ES2909618T3 - Adjustable Floating Shelving Systems - Google Patents

Abstract

An anchorage system comprising (i) a substantially vertical member (40) comprising a channel (12) extending therein, the channel (12) sloping downwardly within the member (40), the channel (12) having ) an open end, a blind end, an upper wall (14) and a lower wall (16), each of the upper and lower walls made from a metal and formed separately from the vertical member (40) and incorporated in the upright member (40), the upper wall (14) having a recess (18) disposed at or towards the blind end, an edge of the lower wall (16) being configured at the open end of the channel (12) to form a pivot point (19), and (ii) an insert (42) configured to insert into the channel (12) in the upright member (40), the insert (42) comprising a first region (44) and a second region ( 46), the first and second regions being separated by a fold (48) in the insert (42), the first region having a c upper face with a coupling member (49) extending therefrom, wherein the channel (12) of the vertical member (40) and the insert (42) are configured so that the region of the insert (42) that comprising the coupling member (49) can be inserted into the channel (12), and when inserted into the channel (12) and in response to a downward force applied at or about the terminus of the insert (42) distal to the member vertical (40), the insert (42) pivots on the pivot point (19) of the channel (12) so that the coupling member (49) moves within the recess (18) of the channel (12) thus blocking the channel (12) and insert (42) together.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Adjustable Floating Shelving Systems

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an easily assembled adjustable shelving system for commercial and residential purposes without visible supports.

BACKGROUND

A commonly used shelving system for retail store furnishing is the slatwall type system which has a very industrial look, has heavy brackets and limited options with backboard sizes and shelf lengths.

In one aspect, there is a need in the art for a more elegant and adjustable system that does not have an industrial appearance and that would complement a retail store, commercial or home display.

It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or alleviate a prior art problem by providing an improved shelving system, or simply an alternative to prior art shelving systems. Discussion of documents, proceedings, materials, devices, articles, and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention.

US 6,363,645 B1 relates to display panel inserts, where the inserts are received within T-shaped indentations in the display panel. US 2003/189019 A1 relates to a display panel including a plurality of horizontal slots for receiving an S-shaped suspension end portion of a support that is adapted to support articles. US 4,509,648 relates to a display assembly comprising a panel member with a multiplicity of horizontally extending track portions in which clip members are received.

WO 2011/162804 A1, DE 20 2011 110536 U1, US 3,268,195 A and US 8,602,227 B1 also refer to various article support panel arrangements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an anchoring system according to claim 1.

In one embodiment of the vertical member, the walls of the channel are made from a material that is elastic to deformation.

In one embodiment, the vertical member is a panel or a board or a wall.

In one embodiment of the vertical member, the channel runs substantially horizontally.

In one embodiment of the insert, the insert comprises a stop member extending from an upper surface thereof, for example from the second region, and adjacent the bend.

In one embodiment of the insert, the second region comprises one or more formations configured to help bond the insert into a bondable article.

In one embodiment of the insert, the attachable article is a shelf.

Described herein is a method of providing a vertical member capable of receiving an insert, as defined in claim 9, the method comprising the steps of: providing a vertical member and modifying the member to comprise a channel extending therein, the channel slopes downwardly within the member, the channel having an upper wall and a lower wall, the upper wall having a recess disposed therein.

Preferably, the step of modifying comprises installing a receiving means comprising a channel extending therein, the channel sloping downwards within the member, the channel having an upper wall and a lower wall, the upper wall having a recess arranged inside.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A is a cross-sectional diagram of a preferred receiving means of the present invention. The receiving means may be inserted into a vertical member, such as a wall, to provide an anchor point for an insert of the present invention.

Figure 1B is a perspective view of the receiving means of Figure 1A.

Figure 2 is a perspective diagram of various receiving means as shown in Figure 1A. The receiving means have been inserted longitudinally into a generally triangular perforated hole present in a wall.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional diagram of a preferred insert of the present invention. The insert is configured to be inserted into the receiving means shown in figures 1A, 1B and 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective diagram of an insert of the present invention attached to a shelf. The insert is shown more clearly in Figure 4B.

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional diagram of a preferred insert of the present invention, having formations that help attach the insert to an article, such as a shelf.

Figure 5A is a cross-sectional diagram showing the insert of Figure 4B inserted into the receiving means of Figure 1.

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional diagram showing the receiving means of Figure 1 in combination with the insert of Figure 4B in the context of a shelving system extending from a panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprising" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, occurrences of the phrase "in one embodiment" at various places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may.

