like design while having an opening, which receives the cross-section of the transverse rod ( 7 ) and which partially surrounds the transverse rod ( 7 ) while clamping it. The connecting means ( 5,6 ) is comprised of an adapter ( 5 ), which is to be spaced on the second end ( 30 ) of the supporting arm ( 3 ), and of an insert ( 6 ), which is made of elastic material, is to be placed on the adapter ( 5 ) and which produces the clamping forces.

Description

Field of application of the invention

The invention relates to a device for supporting a supported by at least two support arms crossbar, which is intended for hanging of support brackets, in particular hangers. The brackets can be hung in differently configured brackets, such as profiled horizontal or vertical rails, grid elements or punctiform sockets. The mounting brackets are intended for hanging objects, in particular garments, and can be moved freely on the crossbar. Such devices are typically used on presentation walls or permanently installed or movable goods stands of the shop area.

State of the art

In the company catalog " Manual A ", p. 90, issue 01.02, of the Visplay Group, CH-4127 Birsfelden / Switzerland , a device of the type relevant here is disclosed in the simplest form. Between two hooked in rear brackets support arms a crossbar is fixed, eg welded, so that a U-shaped frame is formed. This structure is suitable only for certain applications and has the disadvantage of very limited design freedom due to the rigid frame. For different spans and for the differently configured support arms with their diverse connectors corresponding frame must be made.

In the company catalog " Manual R ", p. 63, issue 01.02, of the Visplay Group, CH-4127 Birsfelden / Switzerland , A device is described, where at the front, in the space projecting end of the support rod, a loop-shaped receptacle for the crossbar is provided. To secure the crossbar used, the eyelet on a radially oriented threaded hole for a clamping screw, the screw tip touches in the assembled state on the outer surface of the crossbar. This device has several disadvantages, first you have to thread the crossbar axially into the eye quasi, which in particular at longer rods requires clearance and can be awkward. The existing to secure the inserted crossbar screw is relatively small in dimension. The screw could be lost and the threads are delicate. Furthermore, a tool is needed for the difficult screw connection. Finally, the eyelet, which includes the crossbar, a lateral boundary. Thus, moving on the cross bar moving mounting bracket to the eyelet and are not freely along the entire length of the crossbar, which extends laterally beyond the support arms out. So you have to lift the mounting bracket over the eyelet.

In the "Manual A", p 106, above, a device is shown, in which in the direction of the supporting arms pointing retaining pins are screwed to the crossbar. On each mounted retaining pin axially a support arm is pushed and secured by screws. Although this device allows a free sliding of hung on the crossbar mounting brackets beyond the connection points with the support arms out, but construction and installation are expensive. The crossbars must be provided with mounting holes and the retaining pins must be configured and fixed according to the cross-sectional profile of the support arms.

The US 3,322,288 has a device for releasably supporting a supported by at least two support arms crossbar to the object. The support arms are detachably mounted with their first end in a support structure. The crossbar is designed to hang carrying hangers suspended on garments, which can be moved freely on the crossbar. At the projecting into the space second end of each support arm connecting means are arranged with an opening for receiving the cross section of the crossbar, wherein the crossbar is clamped under. The connecting means consists of an adapter attached to the second end of the support arm and an insert to be placed on the adapter, which provides elastic clamping forces. The insert extends radially beyond half of the circumference of the cross bar and has an opening which extends over the upper portion and initially expanded upon insertion of the crossbar and then narrowed again, whereby an inserted crossbar is clamped under. The adapter has a relatively large shell segment on which the insert is mounted in the form of a larger half-shell made of spring steel. The engagement and release of the crossbar from the clamping bracket should require considerable effort and cause noise. Furthermore, the device is material-consuming and has a rough appearance.

