WO2008028232A1

WO2008028232A1 - Adjustable ramps for mobile shelving tracks

Info

Publication number: WO2008028232A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001305
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 relates to a track assembly for a mobile shelving system characterised by: at least one longitudinal track body including upright rounded projections extending along transverse sides thereof; a plurality of ramp sections located on either side of said longitudinal track body, whereby each ramp section includes a hooked edge adapted to rotatably engage said projection, at least one clip located on an upper surface of said hooked edge, and a substantially flat surface which extends outwardly from said hooked edge to a ground surface therebeneath; and an upper track moulding above which said mobile shelving is adapted to be moveably supported, said upper track moulding including a ratchet means adapted to engage said at least one clip in a configuration which prevents said ramp free end from rotating up from the ground.

Description

Adjustable ramps for mobile shelving tracks

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable ramps for mobile shelving tracks and, in particular, to ramps having an adjustable angle of inclination attached to an adjustable height mobile shelving track.

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.

The mobile shelving tracks are required to be aligned and adjusted to compensate for uneven floors. As a result, the track is elevated further above the floor at some points, causing a tripping hazard and, in some circumstances, restricting access to the user area between the mobile shelving units. For example, if a person in a wheelchair wished to access the service area between shelving units, existing tracks provides quite a considerable obstacle.

Traditionally, mobile shelving tracks have been secured to the floor and a false floor placed there above, creating an elevated work area. This is quite an expensive option because the significant extra material required. Apart from not adequately addressing the access issues, there are also inherent problems associated with fixed floor tracks in terms of their appearance, floor damage, and installation time and costs.

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 a track for use in a mobile shelving system, said track characterised by: a longitudinal body; and a means of adjustably engaging at least one ramp section on transverse sides thereof, said at least one ramp section adapted to reduce a tripping hazard caused by said track. Those skilled in the art would realise that in having a ramp section that is able to rotatably engage the track body like so, allows for such ramp sections to be used on track bodies of any height.

Preferably each ramp section includes an engaging portion and a substantially straight portion adapted to extend outwardly from the engaging portion to a ground surface above which said track is supported.

In preference each of said transverse sides includes an upwardly extending, substantially rounded projection.

Preferably said ramp engaging portion is in the form of a hook having an internal surface of substantially corresponding shape to that of the track projection for rotatable placement thereon.

In preference said track further includes an upper moulding whereby said moulding includes a ratchet portion adapted to extend over the ramp hook when placed over the projection, said ramp hook including a means of engaging said ratchet portion.

Preferably each ramp hook includes a clip located centrally on its upper surface for engaging the ratchet portion.

In preference said ratchet portion prevents rotation of said ramp section about said projection in such a way as to prevent the straight portion of the ramp lifting up from the ground.

Preferably said track includes a plurality of ramp sections along its length.

Preferably said track and at least one ramp section are of a generally uniform cross section along the length of the track.

Preferably the straight portion of the ramp section includes a hollow body having strengthening ribs.

In preference said track includes a height adjustment means.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a track assembly for a mobile shelving system characterised by: at least one longitudinal track body including upright rounded projections extending along transverse sides thereof; a plurality of ramp sections located on either side of said longitudinal track body, whereby each ramp section includes a hooked edge adapted to rotatably engage said projection, at least one clip located on an upper surface of said hooked edge, and a substantially flat surface which extends outwardly from said hooked edge to a ground surface therebeneath; and an upper track moulding above which said mobile shelving is adapted to be moveably supported, said upper track moulding including a ratchet means adapted to engage said at least one clip in a configuration which prevents said ramp free end from rotating up from the ground.

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 system 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;

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

Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the height adjustment mechanism.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMOBDMENTS

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 all of the features of a shelving system track 10 are described below, the present invention relates specifically to the ramps 20 and the benefits resulting from their configuration and adjustability. 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; an upper track moulding 14, a lower steel track 16, a joiner plate 18, adjustable ramps 20, a cylindrical spacer block 22, a cylindrical screw foot 24, and a heiht adjustment screw 26.

The upper track moulding 14 is adapted to be receive 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 shape configuration to reduce the contact surface area between the roller 40 and the channel 38. The roller 40 engages the channel centrally with both sides 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.

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 order to prevent the toppling of a mobile shelving unit in the 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. The anti-tilt flange 36 is only required to engage with one of the two 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.

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 the 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 strip used to cover the steelwork should the adjustable ramps not be used.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of one length of lower steel track 16 being joined to a joiner plate 18. 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.

