Shelf element for a shelf system of a rack, extruded profile, shelf frame, shelf system and rack

Abstract

The invention relates to a shelf element (1) for a shelf of a rack. The shelf element (1) comprises an upper side (2), a lower side (3) and an elongated main body (6). The main body (6), as seen in cross-section, has two limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and an intermediate portion (6.3) located therebetween, wherein the intermediate portion (6.3) is assigned to the upper side (2) of the shelf element (1). The main body (6) also has at least one through-passage opening (7) that passes through at least one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and/or the intermediate portion (6.3) transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body (6). In addition at least one coupling location (10) is provided in each case in the area of the longitudinal-side ends (8, 9) of the shelf element (1), which coupling location (10) is configured to couple an add-on part and/or a shelf component and/or a rack component. At least one rib (12) is provided, which is assigned to the intermediate portion (6.3) and has a longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6). In addition or alternatively, a separate reinforcing element (50) is assigned to the main body (6), in order to reinforce the main body (6) against forces acting transversely with respect to its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the invention comprises an extruded profile (40) for manufacturing such a shelf element (1; 3). In addition, the invention comprises a shelf frame, a shelf system and a rack.

Claims

1. Shelf element (1) for a shelf system of a rack, the shelf element (1) comprising an upper side (2), an underside (3) and an elongated main body (6), wherein the main body (6), as seen in cross-section, has two limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and an intermediate portion (6.3) located therebetween, and the intermediate portion (6.3) is assigned to the upper side (2) of the shelf element (1), wherein the main body (6) also has at least one through-passage opening (7) that passes through at least one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and/or the intermediate portion (6.3) transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body (6), and wherein at least one coupling location (10) is provided in each case in the area of the longitudinal-side ends (8, 9) of the shelf element (1), which coupling location (10) is configured to couple an add-on part and/or a shelf component and/or a rack component, characterized in that at least one rib (12) is provided, which is assigned to the intermediate portion (6.3) and has a longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

2. Shelf element according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one through-passage opening (7) passes through the intermediate portion (6.3), wherein a surface portion (18), which can be used as an abutment, is present between the at least one through-passage opening (7) and the at least one rib (12).

3. Shelf element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one rib (12) forms a wall portion (20) of a chamber structure (13), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

4. Shelf element according to claim 3, characterized in that the chamber structure (13) comprises one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) as a wall portion (15).

5. Shelf element according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the chamber structure (13) is configured to serve as a receptacle for a separate reinforcing element (50).

6. Shelf element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shelf element (1) comprises an insertion receptacle (14) for receiving an insertion part, such as a price tag and/or a merchandise stopper, wherein the insertion receptacle (14) is open towards the upper side (2) of the shelf element (1), in order to insert the insertion part into the insertion receptacle (14) via the upper side (2).

7. Shelf element according to claim 6, characterized in that, seen transversely with respect to a direction for insertion (E), the insertion receptacle (14) is formed to be elongated, in order to receive an insertion strip, such as, for example, a price tag strip and/or a merchandise stopper strip, wherein the insertion receptacle (14) is arranged with respect to the main body (6) in such a manner that the insertion receptacle (14) extends with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

8. Shelf element according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the insertion receptacle (14) comprises at least two wall portions (15, 16), of which one wall portion (15) is formed by the main body (6) and the other wall portion (16) is formed by a material portion (17) which is bonded, in particular integrally formed, to the main body (6).

9. Shelf element according to one of the claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a wall portion (15) of the insertion receptacle (14) is formed by one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) of the main body (6).

10. Shelf element according to one of the claims 6 to 9, characterized in that one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) of the main body (6) forms a wall portion (15) of the insertion receptacle (14) and a wall portion of the chamber structure (13).

11. Shelf element according to one of the claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and the intermediate portion (6.3) are arranged relative to one another in such a manner that the main body (6) has a U-shaped cross-section that is open in the direction of the underside (3) of the shelf element (1).

12. Shelf element according to one of the claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, with respect to the cross-section of the shelf element (1), the main body (6) and the insertion receptacle (14) have a U-shaped wall structure with a common limb portion (6.1), wherein the U-shaped wall structure of the insertion receptacle (14) is open at the top and the U-shaped wall structure of the main body (6) is open at the bottom, and the common limb portion (6.1) is used to form the chamber structure (13) comprising the rib (12).

