U.S. patent application number 14/616156 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-11 for rack assembly joint.
The applicant listed for this patent is SUII HOME CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to YI-YU CHEN.
Application Number | 20160227924 14/616156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56565167 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160227924 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; YI-YU |
August 11, 2016 |
RACK ASSEMBLY JOINT
Abstract
A rack assembly joint aims for assembly of a plurality of
shelves. Each shelf has four corners at two lateral edges and four
insertion rods respectively protruding from the four corners toward
two sides. The rack assembly joint includes a main body, a first
coupling structure and a second coupling structure. The main body
has a first coupling end and a second coupling end perpendicular to
each other. The first coupling structure and the second coupling
structure are located respectively on the first coupling end and
the second coupling end, and include respectively at least two
first coupling round holes and two second coupling round holes to
form compact coupling with the insertion rod. Thus a selected
number of the rack assembly joints and the shelves can be chosen to
assemble an assembly rack.
Inventors: |
CHEN; YI-YU; (Taichung City,
TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SUII HOME CO., LTD. |
Taichung City |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
56565167 |
Appl. No.: |
14/616156 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 47/0016 20130101;
A47B 47/042 20130101; A47B 47/0033 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 47/00 20060101
A47B047/00; A47B 96/02 20060101 A47B096/02 |
Claims
1. A rack assembly joint for coupling with a plurality of shelves
to form a rack, each shelf including four corners at two lateral
edges and four insertion rods respectively protruding from the four
corners straightly toward two sides thereof, comprising: a main
body including a first coupling end and a second coupling end
perpendicular to each other; a first coupling structure which is
located on the first coupling end and includes at least two first
coupling round holes to form compact coupling with the insert rod;
and a second coupling structure which is located on the second
coupling end and includes at least two second coupling round holes
to form compact coupling with the insert rod.
2. The rack assembly joint of claim 1, wherein each of the first
coupling round holes and the second coupling round holes includes a
latch rim inside to clamp the insertion rod.
3. The rack assembly joint of claim 1, wherein the main body
includes a first flank plate and a second flank plate that are
connected thereon and extended outward transversely in the
directions of the first coupling round holes and the second
coupling round holes.
4. The rack assembly joint of claim 1 further including a third
coupling structure, and the main body further including a third
coupling end opposite to the first coupling end at a rear side
thereof, the third coupling structure being located on the third
coupling end and including at least two third coupling round holes
to form compact coupling with the insertion rod, the second
coupling round holes including at least three sets.
5. The rack assembly joint of claim 4, wherein each of the first
coupling round holes, the second coupling round holes and the third
coupling round holes includes a latch rim inside to clamp the
insertion rod.
6. The rack assembly joint of claim 4, wherein the main body
includes a first flank plate, a second flank plate and a third
flank plate that are connected thereon and extended outward
transversely in the directions of the first coupling round holes,
the second coupling round holes and the third coupling round
holes.
7. The rack assembly joint of claim 4 further including a fourth
coupling structure, and the main body further including a fourth
coupling end opposite to the second coupling end at a rear side
thereof, the fourth coupling structure being located on the fourth
coupling end and including at least three fourth coupling round
holes to form compact coupling with the insertion rod, the first
coupling round holes, the second coupling round holes and the third
coupling round holes including respectively at least three
sets.
8. The rack assembly joint of claim 7, wherein each of the first
coupling round holes, the second coupling round holes, the third
coupling round holes and the fourth coupling round holes includes a
latch rim inside to clamp the insertion rod.
9. The rack assembly joint of claim 7, wherein the main body
includes a first flank plate, a second flank plate, a third flank
plate and a fourth flank plate that are connected thereon and
extended outward transversely in the directions of the first
coupling round holes, the second coupling round holes, the third
coupling round holes and the fourth coupling round holes.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a rack assembly joint and
particularly to a joint structure for assembly of racks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Please referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional assembly
rack mainly includes a plurality of clamp joints 1 and a plurality
of shelves assembled together. Each clamp joint 1 has four clamp
portions 3. Each clamp portion 3 consists of two plates 4 spaced
from each other at a selected distance. Each shelf 2 has four
corners wedged respectively in a corresponding clamp portion 3 and
clamped thereof to be assembled to form an assembly rack as
desired.
