MXPA99004902A - Shelf system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shelving system, characterized in that it comprises: a panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said panel includes a plurality of cross members that depend on a lower side of said panel, the depth dimension of said cross members increases from relatively low relative depths at first and second opposite ends of each cross member to a relatively greater maximum depth between said ends of said central member of said plurality of cross member members disposed substantially in a central portion of said cross member. said lower side panel is relatively larger than the maximum depth dimension of at least one of said cross members adjacent thereto, and each cross member of said plurality includes a curvilinear lower edge disposed at a distance from said bread

Description

SHELVING SYSTEM In general terms, this invention relates to shelving. More particularly, this invention relates to a shelving system that reduces the use of material while increasing structural integrity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known in the art how to provide shelving. Commonly, such shelving systems include a plurality of rectangular panels having four ferrules integrally formed at the corners of the panels. Each successive panel is joined to an adjacent panel by four posts that are received inside the ferrules. Although these devices work properly, such devices can be improved. Specifically, the shelves of the aforementioned character frequently do not provide sufficient elasticity for deformation. Once the shelf is loaded, said shelf frequently allows concentrating efforts in the region surrounding each of the ferrules. Secondly, once the efforts are loaded, they are concentrated not only in the regions surrounding each of the ferrules, but also the efforts are frequently concentrated towards the geometrical center of each panel. Therefore, often said panels arch once loaded. The deficiencies described above, together, reduce the maximum load that said shelf is able to withstand. If the maximum load is exceeded, the shelf may eventually fail. To solve some of the above disadvantages other shelving devices have been suggested. For example, the patent of E.U.A. No. 5,709,158, to Wareheim, discloses the provision of shelves having a beam structure disposed around the periphery of the panel and a beam disposed along the middle portion of the panel. Wareheim also describes the provision of a plurality of diagonally oriented vertical clamps. Although the Wareheim device advances the technique, it has also been found that the Wareheim device has several shortcomings. Specifically, the Wareheim beam structure can increase the structural rigidity of said panel members. However, the beam structure is substantially linear in shape. In contrast, the effort made within each panel is commonly non-linear. With a linear distribution of material, some regions may have an insufficient amount of stiffness due to an insufficient amount of material disposed within a particular region. Similarly, other regions of the panel may have adequate stiffness with an optimum amount of material use. While still other regions can have a necessarily high amount of stiffness with a corresponding waste of material. In summary, a linear distribution of material is an inefficient use of material within said panels. A second disadvantage found in the Wareheim device is that the stresses are allowed to be concentrated adjacent to each of the ferrules. Although the vertical support ribs arranged diagonally help to reduce the concentration of stresses, a substantial amount of stress is still allowed to concentrate in this region, thereby limiting the load that can be applied to said panels or requiring the addition of additional material around said caps. . Therefore, the person skilled in the art can appreciate that several advances in the technique can still be made. Specifically, it would be convenient to have a shelving system that reduces the effort made within each panel. It would be convenient to have a panel that optimizes the use of material, thereby providing a shelving system that is capable of supporting a maximum load while requiring a minimum amount of material. It would also be convenient to reduce the efforts made adjacent to each of the bushing members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of this invention is to provide a shelving system having a plurality of molded panels.