13. Shelf element according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one coupling location (10) is provided in the area of the common limb portion (6.1).

14. Shelf element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (6) has, in the area of its longitudinal-side ends (8, 9), in each case at least one additional coupling location (11), which is configured for coupling to it an add-on part and/or a shelf component and/or a rack component, wherein the at least one coupling location (10) is provided in the area of one limb portion (6.1) and the at least one additional coupling location (11) is provided in the area of the other limb portion (6.2) of the main body (6).

15. Shelf element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one coupling location (10) has a projection extending longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6) or a recess (19) extending longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

16. Shelf element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shelf element (1) is made of an extruded profile (40) and is a metal part, in particular an aluminum part.

17. Shelf element (1) for a shelf system of a rack, the shelf element (1) comprising an upper side (2), an underside (3) and an elongated main body (6), wherein the main body (6), as seen in cross-section, has two limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and an intermediate portion (6.3) located therebetween, and the intermediate portion (6.3) is assigned to the upper side (2) of the shelf element (30), wherein the main body (6) also has at least one through-passage opening (7) that passes through at least one of the limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and/or the intermediate portion (6.3) transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body (6), and wherein at least one coupling location (10) is provided in each case in the area of the longitudinal-side ends (8, 9) of the shelf element (1), which coupling location (10) is configured to couple an add-on part and/or a shelf component and/or a rack component, characterized in that a separate reinforcing element (50) is assigned to the main body (6), in order to reinforce the main body (6) preferably against forces acting transversely with respect to its longitudinal extent.

18. Shelf element according to claim 17, characterized in that the reinforcing element (50) is formed to be elongated and is held on the main body (6), wherein the reinforcing element (50) extends with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

19. Shelf element according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the shelf element (30) is formed by a shelf element (1) according to one of the claims 5 to 16, wherein the reinforcing element (50) is received in the chamber structure (13) of the shelf element (1).

20. Extruded profile (40) for producing a shelf element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the extruded profile (40) comprising an upper side (2), an underside (3) and an elongated main body (6), wherein the main body (6), as seen in cross-section, has two limb portions (6.1, 6.2) and an intermediate portion (6.3) located therebetween, and the intermediate portion (6.3) is assigned to the upper side (2) of the extruded profile, and wherein at least one coupling location (10) is provided in each case in the area of the longitudinal-side ends (8, 9) of the extruded profile for coupling an add-on part and/or a shelf component and/or a rack component, characterized in that at least one rib (12) is provided, which is assigned to the intermediate portion (6.3) and has a longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body (6).

21. Shelf frame for a shelf system of a rack, comprising a shelf element (1; 30) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, which is used as a frame part for the shelf frame.

22. Shelf system for a shelf, comprising a shelf element (1; 30) according to one of the claims 1 to 19 and/or a shelf frame according to claim 21 and at least one deck element to support merchandise.

23. Rack, comprising at least one shelf element according to one of the claims 1 to 19 and/or a shelf frame according to claim 21 and/or a shelf system according to claim 22.

Description

[0054] FIG. 1 a possible embodiment of a shelf element in perspective view as a cut-out of a front length portion,

[0055] FIG. 2 the shelf element of FIG. 1 in a view of a longitudinal-side end,

[0056] FIG. 3 the shelf element of FIG. 1 together with a reinforcing element in a perspective view,

[0057] FIG. 4 a cut-out of the shelf element with the reinforcing element as a partial perspective section,

[0058] FIG. 5 a possible embodiment of an extruded profile for the manufacture of the shelf element of FIG. 1,

[0059] FIG. 6 an additional possible embodiment of a shelf element in a view of a longitudinal-side end, and

[0060] FIG. 7 an additional possible embodiment of a shelf element in a view of a longitudinal-side end, wherein a reinforcing element is assigned to the shelf element.

[0061] FIGS. 1 and 2 show—in schematic representation—a possible embodiment of a shelf element 1 for a shelf or a shelf system, for example of a rack. The shelf element 1 is formed to be elongated and, as seen in cross-section, has an upper side 2, an underside 3 opposite the upper side 2, a front side 4 and a rear side 5 opposite the front side 4. The upper side 2 of the shelf element 1 can be used to support one or more deck elements that can be used to support merchandise.

