Device for supporting and removably securing shelves to the uprights of furniture.

Abstract

A device (10) for supporting and removably securing a shelf, such as a bookcase, shelving unit, etc., by means of a pin (12) associated with the shelf (21) and configured to be inserted into a hole (23) formed in the side wall (22) of the furniture (20), the device (10) being configured to be inserted into the thickness of the shelf (21) and comprising a housing (11), wherein the pin (12) terminating at a head (19) is mounted inside the housing, the pin being compressed by a compression spring (13) to normally protrude from the edge of the shelf, wherein the housing (11) has a substantially flat parallelepiped shape, and the pin (12) is mounted to be fully retracted into the housing by linear movement after an axial force is applied to it, and to be at least partially retracted into the housing by tilting movement after a lateral force is applied to it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for supporting and removably securing shelves / panels to the uprights of furniture. Background Technology

[0002] For example, furniture of the bookcase or shelving unit type typically includes two parallel uprights or vertical walls with one or more horizontal shelves inserted between them, which serve to define a support and shelf surface for books, magazines, vases and / or other various objects.

[0003] Shelves are typically secured to vertical walls using various separate devices such as carriages, screws, and pins, which usually require specialized tools for installation. This solution is not satisfactory—partly because it makes assembling the shelves quite laborious, and partly because the securing devices remain visible.

[0004] To overcome these drawbacks, a shelf support device incorporating a spring-loaded pin has been proposed. This pin inserts into the edge of the shelf and has a protruding portion that engages with a corresponding seat in the wall of the furniture under the action of a spring. The pin protrudes from the device in its normal state due to the spring, and when the shelf is assembled, it interferes with the vertical wall of the furniture. When it aligns with a suitable seat formed in the wall of the furniture, the pin retracts into the device to lock in place. To disassemble the shelf, a special tool must be used on the device through an opening formed in the shelf to retract the pin against the spring.

[0005] The unpublished international patent application PCT / EP2021 / 051855 describes this type of device, which is provided with a cam element that can be actuated with a suitable wrench to move a pin between a maximum pull-out position and a minimum pull-out position from the device housing. In the maximum pull-out position and the minimum pull-out position, the pin can be freely ejected so as to be fully re-entered into the housing under the action of an external thrust.

[0006] From EP 3131438B1, we learn of a device that is functionally identical to the device just described.

[0007] While these devices are technically effective, they have the following drawbacks: a special wrench is required to actuate the cam in order to move the pin between the maximum and minimum pull-out positions, an operation necessary during both the assembly and possible disassembly phases of the shelving.

[0008] At least one hole also needs to be formed in the shelf to allow access to the cam's operating seat.

[0009] ITUA20162229A1 (IT102016000033671) describes a device for supporting a furniture shelf, which is housed in a seat provided in the shelf. The device includes a housing containing a receptacle in which a pin, which moves axially in opposition to the action of a spring, is inserted. The receptacle slides along an inclined guide provided in the housing, thereby moving obliquely relative to the axis of the pin, so as to move from a deeper position to a shallower position in the seat of the shelf, or vice versa, thereby causing gradual extension and gradual re-entry of the pin, respectively.

[0010] The main drawback of this solution is that the spring acting between the pin and the housing has no effect on the sliding of the housing, and the housing especially needs to be manually brought into the "standby" position before the shelf is installed, as in this patent, for example. Figure 3 As shown. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0012] More specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a device for supporting and securing furniture shelves that does not require any tools to assemble and disassemble the shelves.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is completely invisible, thus eliminating the need to form holes in the visible portion of the shelf, thereby optimizing the aesthetic value of the furniture.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows for easy and quick assembly and disassembly of shelves.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for ensuring the stable fixation of a shelf.

[0016] Finally, but especially, an object of the present invention is to provide a device configured such that the elastic mechanism provided therewith always keeps it in a ready position for mounting a shelf.

[0017] These and other objectives are achieved by the apparatus of the present invention having the features disclosed in claim 1.

