WO2008028230A1

WO2008028230A1 - A method and apparatus for providing an anti-tilt mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2008028230A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001303
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Maurice Parker; George Giles Campbell; David Malcolm Gordon
Original assignee: Glidestore Freetrack Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-05
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2008-03-13

Abstract

The present invention related to an anti-tilt apparatus for use in a mobile shelving system, said anti-tilt apparatus characterised by: a longitudinal track body of generally uniform cross section, said track body including a central channel and a longitudinal groove disposed above and to at least one side thereof; and a runner adapted to slideably engage the central channel and support said shelving thereabove, said runner including a flange portion extending outwards from at least one side thereof, configured to be received within the groove and thereby prevent said shelving from tilting about a transverse axis.

Description

A method and apparatus for providing an anti-tilt mechanism

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an anti-tilt mechanism for mobile shelving and, in particular, to an apparatus preventing mobile shelves from tilting and a method of using and installing such a device. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile shelving systems typically comprise a plurality of mobile shelving units which are equipped with rollers to traverse along spaced apart tracks, with each individual shelf unit being a tall and narrow structure having an array of horizontal shelves.

A known problem with existing shelving, and their engagement with the tracks, is that when heavy items are placed on the higher shelves the structure becomes unstable. This instability, combined with the shelving unit being subjected to uneven lateral forces whilst being moved, can result in them toppling over in the direction of movement. Such occurrences can result in extensive damage to the shelf and surrounding property, as well as harm to persons located within the vicinity of the shelf.

Anti-tilt devices have been implemented and used on mobile shelving systems to prevent shelving units from toppling over. However, prior art devices known to the present inventor present a number of problems. One such problem is that they are often mounted above the shelving units, or on or near the track, in a visually unappealing manner.

The prior art track based anti-tilt systems generally involve an additionally connected flange extending longitudinally along the track. The shelving unit is then adapted to engage the flange and any lateral motion of the shelving unit is restricted by this arrangement. The problems arising from the extra flange include; additional manufacturing costs, an additional channel for debris to get caught in restricting motion of the shelving units, and the creation of an additional edge. The additional edge creates a pinching or trapping hazard and can result in injury to persons moving the shelving units. Also, objects can get caught in the gap between the flange and the moving shelving unit. It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems and to provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed an anti-tilt apparatus for use in a mobile shelving system, said anti-tilt apparatus characterised by: a longitudinal track body of generally uniform cross section, said track body including a central channel and a longitudinal groove disposed above and to at least one side thereof; a runner adapted to slideably engage the central channel and support said shelving thereabove, said runner including a flange portion extending outwards from at least one side thereof, configured to be received within the groove and thereby prevent said shelving from tilting about a transverse axis. Preferably said runner includes an inverted, substantially U-shaped body of generally uniform cross section, said body including a means to rotatably house at least one roller so that each roller suspends partially below the side edges of the runner body.

In preference said flange portion is formed integrally with said body and extends outwardly from a lower edge of one side thereof.

In preference said track central channel is substantially V-shaped and adapted to support said rollers thereabove so that an outer edge of each roller contacts each side of the V-shaped channel.

In preference during assembly of said runner to said track, the flange is rotatably insertable into said groove by tilting the runner about its longitudinal axis and rotating it into the groove. In preference the relative dimensions of the runner and track are such that following insertion and rotation, said rollers are in an operable position above the channel.

Preferably said shelving is adapted to be supported above two or more runners which slideably engage two or more spaced apart parallel tracks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 illustrates a cross sectional view of a mobile shelving systems and track;

Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile shelving system track; Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile shelving system track without the upper track moulding;

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile shelving system track termination; and

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile shelving system track end cap.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Although the following description relates to all features of the mobile shelving track system 10, it is to be understood that the present invention relates specifically to the mechanism for preventing the mobile shelving from tilting. Figure 1 shows a cross section of an extruded mobile shelving system track 10 and a cross section of the base of a mobile shelving unit 12 traversing the track. The extruded track 10 comprises; and upper track moulding 14, a lower steel track 16, ajoiner plate 18, adjustable ramps 20, a cylindrical spacer block 22, a cylindrical screw foot 24, and a height adjustment screw 26. The upper track moulding 14 is adapted to be received by the lower steel track 16 and shaped so as to disperse the load, from a mobile shelving unit, to a large surface area on the ground. The upper track moulding 14 contains a ribbed upper surface 28, a ratchet mechanism 30 on the underside of the upper track moulding to engage the adjustable ramp 20, ribs 32 adapted to transfer any loading on the upper surface of the track moulding to the lower steel track and the ground, channels 34 for the retention of an anti-tilt flange 36, and central channel 38 adapted to receive a mobile shelving unit roller 40.

The central channel 38 has a V shaped configuration to reduce the contact surface area between the roller 40 and the channel 38. The roller 40 engages the channel centrally with both edges of the roller contacting the channel. The weight of the mobile shelving unit on the roller retains it in the desired position and allows sufficient friction for it to rotate smoothly as the shelving unit traverses the track. The V shaped central channel 38 produces a reduced amount of friction whilst engaging the roller, providing for ease of movement and a reduction in noise. However, it is also envisaged that in some applications, particularly in heavy duty applications, the central channel 38 may contain a flat base configuration. The flat base of the channel 38 is also adapted to receive the roller 40.

