Storage system and extension kit

Abstract

A main hang standard (3) is configured to be mounted vertically on a wall The hang standard has a generally U-shaped cross section with a front portion (21, 27) with rows of slots, and legs (23, 29) extending rearwardly towards the wall from the front portion, forming a free space (25) behind the front portion. There is provided an extension hang standard (33) having a corresponding cross section and rows of slots as the main hang standard (3), and an extension connector (35), configured to fit inside said free space (25). The extension connector (35) is elongated with a U- shaped cross section, having a rear portion (37) and forwards extending legs (39), extending from the rear portion (37), and first and second nut portions (41, 43) fixedly connected to the rear portion (37) and adapted to connect with screws (45, 47) extending through holes (49, 51) in the hang standards.

Description

[0001] STORAGE SYSTEM AND EXTENSION KIT

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a storage system, comprising a hang standard configured to be mounted vertically on a wall or the like and having a generally II- shaped cross section with a front portion with rows of slots, for connecting with cantilevered brackets and the like, and legs extending rearwardly towards the wall from the front portion, forming a free space behind the front portion to receive connecting features of the cantilevered brackets and the like. Further, an extension kit for such a storage system is considered.

[0004] Background

[0005] A storage systems of this type is described in WO-2021 / 221556-A1 and may provide storage functions such as shelves, containers and hooks that can be configured in a flexible manner depending on specific needs in any particular use case. In most cases, the storage system can be assembled by an end user. In addition to the hang standards, the system may comprise brackets, shelves, drawers, containers, etc.

[0006] One problem associated with such systems is how to obtain efficient logistics in the supply chain to the end user.

[0007] Summary

[0008] One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a storage system which is adapted for more efficient logistics.

[0009] This object is achieved by means of a storage system as defined in claim 1. More particularly, in a storage system of the initially mentioned kind, the hang standard is a main hang standard, and the system further comprises an extension hang standard having a corresponding cross section and rows of slots as the main hang standard, and the system further includes an extension connector. The latter is configured to fit inside the free space behind the front portion of the main hang standard and the extension hang standard. The extension connector is elongated with a generally II- shaped cross section, having a rear portion and forwards extending legs, extending from the rear portion, and first and second nut portions fixedly connected to the rear portion and adapted to connect with screws extending through holes in the main hang standard and the extension hang standard.

[0010] Thanks to this configuration, a hang standard can be provided as shorter sections to be assembled using extension connectors by the end user, rather than as one long piece, in some cases longer than 2 meters. This simplifies logistics resulting in a more cost-efficient system overall.

[0011] The nut portions may extend less from the rear portion of the extension connector than does the forward extending leg portions. Thereby, tightening of the screws urges the forward extending leg portions towards the rear of the front portions of the main and extension hang standards. This ensures a firm connection between the hang standards.

[0012] A first nut portion may be configured to be positioned in register with a hole located between an upper pair of slots and a second upper pair of slots in the extension hang standard, and a second nut portion coincides with a hole located between a second lower pair of slots and a third lower pair of slots in the main hang standard. Further, at least one protrusion may be provided on the extension connector, extending into the space between the forwards extending legs that blocks the space behind the lowest pair of slots of the main hang standard when attached thereto. This disables use of the said lowest pair of slots which could otherwise apply too large shear forces on the joint between the hang standards.

[0013] A distance between the forwards extending legs, extending from the rear portion of the extension connector, may be tapering towards the rear portion. This prevents the dislocation of the extension connector from some types of hang standards when slid into the hang standard.

[0014] The leg portions of the extension connector may be provided with cut outs in their mid section in between the nut portions. This provides a reliable connection between the hang standards.

[0015] The present disclosure further considers an extension kit for a storage system with a hang standard configured to be mounted vertically and having a generally U-shaped cross section. The extension kit comprises an elongated extension connector, having a generally U-shaped cross section, with a rear portion and leg portions extending forwards from the rear portion, the extension connector comprising first and second nut portions fixedly connected to the rear portion and extending therefrom in between the leg portions.

[0016] The nut portions extend less from the rear portion of the extension connector than does said forward extending leg portions, such that a gap is formed in front of the nut portions when the forward extending leg portions rest against a flat surface.

[0017] The nut portions are located symmetrically with respect to the mid-point of the extension of the extension connector in its longitudinal direction.

[0018] At least one protrusion may be provided on the extension connector in the mid-point thereof in its longitudinal direction, the protrusion extending into the space between the forward extending leg portions.

[0019] The distance between the forwards extending legs, extending from the rear portion of the extension connector, may be tapering towards the rear portion.

[0020] The leg portions of the extension connector may be provided with cut outs in their mid section in between the nut portions.

