U.S. patent application number 11/748230 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for flue spacer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Design Assistance Construction Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Gary Thomas Smith.
Application Number | 20080237163 11/748230 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39792430 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080237163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Gary Thomas |
October 2, 2008 |
FLUE SPACER
Abstract
A flue spacer, suitable for providing a flue space in a storage
rack, having a transversely extending spacer surface, a first leg
extending from a first end of the spacer surface, a first tab
extending from the first leg, a second leg extending from a second
end of the spacer surface, a second tab extending from the second
leg, and at least one resilient member between the first and second
tabs. The resilient member is adapted to allow the first and second
tabs to be moved towards one another and apply a restoring force to
urge the first and second tabs away from one another. The first and
second tabs are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least
two storage rack uprights such that the spacer surface is offset
from the storage rack uprights to form a vertical flue space within
the storage rack.
Inventors: |
Smith; Gary Thomas;
(Suffolk, VA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUNTON & WILLIAMS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1900 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20006-1109
US
|
Assignee: |
Design Assistance Construction
Systems, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39792430 |
Appl. No.: |
11/748230 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11691366 |
Mar 26, 2007 |
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11748230 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/105.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 5/01 20130101; A47B
96/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/105.5 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/01 20060101
A47F005/01 |
Claims
1. A flue spacer for providing a flue space in a storage rack, the
flue spacer comprising: a transversely extending spacer surface; a
first leg extending from a first end of the spacer surface; a first
tab extending from the first leg; a second leg extending from a
second end of the spacer surface; a second tab extending from the
second leg; at least one resilient member provided between the
first and second tabs, the resilient member being adapted to allow
the first and second tabs to be moved towards one another and apply
a restoring force to urge the first and second tabs away from one
another; wherein the first and second tabs are adapted to attach
the spacer surface to at least two storage rack uprights such that
the spacer surface is offset from the storage rack uprights to form
a vertical flue space within the storage rack.
2. The flue spacer of claim 1, wherein the spacer surface comprises
a tubular rod, and the first and second legs comprise bent and
flattened end portions of the tubular rod.
3. The flue spacer of claim 1, wherein the spacer surface comprises
a generally linear surface.
4. The flue spacer of claim 3, wherein the generally linear surface
has a circular profile.
5. The flue spacer of claim 1, wherein the first tab is slidably
attached to the first leg, and the resilient member comprises a
spring connecting the first tab to the first leg.
6. The flue spacer of claim 1, wherein the spacer surface comprises
a first member and a second member telescopically positioned within
the first member, and the resilient member comprises a spring
positioned between the first member and the second member.
7. (canceled)
8. A flue spacer for providing a flue space in a storage rack, the
flue spacer comprising: a transversely extending spacer surface; a
first leg extending from a first end of the spacer surface; a first
tab associated with the first leg such that it is movable relative
to the spacer surface, the first tab being adapted to engage a
first storage rack upright; a second leg extending from a second
end of the spacer surface; a second tab associated with the second
leg, the second tab being adapted to engage a second storage rack
upright; at least one resilient member provided between the first
tab and the spacer surface, the resilient member being adapted to
allow the first tab to be moved towards the second tab, and to
apply a restoring force to urge the first tab away from the second
tab; and wherein the first and second tabs are adapted to attach
the spacer surface to the first and second storage rack uprights
such that the spacer surface is offset from the storage rack
uprights to form a vertical flue space within the storage rack.
9. The flue spacer of claim 8, wherein the spacer surface comprises
a tubular rod, and the first and second legs comprise bent and
flattened end portions of the tubular rod.
10. The flue spacer of claim 8, wherein the spacer surface
comprises a generally linear surface.
11. The flue spacer of claim 10, wherein the generally linear
surface has a circular profile.
12. The flue spacer of claim 8, wherein the first tab is slidably
attached to the first leg, and the resilient member comprises a
spring connecting the first tab to the first leg.
13. The flue spacer of claim 12, wherein the first tab comprises a
sleeve that slidably fits over a flattened end portion of the first
leg, and the spring is connected to the sleeve at a first end of
the spring, and to the flattened end portion of the first leg at a
second end of the spring.
14. (canceled)
15. A shelving system comprising: at least two storage rack
uprights; at least one shelf suspended on the storage rack
uprights; and a flue spacer comprising: a transversely extending
spacer surface, a first leg extending from a first end of the
spacer surface, a first tab associated with the first leg, a second
leg extending from a second end of the spacer surface, a second tab
associated with the second leg, and at least one resilient member
provided between the first and second tabs, the resilient member
being adapted to allow the first and second tabs to be moved
towards one another and apply a restoring force to urge the first
and second tabs away from one another, wherein the first and second
tabs are adapted to attach the spacer surface to the at least two
storage rack uprights such that the spacer surface is offset from
the storage rack uprights to form a vertical flue space adjacent
the at least one shelf.
