Light fitting rod and a storage system comprising the light fitting rod

Abstract

A storage system (1) comprises at least two hang standards (2), which are arranged vertically at a fixed distance from one another Brackets (4) are configured to be arranged on the respective hang standards (2), for arranging supports for articles (4, 5, 8). The system (1) comprises at least one elongated light fitting rod (6), with at least one light source (13), and two ends (14). The rod (6) is telescopic and configured to be arranged horizontally between the hang standards (2). It may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length. A light fitting rod (6) for a storage system (1), is elongated with two ends (14) and has at least one light source (13). The light fitting rod (6) is telescopic and may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length.

Description

[0001] LIGHT FITTING ROD AND A STORAGE SYSTEM COMPRISING THE LIGHT FITTING ROD

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a storage system comprising at least a first and a second hang standard, configured to be arranged vertically at a fixed distance from one another, and at least a first and second bracket configured to be arranged on the respective hang standards, for arranging supports for articles.

[0004] The disclosure also relates to a light fitting rod for a storage system, the rod being elongated with first and second ends, and having at least one light source.

[0005] Background

[0006] US2007 / 0294953A1 discloses a work-space, wherein front and side partitions are provided with connection posts, interconnecting the partitions to form a cubicle. A storage compartment and a desktop are provided in the cubicle, and possibly a shelflike work-space organizer. These units, and other organizers, may be mounted in slots in the connection posts. A light source in the form of a fluorescent lamp is connected to the underside of the storage compartment, such that the desktop may be illuminated.

[0007] The disclosed illumination of the workspace in the cubicle has the disadvantage that the mounting of the light source requires a mounting surface of a considerable extent, e. g. the underside of the storage compartment, to which surface the light source may be firmly mounted.

[0008] Although the connection posts of the cubicle are of a similar general type as wall mounted hang standards, with standardized slots for connecting and mounting various components, the disclosed illumination solution is not readily applicable to storage systems. For example, storage systems may only require a temporary illumination of spaces, which are only accessed for short time intervals. The spaces which need illumination may not be the spaces that are most accessible to the user, as is the case for illumination of a desktop. Instead, those parts of the storage space that are most remote from the general lighting in the room typically need lighting the most. Also, light sources for a storage system must not be bulky, since it is highly desirable to maximize the available storage space. Further, the light sources should emit as little heat as possible, in order to minimize the risk of overheating and possible fire hazards. Summary

[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to solve, or at least mitigate, parts or all of the above-mentioned problems. To this end, there is provided a system further comprising at least one elongated light fitting rod, having at least one light source, and first and second ends, and being configured to be arranged horizontally between two adjacent hang standards, wherein the light fitting rod is telescopic, such that it may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length.

[0010] Hereby the storage system may include lighting which may be easily customized to the end user of the storage system. A light fitting rod may be arranged at any desired position between the hang standards. The brackets may be fixed on the hang standard by hooks, loops etc., but in a preferred embodiment, the hang standards are provided with a series of holes with a standardized shape. Even more preferably, the holes are arranged in two longitudinal rows on the hang standard. The supports for articles may be shelves, drawers, rods, etc. Any electrical cables, needed to supply the light fitting rod with an electric current, may be arranged along or inside one or more of the hang standards.

[0011] In one embodiment, the telescopic light fitting rod has a minimum length, which is equal to or less than the distance between the first and second hang standards.

[0012] Hereby the light fitting rod may be positionable between two adjacent hang standards, which are preferably arranged at a predetermined distance from one another. This position may be possible if the light fitting rod is first temporarily compressed to its minimum length, which is slightly less than the distance between two hang standards and released after it has been brought to its desired position between the hang standards. On release, the light fitting rod expands to fit and remain between the hang standards, since its maximum length is greater than the distance between the hang standards.

[0013] In further embodiments, the telescopic light fitting rod has a maximum length which is equal to or greater than the distance between the first and second brackets when arranged on the hang standards.

[0014] Hereby the light fitting rod may be mounted between the brackets as well, since its maximum length is somewhat greater than the distance between the brackets. The ends of the light fitting rod will press against the two brackets, since it is not fully expanded. In still further embodiments, the ends of the light fitting rod are arranged to abut the first and second hang standards, respectively.

