MXPA00002916A - Controlled movement racking system - Google Patents

Abstract

A racking system exhibiting controlled compound movement is disclosed. The racking system includes a bracket adapted for engagement to a structural support and a translational tray assembly supported by the bracket for linear and rotational movement relative to the bracket. The system also includes a first dampening member associated with the translational tray assembly for dampening the linear movement of the translational tray assembly relative to the bracket and a second dampening member associated with the translational tray assembly for dampening the rotational movement of the translational tray assembly relative to the bracket. The first and second dampening members ensure smooth, controlled motion as the tranlational tray assembly is rotationally and linearly moved.

Description

CONTROLLED MOVEMENT SHELF SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an adjustable shelving system. More particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable shelving system having linear and pivoting movement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Shelving systems to support, display and dispatch various items come in a variety of sizes, shapes and designs useful for performing different functions. In most cases, these shelving systems have a multitude of separate compartments or warehouses that divide the different items. In everyday use, these shelving systems are frequently observed in institutions, such as, for example, libraries for the storage of periodicals and miscellaneous documents or, in food stores to dispatch consumable items in bulk, such as candies , seeds or seeds and coffee. In addition, these shelving systems may comprise a system for individually dispatching the desired articles that are contained therein. This arrangement is very advantageous since it allows a consumer to select and receive a variety of commercial products without the need for direct human assistance. To have a beneficial use, these shelving systems need to be easily and quickly accessible both to the people who use them and to those who serve them. Specifically, the person who changes, cleans, refills or replenishes the variety of contents stored in the shelving system, must be provided with easy access to the shelving system and to the various compartments or warehouses supported by the shelving system. Although there are many shelving systems, most of these shelving systems are designed to reduce the friction between the various moving parts, so that a minimum amount of effort is required to use the system. In addition, these systems are designed to be easily accessible and to easily admit the end user, while frequently failing to consider the people who must refill or change the items accommodated in the shelving system. Specifically, a consumer who uses the shelf system to achieve or reach a portion of the content that is inside a compartment can easily select the exact amount the user wishes to receive. However, these compartments are often quite large and usually do not fill or resonate in one fell swoop at a time. Rather, they are filled at a faster rate by emptying a large container or container into the compartment. This is usually done by opening the shelf up and removing or adjusting the compartment entry portion, so that the compartment can be filled. A problem with currently available shelving systems is that they fail to consider the size and weight of the compartment or the items contained therein during service. This is inconvenient and can sometimes be dangerous for the person in charge of refilling, who is not provided with convenient access to the compartment entrance. In addition, although there are articulated shelves, they are usually limited to shelves of fixed length, which extend outwardly from the shelving system and which pivot at the point of contact between the shelf and the shelving system. This leads to an excessive stress on the shelves as they are extended, because it is required that the person in charge of the refill supports the weight of the shelf as it is being used. Since this can be difficult, depending on the size and strength of the refill attendant, these shelves can be opened in an uncontrolled manner. This creates excessive wear and tear of the system, which reduces the life expectancy of the shelving system and may cause additional concerns regarding user safety. Therefore, there is a need for a shelving system that securely holds the desired items, while also providing easy access for refilling or refilling the storage compartments supported by the shelving system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a shelving system that exhibits a controlled compound movement. The shelving system includes a bracket adapted for coupling to a structural support and a translational tray or tray unit, supported by the bracket for linear and rotational movement with respect to the bracket. The system also includes a first damping member, associated with the translational tray unit for damping the linear movement of the translational tray unit with respect to the bracket and a second damping member, associated with the translational tray unit for damping rotational movement of the translational tray unit with respect to the cantilever. The first and second damping members ensure a smooth and controlled movement as the translational tray unit moves rotationally and linearly. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shelving system, wherein the translational tray unit includes a first translational tray connected in a telescope-like manner, ie, telescopically to a second translational tray. A third buffer member can be provided between the second translational tray and the first translational tray to dampen linear movement of the second translational tray with respect to the cantilever and the first translational tray. