DESC:ECOFRIENDLY MODULAR RACKING AND SHELVING SYSTEM
Field of the invention:
The present invention generally relates to racking and shelving system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular, ecofriendly, easy to assemble and dissemble racking and shelving system which provides a remedy to meet the storage needs like modern-day sustainable warehouse with faster and robust solutions and uses less steel.
Background of the invention:
In the packaging and storage industry there is a need to store and maintain products, raw material or finished goods in well manner for which a dedicated and particular racking system is required in warehouses or storage units or inventory or in storerooms. The racking system includes steel frames, steel bars, steel deck panels, wooden boards or planks or wooden pallets or plastic pallets and clips/screws and locking medium to connect all these structure in well steady manner. A company's or any organization’s inventory is one of its most valuable assets. In inventory management system the racking system needs to be in perfect condition so that it can perform its function and hassle-free task of storage and maintenance of raw material or any other goods or finished goods in appropriate conditions with a proper setting and locking mechanism of a board in shelf or steel deck panels or racking system. Erecting or constructing or building any shelving or racking system is a time consuming and laborious task. The labor cost also adds to the initial construction cost of the shelving system.
Further, in the shelf or racking system, in order to install the shelf board over the entire width direction in the box type luggage compartment, it is necessary to release the fixation to the side wall of the left side shelf board and tilt the left side shelf board downward and the work of removing and installing the leg members of the left shelf board and the operation of releasing the fixation to the side wall of the right-side shelf board and tilting the right-side shelf board downward become necessary. Therefore, the time required for setting the shelf board is increased. Furthermore, in order to accommodate the shelf board, the operation of tilting the right shelf board upward and fixing it to the side wall, the operation of accommodating the leg member, the operation of tilting the left side shelf board upward and fixing to the side wall. Therefore, the time required for storing the shelf board is increased. In gist of the above information, it is noted that erecting or constructing or building any shelving or racking system it is time consuming task and requires large group of labour or workers for assembling process. Therefore, the labour cost is also adding in the initial construction cost of the shelving system.
Accordingly, there exists a need of a system and method for construction or assembling the different components of the shelving or racking system which overcomes the barrier of heavy weight of wooden board and frame support with a complex design. The current structure of design generally uses screwing to main frame. No clips, locking mechanism and specifically designed channels or step beams are used in shelving system.
Accordingly, there exists a need to provide a scalable and easy to assemble and dissemble shelving or racking system independent of complicated technological mechanism that uses minimum resources, and can be deployed anywhere in very little time and overcomes the drawbacks in the prior art.
Objects of the invention:
An object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit that is simple to erect and install, suitably without need of tools and without drilling equipment.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit that is assembled or disassembled easily and quickly without using tools.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit, wherein the support board can be mounted on and detached from the support frame, thereby facilitating a user mounting and removing the support board of the shelving unit.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a shelving unit that provides quick and easy locking and unlocking of boards to and from the support frame without using tools.
Summary of the invention
The present invention discloses a modular racking and shelving system comprising a racking frame, a plurality of holding clamps and a plurality of board units. The racking frame is constructed using a plurality of framing channels fastened together with fastening means. The racking frame includes a front frame and a back frame, each having two vertically disposed framing channels connected with at least two horizontally disposed framing channels, and a plurality of frame supporting channels sidewise connecting the front frame to the back frame. Each of the horizontally disposed framing channels of the front frame pairs with a horizontally disposed framing channels of the back frame in horizontally coplanar manner. Dimensions of the racking frame, height of the vertically disposed framing channels, number of the horizontally disposed framing channels, distance between the horizontally disposed framing channels, and the number of frame supporting channels is decided depending upon the number of shelves required and the size, dimensions and weight of a material to be stored. The plurality of holding clamps having a lower side and an upper side, is adapted to clamp on the horizontally disposed framing channels. The plurality of holding clamps is provided with a channel holding jaw on the lower side, a board support with a board holder on the upper side and a beam holder at one side thereof. The channel holding jaw fits on the horizontally disposed framing channels with the board supports facing inside the racking frame. The plurality of central beams are rested in the beam holders of the oppositely placed holding clamps and a plurality of board units are securely rested on the plurality of holding clamps inside the racking frame, wherein the board supports of the holding clamps oppositely clamped on the pair of the horizontally disposed framing channels provide support for the board units and the board holder locks movement of the board unit placed on the board supports.
Brief description of the drawings:
The embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the embodiments.
Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a single racking frame of a racking and shelving system in accordance with an exemplary implementation of one of the embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a single racking frame of a racking and shelving system in accordance with an exemplary implementation of one of the embodiments of the present invention;
Figures 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate detailed perspective views and a side view of a customisable holding clip for the racking and shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of one of the embodiments of the present invention;
Figures 4A and 4B illustrate detailed perspective views of the customisable holding clips for the racking and shelving system, in accordance with an exemplary implementation of one of the embodiments of the present invention
Figure 5 illustrates an arrangement of the racking and shelving system in accordance with an exemplary implementation of one of the embodiments of the present invention.
Detailed description of the embodiments:
The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.
The present invention provides a modular racking and shelving system that can be easily assembled with the help of minimum tools and with a smaller number of workers. The racking and shelving system is a detachable system convenient for transportation and facilitates rapid assembling and dismantling of rack. The user only needs to pivot a fastening snap of a locking clip or pin to lock or unlock a board onto or from the respective connecting unit of the frame. By detaching all components of the racking and shelving system the panels and fames can be stacked thereby occupying less floor space. The shelf of any required size can be constructed using the system and each component can be dismantled for convenient transportation and storing.
The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description and in the table below.
Table:
Ref No: Component Ref No: Component
5 Framing channels 42 Channel holding jaw
5A Vertically disposed framing channels 44 Board support
5B Horizontally disposed framing channels 46 Board holder
5C Frame supporting channels 48 Beam holder
10 Front frame 48A Extended beam holder
20 Back frame 50 Central beam
30 Racking frame 60 Board unit
40 Holding clip
Referring to the figures 1 to 3 a modular racking and shelving system (100) (herein after referred to as “the system (100)”) in accordance with the present invention is shown. The system (100) comprises of at least one racking frame (10), a plurality of holding clips (40) a plurality of central beams (50) and a plurality of board units (60).
The at least one racking frame (30) is constructed using a plurality of framing channels (5) provided with a series of holes or slots thereon and fastened together with fastening means. The at least one racking frame (30) includes:
• a front frame (10) having two vertically disposed framing channels (5A) connected with at least two horizontally disposed framing channels (5B),
• a back frame (20) having two vertically disposed framing channels (5A) connected with at least two horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), and
• a plurality of frame supporting channels (5C) connecting the front frame (10) and the back frame (20) sidewise, wherein each of the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) of the front frame (10) pairs with a horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) of the back frame (20) in horizontally coplanar manner.
Dimensions of the racking frame (30), height of the vertically disposed framing channels (5A), number of the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), distance between the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), and the number of frame supporting channels (5C) is decided depending upon the number of shelves required and the size, dimensions and weight of the goods to be stored. In an embodiment, the fastening means is a fastening bolt set including nuts, bolts, flat washers and elastic washers.
The plurality of holding clamps (40) is having a lower side and an upper side. The plurality of holding clamps (40) is provided with a channel holding jaw (42) on the lower side adapted to fit on the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), a board support (44) with a board holder (46) on the upper side and a beam holder (48) at one side thereof.
The holding clamp (40) is adapted to clamp on the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) with the board support (44) and the beam holder (48) facing inside the racking frame (30). The plurality of central beams (50) are rested and locked in two oppositely arranged beam holders (48). The plurality of central beams (50) and the board supports (44) of oppositely placed holding clamps (40) provide a platform for placing the board units (60) to form shelves while the board holder (46) locks the board unit (60) placed on the board supports (44).
In an embodiment, two holding clamps (40) provided with the beam holder (48) are clamped oppositely on the pair of horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) with the beam holder (48) facing each other for securely holding a central beam (50). The central beam (50) extends in a first direction between the first and second ends, and the holding jaw (42) extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
In another embodiment, two holding clamps (40) are provided with a single beam holder (50) connecting thereto, providing a sturdy support for placing the board unit (60) thereon. The single beam holder (48A) extends in a first direction between the first and second ends, and the holding jaw (42) extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
For assembling a rack, the racking frame (30) is assembled using the plurality of framing channels (5), wherein in the front frame (10) and the back frame (20) are first constructed by connecting two vertically disposed framing channels (5A) with two horizontally disposed framing channels (5B); and then the front frame (10) and the back frame (20) are sidewise connected together with the plurality of frame supporting channels (5C). The dimensions and number of the racking frames (30) are decided according to user requirements, depending upon the material to be stored. The racking frames (30) are joined together to form the final structure as per the requirement. The holding clamps (40) are then clamped on the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) on the front frame (10) and the back frame (20) for securely fitting the board units (60) within the racking frame (30).
