U.S. patent application number 12/673808 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-03 for runner assembly for mobile shelving.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLIDESTORE FREETRACK PTY LTD. Invention is credited to George Giles Campbell, Brian Maurice Parker.
Application Number | 20110049073 12/673808 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40377750 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110049073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker; Brian Maurice ; et
al. |
March 3, 2011 |
RUNNER ASSEMBLY FOR MOBILE SHELVING
Abstract
The present invention relates to a runner assembly for
supporting a mobile shelving unit above a longitudinal mobile
shelving track, the runner assembly including a longitudinal body
of inverted U-shaped configuration having a plurality of
longitudinally extending slots adapted to accommodate fastening
means for attachment of mobile shelving components to the
longitudinal runner body. For example, a roller adapted to
slideably engage the longitudinal track, clips for engaging the
mobile shelving unit, and transverse cross members for connecting
two runner bodies, are each mountable to the runner body, meaning
that no additional post-processing of the runner is required once
it is cut to size.
Inventors: |
Parker; Brian Maurice;
(Panorama, AU) ; Campbell; George Giles;
(Brighton, AU) |
Assignee: |
GLIDESTORE FREETRACK PTY
LTD
Norwood (SA)
AU
|
Family ID: |
40377750 |
Appl. No.: |
12/673808 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
August 18, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU08/01206 |
371 Date: |
February 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 96/1466 20130101;
A47B 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/183 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/00 20060101
A47B096/00; A47B 96/06 20060101 A47B096/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 2007 |
AU |
2007904424 |
Claims
1. A runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit
above a longitudinal track, said runner assembly comprising: a
longitudinal body; and at least one slot extending longitudinally
along the body, said slot adapted to accommodate one or more
fastening means at desired positions along its length, whereby each
of said fastening means is used to attach a mobile shelving
component to the body; and wherein said fastening means is a nut
and bolt connection, and wherein the longitudinal slot is in the
form of a T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to
slideably accommodate said nut and a narrower outer opening
allowing for insertion through of said bolt to engage said nut.
2-6. (canceled)
7. A runner assembly as in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is
for attachment of a transverse cross member to extend from the
runner assembly to a second spaced apart runner assembly.
8. A runner assembly as in claim 7 wherein said fastening means is
for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to
reinforce the junction between the transverse cross member and the
runner assembly.
9. A runner assembly as in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is
for attachment of a drive means for moving the runner assembly
along the track.
10. A runner assembly as in claim 1 wherein said fastening means is
for attachment of an end bracket, said fastening means being
integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one
projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according
to the cross section of the slot for snug insertion
therethrough.
11. A runner assembly as in claim 10 wherein said end bracket
further includes a means of engaging said longitudinal track to
prevent tilt of the mobile shelving unit.
12. A runner assembly as in claim 1 wherein said longitudinal body
includes an inverted U-shape configuration having an upper
horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions
extending downwardly from transverse edges thereof, each planar
portion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar
portions.
13. A runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving
unit above a longitudinal track, said runner assembly comprising: a
longitudinal body including at least one vertical planar portion;
and at least one slot extending longitudinally along said at least
one vertical planar portion, said at least one slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means at desired positions along
its length, whereby each of said fastening means is used to attach
a mobile shelving component to the body.
14. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of a transverse cross member to extend from the
runner assembly to a second spaced apart runner assembly.
15. A runner assembly as in claim 14 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of at least one triangular shaped bracket adapted
to reinforce the junction between the transverse cross member and
the runner assembly.
16. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of a drive means for moving the runner assembly
along the track.
17. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of an end bracket, said fastening means being
integral with the end bracket in the form of at least one
projection extending outwardly therefrom and being shaped according
to the cross section of the slot for snug insertion
therethrough.
18. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said longitudinal body
includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one
longitudinal slot extending along an upper surface thereof, said at
least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means
the horizontal planar portion.
19. A runner assembly as in claim 18 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of a mobile shelving unit to be supported above
the horizontal planar portion.
20. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said longitudinal body
includes a horizontal planar portion having at least one
longitudinal slot extending along an underside thereof, said at
least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means
to the horizontal planar portion.
