NZ504059A - Sheet metal panel assembly, typically for shelving, with planar backing sheet folded at edge(s) and a portion inserted to form composite box section on edge(s) - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet metal panel assembly is disclosed suitable for use as a backing panel on a shelving unit. A sheet metal panel 1 has one and preferably two opposing edges 2 folded to form a void forming section s. Each void forming section includes a base portion 4 disposed transversely of the plane of the panel 1 and an end limb 5 directed back toward the panel 1. The end limb 5 terminates clear of the section 3 of the panel 1 that merges with the void forming section to create an opening 6. An elongate member 7 is folded to correspond to the shape of the void and is nested therein in so doing closing the opening 6 and forming a box-section with the void forming section. The ends of the elongate member 7 include projection tabs 11 which are adapted to engage the associated ends of the shelf bracket support posts 10 positioned at the side of the panel assembly. The panel then provides backing to shelves carried on the brackets.

Description

P.F. 5 Code 1050 Fee: $250 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 No. 504059 Priority Date: 18 April 2000 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AN IMPROVED PANEL ASSEMBLY We VICTOR INDUSTRIES LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 12 Cape Hill Road, Pukekohe, Auckland, New Zealand do hereby declare the invention for which We pray that a Patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: N1161 nz3 doc 504059 This invention relates to sheet metal panel assemblies and in particular is concerned with a sheet metal panel assembly suitable for use as a backing to shelving.

Much shelving, particularly that used in shops and for similar retail display purposes, is fabricated from sheet metal. Typically sheet metal box-section posts are provided at 5 required intervals, the posts incorporating slots enabling cantilevered shelving brackets to be mounted thereto. Often transverse box-section post-to-post members and flat sheet back-plates are provided between the posts to complete a shelving assembly. Shelving brackets can be provided on both sides of the posts, the backing plates thus separating so constructed back-to-back shelving.

An intention of this invention is to provide a panel assembly particularly suitable for utilisation as a combination backing-plate and post-to-post transverse member in such a shelving arrangement A further intention is to provide the public with a useful choice.

According to a first embodiment of this invention there is provided a sheet metal panel assembly having a panel with a main panel section and along at least one edge a folded void 15 forming section with a first portion thereof joining the main panel section being disposed to one side of the main panel section, the void forming section further having a second portion disposed transversely of the plane of the main panel section and a third portion at the associated end of the panel directed back toward but terminating short of the first portion such that an opening to the void defined by the void forming section is formed on the side 20 of the panel opposite to that on which the first portion is disposed, and an elongate member formed from sheet metal to have a cross-sectional shape adapting the elongate member to INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 7 sep 2001 received N1161nz3 doc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 7 sep 2001 3 RECEIVED nest with the void forming section to form a box-section therewith and in so doing closing the side opening to the void.

According to a second embodiment of this invention there is provided a sheet metal panel assembly as described in the first embodiment wherein the void forming section(s) is opened ended and the elongate member nests therein by insertion into the void through one of the open ends According to a third embodiment of this invention there is provided a sheet metal panel assembly as described in either of the two preceding embodiments wherein the first portion is disposed at an obtuse angle to the plane of the main panel section.

According to a fourth embodiment of this invention there is provided a sheet metal panel assembly as described in the preceding paragraph wherein the elongate element includes an inclined portion that in assembly with the panel bridges closes the side opening and is disposed at an angle to the plane of the main panel section substantially the same, but in the opposing direction, to the disposition of the first portion to the plane of the panel.

According to a fifth embodiment of this invention there is provide a sheet metal panel assembly as described in any one of the four preceding paragraphs wherein the panel assembly has void forming sections with nesting elongate members at two opposing edges of the panel.

According to a sixth embodiment of this invention there is provided a sheet metal panel assembly as described in any one of the five immediately preceding paragraphs wherein either the elongate member or the void forming section(s) incorporate tabs at the ends N1161nz3 doc 504059 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 7 sep 2001 received thereof, the tabs being adapted to be engageable with posts disposed adjacently alongside those ends.

According to a seventh embodiment of this invention there is provided a panel assembly as described in the preceding paragraph including a pair of open ended hollow posts of a 5 length corresponding to the length of the edges of the panel not having void forming sections formed therealong with the tabs incorporated on one box-section clipped over the associated ends of the posts and with the tabs incorporated on the remaining box section forming end plates for the opposing ends of the posts.

In further describing the invention reference is made to the accompanying drawings 10 wherein: Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a fragmented end view detailing part of the panel assembly.