Object of the invention

In view of the imperfections of previously existing devices for supporting a supported by at least two support arms crossbar, the invention has for its object to simplify the connecting means for releasably securing an inserted crossbar to the support arms. Provided this is the free displacement of attached mounting brackets on the crossbar on the docking between the crossbar and the support arms out. Requirements here are a complicate handling when installing a crossbar, the safe and rotationally stable locking an inserted crossbar, the fulfillment of aesthetic aspects and finally a low material and manufacturing costs to maintain low production and assembly costs in mass production. Ultimately, the device for differently configured support arms and these receiving brackets, such as profiled horizontal or vertical rails, carriers with grids or pointy sockets, can be realized. Preferably, the support arms should have a connection piece, which can be releasably fixed in the brackets.

Overview of the invention

The device relates to a releasable support of a supported by at least two support arms crossbar. The support arms are releasably fixed with their first end or fixed in a support structure. The crossbar is intended for hanging straps, in particular hangers, the straps for hanging objects, primarily garments, serve and can be moved freely on the crossbar. At the projecting into the space second end of each support arm connecting means for receiving the crossbar are arranged The connecting means is fork-shaped with an opening for receiving the cross section of the crossbar, wherein the crossbar is clamped partially included.

The connecting means initially consists of a attached to the second end of the support arm or e.g. by welding, cutting or non-cutting shaping molded adapter. The connecting means further comprises an insert to be placed on the adapter which provides elastic clamping forces and is made of elastic material - e.g. Polycarbonate - and / or provided with spring elements The support arm can e.g. consist of round, tubular or flat material in cross-section. The insert has an over the upper portion extending opening with a span, which initially widens when introducing the crossbar and then narrowed again, whereby an inserted crossbar is clamped under. The insert extends radially beyond half the circumference of the cross bar.

The adapter consists of a base body and initially has an arcuate cutout to the support arm transversal passage direction, which lies axially to salaried crossbar. On both sides of the cut extends a respective neckline surrounding, upwardly extending bracket. At the free upper ends of the bracket depending on a continuing nose is provided, the noses are directed towards each other and into the cutout. The insert is a basically half shell-shaped body. This has two projecting into the room, leaving an opening between them. The insert has a curved inner surface and a curved outer surface. A circumferentially circumferential groove on the outer surface, which expires at a distance from the ends, is intended for partial reception of the adapter. At the outlet of the groove is ever a breakthrough for engagement of the lugs.

The following features relate to specific embodiments of the invention:

The lugs on the adapter are arranged in principle at a distance corresponding to the diameter of the crossbar. Thus comes in the assembled state - even with use - an inserted into the adapter crossbar between the noses to lie clamped, whereby the crossbar is sufficiently secured against rotation. At the bottom of the cutout of the adapter, a groove is formed, while in the groove of the insert extends a raised web, which comes to rest in the groove in the adapter when mounted insert.

The support structure consists e.g. from a panel wall fixedly mounted in a building or a freestanding rack with brackets attached thereto. Preferred brackets are profiled horizontal or vertical rails or pointy sockets into consideration. The support arms have at the first end a fitting which is intended to be releasably secured in the brackets. For the crossbars is preferably a circular cross section into consideration. However, it could also be a roundish cross-sectional shape, which tapers above a maximum width.

Brief description of the attached drawings

Figur 1A:

eine Paneelwand mit zwei aufgesetzten Vertikalschienen, darin ein- gehängten Tragarmen und einer in der unteren Armebene von zwei Tragarmen gestützten Querstange, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 1B:

ein verfahrbares, mehrfach bestücktes Gestell u.a. mit Vertikalschie- nen, darin eingehängten Tragarmen und einer von diesen gestützten Querstange, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 2A:

einen Tragarm erster Ausführung mit einem rohrförmigen Stangen- stück, einem an dessen zweiten Ende angesetzten Adapter und einem am ersten Ende angesetzten Anschlussstück, in Perspektivan- sicht;

Figur 2B:

das vergrösserte Detail X2 aus Figur 2A;