[0015] Hereby the hang standards of a storage system are utilized mechanically for the fastening of the light fitting rod steplessly in a range of different positions. The ends of the light fitting rod may be pressed by the spring force against the hang standards when the rod seeks to expand to its maximum length. The position of the light fitting rod is further variable, i. e. not only in the vertical direction, but also in a depth direction, i. e. along the extent of two brackets extending outwards from the hang standards. The light fitting rod is hence not only positionable close to the wall, but also at the outer, free ends of two brackets, or at any position along them. The light fitting rod may be arranged e. g. at the outer ends of the cantilevered brackets to illuminate shelves or the drawers when they are pulled out. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening devices, i. e. holes, in the hang standards may be utilized for arranging the light fitting rod in a number of discrete positions.

[0016] In even further embodiments, a friction pad is arranged on at least one of the ends of the light fitting rod.

[0017] Hereby, the rod may stay in place between the hang standards, or brackets, especially if the friction pad is resilient in addition to having a high friction, e. g. a pad of rubber or a rubber-like material. In such embodiments, the friction pad may contribute to the spring force exerted by the light fitting rod on the hang standard, bracket, etc. which it contacts.

[0018] According to a second aspect, parts or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved, or at least mitigated, by a light fitting rod which is telescopic, such that it may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length.

[0019] Hereby the outer length of the light fitting rod is quickly and easily adjustable, so that it may be fitted in various selected positions between the hang standards themselves or between supports, such as cantilevered brackets. The light fitting rod will be adjustable to at least two different lengths, so that there will be several options for the placement of the light fitting rod in the storage system. Also, the manufacture of the rack may be performed easily, and with only few different components, in the embodiments wherein the light fitting rod is symmetrical with two identical ends.

[0020] The resilient properties of the telescopic ends of the light fitting rod may be attained by using a compression spring, which results in a forceful resilient action on the ends of the light fitting rod. If the bias outwards is very strong, there may be the practical effect of locking the ends in a position where they abut the components of the storage system. The adaptable light fitting rod may be fixed by friction to the components in a storage system when it has been expanded to a length where both ends abut a component in the storage system. By a friction force between the components of the storage system and respective end surfaces of the light fitting rod, the weight of the light fitting rod is suspended, and the light fitting rod remains in its intended position.

[0021] The option of keeping the telescopically extending ends of the light fitting rod in more positions than a fully retracted and a fully expanded position provides the light fitting rod with an applicability in many different positions, interacting with a number of components in a storage system.

[0022] In one embodiment of the second aspect, a friction pad is arranged on at least one of the outer ends of the rod.

[0023] Hereby the rod may stay in place between the hang standards, or brackets, especially if the friction pad is resilient in addition to having a high friction, e. g. a pad of rubber or a rubber-like material.

[0024] In further embodiments the light source comprises light emitting diodes.

[0025] Hereby a safe and durable light source may be included in the light fitting rod. Light emitting diodes require only a low amount of energy and hence emit only a very limited amount of heat. The light fitting rod may be powered either by batteries or by the electric mains, and it may hence be included anywhere in the storage system. Also, since diodes have a long lifespan, the need for maintenance is very low.

[0026] In some embodiments the length of the light fitting rod is variable between a minimum length smaller than 426 mm and a maximum length greater than 439 mm.

[0027] In some other embodiments the length of the light fitting rod is variable between a minimum length smaller than 582 mm and a maximum length greater than 595 mm.

[0028] In some other embodiments the length of the light fitting rod is variable between a minimum length smaller than 877 mm and a maximum length greater than 890 mm. Hereby the light fitting rod may be provided to a customer in different size options, which are compatible with different standardized measurements of the system. Preferably, the minimum length and the maximum length do not deviate more than 20 mm from the above smallest and greatest length, respectively, such that for instance a compressed spring can provide a suitable force in the entire range of compression. It is noted that embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied by all possible combinations of features recited in the claims. Further, it will be appreciated that the various embodiments described for the storage system are all combinable with the light fitting rod according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, and vice versa.

[0029] Brief description of the drawings

[0030] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein:

[0031] Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective an example of a storage system comprising light fitting rods;

[0032] Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of another example of a storage system comprising a light fitting rod; and

[0033] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a light fitting rod according to the disclosure.

[0034] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted.

