GB2209462A

GB2209462A - Partition for shelves, cabinets, etc

Info

Publication number: GB2209462A
Application number: GB8821036A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerhard Schafer
Original assignee: Fritz Schaefer GmbH
Current assignee: Fritz Schaefer GmbH
Priority date: 1987-09-08
Filing date: 1988-09-07
Publication date: 1989-05-17
Anticipated expiration: 2008-09-07
Also published as: DE8712135U1; CH677867A5; FR2620010B3; GB2209462B; GB8821036D0; FR2620010A3

Description

1 PARTITION FOR STORAGE SURFACES The improvement relates to a partition of

laminar material, more especially sheet metal, for the subdivision of storage and/or filing surfaces on shelves or cabinets, and also in transport and/or storage containers, drawers and the like.

The filing and/or storage surfaces are provided with at least two rows of slots or other openings, parallel to one another, which receive feet projecting beyond a longitudinal boundary edge of the partition member and serve as support and holding elements. With partitions of this type, made of sheet metal, the feet are formed in one piece integrally with the partition member. This is achieved by cutting away portions of the metal sheet to leave projecting feet and the remaining adjacent edge serves as a support edge. This results in material waste from the offcuts.

Another disadvantage of known partitions is that they are made of relatively thin metal sheets and, in order to produce a sufficiently high dimensional stability of the feet, have to be folded twice in the region comprising the feet. This complicates production because of the additional folding operation and requires excessive material.

It is true that partitions of the type in question are also already known in which the insertable ZZU9462 2 feet are provided at the transverse boundary edge with separately produced holders of sheet metal in the form of flat strips which are U- shaped in cross-section. Spot welding pressing or adhesive means are required for securing the U-shaped strips to the transverse boundary edges.

if, in such a case, the partitions are produced from already surfacetreated metal sheets, for example, galvanised and/or lacquered sheets, then an aftertreatment, namely, at least one lacquering, is necessary at the fixing points of the strips forming the insertable feet in order to avoid damage caused by corrosion.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a partition which can not only be simply produced with maximum avoidance of wasted material, but, in addition, also has a high dimensional stability.

According to the present invention, there is provided a partition for the subdivision of storage surfaces comprising a partition member and feet formed on plastic holding strips adapted to be secured to lateral edges of the partition member by press fitting, said feet being receivable into apertures provided in the storage surface to securely mount the partition.

What has proved to be particularly satisfactory according to the improvement is a development in which the projecting formations on the 3 partition member are formed by sleeves which are rolled in one piece, for example, in loop-like form, on the longitudinal boundary edges thereof. With a further development according to the improvement, these sleeves may have an arcuate boundary and be arranged symmetrically of the plane of the partition member.

Apart from the fact that such sleeves can easily be formed with a rolling tool on the longitudinal edges of the partition member, they have the considerable advantage that they contribute to a considerable stabilisation of the shape of the partition transversely of its length direction.

According to another development of the improvement, the pins, spikes or the like of the plastic holding strips are provided with a substantially cruciform cross-section, which is supplemented in places by circumferentially extending ribs to a circular cross-section, at least the free end of the pins, spikes or the like having a tapering construction.

By these measures, the production of the plug-like connection between the plastic holding strips and the partition member is facilitated, but nevertheless a safe connection of the parts is guaranteed.

For the further stabilisation of the partition, it is proposed according to the improvement that the plastic holding strip is provided at its 4 longitudinal edge away from the bearing edge and also on both transverse edges with a re-inforcing bead, of which the cross-sectional form and size is matched to the cross-sectional form and size of the sleeves on the partition member.

In addition, however, it has also proved to be important if, according to the improvement, in the spacing zone between the pins, spikes or the like, tongues respectively project beyond the bearing edge of the synthetic plastic holding strips, which tongues are alternately attached to those side surfaces of the plastic holding strips which face away from one another, these tongues being respectively given their support on those side surfaces of the partition member which face away from one another.

By co-action of these tongues with the separating wall member, the pins, spikes or the like are relieved from the load of occurring transverse forces, which act on the plastic holding strips.

II-Las also 'L-Jecn found satisfactory, according to the improvement, that ribs extending parallel to the pins, spikes or the like are formed on the plastic holding strips, these being, respectively, in the transverse edge region of the tongues and being reduced in their height and/or width from the stiffening bead in the direction towards the bearing edge.

These ribs not only increase the stability of V, k the plastic holding strips of the connection between them and the partition member, but they also guarantee a steady guide surface transition between the partition member and the oppositely disposed thickened reinforcing bead on the plastic holding strips. Particularly, the extraction of articles from those regions of a storage and/or filing surface which are limited laterally by the partition is hereby facilitated.

The imrpovement further provides for the length of the insertable feet to be larger than their width and, in this way, the insertable feet have a rib contour formed on both sides.

According to the improvement, the plastic holding strips may, if necessary, also be provided at each of the two ends with an insertable foot, if it is desired or even necessary to fix the partition simultaneously in the region of its lower and its upper length-limiting edge relatively to a storage and/or filing area.