In order to prevent wear and strengthen the upper track moulding central channel 38, retaining beads 42 retain a crinoline strip 44 on each side of the V shaped channel. The inclusion of the crinoline strips 44, generally made of steel, allow for the simplified profile of the upper track moulding 14 hence improving mouldability and ensuring a flatter more stable track. The strips 44 can be inserted, between the retaining beads 42, from either end of the upper track moulding 14.

In accordance with the present invention, in order to prevent the toppling of a mobile shelving unit in a lateral direction, the shelving unit has an anti-tilt flange 36 adapted to be retained within the upper track moulding anti-tilt channel 34. The anti-tilt flange 36 is part of an extrusion and is a C shaped flange depending from one of two spaced apart vertical flanges 46, as one point of contact is sufficient to prevent the attached mobile shelving unit from toppling. The mobile shelving unit is attached to the base of the mobile shelving unit extrusion 12 and comprises of an upstanding stiffening web 48 and a horizontal stiffening web 50, of which the two spaced apart vertical flanges 46 depend from.

The anti-tilt flange 36 has a C shaped configuration and engages the channel 34 in an outwards direction into the upper track moulding 14. This configuration has a number of advantages. The extrusion, including vertical flanges 46, stiffening webs 48 and 50 and anti-tilt flange 36, can be cast together and does not require the bolting or securing of the anti-tilt flange after manufacture. This configuration also reduces assembly time on site as the extrusion can be rotatably inserted into its operating position, within the confines of the channel 34 surfaces and retained due to the weight of the attached mobile shelving unit. The anti-tilt flange 36 engages the channel 34 internally, reducing the possibility of any debris being collected and trapped on the underside surface of the channel 34. This allows for smoother mobile shelving unit travel and a reduction in required maintenance. The internal orientation of the anti-tilt flange 36 also reduces the likelihood of a trapping or pinching hazard occurring, making it more difficult for objects or body parts to be caught whilst the mobile shelving unit is travelling along the track.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the extruded mobile shelving system track 10, with the extruded base of mobile shelving unit 12 traversing the track. From this figure it can be seen that extruded track 10 comprises an upper track moulding 14 that is placed over the lower steel track 16 and retained in position. This retention is achieved using a fastener or clip arrangement. The track 10 has a plurality of adjustable ramps 20, with as many used as required to protect the length of the track. The ramps 20 also have a ribbed underside to reduce weight and maintain strength.

Also shown is the ribbed upper surface 28 of the upper track moulding 14. These parallel ribs open outwards to ensure efficient cleaning and assist with the brushing away of any debris located in the grooves between the ribs. The outer edge of the ribbed upper surface is rounded and tapered so as to neatly fit over the adjustable ramps 20, thus reducing the size of the lip formed and the likelihood of the upper track moulding being lifted. The rounding and tapering of the ribbed upper surface 28 is also envisaged to be adapted to receive an extruded stipe used to cover the steelwork should the adjustable ramps not be used. The configuration of the base of the mobile shelving unit 12 and the anti-tilt flange 36 is also shown. From this figure it can be seen that during assembly the extrusion 12 is rotatably inserted into the desired position within the upper track moulding 14 and retained by the weight of the mobile shelving unit attached to the vertical and horizontal webs 48 and 50.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of one length of lower steel track 16 being joined to a joiner platelδ. Another length of lower steel track 16 would then be joined using the fastening holes 52 supplied in the joiner plate and the weld nuts 54 on the steel track 16. It is also envisaged that an alternate fastening arrangement can be made for ease of assembly, whereby, the weld nuts are applied to the joiner plate 18 or alternatively, rivets are used in fixed holes located on both the plate and track. Both the joiner plate and the track are formed as pressed metal parts in fixed lengths reducing tooling and manufacturing costs.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one end of an extruded mobile shelving system track 10, with an end cap 56 in place covering any exposed steel work. Figure 5 shows the end cap 56 with an insert 58, shaped so that it is retained within the central channel 38 of the upper track moulding 14 with an interference fit. End cap screw holes 60 allow for the further retention of the end cap 56 and these screws are adapted to be retained by the lower steel track 16 regardless of where the steel track was cut. Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An anti-tilt apparatus for use in a mobile shelving system, said anti-tilt apparatus characterised by: a longitudinal track body of generally uniform cross section, said track body including a central channel and a longitudinal groove disposed above and to at least one side thereof; a runner adapted to slideably engage the central channel and support said shelving thereabove, said runner including a flange portion extending outwards from at least one side thereof, configured to be received within the groove and thereby prevent said shelving from tilting about a transverse axis.

2. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in claim 1 wherein said runner includes an inverted, substantially U-shaped body of generally uniform cross section, said body including a means to rotatably house at least one roller so that each roller suspends partially below the side edges of the runner body.

3. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in claim 2 wherein said flange portion is formed integrally with said body and extends outwardly from a lower edge of one side thereof.

4. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in claim 3 wherein said track central channel is substantially V-shaped and adapted to support said rollers thereabove so that an outer edge of each roller contacts each side of the V-shaped channel.

5. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein during assembly of said runner to said track, the flange is rotatably insertable into said groove by tilting the runner about its longitudinal axis and rotating it into the groove.

6. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in claim 5 wherein the relative dimensions of the runner and track are such that following insertion and rotation, said rollers are in an operable position above the channel.

7. An anti-tilt apparatus as characterised in any one of the above claims wherein said shelving is adapted to be supported above two or more runners which slideably engage two or more spaced apart parallel tracks.