Plural Beams Between Plural Pairs Of Uprights (e.g., Pallet Rack, Etc.) Patents (Class 211/191)
  • Publication number: 20030019824
    Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, a rack system includes a pair of arm assemblies that include an arm with reversible brackets on either end of each arm. The arm assemblies attach to the rack rails and support a component such as a server. The brackets are formed to selectively rotate with respect to the arm between a first position and a second position. In the first position the brackets are operable to interface a rack system rails that have a first interface type. In the second position the brackets are operable to interface rack system rails that have a second interface type. This allows the arm assembly to be installed in different types of rack systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: DELL PRODUCTS L.P.
    Inventor: Randolph D. Gray
  • Publication number: 20030010739
    Abstract: An improved storage rack system having a pick deck that allows for easy access to loads on pallets by order pickers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Publication number: 20030010740
    Abstract: An improved storage rack system having a pick deck that allows for easy access to loads on pallets by order pickers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Konstant Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony N. Konstant
  • Publication number: 20020195408
    Abstract: An assembly and associated installation method for a server or other electronic equipment enclosure installable into a rack solves both the issues of a single person installation method, as well as tolerance stack-up problems. A mounting bracket is attached to each end of a sliding rail coupled to the server or other equipment enclosure. The mounting bracket includes pins which are inserted into mounting apertures in the posts of the rack to temporarily retain and hold the sliding rail in the rack. Subsequently, a single user can then insert screws or other mechanical fasteners to securely attach the mounting bracket and sliding rail coupled thereto to the rack. Advantageously, the mounting bracket is fixedly secured to the rack and the sliding rail is permitted to move, translate or pivot relative to the mounting bracket to account for tolerance stack-up issues or other abnormalities in the dimensional fit between the server and rack system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Aaron Matthew Hegrenes, Ray Clement Laning, Stephen Peter Mroz, Jason Joseph Newton, Kenneth Robert Peters
  • Publication number: 20020195410
    Abstract: An angle bar rack formed of horizontal bars and vertical angle bars, the horizontal bars having hook holes and recessed retaining holes respectively disposed at the inner sidewall of each horizontal bar adjacent to the hook holes, the vertical angle bars having upward hooks respectively hooked in the hook holes of the horizontal bars, each upward hook having a retaining portion curved outwards and respectively engaged into the recessed retaining holes of the horizontal bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Jin Shy Lin
  • Publication number: 20020139766
    Abstract: A beam and tension rod arrangement is for use with a push back storage rack system. A front beam extends between two front vertical uprights across the loading position of one or more cart lanes. An interior structural cross support extends between two interior vertical uprights that are located at points along the length of each cart lane. Diagonal tension rods extend from each end of the interior structural cross support to points on the front beam's structural angles that are adjacent the middle portion of the front beam. When a loaded cart collides with the front beam, the majority of the collision forces are directed toward the middle portion of the front beam, which exerts diagonal tension forces on the tension rods between the front beam and the interior structural cross support. The diagonal tension rods serve to brace the front beam against flexing, transferring much of the impact strain to the interior structural cross support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: James A. Courtwright
  • Patent number: 6450350
    Abstract: A storage rack has a spaced apart upright frames or vertical columns. Load beams extend between the upright frames. The load beams have flattened or flared ends, allowing the load beams to be directly bolted onto the vertical upright frames. The load beams may be made from standard steel channel sections, by flattening or flaring the ends in a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: John V. R. Krummell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6435356
    Abstract: Rack (100) for stacking metal sections (105), comprising a plurality of mutually facing frames (110), each frame comprising at least one upright (115a, 115b) and a plurality of cross-pieces (120) extending from the at least one upright to define support surfaces for the sections, at least one further frame (205) associated with each frame, each further frame comprising at least one further upright (210a, 210b) and a plurality of further cross-pieces (215) extending from the at least one further upright and being movable between a rest position in which each further cross-piece is disposed at the same height as a corresponding cross-piece and a working position in which each further cross-piece is disposed at a different height to define further support surfaces for the sections, and means (225a, 225b) for securing the further frames in the rest position or in the working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Cometal Engineering S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bruno Mancini, Nino Rizzotti
  • Patent number: 6425488
    Abstract: An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has a base member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Budy D. Notohardjono, John S. Corbin, Jr., Steven C. McIntosh, Howard P. Welz
  • Patent number: 6422399
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method for installing support structures within rack systems for supporting components. In one aspect, a rack system is disclosed that includes a rack with a plurality of rails that each have a standard interface portion. The system also includes an arm assembly with an arm, a front rail interface, and a rear rail interface. The front rail interface may be disposed at one end of the arm and includes an interface portion formed to tool-lessly and releasably secure the end of the arm to an interface portion of a rack rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Henry Castillo, Randolph D. Gray, Robert J. Neville, Jr., Tiffany J. Williams, Jerry D. Gandre
  • Patent number: 6405884
    Abstract: A reinforcement unit for pallet racks wherein first and second tubular post, each having a floor bearing plate secured to a lower end thereof and a horizontal support plate secured to the upper end thereof, along with generally C-shaped connecting members for receiving an original portion of the pallet rack, may be used to reinforce the bottom of existing pallet racks and avoid having to replace the entire rack when it is damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Damotech Inc.