16. The flue spacer of claim 15, wherein the spacer surface
comprises a tubular rod, and the first and second legs comprise
bent and flattened end portions of the tubular rod.
17. The flue spacer of claim 15, wherein the spacer surface
comprises a generally linear surface.
18. The flue spacer of claim 15, wherein the first tab is slidably
attached to the first leg, and the resilient member comprises a
spring connecting the first tab to the first leg.
19. The flue spacer of claim 15, wherein the spacer surface
comprises a first member and a second member telescopically
positioned within the first member, and the resilient member
comprises a spring positioned between the first member and the
second member.
20. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to spacers that
create flue space. More specifically, the present invention relates
to spacers that attach to uprights of storage racks to create flue
space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage racks are widely used in industrial and commercial
settings. In these settings, it is desirable to maximize the space
offered by these racks. This is accomplished by placing pallets or
boxes close to each other, oftentimes such that they occupy the
entire shelf space, leaving little or no space between the pallets
or boxes. This practice can make the stored boxes or pallets
especially susceptible to fire damage.
[0003] In a typical setting where storage racks are used, such as a
warehouse, smoke detectors and overhead sprinkler systems are
commonly employed as fire safety and containment systems. Several
factors can affect the effectiveness of these systems. For example,
to maximize the effectiveness of the sprinkler system in containing
a fire, the fire needs to reach the sprinkler heads as quickly as
possible in order to extinguish the fire before it builds up too
much heat and intensity. Similarly, the benefits of smoke detectors
can best be utilized if smoke triggers the detectors in the early
stages of a fire. Additionally, water from the overhead sprinkler
system needs to freely flow through the shelves to contain a fire
that has broken out at any shelving level and to prevent it from
spreading to other storage racks. When stored goods are closely and
tightly spaced on a shelf, the effectiveness of the fire safety and
containment systems are reduced because smoke cannot rise, fire
cannot dissipate, and water cannot freely flow to the fire. This is
particularly problematic in storage facilities that store large
numbers of boxes because boxes can be packed together to form a
relatively tight seal against rising smoke and descending
water.
[0004] Efforts have been made to address this problem. In certain
storage environments, fire codes require the surface area of each
shelf to have a certain amount of open area--generally fifty
percent of the surface area. These open areas serve two primary
purposes. First, the open areas allow a fire that has broken out on
a lower rack level to travel upwards and to release heat in the
process. Thus, the fire progresses upwards towards overhead
sprinklers to activate the sprinklers, rather than laterally
through the rack. Second, the open areas of each shelf allow water
from the overhead sprinkler system to flow downward to the lower
rack levels once the fire has been detected. One system that meets
these fire code regulations is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,944
to Kircher et al. entitled "Storage Rack Shelving," and U.S. Pat.
No. 7,156,243 to Henning et al. entitled "Perforated Decking,"
which are incorporated herein by reference. Kircher et al.
discloses a corrugated deck for use as shelving with a plurality of
apertures forming open areas comprising fifty percent of the
surface area of each deck.
[0005] While the fifty percent open area regulation provides a
useful mechanism to address fire safety and containment, some fire
codes, such as foreign fire codes, may not require shelves with a
fifty percent open area in all storage environments. In some
storage environments, a lower percentage of open area may be
allowed, while in others, there may be no requirement for open
areas in the shelves.
[0006] Another system that has been employed to address the fire
safety issue in storage racks is the use of vertical flue spaces.
Flue spaces are gaps or openings left in the storage rack structure
that form a vertical passage that allows fires to spread vertically
to the sprinklers and water to flow down to lower rack levels. The
sizes and locations of such flue spaces are typically dictated by
local or national fire codes, fire protection standards and/or
insurance requirements. there are two common types of flue space:
"transverse" flue spaces, which are usually located at every rack
upright and are perpendicular to the rack rows (i.e., they extend
from the front of the shelving space to the back of the shelving
space); and "longitudinal" flue spaces, which run parallel to the
rack rows, and may be located between back-to-back rows or may even
be formed by aisles between the racks. Typical flue spaces are
required to be six inches wide, and fire inspectors and codes often
allow the space between the rack uprights to form a portion of this
width.