In each case, however, according to the improvement, provision is also made for the plastic holding strips to consist of a fracture-resistant hard synthetic plastic.

The subject matter of the improvement is hereinafter explained in detail with reference to the drawing, wherein:- Figure 1 is a spatial view showing a part 6 section of the bookcase in which a shelf supported by four posts has two partitions associated therewith; Figure 2 shows, to a larger scale, that region of a partition and of the shelf which is indicated by II in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view in the arrow direction III of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a view in the arrow direction IV of Figure 2.

Figure 1 of the drawing shows part of a bookcase 1, which comprises four upright posts 2 and shelves 3 supported by the latter; however, only one thereof is shown in Figure 1.

However, the shelf 3 according to Figure 1 does not neesssarily have to be part of a bookcase. It may, in fact, also be disposed in a cupboard or a similar container capable of being closed.

Essential in every case, however, is that the shelf forms a filing and/or storage surface 4 which can be used as a support for goods of any kind.

As regards the support surface 4, this may also involve the base of transporting and/or storage containers, as well as chests of drawers or the like.

In each case, however, it is important that the filing and/or supporting surface 4 is provided with at least two rows of slots 5 or other openings which are arranged parallel to one another in spaced relation, as may be seen from Figure 1. The individual 7 slots 5 in each row may be arranged at prescribed intervals from one another, for example, have an equal spacing from each other.

The filing and/or storage surface 4, for example, of the shelf 3, may have associated therewith partitions which are exchangeable and with an adjustable spacing. This is in such manner that each partition or separator 6 assumes a position directed normally with respect to the filing and/or storage surface 4, as is to be clearly seen in Figure 1.

Each partition 6 is, in this case, formed by a partition member 7 and also two synthetic plastic holding strips 8, as may also be seen from Figure 1.

Each plastic holding strip 8 is associated with a transverse limiting edge 9 of the partition member 7, and in such manner that it rests with one bearing edge 10 abutting against the transverse limit edge 9.

Both longitudinal limiting edges of the partition member 7 have tube-like inside and/or outside formations, and more especially with sleeves 12 in one piece over their entire length. These rolled-on sleeves 12 preferably have an arcuate cross-section and present an arrangement which is symmetrical with the plane of the partition member 7, as may be clearly seen both from Figure 1 and from Figure 4. The sleeves 12, in this case, form longitudinal stiffening section members for the partition, such members being able to 8 guarantee the dimensional stability of the latter, also with relatively small material thickness of the sheet metal member.

The plastic holding strips 8 are advantageously made of injection moulded elements of fracture-resistant and low-wear hard synthetic plastics material, it being particularly expedient that both holding strips 8 belonging to a partition 6 have a corresponding form.

The formation of these plastic holding strips 8 is more particularly shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawing. In the latter, each plastic holding strip 8 carries two pins or spikes 13 projecting transversely from its support edge 10, which pins or spikes are introduced into the open ends of the sleeves 12 of the partition member 7 and then-can be fixed in the latter by a clamp-fit or press-fit and possibly also by other means.

Each pin or spike 13 preferably has a substantially cruciform crosssection (Figure 3), which is supplemented in regions by ribs 14 extending circumferentially into a circular cross-section, which is then anchored with a clamping or pressurised seating and/or also by latching in the sleeves 12 of the partition member 7, when the bearing edge 10 of the plastic holding strip 8 abuts against the transverse limiting edge 9 of the partition member 7.

The plastic holding strip 8, at its 1 1 9 longitudinal edge facing away from the bearing edge and also at two transverse edges extending substantially at right-angles thereto, is provided with a stiffening bead 15a, 15b, 15c, of which the cross- sectional form and size is adapted to the cross-sectional form and size of the sleeves 12 on the partition member 7. After the connection of the plastic holding strips 8 to the partition member 7, the stiffening beads 15b and 15e are connected practically without transfer to the sleeves 12 of the partition member 7 so that, with inclusion of the stiffening beads 15a, the entire bounding surface of a partition 6 is given a corresponding profile form.

So that the two pins 13 of each plastic holding strip 8 may be introduced without problems into the two sleeves 12 of a partition member 7, it is expedient for the free ends thereof in each case to be formed with a tapering 16, as can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 2.

In the spacing region between the two pins or spikes 13, there are formed in one piece on the plastic holding strips 8 several, for example, three, tongues 17a, 17b, 17c projecting beyond the bearing edge 10 and in such a manner that they alternately adjoin those side surfaces of the plastic holding strip 8 which face away from one another. The two tongues 17a and 17b are then connected to the transverse limiting edge 9 on the one side surface of the partition member 7 in a supporting position, while the middle tongue 17e is supported on the other side surface of the partition member 7. The holding connection between the plastic strips 8 and partition member 7 is substantially stabilised transversely of the plane of the member by the tongues 17a to 17c, so that the pins or spikes 13 are relieved of load in this direction.