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shelving system including a machine adapted for coupling to a structural support, an upper translational tray supported by the bracket for linear and rotational movement with respect to the bracket and a bracket of assembly that securely engages the upper translational tray with the bracket in a way that allows linear movement and Rotational P1031 of the upper translational tray. The upper translational tray is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket and a rotational damping member is positioned between the upper rotational tray and the mounting bracket to ensure smooth and controlled movement as the upper translational tray is rotated between a first position and a second position. Another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving system that includes a central translational tray, positioned between the upper translational tray and the bracket, wherein the mounting bracket is coupled between the upper translational tray and the central translational tray. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shelving system that exhibits or exhibits a controlled linear movement. The shelving system includes a bracket adapted for coupling to a structural support, a first translational tray supported by the bracket for linear movement with respect to the bracket and a second translational tray supported by the first translational tray for movement with respect to the same. In addition, a first cushion member is provided between the bracket and the first translational tray to dampen movement P1031 linear of the first translational tray with respect to the bracket and a second buffer member is provided between the second translational tray and the first translational tray to dampen the linear movement of the second tray with respect to the first translational tray. The first cushion member and the second cushion member ensure a smooth and controlled movement as the first and second translational trays move. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a shelving system, wherein the second cushion member is a cushion sleeve coupled to the slide of the second translational tray. The damper sleeve is shaped and dimensioned to frictionally engage with an inner wall of the guide channel. Another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving system, wherein the first cushion member is a magnet. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

P1031 BRKVE DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present shelving system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the present shelving system, wherein the first and second translational trays are partially extended; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the present shelving system; Figure 4 is a side view of the shelving system present with the structure that is inside the guide channel shown in dashed lines; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line V-V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view showing the second translational tray fully extended, so that it can rotate forward; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the first and second translational trays fully extended; and Figure 8 is a side view showing the movement of the reservoir or container, as it is removed for filling, in accordance with the present shelving system.

P1031 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, the present shelving system 10 is disclosed. The shelving system 10 provides the support on which a reservoir or container 12 can be placed to simplify access to the container 12. As certainly it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, containers can be used to display and dispatch articles, which generally include a dispensing outlet 14 and a filling inlet 16. In most cases, it is desirable to conceal the filling inlet 16 , until such time as it must be filled into the container 12. At that time, access to the filling inlet 16 is available and the container 12 is filled with the desired article. The present shelving system 10 supports this container 12 in a form that allows easy access to the filling inlet 16 of the container 12. While the present shelving system 10 is described for use in the container holder, The shelving system can be used for a wide variety of purposes without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. With reference to the various figures, the shelving system 10 is composed of a bracket 18 supporting a translational tray unit 19, which moves with respect to the bracket 18. The translational tray unit includes a first central translational tray 20 and a second upper translational tray 22. In addition, the shelving system 10 includes a variety of cushion members used to control the movement of the first and second translational trays, 20 and 22, and to ensure smooth and controlled movement of the first and second translational trays, 20 and 22, with respect to the bracket 18. The bracket 18 includes a supporting surface 24 on which the first translational tray 20 sits when the shelving system is fully assembled. A multitude of hooks or hooks 26 is secured to the rear surface 28 of the bracket 18. The hooks 26 are used to selectively couple a structural support 30 and to place the shelving system 10 at the desired location. Extending from the support surface 24 of the bracket 18, are the first and second braces, 32 and 34. The braces 32 and 34 extend from opposite sides of the bracket 18 and form a guide channel, in which the first one moves. translational tray 20 as it moves linearly with respect to the bracket 18. Preferably, the first and second braces, 32 and 34, are L-shaped members, which