[0021] The extension kit may further comprise one or more of an extension hang standard, first and second screws fitting in the nut portions, and a shim piece configured to fit between a main hang standard and an extension hang standard.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Fig 1 A shows a storage system with a hang standard.

[0024] Fig 1 B illustrates a cross section through the hang standard of fig 1A.

[0025] Fig 1C illustrates an alternative cross section through a hang standard of a legacy type.

[0026] Fig 2 shows an extension kit for extending the hang standard of fig 1A.

[0027] Fig 3 shows the extension kit of fig 2 connected to the hang standard of fig 1A.

[0028] Fig 4 illustrates an extension connector for an extension kit in greater detail.

[0029] Figs 5A-5C illustrate the connection of an extension hang standard to a main hang standard using an extension connector.

[0030] Detailed description

[0031] The present disclosure relates to a storage system with a hang standard and an extension kit for such a system. Fig 1 A shows a storage system 1 as outlined in WO- 2021 / 221556-A1 . This storage system 1 may comprise a plurality of hang standards 3, one of which is shown. The hang standard 3 is configured to be attached to a wall or the like, although it is possible to provide the hang standard with feet (not shown) allowing for a free-standing configuration on a floor surface. Optionally, the hang standard 3 may be connected to a horizontal rail 5 attached to the wall and may be provided with connecting features 7 such as cut-outs in the rear part of the hang standard 3 for connecting with flanges 8 of the horizontal rail 5.

[0032] The hang standard 3 may also comprise a number of holes 9 by means of which the hang standard may also be connected to a wall by means of screws (not shown) as a complement or alternative to the horizontal rail 5. The front of the hang standard comprises rows of slots 11 to which cantilevered brackets and the like can be connected to provide a storage system comprising for instance shelves and drawers, that the end user can configure adapted to the intended use.

[0033] Thus far described, the storage system is largely in correspondence with what is described in WO-2021 / 221556-A1 . The present disclosure is directed towards an extension kit and a storage system comprising a such an extension kit, which allows the hang standard to be extended as desired. This allows for provision of shorter hang standard parts that can nevertheless be extended to be longer as needed, typically depending on available wall height. Thanks to the shorter hang standard pieces, logistics become simplified with smaller packets and less expensive and cumbersome handling, resulting in overall product cost reductions.

[0034] With reference to figs 1 B and 1C the cross sections of two examples of hang standards are discussed. To start with, fig 1C illustrates a cross section through a hang standard of a legacy type that has been available for several decades. This hang standard has a simple U-shape in cross section, with a front portion 21 , where one or more rows of elongated slots can be formed, typically two rows. In those slots connecting features such as tabs of cantilevered brackets and the like can be inserted for connecting with the hang standard. In the U-shaped cross section, two rearwardly extending legs 23 extend towards the wall, to which the hang standard is to be connected, from the front portion 21 . This forms a free space 25 behind the front portion 21 to provide room for the connecting features of the cantilevered brackets and the like. Fig 1 B illustrates a cross section through the hang standard of fig 1 A and as outlined in WO-2021 / 221556-A1 . This more evolved shape retains a front portion 27 and two rearwardly extending legs 29. In addition to this, there is provided two forwards protruding portions 31 on either side of the front portion 27, connecting the front portion to the rearwardly extending legs 29. This makes the hang standard stiffer and allows the use of a thinner sheet metal in the hang standard.

[0035] Further, there may be provided, in each rearwardly extending leg 29, an inwardly bent portion 32 that as indicated may end in an end portion 34 extending outwards in parallel with the wall to which the hang standard is attached. This may be provided in combination with the protruding portions 31 , or as a separate feature in a hang standard as illustrated in fig 1 C. This feature too provides a stiffer hang standard, and the inwardly bent portions 32 also provide a space that cand be utilized for accommodating other components of the storage system, such as a panel. Also, the distance between the rearwardly extending legs 29 decreases from the rear side of the front portion 27, and this feature may be used in the context of the present disclosure in one example thereof.

[0036] Fig 2 shows an extension kit for extending the hang standard of fig 1A. The extension kit optionally comprises an extension hang standard 33, which has a corresponding cross section as the main hang standard to which it is intended to be connected. It further has rows of slots 11 as the main hang standard 3. However, the extension hang standard 33 has no use of cut-outs on its rear side as the main hang standard, although such cut-outs may of course be provided to allow the extension hang standard to function as a main hang standard, i.e. with dual roles. The extension hang standard may therefore be a pre-owned hang standard and is not necessary in the extension kit.