Figur 3A:

einen Einsatz, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 3B:

den Einsatz gemäss Figur 3A, aus geänderter Perspektive;

Figur 3C:

den Einsatz gemäss Figur 3A, aus erneut geänderter Perspektive;

Figur 4:

eine Querstange, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 5A:

den Tragarm gemäss Figur 2A mit dem Adapter angenähertem Ein- satz, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 5B:

die Anordnung gemäss Figur 5A, mit im Adapter eingesetztem Ein- satz;

Figur 5C:

das vergrösserte Detail X3 aus Figur 5B;

Figur 6A:

einen Tragarm zweiter Ausführung mit einem flachen Stangenstück, einem an dessen zweiten Ende angesetzten Adapter und einem am ersten Ende angesetzten Anschlussstück, in Perspektivansicht;

Figur 6B:

die Anordnung gemäss Figur 6A, mit im Adapter eingesetztem Ein- satz;

Figur 7A:

den Tragarm gemäss Figur 5B, mit angenäherter Querstange, in Sei- tenansicht;

Figur 7B:

die Anordnung gemäss Figur 7A, mit eingesetzter Querstange;

Figur 7C:

das vergrösserte Detail X4 aus Figur 7B;

Figur 8A:

das vergrösserte Detail X1 aus Figur 1A; und

Figur 8B:

die Anordnung gemäss Figur 8A, in gewechselter Perspektive.

Show it:

FIG. 1A

a panel wall with two attached vertical rails, suspension arms suspended therein and a crossbar supported in the lower arm plane by two support arms, in perspective view;

FIG. 1B

a moveable, multiply equipped frame with, among other things, vertical rails, suspended support arms and a crossbar supported by them, in perspective view;

FIG. 2A

a support arm of the first embodiment with a tubular rod piece, an adapter attached to its second end and a connector attached to the first end, in perspective view;

FIG. 2B:

enlarged detail X2 FIG. 2A ;

FIG. 3A:

an insert, in perspective view;

FIG. 3B:

the use according to FIG. 3A , from a different perspective;

FIG. 3C:

the use according to FIG. 3A , from a new perspective;

FIG. 4:

a crossbar, in perspective view;

FIG. 5A

according to the support arm FIG. 2A with the adapter approximated insert, in perspective view;

FIG. 5B:

the arrangement according to FIG. 5A , with insert inserted in the adapter;

FIG. 5C:

enlarged detail X3 FIG. 5B ;

FIG. 6A:

a support arm of the second embodiment with a flat rod piece, an adapter attached to its second end and a connector attached to the first end, in perspective view;

FIG. 6B:

the arrangement according to FIG. 6A , with insert inserted in the adapter;

FIG. 7A:

according to the support arm FIG. 5B , with approximate crossbar, in side view;

FIG. 7B:

the arrangement according to FIG. 7A , with inserted crossbar;

FIG. 7C:

enlarged detail X4 FIG. 7B ;

FIG. 8A:

enlarged detail X1 Figure 1A ; and

FIG. 8B:

the arrangement according to Figure 8A , in a different perspective.

embodiment

The following is a detailed description of an embodiment of the inventive device with two fundamentally different support structures and two configured support arms and the components used therein.

Figure 1A

On a panel wall 1, which could be firmly fixed to a building part, two mutually parallel spaced vertical rails 2 are attached. These vertical rails 2 are each equipped with two support arms 3 in an upper first level and a lower second level. A support arm 3 of the upper level is stepped, while the adjacent support arm 3 extends straight into the room; both are empty. In the lower level, both support arms extend straight and support the horizontally launched crossbar 7 of round cross section in each case in an adapter 5 and an insert 6, which are arranged at the front of the support arms 3 . The adapter 5 with the insert 6 together form a releasable connecting means 5,6. The trapped therein crossbar 7 bridges the gap between two support arms 3 and extends to both sides beyond this. The support arms 3 are mounted with their fittings 4 in the vertical rails 2 . The panel wall 1 and the vertical rails mounted thereon, the support structure 2 form 1.2 for the inventive device.