[0018] According to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for supporting and removably securing a shelf, such as a bookcase, shelf unit, etc., by means of a pin associated with a shelf and configured to be inserted into a hole formed in the side wall of the furniture. The apparatus is configured to be inserted into the thickness of the shelf and includes a housing of substantially flat parallelepiped shape, the housing accommodating a carriage, the pin being internally mounted at a head. The pin is compressed by a compression spring to protrude normally from the housing and is capable of fully re-entering the housing by linear displacement due to the application of a force axially thereon. The pin has a body that slides linearly in the carriage without significant lateral play, the body having at least one inclined plane that engages with a corresponding inclined plane provided on the housing to cause lateral sliding of the carriage in a direction perpendicular to the pin axis by the spring acting on the pin or by a lateral force acting on the pin, simultaneously causing an inclined movement of the pin, which then at least partially protrudes or re-enters the housing.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The structural and functional features of the device for supporting and securing shelves according to the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 An axonometric view from above is schematically shown of a device for supporting and securing a furniture shelf according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 It's viewed from above. Figure 1 Enlarged isometric view of the device;

[0023] Figure 3 It's viewed from below. Figure 1 An enlarged isometric view of the device;

[0024] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the sequence of steps during shelf assembly;

[0025] Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 This is a view showing the sequence of steps during shelf disassembly;

[0026] Figure 4' , Figure 5' , Figure 6' , Figure 7'and Figure 8' , Figure 9' , Figure 10' , Figure 11' It is similar to Figure 1 The views show the positions of the resilient pins during the sequence of assembly and disassembly steps of the shelf;

[0027] Figure 4a , Figure 5a , Figure 6a , Figure 7a , Figure 8a , Figure 9a , Figure 10a , Figure 11a , Figure 4'a , Figure 5'a , Figure 6'a , Figure 7'a , Figure 8'a , Figure 9'a , Figure 10'a , Figure 11'a It is similar to Figures 4-11 The view shows a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b , Figure 7b , Figure 8b , Figure 9b , Figure 10b , Figure 11b , Figure 4'b , Figure 7'b , Figure 8'b , Figure 9'b , Figure 10'b , Figure 11'b It is basically similar to Figures 4-11' The view shows a third embodiment of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 11' The first embodiment of the device for supporting and securing a furniture shelf according to the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is described herein. The device includes a generally flat parallelepiped-shaped housing 11, inside which a pin 12 is mounted, terminating at a pointed or hemispherical head 19, which is compressed by a compression spring 13.

[0030] Of course, the head 19 of the pin may have a structure different from the pointed shape. In any case, it is preferred that the head is rounded so that it can slide more easily against the corresponding vertical wall of the furniture when the head interferes with the corresponding vertical wall of the furniture during insertion and removal of the shelf, as will be mentioned below.

[0031] The flat shape of the housing 11 allows the device 10 to be inserted into the furniture 20 ( Figures 4-11 The corresponding shaped holes are formed in the thickness of the shelf 21, wherein the front surface of the housing 11 is flush with the edge of the shelf, and the pins 12 protruding from the edge of the shelf are inserted into the holes 23 formed in the corresponding vertical walls 22 of the furniture, as will be described in more detail below.

[0032] The shell 11 is made of two half-shells, namely the lower half-shell or base 14 and the upper half-shell or cover 15, which are joined together to define the aforementioned flat hollow parallelepiped structure, which is closed at one end 16 of the thickness of the shelf 21 and open at the opposite end 17, from which the pin 12 protrudes.

[0033] The housing 11 may optionally be provided with a flange 18 at a portion of the open end 17, the flange 18 having the function of defining a stop element when the housing is introduced into the hole of the shelf.

[0034] The housing 11 is preferably made of plastic or nylon or another known equivalent material suitable for this purpose, without excluding metal, while the pin 12 is made of metal or hard plastic. The spring 13 is conveniently metal.

[0035] Now refer to more specifically Figure 2 and Figure 3 An enlarged view shows the installation of pin 12 in housing 11 and the movement of pin during operation of the device.

[0036] Pin 12 protrudes from the front of body 30, which has a suitable shape and is also made of metal or hard plastic, and slides linearly along the axis of pin 12 in support frame 40, which is also called carriage because it slides laterally relative to the axis of pin 12, that is, perpendicular to the axis, as will be seen below.

[0037] The carriage 40, which has a rectangular frame shape, has two opposing side walls 41, 42, a rear wall 43, and a front wall 44, thereby defining a seat 45 suitable for receiving the body 30 with the pin 12 with substantially no lateral play, wherein the spring 13 acts between the rear wall 43 and the body 30.

[0038] More specifically, according to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the spring 13 is partially housed in a cavity 31 formed in the body 30, and a guide rod 46 protruding from the rear wall 43 of the carriage 40 is housed on the opposite side.

