U.S. patent application number 15/142971 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-02 for sliding shelf system.
The applicant listed for this patent is BENSON METALS, INC.. Invention is credited to John D. Benson.
Application Number | 20170311718 15/142971 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60157060 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170311718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benson; John D. |
November 2, 2017 |
SLIDING SHELF SYSTEM
Abstract
A sliding shelf system includes a support structure including a
plurality of posts, and a base mounted to the posts in a stationary
manner. A slidable shelf is mounted to the base for movement
between a stored position and an extended position. A wheel
supports the shelf in the extended position. A notch is provided in
the support structure for receipt of the wheel when the shelf is in
the stored position. A latch includes a pivoting handle, a cable,
and a slidable rod wherein pivoting of the handle moves the
slidable rod. A rod with a hook engages an aperture in the pivoting
handle of the latch of the slidable shelf. A socket on the slidable
shelf receives a distal end of a rod, a proximal end of the rod
defines a handle for grasping by the user.
Inventors: |
Benson; John D.; (Cottage
Grove, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BENSON METALS, INC. |
Mendota |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60157060 |
Appl. No.: |
15/142971 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2519/00776
20130101; B65D 19/42 20130101; B65G 1/026 20130101; A47B 57/00
20130101; B65G 2201/0267 20130101; A47B 88/41 20170101; A47B 81/00
20130101; A47B 96/025 20130101; A47B 46/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00; A47B 46/00 20060101 A47B046/00; A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00; B65D 19/42 20060101 B65D019/42 |
Claims
1. A shelf system mountable on the ground, the shelf system
comprising: a support structure with ground engaging elements, and
including a plurality of upright posts, and a plurality of cross
supports, and a stationary base; a slidable shelf slidable relative
to the base; wherein the slidable shelf is slidable on the floor
and includes two wheels adjacent to a front of the slidable shelf
and adjacent to opposite sides of the slidable shelf, the two
wheels engagable with the ground at all times as the slidable shelf
is moved from a retracted position to an extended position and from
the extended position to the retracted position.
2. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the support structure
includes two notches, each notch for receipt of one of the two
wheels mounted to the slidable shelf.
3. The shelf system of claim 2, wherein the slidable shelf includes
a latch, wherein the latch includes a pivotable handle and a spring
loaded slidable rod, and a cable linking the slidable rod with the
pivotable handle, the latch further including a ramp surface and a
channel configured to latch to the slidable rod when the slidable
shelf moves from the extended position to the retracted
position.
4. The shelf system of claim 3, wherein the latch is actuated by a
releasable rod which includes a hook connectable to an aperture in
the handle.
5. The shelf system of claim 4, wherein the slidable shelf includes
a socket for receipt of a removable rod, wherein a distal end of
the rod is received by the socket, and a proximal end of the rod
defines a handle for grasping by the user.
6. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the slidable shelf includes
a latch, wherein the latch includes a pivotable handle and a spring
loaded slidable rod, and a cable linking the slidable rod with the
pivotable handle, the latch further including a ramp surface and a
channel configured to latch to the slidable rod when the slidable
shelf moves from the extended position to the retracted
position.
7. The shelf system of claim 6, wherein the latch is actuated by a
releasable rod which includes a hook connectable to an aperture in
the handle.
8. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the slidable shelf includes
a latch, wherein the latch includes a pivotable handle, wherein the
latch is actuated by a releasable rod which includes a hook
connectable to an aperture in the handle.
9. The shelf system of claim 1, wherein the slidable shelf includes
a socket for receipt of a removable rod, wherein a distal end of
the rod is received by the socket, and a proximal end of the rod
defines a handle for grasping by the user.
10. A shelf system mountable on the ground, the shelf system
comprising: a support structure with ground engaging elements, and
including a plurality of upright posts, and a plurality of cross
supports, and a stationary base; a slidable shelf slidable relative
to the base; wherein the slidable shelf includes a latch, wherein
the latch includes a pivotable handle and a spring loaded slidable
rod, and a cable linking the slidable rod with the pivotable
handle, the latch further including a ramp surface and a channel
configured to latch to the slidable rod when the slidable shelf
moves from an extended position to a retracted position.
11. The shelf system of claim 10, wherein the latch is actuated by
a releasable rod which includes a hook connectable to an aperture
in the handle.
