FI110572B - Shelf system in modular form - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a modular shelving system according to the preamble of claim 1. The modular shelving system according to the invention is particularly well suited for use in spaces where the shelving system is required for good abrasion resistance, versatility and ease of modification, and for display, safety, lightness and affordability.

10

Prior art modular shelving systems generally consist of ladder sections acting as end portions and shelves to be attached to the ladder sections. For example, Finnish Patent Publication 74872 discloses a sectional cabinet comprising end lock structures on the end sides of a cabinet and a door frame structure, each of which includes vertical bars and horizontal supports therebetween, fixed by means of uprights, vertical bars delimit rectangular • · · I · areas with horizontal supports and vertical bars on their sides! «· • # · :. is provided with a groove for receiving inserts covering said areas.

20 • ·

U.S. Patent No. 4,973,110 discloses another system for assembling a continuous-frame and variable length frame and cabinet using U-shaped components. The vertical components are joined to each other by a plurality of horizontal connecting elements and by a wall. In the structure according to the reference, the wall 25 can be secured to an open groove formed by U-shaped components, whereby

<> I

a pair of guide grooves at the edges of the wall integrates with the structural members and connects the wall downwardly against the aforementioned structural members.

* * »2 110572

One of the drawbacks of the above and other known techniques is that the shelves have required the use of a separate support structure, such as a back plate, support grid or base plate, to support the shelves in width. A further disadvantage is that it has been difficult to assemble the shelves by combining different materials. In addition, changing the color of the shelving systems has been difficult and laborious when the systems did not contain easily replaceable or repaintable parts. In addition, it has been difficult to use shelves of different thicknesses and to connect them to known shelving systems. Furthermore, the length of shelves of known shelving systems has been limited due to the bending of the shelves, in particular due to irreversible deflection.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new and better modular shelving system than previous modular shelving systems.

The purpose of this is to provide a shelving system which does not require a separate support structure, such as a back or bottom plate or grid, for supporting the shelving system in width.

·. In particular, it is intended to provide a racking system that allows easy variation of the dimensions of the racking system in terms of height, width, and depth.

It is a further object to provide a shelving system which enables easy exchange and use of various shelf materials in accordance with changing needs as an interior element.

• · ·. ·. It is still a further object to provide a shelving system that is • · * • · *! symmetrical on both sides, thus allowing both sides of the • racking system to be used, for example, as a space divider or flow-through shelf.

3 110572

To achieve the above purposes, the racking system according to the invention is characterized by what is defined in the characterizing part of the independent claim below.

5

A typical modular shelving system according to the invention comprises at least two vertical elements, one or more horizontal elements to be connected to the vertical element, one or more connecting means for connecting the horizontal element to the vertical element and one or more planar elements attached to one or more horizontal elements. In this context, modularity of a racking system refers to the ability to assemble or assemble a racking system from substantially separate parts, which parts refer to any individual part or group of parts that function as parts of a racking system. Such components include, for example, ends, shelf levels, doors, support structures, fasteners and fasteners, and other components of the racking system 15. In this context, a vertical element means one or more substantially a vertical support structure or part of a support structure for a racking system. Such vertical support structures include, for example, various vertical columns, vertical columns, beams, profiles, booms, beams, plates and planes. The above verticals: ·. The blanks may be made, for example, of wood, plastic, light metal such as aluminum, sheet metal, glass fiber, steel or any other suitable pulp. The term "horizontal element" as used herein means all different v; substantially horizontal elongated elements. Such horizontal elements include, for example, various beams, profiles, rails or similar elements, which are made of the same or different material as the vertical elements of the shelving system. The different vertical and horizontal elements of the racking system can be made of different materials. The horizontal element is detachably connected from its end portion to the side portion of the vertical element by means of a connecting means, which means by all means! * Various latches, hooks, screws, nuts, hooks, points, bendable parts

* * I

or other similar connection means, which may be integral with a vertical or horizontal 4 110572 element or which may be separate connector pieces. Together, the vertical and horizontal elements form a height and width support structure for the modular shelving system. The height of the shelving system can be varied by using vertical elements of different lengths and the width by using horizontal elements of different lengths. By plane element to be attached to a horizontal element is meant herein a substantially horizontal planar element comprising upper and lower surfaces and side surfaces between them. By side surface is meant an edge portion of a planar element which may be straight, angular or circular in height. By varying the length and width of the planar element, the depth of the racking system 10 can be varied.