Turning to Figure 1A, a receiving means 10 of the present invention is shown, which can be inserted into a vertical member (such as a panel or wall) to provide an anchor point for an insert. The receiving means has a channel 12 having a top wall 14 and a bottom wall 16. At the blind end of the channel 12 there is a recess 18.

Receiving means 20 provides a pivot point 19 at the edge of bottom face 16 of channel 12. The function of pivot point 19 is to allow slight rocking of an insert inserted in channel 12 (discussed further below). depth later).

The receiving means 20 provides a fulcrum 21 on the edge of the upper face 14 of the channel 12. The function of the fulcrum 21 is to engage with an insert inserted in the channel 12 to prevent the insert from being pushed an excessive distance. within channel 12 (discussed in more detail below).

The receiving means is shown in the orientation in which it is typically used, such that the channel 12 runs downward with reference to a horizontal ground on which the vertical member stands.

The perspective view of Figure 1B shows the elongated configuration of the receiving means. Thus, the channel 12 runs horizontally, but extends down into the vertical member when installed. As will be appreciated, the receiving means is not required to extend the full width of the upright member. For example, only two relatively short receiving means can be inserted at opposite edges of the vertical member to provide two anchor points.

The preferred embodiment of Figure 1 is formed of aluminum and includes cutout sections 20 to reduce material usage.

Examples of dimensions and angles (including preferred angle ranges) are as follows:

22 21.5mm±10mm

24 12.7mm ± 5mm

26 12.5mm±5mm

28 3.8mm ± 0.5mm

30 25 ± 10 degrees

32 40 ± 20 degrees

34 25 ± 10 degrees

36 40 ± 20 degrees

38 24 ± 24 degrees

With respect to these exemplary dimensions and angles, the recited range with respect to any one dimension or angle should not be construed to mean that strict adherence to the higher or lower dimension or angle is required. Furthermore, these exemplary dimensions and angles (with the ranges cited) are useful in applying the receiving means to a board approximately 18mm thick. It will be appreciated that a board of different thickness can be used, where the dimensions and/or angles indicated above can be varied by routine means.

Figure 2 shows a vertical member 40 (which is an 18mm deep backboard in this embodiment) having various receiving means 10 inserted into it. A specialized undercut tool was used to create the space to accept the receiving means 10 . The space is substantially triangular in cross section, although flattened at the apex. The flattened apex section of the recessed space provides the opening for the channel 12 to present to the outside.

Turning to Figure 3, an insert 42 configured to be inserted into the channel 12 presented in the vertical face of the vertical member is shown. The insert is made of aluminum and comprises a first region 44 and a second region 46 , the two regions delimited by a fold 48 . The first region 44 comprises a coupling member 49 on the upper face.

The insert 42 shown in the drawings is in the orientation in which it is intended to be used. In this orientation, the first region 44 extends downwardly into the channel presented by the receiving means, and the second region 46 extends substantially horizontally from the vertical face of the vertical member. The horizontal extension of the second region 46 allows an item such as a shelf, box, basket or bar to be hung from the upright member. The article may be configured to substantially envelop second region 46 to provide maximum contact surface area between the article and second region 46 . An adhesive may be used at the interface between the article and the second region 46 .

The preferred insert further comprises a stop member 50 extending from the upper surface of the insert 42 at the fold 48 . The purpose of the stop member 50 is to prevent the insert 42 from being forced an excessive distance into the channel 12 presented in the face of the vertical member. This is achieved by the collision of the stop member 50 with the fulcrum 21 after insertion of the insert. By virtue of the positioning of stop member 50 , insert 42 is positioned correctly so that the acute angle of bend 48 seats at pivot point 19 of channel 12 , thus allowing less rocking of insert 42 .

The minor rocking allows the coupling member 49 of the insert to move into the recess 18 of the channel 12 , thus locking the two components together. Thus, upon application of a downward load placed on the second region 46 of the insert 42 (eg, by placing an item on a shelf attached to the insert 42 ), the second region moves downward. This causes insert 42 to pivot in bend 48 , causing the end of the first region to move upward thereby moving coupling member 49 into recess 18 .

It will be appreciated that the greater the load placed on the second region 46 , the greater the upward force will be applied to the coupling member 49 against the recess 18 to further increase the resistance against the insert 42 being withdrawn from the channel 12 .

It will be appreciated that the coupling member 49 may not be at the terminus of the insert 42 and may be located at any point on the upper face of the first region 44 of the insert 42 . However, a greater upward force will be applied to the coupling member if it is disposed at the terminus, which provides a more secure retention of the insert.

Similarly, although the second region 46 can be of any length, greater leverage is provided where that region is longer, resulting in a greater upward force being applied to the coupling member 49 .