A further object of this invention is to provide a panel having increased stiffness, thereby reducing the stress and corresponding deformation of the panel. Another additional object of this invention is to provide a panel that maximizes structural rigidity, while reducing the amount of material use. A further object of this invention is to provide a panel that distributes the stresses adjacent to each of the bushing members. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, these and other objects and advantages are achieved in the following manner. The present invention provides a shelving system having at least one panel. The panel has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction in relation to the longitudinal axis. The panel further includes a plurality of crosspieces. The plurality of cross members includes at least a first cross member and a second cross member. The first cross member and the second cross member each have a top portion that extends down a depth from the panel. A novel aspect of this invention is that the second cross member has a depth approximately greater than the depth of the first cross member. Additionally, each cross member of the plurality of cross members includes a lower portion, the lower portion of each cross member extends downwardly away from said upper portion. Preferably, the lower portion terminates at a curvilinear lower edge. Preferably, the curvilinear lower edge has a parabolic shape. However, the person skilled in the art can better appreciate that the lower peripheral edge of this invention can take various other forms without departing from the novel aspects of this invention. In addition, this invention includes at least one bushing arranged in each panel. Each bushing includes a plurality of walls. Preferably, the bushing includes at least one inner wall and one outer wall disposed circumferentially around the inner wall. The bushing includes at least one support member disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall. Preferably, the support member is at least one reinforcing flange. In addition, the bushing also preferably includes a floor member disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall in a parallel orientation relative to the panel. Finally, the shelf system of this invention includes a plurality of posts. Each post preferably has a lower portion and an upper portion, each of which is received within a corresponding socket. The shelf system described above provides several advantages. As will be better appreciated by the person skilled in the art, several combs can be connected together to form the shelf system. The number of panels can be determined by the requirements of a particular user or the restrictions experienced in a particular medium. Therefore, the user of this invention is provided with a substantial amount of versatility. Another advantage found in this invention is that the efforts made within the structure can be reduced while also reducing the use of material in general. The efforts made within a particular panel are reduced by placing additional material in regions that experience greater effort. On the shelf, the effort is commonly concentrated in the geometric center of each panel. Therefore, this invention reduces stress while reducing the use of material by concentrating additional material towards the geometric center of each panel. Specifically, this advantage is achieved by the novel cross-member structure of this invention. This invention contemplates the use of at least one first cross member and a second cross member. The first cross member of this invention has an upper portion having a first depth and a second cross member having a second depth. Thus, the second crossbar can be placed in a site that experiences greater effort, while the first crossbar can be placed in a site that experiences less effort. In addition, each cross member has a lower portion having a generally curvilinear lower edge having a vertex. Therefore, a greater amount of material is concentrated in the vertex once more reducing the effort near the vertex, also reducing the use of material in other regions that do not experience this effort.