21. A runner assembly as in claim 20 wherein said fastening means
is for attachment of a roller to be suspended from the horizontal
planar portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said
longitudinal track.
22. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said longitudinal body
includes at least one vertical planar portion having at least one
longitudinal slot extending along an outer side thereof, said at
least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means
to the vertical planar portion.
23. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said longitudinal body
includes an inverted U-shape configuration having an upper
horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar portions
extending downwardly from transverse edges thereof, each planar
portion having at least one longitudinal slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to any one of the planar
portions.
24. A runner assembly as in claim 13 wherein said fastening means
is in the form of an engageable nut and a bolt adapted to be
inserted through an aperture in said mobile shelving component, and
said longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including
a larger inner region adapted to accommodate said nut and a
narrower outer opening allowing for insertion there through of said
bolt to thereby engage said nut.
25. (canceled)
26. A runner assembly for supporting a mobile shelving unit above a
longitudinal mobile shelving track, said runner assembly
comprising: a longitudinal body of inverted U-shaped configuration
having an upper horizontal planar portion and two vertical planar
portions extending downwardly from transverse edges of the
horizontal planar portion; a plurality of longitudinally extending
slots extending along an upper and lower side of said horizontal
planar portion, and along an outer side of said two vertical planar
portions, said slots adapted to accommodate fastening means for
attachment of mobile shelving components to the longitudinal body,
including a roller to the lower side of the horizontal planar
portion, said roller adapted to slideably engage said longitudinal
track, connection means to the upper side of the horizontal planar
portion for engaging the mobile shelving unit, and transverse cross
members to the outer side of the vertical planar portion for
connecting two longitudinal bodies.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of
International Patent Application PCT/AU2008/001206, filed on Aug.
18, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a runner assembly of the
type adapted to support a shelving unit thereabove, and which is
slideable along a track providing the shelving unit with
mobility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mobile shelving systems typically include a plurality of
mobile shelving units which are moveable along spaced apart tracks,
with each individual shelf unit being a tall and narrow structure
having an array of horizontal shelves. In particular, the shelving
units are attachable to structures known as runners which are
configured to slideably traverse the track.
[0004] Typically runners are in the form of elongate brackets to
which different items such as cross members joining two runners
together, the shelving units, rollers, etc, are attachable. A
problem with existing runner assemblies is that significant
post-processing of the runner bracket is required after it has been
cut to size. For example, a plurality of apertures need to be
drilled into the runner bracket, as well as slots and other
mounting means, in order to accommodate the various shelving system
components such as cross members, motors, etc. This not only
increases the complexity of the apparatus, and the amount of parts,
but also increases general costs in relation to manufacture, and
labor that is required to assemble and install the shelving units
on site.
[0005] Furthermore, even with significant post-processing, existing
runner brackets are not configured to be truly versatile in terms
of where along the runner the items are mountable. There is
therefore a need in the industry for a universal mobile platform to
which different types of shelving, and other items, can be attached
providing for rapid, versatile construction.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at
least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public
with a useful alternative.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a
runner assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit
above a longitudinal track including a longitudinal body and at
least one slot extending longitudinally along the body, the slot
adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means at desired
positions along its length, whereby each of the fastening means is
used to attach a mobile shelving component to the body, and wherein
the fastening means is a nut and bolt connection, and wherein the
longitudinal slot is in the form of a T-shaped slot including a
larger inner region adapted to slideably accommodate the nut and a
narrower outer opening allowing for insertion therethrough of the
bolt to engage the nut.
[0008] Therefore, no additional post-processing of the runner is
required after it has been cut to size, for example, no additional
drilling or slotting. The runner incorporates an array of slots
allowing for fastening of a roller cartridge, different types of
shelving, and cross member brackets, as well as other items at any
desired position along the runner.
[0009] In preference the longitudinal body includes a horizontal
planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending
along an upper surface thereof, the at least one slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of
the horizontal planar portion.
[0010] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a mobile
shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar
portion.