extend towards P1031 upwards and outwards towards each other from the support surface 24 to create a guide channel in which the first translational tray 20 moves. A first translational support track or track 36 is coupled to the support surface 24 and extends longitudinally towards the front end 38 of the bracket 18. The first translational support rail or track 36 includes a static member 40 rigidly secured to the support surface 24 and a member 42 that can be extended in the form of a telescope, hereinafter referred to as a telescopic member 42, which moves telescopically along the static member 40. The telescopic member 42 is confined within the static member 42 for controlled movement. The extent to which the telescopic member 42 can be extracted from the static member 40, is limited by stops (not shown) in a conventional manner. The first translational support track 36 and the struts 32 and 34 are used together to control the linear movement of the first translational tray 20 with respect to the bracket 18. While the first and second struts, 32 and 34, form a guide channel within which the movement of the first translational tray 20 is limited, the first translational support track 36 limits the extent of the allowed linear movement between the first translational tray 20 and the bracket 18. In this way, the first translational tray 20 it is coupled to the telescopic member 42 of the first translational support track 36. In this way, the linear movement of the first translational tray 20 is limited by the controlled movement of the telescopic member 42 with respect to the static member 40. In addition to limiting the movement of the first translational tray 20 with respect to the bracket 18, the movement of the first translational tray 20 with re The bracket 18 is cushioned by the magnets 44 secured to the support surface 24 of the bracket 18. The magnets 44 are positioned so that they engage with the underside of the first translational tray 20 to dampen the movement of the first. translational tray 20 with respect to the bracket 18. In this way, the magnets 44 travel almost the entire length of the supporting surface 24 of the bracket 18 to dampen the movement of the first translational tray 20, as it moves with respect to the bracket 18. The magnets 44 have sufficient force to hold the first translational tray 20 in position with respect to the bracket 18 when no force is applied to remove or remove the first translational tray 20 but, allow movement of the first translational tray 20. tray P1031 translational 20 with respect to the bracket 18 when a user applies the appropriate force. Additional versatility is provided by the inclusion of a second translational tray 22, supported on the first translational tray 20 for linear and rotational movement with respect to both the first translational tray 20 and the bracket 18. In accordance with the above, the upper surface 46 of the first translational tray 20 is provided with a flat support surface 48, on which the second translational tray 22 can move linearly. The first translational tray 20 also includes first and second guide channels, 50 and 52, formed in the opposite sides of the first translational tray 20. The first and second guide channels, 50 and 52, are shaped to receive the slides 54 and 56 of the second translational tray 22, so that the movement of the second translational tray is controlled in a desirable way. In accordance with the foregoing, the second translational tray 22 includes first and second sliders, 54 and 56, shaped and sized to fit respectively within the first and second guide channels 50 and 52 of the first translational tray 20. During use, the first and second sliders 54 and 56 are received telescopically inside P1031 of the first and second guide channels, 50 and 52, such that the movement of the second translational tray 22 is controlled by the path defined by the first and second guide channels, 50 and 52, of the first translational tray 20. As stated above, the second translational tray 22 is designed for both linear and rotational movement with respect to the first translational tray 20 and the bracket 18. The linear movement of the second translational tray 22 is provided simply by the telescopic movement of the translational tray 22. the first and second sliders, 54 and 56, within the first and second guide channels, 50 and 52. For the rotational movement of the second translational tray 22 with respect to the first translational tray 20, the rack system 10 is provided with the first and second mounting brackets, 58 and 60, used to attach the second translational tray 22 to the first tray tran. 20 in a manner that allows rotational movement. The first and second mounting brackets, 58 and 60, are respectively coupled to the rear end 62 of the second translational tray 22, adjacent to the first and second sliders 54 and 56. In fact, the mounting brackets 58 and 60 are aligned with the P1031 first and second sliders, 54 and 56, so that the mounting brackets 58 and 60 are received within the first and second guide channels 50 and 52, when the first and second sliders, 54 and 56, are received telescopically in the same. The pivot bolts 64 and 66 pivotally engage the first and second mounting brackets, 58 and 60, with the first and second sliders, 54 and 56, respectively, so that the mounting brackets 58 and 60 can pivot with with respect to the second translational tray 22. When the second translational tray 22 is placed on the first translational tray 20 for relative movement therewith, the second translational tray 22 will move linearly with respect to the first translational tray 20, according to the sliders. 