[0062] The shelf element 1 is suitable to be used as a frame part for a shelf frame (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the shelf element 1 is to be used as a longitudinal-side frame part of the shelf frame. For example, the shelf element 1, with an opposing frame part and two side parts, forms the shelf frame. A merchandise support (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) can be placed on or attached to the shelf frame. For this purpose, the upper side 2 of the shelf element 1 can be used, against which the merchandise support is supported.

[0063] The shelf element 1 has an elongated main body 6 that, as seen in cross-section, has two limb portions 6.1, 6.2 and an intermediate portion 6.3 located therebetween. The limb portions 6.1 and 6.2 along with the intermediate portion 6.3 can be components of an open hollow cross-section of the main body 6. For example, the limb portions 6.1, 6.2 and the intermediate portion 6.3 form a U-shaped cross-section of the main body 6. Preferably, the intermediate portion 6.3 is turned towards the upper side 2 of the shelf element 1. Preferably, the limb portion 6.1 is turned towards the front side 4 of the shelf element. Preferably, the limb portion 6.2 is turned towards the rear side 5 of the shelf element 1. Preferably, the main body 6 is open at the bottom, that is, towards the underside 3.

[0064] The main body 6 also has at least one through-passage opening 7, which passes through one of the limb portions 6.1, 6.2, in particular the limb portion 6.2, and/or the intermediate portion 6.3 transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body 6. The at least one through-passage opening 7 can be formed to be slot-shaped. In such a case, their longitudinal extent then runs transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body 6. The at least one through-passage opening 7 is formed to be used as an insertion opening for an insertion portion of an add-on part and/or built-in part, such as a merchandise separator.

[0065] In order to be able to flexibly attach the add-on part or built-in part to various locations of the shelf element 1, a plurality of through-passage openings 7′ are preferably provided in the manner of the at least one through-passage opening 7. The through-passage openings 7′ are arranged, for example, one behind the other in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the main body 6. To the extent that the through-passage openings 7′ are formed to be slot-shaped, each of the through-passage openings 7′ extends with its longitudinal extent transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body 6.

[0066] The shelf element 1 preferably has at least one coupling location 10 in the area of each of its longitudinal-side ends 8, 9. The longitudinal-side end 9 is not visible in FIG. 1 due to the present cut-out, but is indicated by the reference sign “9.” The at least one coupling location 10 is configured to couple thereto an add-on part or a shelf component or a rack component. For example, the side part of the shelf frame described above (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) can be coupled thereto.

[0067] A rib 12 or rib element or rib section is provided on the shelf element 1. For example, the rib 12 is assigned to the intermediate portion 6.3. For example, the rib 12 is further arranged between the two limb portions 6.1 and 6.2. Preferably, the rib 12 protrudes from the intermediate portion 6.3, in particular protrudes downwards from the intermediate portion 6.3 in the direction of the underside 3. Preferably, the rib 12 is formed on the intermediate portion 6.3, in particular integrally formed thereon. Preferably, the rib 12 is formed to be elongated and has a longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body 6.

[0068] Preferably, the rib 12 is arranged at the intermediate portion 6.3 in such a manner that, between the at least one through-passage opening 7 and the rib 12, there is a surface portion 18 that can be used as an abutment. For example, this allows an insertion portion, for example of a merchandise separator, to be inserted into the at least one insertion opening 7 and to be brought into a securing position by a movement in the direction of the front side 4 of the shelf element 1, in which insertion portion engages behind the material portion 18 and in this manner a pulling out of the insertion portion from the at least one through-passage opening 7 is prevented.

[0069] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the rib 12 can be or form a component of a wall portion 20 of a chamber structure 13, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the main body 6. Preferably, the chamber structure 13 comprises an additional wall portion 15, which is formed by one of the limb portions 6.1, 6.2, in particular the limb portion 6.1. For example, the chamber structure 13 is formed to be closed with respect to the cross-section of the main body 6. By means of the rib 12 and/or the chamber structure 13, a measure is taken to reinforce the shelf element 1, in particular to stiffen it against forces acting transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the shelf element 1.

