Simplified shelf support system as a clamp for pipe shelving systems with subsequent, stepless and height-adjustable mounting option.

The modular aluminum shelf support system with identical thread profiles addresses the complexity and tool requirements of existing systems by enabling simple, cost-effective, and flexible assembly and expansion, ensuring stability without drilling.

DE202025002456U1Active Publication Date: 2026-03-19DOLLE WOHNREGALE
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-25
Publication Date
2026-03-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing shelf support systems for modular tube shelving are complex, requiring multiple components, special tools, and involve drilling through shelves, leading to high assembly costs, errors, and limited expandability.

Method used

A modular, axially screwable system composed of two die-cast aluminum parts (Clamp A-1 and Clamp A-2) with identical thread profiles on opposing screw channels, allowing for error-free, tool-free assembly and infinite height adjustment without drilling, and enabling expansion and combination with identical screws.

Benefits of technology

Reduces assembly complexity, costs, and errors while ensuring stability and flexibility, allowing for easy retrofitting and infinite height adjustment with identical screws.

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Abstract

Shelf support system for mounting on vertical tubes in modular tube shelving systems, characterized in that: a. the system consists of exactly two aluminium die-cast parts, namely a first component (Fig. 1) and a second component (Fig. 2), b. wherein each of the two components (Fig. 1 & Fig. 2) has two screw channels (1,3,5,7) with identical thread profile, c. wherein one screw channel (1,5,10) is directed outwards and serves as a screw-in opening for an identical screw and the opposite screw channel serves as an internal thread (3,7) for receiving the screw of the corresponding component, d. wherein identical screws (15) are screwed in opposite directions into the two components (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), e. and wherein this axial and counter-rotating screw connection can create a connection both between (Fig. 1) and (Fig. 2) as well as between two components (e.g. 2x Fig. 2), f. where the components are connected to each other without additional adapters, clamps or drilling. g. wherein the components can be clamped around a round metal tube (11).
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Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a shelf support for attaching horizontal shelves to vertical round tubes in modular tube shelving systems, in particular a support system with a minimal number of components and flexible mounting options after assembly of the shelving system. The components are made of die-cast aluminum, are modularly combinable, and serve to provide a stable connection between the shelf and the tube structure. State of the art

[0002] Two essential system groups are known from the state of the art:

[0003] 1. Retrofittable clamping systems with a high number of components: • Round end piece made of plastic • Plastic center piece • Metal shelf brackets with integrated threads and clamping connection • Additional metal shelf support without thread • Two-part pipe clamp • Four wood screws to connect the shelf to the support bracket

[0004] These systems are elaborate and complex in design, contain four or more individual parts, and require at least two different screw lengths. Assembly takes place in several steps, is prone to errors, and results in high storage and production costs.

[0005] 2. Systems with direct integration of the shelves during assembly: • These systems use drilling aids and require drilling through the shelves. • Special tools such as drill guide attachments and drill heads are necessary • Assembly is only possible during system setup. • Retrofitting or expansion (e.g., with three or more vertical bars) is not planned. • The drilling process causes dirt and can permanently damage the shelves. • The holes must be drilled very precisely, otherwise the base cannot be pushed onto the rods. Object of the invention

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a shelf support that: • The system is expandable • Features a drastically reduced number of components • Simple, quick and error-free assembly is possible • Savings in warehousing, logistics and potentially also in production • Ensures the same or greater stability with lower system complexity • No special tools (e.g., drill guide attachments and / or drill heads) are required • No drilling through the shelf is required • Can also be installed retroactively, i.e., after the pipe system has been installed • Can be mounted in any height and is infinitely adjustable • The addition of center supports (for more than two vertical tubes) allows • Opposing screw insertion with identical screws via two axially arranged screw channels allows Solution to the task

[0007] The invention is based on a modular, axially screwable system made of two die-cast aluminum parts: • Clamp A-1: ​​round end piece for combination with Clamp A-2 for attachment to a vertical tube, without its own shelf support. Clamp A-1 has two opposing screw channels with identical thread profiles. One of these screw channels faces outwards and serves as the entry point for a screw; the other faces inwards and accepts the screw of the opposing component. • Clamp A-2: Shelf support with two opposing screw channels with identical thread profiles. As with Clamp A-1, one of these channels opens outwards, the other inwards. This arrangement allows connection to Clamp A-1 or to another Clamp A-2 by screwing in two identical screws in opposite directions.