[0035] Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments

[0036] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a part of a storage system 1 , which comprises two vertical hang standards 2. Each hang standard 2 is provided with a set of holes 3, for arranging brackets 4 or other articles on the hang standards 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 , the holes 3 are oblong slots and arranged in two longitudinal rows in a forward-facing surface of the hang standard 2. However, other configurations of the holes 3 are equally possible for the purpose of this disclosure. The brackets 4 support shelves 5, but they may likewise support other storage components, such as baskets, drawers, rails etc.

[0037] At least one of the lateral surfaces of each hang standard 2 is facing a lateral surface of an adjacent hang standard 2. The lateral surfaces of the hang standards 2 are approximately parallel to one another, since the hang standards 2 are arranged approximately vertical on a substrate, such as a wall. The lateral surfaces of the hang standards 2 are generally smooth and free from holes or any equipment arranged in holes. Since the hang standards 2 are usually arranged in groups of two or more, the lateral surfaces facing one another on a pair of adjacent hang standards 2 may be referred to as inner lateral surfaces, although they are on the outside of each hang standard 2 and although the hang standards 2 may be relatively far apart.

[0038] In a corresponding manner, any equipment, such as brackets 4 mounted on the hang standards 2, may have inner surfaces facing corresponding inner surfaces on brackets 4 or other equipment mounted on adjacent hang standards 2.

[0039] Light fitting rods 6a, 6b are arranged at two different levels in the present example. The upper light fitting rod 6a is arranged under one of the shelves 5, extending between the two brackets 4, which support the shelf 5. The ends of the light fitting rod 6a are in contact with the inner lateral surfaces of the respective brackets 4, and they remain in place by a combination of a resilient force from the light fitting rod 6a and a friction force resulting therefrom and from a friction pad on the respective ends of the light fitting rod 6a. The light fitting rod 6a is oriented perpendicularly to the inner lateral surfaces.

[0040] Another, lower light fitting rod 6b, is arranged between the two lowermost shelves 5 in the present example. This light fitting rod 6b is arranged between the two hang standards 2 in a manner similar to that of the upper light fitting rod 6a, i. e. by a combination of friction force and spring force, and with the light fitting rod 6b oriented perpendicularly to the inner lateral surfaces. Instead of the ends of the light fitting rod 6a contacting the inwardly facing, lateral surfaces of the brackets 4, the ends of the light fitting rod 6b contact the inwardly facing, lateral surfaces of the hang standards 2. The light fitting rods 6a, 6b may be identical, and thus fit in both the illustrated locations by choice of the minimum and maximum length of the rods. The minimum and maximum lengths of the light fitting rods are determined not only by the length of the central section, but to a very large degree by the length of the end sections and by the possibility to compress the end sections to positions where the central section and the end sections overlap to a variable degree. The difference between the maximum and minimum length should be at least as large as, or larger than, double the distance between an inner surface of a hang standard 2 and a corresponding inner surface of a piece of equipment, such as a bracket 4, mounted on the hang standard 2, measured at the same level on the hang standard 2. Hereby one single light fitting rod 6a, 6b may be fitted either between the inner surfaces of two adjacent hang standards, i. e. compressed to slightly more than its minimum length, or between the inner lateral surfaces of two brackets 4 arranged in the adjacent hang standards 6a, 6b, i. e. extended to a length slightly less than its maximum length.

[0041] The position of each light fitting rod 6a, 6b is selectable within the areas that are defined by the free portions of the hang standards 2 and by the equipment, such as brackets 4 on the hang standards 2. It should be noted that the hang standards 2 in themselves enable a positioning of light fitting rods 6a, 6b close to the wall whereon the hang standards 2 are mounted. Wherever a pair of brackets 4 is mounted on the hang standards 2, at the same level, a light fitting rod 6a, 6b may be mounted between them. Since the brackets 4 extend outwards from the hang standards 2 and from the wall, the light fitting rods 6a, 6b may be positioned farther away from the wall than the extent of the hang standards 2 would allow. The user may hence freely arrange the light fitting rod 6a, 6b in a position which they find most suitable regarding lighting and space.

