U.S. patent application number 12/673794 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for track 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 | 20110215064 12/673794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40377746 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110215064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker; Brian Maurice ; et
al. |
September 8, 2011 |
TRACK ASSEMBLY FOR MOBILE SHELVING
Abstract
The present invention relates to a track assembly being of a
hollow profile construction and having superior strength and
stiffness. All functional components of the track, including
joining means between tracks and between the track and end
brackets, anti-tilt means, and levelling means, are located either
inside or beneath the track. The track assembly upper surface is
therefore aesthetically pleasing and free from tripping
hazards.
Inventors: |
Parker; Brian Maurice;
(Panorama, AU) ; Campbell; George Giles;
(Brighton, AU) |
Assignee: |
Glidestore Freetrack Pty
Ltd
Norwood, Sa
AU
|
Family ID: |
40377746 |
Appl. No.: |
12/673794 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
August 18, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2008/001202 |
371 Date: |
February 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 53/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/183 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/00 20060101
A47B096/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 17, 2007 |
AU |
2007904484 |
Claims
1. A track extrusion for mobile shelving, said track extrusion
characterised by a longitudinally extending hollow region inside
the track extrusion configured to receive a joining means at a
longitudinal end thereof and thereby facilitate the unobtrusive
joining of said track extrusion with a further mobile shelving
component.
2. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
1 wherein said track extrusion is substantially triangular in cross
section and has a central upper channel extending between two
diagonally extending external walls, and two hollow regions
disposed on transverse sides of said central channel and below the
external walls, said two hollow regions adapted to receive two
joining means.
3. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
1 or claim 2 wherein said further mobile shelving component is in
the form of a second track extrusion, and said joining means is in
the form of an elongate joining pin having a first end adapted to
be received and locked in the hollow region of said track
extrusion, and a second end adapted to extend longitudinally
outwardly from said track extrusion to be received in the hollow
region of said second track extrusion.
4. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
3 wherein each joining pin is lockable in each track extrusion
hollow region using at least one locking bolt adapted to engage
coaxially aligned apertures extending through the joining pin and a
lowermost surface associated with the hollow region, from the
underside of the track extrusion.
5. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
4 wherein said locking pin apertures are positioned such that when
two track extrusions are joined together, they abut at their ends
and thereby form flush diagonally extending external walls.
6. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
4 or claim 5 further including one or more packers adapted to sit
beneath the joint between the first and second track extrusions,
wherein the height of the joint is determined by the number of
packers therebeneath.
7. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
6 wherein each packer is rectangular and is adapted to sit
longitudinally beneath said joint.
8. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
7 wherein said track extrusion includes an outwardly extending body
on one side thereof for supporting further mobile shelving
components, in which case said packer is rectangular and adapted to
sit transversely beneath the joint.
9. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
7 or claim 8 wherein each packer includes a 3.times.2 matrix of
apertures, and a means of engaging an adjacently stacked
packer.
10. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as in claim 9 wherein the
apertures of an uppermost packer are positioned and configured to
accommodate head portions of said locking bolts.
11. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
1 or claim 2 wherein said further mobile shelving component is in
the form of an end bracket, and said joining means is in the form
of at least one elongate joining pin integrally formed with said
end bracket and adapted to be received and locked in the hollow
region of said track extrusion.
12. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
6 wherein each joining pin is lockable in each track extrusion
hollow region using at least one locking bolt adapted to engage
coaxially aligned apertures extending through the joining pin and a
lowermost surface associated with the hollow region, from the
underside of the track extrusion.
13. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
7 wherein said locking pin apertures are positioned such that when
the end bracket is joined to the track extrusion, it abuts with the
track extrusion end.
14. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
12 or claim 13 further including one or more packers adapted to sit
beneath the end of the track, wherein the height of the joint is
determined by the number of packers therebeneath.
15. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
14 wherein each packer is rectangular and is adapted to sit
longitudinally beneath the track end.
16. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as characterised in claim
15 wherein each packer includes a 3.times.2 matrix of apertures,
and a means of engaging an adjacently stacked packer.
17. A track extrusion for mobile shelving as in claim 16 wherein
the apertures of an uppermost packer are positioned and configured
to accommodate head portions of said locking bolts.