Exemplary dimensions and angles for insert 42 are shown below:

44 10.2 ± 5mm

46 30 ± 5mm

52 0.36 ± 0.05mm

54 3.25 ± 0.25mm

56 41.54 ± 0.4mm

58 3.5 ± 0.5mm

60 162 degrees ± 18 degrees

With respect to these exemplary dimensions and angles, the recited range with respect to any one dimension or angle should not be construed to mean that strict adherence to the higher or lower dimension or angle is required. These exemplary dimensions and angles (with the ranges cited) are useful for an insert that fits a receiving means configured for use with a board approximately 18 mm thick, having the dimensions and angles indicated above. It will be appreciated that a board of different thickness can be used, in which the dimensions and/or angles indicated above with respect to the insert can be modified.

Figures 4A and 4B show a modified form of insert 42 , having formations 64 in the second region. The function of the formations is to increase the engagement of the insert 42 with an attached item such as a shelf 62 .

Figures 5A and 5B show a preferred anchoring system used to secure a series of shelves to a backboard. The three shelves in Figure 5B sequentially show the method by which a shelf is attached. It should be noted that the shelf (with the first region of the insert extending from one side face) is first brought to the backboard and the first region is inserted into the channel. The shelf is then pushed towards the rear board until the stop member of the insert hits the fulcrum of the retaining means. At the point, the weight of the shelf exerts a downward force on the second region of the insert, thereby forcing the coupling member of the first region of the insert into the recess in the top wall of the channel.

It will be understood that the actual materials, dimensions and angles of the receiving or insert means may be altered in accordance with the practical application of the invention. For example, where the invention relates to a shelving system designed to support significant weight, higher strength materials may be used, or the overall dimensions of the receiving means may be increased as required. Such alteration will be within the ability of those skilled in the art using only routine means.

It will be appreciated that, in describing exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, should not be construed as reflecting the intent that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the inventive aspects are found in less than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

Furthermore, although some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention and to form different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. .

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention can be made substantially without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Therefore, while what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and more modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim that all such changes and modifications are within the scope of the invention. Functionality can be added to or removed from block diagrams, and operations can be swapped between functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to the methods described within the scope of the present invention.

A further disclosure of preferred embodiments is provided below.

The applicant set out to devise such a design that would meet the customer's requirements. Several years of trial and error, including manually bending steel inserts to arrive at a basic design, resulted in further testing using 5mm sized 3D printer prototypes of the dovetail and insert. This eventually progressed to the aluminum company making the first dies to provide the applicant with full size dovetails and inserts so that they could finally prove the concept with actual production of full size boards and shelves. The concept required very specific tools to allow for the appropriate cuts in the board and shelf, these tools were designed and are part of the specific production process.

Summary: Lock and Load Adjustable Floating Shelving Systems are an innovative fully adjustable shelving display system that has no visible supports, giving the final product the impression of a floating shelving system. It is designed to be mounted on an existing wall. The system can use a range of building materials including wood (18mm-32mm thickness), veneer board, colored melamine board (laminex), glass laminate and stainless steel. Characteristic backing board can also be manufactured in various colors and materials as per customer requirements. "Adjustable Floating Shelving System" significantly improves shelving manufacturing productivity, reducing production time, cost, waste and installation time, as well as providing unique shelving features and flexibility for the customer. The system incorporates a dovetail extrusion fitted into pre-cut slots in a backboard. An insert extrusion is then fitted to the edge of a shelf and this shelf is simply placed on the dovetail inside the backboard. The particular shape of the dovetail allows the insert to lock in place. Additional supports are not required. The system is not limited to shelves, hooks, boxes, baskets and other parts can be attached to the backing board by connecting to the dovetail.

Adjustable floating shelving system is significantly different from existing shelving systems. The main differences are:

No visible supports, no butt joints. The 'bracket' (locking piece) is integrated into the shelf. Similarly, a backing board insert (dovetail) is separately integrated into the backing board. Therefore, once the backing board has been secured in place, the shelf only needs to be pushed into place on the dovetail extrusion to allow it to "lock" into place. No additional accessories or tools are required.

It uses a 3.6mm slot to provide the "floating shelf" function. Increased backing board length and height capacity: 3.6 meters long by 1.8 meters high relative to the closest competitor on the market to date offering 1.2 meters long and 2.4 meters Tall.

Compliance with health and safety at work, the stability of the shelves produced is significantly improved, the loading and locking position of the shelves prevents them from falling off easily. It cannot be accidentally released, it requires a combined lifting and pulling process to release it from the backing board.