[0008] Clamp A-2 and Clamp A-1 each have two screw channels, each with an axially opposite screw channel opening facing outwards. Identical screws are inserted from both sides (in opposite directions) without requiring different screws or mirror-image components. The screw channel opening of both components must be on the same side of Clamp A-2 and Clamp A-1, regardless of whether it is the left or right side. The threads have an identical thread profile, which is why identical screws can be inserted from both sides (in opposite directions) without requiring different screws or mirror-image components. This allows the components to be combined with each other and with themselves in any configuration.

[0009] This design enables: • The combination of the components among themselves and with each other • The use of a single component (Clamp A-2) for mid and end supports • The elimination of additional special parts or clamps • The combination of components into sets with only two cast parts and a single type of screw

[0010] Example set compositions: • Pipeholder End: 1× Clamp A-1 + 1× Clamp A-2 • Pipeholder (center holder): 2× Clamp A-2 • Pipe holder ring: 2× Clamp A-1

[0011] Advantages: This construction method reduces storage and production costs as well as assembly effort, reduces sources of error during assembly and enables a flexible, expandable racking system for a wide variety of applications. Reference symbol list Figure 1 Clamp A-1 - round end piece for combination with Clamp A-2; without its own shelf support Figure 2 Clamp A-2 - double-sided universal holder with opposing screw channels Figure 3 Composite Pipe Holder End (Clamp A-1 + Clamp A-2) Figure 4 Composite Pipe Holder (Clamp A-2 + Clamp A-2) Figure 5 Axial and opposing screw connection (Clamp A-1 + Clamp A-2) Figure 6 Axial and opposing screw connection (Clamp A-2 + Clamp A-2)

[0012] Drawings Fig. 1: Clamp A-1 - round end piece for combination with Clamp A-2; without its own shelf support Fig. 2: Clamp A-2 Fig. 3: Composite Pipe Holder End (Clamp A-1 + Clamp A-2) Fig. 4: Composite Pipe Holder (Clamp A-2 + Clamp A-2) Fig. 5: Axial and opposing screw connection (Clamp A-1 + Clamp A-2) Fig. 6: Axial and opposing screw connection (Clamp A-2 + Clamp A-2)

Claims

[1] Shelf support system for mounting on vertical tubes in modular tube shelving systems, characterized by , that: a. the system consists of exactly two aluminium die-cast parts, namely a first component ( Fig. 1) and a second component ( Fig. 2) b. wherein each of the two components ( Fig. 1 & Fig. 2) each has two screw channels (1, 3, 5, 7) with identical thread profile, c. wherein one screw channel (1,5,10) is directed outwards and serves as a screw-in opening for an identical screw and the opposite screw channel serves as an internal thread (3,7) for receiving the screw of the corresponding component, d. wherein identical screws (15) are inserted in opposite directions into the two components ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2) be screwed in, e. and wherein this axial and counter-rotating screw connection creates a connection between ( Fig. 1) and ( Fig.2) as well as between two components (e.g. 2x Fig. 2) can be produced, f. where the components are connected to each other without additional adapters, clamps or drilling. g. wherein the components can be clamped around a round metal tube (11). [2] Shelf support system according to claim 1, characterized by , that the second component ( Fig. 2) additionally has a shelf support (9) which can be screwed to a shelf (12) using two wood connector screws. [3] Shelf support system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that all screw connections are made with identical screws. [4] Shelf support system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second component ( Fig. 2) both in combination with the first component ( Fig. 1) as well as with another component ( Fig. 2) is connectable. [5] Shelf support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the installation can also be carried out subsequently, i.e. after the pipe system has been built. [6] Shelf support system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the connection can be established in a maximum of two work steps. [7] Shelf support system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that no special tools such as Forstner drill bits are required for assembly. [8] Shelf support system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the opposing thread eliminates the need for mirror-image or right / left-oriented components. [9] Shelf support system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shelf can be retrofitted and is infinitely height-adjustable.