Sectional Shelving

Abstract

This shelving comprising vertical uprights of T cross-sectional contour, horizontal cross-members interconnecting pairs of uprights and formed to this end with end lugs engageable in perforations of said uprights for supporting the shelving trays, comprises series of plates adapted to be disposed vertically and side by side to constitute the bottom or rear wall or panel of the shelving, each plate having a length corresponding substantially to the distance between two adjacent uprights, the inner face of said uprights being formed with two series of perforations disposed in superposed relationship for receiving the anchoring lugs formed along the vertical edges of said plates.

Description

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to sectional shelvings of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,790.

The type of shelving to which the present invention is applicable comprises in combination the following three basic elements:

A SERIES OF VERTICAL UPRIGHTS CONSISTING OF SECTION MEMBERS ASSEMBLED BY PAIRS AND DISPOSED ON THE FRONT AND REAR FACES OF THE SHELVING;

A SERIES OF CROSS MEMBERS DISPOSED HORIZONTALLY BETWEEN THE TWO UPRIGHTS OF A SAME PAIR FOR ASSEMBLING SAME, AND

A SERIES OF TRAYS HAVING THEIR ENDS HOOKED TO, OR SUSPENDED FROM, SAID CROSS MEMBERS FOR CONSTITUTING HORIZONTAL SHELVES.

According to an essential feature characterizing these shelvings each vertical upright consists of a section member having in horizontal or cross-sectional view the general shape of a hollow "T" of which the wing corresponding to the upper branch of the T is adapted to be positioned on the corresponding face of the shelving, the two walls of the central leg of the T constituting this hollow section being provided with a series of regularly spaced perforations throughout the height or length of the upright.

On the other hand, said cross members consist each of a section member comprising a vertical wing adapted to engage one of the perforated walls of an upright and formed at either end with one or more suspension hooks or lugs engageable into the corresponding perforations of said upright walls. Besides, this section member comprises a horizontal ledge formed with a notch at either end in order to fit easily on the adjacent edge of the corresponding upright.

The chief purpose of the improvements constituting the subject-matter of the present invention consists essentially in further increasing the sturdiness of the shelvings constructed by means of the above-described component elements.

It is another object of these improvements to facilitate the commercial manufacture of these elements at a relatively low cost.

According to a primary feature characterizing these improvements, there is also provided a series of plates adapted to be disposed vertically in side-by-side and superposed relationship to constitute the bottom or rear wall of the shelving, each plate aforesaid having a length corresponding substantially to the distance contemplated between two successive uprights, the outer face of these uprights being provided with a series of perforations, in superposed relationship, adapted to be engaged by anchoring suspension or hooking lugs provided along the vertical edges of the aforesaid plates constituting the bottom of the shelving.

However, when these last-named plates are properly positioned in the structure they have the complementary function of improving the rigidity of the corresponding shelving and increasing the sturdiness thereof.

According to another improvement characterizing this invention the anchoring suspension or hooking lugs provided at either end of each cross member consist of lugs cut or punched and pressed in the end portions of the vertical wing of the corresponding section member which is adjacent the upper horizontal edge of said section member. On the other hand, the perforations designed for receiving these lugs consist of apertures formed in the side walls of the central hollow branch of each upright.

According to a further improvement characterizing this invention the horizontal trays of the shelving according to the present invention are obtained by cutting and bending a piece of sheet metal having its longitudinal edges bent while cutting at either end a pair of lateral lugs and a main extension for constituting an in-turned element, the three elements thus obtained being subsequently folded against one another and interlocked by means of a simple punched spot in each overlapping zone thereof.

Other features and advantages of the sectional shelvings of this invention will appear as the following description proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of example and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plane view from above of an improved shelving according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one of the rear uprights of this shelving together with the elements secured thereto;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the rear face of the same shelving;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a vertical plate adapted to constitute the bottom of this shelving;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of one of the uprights of this shelving;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one of the cross members thereof;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are fragmentary perspective views of two modified forms of embodiment;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are sections taken along the line IX--IX of FIG. 6 and X--X of FIG. 7, respectively;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing one of the trays of the shelving of this invention, and

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 are fragmentary perspective views showing the various steps of the manufacture of the tray illustrated in FIG. 11.

The improved shelving according to this invention comprises:

(a) a series of vertical uprights 1 adapted to be assembled by pairs, the uprights of each pair being disposed one on the front face and the other on the rear or back face of the corresponding shelving;

(b) a series of horizontal distance-pieces or cross members adapted to assemble two uprights of a same pair with each other;

(c) a series of horizontal trays 3 adapted to be suspended or hooked from said cross members.

