WO2008028233A1

WO2008028233A1 - A mobile shelving track cover

Info

Publication number: WO2008028233A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001306
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Maurice Parker; George Giles Campbell; David Maclolm 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 mobile shelving track cover and to mobile shelving in general incorporating such a cover. There is provided a track with a generally uniform cross-section and an upper track cover. A mobile shelving unit is attached to an extruded mobile shelving unit base that has a roller and a flange. An upper track cover moulding is adapted to be received by a lower track. The upper track cover is adapted to receive the roller for longitudinal movement of the mobile shelving unit and is further adapted to receive the flange within a channel. The flange is contained between the channel's upper and lower surfaces during the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit to assit in preventing the shelving from toppling.

Description

A mobile shelving track cover

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile shelving track cover. In particular it relates to an upper track moulding that is traversed by mobile shelving units.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile shelving units are equipped with wheels or rollers to traverse mobile shelving tracks. These tracks possess a groove or channel specifically shaped to receive the shelving unit wheels and provide for smooth and efficient travel. The shape of the track channel and the corresponding mobile shelving unit wheel dictates the smoothness to travel, with a smaller contact surface area achieving reduced noise and reduced force required to move the shelving units.

This reduction in friction between the shelving unit wheels and the track is achieved using a V shaped channel running longitudinally along the entire length of the track. The V shaped channel is adapted to receive the wheel and frictionally engage it using a smaller surface area. However, as the surface area is reduced, the wear on the engaging portions of the wheel and track is increased. The track is therefore subjected to higher point loading stresses as the weight of the shelving unit is distributed over a smaller surface area.

Typically, mobile shelving tracks arrive in parts and are assembled on site. As each site differs, different lengths of track may be required and often sharp edges are left exposed after installation. These sharp edges provide a safety risk and are visually unappealing.

Fixed mobile shelving track covers, used to cover attachment means and any protrusions from the user, require that mobile shelving tracks be fixed to the floor. Fixed mobile shelving tracks have a number of disadvantages when compared with free track systems including; the damage caused to the floor, the inability to re-use or re-locate the tracks, the additional costs and additional installation time.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative. For the purposes of the specification the word "comprising" means "including but not limited to", and the word "comprises" has a corresponding meaning. Also a reference within the specification to a document or to prior use is not to be taken as an admission that the disclosure therein constitutes common general knowledge in Australia.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a mobile shelving assembly comprising a mobile shelving upper track cover and including: a track with a generally uniform cross section; at least one mobile shelving unit, said mobile shelving unit attached to an extruded mobile shelving unit base; said track further comprising of an upper track cover moulding, adapted to be received by a lower track; said mobile shelving unit base comprising of a roller and a flange, whereby said upper track cover is adapted to receive said roller for the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit and said upper track cover is adapted to receive said flange within a channel; and said flange is contained between said channel's upper and lower surfaces during the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit.

Preferably said upper track cover comprises a longitudinally extending central V shaped channel adapted to receive said roller and two spaced apart longitudinally extending channels adapted to receive said flange, whereby, said spaced apart channels are internally orientated within said upper track cover.

Preferably said V shaped channel is reinforced with two spaced apart crinoline strips, reinforcing each side of the V shaped channel.

Preferably said crinoline strips are made of steel.

Preferably said upper track cover is adapted to be received by said lower track and adapted so that subjected forces are dispersed throughout the lower track.

Preferably said upper track cover is adapted to be removably fastened to said lower track, allowing access to a height adjustment mechanism. Preferably said upper track cover is adapted to retain a plurality of ramps with a ratchet mechanism on the underside of the extremities of said upper track cover, whereby, said ratchet mechanism engages a clip on the upper surface of said ramps.

Preferably said upper track cover includes a ribbed upper surface, whereby said ribs extend laterally from the centre of said upper track cover.

Preferably said ribs are adapted to receive a driving mechanism, whereby said driving mechanism contains teeth adapted to be received between said ribs,

Preferably said upper track cover is adapted to receive said mobile shelving unit base by rotabably inserting said flange into said channel.

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; 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.

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 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 arrives on site in specified lengths and is attached to the lower steel track using a fastening mechanism. This allows for ease of transportation and the moulding is used to cover any exposed steelwork, eliminating any sharp edges and providing a visually appealing surface.

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 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.

The crinoline strips 44 reduce the stress concentrations on the walls of the V shaped channel 38 caused by the movement of the roller 40 and the weight of the mobile shelving unit above. The stresses are more evenly spread out along the strips 44 and the roller's sharp edges cannot press into the plastic upper track moulding 14. The strips 44 also reinforce the track 10 and allow for a more lightweight construction.

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.

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 required 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 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.

The ribbed upper surface 28 is also adapted to receive a driving mechanism (not shown). This driving mechanism can be either a belt system, such as a caterpillar track, or a wheel with teeth adapted to be received by the grooves between the raised ribs of the ribbed upper surface. Thus, the ribbed upper surface 28 provides additional grip for the driving mechanism ensuring limiting slippage during operation. The driving system can be hand operated by the user or mechanically driven.

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 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.

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. Mobile shelving comprising a mobile shelving upper track cover and including: a track with a generally uniform cross section; at least one mobile shelving unit, the mobile shelving unit attached to an extruded mobile shelving unit base; said track further comprising of an upper track cover moulding, adapted to be received by a lower track; said mobile shelving unit base comprising of a roller and a flange, whereby, said upper track cover is adapted to receive said roller for the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit and said upper track cover is adapted to receive the flange within a channel; and the flange is contained between said channel's upper and lower surfaces during the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit.

2. Mobile shelving as in claim 1 wherein the upper track cover comprises a longitudinally extending central V shaped channel adapted to receive said roller and two spaced apart longitudinally extending channels adapted to receive said flange, whereby, said spaced apart channels are internally orientated within said upper track cover.

3. Mobile shelving as in claim 2 wherein the V shaped channel is reinforced with two spaced apart crinoline strips, reinforcing each side of the V shaped channel.

4. Mobile shelving as in claim 3 wherein the crinoline strips are made of steel.

5. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the upper track cover is adapted to be received by said lower track and adapted so that subjected forces are dispersed throughout the lower track.

6. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the upper track cover is adapted to be removably fastened to said lower track, allowing access to a height adjustment mechanism.

7. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the upper track cover is adapted to retain a plurality of ramps with a ratchet mechanism on the underside of the extremities of said upper track cover, whereby, said ratchet mechanism engages a clip on the upper surface of said ramps.

8. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the upper track cover includes a ribbed upper surface, whereby said ribs extend laterally from the centre of said upper track cover.

9. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the ribs are adapted to receive a driving mechanism, whereby said driving mechanism contains teeth adapted to be received between said ribs.

10. Mobile shelving as in any one of the above claims wherein the upper track cover is adapted to receive said mobile shelving unit base by rotatably inserting said flange into said channel.

11. A support for use with a mobile shelving unit attached to an extruded mobile shelving unit base and including: a track with a generally uniform cross section; an upper track cover; said track further comprising of an upper track cover moulding, adapted to be received by a lower track; said mobile shelving unit base comprising of a roller and a flange, whereby, said upper track cover is adapted to receive said roller for the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit and said upper track cover is adapted to receive the flange within a channel; and the flange is contained between said channel's upper and lower surfaces during the longitudinal movement of said mobile shelving unit.