Another advantage of the present invention is that this device disperses the efforts close to the bushing members. The shelf system of this device includes an interior wall surrounded by moon outer wall. The outer wall is interconnected with the inner wall by a plurality of support members and a floor member. The efforts made inside the panel are communicated to the external wall. From the external wall, the efforts are communicated towards the inner wall. Finally, the inner wall in turn communicates the efforts towards the corresponding post. Therefore, the panel of this invention provides greater durability while reducing the amount of material needed. Other objects and advantages of this invention will be better appreciated from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a shelving system of this invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a first post and a first shell of a first panel of the shelving system; Figure 3 shows a top plan view of the first panel; Figure 3a shows a fragmented view of the first bushing of the first panel; Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of the first panel of this invention; Figure 5 shows a front cross-sectional view of the first panel cut along the line 5-5 of Figure 3; and Figure 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of the first panel cut along line 6-6 of Figure 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As best seen with reference to Figure 1, the present invention provides a shelf system (10) having a modular structure. The shelf system (10) includes a plurality of panels and a plurality of posts that interconnect the panels. Preferably, the plurality of panels is a first panel (12) having a first post (14), second post (16), third post (18) and a fourth post, not shown, each extending upwardly away from the first panel (12). Then, a second panel (22) is arranged on top of the first post (14), second post (16), third post (18) and fourth post (20). Then a fifth post (24), sixth post (26), seventh post (28), and eighth post, not shown, are arranged on top of the second panel (22). A third panel (30) is disposed on the fifth post (24), sixth post (26), seventh post (28) and eighth post, not shown. Next, a ninth post (32), tenth post (34), eleventh post (36), and twelfth post, not shown, are disposed on the third panel (30). A fourth panel (38) is then placed on the ninth post (32), tenth post (34), eleventh post (36) and twelfth post, not shown. Then, a thirteenth post (40), fourteenth post (42), fifteenth post (44), and sixteenth post, not shown, are arranged on top of the fourth panel (38). Finally, a fifth panel (46) is disposed on top of the thirteenth post (40), fourteenth post (42), fifteenth post (44), and sixteenth post, not shown. The person skilled in the art can appreciate that the shelf system described above is described in terms of a preferred embodiment and that the teachings of the present invention can be applied to rack systems using a larger number or a smaller number of panels. . In addition, the skilled artisan can better appreciate that the terms above, below as used herein, are used only for purposes of clarity and are not intended to be used in any way to limit the scope of this invention. With particular reference to figures 2, 3a and 4, the first panel (12) is described in detail. However, it should be understood that the second panel (22), third panel (30), fourth panel (38) and fifth panel (46), have a construction similar to the first panel (12). The first panel (12) has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The transverse direction is transverse with respect to the longitudinal direction. The first panel (12) includes a longitudinal edge (48) and another longitudinal edge (50) disposed in opposition to the longitudinal edge (48) in the transverse longitudinal direction. The first panel (12) further includes a side edge (52) and another side edge (54). The other side edge (54) is disposed opposite the side edge (52) along the longitudinal direction. The first panel (12) further includes a longitudinal skirt (56) depending on the longitudinal edge (48), and another longitudinal skirt (58) depending on the other longitudinal edge (50), a side skirt (60) depending on the side edge (52). ), and another side skirt (62) depending on the other side edge (54). The first panel (12) of this invention further includes a plurality of cross members. Preferably, the plurality of cross members is a first cross member (64) disposed adjacent to the longitudinal skirt (56) and extending in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12). Extending adjacent to the first cross member (64), there is a second cross member (66) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12). Extending adjacent to the second cross member (66), there is a third cross member (68) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12). Next, a fourth cross member (70) is arranged adjacent the third cross member (68) and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12). Finally, a fifth crossbar (72) is arranged adjacent to the fourth cross member and extends in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12). Although the plurality of crosspieces as described above preferably describe five crosspieces oriented in the longitudinal direction of the first panel (12), more or fewer crosspieces or several other orientations of the rails may be used instead of being in the longitudinal direction, without departing of the novel aspects of this invention. As seen in Figure 6, each cross member of the plurality of cross members includes a pair of opposed faces having a plurality of holes