    Inventor: Dany Dion
  • Patent number: 6378711
    Abstract: A beam for supporting an load such as a storage rack, platform or the like is provided whereby products in or on the article can be stored safely and displayed. In particular, the present invention includes a beam with a support element having a first and a second end, a continuous base portion having a turned portion positioned between the first and second ends of the support element, a beveled display portion joined to the continuous base portion, and a brace portion joining the display portion to the support element. The beam preferably has a closed cross section whereby all portions unitary with one another. An article such as a storage rack platform is loaded onto the support element while a bar code or other product information indicia are displayed on the beveled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: United Steel Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin A. Skulnik, Gary Smith
  • Patent number: 6364141
    Abstract: The present invention provides a storage device comprising (a) a receiving member comprising one or more receiving member receptacles, the receiving member receptacle being defined by opposing end edges; and (b) an insertion member comprising (i) a body portion capable of supporting a cantilever load and (ii) a retention device portion capable of being stably inserted into the receiving member receptacle. The present invention further provides a free standing storage system. The present invention also provides a storage system mountable to a fixed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn Alan Ehrgott
  • Publication number: 20020027116
    Abstract: A storage rack system, locking latch therefor, and combinations thereof. The latch having generally a flexible and resilient arm coupleable to a beam member and having a locking pin coupled thereto. The resilient arm biases the locking pin through a locking pin opening of the beam member so that the locking pin protrudes at least partially into a post opening aligned at least partially with the locking pin opening when the beam member is connected to the post by a headed lug. A locking flange extending generally radially from the locking pin is engageable with a portion of the beam member to inhibit withdrawal of the locking pin from the locking pin opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard R. Herzog, Terrence P. Meier
  • Publication number: 20020020684
    Abstract: A storage rack system includes a base detachably secured from the storage rack wherein the materials of construction for the base are a heavier gauge material than that of the storage rack for improved weight carrying capability and for resistance to abuse while minimizing the cost of the rack assembly. The base has offset front legs closest to the aisle to protect the front legs from accidentally being hit by a forklift truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert D. Gruber, Allen B. Kautz
  • Publication number: 20010047975
    Abstract: A storage rack post protector for use in absorbing and dissipating direct impact loads and deflecting indirect or off-center loads to the column frame on which it is attached or located adjacent to, consisting of a material with greater flexibility and compressibility that the rack itself and formed into such a shape as to deflect impact loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Daniel Philip Lazas, Mark Todd Vanselous
  • Publication number: 20010035386
    Abstract: Rack (100) for stacking metal sections (105), comprising a plurality of mutually facing frames (110), each frame comprising at least one upright (115a, 115b) and a plurality of cross-pieces (120) extending from the at least one upright to define support surfaces for the sections, at least one further frame (205) associated with each frame, each further frame comprising at least one further upright (210a, 210b) and a plurality of further cross-pieces (215) extending from the at least one further upright and being movable between a rest position in which each further cross-piece is disposed at the same height as a corresponding cross-piece and a working position in which each further cross-piece is disposed at a different height to define further support surfaces for the sections, and means (225a, 225b) for securing the further frames in the rest position or in the working position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Bruno Mancini, Nino Rizzotti
  • Patent number: 6286693
    Abstract: A metal deck is received on the front and rear beams of a conventional rack system and is specially configured to receive a conventional nine leg plastic pallet. Weight and cost efficiency in the deck is achieved by concentrating the deck mass in those segments of the deck which make contact with the legs of the plastic pallet, and more particularly by recognizing that the center row of pallet legs carries a greater fraction of the pallet load then each of the outside rows of pallet legs. Closely spaced parallel front to back wire sections define pallet leg row support segments for the three rows of posts or legs of a plastic pallet, distributing the load of each leg over multiple wire segments. Front to back wires with an upwardly opening v-section are connected by struts to the wires within each support segment. Thus a single truss is formed as a part of each side support segment, and two trusses are formed as a part of the center support segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Alltrista Corporation
    Inventor: Henry F. Brown
  • Patent number: 6260719
    Abstract: A method for converting an existing racking system into a double pallet vehicle-loadable racking system. A plurality of primary upright posts are isolated from the pre-existing racking system, and are each bound to a secondary upright post to form a plurality of bound upright posts. These bound upright posts are formed into a grid having at least one row and at least two columns. A cantilevered support is attached to each interior side edge of each column. The grid and the support arms are configured such that pairs of palletized cartons may be stored on or under the cantilevered supports and a lift truck can pass its body underneath the cantilevered supports and its extendable mast between any two opposing cantilevered supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventors: Michael J. Azzopardi, John W. Skelton, James E. Gnesa, Gordon G. Zook, John N. Terry
  • Patent number: 6223913
    Abstract: A shelving system designed to fit within the confines of a transport vehicle and including side wall sections forming a vertical and horizontal framework. The vertical sections contain a series of bolt holes for bolting through of both angle shaped and pocket shaped supports. The bolt holes provide for incremental vertical adjustment of the position of both of these types of supports. The pocket shaped supports are used to support telescopically adjustable load support bars. The angle shaped supports are used to support planking that functions as a shelf for merchandise in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: James Lewis Mosher
  • Patent number: 6220462
    Abstract: A parts transporting system including a rigid rack frame, a plurality of uprights coupled to the rigid rack frame, a plurality of shelf supports coupled to the uprights, and a plurality of shelf assemblies operably coupled to the uprights and the shelf supports. Each shelf assembly is constructed of a shelf frame and an offset pivot hinge operably coupled to the shelf frame and the shelf support, allowing the shelf frame to swing open at an angle with respect to the rigid rack frame. A lid and strut assembly is operably coupled to each of the shelf frames and includes a lid, a seal covering the entire perimeter of the lid and providing a dirt and moisture resistant seal, and a strut coupled to the lid. Each shelf frame is coupled to a sling assembly which forms compartments used to hold parts. Each shelf frame is positioned directly above each lid except the top lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Brockman, Joseph P. Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 6216893
    Abstract: A 2-post type storage rack for automated warehouses having a dual-directional stacker moving structure is disclosed. In the rack of this invention, front and rear posts are regularly arranged along two longitudinal parallel lines, with a plurality of brace beams connecting the front posts to the rear posts at predetermined positions of the posts. The brace beams integrate the front and rear posts into a single structure and hold the ends of the vertical braces at their middle portions. This storage rack is thus free from conventional inside posts without being ill-affected in structural strength or structural stability. This rack is thus simplified in construction, and so it is remarkably reduced in the amount of material, conserves labor and time while being fabricated. The rack is thus reduced in production cost. This rack is also free from dead areas caused by the inside posts, thereby improving the space utility within the warehouses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Wan Young Lee
  • Patent number: 6173846
    Abstract: A safety bracket attached to the load beams of a pallet rack for preventing pallets from being pushed off the rear end of the rack. The bracket has a base, a back extending upwardly to form a stop for the pallet, and a front having an aperture to allow insertion of a load beam through the aperture of the bracket. The base of the bracket rests on a load beam of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Michael R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6105798
    Abstract: A rack is provided with shelves that are well-secured. The corners of each shelf are connected by a hook on one member dropped vertically down into a slot of the other member, and, once the members are properly aligned with the hook and slot, they are secured with a bolt. Beams, such as roller beams, guide beams, and support beams are connected to the frame members by means of upwardly-projecting trees on the frame members, which include arms that fit into holes in the vertical legs of the beams. Clips may be used after the beams are installed on the frame members to prevent the vertical legs of the beams from shifting, thereby further securing the beams to the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Interlake Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Gruber, Allen B. Kautz
  • Patent number: 6085918
    Abstract: A shelving system includes a pair of upright frames with a plurality of shelves connected therebetween, each upright frame including a pair of vertical posts with a plurality of braces extending between the posts to form rigid frames. Each post is generally U-shaped, with each brace having an end journaled within the U-shaped frame, and removably secured utilizing a plurality of protrusions engaged within apertures in a leg of each post. Each brace has a width which is effective to snugly secure the brace between the legs of each post. Each end of each brace has an upper and lower protrusion with a ramped distal portion for separating the legs of the post as the brace is inserted between the legs of the post. A proximal flat face on each protrusion engages a straight edge of each aperture to resist removal of the brace end from the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Lozier Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Duff, Mark L. Nunn
  • Patent number: 6062400
    Abstract: A split beam ergonomic pick rack which embodies a pallet storage bay structure adapted to accommodate at least two pallets in a laterally spaced relationship one with respect to the other whereby there is incorporated a worker access opening therebetween which enables not only worker access for picking merchandise from the front of either pallet within the bay, but also accommodates worker passage from the front to along the sides and the rear areas respectively thereof, thus providing greater worker ease of access, safety and efficiency in accomplishing manual order picking procedures when retrieving palletized merchandise from in warehouse racked storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignees: St. Onge, Ruff and Associates, Inc., Hannaford Bros. Co.
    Inventors: Richard F. Schieler, David A. Ludden
  • Patent number: 5964361
    Abstract: An ergonomic storage rack in which arcuate rails are joined to a horizontal beam in a spaced-apart relationship to form an access area therebetween. The arcuate rails form shelves on which loaded pallets may be stored. The rails may be positioned at any desired height but, preferably, at a level which defines beneath each rail an additional storage area. The access area may be entered by a worker to access whatever pallet load has been stored and select from its sides those items which are to be retrieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Frazier Industrial Company
    Inventors: Roger W. Mefford, Daniel W. Clapp, Byron P. Horn
  • Patent number: 5842586
    Abstract: A height adjustable bed and storage unit for small living quarters in which substantially vertical posts are fixedly attached to the floor and ceiling of the living quarters. Each post includes a mating structure for mating to a cross-member at a plurality of vertical positions, the cross-member being utilized for holding a platform substantially horizontally. The cross-member is releasable from the mating structure without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Gordon Melby
  • Patent number: 5806417
    Abstract: A shelf mounting assembly comprises front and rear opposed uprights and an adapter member on which a shelf is mounted. Each upright has engaging slots vertically disposed at spacings. The adapter member extends between the uprights and connected to the same by one or more of the engaging slots of each upright. This allows the adapter member to be supported at a selected elevation. The adapter member comprises a shelf-mounting flange for detachably and movably connecting a shelf to the adapter member so that the shelf may be mountable at different positions along the adapter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventors: James Douglas Whiten, Dennis E. Parham
  • Patent number: 5794795
    Abstract: A framework system for supporting multiple electrical/electronic control devices and for use in routing wires extending to and from the control devices is comprised of multiple, spaced-apart vertical tray members having an included vertically-extending wireway zone, multiple, spaced-apart horizontal tray members having included horizontally-extending wireway zones, and fastener means rigidly joining said spaced-apart horizontal tray members to said spaced-apart vertical tray members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: William L. Stemmons
  • Patent number: 5769249
    Abstract: In a storage rack, in which each of two columns has an outer wall facing outwardly and a side wall facing the side wall of the other column, a steel beam including two flange sections and an intermediate section extends between and is supported by the columns. Being fastened to an associated column, each flange section has a side plate adjacent to the side wall of the associated column and an outer flange adjacent to the outer wall of the associated column. Extending horizontally between the flange sections, the intermediate section is welded at each of its opposite ends to the side flange of an associated one of the flange sections. Being rolled from a steel sheet and defining a downwardly opening channel profile, the intermediate section has an outer wall, an inner wall joined unitarily to the outer wall so as to define an upper edge of the intermediate section, and a lower flange extending inwardly from a lower portion of the inner wall and having an upturned edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda P. Lascara
  • Patent number: 5749481
    Abstract: A rack system utilizing a structural beam comprises an elongate central web section with a pair of spaced apart, elongate first leg sections integral with opposite side edges of the central web section to form a generally C-shaped cross-sectional shape; and, an elongate second leg section integral with the central web section on that side opposite the first leg sections and positioned intermediate the height of the central web section to support a decking member flush with the top of the structural beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Myron W. Miller
  • Patent number: 5749482
    Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5735411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a constructional system for frames, racks and casings and in particular for sub-racks and equipment cabinets for accommodation of electrical and electronic assemblies, units and printed circuit boards.At least one joint system having engagements is provided for thread-forming screws as fastening elements for particularly cost-effective manufacture of such type of constructional systems, and for simple assembly as well as for ensuring effective EMC screening in accordance with the invention between horizontally and vertically arranged components, in particular between side parts and a top part and a base part having multi-folded horizontal struts and/or vertical struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Knurr-Mechanik fur die Elektronik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Flamme, Peter Simon, Gerd Rheindt
  • Patent number: 5655675
    Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Clark, William T. Guiher
  • Patent number: 5636755
    Abstract: In a storage rack system comprising a storage rack and a fire extinguishing device, a horizontally extending beam of the storage rack is located in a fixed position, at a predetermined elevation above a support surface. An outer wall of the beam defines a generally flat, inclined surface facing outwardly and downwardly at an angle in a range from about 10.degree. to about 80.degree. relative to a vertical plane. A vane is mounted to the beam so as to extend horizontally, below the beam, and so as to be parallel to the beam. The vane has a surface facing toward the beam and a surface facing away from the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Unarco LLC
    Inventor: William T. Guiher
  • Patent number: 5628540
    Abstract: A knockdown telescopically expandable elevated utility rack for pickup trucks is formed by forward and rearward H-shaped stanchions and stanchion post receiving brackets overlying pickup bed side walls. A forward stanchion panel and a rearward stanchion bottom rail forms a horizontal load support adjacent the upper limit of pickup bed side walls and a side rail assembly overlying the upper limit of the stanchions and the pickup cab forms an elevated load supporting platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: William L. James
  • Patent number: 5624045
    Abstract: In a storage rack, a beam is connected at one end to the column having a front wall with a vertical array of similar apertures and a side wall. Each aperture is wider at an upper region and narrower at a lower region. A flanged member has a side flange integral with the end of the beam and a front flange. A connecting pin mounted rigidly to the front flange and projecting through a selected aperture has an inner head narrower than the upper region of the selected aperture but wider than the lower region thereof and a shank narrower than the lower region thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Highsmith, Joseph F. Benton
  • Patent number: 5614412
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for holding and carrying a plurality of flexible medical containers. The carrier has a rack having a plurality of plates positioned in parallel spaced relation, the plates defining a chamber between each pair of adjacent plates. A plurality of spacer assemblies each extend through the rack to connect the plates and to maintain their spaced relationship. The spacer assemblies are spaced along marginal edges of the rack to define two opposed end walls, a bottom, and an opening to the rack to allow access to each of the chambers. A flange extends from one of the plates and has a hole that allows the carrier to be suspended. The invention further provides for a system for transferring fluids and a method for mixing solutions using the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: Stephen L. Smith, James Bender, Jeffrey Martinson, Maureen Loudovaris, Orrin D. Mitsven, Jr., Kristen L. Unverzagt
  • Patent number: 5584406
    Abstract: A rack frame with vertical supports, which can be partially closed by wall elements, wherein the wall elements are embodied as panel elements with beveled edges and are fastened or can be fastened by fasteners to respectively two adjoining supports. The wall elements can be fastened on the supports of the rack frame in a simple manner at an arbitrary height. The two supports each have a fastening bar extending parallel to the wall element, on which U-shaped fastening elements can be adjusted and fixed in place. The wall elements can be bolted together with the fastening elements, and the edges of the wall elements can be inserted into elongated slots of the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Besserer, Klaus-Dieter Bovermann, Marc Hartel
  • Patent number: 5573125
    Abstract: A rack guard for a pallet rack employs a retractable safety net. The net is mounted at the top and bottom to a cable which is offset from the pallet rack. The sides of the net are latched to vertical members of the pallet rack while the net is extended across the front of the pallet rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: The Sinco Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Denny
  • Patent number: 5547161
    Abstract: The invention relates to the construction and arrangement of wall components which are to be attached to the posts and spars of a basic frame for machines, instruments, equipment and the like. These wall components extend from the middle of one post to the middle of another and are supported on the upper faces of the posts and the spars between them by their folded upper web. The side edges of the web extend to approximately the middle of the face of the post and then run obliquely inwards. A section covering the posts at the top is recessed where the web is supported. Running around the inside edge of the wall component there is a frame-like spacer, the depth of which determines the distance by which the outer wall of the wall component projects beyond the outside of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Bowe Systec AG
    Inventors: Werner Gleich, Fritz D. Rothacker, Dieter Bruckel, Eduard Schmid
  • Patent number: 5540340
    Abstract: A post for racking comprises a front wall (2), and first and second side walls extending rearwardly from each longitudinal side of the front wall, the front wall having a longitudinally extending trough (7), and a first and a second series (5, 5') of spaced apertures (15) on opposite sides of the trough (7). Each side wall comprises a front wall portion (3, 3'), and a second side wall portion (4, 4'), with the two portions joined by an inwardly inclined portion (11, 11', 13 13'). The post is interchangeable with a number of posts having different load bearing capabilities. This is achieved by ensuring that the distant b separating outer faces (25) of the trough (7) from the outer faces (26) of the adjacent side walls are the same for all posts in the range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Stakapal Limited
    Inventors: Colin E. Betteley, Nicholas Betteley
  • Patent number: 5526945
    Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Clark, William T. Guiher
  • Patent number: 5492231
    Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Unarco Material Handling, Inc.
    Inventor: William L. Clark
  • Patent number: 5482167
    Abstract: An adjustable frame for carrying vehicles between elongate upright sides includes, on each side, a forward end and a rearward end, each end including an upper and lower rail section joined by elongate brace members, where the respective ends are separated from one another and a length-adjusting insert is carried between such ends to selectively permit adjustment of the position of the forward end relative to the rearward end while maintaining the ends in end-to-end alignment. On each side of the frame, preferably at least one of the upper rail sections has an end portion defining an open-ended hollow tube extending lengthwise of that side within which an elongate arm of the length-adjusting insert is slidably moveable so that structures on the outside surfaces of the rail sections will not interfere with length adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: G & G Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gearin, Everett A. Leech
  • Patent number: 5440844
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a column with two beams in a building unit constructed with a plurality of columns and beams connected to each other comprises a core portion having the same sectional shape as the column and a branch portion having a web and parallel flanges enclosing the web in a right angles state, so that two surfaces of said core portion relate to the web and flanges in a state contacting to each other at right angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Misawa Homes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Chihara, Kazunari Ishii, Akira Kishi
  • Patent number: 5411154
    Abstract: A readily assembled and disassembled static structure such as a scaffolding or a rack for shelving, bracing or the like is composed of a plurality of elongated metallic support members fastened together in a predetermined precise arrangement. Each support member contains at least one row in a longitudinal direction of identically sized holes in the shape of a polyhedron having four sides or a multiple thereof. The support members are fastened together using a bolt which has an unthreaded portion adjacent the head of the bolt adapted to engage the shaped holes, and a nut threaded onto said bolt. The end of the bolt includes an extension beyond the threads which can be struck with a hammer during disassembly of the support without causing damage to the threads. Channels and angle bracing preferably are used as the support members of the invention although other elongated members can likewise be assembled in the same manner according to the teachings herein. The support members can be joined at 45.degree. or 90.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Hardy Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Vargo
  • Patent number: 5386917
    Abstract: A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 70.degree. relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20.degree. to about 45.degree. relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45.degree. to about 70.degree. relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: UNR Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Clark, William T. Guiher
  • Patent number: 5377851
    Abstract: A rack assembly having a plurality of support posts, brackets extending from individual support posts, and a bracket rail extending between two or more brackets and capable of supporting goods. An outer plate portion of each support post is formed with a plurality of vertically spaced apart engagement holes. Each bracket has engaging projections adapted to be received into the engagement holes, engaging pawls extending from the respective engaging projections and engageable with respective edges of the engagement holes, and a plate portion abuttable to the outer surface of the support post. The bracket can be mounted to the support post by inserting the engaging projections into corresponding engagement holes at the erection site to allow the engaging pawls to engage the edge of the engagement holes. Simultaneously, the slip-off preventive projection of the bracket is inserted into the slip-off preventing hole in the side plate portion of the support post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Asano, Shunji Nobukawa, Etsuo Taniguchi, Tetsuro Yokota