Load capacity equal to or greater than current competition. The shelves will hold up to 20-30kg depending on the length and depth of the shelf. Aesthetically pleasing to the eye as there are no visible brackets, unlike most adjustable shelving systems currently on the market. Fully customizable to suit customer requirements.

Flat Pack (DIY) Options for Residential Use - Easy to assemble by the average person, no cabinetmaking skills required. Adaptable to use new sustainable and environmentally friendly products, such as bamboo sheets. Minimal waste (sawdust and cuttings).

Characteristic backing board is fully customizable in shape and size to suit customer requirements. Allows to hang additional products such as pegs, baskets, etc.

Specific tools are required to produce the locking piece and backing plate insert.

The figures show a side view and dimensions of the dovetail retainer: the dovetail retainer that inserts into a pre-cut triangular cutout in the backboard.

This triangle has an angle that varies from 20 to 60 degrees, depending on the circumstances of the client's needs.

The dovetail retaining media extrusion has been reshaped around the outer boundary to allow reduction in weight and therefore production cost, however it is intended to fill the pre-cut triangular slot in the backboard.

The dovetail opening is 3.6-4mm plus or minus 2.0mm. The rear internal angle of the aperture is 74.8 degrees. The angle varies from 0 to 45 degrees. The current standard model is 24 degrees. Length of this section 12.7 mm. The total depth is 12.50 mm plus or minus 5.0 mm. The angle is 25 degrees plus or minus 10 degrees. The total height is 21.5 mm plus or minus 5.0 mm.

Figures show 3D dovetail retaining media and backboard side view: Medium Density Fiberboard - standard dimensions 18mm thick, can vary up to 32mm thick. Height and width vary according to customer requirements: up to 1800mm high, 3600mm long. Back board edge revealing pre-cut triangular slots, cut with a tool as shown in Figure 5.2. Slots are spaced at least 70mm apart, on a 1.2m high deck, expect up to 7 slots cut into the deck, along the entire length of the deck. Each pre-cut slot will be filled with extrusion of dovetail retaining means to allow any number of shelves or combination of shelf lengths per backboard.

The figures show extrusion of dovetail retaining means inserted into slots. 3D view of dovetail retaining media extrusion, length according to backboard length. The triangle opening cut in the back board is 6mm plus or minus 3mm.

The insert lock piece that snaps into a shelf. The depth gauge/guide (stop member) adjusts to ensure the part fits properly on the rack and dovetail, also provides consistency in production to minimize variations in product. This guide also allows for longer tool life as it can be re-sharpened multiple times without unduly affecting the insert.

The length of the insert is variable to suit the particular product that will be connected to the backing board. Currently, for a standard 1200mm shelf, the insert length is 300mm plus or minus 100mm, two lengths of approximately 300mm are expected to be inserted in this size of shelf. Therefore, the inserts will cover 40% to 60% of the length of the shelf, depending on the use of the shelf. An 800mm shelf will have two 200mm inserts etc. The height of the insert must be 3.5 mm, plus 5 mm, or minus 1.5 mm. The rest of the shape (tail) will change to fit the appropriate piece to connect to the backing board, ie a hanging rail or basket. The current width is 30mm but can vary from 15mm to 300mm depending on whether it is inserted into a shelf or converted to a shelf. The total width is currently 41.54 mm, but it depends on the width of the tail, as indicated above.

The angle from tail to head is 162 degrees, plus or minus 18 degrees. The locking piece head will hold a consistent shape to "lock" into the dovetail retaining media, the width of the head is currently 10.20mm but may change depending on the size and angle of the dovetail changes. dovetail as specified herein.

Insert and shelf. Some figures show the actual size of the insert - side view. 3D view of the standard shelf, height from 16mm to 60mm, depth from 50mm to 300mm. Length up to 2400mm. The tail of the insert is now attached to the shelf, with the head protruding from the shelf so that it can fit into the dovetail retaining means. Pre-cut slot in shelf cut with tools.

The angle of the insert relative to the dovetail is 92 degrees, plus or minus 2 degrees.

The figures show the side view of the backboard with three inserted dovetails, (shaded) that allow three shelves to be connected to the backboard. Side view of the shelf with the insert tail attached to it, the head sticking out, ready to be pushed into the dovetail and locked in place by a unique dovetail and insert combination design. Side view of shelf with insert, partially pushed into dovetail. Side view of shelf fully pushed inside dovetail and abutting at right angles to backboard.