[0042] Regardless of their respective positions, the light fitting rods 6a, 6b have light sources powered by batteries or a mains output. Battery powered light fitting rods 6a, 6b may be particularly easily positioned, since they require no electrical wires to be installed. The batteries may be single use or rechargeable. If they are rechargeable, they may be rechargeable via mains or via a USB outlet in an electronic device, e.g. a computer. Light fitting rods 6a, 6b powered from electrical outlets may be supplied with power through wires extending close to or behind the hang standards 2 for an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The activation / deactivation of the light fitting rods 6a, 6b may be wireless after manual actuation. Alternatively, the activation / deactivation may be manually actuated, but transferred to the light fitting rods 6a, 6b by electrical wires. Another option is that the actuation is automatic and coupled to another manual action, such as opening and closing doors to a storage space. Yet another alternative is that the light fitting rods 6a, 6b, are provided with light sensors and are activated when low levels of ambient light reach the sensors. Even further options are motion sensors or sound sensors for activation and deactivation of the light fitting rods 6a, 6b. It should be noted, however that it is, in most cases, undesirable with activated light fitting rods 6a, 6b, when the user is not accessing the storage space.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates another example of another part of a storage system 1 . In this example, two hang standards 2 are arranged on a horizontal rail 7. The horizontal rail supports the weight of the hang standards 2, any components mounted on the hang standards 2, as well as the weight of the goods supported by the storage components. A pair of brackets 4 support an extendable wire basket 8. Above the wire basket 8, a light fitting rod 6 is arranged with its ends in contact with one lateral side of the respective hang standards 2. As in the example of Fig. 1 , the light fitting rod 6 is kept in its place by a combination of resilient force from the compressible light fitting rod 6 and friction force, due to friction pads on the ends of the light fitting rod 6 in contact with the respective hang standards 2. Also, the actuation of the light fitting rods of Fig. 2 corresponds to the actuation alternatives described for the example in Fig. 1 above.

[0044] The example of Fig. 1 discloses two light fitting rods 6a, 6b, and the example of Fig. 2 discloses a single light fitting rod 6. It must be noted that the number of light fitting rods 6, 6a, 6b is irrelevant for the disclosure; the user may decide on any number that they prefer, since the light fittings rods 6a, 6b, the hang standards 2, and the storage components 5, 7 are all included in a storage system 1 , wherein any number of parts may be combined according to the wishes of the end user. The number or type of storage components 5, 7 is also irrelevant for the disclosure and for the number and placement of the light fitting rods 6, 6a, 6b; the user of the storage system 1 may select any type or number of components they prefer. Also, the illustrated examples are not exclusively parts of storage systems 1 but may alternatively be complete storage systems. Further, they are parts of storage systems 1 that may be combined with one another or with other storage system parts.

[0045] Fig 3 illustrates schematically the details of an embodiment of the light fitting rod 6. The light fitting rod 6 comprises two end sections 9 and one central section 10. The end sections 9 are resiliently compressible relative to the central section 10. A spring 11 is arranged inside each of the end sections 9, with the ends of the respective spring 11 bearing on the one hand against an outer end of the end section and on the other hand against a support at an outer end of the central section 9. The respective end section 9 is telescopically slidable relative to the central section 10, and the end sections 9 are hereby resiliently arranged. Since the springs 11 preferably compression springs, the end sections 9 may yield when they are pressed inwards, towards the central section 10. When the pressure is released, the end sections 9 may strive to return to their original positions. If the light fitting rod 6 is placed between two supporting surfaces, such as lateral surfaces of two brackets 4 or two hang standards 2, the resiliently arranged end sections 9 will exercise a force to press against the two surfaces and keep the light fitting rod 6 in its place. In order to enhance the resilient compressibility of the end sections 9, a resilient friction pad 12 is arranged on at least one, and preferably both, of the ends 14 of the light fitting rod 6. The resilient friction pads 12 are manufactured from a material with an inherent resilience. When the pads 12 are compressed, they will strive to regain their original thickness, thereby creating a resilience force in addition to the force from the springs 11. The resilient friction pads 12 also give rise to a friction force proportional to the sum of the resilience forces from the springs 11 and the resilience from the material in the friction pads 12. The friction force will keep the light fitting rod 6 from sliding downwards from its mounted position.

[0046] The central section 10 is manufactured from at least one material that is transparent, translucent, or perforated, such that light from one or more light sources 13, may pass therethrough and provide lighting to the environment. It is particularly preferable if the light sources 13 are LEDs, but in some embodiments other low- energy light sources may be useful.