disposed along the length of each cross member of the plurality of cross members. As seen in Figure 6, the first cross member (64) has a pair of opposed faces (74a) having a plurality of holes (76a) disposed therethrough. The second cross member (66) has a pair of opposite faces (74b) having a plurality of holes (76b) disposed therethrough. The third cross member (68) has a pair of opposed faces (74c) with a plurality of holes (76c) disposed therethrough. The fourth cross member (70) has a pair of opposed faces (74d) having a plurality of holes (76d) disposed therethrough. Finally, the fifth cross member (72) has a pair of opposite faces (74e) having a plurality of holes (76e) disposed therethrough. The first panel (12) further includes a plurality of openings. Specifically, the first panel (12) has a plurality of openings (78a) between the first crossbar (64) and the second crossbar (66), a plurality of openings (78b) between the second crossbar (66) and the third crossbar ( 68), a plurality of openings (78c) between the third cross member (68) and the fourth cross member (70), and a plurality of openings (78d) between the fourth cross member (70) and the fifth cross member (72). Figure 4 and Figure 5 show the fourth cross member (70) of this invention. However, it should be understood that the unique aspects as shown with reference to the fourth crossbar (70) also apply to the first crossbar (64), the second crossbar (66), the third crossbar (68) and the fifth crossbar (72). The fourth cross member (70) has an end (84) disposed proximate the side edge (52) of the first panel (12). The fourth cross member (70) includes another end (86) disposed proximate the other side edge (54) of the first panel (12). The fourth cross member (70) further includes a fourth upper portion (80d) and a fourth lower portion (82). The fourth upper portion (80d) is preferably arranged adjacent to the first panel (12). The fourth lower portion (82) is preferably disposed adjacent to the fourth upper portion (80d). Preferably, the fourth upper portion (80d) and the lower fourth portion (82) are integrally formed with the first panel (12). However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that other binding mechanisms can be employed equivalently in the practice of this invention. Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the fourth upper portion (80d) is generally rectangular in shape and is circumscribed by the first panel (12), the end (84), the other end, and a cord, not shown, interconnecting the fourth upper portion (80d) and the fourth lower portion (82). The first upper portion (80a) has a first depth measured from the first panel (12) to the cord, not shown. Ideally, as best seen with reference to Figure 6, the depth of the second upper portion (80b) of the second panel (22) is approximately greater than the depth of the first upper portion (80a). The depth of the third upper portion (80c) of the third cross member (68) is approximately greater than the depth of the second upper portion (80b) of the second cross member (66). The depth of the fourth upper portion (80d) of the fourth cross member (70) is approximately less than the depth of the third upper portion (80c). The depth of the fifth upper portion (80e) is approximately less than the depth of the upper fourth portion (80d). Preferably, the depth of the first upper portion (80a) is approximately equal to the depth of the fifth upper portion (80e), and the depth of the second upper portion (80b) is approximately equal to the depth of the upper fourth portion. (80d) Another unique aspect with respect to the plurality of cross members can be better appreciated with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The fourth lower portion (82) of the fourth cross member (70) has a curvilinear lower edge (88). Preferably, the curvilinear lower edge (88) is parabolic in shape with a vertex (90). Most preferably, the apex (90) is disposed approximately midway between the end (84) and the other side end (86). However, one skilled in the art can appreciate better than the use of material as described above with respect to the novel cross-member structure of this invention, arranges the maximum amount of material approximately at the geometric center of each panel and tapers slightly towards the longitudinal edge (48), the other longitudinal edge (50), the side edge (52) and the other side edge (54) of each panel. Similarly, it has been found that the distribution of stress in each panel has approximately the same distribution. Each panel of this invention includes a plurality of ferrules. As best seen with reference to Figure 4, the first panel (12) preferably includes a first bushing (92) disposed in a manner close to a longitudinal edge (48) and a side edge (52), a second bushing (94) arranged next to the longitudinal edge (48) and another side edge (54), a third bushing (96) disposed next to the other longitudinal edge (50) and the other side edge (54), and a fourth bushing (98) disposed next to the another longitudinal edge (50) and the lateral edge (52). Preferably, the second panel (22), the third panel (30), the fourth panel (38) and the fifth panel (46), each have four sockets arranged in a similar way. The single bushing of this invention is best appreciated with reference to the first bushing (92) as shown in Figure 3a. The first bushing (92) includes an inner wall (100) and an outer wall (102) disposed circumferentially around said inner wall (100). Preferably, the inner wall (100) and the outer wall (102) are approximately cylindrical in shape. The inner wall (100) is interconnected with the outer wall (102) by a plurality of support members.

