A stock cage safety device attachment

Abstract

The present safety device attachment is designed to be attached to conventional retail stock cages to enhance safety. This attachment features a bumper and two attachment arms with distal clips, extending orthogonally to securely fit onto the castor wheel assembly's baseplate, covering sharp metallic edges. The arms, positioned wide enough apart, do not hinder the castor wheel's rotation, while the bumper provides a wide, thick barrier against injuries or damage. The device may be constructed from plastic and a rubberised overmould may be provided for extra cushioning. The attachment may include a thin retaining wall for compatibility with the cage's framework without affecting the stacking of collapsed cages.

Description

A stock cage safety device attachmentField of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to a safety device which may be attached to conventional retail stock cages for mitigating heel strikes and the like.Background of the Invention

[0002] A retail stock cage, often referred to as a roll cage, is a wheeled container or trolley designed for the easy transport and storage of goods within retail environments such as supermarkets, warehouses, and distribution centres. These cages are typically made from metal, providing a robust and secure means of moving stock from one location to another. The specific variant equipped with castor wheels enhances the mobility and versatility of these cages. Castor wheels allow for smooth movement in various directions, making it easier to navigate through aisles, doorways, and tight spaces. This feature is particularly beneficial in the fast-paced retail sector, where efficiency and the ability to quickly restock or relocate items can significantly impact operational success.

[0003] Nonetheless, certain castor wheel assemblies possess sharp metallic edges which, during usage, can inadvertently strike and harm an individual's shins or heels, or potentially cause damage to other items.

[0004] As such, the present invention seeks to provide a way to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0005] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0006] The present disclosure pertains to a safety device attachment designed for retail stock cages, often referred to as roll cages, used in the transportation and storage of goods in retail environments. This attachment addresses safety concernsassociated with the sharp metallic edges found on the base plates of castor wheel assemblies, which can cause injuries such as heel strikes or damage to other items.

[0007] The safety device attachment is designed to be easily retrofitted onto existing stock cages, providing a protective bumper that covers these sharp edges without interfering with the rotation of the castor wheels. The design prioritises ease of installation and removal, making it a practical solution for enhancing safety in fast- paced retail settings. The attachment may include features such as a rubberised overmould for additional cushioning, strengthening ribs for increased durability, and configurations that allow for compatibility with different stock cage designs and stacking requirements.

[0008] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided a stock cage safety device attachment comprising a bumper portion and a pair of attachment arms extending orthogonally from either side thereof. The arms have respective distal clips such that, in use, the bumper portion can be held against an exposed edge of a base plate of a castor wheel assembly of a stock cage by the arms extending across the base plate and engaging an opposite edge thereof by the clips. This arrangement allows the attachment to be quickly and easily secured to the stock cage, providing enhanced safety by covering sharp metallic edges that could otherwise cause injury.

[0009] Preferably, the arms are spaced greater than 80 mm apart, allowing for sufficient clearance around the castor wheel, thus ensuring that the attachment does not interfere with the wheel's free rotation. The arms may also be planar, providing a simple and effective means of securing the bumper portion to the base plate.

[0010] Optionally, each clip extends perpendicularly from the distal end of each respective arm and is configured to deflect outwardly when engaging the opposite edge, facilitating a secure yet easily detachable connection. Each clip may further include a distal chamfered edge spaced from the bumper portion to align across the opposite edge, enabling the clip to deflect when pressed against the edge, thus simplifying the attachment process. Additionally, each clip may comprise an orthogonal edge inward from the chamfered edge for securely engaging the opposite edge, providing a firm and reliable attachment.

[0011] In another aspect, the bumper portion defines a channel having a width greater than the thickness of the exposed edge, with the channel partially defined by a flange along the inner side of the bumper portion. This configuration ensures that the exposed edge is securely held between the flange and the proximal ends of the arms, enhancing the stability of the attachment in use.

[0012] Further, the attachment may define at least one recess or aperture through the proximal end of an arm, which allows for accommodating a distal end of a vertical framework post of the stock cage. This feature provides flexibility in the attachment's alignment and positioning relative to the stock cage structure, particularly when the framework post extends beyond the base plate.

[0013] Optionally, the recess or aperture is rectangular, conforming to the cross- sectional profile of the framework post, thereby ensuring a precise and stable fit. The inner edge of the bumper portion may also include an allowance for the framework post, enabling the attachment to securely interface with the stock cage while maintaining its alignment.

[0014] In another preferable configuration, an end of the inner side of the bumper portion is angled with respect to the channel, which allows for a more secure fit around angled portions of the exposed edge. This angled configuration enhances the attachment's stability when secured to the base plate.

[0015] The bumper portion may also comprise strengthening ribs, which run parallel to the attachment arms. These ribs enhance the structural integrity of the bumper portion, ensuring that it remains robust and durable during use, even under repeated impacts or stresses.