[0070] The at least one coupling location 10 can be arranged in the area of an end 23 or 24 of one of the limb portions 6.1, 6.2 turned towards the underside 3. For example, with respect to its cross-section, the main body 6 has, in the area of the end 23 of the limb portion 6.1, a material thickening 25, at which the at least one coupling location 10 is arranged or formed. For example, the at least one coupling location 10 is arranged in the area of a transition from the limb portion 6.1 to the wall portion 20, which are common components of the chamber structure 13.

[0071] Preferably, the shelf element 1 has at least one additional coupling location 11 in the area of one of its longitudinal-side ends 8, 9. The at least one additional coupling location 11 is preferably arranged to couple thereto an add-on part or a shelf component and/or a rack component. Preferably, the at least one additional coupling location 11 is arranged in the area of the other limb portion 6.2, for example in the area of its end 24 turned towards the underside 3. In relation to its cross-section, the main body 6 can also-like the limb portion 6.1—have a material bulge or a material thickening 26 in the area of the end 24, at which the at least one additional coupling location 11 is arranged or formed.

[0072] Preferably, the at least one coupling location 10 is a recess 19 extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body 6. For example, the recess 19 is a component of a cavity of the main body 6 extending in the longitudinal direction of the main body 6, in particular a continuous cavity of the main body 6. The at least one additional coupling location 11 can be formed in the same manner.

[0073] With the case of the shelf element 1, an insertion receptacle 14 can be provided, which can be used to receive an insertion part (not shown in FIGS. 1 ______ and) such as a price tag and/or a merchandise stopper. Preferably, the insertion receptacle 14 is open towards the upper side 2 of the shelf element 1, in order to be able to insert the insertion part into the insertion receptacle 14 in accordance with arrow E via the upper side 2. For this purpose, the receptacle 14 has an insertion opening 21, the opening surface of which is at least partially turned towards the upper side 2.

[0074] Preferably, the insertion receptacle 14 is formed to be elongated as seen transversely with respect to the direction of insertion in accordance with arrow E. This makes it convenient to accommodate an insertion strip, such as a strip-shaped price tag or a strip-shaped merchandise stopper. Preferably, the insertion receptacle 14 is arranged with respect to the main body 6 in such a manner that the insertion receptacle 14 extends with its longitudinal extent in the longitudinal direction of the main body 6.

[0075] For example, the insertion receptacle 14 is formed by at least two wall portions, one wall portion of which is formed by the main body 6 and the other wall portion 16 of which is formed by a material portion 17 that is bonded, in particular integrally formed, to the main body 6. For example, the wall portion of the main body 6 comprises a wall portion of the limb portion 6.1, for example the wall portion 15 already described above, which is also a component of the chamber structure 13.

[0076] FIG. 3 shows the shelf element 1 in the representation in accordance with FIG. 1. FIG. 4 shows the shelf element 1 in the perspective representation in accordance with FIG. 3, wherein the shelf element 1 is shown as a cut-out over a portion in the longitudinal direction of the shelf element 1. In FIGS. 3 and 4, a separate reinforcing element 50 is assigned to the shelf element 1, in order to improve the rigidity of the shelf element 1 and thus make the shelf element 1 more robust against acting forces.

[0077] Preferably, the reinforcing element 50 is formed to reinforce the main body 6 against forces acting transversely with respect to its longitudinal extent. Preferably, the reinforcing element 50 is formed to be elongated for this purpose. For example, the reinforcing element 50 is received in the chamber structure 13 of the shelf element 1, in particular starting from one of the longitudinal-side ends 8, 9 and inserted into the chamber structure 13.

[0078] The reinforcing element 50 is, for example, a metal profile. Preferably, the reinforcing element 50 is quadrangular and/or rectangular in cross-section and extends, for example, in the direction of its longitudinal extent with a constant cross-section or essentially constant cross-section. In order to facilitate the insertion of the reinforcing element 50 into the chamber structure 13, at least one of the walls of the chamber structure 13, for example the wall portion 15 and/or the limb portion 6.1, can have an undercut 22 (FIG. 2) in order to reduce the contact area for the reinforcing element 50.