18. A track assembly for a mobile shelving unit, said track
assembly characterised by: a longitudinal track body including a
central longitudinally extending channel and at least one
longitudinal recess disposed above and alongside said channel; a
runner adapted to slideably engage said central longitudinal
channel and support said shelving unit thereabove, said runner
including a suspended portion at an end thereof having at least one
outwardly extending shoulder adapted to engage said at least one
longitudinal recess and thereby prevent said shelving unit from
tilting about a transverse axis.
19. A track assembly for a mobile shelving unit as characterised in
claim 18 wherein said runner suspended portion includes two
oppositely and outwardly extending shoulders adapted to engage two
longitudinal recesses disposed above and on opposed transverse
sides of said central longitudinally extending channel.
20. A track assembly as characterised in claim 18 or claim 19
wherein said runner suspended portion forms part of a runner end
bracket.
21. A track assembly as characterised in claim 20 wherein said
runner includes two end brackets each having integrally formed
suspended portions including shoulders adapted to engage the track
longitudinal recesses.
22. A track assembly as characterised in any one of claims 18-21
wherein said track central channel is substantially V-shaped and
adapted to support rollers associated with said runner thereabove,
whereby opposed outer edges of each roller contacts an opposed
surface of the V-shaped channel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of
International Patent Application PCT/AU2008/001202, 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 track assembly for mobile
shelving units and, in particular, to a hollow profile track
assembly having superior stiffness characteristics and improved
levelling and anti-tilt means associated therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Mobile shelving systems typically include a plurality of
shelving units which are equipped with rollers to traverse along
spaced apart tracks, each individual shelf unit being a tall and
narrow structure having an array of horizontal shelves.
[0004] The overall design and configuration of existing track
extrusions is fraught with problems. Firstly, such tracks typically
include a plurality of exposed external edges and protrusions which
pose a safety risk in the form of a tripping hazard to persons
stepping over the track. Such protrusions are also visually
unappealing. These problems are exacerbated when side ramps are not
installed. Secondly, the strength and stiffness characteristics of
existing tracks are often not desirable, particularly when the
shelving units supported there above are of a significant weight.
Thirdly, existing track extrusions are not well designed as they
involve external joining methods which often require glue and fit
fasteners to be used with high precision. Significant amounts of
material are also used in their manufacture, resulting in
significant expense.
[0005] There exist fixed mobile shelf covers for addressing some of
these issues; however, they typically require the track to be fixed
to the floor. Fixed mobile shelving tracks have a number of
inherent problems, including damage caused to the floor, the
inability to re-use or relocate the tracks, as well as further
disadvantages in respect of additional costs and additional
installation time.
[0006] A further 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 while 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 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, and again,
obtrusive manner.
[0007] Finally, existing means of adjusting the height of mobile
shelving tracks is cumbersome and often not practical.
Traditionally, track height adjustment means in the form of
stackable shims are visually unappealing, and difficult and
laborious to install. This is because the tracks need to be raised
for the correct number of shims to be placed there under.
Furthermore, the installation of mobile shelving systems requires
that the tracks are laid and adjusted before the mobile shelving
units are installed. After this installation set up, the tracks
often require re-adjustment. The prior art methods of adjustment do
not allow for quick and simple re-adjustment.
[0008] There is therefore a need for an improved track assembly for
mobile shelving systems which is relatively cheap to manufacture
and assemble, is unobtrusive while maintaining a superior
stiffness, and which has an improved levelling and anti-tilt
means.
[0009] It is therefore 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
[0010] Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a
track extrusion for a mobile shelving component including a
longitudinally extending hollow region inside the track extrusion
configured to receive a joining means at a longitudinal end thereof
and thereby facilitate the unobtrusive joining of the track
extrusion with a further mobile shelving component. The hollow
region of the track extrusion provides for increased strength and
stiffness characteristics as well as allowing for robust yet
unobtrusive track joining.
[0011] Preferably the track extrusion is substantially triangular
in cross section and has a central upper channel extending between
two diagonally extending external walls, and two hollow regions
disposed on transverse sides of the central channel and below the
external walls, the two hollow regions adapted to receive two
joining means.
[0012] Preferably the further mobile shelving component is in the
form of a second track extrusion, and the joining means is in the
form of an elongate joining pin having a first end adapted to be
received and locked in the hollow region of the track extrusion,
and a second end adapted to extend longitudinally outwardly from
the track extrusion to be received in the hollow region of the
second track extrusion.