[0047] Although the embodiments illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 are provided with two resiliently arranged end sections 9, at least one, similar, embodiment may easily be envisaged by applying the same technical principles. In such a similar embodiment, the light fitting rod 6 comprises one main section, corresponding to the central section 10, and one single end section 9, which is resiliently arranged in the same manner as described above. The spring 11 in the single end section 9 is, in this embodiment, dimensioned to provide, on its own, the resilient force needed to keep the outer ends in contact with the supporting surfaces, such as lateral surfaces of brackets 4 or hang standards 2. The outer end 14 of the main section is preferably provided with a resilient friction pad 12, similar to the outer end 14 of the single end section 9. The telescope function may also be provided closer to the middle of the rod.

[0048] The length of the central section 10 and of the end section or sections 9 in all the above embodiments are selected such that the light fitting rod 6 is arrangeable between the brackets 4 or hang standards 2, etc., when the hang standards 2 are arranged at a standard distance from one another. This implies in practice that the length of the central section 10 must be less than or equal to the standard distance. The length of the central section hence corresponds to a minimum length of the light fitting rod 6, The maximum length of the light fitting rod 6 corresponds to a length of the central section 10 plus the length of the end section or sections 9. The light fitting rods 6 may be available in different lengths that are variable between a minimum length smaller than 426 and a maximum length greater than 439 mm, between a minimum length smaller than 582 and a maximum length greater than 595 mm, between a minimum length smaller than 877 and a maximum length greater than 890 mm. All these varieties correspond to different standard measurements in storage systems, where the distances between hang standards are determined by features such as the support shelves 5 (cf. fig 1 ), etc., attached to brackets 4 and / or hang standards. Each minimum length can thus be smaller and the maximum length greater than those values. Preferably, the minimum length and the maximum length do not deviate more than 20 mm from the smallest and the greatest length, respectively, such that for instance a compressed spring can provide a suitable force in its entire range of compression. For the above medium sized rod, the length range in a typical case may be 578-602 mm.

[0049] The disclosure has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended patent claims.

[0050] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

Claims1 . Storage system (1 ) comprising at least a first and a second hang standard (2), configured to be arranged vertically at a fixed distance from one another, and at least a first and second bracket (4) configured to be arranged on the respective hang standards (2), for arranging supports for articles (4, 5, 8) characterized by the system (1 ) further comprising at least one elongated light fitting rod (6), having at least one light source (13), and first and second ends (14), and being configured to be arranged horizontally between two adjacent hang standards (2), wherein the light fitting rod (6) is telescopic, such that it may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length.

2. Storage system (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the telescopic light fitting rod (6) has a minimum length which is equal to or less than the distance between the first and second hang standards (2).

3. Storage system (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the telescopic light fitting rod (6) has a maximum length which is equal to or greater than the distance between the first and second brackets (4) when arranged on the hang standards (2).

4. Storage system (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ends (14) of the light fitting rod (6) are arranged to abut the first and second hang standards (2), respectively.

5. Storage system (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a friction pad (12) is arranged on at least one of the ends (14) of the light fitting rod (6).

6. Light fitting rod (6) for a storage system (1 ), the rod (6) being elongated with first and second ends (14), and having at least one light source (13), wherein the light fitting rod (6) is telescopic, such that it may be resiliently compressed against a spring force from a maximum length to a minimum length.

7. Light fitting rod (6) according to claim 6, wherein a friction pad (12) is arranged on at least one of the outer ends (14) of the rod (6).

8. Light fitting rod (6) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the light source (13) comprises light emitting diodes, LEDs.

9. Light fitting rod (6) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the length of the rod (6) is variable between a minimum length smaller than 426 and a maximum length greater than 439 mm.

10. Light fitting rod (6) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the length of the rod (6) is variable between a minimum length smaller than 582 and a maximum length greater than 595 mm.11 . Light fitting rod (6) according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the length of the rod (6) is variable between a minimum length smaller than 877 mm and a maximum length greater than 890 mm.

12. Light fitting rod (6) according to any of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the minimum length and the maximum length do not deviate more than 20 mm from the smallest and the greatest length, respectively.

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