Each upright 1 consists of a section member having in cross-section a shape corresponding substiantially to that of a hollow "T." The wing 4 of this "T" section which corresponds to the upper or transverse branch of the "T" is adapted to be positioned on the corresponding (front or rear) face of the shelving. The other hollow branch, constituting the main or central branch of the "T," consists of a pair of parallel walls 5a and 5b extending inwards of the shelving. Since the section contemplated herein is hollow, these two walls are somewhat spaced from each other, their relative distance corresponding to the width of the corresponding branch of the "T."

These two walls comprise a series of perforations spaced at regular intervals along the height of the corresponding section and adapted to receive anchoring, hooking or suspension lugs formed at the ends of cross members 2. However, in contrast to what was observed in the basic shelving described hereinabove, in the present invention these perforations consist of relatively wide apertures, for example of square configuration.

However, a different shape may be contemplated, if desired, for example a rectangular or trapezoidal configuration.

These perforations are disposed in the central portion of said walls 5a and 5b. Under these conditions, the making of these perforations is considerably simplified in comparison with the slots or similar apertures formed heretofore, for these were usually located along the edge of walls 5a and 5b which are close to the adjacent portions 7a and 7b of each upright.

These last-named portions 7a and 7b are adapted to act as stop means for the abutting engagement thereof by the ends of the horizontal cross members. On the other hand, the two walls 5a and 5b are followed by a pair of ledges 8 folded at right angles and leaving therebetween a gap 9 constituting a slot adapted to receive the edge of a vertical partition wall between two adjacent horizontal trays 3 disposed at the same level.

Each horizontal cross member 2 consists of a section member having a substantially U-shaped vertical cross-section. Thus, each member 2 comprises two vertical wings 10 and 11, the first one 10 being adapted to engage either of the aforesaid pair of lateral walls 5a, 5b of the vertical uprights, the second wing 11 being thus adapted to constitute an anchoring, hooking or suspension element for a horizontal tray.

The upper edge of the first vertical wing 10 of this section member comprises a horizontal ledge 13. As in the form of embodiment described in the preceding U.S. Pat. No. 3,487,790 filed by the Applicant, this ledge has formed therein a cut-out or notch 13a at either end. Thus, the ends of each cross member 2 can fit around the corresponding edge of the adjacent end of an upright 1, the end 10a of vertical wing 10 engaging or abutting the vertical wall 5a or 5b of this upright while the edge of said horizontal ledge 13 engages the end ledge 8 of the same upright 1.

The width of the horizontal ledge 13 of each cross member is such that the latter fills only one-half of the gap left between two adjacent cross-members 2. It is thus possible to eliminate any gap between the trays 3 disposed in succession at a same level throughout the width of the shelving.

The anchoring, suspension or hooking lugs formed at the ends of each cross member consist of cut and pressed portions 12 formed in the ends 10a of vertical wing 10 of each cross-member, i.e. in the portions of this vertical wing that are adjacent the notch 13a formed in each end portion of the upper horizontal ledge 13. These lugs are formed by a simultaneous cutting (or punching) and pressing operation. As will be readily understood by those conversant with the art, these lugs are much easier to manufacture than those contemplated in the aforesaid prior patent of the same Applicant. Of course, these lugs 12 may have a certain width, the perforations 6 formed in the vertical uprights having substantially the same width.

In the exemplary form of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, each end extension comprises a single anchoring lug 12.

However, in the modified form of embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 10, a pair of anchoring lugs 12a disposed in superposed relationship on a same end extension 10a are contemplated. Thus, these two lugs are adapted to engage two successive apertures or perforations 6 of a vertical upright.

It is also possible to provide a pair of anchoring lugs 12b disposed side by side, as shown in the modified form of embodiment of FIG. 8. But in this case two series of parallel perforations must be provided in the lateral walls 5a and 5b of the vertical uprights.

Irrespective of their form of embodiment, these cross-members 2 are adapted to be disposed side by side, by pairs, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in order to assemble the two uprights 1 of a same pair.

As already mentioned in the foregoing, the horizontal trays 3 are suspended at their ends from the vertical wing 11 of the corresponding cross-members. However, the wing 11 of each cross-member may comprise one or a plurality of intermediate notches 14. The function of these notches is to permit the side by side arrangement of a plurality of trays 3 in the front-to-rear direction, since it is possible to engage the lower ledge of these trays into the notches provided to this end.

According to an important improvement characterizing the present invention, the shelving further comprises a series of plates 21 adapted to be disposed vertically, in side-by-side, and superposed relationship, to constitute the bottom or rear wall of the shelving. The length L of each plate 21 corresponds to the relative spacing between two adjacent vertical uprights 1 of a same face of the shelving.

The various sides 21a and 21b of each plate 21 are raised at right angles in relation to one of the faces, namely the face to be directed to the rear. Thus, a satisfactory stiffness can be imparted to each plate 21.

However, the two vertical edges 21b of each plate 21 are formed with a ledge 22 adapted to engage the rear face of the corresponding vertical upright 1a (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3).