[0003] The conventional assembly rack thus formed can be configured
in various grid type spaces to hold goods, such as a single grid
space, nine-rectangle-grid spaces or stepped grid spaces or the
like, and can be assembled and changed freely according to user's
requirements, hence is a furniture well accepted in the market.
[0004] However, the conventional assembly rack, due to it relies on
clamping of the clamp joint 1 to couple the shelves 2, after used
for a prolonged period of time elasticity fatigue occurs. Hence
clamping force gradually deceases after used for a period of time
or repeatedly disassembly and assembly that could result in
loosening. Moreover, the clamp joint 1 that clamps the shelf 2 in
the conventional manner cannot withstand a swiveling force parallel
with the shelf 2. Hence after being hauled and moved, the assembly
rack could loosen and require assembly anew. In the event that the
loosened state is not noticed by users or reassembly is not being
done properly, and goods are placed thereon, the assembly rack
could collapse and cause damage of the goods or injury of
people.
[0005] Hence the assembly structure of the conventional assembly
rack cannot fully meet use requirements and still has room for
improvement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
rack assembly joint that can firmly assemble shelves to meet use
requirements.
[0007] To achieve the foregoing object the rack assembly joint of
the invention aims for assembly of a plurality of shelves. Each
shelf has four corners at two lateral edges and four insertion rods
respectively protruding from the four corners straightly toward two
sides thereof. The rack assembly joint includes a main body, a
first coupling structure and a second coupling structure. The main
body has a first coupling end and a second coupling end
perpendicular to each other. The first coupling structure is
located on the first coupling end and includes at least two first
coupling round holes coupled with the insertion rod in a compact
manner. The second coupling structure is located on the second
coupling end and includes at least two second coupling round holes
coupled with the insertion rod in a compact manner.
[0008] Thus, after a plurality of the rack assembly joints and a
plurality of the shelves are coupled together an assembled rack is
formed. Because the first coupling round holes and the second
coupling round holes are coupled with the insertion rod in a
compact manner a secure structure is formed that can provide a
sufficient bonding force without the problem of loosening caused by
elasticity fatigue, and maintain a firm assembly rack even after
subject to assembly and disassembly a plurality of times, hence can
meet use requirements.
[0009] The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and
advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the
following embodiments and detailed description, that proceed with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional rack assembly
joint.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a conventional assembly
rack.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a shelf used in the invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the invention incorporated
with a door panel.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the invention incorporated
with a caster.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the invention in a use
condition.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the invention in a use
structure partly disassembled.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the invention in another use
condition.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the invention showing a shelf
and the rack assembly joint in a coupling condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 4 for a first embodiment of the
invention that aims to couple with a plurality of shelves 10. Each
shelf 10 has four corners at two lateral edges each has four
insertion rods 11 respectively protruding from the four corners
straightly toward two sides. The rack assembly joint 20A includes a
main body 21, a first coupling structure 41 and a second coupling
structure 42. The main body 21 has a first coupling end 31 and a
second coupling end 32 perpendicular to each other. The first
coupling structure 41 is located on the first coupling end 31 and
includes at least two first coupling round holes 51 coupled with
the insertion rod 11 in a compact manner. The second coupling
structure 42 is located on the second coupling end 32 and includes
at least two second coupling round holes 52 coupled with the
insertion rod 11 in a compact manner.
[0023] Each first coupling round hole 51 and each second coupling
round hole 52 have respectively a latch rim 60 formed inside to
clamp the insertion rod 11 to enhance clamp forces. The main body
21 also has a first flank plate 71 and a second flank plate 72
connected thereon and extended outward transversely in the
directions of the first coupling round hole 51 and the second
coupling round hole 52.