Preferably, the support members are a first support member (104), a second support member (106), a third support member (108), a fourth support member (1 10) and a fifth support member (1 12). Each of the support members is disposed radially around the circumference of the inner wall (100). The inner wall (100) has an upper edge (1 14) and an opposite lower edge (116). Arranged between the upper edge (1 14) and the lower edge (1 16), there is a circumferential flange (1 18). In addition, a floor member (120) is disposed between the inner wall (100) and the outer wall (102). Preferably, the floor member (120) is oriented parallel to the first panel (12). Preferably, the floor member (120) is disposed approximately at a mid point between the upper edge (14) and the lower edge (16) of the inner wall (100). The floor member in another preferred embodiment includes a first opening (122) disposed between the first support member (104) and the second support member (106), a second opening (124) between the second support member (106) and the third support member (108), a third opening (126) between the third support member (108) and a fourth support member (110), a fourth opening (128) between the fourth support member (1) and ) and the fifth support member (1 12), and a fifth opening (130) between the fifth support member (1 12) and the first support member (104). The inner wall (100) has an upper portion (132) and a lower portion (134). The upper portion has a plurality of upper ribs (136). Similarly, the lower portion has a plurality of lower ribs (138). In a preferred embodiment, the panel (12) preferably includes at least one corner, not shown, that interconnects at least one of the ferrules (92,94,96, or 98) with at least one of the flaps (56 , 58.60 or 62). As best seen with reference to Figure 2, this invention uses a plurality of posts. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the first post (14) includes an arrow (138) having an upper portion (140). The upper portion (140) includes an upper inner surface (142) and an outer outer surface disposed outward (144). The upper portion (140) terminates at an upper peripheral edge (146). Opposedly disposed along the arrow (138) with respect to the upper portion (140), is a lower portion (152). The lower portion (152) includes a lower external surface (154) and a lower internal surface, not shown, disposed inward relative to the lower external surface (154). The lower portion (152) terminates at a lower peripheral edge (158). Preferably, the lower external surface (154) includes a plurality of post ribs (160) disposed radially around said lower external surface (154). Additionally, the first post (14) includes a lower portion (148) adjacent to the lower portion (152). The lower portion (148) includes a lower external surface (150). Preferably, a post shoulder (162) is disposed between the lower portion (152) and the lower portion (148). In a preferred embodiment, each post of the plurality of posts is cylindrical in cross section. However, other different cross sections could be used without departing from the novel aspects of this invention. The person skilled in the art can appreciate the structure described above with particular reference to the first post (14) is applicable equivalent to the structure of the entire plurality of posts. During use, the user of this invention can insert a post into a particular socket. As seen in Figure 3a, the first post (14) can be inserted into the first bushing (92). The user will press the first post towards the bushing (92) until the post shoulder (162) abuts the circumferential shoulder (118). Once the first post (14) is oriented so that the lower external surface (150) abuts against the upper portion (132) of the inner wall (100). Similarly, the second post (16) is inserted into the second bushing (94); the third post (118) is inserted in the third bushing (96); the fourth post (20) is inserted in the fourth bushing (98). Then, the second panel (22) is inserted on each of the posts (14, 16, 18, and 20). Specifically, the upper portion (140) of the first post (14) is inserted into the lower portion (134) of the first bushing (92) of the second panel (22). Similarly, the second post (16) is inserted into the second bushing (94); the third post (18) is inserted in the third bushing (96); and the fourth post (20) is inserted in the fourth cask (98). If it is desired for the shelf system to have an additional shelf, the fifth post (24) can be inserted into the first bushing (92) of the second panel (22), the sixth post (26) can be inserted into the second bushing (94). ) of the second panel (22); the seventh post (28) can be inserted in the third bushing (96) of the second panel (22); and the eighth post, not shown, can be inserted in the fourth bushing (98) of the second panel (22). Specifically, with particular reference only to the fifth post (24), the fifth post (24) is inserted into the second bushing (94) until the post shoulder (162) of the fifth post (24) abuts the circumferential shoulder (1). 18) of the first bushing (92) of the second panel (24). In addition, the lower external surface (154) of the fifth post (24) abuts the circumferential flange (1 18) of the first bushing (92) of the second panel (24). In addition, the lower external surface (154) of the fifth post (24) is received within the upper internal surface (142) of the first post (14). Therefore, additional support is provided to the shelf system (10) of this invention. The preferred embodiment of this invention describes a system of shelves (10) having 5 panels interconnected by a plurality of posts. However, the person skilled in the art can appreciate that the support structures can be assembled having more or fewer panels than the number of panels specifically described herein without departing from the novel aspects of this invention. An advantage of the above-described invention is that the panels of this invention use a plurality of cross-pieces to reduce the stresses made within each panel in such a way as to also reduce the amount of material needed. This advantage is achieved by placing only the additional material in places where the effort is maximum in each panel. This advantage is achieved by means of two separate mechanisms: varying the depth of each different crossbar and varying the amount of material arranged along each crossbar. Preferably, the amount of material is maximally increased thereby at the geometric center of each panel. The geometric center exhibits the greatest amount of effort within each panel once loaded. However, to reduce the amount of material used, excess material is removed from those regions that experience less effort. The person skilled in the art can appreciate that various other modalities of this invention can be used. For example, the cross members may be oriented in a transverse direction instead of along the longitudinal direction or even along a direction biased with respect to the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction. Furthermore, if in a particular application it is found that the stress distribution differs from that described above, the novel cross-member structure of this invention can be similarly modified to once again arrange the maximum amount of material in regions close to the regions that They experience maximum effort and minimize the use of material in regions that experience minimal effort. Another advantage taught by this invention is the use of a novel shell structure. As seen in Figure 3a, the bushing (92) of this invention reduces stresses in the region surrounding the bushing (92). The efforts made around the bushing (92) are transmitted through the outer wall (102) radially inwardly along the floor member (120) and the plurality of support members (104)., 106, 108, 1 10, 1 12) towards the inner wall (100). The inner wall (100) in turn transmits the efforts towards the first post (14). Therefore, the novel bushing structure of this invention reduces the probability of failure in the region surrounding each bushing. Another advantage of this invention is the unique placement of the floor member within each bushing. As shown in Figure 3a, the floor member (120) of the first bushing (92) is disposed about midway between the upper edge (114) and the lower edge (116). This location of the floor member (120) is placed only for use in molded plastic shelving. In the manufacture of molded plastic shelving, each panel is formed integrally with a plurality of ferrules and crosspieces. This operation is performed at the interface of two metallic die elements that are forced together defining the other limits of the panel. Once forced together, the cavity defined in it is injected with a plastic material. Afterwards, the dice are cooled to fix the molded panel. However, the person skilled in the art can appreciate that to form deep depressions in a mold a die having a metal portion that extends a greater distance inwards towards the cavity from one of the dice is required. However, the use of a die having a metal portion extending a greater distance to the mold may present cooling problems since a surface area larger than that of the metal die has to be cooled. Therefore, the present invention places the floor member approximately at the midpoint of the socket, thus allowing optimum cooling of both dice and minimizing the surface area of any of the dice. Although this invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is evident that other forms may be adopted by the person skilled in the art, for example by modifying the appearance or structure of the panel, or substituting appropriate materials. Therefore, the scope of this invention is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (44)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A shelving system comprising: a panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said panel includes a plurality of cross member members disposed adjacent to said panel, said plurality of cross member includes a first cross member and a second cross member Cross member, said second cross member is disposed adjacent said first cross member, said first cross member has a first upper portion having a first depth, said second cross member has a second upper portion having a second depth , said second depth is approximately greater than said first depth.