Formed on each plastic holding strip 8 are ribs 18a and 18b which also extend parallel to the pins or spikes 13. These ribs are disposed in the transverse edge region of the tongues 17a, 17b, 17c on the side surfaces facing away from one another. The ribs 18a are extended from the region of the stiffening bead 15a as far as the bearing edge 10, whereas the ribs 18b extend away from the stiffening bead 15a as far as the free ends of the tongues 17a, 17b and 17c. Proved satisfactory in this-connection is a construction of the ribs 18a and 18b, with which their height and/or breadth are reduced from the stiffening bead 15a in the direction towards the bearing edge 10 or to the free end of the tongues 17a to 17c. That wall section of the plastic holding strip 8 comprising the bearing or support edge 10 has a thickness which is matched to the layer thickness of the metal section forming the partition member 7.

Formed in one piece on each plastic holding strip 8 is an insertable foot 19, this being attached, for example, to the stiffening head 15c and extending j R substantially at right-angles to the latter or, respectively, the pin or spike 13. The insertion foot here has a cross-sectional dimenision which is adapted to the cross-sectional dimension of the slots 5 in the support surface 4, in such manner that the said feet 19, for fixing the position of a partition 6, can be inserted into the slots 5 of the supporting and/or bearing surface 4.

The length of the insertable feet 19 is preferably greater than their width. It has proved to be advantageous if the length:width ratio is in the region of 1.5:1.

A good stability of the supporting feet 19 is achieved if these are provided with a ribbed contour 20 on both sides, such as can be seen in Figures 2 and 3.

In the transition region between the insertion foot 19 and the stiffening bead 15a, there are preferably formed shoulders in such a way that these come to bear adjoining the slots 5 on the filing and/or storage surface 4.

Differing from the example according to Figures 2 and 3, the possibility also exists of each plastic holding strip 8 being provided at its upper end with an insertable foot 19. Such an arrangement is to be considered when it is necessary for a partition 6 to be fixed at the same time on two filing and/or storage surfaces 4, e.g. of cabinet or cupboard shelves 3, arranged spaced one above the other.

12

Claims

Claims:

1. A partition for the subdivision of storage surfaces comprising a partition member and feet formed on plastics holding strips adapted to be secured to lateral edges of the partition member by press fitting, said feet being receivable into apertures provided in the storage surface to securely mount the partition.

2. Partition of laminar material, more especially sheet metal, for the subdivision of storage and/or filing surfaces on shelves and cabinets and also in transport and/or storage containers, drawers or.the like, with which the filing and/or storage surfaces are provided with at least two rows of slots or other openings spaced from one another and arranged parallel to one another, into which insertable feet projecting beyond a longitudinal boundary edge of the partition member and serving as support edge are engageable as latching and holding elements, characterised in that the insertable feet (19) are formed on synthetic plastic holding strips (8) which are fastened on to the transverse boundary edges (9) of the partition member (7) with a matching edge (10), and the plastic holding strips carry pins, tongues (13) or the like, which project transversely from their bearing edge (10) and with which they can be latched in tube-like formations (12) of the partition member (7) or can be secured by 1 11.

13 pinch-fit or press-fit.

3. Partition according to claim 2, characterised in that the formations in or on partition member (7) are formed by sleeves (12) rolled in one piece on the longitudinal limiting edges (11) thereof.

4. Partition according to one of the claims 2 and 3, characterised in that the sleeves (12) have an arcuate formation and are arranged symmetrically of the plane of the partition member (7).

5. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the pins, spikes (13) or the like of the plastic holding strips (8) have a substantially circular cross-section, which is supplemented regionally by ribs (14) extending circumferentially to a circular cross-section, and that at least the free end thereof is tapered.

6. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the plastic holding strip (8) is provided at its longitudinal edge away from the bearing edge (10) and also on both transverse edges with a reinforcing bead (15a,15b, 15c), of which the cross-sectional form and size is matched to the crosssectional form and size of the sleeves (12) on the partition member (7).

0 14

7. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 6, characterised in that, in the spacing zone between the pins, spikes (13) or the like, tongues (17a, 17b, 17c), respectively, project beyond the bearing edge (10) of the synthetic plastic holding strips (8), which tongues alternately are attached to those side surfaces of the plastic holding strips (8) which face away from one another, these tongues (17a, 17b, 17c) being, respectively, given their support on those side surfaces of the partition member (7) which face away from one another.

8. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 7, characterised in that the ribs (18a, 18b) extending parallel to the pins, spikes (13) or the like are formed on the plastic holding strips (8), these being, respectively, in the transverse edge region of the tongues (17a, 17b, 17c) and being reduced in their height and/or breadth from the stiffening bead (15a) in the direction towards the bearing edge (10).

9. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the length of the insertable feet (19) is greater than their width and the said feet (19) have a rib-like contour (20) formed on both sides.

41 1

10. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the synthetic plastic holding strips (8) are provided at both ends with an insertable foot (19).

11. Partition according to one of the claims 2 to 10, characterised in that the holding strips (8) are injection-moulded shaped element of fracture-resistant and wear-resistant hard synthetic plastics material.

12. A partition as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

9%. i>t,t.CWrp State House. 6671 High Holborn, London WC1 R 4TP. FUrther copies maybe Obtained from The Patent Office,