[0011] Preferably the longitudinal body includes a horizontal
planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending
along an underside thereof, the at least one slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to the underside or to an
end of the horizontal planar portion.
[0012] In preference the fastening means is for attachment of a
roller to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, the
roller adapted to slideably engage the longitudinal track.
[0013] Preferably the longitudinal body includes at least one
vertical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot
extending along an outer side thereof, the at least one slot
adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer
side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.
[0014] In preference the fastening means is for attachment of a
transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second
spaced apart runner.
[0015] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of at least
one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the junction
between the transverse cross member and the runner.
[0016] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a drive
means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the
track.
[0017] In preference the fastening means is for attachment of a
runner end bracket, the fastening means being integral with the end
bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly
therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the
slot for snug insertion therethrough.
[0018] In preference the end bracket further includes a means of
engaging the longitudinal track to prevent tilt of the mobile
shelving unit.
[0019] In preference the longitudinal body includes an inverted
U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and
two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse
edges thereof, each planar portion having at least one longitudinal
slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one
of the planar portions.
[0020] In a further form of the invention there is a runner
assembly for slidably supporting a mobile shelving unit above a
longitudinal track having a longitudinal body including at least
one vertical planar portion and at least one slot extending
longitudinally along the at least one vertical planar portion, the
at least one slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening
means at desired positions along its length or to an end of the
runner, whereby each of the fastening means is used to attach a
mobile shelving component to the body.
[0021] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a
transverse cross member to extend from the runner to a second
spaced apart runner.
[0022] In preference the fastening means is for attachment of at
least one triangular shaped bracket adapted to reinforce the
junction between the transverse cross member and the runner.
[0023] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a drive
means associated with the roller for moving the runner along the
track.
[0024] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a runner
end bracket, the fastening means being integral with the end
bracket in the form of at least one projection extending outwardly
therefrom and being shaped according to the cross section of the
slot for snug insertion therethrough.
[0025] In preference the longitudinal body includes a horizontal
planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending
along an upper surface thereof, the at least one slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to the top or to an end of
the horizontal planar portion.
[0026] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a mobile
shelving unit to be supported above the horizontal planar
portion.
[0027] In preference the longitudinal body includes a horizontal
planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot extending
along an underside thereof, the at least one slot adapted to
accommodate one or more fastening means to the underside or to an
end of the horizontal planar portion.
[0028] Preferably the fastening means is for attachment of a roller
to be suspended from the horizontal planar portion, the roller
adapted to slideably engage the longitudinal track.
[0029] In preference the longitudinal body includes at least one
vertical planar portion having at least one longitudinal slot
extending along an outer side thereof, the at least one slot
adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to the outer
side or to an end of the vertical planar portion.
[0030] Preferably the longitudinal body includes an inverted
U-shape configuration having an upper horizontal planar portion and
two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from transverse
edges thereof, each planar portion having at least one longitudinal
slot adapted to accommodate one or more fastening means to any one
of the planar portions.
[0031] In preference the fastening means is in the form of an
engageable nut and a bolt adapted to be inserted through an
aperture in the mobile shelving component.
[0032] Preferably the longitudinal slot is in the form of a
T-shaped slot including a larger inner region adapted to
accommodate the nut, and a narrower outer opening allowing for
insertion therethrough of the bolt to thereby engage the nut.
[0033] In yet a further form of the invention there is proposed a
runner assembly for supporting a mobile shelving unit above a
longitudinal mobile shelving track including a longitudinal body of
inverted U-shaped configuration having an upper horizontal planar
portion and two vertical planar portions extending downwardly from
transverse edges of the horizontal planar portion, a plurality of
longitudinally extending slots extending along an upper and a lower
side of the horizontal planar portion and along an outer side of
the two vertical planar portions, the slots adapted to accommodate
fastening means for attachment of mobile shelving components to the
longitudinal runner body, including a roller to the lower side of
the horizontal planar portion, the roller adapted to slideably
engage the longitudinal track, clips to the upper side of the
horizontal planar portion for engaging the mobile shelving unit,
and transverse cross members to the outer side of the vertical
planar portion for connecting two bodies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] 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.
