Patent Description:
In particular, the present invention relates to a system designed to prevent shelves, for example pallet racking, from tipping over in the event of an earthquake and within compactable systems.

A similar system is described in patent application <CIT>.

As is known, compactable systems generally include a plurality of large-sized mobile shelves on one or more guides so that they can be compacted.

These systems are very efficient within the storage spaces since, when the shelves are compacted or close to each other, they allow the overall space to be significantly reduced.

Therefore, such systems can provide simple guides, or rails, on which the shelves can translate in a controlled manner, for example by means of wheels, or they can include particular connectors suitable for connecting the guide and shelves.

The described prior art has a few major drawbacks.

In particular, most compactable systems are not earthquake-proof. Therefore, in the event of an earthquake, the shelves are subject to overturning effects, especially in the direction transverse to the guides, which can cause the contents of the shelves, as well as the shelves themselves, to fall and break.

To overcome the aforementioned long-standing problem, some systems include special connectors designed to prevent the shelves from tipping over.

For example, these connectors may include slides that can translate on rails parallel to the guide. Therefore, some seismic systems comprise guides for the movement of the shelves, and a slide, for each guide, constrained to a shelf and suitable for preventing said shelf from tipping over.

In this respect, the slide can include a T-element trapped inside a fixed rail.

The above-mentioned technique also has a few major drawbacks.

In particular, anti-seismic systems thus created include additional elements, i.e. slides and rails parallel to the guide, which must be correctly positioned, and therefore entail significant material costs and additional labour.

Furthermore, due to the simultaneous presence of side-by-side guides and rails, the overall dimensions on the ground increase, and in some cases can lead to dimensioning and installation problems.

Patent application <CIT> describes a further configuration in which the guide comprises a recess, which is arranged laterally with respect to the surface for the movement of the shelves and can house an L-shaped element, which, in turn, is constrained to the shelf, so as to prevent the shelf from slipping off the guide.

However, this technique also has a few major drawbacks.

First of all, the configuration described above is very inefficient for large shelves, especially when fully loaded. In fact, the L-shaped connecting element is not sufficient to prevent possible overturning of the shelves in the presence of seismic shocks.

Furthermore, even when the shelves are small in size, this system is able to prevent overturning only when using always two L-connectors arranged specularly at the ends of each individual shelf.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise an anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves, which is capable of substantially obviating at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

Within the scope of said technical task, a major object of the invention is to obtain an anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves, which is able to prevent the overturning of shelves of any size or weight.

Another major object of the invention is to provide an anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves, which can reduce installation and maintenance costs both in economic and labour terms.

In conclusion, a further task of the invention is to provide an anti-seismic system capable of integrating, in a single autonomous guide, the moving and anti-overturning functions.

The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by means of an anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves as claimed in the appended claim <NUM>. Preferred technical solutions are set forth in the dependent claims.

The features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

In this document, the measures, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when used with words like "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially", are to be understood as except for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, except for a slight divergence from the value, measure, shape or geometric reference with which it is associated. For example, if associated with a value, such terms preferably indicate a divergence of no more than <NUM>% from the value itself.

Furthermore, when used, terms, such as "first", "second", "higher", "lower", "main", and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, relationship priority, or relative position, but they can simply be used to distinguish different components more clearly from one another.

Unless otherwise stated, the measurements and data reported in this text shall be considered as performed in International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO <NUM>:<NUM>).

With reference to the Figures, the anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves according to the invention is indicated as a whole by the numeral <NUM>.

The anti-seismic system <NUM> is mainly, but not exclusively, configured to prevent the overturning of shelves. Therefore, it is mainly used in warehouses with compactable shelves, or where the shelves can be moved so as to reduce the space occupied by said shelves. The system <NUM> is therefore preferably arranged on a floor or a floor support, as shown in <FIG>.

The system <NUM> therefore comprises at least one shelf <NUM>. Of course, preferably, the system <NUM> comprises a plurality of shelves <NUM>, however, essentially, for the purposes of the invention it is even sufficient for the system <NUM> to include one shelf <NUM> only. The shelf <NUM> can be of any type and size. It can include one or more shelves, it can be either high or not. Preferably, the shelf <NUM> is of the type found inside systems for compactable stockrooms.

Preferably, since the shelf <NUM> is movable, it comprises movement means <NUM>.

The movement means <NUM> are designed to allow the movement of the shelf <NUM>. In particular, they allow its movement along at least one direction.

In this regard, the movement means <NUM> can include rolling elements, for example spheres, placed under the shelf <NUM>, or tracks or even wheels.

Preferably, the movement means <NUM> include a plurality of wheels aligned along a predetermined trajectory. Preferably, therefore, the movement means <NUM> provide sliding blocks which are known in the present state of the art and already present on most shelves of compactable systems.

In addition, the shelf <NUM> can also include at least one bulkhead <NUM>. The bulkhead <NUM> is preferably side by side with the movement means <NUM> along the direction of extension of the movement means <NUM>.