A panel with a main panel section 1 of sheet metal of required thickness is preferably provided with void forming sections indicated by arrow 2, along two opposing edges. The 15 void forming sections 2 are preferably formed by folding the edge sections of the panel 1. A first portion 3 thereof forming the merge from panel 1 to folded section is disposed to one side of the panel 1 preferably at an obtuse angle, of about 135°, to the plane thereof.

Outward of the merging first portion 3 preferably the panel material of the void forming sections 2 is folded into a right-angled "U"- shape with the base of the U-shape forming a 20 second portion 4 disposed transversally of the plane of the main panel 1. The outer leg thereof forms a third portion 5 which is directed back toward the main panel 1 in parallel 50 40 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z.

N1161nz3 doc 2 7 sep 2001 received relationship to the opposing side which joins the first portion 3. Preferably the void forming section 2 is disposed symmetrically of the plane of the main panel 1. The outer leg third portion 5 thereof terminates clear of the main panel 1 to form an opening 6 to the interior of the void forming section 2. The opening 6 is thus positioned on the side of the main panel 1 opposite to that on which the merging third portion 3 is disposed.

An elongate member 7 is fabricated to fit longitudinally within the void forming section 2. Referring in particular to Fig. 2 preferably the elongate member 7 is formed from sheet metal and has a cross-sectional shape enabling the member 7 to nest closely within the void forming section 2. In so doing the member 7 closes the longitudinal opening 6 and combines with section 2 to form a box-section. Preferably the portion 8 of the elongate member 7 that bridges the opening 6 of the void forming section 2 is shaped such that in assembly it is disposed at an angle to the panel 1 that matches the angle of the merge portion 3 Thus with elongate members 7 located in each of the void forming sections 2 a panel assembly particularly useful in shelving as aforesaid is provided preferably with the merge from panel 1 to the box-sectional ends 2 being angled In typical use the panel assembly is arranged with the box-sectional ends 2/7 disposed at upper and lower ends. The assembly is mounted between a pair of shelf support posts 10 (one post only being depicted) to form a backing panel between. The height (which corresponds to the length of the non-voided forming edges 12) of the panel 1 corresponds to the length of the posts 10. Preferably the elongate member 7 at the lower end incorporates projecting lugs 9 at each end which in use can seat under the posts 10. Preferably down turned lugs 11 are provided on the ends of the N1 !61nz3 doc 50 4059 6 upper elongate member 7 to clip over the top of the posts 10 Preferably the edges 12 of the panel abutting the posts 10 are formed with a short angled folds therealong to facilitate rigidity.

MNTaLECTUALpS^^" I OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 7 sep 2001 RECEIVED N1161nz3 doc 50 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 2 7 sep 2001 received

Claims (9)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS

1. A sheet metal panel assembly having a panel with a main panel section and along at least one edge a folded void forming section with a first portion thereof joining the main panel section being disposed to one side of the main panel section, the void forming section further having a second portion disposed transversely of the plane of the main panel section and a third portion at the associated end of the panel directed back toward but terminating short of the first portion such that an opening to the void defined by the void forming section is formed on the side of the panel opposite to that on which the first portion is disposed, and an elongate member formed from sheet metal to have a cross-sectional shape adapting the elongate member to nest with the void forming section to form a box-section therewith and in so doing closing the side opening to the void.

2. A sheet metal panel assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the void forming section(s) is opened ended and the elongate member nests therein by insertion into the void through one of the open ends

3. A sheet metal panel assembly as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first portion is disposed at an obtuse angle to the plane of the main panel section.

4. A sheet metal panel assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the elongate element includes an inclined portion that in assembly with the panel bridges closes the side opening and is disposed at an angle to the plane of the main panel section substantially the same, but in the opposing direction, to the disposition of the first portion to the plane of the panel. N1161nz3 doc

5. A sheet metal panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding daims wherein the panel assembly has void forming sections with nesting elongate members at two opposing edges of the panel.

6. A sheet metal panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein either the elongate member or the void forming section(s) incorporate tabs at the ends thereof, the tabs being adapted to be engageable with posts disposed adjacently alongside those ends.

7. A panel assembly as claimed in claim 6 including a pair of open ended hollow posts of a length corresponding to the length of the edges of the panel not having void forming sections formed therealong with the tabs incorporated on one box-section clipped over the associated ends of the posts and with the tabs incorporated on the remaining box section forming end plates for the opposing ends of the posts.

8. A panel assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the non-void forming edges of the panel incorporate angle folds to facilitate the rigidity of the panel.

9. A panel assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. VICTOR INDUSTRIES LIMITED By their Ajjd^ieys/"\ / NEWNHAM dm) !/ inteu a-ectvjm. prOPErTV °f N'1' SEP 2001