12. The shelf system of claim 10, wherein the slidable shelf
includes a socket for receipt of a removable rod, wherein a distal
end of the rod is received by the socket, and a proximal end of the
rod defines a handle for grasping by the user.
13. A shelf system comprising: a stationary base; a slidable shelf
slidable relative to the base; wherein the slidable shelf is
slidable on the floor and includes a wheel adjacent to a front of
the slidable shelf; wherein the base includes a notch for receipt
of the wheel mounted to the slidable shelf; wherein the slidable
shelf includes a latch, wherein the latch includes a pivotable
handle and a slidable rod, wherein the latch is actuated by a
releasable rod which includes a hook connectable to an aperture in
the handle; wherein the slidable shelf includes a socket for
receipt of a removable rod, wherein a distal end of the rod is
received by the socket, and a proximal end of the rod defines a
handle for grasping by the user.
14. The shelf system of claim 13, wherein the latch includes a
cable linking the slidable rod with the pivotable handle.
15. The shelf system of claim 13, wherein the releasable rod
includes a stop bar to limit insertion of the hook into the
aperture in the handle.
16. The shelf system of claim 4, wherein the releasable rod
includes a stop bar to limit insertion of the hook into the
aperture in the handle.
17. The shelf system of claim 8, wherein the releasable rod
includes a stop bar to limit insertion of the hook into the
aperture in the handle.
18. The shelf system of claim 11, wherein the releasable rod
includes a stop bar to limit insertion of the hook into the
aperture in the handle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Shelf systems are known for storing inventory or other
items. Pallet storage systems hold a pallet with one or more items
on the pallet, where the pallet is itself stored on a shelf.
Sometimes there is a need for the shelf to slide out for improved
access. There is a need for improvements in sliding shelf
systems.
SUMMARY
[0002] A shelf system is provided which includes at least one
sliding shelf for improved accessibility to any item or items
positioned on the shelf, or for improved accessibility to the shelf
to place one or more items on the shelf. The shelf can support a
pallet if desired.
[0003] In one embodiment, the shelf system is mounted on the floor
and may include a plurality of upright support posts, and cross
supports. A base of the shelf system is mounted to the floor, to
the posts and/or to the cross supports. The sliding shelf moves
relative to the base between a stored position, and an extended
position. In one embodiment, the shelf is located adjacent to the
floor, where access to the shelf may require bending over.
[0004] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf is supported on the
floor by the use of one or more ground engaging wheels. Preferably,
the one or more support wheels are positioned along a front region
of the sliding shelf as the shelf slides relative to the base to
the extended position.
[0005] In one embodiment, the base includes a notched region for
receipt of each wheel when the shelf is in the stored position.
[0006] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf latches to the base in
the stored position. The latch includes a pivoting handle, a
flexible cable, and a retractable rod. In one embodiment, the latch
self-latches when the shelf is moved to the stored position. The
latch does not unlatch until the latch handle is pivoted relative
to the shelf.
[0007] In one embodiment, the latch includes a pivoting handle
located on a front face of the sliding shelf, wherein a first rod
can be used to unlatch the latch. The first rod has a support
handle on one end, and an engagement device on a distal end,
wherein the distal end is attachable to the handle of the latch to
pivotably move the handle of the latch, to thereby unlatch the
sliding shelf. In this manner, the user does not have to bend over
to unlatch the latch when the user wants to move the shelf from the
stored position to the extended position.
[0008] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf includes a socket for
receipt of a second rod, wherein a distal end of the second rod is
received by the socket, and a proximal end defines a handle for
grasping by the user. In this manner, the user does not have to
bend over to push and/or pull the shelf by hand, or use the user's
foot to push the shelf when the user wants to move the shelf from
the extended position to the stored position or in the opposite
direction. The first rod with the attachment device can also be
used to move the shelf between portions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top, front perspective view of a shelf system
including two sliding shelves with both shelves in the stored
positions;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom, front perspective view of the shelf
system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top, front perspective view of the shelf system
of FIG. 1, with one of the sliding shelves in the extended
position;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a top, rear perspective view of the shelf system
of FIG. 3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the shelf
system of FIGS. 1-4, showing both shelves in the extended
positions;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the shelf system of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the shelf system of
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of the shelf system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the shelf system of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a first side view of the shelf system of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an opposite side view of the shelf system of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 12A is a top view of one of the sliding shelves of FIG.