Figure 1 B

Alternatively, the support structure 1, 2 is formed by a movable frame 1 and vertical rails 2 pointing upwards. The vertical rails 2 are arranged in pairs, so that they can be populated on both sides. In the vertical rails 2 hinged support arms 3 again hold a clamped on adapters 5 and 6 inserts resting crossbar . 7

FIGS. 2A and 2B

The first embodiment support arm 3 has at its tube piece a first end 31 and a second end 30 , wherein at the first end 31, the connector 4 is arranged, while at the second end 30 of the adapter 5 is, for example, by welding, cutting or non-cutting Forming is recognized or molded. In the example shown here, the adapter 5 consists of an attached, in principle flat base body 50, with an upwardly open, arcuate cutout 51 to the support arm 3 transverse passage R. On both sides of the cut 51 runs upwardly extending bracket 54 , at the free upper ends lugs 52 are provided which face each other and in the cutout 51 . The lugs 52 leave between them the distance d, which corresponds to the diameter of the crossbar 7 . At the bottom of the cutout 51 , the groove 53 is present.

FIGS. 3A to 3C

The insert 6 to be placed on the adapter 5 is made of elastic material, eg polycarbonate, and in principle has the shape of a half shell extending beyond 180 ° with an overhead opening of the span a between the two ends 60, 61 projecting into the space . Furthermore, a curved inner surface 63 and a curved outer surface 64 are provided on the insert, wherein a circular circumferential groove 65 is provided on the outer surface and terminates at a distance from the ends 60, 61 . In each case a breakthrough 62 is present at the outlet of the groove 65 . In the groove 65 a raised web 66 runs.

FIG. 4

The crossbar 7 is formed by a straight pipe section with the diameter d , which has a first end 70 and a second end 71 . At both ends 70,71 upstanding boundary elements 72 are provided to prevent fall on the crossbar 7 attached mounting bracket .

FIGS. 5A to 5C

In the support arm 3 with the existing end 31 on the first connector 4 and the adapter 5 attached to the second end 30, the insert 6 is plugged onto the adapter 5 for complete construction of the connecting means. In the assembled state, the insert 6 comes to lie in the cutout 51 of the adapter 5 , the latter being partially received in the groove 65 of the insert 6 . The lugs 52 of the adapter 5 engage through the apertures 62 of the insert 6 , and the web 66 rests in the groove 53 in the adapter. The upwardly projecting ends 60,61 of the insert 6 leave between them an opening with the span a for receiving the crossbar . 7

Figures 6A and 6B

Alternatively, a support arm 3 second embodiment instead of a pipe piece having a strut made of flat material, at the second end 30 of the adapter 5 is formed, which identical contours to the adapter 5 on the support arm 3 according to the first embodiment FIG. 2A having. At the first end 31 of the flat support arm 3 , in turn, a connecting piece 4 for mounting in a holder 2, for example, a horizontal rail, is provided.

FIGS. 7A to 8B

This series of figures illustrates the introduction of the transverse rod 7 in the formed of adapter 5 and insert 6 connecting means with the upwardly directed fork-shaped opening for the clamping, the partial enclosure of the cross section of the cross bar 7. When pushing the cross bar 7 in the opening of the insert 6 with the span a spread both ends 60,61, as soon as a cross section of the crossbar 7 between the ends 60,61 comes to lie, which is greater than the span a. When fully engaged cross bar 7 whose two ends 60,61 narrow above the diameter d of the crossbar 7 again, so that radially more than half of the circumference of the cross bar 7 is detected by the insert 6 .