[0079] Preferably, the shelf element 1 is made of an extruded profile 40. FIG. 5 shows a possible embodiment of such an extruded profile 40. Components or functional portions of the extruded profile 40, which are identical or functionally identical to the components or functional portions of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, are provided with the same reference signs; in this respect, reference is made to the description of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0080] The extruded profile 40 is, for example, a metal part, in particular an aluminum part. The extruded profile has the functional portions already described above with respect to the shelf element 1. The extruded profile 40 lacks the at least one through-passage opening 7 or the plurality of through-passage openings 7′, which extruded profile extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the main body 6 through the intermediate portion 6.3 and/or at least one of the limb portions 6.1, 6.2. The at least one through-passage opening 7 or the plurality of through-passage openings 7′ are only subsequently incorporated after the extruded profile has been produced, and in this manner the shelf profile 1 in accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2 is produced.

[0081] FIG. 6 shows an additional possible embodiment of a shelf element 1.1. Components and functional portions of the shelf element 1.1 of FIG. 6, which are identical with components and/or functional portions of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, are provided with the same reference signs; in this respect, reference is made to the description of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0082] The shelf element 1.1 differs from the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that a rib 12.1 is assigned to the intermediate portion 6.3, in particular is arranged thereon or is integrally formed thereon, which rib projects from the intermediate portion 6.3 towards the underside 3, without the rib 12.1 forming the chamber structure 13 of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows an additional embodiment of a shelf element 1.2. Components or functional portions of the shelf element 1.2, which are identical or functionally identical to components or functional portions of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2, are provided with the same reference signs; in this respect, reference is made to the description of the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0084] The shelf element 1.2 differs from the shelf element 1 of FIGS. 1 and 2 in that a rib 12.2 is assigned to the intermediate portion 6.3, in particular is arranged thereon or is integrally formed thereon, which rib protrudes from the intermediate portion 6.3 towards the underside 3. In addition, in the area of the end 23 of the limb portion 6.1 facing the underside 3, a wall portion 22 is provided which, together with the limb portion 6.1, forms a receptacle in the lower area. Preferably, the wall portion 22 and the rib 12.2 and the limb portion 6.1 form a receptacle for the reinforcing element 50, which is also shown in FIG. 2. In this respect, the wall portion 22 and the rib 12.2 together with the limb portion 6.1 form a laterally open chamber structure.

[0085] In the present description, the reference to a specific aspect or a specific embodiment or a specific configuration means that a specific feature or property that is described in connection with the respective aspect or the respective embodiment or the respective configuration, is at least contained therein is, but does not necessarily have to be, included in all aspects or embodiments or configurations of the invention. It is expressly understood that any combination of the various features and/or structures and/or properties described in relation to the invention are encompassed by the invention, unless expressly or clearly contradicted by the context.

[0086] The use of any or all examples or exemplary expression in the text is intended only to illuminate the invention and does not constitute a limitation with respect to the scope of the invention, unless otherwise claimed. Nor is any expression or phrase of the description to be understood as referring to an element that is not claimed but that is essential to the practice of the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0087] 1 Shelf element [0088] 1.1 Shelf element [0089] 1.2 Shelf element [0090] 2 Upper side [0091] 3 Underside [0092] 4 Front side [0093] 5 Rear side [0094] 6 Main body [0095] 6.1 Limb portion [0096] 6.2 Limb portion [0097] 6.3 Intermediate portion [0098] 7 Through-passage opening [0099] 7′ Through-passage openings [0100] 8 Longitudinal-side end [0101] 9 Longitudinal-side end [0102] 10 Coupling location [0103] 11 Coupling location [0104] 12 Rib [0105] 13 Chamber structure [0106] 14 Insertion receptacle [0107] 15 Wall portion [0108] 16 Wall portion [0109] 17 Material portion [0110] 18 Surface portion [0111] 19 Recess [0112] 20 Wall portion [0113] 21 Insertion opening [0114] 22 Wall portion [0115] 23 End [0116] 24 End [0117] 25 Material thickening [0118] 26 Material thickening [0119] 40 Extruded profile [0120] 50 Reinforcing element [0121] E Arrow