[0039] Of course, what is disclosed is purely exemplary, and the spring 13 can be inserted into the guide rod that protrudes from the body 30 at the rear and optionally act directly on the rear wall 43 of the carriage 40.

[0040] The front wall 44 of the carriage 40 has a window 47 for the passage of the feed pin 12, which is shown in the figure as open at the top, but can also be closed.

[0041] To enable the carriage 40 to slide laterally, its rear wall 43 has an upper protrusion 43' and a lower protrusion 43', which are adapted to be accommodated in a guide rail 50 disposed inside the upper shell 15 and in an opposing guide rail 51 formed in the lower shell 14, respectively. Another guide rail 52 is disposed in the lower shell 14 near the front wall 17, which is adapted to accommodate a pair of feet 48 protruding from below the side walls 41, 42 of the carriage 40.

[0042] The two half-shells 14 and 15 are assembled together by means of screws 60 to form a housing 11, in which the carriage 40 slides laterally.

[0043] The lateral sliding of the carriage 40 in the housing 11 is determined by at least a pair of inclined planes respectively provided on the main body 30 of the pin 12 and on one of the two half-housings 14, 15.

[0044] In the example shown in the attached figures, for ease of observation only, the inclined surface (indicated by reference numeral 53) provided on the upper shell 15 is formed by the inclined side of the window 54 formed in the upper shell, which is essentially in the form of a right trapezoid / pentagon.

[0045] However, it is obvious that the inclined plane 53 can be formed inside the upper shell 15, which is also preferred, thereby providing a simple protrusion constituting the inclined plane 53, or a recess in the thickness of the wall of the upper shell, thereby substantially replicating the outline of the window 54.

[0046] A mirrored tilting plane can be optionally provided on the lower half shell 14.

[0047] The main body 30 of the pin 12 is shaped to have an inclined plane in its upper part, which is composed of small vertical walls 32 having the same inclination as the inclined plane 53 so that it can slide on it.

[0048] Of course, if a corresponding inclined plane is also provided on the lower half shell, a similar inclined plane will also be provided in the lower part of the main body 30.

[0049] Using the structure of the device 10 described above, the linear sliding of the main body 30 within the rectangular seat 42 of the carriage 40 causes the pin 12 to retract completely into the housing 11 by applying an axial thrust. This axial thrust is opposite to the force of the spring 13, as will be briefly further referenced below. Figures 4' to 6' As shown.

[0050] When the thrust applied to pin 12 stops, the force of spring 13 causes it to disengage from housing 11, as... Figure 7' As shown.

[0051] Conversely, the lateral force applied to pin 12 causes the inclined plane 32 on the body 30 to slide against a corresponding inclined plane 53 on the housing 11, thereby causing lateral displacement of the carriage 40, in which the body 30 is accommodated without significant radial clearance. Simultaneously, pin 12 returns to the housing 11, as... Figures 8' to 11' As shown, the lateral force acting on the pin should be understood as being in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by the arrow shown.

[0052] In this embodiment, the length of the inclined plane 53 provided on the half-shell 15 determines the stroke of the carriage 40, thereby causing the pin 12 to fully retract into the housing 11, including the pointed head 19, as shown. Figure 11' As shown.

[0053] When the lateral force applied to pin 12 stops, the force of spring 13 tends to return pin 12 to the extended position, and thus the slide 40 returns to the starting position.

[0054] Based on the already disclosed information, the role of device 10 in the assembly and disassembly stages of shelf 21 is clearly evident; however, now referring to... Figures 4 to 11 and Figures 4' to 11' Brief explanation.

[0055] Figures 4 to 7 The assembly steps of shelf 21 are schematically shown. Shelf 21 has two pairs of devices 10 arranged on opposite sides.

[0056] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the pin 12 of the device 10 located on the left side of the shelf 21 has been inserted into the corresponding hole 23 formed in the corresponding vertical wall 22 of the furniture 20, and the shelf is tilted upward.

[0057] The following Figure 5 and Figure 6 The shelf is lowered as shown by the arrow, causing the pin 12 of the corresponding device 10 to interfere with the right vertical wall of the furniture. The pin 12 slides backward along the vertical wall until it aligns with the corresponding hole 23. The pin is then engaged in the hole 23 by the action of the spring 13. Figure 7 ).

[0058] Figures 4' to 7' The diagram shows the rearward movement of pin 12 and its subsequent exit from housing 11, which corresponds to Figures 4 to 7 The assembly steps are shown.

