Wire sideplates

Abstract

A wire sideplate (102) is disclosed for use with various shelving assemblies, including use within a wire sideplate frame (100). The wire sideplate (102) includes a ladder connector (114) having a flattened configuration. The sideplate (102) also includes an upper sideplate arm (116) and a lower sideplate arm (118). The sideplate (102) is composed of a single piece of wire which is formed and then pressed or stamped so as to be releasably interconnected into a number of different types of cantilever ladders (194).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 671,747 filed Apr. 15, 2005.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not applicable. REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX [0003] Not applicable. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] The invention relates to supporting apparatus which may be used for support of shelving articles adapted for use in various environments and, more particularly, to sideplates for support of shelving articles in cantilever configurations. [0006] 2. Background Art [0007] Various types of prior art shelving have been developed for use in a number of environments. Along with this shelving, use is often made of support bracing. This support bracing and these shelving articles are often adapted for use in environments such as refrigerators, store fixtures, store displays, kitchen pantries and similar residential, commercial...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] In accordance with the invention, wire sideplates are adapted for use with a shelving assembly and support means for supporting the shelving assembly in a cantilever manner. Wire sideplates in accordance with the invention employ relatively less steel than known shelving systems, which typically utilize solid pieces of stamped metal as support brackets are side plates for shelving assemblies. Wire sideplates in accordance with the invention also require relatively less finishing material, in view of the surface area reduction. Sideplates in accordance with the invention are also of relatively lighter weight.

[0017] The shelving assembly can include at least one shelf, and the side plates may be welded to the shelf or to support materials intermediate the shelf and the sideplates. The shelving assembly can include securing means for securing the wire sideplates to the shelf, so that the wire sideplates can be rotated inwardly toward a center of the shelf. In this manner, the sideplates can be substantially collapsed for purposes of facilitating storage and shipment of the shelving assembly.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, the volume of stamped metal can be relatively heavy.

Still further, sideplates formed of solid pieces of stamped metal often prohibit any substantial amount of light transmission or air flow around the sideplates that support shelving articles.

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