2. A shelving system according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of cross member further comprises: a third cross member arranged adjacent to said second cross member, said third cross member includes a third upper portion that has a third depth, said third depth is approximately greater than said second depth; a fourth cross member disposed adjacent said third cross member, said fourth cross member includes a fourth upper portion having a fourth depth, said fourth depth being approximately less than said third depth; and a fifth cross member disposed adjacent said fourth cross member, said fifth cross member includes a fifth upper portion having a fifth depth, said fifth depth being approximately less than said fourth depth.

3.- A shelving system in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that said first depth is approximately equal to said fifth depth, and wherein said second depth is approximately equal to said fourth depth.

4.- A shelving system in accordance with the claim 3, characterized in that said first upper portion, said second upper portion, said third upper portion, and said fifth upper portion each have a globally rectangular shape.

5.- A shelving system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality has a first end and a second end, said second end is arranged in an opposite manner parallel to said longitudinal direction of said panel.

6. A shelving system according to claim 1, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality is formed integrally with said panel.

7. - A shelving system comprising: a panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said panel includes a plurality of cross member members disposed adjacent said panel, each cross member of said plurality includes a lower portion, said lower portion it has a curvilinear lower edge disposed at a distance from said panel.

8.- A shelving system in accordance with the claim 7, characterized in that each panel of said plurality further includes an upper portion disposed between said panel and said lower portion.

9.- A shelving system in accordance with the claim 8, characterized in that said panel and said plurality of cross members are integrally formed.

10. A shelving system according to claim 7, characterized in that said lower portion is arranged parallel with respect to said longitudinal direction of said panel.

11. A shelving system according to claim 8, characterized in that said plurality of cross member includes a first cross member and a second cross member, said second cross member is disposed adjacent to said first cross member, said first cross member has a first upper portion having a first depth disposed between said panel and said first lower portion, said second cross member has a second upper portion having a second depth, said second depth being approximately greater than said second portion. first depth.