[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a mobile
shelving track and runner assembly.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an underside perspective view of the
mobile shelving track and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the mobile shelving track
and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the mobile shelving track
and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the runner and
cross members forming part of the mobile shelving track and runner
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
runner and cross members shown in FIG. 5.
[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the track
forming part of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track
shown in FIG. 7.
[0043] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a track end stop
bracket forming part of the mobile shelving track and runner
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of the mobile
shelving track and runner assembly of FIG. 1, without the cross
members attached.
[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates the cross sectional view of FIG. 10
showing the way in which the ramp section is mounted to the
track.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] 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. Wherever possible, the same
reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the
following description to refer to the same and like parts.
[0047] While the present invention is directed specifically towards
a runner assembly for mobile shelving, other components which form
part of a complete mobile shelving system according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention are also described.
[0048] A track and runner assembly 10 for mobile shelving is shown
in FIGS. 1-4. The assembly 10 comprises one or more longitudinal
tracks 12, a longitudinal runner 14 configured to slideably engage
each track 12 and to support a shelving unit (not shown), otherwise
known as a compactus, thereabove, and transverse cross members 16
for connecting two or more runners 14 together. A typical shelving
unit is adapted to be mounted above two runners 14 slideable along
two tracks 12 which are spaced apart by a distance corresponding
approximately with the length of the shelving unit.
[0049] The runner 14 of the present invention is shown most clearly
in FIGS. 5-6. The runner 14 is substantially in the form of an
inverted U-shaped extrusion, having a primary channel 18 extending
there along adapted to accommodate one or more roller cartridges
20, and four slots 22, 24, 26 and 28 extending along right, left
and top sides thereof. In particular, slot 22 extends along the
left side of the runner 14, slot 24 extends along the right side,
and slots 26 and 28 extend along the upper side of the runner 14.
The slots 22, 24, 26 and 28 are preferably in the form of T-slots,
shaped like so to accommodate square nuts 30 having internal
threads. This provides for fast, versatile construction because the
nut 30 provides an anchor point for external items at any point
along the runner 14.
[0050] Once the nut 30 is moved to a desired position, the item,
which typically includes a mounting aperture 32, is moved into
position so that the aperture 32 and nut 30 become coaxially
aligned. A screw 34 is used to extend through the aperture 32,
through the slot 22, 24, 26 or 28, and into the nut 30 for threaded
engagement therewith. Extending centrally along the top of the
primary channel 18 is a further slot 36 providing a further
mounting means for the roller cartridges 20 and end brackets 38, as
will become apparent.
[0051] The runner 14 has been designed so that no additional
post-processing of the extrusion is required after it has been cut,
i.e. no drilling, slotting, etc.
[0052] The following description relates to examples of items which
are mountable to the runner 14. Some of these are necessary items,
for example, the transverse cross members 16, but others are not
necessarily essential, such as a locking bracket 40 for example. It
is to be understood that other items which are not shown and
described herein, could also be mounted to the runner 14, for
example, sensors (not shown), motors (not shown), mechanical drive
devices, and the like.
[0053] Mounted above the runner 14 are one or more clips 42
configured for engagement with a corresponding receiving means
located beneath the shelving unit, such as a correspondingly shaped
aperture (not shown), for example. Clip 42 includes a mounting
portion 44 having a mounting aperture 46 extending therethrough,
and a second portion 48 upstanding from the mounting portion 44 and
doubled over for engagement with the corresponding receiving means.
The clips 42 are fixed to the runner 14 using a screw 34 adapted to
extend through aperture 46 to thereby engage a nut 30 located
within slot 28, as described above. In the embodiment shown, there
are two spaced apart clips 42 for each runner 14.
[0054] Two cross members 16 are adapted to extend between runners
14 on spaced apart tracks 12 to provide the required support for
each shelving unit. The cross members 16 are in the form of
substantially I-shaped extrusions having slots 50, 52 and 54 on
left side, right side and top sides thereof, respectively. In
preference the slots 50, 52 and 54 are also substantially in the
form of T-slots engageable by screw/nut connections as described
above, when mounting external items thereto.