This bulkhead <NUM> can therefore be continuous along the whole extension, or segmented, for example with segments placed next to each wheel of the movement means <NUM>.

Furthermore, the shelf <NUM> can also include a second bulkhead <NUM> so that each side of the movement means <NUM> is covered, at least partially, by one of the bulkheads <NUM>.

The system <NUM> further comprises a guide <NUM>.

The guide <NUM> is substantially designed to guide the shelf <NUM>. In greater detail, it is designed to guide the movement means <NUM> of the shelf <NUM>. In this regard, therefore, the guide <NUM> defines a guide direction 3a along which the shelf <NUM> can translate.

The guide direction 3a can be straight or even curved. Preferably, the guide direction 3a is straight. Furthermore, it extends uninterruptedly so as to allow the movement means <NUM> to move unhindered. Of course, if the movement means <NUM> include aligned wheels, the latter are aligned along the guide direction 3a.

Similarly, if the bulkhead <NUM> is present, it extends side by side with the movement means <NUM>, preferably along the guide direction 3a.

Preferably, the guide <NUM> comprises a support portion <NUM> and a constraint portion <NUM>. The support portion <NUM> is preferably the portion on which the movement means <NUM> slide. Therefore, preferably, the support portion <NUM> is arranged along the guide direction 3a and is designed to support the movement means <NUM>.

In particular, the support portion <NUM> defines a support surface 30a.

The support surface 30a is designed to support the movement means <NUM>, and therefore the latter move along the support surface 30a.

It is preferably flat, however, also depending on the ground on which the guide <NUM> is mounted, it could have curvatures, although preferably minor curvatures to avoid hindering the travel of the movement means <NUM>.

The constraint portion <NUM> also extends along the guide direction 3a.

Substantially, therefore, the constraint portion <NUM> extends parallel to the constraint portion <NUM>. Therefore, it is placed side by side with and spaced apart from the constraint portion <NUM> along the guide direction 3a.

The support portion <NUM> and the constraint portion <NUM> define a reciprocal distance d. This distance d, of course, can vary according to the size of the shelves <NUM>. The distance d is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

In any case, thanks to the aforementioned configuration, the constraint portion <NUM> creates, with the support portion <NUM>, at least one groove <NUM>.

The groove <NUM> therefore also extends along the guide direction 3a.

Furthermore, the groove <NUM> is determined at least by the space between the constraint portion <NUM> and the support portion <NUM>. Preferably, the groove <NUM> also extends beyond the aforementioned space, as better specified below.

Therefore, preferably, the portions <NUM>,<NUM> are laid on a floor, or a floor support, and are mutually distinct and separated on said floor, or said floor support, by at least part of the groove <NUM>.

The system <NUM> also includes a connector <NUM>.

The connector <NUM> is preferably constrained to the shelf <NUM>. Furthermore, it can interact with the guide <NUM> at least when the system <NUM> is subjected to seismic shocks.

Preferably, in this regard, the connector <NUM> includes at least one interference portion <NUM>.

The interference portion <NUM> is preferably configured to be at least partially housed within the groove <NUM>.

Advantageously, in fact, the constraint portion <NUM> and the interference portion <NUM> define, along a plane perpendicular to the guide direction 3a, opposite and mutually linked substantially C-shaped profiles.

In this way, they provide at least two points of mutual contact between the connector <NUM> and the guide <NUM> when the system <NUM> is subjected to seismic shocks.

The terms "opposite" and "mutually linked" are intended to mean that the profiles, as shown in <FIG>, are arranged specularly, staggered, and so that one of the ends of each C is inserted inside the cavity provided by the other C.

Furthermore, the interference portion <NUM> is designed to contact the guide <NUM> preferably only when the system <NUM> is subjected to seismic shocks.

In this regard, therefore, the interference portion <NUM> and the constraint portion <NUM> are not in contact with each other when the system <NUM> is not subjected to seismic shocks.

In the preferred embodiment, the interference portion <NUM> and the constraint portion <NUM> define specific geometries.

In particular, the interference portion <NUM> defines a maximum thickness s.

The maximum thickness s, like the distance d, can vary according to the size of the system <NUM>, and in particular of the shelves <NUM>. For example, the maximum thickness s can be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

Preferably, in any case, the maximum thickness s is less than the distance d.

Furthermore, the constraint portion <NUM> comprises first chamfers <NUM> and the interference portion <NUM> comprises second chamfers <NUM>.

Both the first chamfers <NUM> and the second chamfers <NUM> are arranged in the internal areas of the respective ends of the profiles, as clearly shown in <FIG>. Therefore, if it is desired to insert the interference portion <NUM> inside the guide <NUM> already fully installed, the chamfers <NUM>, <NUM> allow an easier insertion.

Furthermore, the constraint portion <NUM> defines a first central area <NUM> and the interference portion <NUM> defines a second central area <NUM>.

The central areas <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially defined by the intermediate portion, i.e. far from the ends, of the C-shaped profiles. Basically, therefore, the central areas <NUM>, <NUM> delimit the belly of the C-shaped profile.