[0059] Figures 8 to 11The disassembly steps of the shelf are shown, with the shelf being pulled horizontally outward as indicated by the arrows. During the removal of the shelf, the lateral force applied to each pin 12 by the edge of the corresponding hole 23 in which each pin 32 is housed is obviously opposite to the direction indicated by the arrows during the removal of the shelf, and the carriage 40 will move in this opposite direction by the action of the inclined plane until the pin 12 with the pointed head 19 is fully re-entered into the shelf 21, and then protrudes by the action of the spring 13 when the shelf has been removed. Figure 11 ).

[0060] Figures 8' to 11' The carriage 40 is shown corresponding to pin 12. Figure 8 The maximum extension position of the assembled shelf ( Figure 8' ) Continue moving into housing 11 corresponding to, for example Figure 10 The pin shown is in its fully retracted position, having emerged from the corresponding hole 23 and abutting against the wall 22 of the furniture. Figure 11' ). On the shelf ( Figure 11 When fully pulled out, spring 13 causes the pin to extend and the slide 40 to translate simultaneously, moving the slide 40 to, for example... Figure 7' The location shown.

[0061] It should be pointed out that, Figures 8' to 11' The position of the carriage 40 shown corresponds to the shelf in relation to... Figures 8 to 11 Pull it out in the opposite direction shown.

[0062] As can be seen from the disclosed content, it is clear that the advantage of the present invention is that it allows for the rapid assembly and disassembly of furniture shelves without the use of any type of tools and without the need to form any holes in the visible part of the shelves, which is necessary for similar devices in the prior art.

[0063] Now refer to Figures 4a to 11'a The second embodiment of the invention is briefly described using the same reference numerals as the previous embodiment to distinguish the same or corresponding parts.

[0064] The device 10 of the second embodiment is actually the same as the device of the first embodiment, except that the inclined plane 53 provided on the upper shell 15 is shorter.

[0065] Therefore, a detailed description of the device will be omitted, and all previous considerations apply fully to the device. Only the different functions attributable to the shorter length of the aforementioned inclined plane 53 will be explained, the effect of which is to determine the shorter stroke of the carriage 40 and to prevent the pin 12 from fully retracting into the housing 11 when a lateral force is applied to the pin during the removal of the shelf.

[0066] therefore, Figures 4a to 7aThe assembly steps of the shelf shown are as follows Figures 4'a to 7'a The corresponding position of pin 12 shown is the same as the corresponding assembly steps in the first embodiment.

[0067] During the removal of the shelf, it is pulled horizontally outward. At the end of the stroke of the carriage 40, due to the corresponding hole 23, it exits from the housing 11 ( Figure 10'a The protruding pin 12 and the pointed head 19 interfere with the shelf, keeping it locked in place. Figure 10a The location.

[0068] At this point, in order to fully retract pin 12 into housing 11 and remove shelf 21, a vertical force (e.g., upward) can be applied to it, such as... Figure 11a , Figure 11'a As shown, this causes the head 19 to slide against the edge of the corresponding hole 23 formed in the furniture wall.

[0069] During shelf removal, the pin 12 is not fully retracted into the housing 11 to prevent the shelf from falling under its own weight when the pin is withdrawn from the corresponding hole.

[0070] Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b , Figure 7b , Figure 8b , Figure 9b , Figure 10b , Figure 11b , Figure 4'b , Figure 7'b , Figure 8'b , Figure 9'b , Figure 10'b , Figure 11'b A third embodiment of the invention is shown, and the same reference numerals will again be used to distinguish the same or corresponding parts in a brief description of the third embodiment.

[0071] Apart from the different structure of the head 19 of the pin 12, the device 10 is basically the same as the previous embodiment, with the head 19 still maintaining a rounded shape, but enlarged relative to the pin to define the inner flange 19'.

[0072] Additionally, a bushing 60 is provided, which partially replicates the outline of the housing 11 and is placed in a slot in the side wall 22 of the furniture, which is oriented horizontally.

[0073] The bushing 60 has a bracket structure and at one end (which will be referred to as the rear part depending on the insertion direction of the shelf) presents a generally semi-cylindrical seat 61 with a front shoulder 62, the front shoulder 62 being arranged flush with the wall 22.

[0074] At the other end (front end) of the bushing 60, there is a vertically inclined plane 63 oriented toward the inside of the bushing.