In the modular shelving system according to the invention, the above-mentioned horizontal element comprises one or more gripping blades extending around the edge of the plane element to be attached to the horizontal element. Here, the gripper shoulder means all the various gripping means for releasably and firmly attaching the level element to the horizontal element so that the level element is not detached when lifted up relative to the horizontal element. The gripping shoulder may be integral with the horizontal element or be secured to the side or top of the horizontal element by separate attachment means. The edge of a plane element means the top and side of the plane element * · · ....; 20 at the junction of the surfaces forming the surface or the side surface, wherein the gripping shoulder: T: extending around the edge, the gripping shoulder supports the planar element at least sideways • · v; and from top to bottom. An advantage of attachment by means of the gripper shoulder according to the invention is that the attachment becomes sturdy and durable. In addition, when using the »» · * * · For a uniform gripping shoulder length of the horizontal element, you do not need to finish the edges of the level element · · 25 because they are hidden behind the shoulder. In addition, the attachment with the adhesive shoulder allows easy replacement of the plane elements. The racking system according to the invention does not necessarily require separate lateral supports »»! between the elements, because the rigidity of the racking system is achieved by means of a planar element connecting the horizontal elements. In addition, due to the sideways support structure property of the horizontal element, a special support structure property in the direction of the horizontal element is not required for the planar element to achieve width stability.

In one preferred racking system according to the invention, one or more horizontal elements and a plane element fixed to the above-mentioned horizontal elements are arranged to form a racking system rack, which racks preferably have a plurality of racking systems and a support structure substantially supporting the racking system. In this context, a shelf level is a substantially horizontal level that functions as a functional arrangement of a shelving system. By forming a shelf plane of a shelving system from a planar element and a horizontal element fixed to one or both side portions of the planar element, the advantage is obtained that the horizontal elements and the planar elements can be of different material. Hereby, the appearance and use of the shelving system can be easily altered by, for example, changing the size, color or material of the planar element. The shelf level formed by the interconnected horizontal and level elements is adapted to serve as a support structure substantially supporting the shelf system so that the shelf level is horizontal * * · * ;;; and, due to the substantial tightness of the attachment between the planar element, supports the • · »system in width and depth.

> · «20

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, at least one of I f · v; the end of the horizontal element has one or more planar surfaces adapted to be substantially tightened by one or more attachment means against the side wall of the vertical element when the horizontal element is connected to the vertical element. The end of the horizontal * · · 25 element refers to the short side of the horizontal element. The size of the flat surface and the number of surfaces is such that the horizontal element can • be securely tightened by means of an end to the side wall of the vertical element. The end can be • »·! connects to the vertical element by, for example, wedging, screwing, squeezing, or otherwise providing a tensioning effect. The planar end surface or the flat end surfaces 6 110572 provide a large support surface against the end element, whereby the horizontal and vertical elements together form a supporting fastening in all directions.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the gripping shoulder of the horizontal element is substantially bent at its tip. Advantageously, bending the tip of the gripping shoulder downwardly prevents the formation of a harmful threshold between the flat element and the gripping shoulder, whereby the shelf level becomes smoother.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the gripping shoulder of the horizontal element is substantially tapered. By shaping the tip of the gripping shoulder, substantially tapering off, a harmful threshold is created between the level element and the gripping shoulder, whereby the shelf level becomes smoother. Any threshold on the surface of the shelf could damage the goods stored on the shelf when removed from the shelf.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the shape of the horizontal element Ύ is adapted to be modified by bending. In this context, the shape of the horizontal element refers to the straightness and curvature of the element. By "bending" the change -; .. j 20, it is meant that when manufacturing horizontal elements as straight Y pieces, the manufacturing material is selected such that the finished straight horizontal element can be Y; For example, it is possible to bend it into a curved or angular shape to advantageously produce shaped edges of the shelves. The bending of the profile can be done concisely, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual design.