[0037] The extension kit does comprise an extension connector 35, which is discussed in greater detail with reference to fig 4. The extension connector 35 is elongated and is intended to be connected both to a main hang standard 3 and to an extension hang standard 33. When attached thereto, the extension connector 35 fits inside the space formed in between the hag standards’ rearwardly extending legs 23, 29, allowing those legs to rest on the wall 36 to which the hang standards 3, 33 are connected. This is shown in the cross section of fig 5C. The extension connector 35 provides a stiff connection between the main and extension hang standards, 3, 33. At the same time, the space behind the slots of the hang standards 3, 33, with one exception that will be described, may be left free such that cantilevered brackets and the like can still be attached thereto.

[0038] Returning to fig 4, the above features are accomplished by providing the elongated extension connector 35 with a generally U-shaped cross section.

[0039] The extension connector 35 thus has in cross section a rear portion 37 and leg portions 39 extending forwards from the rear portion 37. It may be formed by bending a strip of sheet metal. First and second nut portions 41 , 43 are connected to the rear portion 37 and extend therefrom in between the leg portions 39. One is 41 intended to connect with a screw 45 through the main hang standard 3, while the other connects with a screw 47 through the extension hang standard 33.

[0040] By a nut portion 41 , 43 is generally meant a block with an internal screw thread. The nut portions 41 , 43 are connected to the rear portion 37 of the extension connector 35. This may be done by forming the nut portions 41 , 43 from blind rivets that are deformed to be attached to the rear portion 37, or by welding, for instance.

[0041] When connecting an extension hang standard 33 to a main hang standard 3, a user slides the extension connector 35 into both hang standards 3, 33, with the extension connector leg portions 39 extending towards the rear side of the hang standard front portion 21 , 27, as also illustrated in fig 5C, the nut portions 41 , 43 are brought into register with holes 49, 51 , respectively, in the front portions of the main 3 and extension 33 hang standards, as shown in fig 5A and 5B. Then, screws 45, 47 are screwed into the nut portions 41 , 43 through the holes 49, 51 and tightened, thereby firmly connecting the extension hang standard 33 to the main hang standard 3.

[0042] The nut portions 41 , 43 may typically extend less from the rear portion 37 of the extension connector 35 than does the leg portions 39, which leaves a small gap 53 between the end of the nut portions 41 , 43 and rear side of the hang standard front portions 27, 21 . Thereby, tightening of the screws 45, 47 urges the forward extending leg portions 39 towards the rear side of the front portions 27, 21 of the main and extension hang standards 3, 33. This provides a rigid connection between the hang standards 3, 33, even if some tolerances are allowed in the extension connector 35. The front of the leg portions 39 may be provided with cut outs 40 in their mid section in between the nut portions 41 , 43 to make sure that any deformation of the hang standards 3, 33 at their respective ends does not interfere with this connection.

[0043] A first nut portion 43 is configured to be positioned in register with a hole 51 located between an upper pair 55 of slots and a second upper pair 57 of slots in the extension hang standard 33. A second nut portion 41 coincides with a hole 49 located between a second lower pair 59 of slots and a third lower pair 61 of slots in the main hang standard 3. If the nut portions 41 , 43 are symmetrically located with respect to the mid point of the elongated extension connector 35, the latter will thus extend further into the main hang standard 3 than into the extension hang standard 33.

[0044] As illustrated in fig 4, there may be provided one or more protrusions 63 on the extension connector 35, which extend into the space between its forwards extending legs 39. Those protrusions 63 block the space behind the lowest pair of slots 65, indicated in fig 5B, of the main hang standard 3 when attached thereto. This prevents the connection of a bracket to the lowest pair of slots 65, which could otherwise apply excessive shear forces to the joint between the main 3 and extension 33 hang standards. Those protrusions 63 may as illustrated be formed by punching tabs from the sheet metal making up the main part of the extension connector 35.

[0045] The protrusions 63 may be formed in the mid-point of the extension connector 35. Thereby, the extension connector becomes symmetrical and can be oriented with any end up.

[0046] As best seen in fig 5C the distance between the forwards extending legs 39 of the extension connector, which extend from the rear portion 37 thereof, may be tapering towards the rear portion 37. This means that, when used with the hang standard of fig 1 B, for instance, the extension connector 35 can be slid into the hang standard, but will not be allowed to move relative to the hang standard in a direction perpendicular to the sliding axis. This makes assembling easier for the end user.