[0013] In preference each joining pin is lockable in each track
extrusion hollow region using at least one locking bolt adapted to
engage coaxially aligned apertures extending through the joining
pin and a lowermost surface associated with the hollow region, from
the underside of the track extrusion.
[0014] Preferably the joining pin apertures are positioned such
that when two track extrusions are joined together, they abut at
their ends and thereby form flush diagonally extending external
walls.
[0015] In preference a track assembly further includes one or more
packers adapted to sit beneath the joint between the first and
second track extrusions, wherein the height of the joint is
determined by the number of packers therebeneath.
[0016] Preferably each packer is rectangular and is adapted to sit
longitudinally beneath the joint.
[0017] In preference the track extrusion includes an outwardly
extending body on one side thereof for supporting further mobile
shelving components, in which case the packer is rectangular and
adapted to sit transversely beneath the joint.
[0018] Preferably each packer includes a 3.times.2 matrix of
apertures, and a means of engaging an adjacently stacked packer. In
preference the apertures of an uppermost packer are positioned and
configured to accommodate head portions of the locking bolts.
[0019] In a further aspect of the invention the mobile shelving
component is in the form of an end bracket, and the joining means
is in the form of at least one elongate joining pin integrally
formed with the end bracket and adapted to be received and locked
in the hollow region of the track extrusion.
[0020] Preferably each joining pin is lockable in each track
extrusion hollow region using at least one locking bolt adapted to
engage coaxially aligned apertures extending through the joining
pin and a lowermost surface associated with the hollow region, from
the underside of the track extrusion.
[0021] In preference the joining pin apertures are positioned such
that when the end bracket is joined to the track extrusion, it
abuts with the track extrusion end.
[0022] In preference the track assembly further includes one or
more packers adapted to sit beneath the end of the track, wherein
the height of the joint is determined by the number of packers
therebeneath.
[0023] Preferably each packer is rectangular and is adapted to sit
longitudinally beneath the track end.
[0024] Preferably each packer includes a 3.times.2 matrix of
apertures, and a means of engaging an adjacently stacked
packer.
[0025] In preference the apertures of an uppermost packer are
positioned and configured to accommodate head portions of the
locking bolts.
[0026] In a further form of the invention there is proposed a track
assembly for a mobile shelving unit having a longitudinal track
body including a central longitudinally extending channel and
opposed, longitudinally extending recesses disposed above,
alongside and substantially perpendicularly to the channel such
that the recesses are symmetrical about a vertical axis through the
channel, a runner adapted to slideably engage the central
longitudinally extending channel and support the shelving unit
thereabove, the runner including at least one removable end bracket
having a suspended portion with opposed outwardly extending
shoulders adapted to engage the symmetrical recesses and thereby
prevent the shelving unit from tilting about a transverse axis.
[0027] The means of preventing tilt of the supported shelving unit
is therefore also located inside the track body minimizing tripping
hazards.
[0028] In preference the runner suspended portion includes two
oppositely and outwardly extending shoulders adapted to engage two
longitudinal recesses disposed above and on opposed transverse
sides of the central longitudinally extending channel.
[0029] In preference the runner includes two end brackets each
having integrally formed suspended portions including shoulders
adapted to engage the track longitudinally extending recesses.
[0030] Preferably the track central channel is substantially
V-shaped and adapted to support rollers associated with the runner
thereabove, whereby opposed outer edges of each roller contacts an
opposed surface of the V-shaped channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] 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.
[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a mobile
shelving track and runner assembly, in accordance with the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates an underside perspective view of the
mobile shelving track and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the mobile shelving track
and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the mobile shelving track
and runner assembly of FIG. 1.
[0036] 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.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the
runner and cross members shown in FIG. 5.
[0038] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the track
forming part of the mobile shelving track and runner assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the track
shown in FIG. 7.
[0040] 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.
[0041] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross sectional view of the mobile
shelving track and runner assembly of FIG. 1, without the cross
members attached.
[0042] 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
[0043] 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.
[0044] While the present invention is directed specifically towards
a track 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.
[0045] 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 according to the present invention, 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.
[0046] The runner 14 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] The roller cartridge 20 includes larger, co-axially aligned
apertures 60 extending through its side walls. A pin 62 which
extends through the apertures 60 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.
[0057] 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.
[0058] The track 12 of the present invention is shown in 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] The ramps 114 are optional as the track extrusion has been
designed to be aesthetic and safe even if used without ramps
114.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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.
[0078] 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.
* * * * *