Ultra-compact foldable disassemblable frame

Abstract

Disassemblable frame (210) for industrial shelving (200) comprising at least two struts (240), and a plurality of removable bracing elements (220, 230) characterized in that the frame (210) comprises first joining means (400) for each removable bracing element (220, 230), wherein the first joining means (400) have pivoting means (510) configured to connect and pivot the connection of a first end of the removable bracing element (220, 230) with respect to a first strut (240).

Description

[0001] ULTRA-COMPACT FOLDABLE DISASSEMBLABLE FRAME

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a frame (foldable, assemblable and disassemblable) and a shelf that comprises said frames.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] Figure 1 shows a state-of-the-art functional shelf (100) comprising stringers (arrow A) and cross members (arrow B) to form a rigid load-bearing structure.

[0007] Figure 2 shows the functional shelf (100) of Figure 1 and the frames (110) formed by struts (140), considered as the "legs" of the shelves and both horizontal and diagonal bracing elements (120, 130).

[0008] To join the elements that make up the shelving frame, the solution of joining the frame elements by welding is used, i.e. forming a fixed structure between struts and the bracing elements. This form of connection is mainly used in shelves intended for the domestic market as they allow comparatively simple assembly of the shelf, e.g. screwing.

[0009] The advantages of welded frames are that it provides rigidity to the final structure. In addition, this type of shelving is easy to assemble because the frames are already assembled.

[0010] Disadvantageously, welded frames are logistically very inefficient, since the space occupied by welded frames during transportation, storage and handling is highly considerable. Therefore, the transportation of welded frames is very inefficient and can represent more than 60% of the manufacturing cost. For example, a container filled with welded frames occupies less than 30% of the payload of a sea container despite occupying virtually the entire available volume of the container.

[0011] Additionally, the replacement or elimination of bracing is not allowed in this type of welded solutions, which prevents easy repair of the bracing, requiring the frame or entire rack to be replaced.

[0012] On the other hand, in these welded configurations the location of the bracing on the frame cannot be adjusted in height and angle, which means that they are not versatile or modifiable.

[0013] There is no solution on the market that provides a viable response to the demand for space optimization in transporting products with welded frames, while preserving the advantages of rigidity and ease of assembly.

[0014] The present invention meets this demand.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] For a greater understanding of the Invention, the terms and possible executions of the terminology used are indicated:

[0017] Frame: Refers to any type of complete or partial structure of vertical and horizontal elements (joists, shelves, vertical walls and scaffolding), which may be shelving, metal logistics structures, scaffolding or buildings.

[0018] Bracing element: refers to any element capable of stiffening a frame, vertical strut or a wall, placed horizontally or diagonally in a removable manner that is also capable of being folded at any point of its extension by means of usual folding means such as be; hinge, ball joint, eccentrics, etc., through its axis of rotation; and at one or more folding points, totally or partially. Pivoting means: refers to any element allowing the configuration of an axis of rotation of the associated element allowing total or partial rotation of the linked element, the bracing element being removable at either end. These pivoting means can be pins (410), bearings, hinges, etc.

[0019] Joining means: refers to any known means to link one element with another, that is, pins, screws, rivets, ball joints, clamps, carriages, etc., the second joining means also being capable of vertical movement along the disassemble removable frame.

[0020] Surface of the second strut (240): refers to the interior surface, generated by the usual U-shaped profiles of the struts of shelves or metal structures, but executions can occur on any of the faces or surface of the strut.

[0021] Connection means (500): refers to any means to link the second end of the removable bracing with the movable element (300) such as; bearings, pins, screws, rivets.

[0022] Tilting means (600): refers to any connection means allowing, in addition to the linking of elements, the rotation or tilting of the removable bracing, for example, pin, through- piece, bearings, ball joints, rivets, etc.

[0023] The present invention relates to a removable and foldable disassemblable frame for shelving comprising two struts and a plurality of removable bracing elements. The frame comprises first joining means for each removable bracing element, having pivoting means configured to connect and pivot a first end of the bracing element with respect to a first strut.

[0024] With this solution, the folding of the frame and the removal of the bracing already installed is allowed, as well as the addition to the selection and need of the installation.

[0025] In a first example, the first joining means comprise pivoting means configured for connection and pivoting allowing a second end of the removable bracing element to be connected and pivoted with respect to a second strut. In the first example, each removable bracing element comprises at least one intermediate rotation axis allowing the folding of the removable bracing elements.

[0026] In this way, the frame can be folded in various ways for storage and transport, also allowing pre-installation of the bracing along the struts, but without taking up space during transport to the end user and which will allow the installer to of the rack by simply unfolding it to have the rack installation completed. With this provision for folding at one or more points of the bracing and which can be total or partial, great versatility is allowed in the folding of the frame, shelving or metal construction that guarantees correct storage and transportation, reducing costs considerably.

[0027] In a particular embodiment, the pivoting means comprise a pin.

[0028] In a second preferred example, the frame comprises second joining means for each removable bracing element, configured to connect with a second end of the removable bracing element and to move along the surface of a second strut.