[0075] According to this embodiment, once the shelf 21 is arranged such that the device 10 therein is vertically aligned with the corresponding bushing in the side wall of the inserted furniture, the shelf 21 is assembled by lowering the shelf 21 so that the head 19 of each pin 12 is pressed against the wall 22 until the pin engages in the corresponding bushing 60. Figure 4b , Figure 5b , Figure 6b and Figure 4'b As shown.

[0076] Subsequently, as Figure 7b As indicated by the arrow, the shelf 21 is pushed horizontally, and the head 19 of the pin 12 enters the seat 61 of the bushing, as shown. Figure 7'b As shown.

[0077] Continue as Figure 8b As indicated by the arrow, the head 19 of the pin 12, which pushes the shelf 21, interferes with the edge of the seat 61. This interference, caused by the sliding of the inclined plane 32 on the pin body 30 against the inclined plane 53 on the housing 11, causes the carriage 40 to move. Subsequently, the head 19 retracts, and the flange 19' of the head 19 stably engages with the shoulder 62. Figure 8'b As shown.

[0078] The shelf is removed by pulling it out horizontally in the opposite direction to the insertion direction, such as... Figures 9b to 11b As shown by the arrow in the image.

[0079] Initially, the head 19 emerges from the housing 11 by the action of the spring 13, thereby detaching itself from the shoulder 62. Figure 9'b ).

[0080] Subsequently, the head 19 emerges from the seat 61 and rests on the inclined plane 63 of the bushing, slides on the inclined plane 63, and begins to retract into the housing 11. Figure 10'b ), until it retracts completely ( Figure 11'b This allows the shelf to be removed.

[0081] Although the invention has been described above with specific reference to embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example only, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description given above. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover all modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for supporting and removably securing a furniture shelf, such as a bookcase, shelf unit, etc., by means of a pin (12), the pin being associated with a shelf (21) and configured to be inserted into a hole (23) formed in a side wall (22) of furniture (20), the device (10) being configured to be inserted into the shelf (21) and comprising a housing (11) of substantially flat parallelepiped shape, the housing (11) accommodating a carriage (40), the pin (12) terminating at a head (19) being mounted inside the carriage, the pin being compressed by a compression spring (13) to normally protrude from the housing, and the pin being capable of linearly re-entering the housing completely due to a force applied to it axially. Its features are, The pin (12) has a body (30) that slides linearly in the carriage (40) with no significant lateral play. The body has at least one inclined plane (32) that engages with a corresponding inclined plane (53) on the housing (11) so that the carriage (40) can slide laterally in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pin by the action of the spring on the pin or by the action of a lateral force on the pin, while causing the pin (12) to tilt so that the pin at least partially extends out of the housing or re-enters the housing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one inclined plane (53) disposed on the housing (11) is formed by the inclined side of a window (54) formed in the housing, the window being substantially a right trapezoid / pentagon.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one inclined plane (53) provided on the housing (11) consists of a recess or a protrusion in the thickness of the wall of the housing.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one inclined plane (53) provided on the housing (11) has a length to determine the travel of the carriage (40), such that by applying a lateral force to the pin (12), the pin including the head (19) is fully retracted into the housing (11), or the pin is partially retracted into the housing, leaving the head (19) outside.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (11) is made of two half-shells joined together, namely the lower half-shell or base (14) and the upper half-shell or cover (15), the two half-shells defining the hollow flat parallelepiped, the housing being closed at one end (16) arranged on the shelf (21) and open at the opposite end (17) from which the pin (12) protrudes.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The carriage (40) has at least one upper protrusion (43') suitable for being accommodated in a transverse guide (50) disposed in the upper shell (15) and / or at least one lower protrusion (43") suitable for being accommodated in a corresponding transverse guide (51) formed in the lower shell (14).

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The head (19) of the pin (12) is widened relative to the pin to define an inner flange (19') that can engage stably with a bushing (60), wherein the bushing (60) is arranged in a hole (23) in a side wall (22) of the furniture (20).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bushing (60) has a substantially semi-cylindrical seat (61) at one end for engaging the head (19) of the pin (12), the seat (61) having a front shoulder (62), and the other end of the bushing (60) is provided with a vertically inclined plane (63) oriented toward the interior of the bushing. During the pull-out phase of the shelf, the head (19) slides against the vertically inclined plane so that the pin (12) retracts into the housing (11).

Images