[0007] While flue spaces are commonly required, they are typically
provided by simply stacking the boxes or other stored goods towards
one upright, leaving the required flue space at the other end. This
is shown in FIGS 1A-1C, which illustrate top and front views of a
typical set of storage racks, and an isometric view of a similar
storage rack. In FIGS 1A-1B, there are two racks 102, which are
positioned back-to-back with an aisle 104 on either side. Each rack
102 includes a number of vertical uprights 106 that support
horizontal crossbars 108. As shown in FIG. 1C, typical uprights
have front faces 118 having "teardrop" holes 120, and lateral faces
122 that have square holes 124. Shelves 110 are mounted on the
crossbars 108 between each set of uprights 106 to form separate
storage spaces 111 on the racks 102. Boxes 112 or other stored
goods are stored within the storage spaces 111. As shown, in common
practice, a transverse flue space 114 is formed within each storage
space 111 by simply stacking the boxes 112 towards one end of the
storage space 111. This leaves a transverse flue space having width
"w," which, as shown, is partially formed by the gap between the
uprights 106. To promote proper box stacking, the shelves 110 may
extend only up to the edge of the desired flue space 114, making it
more difficult to obstruct the flue space 114. In fact, when rack
manufacturers are informed of the size of the articles being
stored, they often size the racks to fit a specific number of
articles, but leave a sufficiently wide transverse flue space.
[0008] In addition to transverse flue spaces, the storage racks 102
may have a longitudinal flue space 116 formed between them. In some
cases, wires, straps or meshes have been stretched between adjacent
rear uprights 106 to prevent boxes or other goods from extending
into this longitudinal flue space. Such attempts to maintain the
longitudinal flue space have been marginally successful because
such devices tend to bend or buckle when boxes are pressed against
them.
[0009] While the foregoing flue space system is simple and
inexpensive, it suffers from a number of problems. Primarily, it is
not uncommon for boxes to be positioned to partially or fully
obstruct the flue space. Furthermore, even when the boxes are
properly stacked, they can deform over time and ultimately lean
into, and possibly obstruct, the flue space.
[0010] Some efforts have been made to address these problems. One
such effort is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,294 to Petter
entitled "Spacer Rack for Smoke Detection," which is incorporated
herein by reference. Petter discloses an open wire mesh column that
extends from the front to the back of a pallet storage rack to
create a vertical passageway through which smoke can travel.
However, the Petter system suffers from a number of shortcomings.
For example, the Petter system is large and bulky. The size and
complexity of the system makes it difficult to implement. In
addition, the system must be set up on an empty storage rack. Thus,
the Petter system would either have to be set up prior to using the
storage rack or after emptying the items already on the storage
rack in order to retrofit those racks. Additionally, the Petter
system requires the wire mesh columns to penetrate through each
shelving layer to form the passageway. Thus, the system would
require extensive modification of the storage rack shelves where
storage racks with continuous shelves are used.
[0011] It is believed that another effort to address the problem
with conventional flue spaces provided relatively complex welded
crossbars that were mounted to the front face of each front upright
(i.e., the surface facing the aisle 104), and the rear face of each
rear upright (i.e., the surface facing the longitudinal flue space
116). In addition to being relatively difficult to manufacture, and
thus expensive, it is understood that these crossbars were
difficult to install on a common rack system, particularly where
the rack was already loaded with boxes or other goods.
[0012] Therefore a need still exists for an economical and
functional flue spacer system that will address the fire safety
issue in storage racks and allow retrofitting to filled storage
racks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In one aspect, a flue spacer for providing a flue space in a
storage rack is provided. The exemplary flue spacer has a
transversely extending spacer surface, a first leg extending from a
first end of the spacer surface, a first tab extending from the
first leg, a second leg extending from a second end of the spacer
surface, a second tab extending from the second leg, and at least
one resilient member between the first and second tabs. The
resilient member is adapted to allow the first and second tabs to
be moved towards one another and apply a restoring force to urge
the first and second tabs away from one another. The first and
second tabs are adapted to attach the spacer surface to at least
two storage rack uprights such that the spacer surface is offset
from the storage rack uprights to form a vertical flue space within
the storage rack.
[0014] In another aspect, another flue spacer for providing flue
space in a storage rack is provided. The exemplary flue spacer has
a transversely extending spacer surface, a first leg extending from
a first end of the spacer surface, a first tab associated with the
first leg such that it is movable relative to the spacer surface
and adapted to engage a first storage rack upright, a second leg
extending from a second end of the spacer surface, a second tab
associated with the second leg and adapted to engage a second
storage rack upright, and at least one resilient member between the
first tab and the spacer surface. The resilient member is adapted
to allow the first tab to be moved towards the second tab, and to
apply a restoring force to urge the first tab away from the second
tab. The first and second tabs are adapted to attach the spacer
surface to the first and second storage rack uprights such that the
spacer surface is offset from the storage rack uprights to form a
vertical flue space within the storage rack.