[0055] Each cross member 16 is coupled to the runner 14 using
hollow, triangular shaped brackets 56 at the junction therebetween.
The perpendicular walls of the bracket 56 include outwardly
extending projections 58 being shaped to fit snugly within the side
slots 52 and 22 of both the cross member 16 and the runner 14
respectively. The projections 58 are ribbed to facilitate insertion
through the slots and so that any impact loads on the bracket 56
are reduced.
[0056] Also located on the perpendicular walls of the bracket 56
are mounting apertures 32. The mounting apertures 32 on the bracket
56 are positioned to fix the cross member 16 in a perpendicular
arrangement relative to the runner 14, that is, each perpendicular
wall of the bracket 56 is mounted to the cross member 16 and runner
14 respectively. Again, nuts 30 and screws 34 are preferably used
for connecting the respective components.
[0057] In order for the runner 14 and hence the shelving unit to be
slideable along the track 12, the runner 14 must also include means
of housing the roller cartridges 20 mentioned above. The present
invention provides that the primary channel 18 of the runner 14
accommodates one or more roller cartridges 20.
[0058] Each roller cartridge 20 is also of an inverted U-shaped
configuration and of a size to fit inside the runner primary
channel 18. The top side of the roller cartridge 20 includes two
spaced apart mounting apertures 32, so that when the roller
cartridge 20 is positioned in a desired location along the channel
18, it can be secured using self-tapping screws 34 extending
through the apertures 32 and into slot 36. Such a configuration
means that the roller cartridge 20 may be fitted to the runner 14
without the need for drilling. Typically, each shelving unit will
include a roller cartridge 20 at the longitudinal ends of each
runner 14, however, there may be circumstances where more are
required, and the runner primary channel 18 may accommodate for
this.
[0059] The roller cartridge 20 includes larger, co-axially aligned
apertures 60 extending through its side walls. A pin 62 which
extends through the apertures is used to maintain a roller 69
inside the roller cartridge 20. The roller 69 is rotatable about
the pin 62 and allows the runner 14 and hence the shelving unit to
move relative to the track 12, as will become apparent.
[0060] Also mountable to the runner 14 are end brackets 38 as
mentioned. Not only are the end brackets 38 used to cap off the
ends of the runner 14, they are configured to prevent the shelving
unit from tilting. Each end bracket 38 is in the form of a rigid
housing having an internal structure which corresponds
substantially in shape with the cross section of the runner
extrusion, so that it may engage an end thereof. A self-tapping
screw 34 is used to fix the end bracket 38 in place, the screw 34
extending through an uppermost aperture 32 of the end bracket 38,
and into the runner slot 36. At the base of the end bracket 38 are
two transversely extending shoulders 64 which when engaged with the
track 12 (as described below), are designed to prevent the shelving
unit from toppling over. The end bracket 38 therefore constitutes
the anti-tilt means of the assembly 10.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 7-8 in particular, it can be seen
that the track 12 is also made up of an extruded length of metal
and includes a hollow profile. The track 12 comprises generally a
base 66, internal walls 68, 70, 72 and 74, and external walls 76
and 78 which are each integrally formed. The external walls 76 and
78 at upper ends of the track 12 extend a short distance inwardly,
past internal walls 70 and 72. The base 66 and the external walls
76 and 78 form a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape,
however, because the external walls fall short of meeting at an
apex, they define a central channel 80 extending along the track
12.
[0062] The internal geometry of the track 12, in particular the
high, hollow profile, allows for robust but unobtrusive track
joining, and should remove the need for installers to use glue and
fit fasteners with high precision, as will become apparent.
[0063] The inside surface of internal walls 70 and 72 are shaped to
perform two functions. Firstly, at a lowermost region of the
channel 80, the internal walls 70 and 72 define a V-shaped guide
82, which is the surface upon which the rollers 69 are supported.
The rollers 69 engage the guide 82 centrally with both edges of the
roller 69 contacting the guide. The weight of the shelving unit on
the roller 69 retains it in the desired position, and allows
sufficient friction for it to rotate smoothly across the guide 82.