12. A shelving system according to claim 11, characterized in that said plurality of cross member further comprises: a third cross member disposed adjacent to said second cross member, said third cross member includes a third upper portion that has a third depth, said third depth is approximately greater than said second depth; a fourth cross member disposed adjacent said third cross member, said fourth cross member includes a fourth upper portion having a fourth depth, said fourth depth being approximately less than said third depth; and a fifth cross member disposed adjacent said fourth cross member, said fifth cross member includes a fifth upper portion having a fifth depth, said fifth depth being approximately less than said fourth depth.

13. A shelving system according to claim 12, characterized in that said first depth is approximately equal to said fifth depth, and wherein said second depth is approximately equal to said fourth depth.

14. A shelving system according to claim 13, characterized in that said first upper portion, said second upper portion, said third upper portion and said fifth upper portion each have a globally rectangular shape.

15. A shelving system according to claim 7, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality has a first end and second end, said second end is arranged oppositely in the longitudinal direction of said panel, said lower portion of each panel it has a vertex disposed between said first end and said second end of each cross member of said plurality.

16. A shelving system according to claim 15, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality further includes a vertex disposed between said first end and said second end of each cross member of said plurality of cross members.

17. A shelving system according to claim 16, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality of cross members has a mid point disposed approximately at the same distance between the first end and the second end of each cross member of said plurality of cross members, said vertex of said curvilinear lower edge is arranged approximately at said middle point of each cross member of said plurality of cross members.

18. - A shelving system comprising: a panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction disposed transversely with respect to said longitudinal direction, said panel includes a plurality of cross member members disposed adjacent to said panel, said plurality of cross member includes a first cross member and a second cross member, said second cross member is disposed adjacent said first cross member, said first cross member has a first upper portion having a first depth, said second cross member has a second upper portion having a second depth, said second depth being approximately greater than said first depth, each of said cross member of said plurality further includes a lower portion, said lower portion having a curvilinear lower edge disposed at a distance from said bread he.

19. A shelving system according to claim 18, characterized in that said plurality of cross member includes a first cross member and second cross member, said second cross member is disposed adjacent to said first cross member, said first cross member has a first upper portion having a first depth disposed between said panel and said first lower portion, said second cross member has a second upper portion having a second depth, said second depth being approximately greater than said first depth .

20. A shelving system according to claim 19, characterized in that said plurality of cross member further comprises: a third cross member disposed adjacent to said second cross member, said third cross member includes a third upper portion that has a third depth, said third depth is approximately greater than said second depth; a fourth cross member disposed adjacent said third cross member, said fourth cross member includes a fourth upper portion having a fourth depth, said fourth depth being approximately less than said third depth; and a fifth cross member disposed adjacent said fourth cross member, said fifth cross member includes a fifth upper portion having a fifth depth, said fifth depth being approximately less than said fourth depth.

21. A shelving system according to claim 20, characterized in that said first depth is approximately equal to said fifth depth, and wherein said second depth is approximately equal to said fourth depth.

22. A shelving system according to claim 21, characterized in that said first upper portion, said second upper portion, said third upper portion, and said fifth upper portion each have a globally rectangular shape.

23. A shelving system according to claim 18, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality has a first end and second end, said second end is arranged oppositely in the longitudinal direction of said panel, said lower portion of each panel it has a vertex disposed between said first end and said second end of each cross member of said plurality.

24. A shelving system according to claim 18, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality further includes a vertex disposed between said first end and said second end of each cross member of said plurality of cross members.

25. A shelving system according to claim 24, characterized in that each cross member of said plurality of cross members has a mid point disposed approximately at the same distance between the first end and the second end of each cross member of said plurality of cross members, said vertex of said curvilinear lower edge is arranged approximately at said middle point of each cross member of said plurality of cross members.

26. - A shelving system comprising: a panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said panel includes at least one bushing, said bushing is arranged on said panel, said bushing includes an inner wall and an outer wall disposed circumscribing said inner wall, said outer wall is separated from said inner wall.