[0016] In one embodiment, the attachment is made of plastic and further comprises a rubberised overmoulding on the bumper portion. This material choice provides additional cushioning and impact absorption, reducing the risk of injury or damage.

[0017] In accordance with a further aspect, there is provided a pair of oppositely handed attachments, which may be utilised on opposite sides of the stock cage, allowing for comprehensive coverage and protection of the castor wheel assembly.Additionally, the bumper portion may be at a nonorthogonal angle to the arms, which allows the attachment to accommodate different base plate configurations.

[0018] In another aspect, an edge of the top flange of the bumper portion defines a clip, which provides additional securing points for attaching the device to the stock cage. This further enhances the attachment's stability and security during use.

[0019] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stock cage safety device attachment in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the attachment of the attachment to a retail stock cage in use;

[0023] Figure 4 shows a pair of oppositely handed attachments in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 shows a top plan view of the attachment;

[0025] Figure 6 shows a bottom plan view of the attachment;

[0026] Figure 7 shows a left side view of the attachment;

[0027] Figure 8 shows a rear view of the attachment;

[0028] Figure 9 shows a front view of the attachment;

[0029] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the stock cage safety device attachment in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0030] Figure 1 1 shows a top view of the attachment of Figure 10; and

[0031] Figure 12 illustrates the attachment of the device of Figure 10 to a retail stock cage baseplate.Description of Embodiments

[0032] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stock cage safety device attachment100 which comprises a bumper portion 101 and a pair of attachment arms 102extending orthogonally from either side of the bumper portion 101. The arms 102 may be generally planar as shown.

[0033] The arms 102 have respective distal clips 103. Figures 2 and 3 show a conventional stock cage 108 having a castor wheel assembly 109 supporting a castor wheel 107 from a base plate 105 thereof. The baseplate 105 has an exposed metallic edge 1 10.

[0034] As is further shown in Figures 2 and 3, the bumper portion 101 can be held against the exposed edge 1 10 of the baseplate 105 of the castor wheel assembly 109 of the stock cage 108 by the arms 102 extending across the baseplate 105 and engaging an opposite edge 106 thereof by the clips 103.

[0035] In the embodiment shown, the arms 102 preferably engage under the base plate 105. The arms 102 are sufficiently wide to accommodate the castor wheel 107 therebetween without interfering with the rotation thereof in use. With reference to Figure 6, the arms 102 are preferably greater than 80 mm apart, preferably approximately 90 mm as shown.

[0036] With reference to Figure 1 , each clip 103 may extend perpendicularly from a distal end of each respective arm 102 and which can deflect outwardly when engaging the opposite edge 106. Each clip 103 may comprise a distal chamfered edge 1 1 1 spaced from the bumper portion 101 to align across the opposite edge 106. As such, in use, when the clips 103 are pressed against the opposite edge 106, the chamfered edges 1 1 1 cause the clips 103 to deflect. Each clip 103 may further comprise an orthogonal edge 1 12 in from the chamfered edge 1 1 1 for non-releasably engaging flat across the opposite edge 106.

[0037] The bumper portion 101 preferably defines a channel having a width greater than the thickness of the exposed edge 1 10. The channel may be defined by a flange 1 13 along an inner side of the bumper portion 101 . The exposed edge 1 10 may be held between the flange 1 13 and proximal ends of the arms 102.

[0038] The attachment 100 may define a recess in or an aperture 1 14 through a proximal end of an arm 102 which allows tolerance for a distal end of a vertical framework post of the stock cage 108 in use. Sometimes a plug or the like is insertedinto the bottom open end of the post 1 15, thereby effectively extending the length thereof which is tolerated by the recess or aperture 1 14. The recess or aperture 1 14 is preferably rectangular, thereby conforming to the cross-section profile of the post 1 15.

[0039] As further shown in Figure 1 , an inner edge of the bumper portion 101 may make an allowance 1 19 for the post 1 15. In the embodiment shown, the allowance 1 19 is formed by the flange 1 13 stopping short from an end of the bumper portion 101. Figure 2 illustrates how the allowance 1 19 accommodates the post therein, further restraining the attachment horizontally.

[0040] As is shown in Figures 1 and 6, an end 1 16 of an inner side of the bumper portion 101 may be at an angle with respect to the channel so as to fit around a correspondingly angled portion of the exposed edge 1 10. The angled end 1 16 may be at approximately 155° with respect to the channel shown in Figure 5. As is shown in Figure 3, the attachment 100 may be held horizontally in place in opposition between the angled end 1 16 and an opposite clip 103 held against a right-angled bend of the baseplate 105.