[0029] In a particularization of the second example, the second joining means comprise a regulator movable along the surface of the second strut, where the movable regulator comprises a housing, locking means and connection means that comprise tilting means. The movable element consists of a housing configured to house a second end of the removable bracing element and link it by means of joining means. Furthermore, the movable element is configured to lock to the second strut by means of the locking means.

[0030] In this way, the possibility of installing the bracing elements at different heights is ensured depending on the configuration of the frame and the stress needs in relation to the load. By having interlocking means, the use of additional tools in assembly or installation is avoided, guaranteeing ease of assembly and replacement with efficient efforts.

[0031] In preferred examples, the connection means of the movable regulator comprising tilting means are a second pin. In preferred examples, the locking means of the movable regulator comprise at least one pressure positioner.

[0032] In preferred examples, the removable bracing elements comprise fixing holes that allow connection of the removable bracing element.

[0033] As they are symmetrical bracing elements, their application at one end or the other is indistinct, ensuring ease of assembly without error and easy storage of the product.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of removable bracing elements comprises two horizontal removable bracing elements and one diagonal removable bracing element.

[0035] A second aspect of the invention relates to a shelving unit comprising two frames according to the first aspect of the invention and one or more trays.

[0036] The frame allows for much more efficient assembly for transport, allowing the assembly to take up much less volume.

[0037] The optimization of space that the rack allows favors the reduction or optimization of space in the store, during transport, in ease of handling by the end customer, the cost of handling logistics operators, storage space and ease of storage during its non-use. use.

[0038] The frame according to the present invention allows the folding of one or more of its parts.

[0039] The frame according to the present invention maintains the rigidity of the assembly and can be assembled to generate complete shelving structures, or applied to preexisting constructions and even to vertical walls of buildings as long as they have recesses for the incorporation of the joining elements, the ends of the removable trail.

[0040] The frame according to the present invention is a solution to the frames of the state of the art with a reduced number of parts. The frame according to the present invention comprises symmetrical parts.

[0041] The frame according to the present invention facilitates the carrying out of the packaging operation as the assembly of the assembly can be carried out in separate units, for example, on the one hand the bracing can be packaged together with the joining means, the movable elements (for example for example, carriages) and union / connection means, and on the other the struts.

[0042] Description of the drawings

[0043] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the frame according to the present invention, some schematics are attached as an integral part of said description where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, has represented the following:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a functional state-of-the-art shelving unit.

[0045] Figure 2 shows the state-of-the-art functional shelving and racks.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a disassemblable and foldable frame according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a horizontal bracing element of the disassemblable and foldable frame according to the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a movable regulator according to the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6 shows the connection of a first end of the horizontal bracing element to the movable regulator according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 shows second means of joining the disassemblable and foldable frame according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 shows the assembly of the movable regulator according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 shows the connection of the second joining means comprising a second pin of the disassemblable and foldable frame according to the present invention.

[0053] Figure 10 shows the connection of two horizontal bracing elements and one diagonal bracing element of the disassemblable and foldable frame according to the present invention. Figure 11 shows the connection of a first end of the horizontal bracing regulator and the interlocking of the movable element according to the present invention.

[0054] Detailed embodiment of the invention

[0055] Figure 3 shows a disassemblable frame (210) in accordance with the present invention. The disassemblable frame (210) comprises two struts (240). Figure 3 shows a preferred execution with two struts (240).

[0056] The disassemblable frame (210) comprises a plurality of removable bracing elements (220, 230), in particular, two horizontal removable bracing elements (220) and one diagonal bracing element (230).

[0057] Figure 4 shows a horizontal bracing element (220). Each bracing element (220) comprises first joining means (400) comprising pivoting means (510) configured for the connection and pivoting of one end of the bracing element with respect to a strut (240) or with respect to two struts (240).

[0058] In the present example, the bracing element comprises second joining means (400') configured for connecting and moving the end of the bracing element (220) along the surface of a second strut (240). These second joining means (400') comprise a movable regulator (300), for example, a carriage configured to fix a first end of the horizontal bracing element (220).

[0059] In other embodiments, each bracing element (220, 230) may comprise one or more intermediate axes of rotation that allow folding of the bracing elements (220, 230). These rotation axes may comprise, for example, hinged means.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a movable regulator (300) allowing a strut (240) of the disassemblable frame (210) to be interconnected with a first end of the horizontal bracing element (220). The movable regulator (300) comprises a housing (340) configured to house a first end of the horizontal bracing element (220), which will be joined to the movable regulator (300) by means of connection means (500) that comprise a second pin (310). Furthermore, the movable regulator (300) can be locked to a first strut (240) by means of locking means (320) that comprise, for example, two pressure positioners.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, a bracing element (220, 230) may comprise the first joining means (400) that allow connecting one end of the horizontal bracing element (220) to a strut (240) of the disassemblable frame (210) and the displaceable regulator (300) that allow the connection and displacement of one end of the bracing element (220, 230) along the surface of a second strut (240).

