HUE030348T2 - Reinforced metallic shelf for modular shelves structure - Google Patents

Description

Description Field of the invention [0001] The present invention generally finds application in the civil or industrial furniture industry and particularly relates to a reinforced metallic shelf for modular shelves structures. Background art [0002] Modular metallic shelves, either of light-duty type for home and office use or of heavy-duty type for industrial warehouses, are known to comprise a plurality of vertical posts, with one or more shelves fixed thereto. [0003] Shelves have a substantially horizontal bearing surface with folded peripheral edges having means for anchorage to the posts, which may be of either screw-and-nut or interlock type. [0004] Shelves are anchored to the posts at the corners, such that, when assembled, the individual shelves act as fixed beams at both ends. [0005] Any load laid on the bearing plate causes a substantially central bending stress ordeflection, which consequently deforms the shelf and, if the maximum design load is exceeded, it may even lead to a plastic deformation of the material or even failure. [0006] Particularly, in prior art shelves, the folded edge is often deformed at the central areas of the longer sections, thereby leading to bending that not only affects aesthetic quality but also reduces the load capacity and may initiate a stress crack. [0007] US2010/0077781 discloses a refrigerator case shelf having a top wall with twice folded peripheral edges all provided with outer vertical walls and intermediate horizontal walls. A reinforcement member having a lower portion, stepped symmetrical portions and lateral wing portions is attached to the lower side of the top wall. [0008] NL7204417 discloses a metal plate shelf having a top wall and one reinforcement member with an Ω-shaped cross section secured to the lower side of the top wall and having a lower wall attached to the lower side of the top wall. Disclosure of the invention [0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawbacks, by providing a reinforced metallic shelf for modular shelves structures, that ensures high strength and relative cost effectiveness. [0010] A particularobject is to provide a reinforced metallic shelf for modular shelves structures that has an increased load capacity as com pared with prior art shelves having the same length. [0011] Anotherobjectisto provide a metallic reinforced shelf for modular shelves structures that avoids edge deformation and prevents aesthetic quality degradation. [0012] These and other objects as better explained hereafter, are fulfilled by a reinforced metallic shelf for modular shelves structures, as defined in claim 1.

[0013] This particular configuration will increase the load capacity of the shelf and particularly prevent the longitudinal sections of the edge from bending and deforming at the center line.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claim .

Brief description of the drawings [0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description ofa preferred, non-exclusive embodimentoftheshelf according to the invention, which is described as a nonlimiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shelves structure comprising a shelf of the invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of a shelf of the invention; FIG. 3 is a broken-away side view of the shelf of FIG. 2 as taken along a transverse plane; FIG. 4 is a front view of the shelf of Fig. 2 as taken along a longitudinal plane; FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 4; FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a detail of the shelf of Fig. 2.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment [0016] Referring to the above mentioned figures, a shelf of the invention, generally designated by numeral 1, will be used in a known modular shelves structure, not shown herein, in addition to one or more similar and/or traditional shelves.

[0017] The shelves structure is preferably a light metal structure intended for home or office use.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the shelves structure S comprises at least four substantially vertical posts 1, T, 1", not all of which are necessarily formed according to the present invention, which are anchored at their corner areas to the posts M, in a substantially horizontal position, and in vertically offset relationship.

[0019] A shelf 1 of the invention comprises a main support plate 2 having an upper surface 3 and a lowersurface 4 which are substantially planar and parallel, and an inwardly folded peripheral edge 5 having a pair of longitudinal sections 6’, 6" substantially parallel and mutually joined by a pair of opposed transverse sections 7’, 7", also parallel to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal sections 6’, 6".