[0047] The distance between the nut portions 41 , 43 of the extension connector 35, as well as the distance between each of the holes 49, 51 of the hang standards 3, 33 and the adjacent end of the hang standard, may be devised such that a small gap is formed between the ends of the hang standards 3, 33 when interconnected by the extension connector 35. This allows greater manufacturing tolerances for each of those pieces. If desired, a shim piece 67, best seen in fig 4, can be fitted in this gap between the hang standards 3, 33. The shim piece 67 can be made in plastic by injection moulding and may have a shape similar cross sections of the hang standards 3, 33. It may be snap fitted on the extension connector 35. It is possible to provide the shim piece 67 with one or more tabs 69 which extend behind the front portions of the hang standards to keep the shim piece 67 firmly in place. In the illustrated case two such tabs are provided.

[0048] Fig 3 illustrates the storage system when the extension hang standard 33 has been connected to the main hang standard.

[0049] The present disclosure is not limited to the above examples and may be varied and altered in different ways within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A storage system, comprising a hang standard (3) configured to be mounted vertically on a wall or the like and having a generally U-shaped cross section with a front portion (21 , 27) with rows of slots (11), for connecting with cantilevered brackets and the like, and legs (23, 29) extending rearwardly towards the wall from the front portion, forming a free space (25) behind the front portion (21 , 27) to receive connecting features of the cantilevered brackets and the like, characterized by the hang standard (3) being a main hang standard (3), the system further comprising-an extension hang (33) standard having a corresponding cross section and rows of slots as the main hang standard (3), and-an extension connector (35), configured to fit inside said free space (25) behind the front portion (21 , 27) of the main hang standard (3) and the extension hang standard (33), wherein extension connector (35) is elongated with a generally U-shaped cross section, having a rear portion (37) and forwards extending legs (39), extending from the rear portion (37), and first and second nut portions (41 , 43) fixedly connected to the rear portion (37) and adapted to connect with screws (45, 47) extending through holes (49, 51 ) in the main hang standard (3) and the extension hang standard (33).

2. Storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the nut portions (41 , 43) extend less from the rear portion (37) of the extension connector (35) than does said forward extending leg portions (39), such that tightening of the screws (45, 47) urges the forward extending leg portions (39) towards the rear of the front portions (21 , 29) of the main and extension hang standards (3, 33).

3. Storage system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first nut portion (43) is configured to be positioned in register with a hole (51 ) located between an upper pair (55) of slots and a second upper pair (57) of slots in the extension hang standard (33), and a second nut portion (41) coincides with a hole (49) located between a second lower pair (59) of slots and a third lower pair of slots (61 ) in the main hang standard (3).

4. Storage system according to any of claims 1-3, wherein at least one protrusion (63) is provided on the extension connector (35), extending into the space between the forwards extending legs (39), that blocks the space behind the lowest pair (65) of slots of the main hang standard (3) when attached thereto.

5. Storage system according to any of claims 1-4, wherein a distance between the forwards extending legs (39), extending from the rear portion (37) of the extension connector (35), is tapering towards the rear portion (37).

6. Storage system according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the leg portions (39) of the extension connector (35) are provided with cut outs (40) in their mid section in between the nut portions (41 , 43).

7. An extension kit for a storage system with a hang standard (3), configured to be mounted vertically and having a generally U-shaped cross section, wherein the extension kit comprises an elongated extension connector (35), having a generally U-shaped cross section, with a rear portion (37) and leg portions (39) extending forwards from the rear portion (37), the extension connector (35) comprising first and second nut portions (41 , 43) fixedly connected to the rear portion (37) and extending therefrom in between the leg portions (39).

8. Extension kit according to claim 7, wherein the nut portions (41 , 43) extend less from the rear portion (37) of the extension connector (35) than does said forward extending leg portions (39), such that a gap (53) is formed in front of the nut portions (41 , 43) when the forward extending leg portions (39) rest against a flat surface.

9. Extension kit according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the nut portions (41 , 43) are located symmetrically with respect to the mid-point of the extension connector (35) in its longitudinal direction.

10. Extension kit according to any of claims 7-9, wherein at least one protrusion (63) is provided on the extension connector (35) in the mid-point thereof in its longitudinal direction the protrusion extending into the space between the forward extending leg portions (39).11 . Extension kit according to any of claims 7-10, wherein the distance between the forwards extending legs (39), extending from the rear portion (37) of the extension connector, is tapering towards the rear portion (37).

12. Extension kit according to any of claims 7-11 , wherein the leg portions (39) of the extension connector (35) are provided with cut outs (40) in their mid section in between the nut portions (41 , 43).

13. Extension kit according to any of claims 7-12, further comprising an extension hang standard (33).

14. Extension kit according to any of claims 7-13, further comprising first and second screws (45, 47) fitting in the nut portions (41 , 43).

15. Extension kit according to any of claims 7-14, further comprising a shim piece (67) configured to fit between a main hang standard (3) and an extension hang standard (33).

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