1, wherein the shelf is in the stored position;
[0021] FIG. 12B is a top view of one of the sliding shelves of FIG.
1, wherein the shelf is in the extended position;
[0022] FIG. 13 shows further features of the sliding shelf from a
bottom, front perspective view;
[0023] FIG. 13A shows the socket and the rod received by the
socket, and the latch engaged to the unlatching rod;
[0024] FIG. 13B shows the latching rod portion of the latch;
[0025] FIG. 13C shows the channel of the latch;
[0026] FIG. 14 shows in detailed view the latch mechanism;
[0027] FIGS. 15-23 are various additional views which illustrate
the construction of the slide assembly which allows for sliding
movement of each shelf between the stored and extended positions,
and other features of the shelf system;
[0028] FIG. 24 shows the shelf system of FIG. 1 including
additional shelves above the sliding shelves.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] FIGS. 1-24 show an example a shelf system 10 including a
sliding shelf feature. As shown, two sliding shelves 20 are
provided in the example system, with both shelves in the stored
positions in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIGS. 3 and 4 show one of the sliding
shelves 20a in the extended position. The shelf system 10 shown
includes at least one sliding shelf 20 for improved accessibility
to any item or items positioned on the shelf, or for improved
accessibility to the shelf to place one or more items on the shelf.
The shelf can support a pallet if desired. FIG. 5 shows both
shelves 20a, 20b in the extended positions.
[0030] Each sliding shelf 20 is a standalone unit in one
embodiment. Each sliding shelf 20 can be used individually, or can
be positioned adjacent additional sliding shelves 20 arranged in a
row, or multiple rows, such as in a warehouse or other storage
facility. The sliding shelf 20 can also be incorporated into an
interconnected system where the shelves 20 are integrally connected
with other structures of the shelf system 10. One preferred use of
each sliding shelf 20 is as a floor unit or floor shelf.
[0031] In one embodiment, the shelf system 10 is mounted on the
floor 24 and preferably includes a plurality of upright support
posts 30, and a plurality of cross supports 32. The support posts
30, the cross supports 32 and other structures as desired, allow
storage at other levels above the floor shelves 20. A base 40 of
the shelf system is mounted to the floor, to the posts and/or to
the cross supports. As shown base 40 is mounted to the floor with
bolts 44. The sliding shelf 42 moves relative to the base 40
between a stored position, and an extended position. In one
embodiment, the shelf 20 is located adjacent to the floor, where
access to the shelf may require bending over.
[0032] Because the shelf 20 is located adjacent to the floor,
various features are provided which individually, and collectively
improve the usability and construction of shelf 20. With storage
systems, there is a desire to avoid difficult to access areas by
the user. There is also a desire to have a sturdy and reliable
arrangement for any storage structures of the system. With the
floor shelves 20, improved use of storage space between the floor
and the first supporting structure vertically positioned above the
floor is provided.
[0033] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf 42 is supported on the
floor by the use of one or more ground engaging wheels 50.
Preferably, the one or more support wheels are positioned along a
front region 52 of the sliding shelf 42 as the shelf slides away
from the base 40 to the extended position.
[0034] As described, each sliding shelf 20 is described as
including a base 40 and a sliding shelf 42 which is movable
relative to the base 40. The base generally remains stationary at
all times while the sliding shelf 42 slides relative to the base
between a storage position wherein the sliding shelf 42 is located
generally vertically above the base, to an extended position
wherein the sliding shelf is extended generally horizontally
relative to the base 40. In the illustrated examples of the FIGS.,
the sliding shelf 42 is generally fully extendable relative to base
40 for greater access to the full area of sliding shelf 42 and its
storage area. Other sliding shelf mechanisms can be utilized which
do not permit the full extension as provided in the example
embodiment.
[0035] In one embodiment, the base 40 includes a notched region 54
for receipt of each wheel 50 when the shelf 20 is in the stored
position. The notched region 54 in base 40 allows a front of base
40 to be generally flush with the front region 52 of the sliding
shelf 42 when the sliding shelf 42 is in the stored position. In
this manner, a cross-member 56 including the notched region 54 can
extend across a front of the base 40 for creating a secure base
structure.
[0036] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf 42 latches with a latch
60 to the base 40 in the stored position. The latch includes a
pivoting handle 62, a flexible cable 64, and a retractable rod 66.