25

t I

'I t

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, one or more <! »Y Detachable reinforcement or support structure. In this context, the reinforcing structure refers to pieces made of a material stronger than the main material of the horizontal element, which substantially strengthens the structure of the horizontal element. By support structure is meant herein a body which substantially enhances the torsional and bending stiffness of a horizontal element added to the horizontal element. The support structure may be made of the same or different material as the horizontal element. In this context, the removability of the reinforcement and support structure means that the aforementioned elements can be incorporated into and removed from the horizontal element as needed. In addition, the location of the reinforcement and support structure can be selected as required.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the planar element has one or more fittings, preferably continuous or intermittent grooves, on one or more of the gripping blades of the horizontal element, preferably the tip of the gripping blade. As used herein, a fitting means a gripping or retaining member on a surface of a planar member, which member may be, for example, a recess, an elevation, a cut, or the like. Continuous or intermittent groove in this context means a continuous or intermittent recess in a planar element. The groove may be located on either the top, bottom or side surfaces or surfaces of the planar element. One surface may also have • · ·

> I

;;; several separate grooves. The adapter in the plane element improves the attachment between the plane element and the horizontal element, as the horizontal element's gripping shoulder • • 20 provides a stronger grip on the plane element, which makes the joint stronger. In addition, when the tip of the gripper blade hits the groove on the surface of the plane element, it is prevented or »· ·. : Removes the creation of a barrier barrier at the junction.

In a preferred shelving system according to the invention, the vertical element »25 and / or the horizontal element is a sheet metal or light metal, preferably aluminum. In this case, the horizontal and vertical elements can be manufactured in large quantities industrially, whereby the manufacturing cost of the shelf system is low. For example, when manufacturing horizontal elements by extrusion from aluminum, the horizontal element blank can be made into a long horizontal element which is cut into desired length elements. For example, when manufacturing vertical elements by bending a thin sheet, cuts and fittings can be added to the vertical element prior to bending to the vertical element, eliminating the need for expensive specialized tools for fabricating profiles. In addition, when manufacturing horizontal elements from metal, the horizontal element returns to its shape when the weight is removed 5, i.e., under normal conditions, there is no permanent bending of the shelves in the racking system.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the planar element is made of wood, glass, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, stone, 10 fabrics or leather or by combining two or more of the above materials and such that the planar element is less than 20 millimeters 15 millimeters, preferably 2 to 10 millimeters. Almost any material can be used as a plane element. When very thin or thick planar elements are used, separate auxiliary means can be attached to their peripheral parts, by means of which the planar elements 15 can be attached to the horizontal elements. In a shelving system, different level elements can be made of different materials and, in addition, the level elements can be varied according to the requirements of the architectural and interior design needs. Thus, the shelving system becomes versatile and can be easily and cheaply upgraded.

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the at least one sidewall of the vertical element: T has one or more fitting members, preferably a hollow recess, into which the connecting means can be fitted. In this context, a fitting group, in particular a cavity recess, is understood to mean any structure to which the coupling means can be secured in a substantially rigid and detachable manner. Full-sized structures include, for example, various holes, bends, cuts and shapes * · projections and recesses. With the help of the adjusting elements in the vertical element, the position of the shelves ► ► and the attachment t 1 · y between the vertical element and the horizontal element can be made to the finished fittings without structural changes to the vertical element.

9 110572

In a preferred racking system according to the invention, the front and / or rear walls of one or more vertical elements have one or more continuous or intermittent grooves in the vertical direction, to which one or more decorative strips or decorative plates or one or more vertical element connecting spacers can be detachably mounted. One or more grooves can also be used, for example, as a mounting base for various marking systems, such as shelf numbering. In this context, a groove means an elongated recess or opening between two walls into which a recess or plate or the spacer connecting one or more vertical elements 10 can be inserted. The body to be inserted into the groove is thus at least partially inserted into the vertical element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more continuous or discontinuous projections are provided at the edge of the trim strip or panel or spacer joining the vertical elements which rest on the groove walls or other portion of the vertical element to prevent removal of said strip, plate or spacer along the said groove. Because the vertical beams are pivotable, the vertical beams of the racking system can be rotated 180 degrees and ;;; get the desired rack system beams trim or plate facing the viewer. The trim strip and trim panel and the spacer connecting the vertical elements can be made of wood, glass, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, stone, canvas, leather or two or more of the above.

* · * • · * * ·

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which f «· * ·; '(* Figure 1 is a schematic and exemplary exploded view of a modular »25 • rack system according to the invention,» * * *

Figure 2 is a schematic and exemplary side view of the modular shelving system of the invention, * »» »'!' ! Figure 3 is a schematic and exemplary end view of a horizontal element according to the invention, and

Figure 4 shows schematically and by way of example a vertical element according to the invention and a decorative strip attached to a vertical element.

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a modular shelving system. The rack-5 system comprises four vertical elements 1, four horizontal elements 2, connecting means 3, four plane elements 4, two lower plinth elements 5 and two upper plinth elements 6, and two intermediate elements 7 and a back element 8. The lower plinth elements 5 or 2 the spacers 7 and the backing element 8 may be omitted from the system or added to the system 10 according to changing usage needs. Further, by varying the number of level elements 4 and horizontal elements 2, the number of levels of the shelf system of the shelving system can be varied.

When assembling the racking system, a planar element 15 4 of desired material is selected, the horizontal sides 2 of which are secured to the edges 9 of its long sides so that the gripping shoulder 10 of the horizontal element 2 is on the upper surface of the planar element 4 The shelf level thus formed is fixed to the vertical-> »· · ;; by means of connecting means 3 so that the end element 11 of the horizontal element is tightened * ·, 't against the side wall 12 of the vertical element 1. The shelf levels are fixed to the vertical elements * · 20 to 1 as required. If the lower plinth elements 5 or the upper plinth elements 6 are to be used, they are fastened by means of connecting means 3 or other fasteners, for example screws, to the side walls 12 of the vertical elements 1 and the planar elements 4 are placed over the plinth elements 5 and 6. Level elements 4 wins *

* I

;) can also be mounted on the lower level of the upper plinth elements 6, whereby, for example, lighting fixtures used in indirect lighting can be placed behind the plinth elements 6 i * • · 25;

I I

- * 9 years When it is desired to install spacers 7 between the vertical elements 1 f · in the racking system, the spacers 7 can be installed before the horizontal elements 2 are fixed vertically.

I I I

; ' ; on or after said fastening, whereby the spacer element 7 is inserted between the vertical elements 1 into the grooves 13 of the vertical elements 1. When the backing element 11 110572 8 is used, it is fastened either between the lower base element 5, the upper base element 6 or the horizontal elements 2 8 you want to install.

In the racking system of Figure 1, the vertical elements 1 are made of thin sheet metal 5 by bending into a profile. Vertical elements 1 could also be made into profiles by dropping, for example, aluminum. The horizontal elements 2 are made of aluminum by dropping the aluminum into an elongated profile, but the horizontal elements 2 could also be made of, for example, plastic or wood. The connecting means 3 are made of metal hooked brackets 10 which can be fitted in the holes 14 (shown in Fig. 2) of the vertical element 1, but the connecting means 3 could also be used for example different brackets made of other material and screws or bolts or other similar bracket and clamping means. Since both the vertical elements 1 and the horizontal elements 2 are made into profiles with an empty space inside them, the wiring required by, for example, lighting systems or other electrification can be hidden inside said elements 1 and 2. In addition, metal profiles can be used as such for conductors of low-voltage electrical systems.

* I »·

Fig. 2 shows a racking system according to the invention, viewed from the end of a racking system. The racking system comprises vertical elements 1, horizontal 2 <· · 3 elements 2, connecting means 3, plane elements 4, lower plunger elements 5, upper plinth elements 6 and backing element 8. Vertical elements 1 have holes 14 to which connecting means 4 3 are adjustable when securing horizontal elements 12. The height 5 • · · * * · 6 of the shelf level formed by the horizontal elements 2 and the planar element 4 can be changed by attaching the horizontal element to the desired hole 14. The flat element * ♦ »element 4 is fixed to the horizontal elements 2 such that the edge 9 of the level element 4 is inside the horizontal element 2, the gripping shoulder 10 of the horizontal element 2 is on the upper surface of the level element 4 · 'and the tip 15 of the gripping shoulder 10 If the level element 4 does not have a leveling groove 16, the tip portion 15 of the gripping 110 110572 fork 10 will rest on the upper surface of the level element 4. The planar element 4 rests on the horizontal element 2 on its upper and lower surfaces and on its side. The coupling means 3 is within the horizontal element 2 so that the horizontal element 2 rests on the top and side surfaces of the coupling means 3. The edge part 9 of the planar element 4 is hidden inside the horizontal element 2, whereby the edge part 9 need not be finished. The backing element 8 is secured to the lower and upper plinth elements 5 and 6 by removable backplate brackets 17. The top and bottom planar elements 4 are mounted above the lower and upper plinth elements 5 and 6 so that the edge of the planar element 4 is behind the elements 5 and 6. finalize.

10

Figure 3 is an end view of a horizontal element 2 according to the invention. The horizontal element is made of aluminum by squeezing into an elongated profile comprising a support member 18 and a gripping shoulder 10. The gripping shoulder 10 has a bent and tapered tip portion 15 and a supporting surface 19 positioned on the edge 9 of the planar member 4 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The support member 18 has a downwardly sloping guide surface 21 on the side of the planar element 4, which facilitates the positioning of the planar element 4 inside the horizontal element 2, in space 20. The support member 18 has fitting spaces 22 and 23 that can be fitted with screws and the like. or to secure it. There are also separate accessories that can be fitted in the fitting space 23, ·: ··; for example, book supports or support means for supporting the level element 4 (not shown in the figure). The support portion 18 also has a connection space 24 for the connection means (shown in Figures 1 and 2).

»* V: Support space 25a, 25b and 25c define the connection space 24. In the lower part of the connection space 24 there is an intermediate space 26, for example a nut (not shown) for attaching the additional means 25 to the horizontal element 2. A separate reinforcement or support means (not shown) can also be mounted in the connection space 24 to improve the rigidity of the horizontal element 2.

* »I I · • * • t 13 110572

Fig. 4 shows a vertical element 1 with a groove 27 attached to the groove 13. The decorative strip 27 is mounted in the groove 13 such that the rear 28 of the decorative strip 27 prevents removal of the decorative strip 27 other than through the ends of the vertical element 1. 15, as shown in Fig. 15, connect either an intermediate element or, as in Fig. 4, a decorative strip 27. By varying the color and the material of the decorative strip, the flexibility and usability of the vertical element 1 as an architectural decoration element is improved. The vertical element 1 may also have a plurality of grooves 13, whereby one or more grooves 13 may be used, for example, for fastening various marking means or code markings 10 reliably and easily.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the above embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to be widely practiced within the scope defined by the following claims.

* · · T t · · S · · <»· · ·

Claims (12)

110572 A modular shelving system comprising: - at least two vertical elements (1), 5. one or more horizontal elements (2) to be connected to a vertical element, - one or more connecting means (3) for connecting a horizontal element (2) to a vertical element (1), a plurality of planar elements (4) secured to one or more horizontal elements (2), characterized in that the horizontal element (2) comprises one or more gripping shoulder (s) extending around the widthwise edge (9) of the planar element (4) to be fixed to the horizontal element (2). 10). Shelving system according to Claim 1, characterized in that one or more horizontal elements (2) and a plane element (4) fixed to the above-mentioned horizontal elements (2) are arranged to form a shelf level of the shelving system, preferably several shelf levels in the shelving system. I · a support structure that essentially supports the system. 1h · • ”20 Shelving system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one end (11) of the horizontal element (2) has one or more planar surfaces, which planar surface is adapted to be substantially tightened by one or more By means of a larger connecting means (3) against the side wall (12) of the vertical element (1); '"When attaching the horizontal element (2) to the vertical element (1). O 25 Shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping shoulder (10) of the horizontal element (2) is substantially bent at its apex (15). »« · 110572 Shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gripping shoulder (10) of the horizontal element (2) is substantially tapered in its tip portion (15). Shelving system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape of the horizontal element (2) is adapted to be modified by bending. Shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more removable reinforcement or support structures can be fitted to the horizontal element (2), preferably substantially within the horizontal element (2). Shelving system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar element (4) has one or more fittings (16), preferably continuous or intermittent grooves, for one or more of the gripping shoulder (10) of the horizontal element (2), preferably 10) to the tip part (15). A shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by: The vertical element (1) and / or the horizontal element (2) are made of sheet metal or light metal, preferably aluminum. »♦ '20 A shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the planar element (4) is made of wood, glass, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, rubber, stone, fabric, leather or two or more. combining the aforementioned material, and that the thickness of the planar element (4) is less than 20 millimeters to 25 millimeters, typically 0.1 to 15 millimeters, preferably 2 to 10 millimeters. , ··. A shelving system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by; characterized in that at least one sidewall (12) of the vertical element (1) has one or more »110572 more adapting members (14), preferably a hollow recess, into which the connecting means can be fitted. Shelving system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front and / or rear wall of one or more vertical elements (1) has one or more continuous or intermittent grooves (13) in the vertical element (1) to which the groove can be fitted. removably one or more decorative strips (27) or a decorative plate or intermediate element (7) connecting one or more vertical elements (1). III • · • • t • lii • • * * • I * I I 110572