[0062] Figure 6 shows the connection of a first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) to the movable regulator (300). Figure 6 shows how the first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) is housed in the housing (340) of the movable regulator (300). Said first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) is joined to the movable regulator (300) by means of connection means (500) that comprise a second pin (310) that is established through a hole of the movable regulator (300) and of a fixing hole (221) of the horizontal bracing element (220).

[0063] Figure 6 also shows the locking means (320) that comprise two pressure positioners and that allow the movable regulator (300) to be locked to a strut (240) of the disassemblable frame (210).

[0064] Figure 7 shows the first joining means (400) that allow the connection of the second end of the horizontal bracing (220) to a second strut (240) of the frame (210).

[0065] The first joining means (400) of the disassemblable frame (210) comprise a pin (410) configured to join the horizontal bracing element (220) to the strut (240). The connection is achieved by passing the pin (410) through a fixing hole (221) in the second end of the horizontal bracing element (220). The pin (410) can optionally have a safety element (420) that prevents accidental extraction of the pin (410) once inserted into the fixing hole (221).

[0066] Figure 8 shows the assembly of the movable regulator (300) comprising the connection means (500') comprising a second pin (310) that is established through a hole of the movable regulator (300), and the locking means (320) that comprise two pressure positioners that allow the movable regulator (300) to be connected to a first end of a strut (240). A first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) can also be seen in the housing (340) of the movable regulator (300).

[0067] The horizontal bracing element (220) comprises fixing holes (221) that allow the connection of the horizontal bracing element (220) both to the movable regulator (300), through the second pin (310) of the connection means (500), as well as to a second strut (240), by means of the first joining means (400) that comprise a pin (410), as shown in Figure 7.

[0068] Figure 9 shows the connection of the first joining means (400) that comprise a pin (410), as shown in Figure 7, and that allow the connection of a second end of a bracing element to a strut (240) of the disassemblable frame (210).

[0069] Figure 10 shows the connection and displacement of two horizontal bracing elements (220) and a diagonal bracing element (230) with respect to the struts (240) of the disassemblable frame (210) and where this connection is carried out by the movable regulators (300) and the first and second joining means (400, 400'). The connection of the bracing elements to the struts (240) allows the assembly of the disassemblable frame (210).

[0070] Figure 11 shows the connection of a first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) to the movable regulator (300) in addition to the locking of the movable regulator (300) to the strut (240) (after moving along the strut (240) The locking means (320) that comprise two pressure positioners that allow the movable regulator (300) to be locked to a strut (240) of the disassemblable frame (210).

[0071] Figure 11 shows how the first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) is housed in the housing (340) of the movable regulator (300). Said first end of the horizontal bracing element (220) is joined to the movable regulator (300) by means of the connection means (500) that comprise the second pin (310) that is established through a hole of the movable regulator (300) and of a fixing hole (221) of horizontal bracing (220).

Claims

CLAIMS1. Disassemblable frame (210) for shelving (200) comprising two struts (240), and a plurality of removable bracing elements (220, 230) characterized in that the frame (210) comprises first joining means (400) for each removable bracing element (220, 230), having pivoting means (510) configured to connect and pivot a first end of the removable bracing element (220, 230) with respect to a first strut (240).

2. Disassemblable frame (210) according to claim 1 , wherein the first joining means (400) comprise pivoting means (500) configured to connect and pivot a second end of the removable bracing element (220, 230) with respect to a second strut (240).

3. Disassemblable frame (210) according to the preceding claim, wherein each removable bracing element (220, 230) comprises at least one intermediate rotation axis allowing the folding of the removable bracing elements (220, 230).

4. Disassemblable frame (210) according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the pivoting means comprise a pin (410).

5. Disassemblable frame (210) according to claim 1 , comprising for each removable bracing element (220, 230), second joining means (400') configured to connect with a second end of the removable bracing element (220, 230) and moving along the surface of a second strut (240).

6. Disassemblable frame (210) according to the previous claim, wherein the second joining means (400') comprise a movable regulator (300) along the surface of the second strut (240), wherein the movable element (300) comprises a housing (340), locking means (320) and connection means (500) comprising tilting means (600),wherein the movable element (300) consists of a housing (340) configured to house a second end of the removable bracing element (220, 230) and link it by means of joining means (400, 400') where the movable element (300) is configured to lock to the second strut by means of the locking means (320).

7. Disassemblable frame (210) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connection means (500) comprising tilting means (600) are a second pin (310).

8. Disassemblable frame (210) according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the locking means (320) comprise at least one pressure positioner.

9. Disassemblable frame (210) according to the preceding claims, wherein the removable bracing elements (220, 230) comprise fixing holes (221) that allow the connection of the removable bracing element (220, 230).

10. Disassemblable frame (210) according to the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of removable bracing elements (220, 230) comprises two horizontal removable bracing elements (220) and one diagonal removable bracing element (230).11 . Shelving comprising: two frames (210) according to claims 1 to 10; and one or more trays.

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