54 and 56 move telescopically within the guide channels 50 and 52. When the second translational tray 22 moves towards the front end 68 of the first translational tray 20, the stops 70 of the mounting bracket, which are in the brackets of first and second mountings, 58 and 60, engage the stops 72 of the guide channels, which are within the first and second guide channels 50 and 52. The stops 70 of the guide brackets and stops 72 of the guide channels are coupled together to prevent additional forward linear movement of the P1031 second translational tray 22 with respect to the first translational tray 20. When the mounting brackets 58 and 60 and the second translational tray 22 reach the point at which the linear forward movement of the second translational tray 22 stops, the connections of pivot between the second translational tray 22 and the first and second mounting brackets, 58 and 60, arrive at the forward end of the first translational tray 20. At this point, the angled portions 73 at the rear end 62 of the sliders 54 and 56, are free to move a limited distance within the guide channels 50 and 52. The second translational tray 22 can therefore rotate a limited distance with respect to the first translational tray 20 and the bracket 18. When the second tray translational 22 rotates, the rotational or rotational movement is limited by the contact between the angled portions 73 of the slides 54 and 56 and the walls is internal 82 and 84 of the guide channels 50 and 52, as well as by the contact between the sliders 54 and 56 and the angled portions 75 of the mounting brackets 58 and 60. The rotational and linear movement of the second rotational tray 22 is controlled by linear and rotational damping systems. Damper systems provide controlled resistance against P1031 the movement of the translational tray unit 19, with respect to the bracket 18. Specifically, the rotational damping of the second translational tray 22 with respect to the first translational tray 20 is controlled by the first and second torsion springs, 74 and 76, placed respectively around the first and second pivot bolts, 64 and 66 of the first and second mounting brackets 58 and 60. In this way, the first and second torsion springs, 74 and 76, provide the resistance to the descending rotation of the second rotational tray 22 with respect to the first rotational tray 20, as the second translational tray 22 extends beyond the first translational tray 20. With respect to the linear damping of the movement of the second translational tray 22, the sleeves First and second shock absorbers, 78 and 80, are provided respectively around the first and second mounting brackets 58, and 60. The first and second buffer sleeves, 78 and 80, are shaped to frictionally engage the inner walls 82 and 84 of the first and second guide channels 50 and 52 of the first translational tray 20. By means of the inclusion of the first and second shock absorbers 86 and 88, additional cushioning is provided. The P1031 first and second shock absorbers 86 and 88 are secured to the respective rear ends 90 and 92 of the first and second mounting brackets, 58 and 60, by mounting bolts 96 and 98, so that they frictionally engage with the inner walls 82 and 84 of the first and second guide channels, 50 and 52, of the first translational tray 20. During use, a reservoir or container 12 is preferably coupled to the upper surface 94 of the second translational tray 22. The system of shelving 10 can then be mounted on an appropriate supporting surface 30. Once the shelving system 10 and the container 12 are properly supported, the container 12 is easily filled by transferring the first and second translational trays 20 and 22, so as to reveal the filling inlet 16 which lies along the length of the container. a hidden portion of the container 12. When the container 12 is full and the shelf system 10 will not be moved, a lock (not shown) can be used to ensure that the first and second translational trays, 20 and 22, do not move to the at a time when the container 12 must be filled or must be accessible for some other reason. Preferably, as seen in Figures 1 and 8, the filling inlet 16 is generally located at P1031 along the back portion of the container. In this way, the filling inlet 16 is hidden when viewed from the front, because the rear part of the container is adjacent to the supporting surface 30 when the container 12 is completely retracted into the shelf system 10. When a person desires to fill the container 12, simply linearly removes the first translational tray 20, with respect to the bracket 18, linearly removes the second translational tray 22 with respect to the first translational tray 20 and allows the second translational tray 22 to rotate downwards when the second translational tray 22 meets the leading end of the first translational tray 20 (see Figures 6 and 7). When the second translational tray 22 is completely removed and rotated downward, the filling inlet 16 of the container is exposed and a person can easily fill the container 12 without having to hold it. This linear and rotational compound movement allows a filling inlet 16 concealed in the vertical direction to move to a generally horizontal position for easy filling. The present shelving system has been developed with a variety of components to control the linear and rotational movement of the translational tray unit. Therefore, it should be understood that these P1031 components can be used together or separately, to fit the needs of a particular application. While the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention by means of this disclosure, but rather that it is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

P1031