An innovative method of connecting shelving and other hanging components to a backing board without the need to permanently attach them with screws or have large, unsightly brackets that give the impression of floating shelves as the interlocking pieces are hidden within the backing board and shelf. The shelves have a pre-installed protruding aluminum extrusion piece that simply snaps and locks into a dovetail piece that is pre-installed into a triangular slot cut out in the backboard.

The backing board has a series of pre-cut slots (to suit customer requirements) running the length of the board which are filled in with the dovetail extrusions, allowing for a range of different locations at various locations on the board backup.

Shelves can be removed without tools and placed in any other pre-cut slot in the backboard. The particular shape of the dovetail and the insert allow for an interlocking system that supports significant weight and cannot be accidentally dislodged. The dovetail and insert design is not limited to shelves but allows for many other hanging items such as Perspex hanging baskets, boxes, picks and displays.

Characteristics of some embodiments of the invention are as follows:

1. There are no visible supports after connecting the shelf to the backboard. The shelf has a slit cut that holds the tail of the dovetailed extrusion, the protruding head connects to a dovetail that locks into the backing board.

2. The backing board has pre-cut slots running the length of the board that are filled with the dovetail extrusion.

3. Once the shelf is attached to the backboard, hide the pre-cut slot.

4. Results in an adjustable floating shelf system with no visible supports.

5. The opening of the pre-cut slots on the backing board is 3.5-8mm.

6. The backing board is fully customizable in shape, size and number of pre-cut slots to suit customer requirements.

7. Shelf length can be up to 2.4m long

8. Shelf load capacity is up to 20kg per 1.2 meter shelf.

9. Shelf removes easily without undoing brackets: Use a lift and angle method to free the shelf from the backing board.

10. Shelf can be removed from a slot and reattached to any pre-cut slot in the backing sheet without tools.

11. The backing board can be customized with any number of pre-cut slots depending on customer requirements, with a minimum slot spacing of 70mm.

12. The system is not limited to shelves, you can hang various shapes and sizes of retail accessories from the backboard, such as boxes, baskets and picks.

13. Improvements in occupational health and safety for commercial use: reduction in the accidental detachment of shelves or other hanging items. Reduction of loss due to damage to stock, reduction of employee injuries or customer injuries due to accidental detachment.

14. Reduction in installation time, since it is not necessary for the end user to place any supports, the only requirement is the fixing of the backing board to a wall.

Claims (10)

1. An anchoring system comprising (i) a substantially vertical member (40) comprising a channel (12) extending therein, the channel (12) sloping downwardly within the member (40), the channel (12) having an open end, a blind end, an upper wall (14) and a lower wall (16), each of the upper and lower walls made of a metal and formed separately from the vertical member (40) and incorporated in the vertical member (40) the top wall (14) having a recess (18) disposed at or towards the blind end, an edge of the bottom wall (16) being configured at the open end of the channel (12) to form a pivot point (19) , and (ii) an insert (42) configured to insert into the channel (12) in the upright member (40), the insert (42) comprising a first region (44) and a second region (46), the first and second regions by a bend (48) in the insert (42), the first region having a top face with a coupling member bearing (49) extending from it, wherein the channel (12) of the upright member (40) and the insert (42) are configured such that the region of the insert (42) comprising the coupling member (49) can be inserted into the channel (12) , and when inserted into the channel (12) and in response to a downward force applied at or about the terminus of the insert (42) distal to the vertical member (40), the insert (42) pivots about the pivot point ( 19) of the channel (12) so that the coupling member (49) moves into the recess (18) of the channel (12) thereby locking the channel (12) and the insert (42) together. 2. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the vertical member (40) is a panel, board or wall. 3. The anchoring system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the channel (12) runs substantially horizontally. 4. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein the insert (42) comprises a stop member (50) extending from an upper surface thereof. 5. The anchoring system of claim 4, wherein the stop member (50) extends from an area around the bend (48). 6. The anchoring system of claim 5, wherein the stop member (50) extends from the second region and is adjacent the bend (48). The anchoring system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second region comprises one or more formations (64) configured to help attach the insert (42) into an attachable article. 8. The anchoring system of claim 7, wherein the attachable item is a shelf (62). A method of providing an upright member (40) capable of receiving an insert (42) according to claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: provide a vertical member (40), modifying the member (40) to comprise a channel (12) extending therein, the channel (12) sloping downwards within the member (40), the channel (12) having a top wall (14) and a bottom wall (16), the top wall (14) having a recess (18) disposed therein. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of modifying comprises installing a receiving means (10) comprising the channel (12) extending therein, the channel (12) sloping downwards within the member ( 40), the channel (12) having an upper wall and a lower wall, the upper wall having a recess disposed therein.