In an embodiment, the holding clamps (40) can be customized according to the user requirement. The holding clamps (40) are also compatible with any standard racks. The holding clamps (40) come with a modular design so that those can be well fitted in the existing racking frame also. The holding clamps (40) are ultra-tough with a high strength so as to withstand a heavy load of the board units (60) with a high paving load. The holding clamps (40) are made available in different customized designs. The plurality of framing channels (5) provided with a series of holes or slots provide better strength than GI C-channel. The plurality of framing channels (5) have high yield strength and come with a light weight because of slotted design. The plurality of framing channels (5) are ultra-tough, have high MoR and compatible in strength with the holding clamps (40).
The board units (60) and the central beam units (50) are made of any material selected from steel, wood and fiberboard. The board units (60) used in the system (100) are preferably made up of agricultural waste or a crop residue. Sustainable and fire retardant board units (60) are preferred for safety purpose. The board units (60) are Cut-to-size and available in multiple sizes according to need of customers. The board units (60) have also option of water-retardant feature with lamination made with waterproof which helps in reducing Carbon foot prints. For more secured board the Self-locking clips are used which are modular and designed for faster installations. These self-locking pins are ergonomically designed for better fitment.
Advantages of the invention
• The system (100) provides a cost effective solution for storing goods having low installation cost and low maintenance cost.
• The system (100) is a scalable, easy to assemble and dissemble shelving and racking system, independent of complicated technological mechanism.
• The system (100) uses minimum resources, and can be deployed anywhere in very little time.
• The size of the racking frame (30), number of shelves in one rack, dimensions of the shelves and the racking frame (30) etc can be customized according to the user requirement.
• The board units (60), the holding clamps (40) can be customized according to need of customer’s requirements hence less wastage of material.
• The system (100) overcomes the barrier of heavy weight of wooden boards and frame support with a complex design.
• The holding clips (40) and specially designed beam holder (48) provide a locking mechanism and sturdy base for board units (60) and used in shelving system.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present invention.

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A modular racking and shelving system (100) comprising:
at least one racking frame (30) constructed using a plurality of framing channels (5) fastened together with fastening means, the racking frame (30) including:
• a front frame (10) having two vertically disposed framing channels (5A) connected with at least two horizontally disposed framing channels (5B),
• a back frame (20) having two vertically disposed framing channels (5A) connected with at least two horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), and
• a plurality of frame supporting channels (5C) connecting the front frame (10) and the back frame (20) sidewise, wherein each of the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) of the front frame (10) pairs with a horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) of the back frame (20) in horizontally coplanar manner;
a plurality of holding clamps (40) having a lower side and an upper side, each holding clamp of the plurality of holding clamps (40) provided with:
• a channel holding jaw (42) on the lower side thereof, adapted to fit on the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B),
• a board support (44) with a board holder (46) on the upper side thereof, and
• a beam holder (48) at one side thereof, wherein the channel holding jaw (42) fits on the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) with the board support (44) facing inside the racking frame(30);
a plurality of central beams (50) held in two beam holders (48) of the holding clamps (40) oppositely clamped on the pair of horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), and
a plurality of board units (60) held on the board supports (44) of the holding clamps (40), oppositely clamped on the pair of horizontally disposed framing channels (5B), wherein the board supports (44) and the plurality of central beams (50) provide a resting platform for placing the board units (60) to form shelves while the board holder (46) locks the movement of the board unit (60) placed on the board supports (44).
2. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein number of the racking frames (30), dimensions of each racking frame (30), height of the vertically disposed framing channels (5A) in each racking frame (30), number of the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) in each racking frame (30), distance between the horizontally disposed framing channels (5B) in each racking frame (30), and the number of frame supporting channels (5C) in each racking frame (30) is decided depending upon the number of shelves required and the size, dimensions and weight of a material to be stored.
3. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means is a fastening bolt set including nuts, bolts, flat washers and elastic washers.
4. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein two holding clamps (40) are connected with a single beam holder (48A) providing a sturdy support for placing the central beam (50) thereon.
5. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board units (60) are made up of any material selected from steel, wood and fiberboard.
6. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central beams (50) are made up of any material selected from steel, wood and fiberboard.
7. The modular racking and shelving system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the framing channels (5) are made up of metal.
Dated this on 12th day of April, 2022

Ashwini Kelkar
(Agent for the applicant)
(IN/PA-2461)