HIGH IMPACT PROTECTION SYSTEM
An impact protection system is disclosed. A plurality of anchor posts is provided with at least one transverse support member between at least two of the plurality of anchor posts. The at least one transverse support member attaches rigidly between the anchor posts to transfer impact force from one anchor post to the next as a compressive force along an axis of the transverse support member.
This disclosure is related to impact protection system in general and, more specifically, to impact protection systems for in-store displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGrocery stores, warehouse clubs, and other retailers often make use of large open-top chest style freezers and refrigerators. Customers may be able to walk up and view cold or frozen merchandise and reach inside to make their selections. While this is convenient for the customer, the freezers often impede thoroughfares used by stocking crews to transport goods from one location in the store (e.g., a stockroom) to another (e.g., a display space). Moreover, in larger retail environments, pallet skids, forklifts, or other power equipment may be used to increase efficiency, but further increase traffic.
Unfortunately, collisions will occur between the power equipment and the display freezers. While the power equipment is typically quite rugged and able to withstand these impacts, the freezer units typical suffer unacceptable damage. In the past, freezers have been equipped with bumpers attaching directly to the freezer. These bumpers usually attach along the sides and will be larger at the corners to provide additional protection. However, the structure of the freezer itself is generally not strong enough to avoid damage over time, even with the bumpers.
What is needed is a system that addresses the above and related problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof comprises an impact protection system. A plurality of anchor posts is provided with at least one transverse support member between at least two of the plurality of anchor posts. The at least one transverse support member attaches rigidly between the anchor posts to transfer impact force from one anchor post to the next as a compressive force along an axis of the transverse support member.
In one embodiment, the plurality of anchor posts form the corners of a substantially rectilinear barrier around a protected object, and at least one transverse support beam spans the space between each adjacent anchor post. At least one leg may be provided supporting at least one transverse support beam a predetermined distance above the floor. The leg may support the transverse beam against vertical movement but does not necessarily impede axial movement of the transverse beam.
The at least one transverse support member may attach to each of the plurality of anchor posts proximate a lower end of the posts. The plurality of anchor posts may be anchored to a solid floor via at least one anchor bolt. In one embodiment, the plurality of anchor posts and at least one transverse support member comprise food-grade stainless steel.
Referring now to
In the present embodiment, the four bollards 102 at the four corners of the chest freezer 101 will be anchored securely to the ground or floor 104. A segment of continuous railing 106 is provided between each bollard 102. The continuous railing 106 operates as a transverse support member between each of the bollards 102. Corners 108 may be affixed to each bollard 102, providing connecting means to interface with the continuous railing 106. It can be seen that the continuous railing 106 is supported a predetermined distance from the floor 104 by legs 110. In the present embodiment, the legs 110 function as intermediate support members for the continuous railing 106.
In one embodiment, the corners 108 will be allowed freedom of movement in the vertical direction relative to the bollard 102. In such embodiment, it is the legs 110 that restrain the continuous railing 106, and thus the corners 108, at the appropriate height above the floor 104. This allows impacts received at any one of the bollards 102 to be transmitted only in a transverse direction through the transverse members or continuous railing 106 to one or more adjacent bollards 102. Thus, an impact at one bollard 102 that is excessive enough to cause movement of the bollard 102 will be transmitted directly to an adjacent bollard 102 without damage to the legs 110 or other components. The impact force may be transmitted as a compressive force along the axis of the continuous railing 106 between the bollards 102. In one embodiment, the legs 110 will provide a sliding fit with the continuous railing 106 such that axial forces along the continuous railing 106 are not impeded by the legs 110 and such forces do not affect the integrity of the legs 110.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The corner 108 can be seen interfacing with the continuous railing 106. The present embodiment provides a slip joint configuration between the corner 108 and the continuous railing 106. The continuous railing 106 is supported a predetermined distance above the floor 104 by the leg 110. The leg 110 may be securely anchored to the floor 104 by an affixed or captive anchor bolt 302. As described previously, the floor 104 may be concrete and therefore the anchor bolt 302 may be a concrete anchor bolt.
Referring now to
Distal from the ring member 402 on the right angle members 404 is a collar 406. The collar 406 attaches to mating ends 408. As can be seen from
In one method of constructing the high impact protection system of the present disclosure, a number of bollards 102 may be affixed to the ground 104 as was described with respect to
Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes and modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of this invention as defined by the claims.
Claims
1. An impact protection system comprising:
- a plurality of anchor posts; and
- at least one transverse support member between at least two of the plurality of anchor posts;
- wherein the at least one transverse support member attaches rigidly between the anchor posts to transfer impact force from one anchor post to the next as a compressive force along an axis of the transverse support member.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor posts form the corners of a substantially rectilinear barrier around a protected object, and at least one transverse support beam spans the space between each adjacent anchor post.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one leg supporting at least one transverse support beam a predetermined distance above the floor.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the leg supports the transverse beam against vertical movement but does not impede axial movement of the transverse beam.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one transverse support member attaches to each of the plurality of anchor posts proximate a lower end of the posts.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor posts are anchored to a solid floor via at least one anchor bolt.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of anchor posts and at least one transverse support member comprise food-grade stainless steel.
8. An impact protection system comprising:
- a plurality of vertical anchor posts; and
- at least one horizontal force transfer member connected substantially laterally between at least two of the plurality of vertical anchor posts.
9. The impact protection system of claim 8, wherein the force transfer member attaches to each of the plurality of vertical anchor posts proximate a bottom end of a the posts.
10. The impact protection system of claim 8, wherein the horizontal force transfer member is supported by at least one intermediate support member.
11. The impact protection system of claim 8, wherein the at least one intermediate member supports weight load only and not axial translation.
12. The impact protection system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical anchor posts further comprise a post threaded to a base, the base being bolted to a solid surface.
13. The impact protection system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of vertical anchor posts and the at least one horizontal force transfer member comprise stainless steel.
14. An impact protection system comprising:
- at least four anchor posts attached vertically to a floor surface, the four posts forming four corners of a substantially rectilinear configuration; and
- at least one transverse support member between each pair of adjacent anchor posts;
- wherein the transverse support members are each attached to the corresponding anchor post so as to compressively transfer impact energy at one post to one or more adjacent posts.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least four anchor posts are attached to the floor surface by anchor bolts.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least four anchor posts further comprise a base attached to the floor with an anchor bolt, and a post attaching to the base by threads.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the transverse support members attach to the anchor posts corner pieces providing slip joints to the transverse support members.
18. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one intermediate support member between two of the posts attached to the transverse support member.
19. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one transverse support member between the corresponding anchor posts proximate the floor surface.
20. The system of claim 14, wherein the anchor posts and transverse support members are food grade stainless steel.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 5, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 10, 2009
Inventors: RONALD S. APPELMAN (CATOOSA, OK), MICHAEL D. COPE (FORNEY, TX)
Application Number: 12/133,504
International Classification: E04H 17/20 (20060101); E04H 17/14 (20060101);