[0020] The longitudinal sections 6’, 6" are substantially similar, and the transverse sections 7’, 7" are also substantially similar. Therefore, for simplicity, both the longitudinal sections and the transverse sections, and their parts, will be designated by the corresponding number without the superscript index. [0021] According to a peculiarfeature of the invention, the shelf 1 comprises at least one substantially transverse reinforcement member, which is adapted to be stably or removably associated to the lower surface 4 of the support plate 2. [0022] As more clearly shown in Fig. 2, the reinforcement member 8 is placed in a substantially central position with respect to the support plate 2, although further configurations may be provided, with multiple reinforcement members associated with the lower surface 4 in offset positions. [0023] Particularly, the reinforcement member 8 has a length z substantially equal to or smaller than the width w of the support plate 2, allowing it to be anchored at both opposite ends 9’, 9" to the longitudinal sections 6 of the edge 5. [0024] As shown in Fig. 3, each longitudinal section 6 of the folded edge 5 may have an outer vertical wall 10 substantially perpendicular to the main support plate 2, and an inner vertical wall 11, which are parallel and transversely offset. [0025] The inner wall 11 is preferably shorter than the outer wall 10 and joined thereto by a substantially horizontal wall 12, i.e. a wall substantially perpendicular to the other two. [0026] Furthermore, as is known in the art, the outer wall 10 may have one or more holes 13 and/or slots 14 at the corner portions of the edge 5, which are adapted to be aligned with corresponding holes F and/or slots formed in the posts M, allowing the shelves structure S to be assembled using appropriate screw connection members V or the like. [0027] Conveniently, both transverse sections 7 of the edge 5 may be formed substantially like the longitudinal sections 6 with respective holes 15 and/or slots 16, for allowing connection with the posts M. [0028] Of course, the screw connection members V may be replaced by interlock means or the like, in typical modular shelving configurations. [0029] The substantially horizontal wall 12 of each longitudinal section 6 is equipped with anchor means 17 for removable anchorage of the reinforcement member 8 to the support plate 2. [0030] Preferably, the anchor means 17 are of the screw coupling type or the like, comprising at least one through hole 18 formed in each of the horizontal walls 12 of the longitudinal sections 6 and are adapted to be aligned with corresponding through or blind seats 19 formed at the ends 9’, 9" of the reinforcement member 8. [0031] Thus, with screws 20 are introduced into the mutually aligned pairs of holes 18 and seats 19, the reinforcement member 8 may be held in forced contact with the lower surface 4 of the support plate 2, as shown in Fig. 4 and, in greater detail, in Fig. 5, thereby enhancing the reinforcing effect. [0032] In an alternative arrangement, not shown, the anchor means may be of a type that does not involve screw coupling, e.g. interlock or interference-fit means.

[0033] Fig. 6 shows that the inner vertical wall 11 of each longitudinal section 6 has a substantially central recess 21, for receiving a respective end 9’, 9" of the reinforcement member 8 and retaining it in the longitudinal direction as well as in a direction orthogonal to the support plate 2.

[0034] Preferably, the reinforcement member 8 is a metal section bar having an upper surface 22 adapted to contact the inner surface 4 of the support plate 2 and a lower face 23 adapted to contact the substantially horizontal wall 12 of the longitudinal sections 6.

[0035] Particularly, the presence of undercuts 21 will allow the reinforcement member 8 to be positioned with its lower face 23 abutting the horizontal walls 12 of the longitudinal sections 6.

[0036] Therefore, the longitudinal sections 6 will be reinforced particularly atthe points in which buckles or plastic deformations occur in prior art shelves.

[0037] In the preferred, non-limiting embodiment of the present invention that is shown in the figures, the reinforcement member 8 substantially has a box-like shape, with a substantially Ω-shaped cross section, having lateral wings 24,25 designed for abutment against the lower surface 4 of the support plate 2.

[0038] This arrangement was found to be particularly effective in that the presence of the wings 24,25 increases the contact surface between the reinforcement member 8 and the support plate 2, thereby increasing the resistance opposed by the reinforcement member 8 and hence the load capacity of the shelf 1.

[0039] Also, due to the Ω-shape, the reinforcement member 8 is particularly light and free of any risk of sticking or deflection of its side walls.

[0040] Furthermore, the reinforcement member 8 will have a substantially constant height h, close to the minimum distance d, which is also constant, all along its length z, between the upper free margin 26 of the inner vertical wall 11 of the longitudinal sections 6 and the inner surface 4 of the support plate 2.

[0041] Therefore, the longitudinal sections 6 will act as guides for sliding insertion of the reinforcement member 8 to the conveniently arranged position.

[0042] Particularly, the reinforcement member 8 may be placed against the lower surface 4 of the support plate 2, with the ends 9’, 9" being subsequently inserted into the guides defined by the longitudinal sections 6 to be slidingly carried to the undercuts 21, with the seats 19 being aligned with the holes 18 on the edge 5.

[0043] Finally, as the screws are tightened 20, the horizontal walls 12 will be forced into contact with the upper face 23 of the reinforcement member 8.

[0044] The above disclosure clearly shows that the invention fulfills the intended objects and particularly meets the requirement of providing reinforced metallic shelf for a modular shelves structure.

[0045] The shelf of the invention is susceptible to a numberof changes and variants, within the inventive con- cept disclosed in the appended claims. All the details thereof may be replaced by other technically equivalent parts, and the materials may vary depending on different needs, without departure from the scope of the invention. [0046] Particularly, the dimensions of the shelf may be selected as needed, with no particular limitation. By way of example and without limitation, the shelf may have a length 1 ranging from 50 cm to 150 cm and a width w ranging from 30 cm to 80 cm. For instance, the plan size of the shelf may be 90cmx40cm or 90cmx60cm. [0047] While the shelf has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner. Claims 1. A reinforced metallic shelf for modularshelves structures, comprising a main support plate (2) with an uppersurface (3), a lowersurface (4) and an inwardly folded peripheral edge (5), wherein said folded edge (5) has a pair of longitudinal sections (6’, 6") which are joined together by a pair of transverse sections (7’, 7"), said folded edge (5) having at least one first outer vertical wall (10) substantially perpendicular to said main plate (2) and at least one second intermediate horizontal wall (12) substantially perpendicular to the first (10), at least one substantially elongate reinforcement member (8) being provided, which is adapted to be associated with said lower surface (4) in a substantially central transverse position, said reinforcement member (8) having opposed ends (9’, 9") which are adapted to be anchored to said longitudinal sections (6’, 6"), and anchor means (17) for removable anchorage to said main plate (2), wherein said reinforcement member (8) is a metal section bar having an uppersurface (22) adapted to contact said lower surface (4) of said support plate (2) and a lower face (23) adapted to contact a respective intermediate horizontal wall (12) of said longitudinal sections (6’, 6"), wherein said reinforcement member(8) hasa length (z) substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the width (w) of the support plate (2), allowing it to be anchored at both of said opposite ends (9’, 9") to said longitudinal sections (6’, 6"), and having a height (h) that is substantially constant all along its length (z), wherein each longitudinal section (6’, 6") of said folded edge (5) further has a third inner vertical wall (11) parallel and inwardly offset with respect to said first outer vertical wall (10), said reinforcement member (8) having a substantially Ω-shaped cross section defined by said lower face (23) and by a pair of lateral wings (24, 25) and wherein said inner vertical wall (11 ) of each of said longitudinal sections (6’, 6") having a substantially central recess (21), each of said end portions (9’, 9") being adapted to be introduced into a respective recess (21) of each longitudinal section (6’, 6"), characterised in that said pair of lateral wings (24, 25) is designed for abutment against said lower surface (4) of said support plate (2), the height (h) of said reinforcement member (8) being equal to the minimum distance (d) between the upperfree margin (26) of said inner vertical walls (11 ) of said longitudinal sections (6’, 6") and said lower surface (4) of said support plate (2). 2. A shelf as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said anchor means (17) comprise at least one through hole (18) formed in said substantially horizontal wall (12) of said longitudinal sections (6’, 6") and adapted to be aligned with corresponding seats (19) formed at the ends (9’, 9") of said reinforcement member (8) for the passage of anchor means (17) of the screw type or the like.

Patentansprüche 1. Ein verstärktes metallisches Regal für modulare Strukturen von Regalen mit einer Haupttragplatte (2) mit einer oberen Fläche (3), einer unteren Fläche (4) und einer nach innen gefalteten Kante (5) am Umfang, wobei die gefaltete Kante (5) ein Paar longitudinaler Bereiche (6’, 6") aufweist, die miteinander verbunden sind mittels einemPaar transversaler Bereiche (7’, 7"), wobei diegefaltete Kante (5) mindestens eine erste äußere, senkrechte Wand (10), die im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig istzu der Haupttragplatte (2) undmindestens eine zweite mittlere, waagrechte Wand (12) aufweist, die im Wesentlichen rechtwinklig istzu der Ersten (10), undmindestens ein im Wesentlichen längliches Verstärkungselement (8) vorgesehen ist, das ausgelegt ist zur Verbindung mit der unteren Fläche (4) in einer im Wesentlichen zentralen transversalen Position, wobei das Verstärkungselement (8) entgegengesetzt angeordnete Enden (9’, 9") aufweist, die ausgelegtsind zur Verankerung an den longitudinalen Bereichen (6’, 6") und Verankerungseinrichtungen (17) zur lösbaren Verankerung an der Hauptplatte (2), wobeidas Verstärkungselement (8) ein metallischer Abschnittsbalken ist mit einer oberen Oberfläche (22), die ausgelegt ist zur Anlage an der unteren Fläche (4) der Tragplatte (2) und einerunteren Seite (23), die ausgelegt ist zur Anlage an eine jeweils mittlere waagrechte Wand (12)der longitudinalen Bereiche (6’, 6"), wobeidas Verstärkungselement (8) eineLän-ge(z) hat, die im Wesentlichen gleich ist oder etwas kleiner als die Breite (w) der Tragplatte (2), so dass es möglich ist, es an beiden derentgegengesetzt angeordneten Enden (9’, 9") mitden longitudinalen Bereichen (6’, 6") zu verankern und eine Höhe (h) hat, die im Wesentlichen konstant ist entlang seiner ge- samten Länge (z), wobeijeder longitudinale Bereich (6’, 6") der gefalteten Kante (5) zudem eine dritte innere, senkrechte Wand (11) hat, die parallel und nach innen versetzt ist mit Bezug auf die erste äußere senkrechte Wand (10) und das Verstärkungselement (8) einen im Wesentlichen Ω-förmigen Querschnitt hat, der bestimmt ist von der unteren Seite (23) und von einem Paar von seitlichen Flügeln (24, 25) und wobei die innere senkrechte Wand (11 ) von jedem der longitudinalen Bereiche (6’, 6") einen im Wesentlichen zentralen Einschnitt (21 ) hat, jeder der Endabschnitte (9’, 9") ausgelegt ist in einen jeweiligen Einschnitt (21 )vonjedem longitudinalen Bereich (6’, 6") eingesetzt zu werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Paar seitlicher Flügel (24, 25) ausgelegt ist zum Anschlag an der unteren Oberfläche (4) der Tragplatte (2), wobei die Höhe (h) des Verstärkungselements (8) gleich ist mit dem minimalen Abstand (d) zwischen dem oberen freien Rand (26) der inneren senkrechten Wände (11 )der longitudinalen Bereiche (6’, 6") und der unteren Oberfläche (4) der Tragplatte (2). 2. Ein Regal gemäß Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verankerungseinrichtungen (17) mindestens eine durchgehende Öffnung (18) aufweisen, die in der im Wesentlichen waagrechten Wand (12)der longitudinalen Bereiche (6’, 6") gebildet ist und ausgelegt ist ausgerichtet zu werden an entsprechenden Aufnahmen (19), die an den Enden (9’, 9") der Verstärkungselemente (8) gebildet sind für den Durchgang von Verankerungseinrichtungen (17) von der Art von Schrauben oder ähnlichem. Revendications 1. Rayon métallique renforcée pour étagères modulables, comprenant un plateau de support principal (2) avec une surface supérieure (3), une surface inférieure (4) et un bord périphérique (5) replié vers l’intérieur, dans lequel ledit bord replié (5) présente une paire de sections longitudinales (6’, 6") unies entre elles par une paire de sections transversales (7’, 7"), ledit bord replié (5) comportant au moins une première paroi verticale extérieure (10) sensiblement perpendiculaire audit plateau principal (2) et au moins une deuxième paroi horizontale extérieure (12), sensiblement perpendiculaire à la première (10), au moins un élément de renforcement (8) sensiblement allongé étant prévu, pouvant être associé à ladite surface inférieure (4) dans une position transversale sensiblement centrale, ledit élément de renforcement (8) comportant des extrémités opposées (9’, 9"), pouvant être ancrées auxdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6"), et des moyens d’ancrage (17) pour l’ancrage amovible audit plateau principal (2), dans lequel ledit élément de renforcement (8) est un profilé métallique ayant une face supérieure (22) conçue pour venir en contact avec ladite surface inférieure (4) dudit plateau de support (2) et une face inférieure (23) conçue pour venir en contact avec une paroi horizontale intermédiaire respective (12) desdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6"), dans lequel ledit élément de renforcement (8) présente une longueur (z) sensiblement égale ou légèrement inférieure à la largeur (w) du plateau de support (2), lui permettant d’être ancré au niveau desdites deux extrémités opposées (9’, 9") auxdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6"), et présentant une hauteur (h) sensiblement constant sur toute sa longueur (z), dans lequel chaque section longitudinale (6’, 6") dudit bord replié (5) présente par ailleurs une troisième paroi verticale intérieure (11) parallèle et décalée vers l’intérieur par rapport à ladite première paroi verticale extérieure (10) , ledit élément de renforcement (8) possédant une section transversale sensiblement en Ω définie par ladite face inférieure (23) et par une paire d’ailettes latérales (24, 25) et dans lequel ladite paroi verticale intérieure (11) de chacune desdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6") présente un enfoncement central (21), chacune desdites portions d’extrémité (9’, 9") pouvant s’insérer dans un enfoncement respectif (21) de chaque section longitudinale (6’, 6"), caractérisé en ce que ladite paire d’ailettes latérales (24, 25) est conçue pour venir en butée contre ladite surface inférieure (4) dudit plateau de support (2), la hauteur (h) dudit élément de renforcement (8) étant égale à la distance minimale (d) entre la marge libre supérieure (26) desdites parois verticales intérieures (11) desdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6") et ladite surface inférieure (4) dudit plateau de support (2). 2. Rayon selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens d’ancrage (17) comportent au moins un trou débouchant (18) formé dans ladite paroi sensiblement horizontale (12) desdites sections longitudinales (6’, 6") pouvant être aligné avec des sièges correspondants (19) formés aux extrémités (9’, 9") dudit élément de renforcement (8) pour le passage de moyens d’ancrage (17) du type à vis ou similaires.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 20100077781 A[0007] · NL 7204417 [0008]