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS; A shelving system that provides a composite movement, comprising: a bracket adapted for coupling to a structural support; a translational tray unit, supported by the bracket for linear and rotational movement with respect to the bracket; a first damping member associated with the translational tray unit, for damping the linear movement of the translational tray unit with respect to the cantilever; a second buffer member, associated with the translational tray unit, for damping the rotational movement of the translational tray unit with respect to the cantilever; and wherein the first and second damping members secure controlled movement as the translational tray unit moves rotationally and linearly. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the translational tray unit includes a first translational tray connected in a telescope-like manner with a second translational tray. P1031 3. The shelving system according to claim 2, wherein the first damping member is frictionally engaged with the first translational tray to dampen the linear movement of the second translational tray with respect to the bracket and the first translational tray. The shelving system according to claim 2, wherein the first translational tray is mounted on the bracket for linear movement with respect thereto and the second translational tray is mounted on the first translational tray for rotational and linear movement with regarding it. The shelving system according to claim 2, further including a third cushion member, provided between the second translational tray and the first translational tray, to dampen the linear movement of the second translational tray with respect to the bracket and the first tray translational The shelving system according to claim 2, wherein the second cushion member is a spring placed between the second translational tray and the first translational tray for controlling the rotational movement between the second translational tray and the bracket. P1031 7. The shelving system according to claim 1, wherein the bracket includes a means for selectively connecting the shelving system to a variety of support surfaces. 8. A shelving system providing the composite movement, comprising: a bracket adapted for coupling to a structural support; an upper translational tray, supported by the bracket for linear and rotational movement with respect to the bracket; and a mounting bracket that securely attaches the upper translational patent to the bracket in a shape that allows linear and rotational movement of the upper translational tray, wherein the upper translational tray is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and A rotational damping member is positioned between the upper translational tray and the mounting bracket to ensure controlled movement as the upper translational tray rotates or is rotated between a first position and a second position. The shelving system according to claim 8, further including a central translational tray, positioned between the upper translational tray and the bracket, wherein the bracket P1031 assembly is coupled between the upper translational tray and the central translational tray. The shelving system according to claim 9, wherein the central translational tray includes a guide channel and the upper translational tray includes a slide received within the guide channel to ensure controlled linear movement of the upper translational tray, with respect to the central translational tray. 11. The shelving system according to claim 10, wherein the mounting bracket is pivotally coupled to the slide of the upper translational tray and is received within the guide channel, such that the upper translational tray can not rotate with respect to the bracket, until the slide is move outward from the guide channel, while the mounting bracket remains within the guide channel to support the rotational movement of the upper translational tray. The shelving system according to claim 9, wherein the rotational damping member is a spring. The shelving system according to claim 8, wherein the rotational damping member is a spring. P1031 14. A shelving system providing controlled linear movement, comprising: a bracket adapted for coupling to a structural support; a first translational tray supported by the bracket for linear movement with respect to the bracket; a second translational tray supported by the first translational tray, the second translational tray is supported for linear movement with respect to the first translational tray, and wherein a translational tray and the first translational tray to dampen the linear motion of the second tray with With respect to the first translational tray, the first cushion member and the second buffer member ensure controlled movement as the first and second translational trays move. The shelving system according to claim 14, wherein the first translational tray includes a guide channel and the second translational tray includes a slide that is received within the guide channel to ensure the controlled linear movement of the second translational tray with respect to to the first translational tray. 16. The shelving system, according to the P1031 claim 15, wherein the second damper member is a damper sleeve coupled to the slide of the second translational tray, the damper sleeve is shaped and dimensioned to frictionally engage with an inner wall of the guide channel. 17. The shelving system according to claim 14, wherein the first cushion member is a magnet. The shelving system according to claim 14, wherein the second cushion member is coupled to the second translational tray and frictionally engages the first translational tray. 19. The shelving system according to claim 14, further including a third cushion member, provided between the second translational tray and the first translational tray. 20. The shelving system according to claim 14, wherein the second translational tray is coupled to the first translational tray for rotational movement with respect thereto. P1031