[0024] Please refer to FIG. 5 for a second embodiment of the
invention. Compared with the first embodiment, in the second
embodiment the rack assembly joint 20B further includes a third
coupling structure 43, and the main body 21 has a third coupling
end 33 opposite to the first coupling end 31 at the rear side
thereof. The third coupling structure 43 is located on the third
coupling end 33. The third coupling structure 43 has at least two
third coupling round holes 53 to couple with the insertion rod 11
in a compact manner. The second coupling round holes 52 include at
least three sets. Similarly, in the second embodiment each of the
first coupling round holes 51, the second coupling round holes 52
and the third coupling round holes 53 has a latch rim 60 formed
inside to clamp the insertion rod 11. Moreover, the main body 21
also has a first flank plate 71, a second flank plate 72 and a
third flank plate 73 connected thereon and extended outward
transversely in the directions of the first coupling round hole 51,
the second coupling round hole 52 and the third coupling round hole
53.
[0025] Please refer to FIG. 6 for a third embodiment of the
invention. Compared with the second embodiment, in the third
embodiment the rack assembly joint 20C further includes a fourth
coupling structure 44, and the main body 21 has a fourth coupling
end 34 which is located opposite to the second coupling end 32 at
the rear side thereof. The fourth coupling structure 44 has at
least three coupling round holes 54 to couple with the insertion
rod 11 in a compact manner. The first coupling round holes 51, the
second coupling round holes 52 and the third coupling round holes
53 include respectively three sets. Similarly, each of the first
coupling round holes 51, the second coupling round hole 5 and the
third coupling round hole 53 and the fourth coupling holes 54 has a
latch rim 60 formed inside to clamp the insertion rod 11. Moreover,
the main body 21 also has a first flank plate 71, a second flank
plate 72, a third flank plate 73 and a fourth flank plate 74
connected thereon and extended outward transversely in the
directions of the first coupling round hole 51, the second coupling
round hole 52, the third coupling round hole 53 and the fourth
coupling round hole 54.
[0026] Please referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the invention can be
incorporated with a door panel 12 and a caster 13 when in use. The
door 12 has a grip knob 121, and the insertion rods 11 (two sets)
on the same side of the grip knob 121 must be shortened without
being jammed to allow the door panel 12 to be opened as desired.
The caster 13 has an installation strut 131 to facilitate moving
after installation.
[0027] Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 10 for the invention in use
conditions. The components include the rack assembly joint 20A of
the first embodiment, the rack assembly joint 20B of the second
embodiment, the door panel 12, the shelves 10 and the casters 13.
After assembly is finished an assembly rack equipped with the door
panel 12 is formed to meet use requirement.
[0028] Please refer to FIG. 11 for the invention in another use
structure. The components include the rack assembly joint 20A of
the first embodiment, the rack assembly joint 20B of the second
embodiment, the rack assembly joint 20C of the third embodiment and
the shelves 10. After assembly is finished a stepped type assembly
rack is formed to meet use requirement.
[0029] Please refer to FIG. 12 for a design of the first flank
plate 71, the second flank plate 72, the third flank plate 73 and
the fourth flank plate 74 (with the rack assembly joint 20A as an
example, and merely the first flank plate 71 is shown for
discussion). Each flank plate is formed in a shape to fill and mate
a truncated corner 14 of each shelf 10 to avoid creating too large
a gap with the rack assembly joints 20A, 20B and 20C, and to
enhance aesthetic appeal.
[0030] As a conclusion, the invention allows various types and
quantity of the rack assembly joints, shelves, door panels and
casters to be assembled to form assembly racks of varying styles
according to users' requirements. Since the first coupling round
hole and the second coupling round hole can form compact coupling
with the insertion rod, sufficient bonding forces are generated,
hence the problems of elasticity fatigue and loosening also are
less likely to occur. The rack thus formed can be assembled and
disassembled repeatedly many times and still very firm in
structure, thus can meet use requirements.
[0031] While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been
set forth for the purpose of disclosure, they are not the
limitation of the invention, modifications of the disclosed
embodiments of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof
may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended
claims are intended to cover all embodiments which do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *