Patent Application
20170311718
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.
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.
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.
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.
In one embodiment, the base includes a notched region for receipt of each wheel when the shelf is in the stored position.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