In order to prevent wear, and to strengthen the guide 82, retaining
beads (not shown) retain crinoline strips, generally made of steel,
along the V-shaped guide 82.
[0064] Secondly, disposed above the V-shaped guide 82 are opposed
recesses 84 for accommodating shoulders 64 associated with the end
bracket 38. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
when the assembled runner 14 is positioned above the track 12, with
the shelving unit supported thereabove, any lateral movement of the
shelving unit would be restricted by the shoulders 64, because they
are prevented from upward movement by the upper ends of the
external walls 76 and 78. Accordingly, tilting of the shelving
units is prevented. This is particularly important when the
shelving units have significant weight on the top shelves making
them prone to such movement.
[0065] Between internal walls 68 and 70, and between internal walls
72 and 74, hollow regions 86 are defined. The hollow regions 86 are
adapted to accommodate joining pins 88 which are used to join two
track ends together. The hollow regions 86 also accommodate joining
pins 90 (FIG. 9) associated with an end stop bracket 92 of the
track 12. Therefore, the end stop bracket 92 is mounted to the end
of the track 12 using two joining pins 90 associated therewith,
while for joining two segments of track 12 together, individual
joining pins 88 are used, as shown in FIG. 1.
[0066] In both cases, the joining pins 88 and 90 include a
plurality of apertures 94 spaced apart there along, and are adapted
to be inserted into the hollow regions 86 of the track 12 until
they are in co-axial alignment with apertures 96 (FIG. 7) extending
through the base 66 of the track 12. Self-tapping screws 34 are
once again used to engage the coaxial apertures 94, 96 and thereby
secure the components together.
[0067] The end stop bracket 92, as its name suggests, is adapted to
be mounted to the end of a track 12. For example, there could be
three or four track segments joined to form a single track, wherein
the two endmost track segments include end stop brackets 92 for
preventing the runner 14 from travelling beyond the tracks. An
enlarged view of the end stop bracket 92 is shown in FIG. 9 and it
can be seen that it comprises a substantially triangular shaped
housing 98, joining pins 90 extending outwardly from an internal
bracket plate 100, and a stop portion 102 extending between the
joining pins 90 and into channel 80 when the end stop bracket 92 is
mounted to the track 12.
[0068] The stop portion 102 includes a plurality of ribs 104 which
provide an elastomeric buffer for reducing impact loads. Shelving
units when moved generate a significant amount of force due to
their weight and therefore require that the track end stops be
robust enough to dampen such force upon impact. The end stop
bracket 92 also includes anti-tilt shoulders 106 as per the runner
end brackets 38.
[0069] The height of the track 12 also needs to be maintained level
along its length. It is also preferable for the height of the track
12 to be easily adjustable even after assembly. One or more packers
108 shown most clearly in FIG. 2 and the cross sectional views, are
used to achieve this. Each packer 108 is substantially rectangular
in shape and includes a 3.times.2 matrix of apertures 110 extending
therethrough. One row of three apertures 110 of the packer 108
includes elevated square surrounding portions 112. The adjacent row
of three apertures 110 include locating means 111 for engaging the
elevated square surrounding portions 112 of a second packer 108
positioned there beneath. Each adjacently stacked packer 108 is
rotated by 180 degrees relative to the other.
[0070] One or more packers 108 (depending on the desired height)
are adapted to sit beneath the joining pins 90 at the ends of the
track 12, as well as beneath the joining pins 88 at one or more
joints between track segments. The apertures 110 are designed to
accommodate the head portions of the self-tapping screws 34 which
engage the joining pins 88 and 90. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that any number of stacked packers 108 could be
added or removed to increase or decrease the height of a particular
section of track 12.
[0071] A further advantage to the improved stiffness
characteristics of the track extrusion is that it allows for wider
spacing of the packers 108 along the track 12.