[0041] Figure 1 further shows that the attachment 100 may further comprise a side retaining wall portion 1 17 extending orthogonally from an end of the bumper portion 101 for going around the post 1 15 in the manner shown in Figure 2. The wall portion 1 17 is preferably relatively thin so as to not substantially interfere with stacking of collapsed stock cages 108 together.

[0042] Figure 6 shows the bumper portion 101 comprising strengthening ribs 1 18. The strengthening ribs may run parallel with respect to the arms 102. The strengthening ribs 1 18 may comprise strengthening ribs 1 18A across an undersurface of the flange 1 13 and further strengthening ribs 1 18B across an undersurface of the bumper portion 101.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a pair of attachments 100 being provided in a right-handed configuration 100A and a left-handed configuration 100B for attachment to opposite sides of the stock cage 108.

[0044] The attachment 100 may comprise plastic. In embodiments, the attachment 100 may comprise rubberised moulding over the bumper portion 101 .

[0045] A method of attachment of the accessory 100 may comprise inserting the arms 102 under the base plate 105 either side of the castor wheel 107 until the bumper portion 101 engages the exposed edge 1 10 so that the clips 103 align with the opposite edge 106. The distal ends of the arms 102 may then be pressed upwardly whereby the chamfered edges 1 1 1 of the clips 103 cause the clips 103 to deflect and clip onto the opposite edge 106, thereby securing the attachment 100 in place.

[0046] Removal of the accessory 100 may comprise deflecting the clips 103 manually to disengage the clips 103 from the opposite edge 106 to allow the arms 103 to be lowered to allow the channel of the bumper portion 101 to disengage from the exposed edge 1 10.

[0047] Exemplary dimensions are given in Figures 5 - 9.

[0048] Figures 10 - 12 show a second embodiment of the attachment 100, configured to attach to a different type of baseplate 105, which exposes a flange 120, as opposed to the aforedescribed edge 1 10. Furthermore, the flange 120, is angled as compared to the aforedescribed edge 1 10. As such, the attachment 100, in accordance with the second embodiment has a bumper portion 101 , which is at a nonorthogonal angle angle compared to the arms 102, as compared to the more rectangular first embodiment shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the bumper portion 101 , is taller to reach over the flange 120, and thereby defines a larger face 121 , as compared to that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the edge of the top flange 1 13, of the attachment 100, may define a clip 122, which clips over the rear edge of the flange 120, thereby securing the attachment 100, to the flange 120.

[0049] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed asobviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

[0050] The term “approximately” or similar as used herein should be construed as being within 10% of the value stated unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

Claims1 . A stock cage safety device attachment comprising a bumper portion and a pair of attachment arms extending orthogonally and either side therefrom, the arms having respective distal clips so that, in use, the bumper portion can be held against an exposed edge of a base plate of a castor wheel assembly of a stock cage by the arms extending across the base plate and engaging an opposite edge thereof by the clips.

2. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the arms are greater than 80 mm apart.

3. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the arms are planar.

4. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein each clip extends perpendicularly from a distal end of each respective arm and which can deflect outwardly when engaging the opposite edge.

5. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 4, wherein each clip comprises a distal chamfered edge spaced from the bumper portion to align across the opposite edge so that, when pressed against the opposite edge, the clip deflects.

6. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 5, wherein each clip comprises an orthogonal edge in from the chamfered edge for engaging the opposite edge.

7. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the bumper portion defines a channel having a width greater than a thickness of the exposed edge.

8. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 7, wherein the channel is partially defined by a flange along an inner side of the bumper portion.

9. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 8, wherein the exposed edge is held between the flange and proximal ends of the arms.

10. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment defines at least one of a recess in and an aperture through a proximal end of an arm which allows for a distal end of a vertical framework post of the stock cage in use.1 1 . The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 10, wherein the at least one of the recess and the aperture is rectangular.

12. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein an inner edge of the bumper portion makes an allowance for a vertical framework post of the stock cage.

13. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein an end of an inner side of the bumper portion is at an angle with respect to the channel.

14. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the bumper portion comprises strengthening ribs.

15. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 14, wherein the strengthening ribs run parallel with respect to the attachment arms.

16. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the attachment is made of plastic and further comprises rubberised moulding over the bumper portion.

17. A pair of oppositely handed attachment as claimed in claim 1 .

18. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein the bumper portion is at a nonorthogonal angle to the arms.

19. The safety device attachment as clamed in claim 1 , wherein an edge of a top flange of the bumper portion defines a clip.

20. A method of securing the attachment as claimed in claim 1 to a stock cage in use, the method comprising inserting the arms under the base plate either side of a castor wheel supported thereby until the bumper portion engages the exposed edge and pressing distal ends of the arms upwardly so that the clips attach to the opposite edge.

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