Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a belt or cable, reeved about first and second pulleys or sprockets, both mounted for rotation on supports. The apparatus includes a base plate and a post mounted through a closely-sized aperture in the base plate. An arm is mounted to the post at a mounting point at one end of the arm, such that the arm is rotatable about the post with respect to the base plate. An idler sprocket is rotatably attached to the arm at a point spaced apart from the mounting point of the arm, near the opposite end, and positioned so as to be engageable with the belt or chain. Engaging pins are positioned on the arm at a point near the idler sprocket. The base plate has corresponding holes for engaging the engaging pins on the arm in a plurality of positions with respect to the base plate.

Abstract: An upright shelf unit with cantilevered shelves for mounting to the carriage of a mobile storage system. The shelf unit is assembled from a pair of end uprights mounted to the carriage and spaced apart from each other, and at least one interior upright mounted to the carriage between the end uprights, to form pairs of adjacent uprights. Each of the uprights has slots formed therein to accommodate a plurality of shelves. Each shelf has hooks at each end for engaging with the slots of an upright at each end. The interior upright is constructed of a pair of channels facing together. Welded between the two channels is a trapezoidal gusset and above that a rectangular reinforcing member, both having the same thickness. The top end of the gusset and the bottom end of the reinforcing member butt together about halfway up the upright. The width of the reinforcing member and the top end of the gusset are approximately the width of the channels, the thickness being the same.

Abstract: Mobile shelving apparatus comprises rails that are leveled by stacks of interlocking shims. The shims are placed under and interlock with rail support brackets at the joints in the rails. Rail spreaders used to align the rails are also leveled with and interlock with the shims. The mobile shelving apparatus includes a carriage platform supported on the rails by wheel assemblies that are assembled to the platform without fasteners. Wheels are retained to bearings by swaging portions of the wheels onto the bearing outer races. The bearing inner races are retained on respective shafts by swaging rings onto the shafts. The wheel assembly shafts are secured to the platform by swaging the ends of the shafts to the platform. The invention further comprises an upright anchor clip for joining the platform to the carriage framework that stores selected items.

Abstract: A carriage for a mobile storage system, including a frame having an inverted U-shaped cross section, including two downwardly depending sides extending the length of the frame. A drive shaft is journaled to the frame and rotated by a prime mover. A drive wheel affixed to the drive shaft rotates with it. A driven shaft, journaled to the frame and oriented parallel to the drive shaft, carries a driven wheel within the frame, for moving the carriage along the rails. A drive chain or belt is provided for transmitting power from the drive wheel, via the driven shaft, to the driven wheel. The driven shaft is journaled to the frame by means of flangette bearings, each bearing affixed to a respective offset mounting bracket. Each bracket is affixed to one of the frame sides, there being insufficient clearance between the driven wheel and the frame sides for the placement of the flangette bearings.

Abstract: An anti-tip mechanism for a mobile storage system. The system includes movable carriages, each having a pair of wheels journaled to the carriage frame, and adapted to be moved along tracks on a building floor. The anti-tip mechanism includes a pair of catch rails adjacent to and co-extensive with the tracks. Each catch rail includes an upper horizontal portion projecting toward the track, supported by an upright support member. Two hook plates are spaced apart and attached to the carriage frame for each of the catch rails. Each hook plate has a lower leg projecting beneath the top horizontal portion of the respective catch rail. The attachment of each hook plate to the carriage frame is via an L-tab, which has an insert portion inserted into a slot in the hook plate and a slot in the carriage frame, and an overlay portion overlying the hook plate. The overlay portion is attached to the carriage frame over the hook plate by any suitable removable attachment, such as a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A mobile storage system includes mobile carriages that roll on rails embedded in a building floor. The carriages are driven along the rails by at least two flanged wheels that engage a grooved rail. The flanged wheels are preferably mounted in parallel channels located at the center of the carriages. The flanged wheels are driven in synchronization by a sprocket and chain drive. Either electric or manual power may be provided. In both cases, the sproket and chain drive is adjustable to provide proper chain tension to the wheels to improve tracking. Chain adjustment may be accomplished by an idler sprocket movably mounted to a carriage channel.

Abstract: Mobile shelving apparatus comprises rails that are leveled by stacks of interlocking shims. The shims are placed under and interlock with rail support brackets at the joints in the rails. Rail spreaders used to align the rails are also leveled with and interlock with the shims. The mobile shelving apparatus includes a carriage platform supported on the rails by wheel assemblies that are assembled to the platform without fasteners. Wheels are retained to bearings by swaging portions of the wheels onto the bearing outer races. The bearing inner races are retained on respective shafts by swaging rings onto the shafts. The wheel assembly shafts are secured to the platform by swaging the ends of the shafts to the platform. The invention further comprises an upright anchor clip for joining the platform to the carriage framework that stores selected items.

Abstract: A sliding shelf divider comprises a generally U-shaped channel and a divider slidable along the channel. The channel has steps at the intersections of the side and bottom walls. The divider comprises a base member having a plate portion with a tab depending therefrom. The base member also has an upstanding ridge with a portion that overhangs the plate portion bottom edge. The tab and overhanging ridge portion form a slot for receiving a channel wall. The tab free end contacts the interior surface of the channel step for supporting the base member, and the free end of the overhanging ridge has a hook that engages the step exterior surface. The base member is thus retained on and slidable along the channel. A wire frame is received within a groove in the ridge. Tilting the base member disengages the hook from the channel for easy disassembly of the base member from the channel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an access door assembly for a ceiling. The assembly includes a frame adapted to be attached to supports of the ceiling and mounted in a generally horizontal position, and a door which fits within and has one edge hingedly connected to the frame. The hinge enables the door to swing between a generally horizontal closed position within the frame and a lowered open position. A constant-force return spring urges the door to the closed position, and an automatically engageable lock is provided for holding the door in the closed position. The frame and the door have closely adjacent Z-shaped frame members and the door is made of heat-resistant material, to form a fire retardant construction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an access door assembly for a ceiling. The assembly includes a frame adapted to be attached to supports of the ceiling and mounted in a generally horizontal position, and a door which fits within the frame. Tracks on the frame receive rollers on the door for mounting the door for movement between open and closed position. The tracks are sloped to gravity actuate the door to the closed position.