[0072] The assembly 10 includes a plurality of optionally
attachable ramp sections 114. These are used to provide a smooth
surface over the track 12 and prevent the track 12 from forming a
tripping hazard. Each ramp section 114 includes a substantially
rectangular body 116 having a hook section 118 at one end thereof,
and a straight edge 120 at the opposed end adapted to lie
substantially flush with the ground when assembled. The ramp
section body 116 includes a plurality of ribs 122 on its upper
surface for gripping purposes. There are reinforcing members 124
positioned below the body 116 which are advantageous because they
reduce the overall weight of the ramp section and maintain
strength. The hook section 118 extends downwardly from the body
116, then inwardly and upwardly with respect to the track 12.
[0073] The track extrusion is also designed to accommodate the ramp
sections 114. Turning now to FIGS. 10-11, between the lower end of
the external walls 76 and 78, and the internal walls 68 and 74
respectively, there are defined receiving channels 125 for engaging
the hook section 118 of each ramp section 114. In particular, each
ramp section 114 is configured to engage the receiving channels 125
by way of a rotatable snap-fit. FIG. 12 illustrates this process,
whereby the hook section 118 is inserted into the receiving channel
125 and then urged upwardly while rotating edge 120 of the body
downwardly until the hook section 118 is snap-fit in place. This
ramp pivot geometry is designed to allow removal and refitting of
ramps (for re-levelling purposes) without having to lift up or
up-end the track 12.
[0074] A rubber tube 126 is also inserted between the rounded end
of the external walls 76 and 78 and the junction between the
downwardly and inwardly extending surfaces of the hook section 118.
The tube 126 provides a down-force and minimizes ramp "kick-up"
which could create a tripping hazard. A further advantage to the
rubber tube 126 is that it also acts as a flexible joiner,
assisting in handling and simultaneous fitting of multiple ramp
sections to the track 12.
[0075] The ramps 114 are optional as the track extrusion has been
designed to be aesthetic and safe even if used without ramps
114.
[0076] Finally, the runner 14 is able to be locked at different
positions along the track 12. A locking bracket 40 is shown in the
drawings which is also engageable to an upper slot 28 of the runner
14, as well as the side slots, by means described above. The
locking bracket 40 includes a housing 128 mounted to the runner 14,
the housing 128 defining a vertical chamber extending downwardly
alongside the runner 14 to the track 12. The chamber includes a
vertical aperture 130. When the shelving unit is to be locked, the
runner 14 is moved along the track 12 until the vertical aperture
130 becomes co-axially aligned with an aperture 132 that has been
pre-drilled into the track 12. Once aligned, a locking pin 134 can
be inserted through the co-axially aligned apertures 130 and 132,
into the hollow region 86 where it rests on the base 66, thereby
locking the runner 14 to the track 12.
[0077] A jig 136 is provided for forming the pre-drilled apertures
132 in the track 12. The jig 136 is an elongate structure mountable
to the track 12 in a transverse arrangement as shown in FIG. 1. The
jig 136 includes a downwardly extending section 138 at its center
which extends inside channel 80, as well as downwardly extending
sections 140 at ends thereof which abut with the external walls 76
and 78 of the track 12. On opposed ends of the jig 136 are
apertures 144 and 146.
[0078] The jig 136 is first adapted to be mounted to the track 12
so that aperture 144 is positioned over a desired point to be
drilled. The purpose of this smaller aperture 144 is to mark the
track 12 with a suitable tool (not shown), the mark acting as a
locating guide for a drill bit or the like used to drill a hole
through the track 12. The jig 136 is then demounted from the track
12, rotated by 180 degrees, and mounted to the track 12 again so
that the larger aperture 146 extends over the marked point. A drill
(not shown) can then be used to drill a hole through the track 12
where marked.
[0079] It is to be understood that the design of some of the
components shown and described could change where necessary. For
example, where there is a mechanical driving means associated with
the runner 14, one of the track external walls 78 would extend a
greater distance outwards from the channel 80 and include a flat
upper surface (not shown) for accommodating a drive wheel (not
shown). Such a track would therefore include a further hollow
region 86. In such circumstances, the same packers 108 could be
used but simply rotated by 90 degrees so that instead of extending
longitudinally relative to the track 12, they would extend
transversely.
[0080] 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.
[0081] In any claims that follow, 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.
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