Preferably, the second central area <NUM> is larger than the first central area <NUM> along a direction perpendicular to the guide direction 3a.

Furthermore, the constraint portion <NUM> defines a first cavity <NUM> and the interference portion <NUM> defines a second cavity <NUM>.

The cavities <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially the portions of space partially surrounded by the C-shaped profiles. Therefore, the first cavity <NUM> is preferably part of the groove <NUM>. The groove <NUM> is therefore defined by the portion of space enclosed by the portions <NUM>, <NUM> and by the first cavity <NUM>.

In addition to the above, the first cavity <NUM> is substantially divergent starting from the first central area <NUM> towards the ends of the profile of the constraint portion <NUM>. Similarly, the second cavity <NUM> is divergent starting from the second central area <NUM> towards the ends of the profile of the interference portion <NUM>.

The guide <NUM> can also include some further peculiarities.

Preferably, in fact, the constraint portion <NUM> defines a height identical to the support portion <NUM> along a direction perpendicular to the guide direction 3a.

Furthermore, the connector <NUM> can be constrained to the shelf at various points. Preferably, in addition to the coupling portion <NUM>, it includes coupling means <NUM>. The coupling means <NUM> are configured to constrain the interference portion <NUM> to the shelf <NUM>. In greater detail, the coupling means <NUM> constrain the interference portion <NUM> to the bulkhead <NUM>.

The coupling means <NUM> can also perform a further function. They preferably protrude towards the inside of the profile of the interference portion <NUM> so as to create one of said contact points when the system <NUM> is subjected to seismic shocks.

Therefore, the system <NUM> benefits from a plurality of possible points of contact between the connector <NUM> and the guide <NUM> so as to avoid any possibility of overturning.

In conclusion, the interference portion <NUM> can extend, parallel to the constraint portion <NUM>, along the guide direction 3a. Or, alternatively, the interference portion <NUM> can extend along the guide direction 3a with discontinuity, i.e. in segments.

Preferably, if the movement means <NUM> include wheels, the interference portion <NUM> has a length, alongside at least one of the wheels, along said guide direction 3a, which is approximately equal to the diameter of the wheel.

Of course, preferably, the interference portions <NUM> flank each wheel.

The operation of the anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves <NUM>, previously described in structural terms, is as follows.

Basically, once a plurality of guides <NUM>, for example two, have been laid on the floor, a plurality of shelves <NUM> can be constrained to the guides <NUM>. Preferably, each of the shelves <NUM> is constrained to two adjacent guides <NUM>.

When the system <NUM> is subjected to seismic shocks, the conformations of the interference portion <NUM> and the constraint portion <NUM> allow the availability of at least two points of contact between the connector <NUM> and the guide <NUM> so as to block or dampen any listing, even of great intensity, which could lead to overturning of the shelves <NUM>.

The anti-seismic system for the movement of shelves <NUM> according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the system prevents the overturning of the shelves for any load condition and, in this case, for vibratory loads due to seismic shocks.

Moreover, a further advantage of the invention is that the structures of the guide <NUM> and the connector <NUM> are considerably simplified, thereby allowing significant savings on installation, maintenance and even costs of construction of the system <NUM>.

In fact, the system <NUM> allows a single guide <NUM> to integrate all the functions, which were previously required of separate devices with an increase in space and installation times.

In conclusion, the applicant was able to ascertain through specific load tests that the system <NUM> according to the invention guarantees optimal efficiency, previously achieved only through separate guides and connectors on the ground, yet with high cost-effectiveness.

Claim 1:
Floor, or floor support, with an anti-seismic system (<NUM>) for the movement of shelves comprising:
- at least one shelf (<NUM>) including movement means (<NUM>) designed to allow the movement of said shelf (<NUM>) along at least one direction,
- at least one guide (<NUM>) defining at least one guide direction (3a) along which said shelf (<NUM>) can translate, and including:
- a support portion (<NUM>) arranged along said guide direction (3a) and designed to support said movement means (<NUM>) along a support surface (30a), and
- a constraint portion (<NUM>) extending along said guide direction (3a) parallel to said support portion (<NUM>) so as to create at least one groove (<NUM>) extending along said guide direction (3a),
- a connector (<NUM>) constrained to said shelf (<NUM>) and including at least one interference portion (<NUM>) configured to be at least partially housed within said groove (<NUM>),
- said constraint portion (<NUM>) and said interference portion (<NUM>) defining, along a plane perpendicular to said guide direction (3a), opposite and mutually linked substantially C-shaped profiles so as to achieve at least two points of mutual contact between said connector (<NUM>) and said guide (<NUM>) when said system (<NUM>) is subjected to seismic shocks,
- said portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) are laid on said floor, or said floor support, and are mutually distinct and separated on said floor or said floor support, by at least part of said groove (<NUM>) placed side by side spaced reciprocally apart along said guide direction (3a) defining a reciprocal distance (d) and said system being characterized in that said reciprocal distance (d) can be adjusted according to the size of said shelf (<NUM>) in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>