Due to the elasticity of the insert 6 , the cross bar 7 is secured in the upward direction and can only be removed from the connecting means 5,6 when a pull-out force is applied to overcome the clamping action of the insert 6 . The rotation of the introduced crossbar 7 is causes the tabs 52 of the adapter 5 come to lie clamped on the outer circumference of the crossbar 7 . As a result, the maintenance of a stable rotational position of the crossbar 7 is ensured and possibly present on the rod ends 70,71 limiting elements 72 remain in the upward position. An inserted crossbar 7 is held at least by two support arms 3 and may extend depending on the lateral load with their ends 70,71 in a corresponding width on the connecting means 5,6 addition.

Claims (5)

1. A device for detachably holding a transverse rod (7) supported by at least two supporting arms (3,3), whereby

   a) the supporting arms (3,3) are fixed detachably or permanently in a supporting structure (1,2) with their first end (31);

   b) the transverse rod (7) is intended for suspending hangers;

   c) the hangers are intended for suspending articles and can be freely displaced on the transverse rod (7);

   d) connection means for receiving the transverse rod (7) are arranged at the second end (30) of each supporting arm (3,3), this end projecting into the room;

   e) the connection means is of fork-shaped design with an opening for receiving the cross section of the transverse rod (7) and partially encloses the transverse rod (7) from the underside while clamping it;

   f) the connection means (5,6) consists of:

   fa) an adaptor (5) attached to or integrally formed on the second end (30) of the supporting arm (3,3); and

   fb) an insert (6) which is to be fitted onto the adaptor (5) producing elastic clamping forces;

   g) the insert (6) extends radially over more than half the circumference of the transverse rod (7) and has an opening of a span (a) which extends over the upper region and, when inserting the transverse rod (7), first widens and then narrows again, whereby an inserted transverse rod (7) is supported from below while being clamped, characterized in that

   h) the adaptor (5) consists of a basic body (50) and has:

   ha) an arcuate cutout (51) with a through-passage direction (R) situated transversely to the supporting arm (3,3) and axially to the secured transverse rod (7);

   hb) an upwardly extending prong (54) passing one on each side round the cutout (51); and

   hc) a lug (52) continuing at each of the free, upper ends of the prongs (54), the lugs (52) being directed toward one another and into the cutout (51); and

   i) the insert (6) is an element of half-shell shape in principle and has:

   ia) two ends (60,61) which project into the room and leave between them the opening with the span (a);

   ib) a curved inner face (63) and a curved outer face (64);

   ic) a groove (65) which extends circularly on the outer face (64), terminates at a distance in front of the ends (60,61) and is intended for partially receiving the adaptor (5); and

   id) an aperture (62) present at each of the terminations of the groove (65) and intended for the engagement of the lugs (52).
2. The device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that

   a) the insert (6) consisting of elastic material, for example polycarbonate, and/or-being provided with spring elements; and

   b) the supporting arm (3,3) may consist of cross-sectionally round, tubular or flat material.
3. The device as claimed in at least one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that,

   a) the lugs (52) on the adaptor (5) are arranged in principle at a distance (d) which corresponds to the diameter (d) of the transverse rod (7); as a result of which

   b) in the assembled state, with insert (6) included, a transverse rod (7) inserted into the adaptor (5) comes to lie in a clamped-in manner between the lugs (52) so as to secure against rotation.
4. The device as claimed in at least one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that

   a) a groove (53) is present at the bottom of the cutout (51) of the adaptor (5); and

   b) a raised rib (66) runs in the groove (65) of the insert (6) and, when the insert (6) is fitted on, comes to lie in the groove (53) in the adaptor (5).
5. The device as claimed in at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that

   a) the supporting structure (1,2) consists of a panel wall (1) mounted permanently in a building, or a self-supporting stand (1), having securing means (2) mounted thereon;

   b) the securing means (2) are formed by profiled horizontal or vertical rails or by plug-in sleeves arranged at specific points; and

   c) the supporting arms (3,3) are provided at the first end (31) with a connecting piece (4) which is intended to be detachably fastened in the securing means (2).

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