27.- A shelving system according to claim 26, further characterized in that said bushing includes a plurality of support members disposed between said inner wall and said outer wall.

28. A shelving system according to claim 27, characterized in that said plurality of support members are arranged radially in relation to said inner wall.

29. A shelving system according to claim 28, characterized in that said bushing further includes a floor member disposed between said inner wall and said outer wall.

30.- A shelving system according to claim 29, characterized in that said floor member is arranged parallel in relation to said panel.

31.- A shelving system according to claim 30, characterized in that said inner wall has an upper edge and a lower edge arranged opposite.

32. - A shelving system according to claim 31, characterized in that said floor member is arranged approximately at a mid point between said upper edge and said lower edge.

33- A shelving system according to claim 32, characterized in that said floor member further includes a plurality of openings through said floor member.

34. A shelving system according to claim 33, characterized in that said inner sleeve further includes an upper portion adjacent said upper edge, and a lower portion adjacent said lower edge.

35.- A shelving system according to claim 34, characterized in that said shelf further includes at least one pole member received inside said bushing.

36.- A shelving system according to claim 34, wherein said post comprises: an upper portion having an upper internal surface and an upper external surface, said upper portion terminating at an upper peripheral edge; and a lower portion disposed oppositely with respect to said upper portion, said lower portion having an inner bottom surface and an outer bottom surface disposed outwardly, said bottom outer surface being disposed adjacent said lower peripheral edge, said post further includes an outer and lower bottom surface disposed adjacent to said bottom exterior surface.

37.- A shelving system according to claim 36, characterized in that said upper outer surface of said upper portion has a radius approximately equal to the radius of the lower portion of said cap, said lower outer surface having a radius approximately equal to the radius of said upper inner surface, said lower outer surface has a radius approximately equal to the radius of said upper portion of said bushing.

38.- A shelving system according to claim 37, characterized in that said panel is approximately rectangular in shape, said panel has an edge and another edge arranged opposite along the transverse direction with respect to said edge, said panel having in addition a lateral edge and another lateral edge disposed opposite with respect to said lateral edge in the longitudinal direction.

39.- A shelving system according to claim 38, characterized in that said bushing (at least one) is a first bushing arranged next to said longitudinal edge and said lateral edge, a second bushing disposed close to said longitudinal edge and the another side edge, a third bushing disposed next to said other longitudinal edge and said other side edge and a fourth bushing disposed proximate said other longitudinal edge and said side edge.

40. - A shelving system comprising: a plurality of panels, each panel having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said transverse direction is disposed transversely with respect to said longitudinal direction, each panel of said plurality comprises a plurality of cross members arranged in said panel, said plurality of cross member includes a first cross member and a second cross member, said second cross member is disposed adjacent said first cross member, said first cross member has a first upper portion that has a first depth, said second cross member has a second upper portion having a second depth, said second depth being approximately greater than said first depth, each cross member of said plurality of cross member further includes a lower portion adjacent to said cross member. portion uppermost, said lower portion ends in a curvilinear lower edge; each panel of said plurality of panels further comprises a plurality of ferrules arranged in said panel, each ferrule of said plurality comprising an internal wall and an external wall, said external wall circumscribing said internal wall, said external wall being separated from said internal wall, said casquiil further includes a plurality of radially arranged support members and interconnecting said internal wall to said external wall, and a floor member disposed parallel to said panel and interconnecting said internal wall with said external wall.

41. - A panel for use in a shelving system, comprising: a plurality of sides that are intersected in corners, and at least one bushing disposed proximate to at least one corner of said panel, said bushing comprises an inner wall and an external wall, said external wall surrounding and separated outwardly from said internal wall, said bushing further comprises at least one reinforcing flange interconnecting said internal wall with said external wall.

42. A panel according to claim 41, characterized in that said reinforcement flange normally intersects the internal wall and the external wall.

43.- A panel according to claim 42, characterized in that said internal wall and said external wall are substantially concentric and cylindrical.

44. A panel according to claim 43, characterized in that the reinforcement flange extends radially from the inner wall to the outer wall.