Now, these ledges are provided with anchoring lugs 23 adapted to engage slots 24 formed in the rear faces of the vertical uprights.

In this respect it may be noted that each upright comprises two series of vertical slits 24 extending along two parallel lines to permit the mounting of the two plates 21 on either side of a same upright.

In fact, as already explained in the foregoing, the function of these plates 21 is to be disposed side by side and in superposed relationship in order to constitute the bottom or rear wall of a same shelving. However, these plates have relatively reduced dimensions so that their weight is relatively moderate. Thus, they can be handled and positioned much more easily, in contrast to one-piece panels as hitherto used for constituting the bottom or rear walls of shelvings.

When properly positioned, these plates 21 ensure an efficient and reliable bracing of the two successive rear uprights of adjacent pairs in a same shelving. Under these conditions, the complete framework of the shelving is perfectly rigid.

This is due to the fact that the vertical edges of said plates 21 fit on the uprights 1a from which they are suspended. Moreover, it may be noted that when these plates 21 are superposed they engage each other through their horizontal ledges 21a, thus further assisting in improving the stiffness of the assembly.

Of course, bottom or rear plates having different dimensions may be provided. Thus, it is possible to provide plates comprising a length L of different value so that the relative spacing between two successive pairs of uprights can be modified as a function, of course, of the length contemplated for the horizontal plates or trays. However, bottom or rear plates 21 may also be provided which have different heights with a view to form bottom panels of greater or smaller height as a function of the specific shelving contemplated.

Thus, the vertical plates 1 are advantageous in that they have a dual function, i.e. forming the bottom or rear wall of the shelving and constituting a reinforcing element imparting a perfect rigidity to the complete shelving equipped therewith. In fact, once these plates are properly positioned, the complete frame structure is safely rigid throughout.

According to a further improvement characterizing this invention, each horizontal plate 3 of the shelving is obtained by simply bending a sheet metal element, without resorting to any welding or riveting operation. In fact, the sheet metal blank is firstly bent and folded as shown in FIG. 12 so as to form the long sides 15 of the lower frame. During this operation, these are also formed by cutting at either end the pair of lateral lugs 16 and an extension 17 which is to constitute eventually an in-turned portion.

Then, the two lugs 16 are folded inwards as shown in FIG. 12. The in-turned portion 17 itself is subsequently raised and applied against said lugs.

Finally, a punched spot or like cavity 18 is formed in each overlapping zone of the in-turned portions thus obtained, for interlocking these portions. These punched spots or the like are so formed that they project outwards. These projections are advantageous in that they greatly facilitate the positioning and release of the end edges of plates 3 in the grooves of the horizontal cross members 2. In fact, these projections then constitute the only points of frictional contact with the wings 10 of the horizontal cross-members.

The trays thus formed are advantageous in that they are extremely sturdy and can be manufactured by resorting to simple folding steps at a relatively low cost.

In addition to the advantages resulting from the general arrangement of the shelving of this invention, a number of additional advantages, notably the sturdiness and rigidity on the one hand, the simplified manufacture of its component elements on the other hand, are obtained with the present invention, with an obvious reduction in the general cost of the assembly.

Considering its multifarious features and advantages, the present invention provides a shelving suitable for a great number of applications, notably for the storage and keeping of goods and articles of all kinds and types.

Claims

What I claim is:

1. A sectional shelving of the type comprising:

a plurality of vertical uprights having a horizontal cross-section the shape of a hollow "T,"

a series of perforations on the lateral walls of said uprights and two series of perforations on the external face of said upright,

cross members adapted to be disposed horizontally and transversally between two uprights, said cross members having at least one substantially "s" shaped wing element thereon, said element extending along at least part of the length of said member and being affixed to the bottom of said member such that a slot is formed between said element and said member,

anchoring lugs provided on the ends of said cross members and adapted to engage said perforations of said lateral walls of said uprights,

trays adapted to be anchored within said slots between said wing elements and said cross members, said trays each consisting of a sheet of metal element comprising two longitudinal edges bent at vertical right angles, a pair of cut lugs disposed initially in alignment with said longitudinal edges but bent towards each other at right angles to said edges and to said sheet metal element, and two end edges each bent at right angles against the corresponding pair of end lugs, said end lugs and the registering portions of said end edges comprising at least one common punched spot for interlocking said edges, and

a series of plates adapted to be disposed vertically in one of said series of perforations side by side in a super-imposed relationship for constituting the rear wall of the shelving, each plate having a length corresponding substantially to the length of said trays, the ends of said plates comprising a ledge forming a forwardly facing corner and adapted to engage the dihedron formed by the external face and a lateral wall of said uprights, the edge of said ledge being provided with forwardly facing anchoring lugs adapted to engage the perforations of the external face of said uprights, the top and bottom of said plate being provided with forwardly bent sides.