Claims (1)

MirXïERÔSÎTEI Γ FOI.C kLkMEh POLC SYSTEM RELATED MESSAGE TOOLS. for shelf methods, W imai imai imai imai K K K felső felső et et et et et et et et et et iv iv ott ott ott eld eld eld eld eld ott ott § where: the edge of the vißtefa (5) is transformed by a few popaiMsp'Issael # 20, which is connected to a pair of bulwarks {7k TJ ¥ g *>, the hijacks live ($) at least four * ®Mb kfcő eges eges it it it Mo Mo Mo ei Mo ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei Mo ei ei Mo Mo ei ei ei Mo ei Mo ei Mo ei ei ei ei,,,,,,, ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei ei equipped with an ex-response (4), essentially a MYztèpsê teesatá'áip in Ihdiyänth, cut off the ends of the lattice (the ends of its echoes (9, 9A are designed so that the losas lettering (wedge h) | kápesplodb, as rogziioelernrnei fi / y ivjad is in # ipödon · the fögmezliez: (|). pang which is one of the following: the pendant plate p) altat ibiiiiet: (4) connectors ipse mt-ete (2x) and a lower fd Oleic (23K the elongated tongue 6 "s corresponding middle: vlzszlincs bowl (12), apples the annoyance (8) is very equal to or slightly worse than the width of the flap (2) (W},: perpendicular to the length of each opposite end (wedge Ψ} to the elongated parts0) to join and its height (b) along the entire length il) is substantially constant, where the u i) each u u n> € € ov ov ov ov ov al al al al al al al al al al al al al al al al al rendelkezik ΙΠ rendelkezik rendelkezik rendelkezik rendelkezik rendelkezik). , mogerösíteh: tag :, p) crossmember is essentially amelyet shaped, which is the bottom winter (23) and a pair of lateral wings pd, 25} fish? and each of the elongated portions (C 6 ") each has an internal filggbieges ficus (11) having a substantially central 9 !:> of each of them corresponding to the aperture of each of the bosses (6k 6") (21) can be introduced with it, Characteristic, Poo- ·. χφ- side number (2d-, 25) of mUtnm (2? ptwddd P) me | !) with the minimum distance between the upper vertical edge (; 26) and the umokmex (2) als <> Siieie with the vertical distance; } taPaase: m ,,,; hKK va> ő os ΠΚ ΠΚ κ um ah eh eh eh eh ében ma ma ma,, κ κ eh eh eh eh eh ma ma ma ma ma h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h h (1% of those with "what" is xS'i senoimm i ° k! I '' ministry kvJeki 'a. Gent} np $ <, si ni / uv, «^ *« <>. E-οχ, n xegy mo bevmio túpbúbza clem 0% Erna,