In one embodiment, the latch 60 self-latches in channel 68 when the
sliding shelf 42 is moved to the stored position. The latch 60 does
not unlatch until the latch handle 62 is pivoted relative to the
shelf. FIG. 14 shows in detailed view the latch mechanism.
[0037] Latch handle 62 includes a first pivot 110 which allows
pivoting of latch handle 62. As latch handle 62 pivots, flexible
cable 64 is pulled toward the direction of rotation of latch handle
62 which causes pivoting movement of plate 112 about a pivot point
114. A connecting rod 116 connects plate 112 to retractable rod 66.
Retractable rod 66 is spring loaded toward the extended position.
When latch handle 62 is released, retractable rod 66 is fully
extended. When latch handle 62 is rotated, retractable rod 66 is
pulled out of channel 68. Channel 68 is located adjacent to a rear
of base 40. Adjacent to channel 68 is a ramp surface 120 which
allows for auto-latching or self-latching when sliding shelf 42 is
moved from the extended position to the stored position. If
desired, latch handle 62 can be rotated by hand to open the latch
and allow for sliding movement of sliding shelf 42 relative to base
40.
[0038] In one embodiment, the latch 60 includes the pivoting handle
62 located on a front face 70 of the sliding shelf 42, wherein a
first, or unlatching rod 72 is used to unlatch the latch. The first
rod has a support handle 74 on one end, and an engagement device 76
on a distal end, wherein the distal end is attachable to the handle
of the latch to pivotably move the handle of the latch, to thereby
unlatch the sliding shelf. In this manner, the user does not have
to bend over to unlatch the latch when the user wants to move the
shelf from the stored position to the extended position. One
example engagement device is a hook 78 for receipt in aperture 118.
A stop bar 80 can be used to limit insertion of the hook 78 too far
into aperture 118.
[0039] Unlatching rod 72 is selectively engageable with latch 60 so
that multiple shelves 20 can be accessed with a single unlatching
rod 72 as desired. Unlatching rod 72 can be hung on a support post
30, or other location as desired. When not in use, unlatching rod
is not obstructing access to sliding shelf 42 in the stored
position or in the extended position. When used to unlatch latch
60, unlatching rod 72 is pulled at an angle relative to the
vertical to rotate pivoting handle 62 to thereby unlatch the
retractable rod 66 and allow for sliding movement from the stored
position to the extended position for sliding shelf 42.
[0040] In one embodiment, the sliding shelf 42 includes a socket 90
for receipt of a second, or handling rod 92, wherein a distal end
94 of the second rod is received by the socket, and a proximal end
96 defines a handle for grasping by the user. In this manner, the
user does not have to bend over to push the shelf by hand, or use
the user's foot to push the shelf when the user wants to move the
shelf from the extended position to the stored position.
[0041] The handling rod 92 is selectively attachable and detachable
from the sliding shelf 42 so as to assist with movement of the
sliding shelf 42 as desired. Once moved to the desired position,
handling rod 92 can be removed and no longer interfere with access
to the sliding shelf 42. When use is desired for assisting with
movement of sliding shelf 42, handling rod 92 is re-inserted into
the socket 90 and this can be used to guide the sliding shelf 42
back to the stored position. This is especially useful when a heavy
load is supported by the sliding shelf 42.
[0042] Latch 60 includes a flexible cable 64 so that one advantage
is to allow relatching when the latch handle 62 is flat against the
front face 70, such as might occur if the latch 60 is released or
the unlatching rod is used to move the shelf back to the stored
position. If there was a rigid connection, the retractable rod
might not move to allow relatching.
[0043] FIGS. 15-23 are various views which illustrate the
construction of the slide assembly 150 which allows for sliding
movement of each shelf between the closed and extended positions,
and other features of the shelf system.
[0044] In one example for slide assembly 150, a dual channel
arrangement is provided on each side of sliding shelves 20. Each
dual channel arrangement 152 includes two back-to-back C channels,
or dual tubes 154. Within each C channel is an array of wheels 156
which allow for sliding movement of sliding shelf 42 relative to
base 40. Additionally, guide casters 160 are provided to support
dual tube arrangement 154.
[0045] FIG. 24 shows the shelf system of FIG. 1 including
additional shelves above the sliding shelves 20. Various structures
can be positioned over the sliding shelves 20 for additional
storage as desired. These can be stationary shelves, or shelves
which may include a slide mechanism.
* * * * *