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the height adjustment mechanism. A combination of cylindrical spacer blocks 22 and a height adjustment screw 26 are used to adjust the height of the mobile shelving track 10. The spacers are stackable and are used to raise the track height whenever an adjustment height of more than 20mm and less than 60mm is required. The spacer blocks 22 contain a raised edge, adapted to receive another spacer block to assist with the location and fitting of multiple spacers. The raised edge is sufficient to hold the spacer 22 in position if the system is bumped during installation or use. Also, a tab 62 located on the spacer block 22 is adapted to assist with the alignment and placement of these spacers. An adhesive backed foam rubber disk 64 is used where the floor surface does not have a deformable floor covering, such as carpet, and is used to accommodate minor variations in the angle of floor surface. The rubber disk 64 can be applied to the base of a spacer block 22, as shown in this figure, or applied directly to the screw foot 24.

For a finer track height adjustment of up to 20mm, a height adjustment screw 26 and screw foot 24 are used. The screw 26 has a hex key and is used to positively drive the track 10 to the desired height. The screw is retained in position and restrained from coming out of the track whilst being rotated using a washer 66 and a star-washer 68.

This adjustment mechanism has the capability to adjust the track height up to a height of 80mm.

The present invention is specifically directed towards the ramps 20 and the way in which they adjustably engage the track. In order to reduce the potential of a tripping hazard, the adjustable ramps 20 are used to provide an angled surface from the ground to the track, regardless of the track height. This is achieved by the ramps 20 rotating about a projection 70 on the lower steel track extrusion 16. The ramp is then retained in the desired position by a clip 72, engaging with the ratchet mechanism 30 on the underside of the upper track moulding 14. This retention mechanism eliminates the possibility of the adjustable ramps lifting upwards forming a hazard.

The ramps 20 are easily installed by placing as many ramps as required along the entire length of the lower steel track 16. They are then secured in position by the installation of the upper track moulding 14. It is envisaged that the ramps 20 may be adapted to not require the use of the clip 72 as the weight of the ramp will keep it on the ground. Similarly, the ratchet mechanism 30 on the upper track moulding 14 may not be required to frictionally retain the ramp underneath the moulding.

The ramps allow for greater access to the desired working area, between the mobile shelving units, especially wheelchair and disabled access. Previous systems with exposed tracks or false floors both require the user to step over the track, preventing access to anyone without that ability. As the ramps 20 are designed to support a user's weight, the underside is comprised of strengthening ribs allowing maximal strength whilst reducing the weight of the component.

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. A track for use in a mobile shelving system, said track characterised by: a longitudinal body; and a means of adjustably engaging at least one ramp section on transverse sides thereof, said at least one ramp section adapted to reduce a tripping hazard caused by said track.

2. A track as characterised in claim 1 wherein each ramp section includes an engaging portion and a substantially straight portion adapted to extend outwardly from the engaging portion to a ground surface above which said track is supported.

3. A track as characterised in claim lor claim 2 wherein each of said transverse sides includes an upwardly extending, substantially rounded projection.

4. A track as characterised in claim 3 wherein said ramp engaging portion is in the form of a hook having an internal surface of substantially corresponding shape to that of the track projection for rotatable placement thereon.

5. A track as characterised in claim 4 further including an upper moulding whereby said moulding includes a ratchet portion adapted to extend over the ramp hook when placed over the projection, said ramp hook including a means of engaging said ratchet portion.

6. A track as characterised in claim 5 wherein each ramp hook includes a clip located centrally on its upper surface for engaging the ratchet portion.

7. A track as characterised in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein said ratchet portion prevents rotation of said ramp section about said projection in such a way as to prevent the straight portion of the ramp lifting up from the ground.

8. A track as characterised in any one of the above claims wherein said track includes a plurality of ramp sections along its length.

9. A track as characterised in any one of the above claims wherein said track and at least one ramp section are of a generally uniform cross section along the length of the track.

10. A track as characterised in any one of claims 2-9 wherein the straight portion of the ramp section includes a hollow body having strengthening ribs.

11. A track as characterised in any one of the above claims wherein said track includes a height adjustment means.

12. A track assembly for a mobile shelving system, said track assembly characterised by: at least one longitudinal track body including upright rounded projections extending along transverse sides thereof; a plurality of ramp sections located on either side of said longitudinal track body, whereby each ramp section includes a hooked edge adapted to rotatably engage said projection, at least one clip located on an upper surface of said hooked edge, and a substantially flat surface which extends outwardly from said hooked edge to a ground surface therebeneath; and an upper track moulding above which said mobile shelving is adapted to be moveably supported, said upper track moulding including a ratchet means adapted to engage said at least one clip in a configuration which prevents said ramp free end from rotating up from the ground.