[0015] In another aspect, a shelving system is provided. The
exemplary shelving system has at least two storage rack uprights,
at least one shelf suspended on the storage rack uprights, and a
flue spacer. The flue spacer has a transversely extending spacer
surface, a first leg extending from a first end of the spacer
surface, a first tab associated with the first leg, a second leg
extending from a second end of the spacer surface, a second tab
associated with the second leg, and at least one resilient member
between the first and second tabs. The resilient member is adapted
to allow the first and second tabs to be moved towards one another
and apply a restoring force to urge the first and second tabs away
from one another. The first and second tabs are adapted to attach
the spacer surface to the storage rack uprights such that the
spacer surface is offset from the storage rack uprights to form a
vertical flue space adjacent the shelf,
[0016] The foregoing aspects are exemplary only, and not intended
to limit the claimed invention. Other variations on the foregoing
will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after studying
the present disclosure and practicing the inventions described
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Embodiments of the invention are described in the following
exemplary drawing figures:
[0018] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a typical storage rack system.
[0019] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate one embodiment of a flue spacer of
the present invention comprising a generally straight surface.
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the embodiment of a flue spacer
as shown in FIG. 2 attached to the uprights of a storage rack.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a flue spacer having the
spacer surface formed as a bent surface.
[0022] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the embodiment of a flue spacer
as shown in FIG. 4 installed in a storage rack.
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a flue spacer having the
spacer surface formed as a plate.
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a flue spacer having the
spacer surface formed as a mesh.
[0025] FIG. 8A and 8B illustrate the embodiment of a flue spacer as
shown in FIG. 7 installed in a storage rack.
[0026] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate embodiments of
remotely-installable attachment devices in the form of tabs and
removable tabs, respectively.
[0027] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate three views of another embodiment
of a remotely-installable attachment device in the form of a
removable tab.
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of alternative embodiment of
the invention.
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a spring-loaded flue
spacer of the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate two isometric views of an
alternative embodiment of the invention having a spring-loaded
tab.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The present invention provides a system for providing flue
spaces in storage racks. Because a typical storage facility can
contain hundreds of storage racks, one preferred embodiment of the
invention is simple to install, inexpensive to manufacture, and
does not consume a large portion of the valuable storage space. In
addition, the preferred embodiment preferably can be easily
retrofitted into existing storage racks that already are filled
with items. While it is most preferred for embodiments of the
present invention to satisfy one or more of these objectives, it
will be understood that this is not strictly necessary of all
embodiments of the invention, and the statement of these objectives
is not intended to limit the claimed invention in any way.
[0032] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a typical storage rack commonly used
in industrial and commercial settings. The storage racks are made
up of vertical uprights 106 and shelves 110 that form storage
spaces 111 in which items, such as boxes, can be stacked. The
shelves can be solid shelves or shelves with apertures that form
open areas, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,401,944 and
7,156,243. Additionally, the shelves 110 of each storage rack level
can be made of one continuous shelf or can be made of multiple
shelf pieces, as shown. Oftentimes, these shelves are filled to
capacity so that the items being stored are so tightly packed that
there is little or no space within the storage rack and the surface
area of the shelf is almost entirely covered. Even where the user
intends to leave a vertical flue space, such spaces can be
difficult to create or maintain in practice, can become blocked.
This lack of flue spaces can diminish the effectiveness of fire
detection and containment systems if a fire starts in the storage
rack. The flue spacer of the present invention addresses this
problem by providing and maintaining a flue space within the
storage rack.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the details of one embodiment
of a flue spacer 200 of the present invention are described in
greater detail. The spacer 200 has a spacer surface 202 and two
legs 204 that extend from the spacer surface 202. The spacer
surface 202 has a generally linear shape with a circular profile,
but other shapes may be used. Also, this embodiment is intended to
extend transversely from the front of the storage rack 102 to the
back, thus forming a transverse flue space. However, this design
may be modified such that the spacer 200 is located at the back of
the rack to form a longitudinal flue space. Each of the legs 204
has an attachment element 206 for attaching the spacer surface 202
to an upright 106 of the storage rack. In this embodiment, the
attachment elements are slotted holes for use with respective
fasteners. Any suitable fastener may be used. Examples of fasteners
generally known in the art include, but are not limited to, screws
and bolts. A preferred fastener is a self-tapping screw, such as
those commonly known as "Tek Screws."
[0034] As noted above, the flue spacer 200 may be made with any
suitable shape. To this end, the spacer 200 may be formed, cast, or
assembled in any known manner. One preferred way to form the spacer
of FIG. 2 is to begin with a tubular rod, such as 0.75 inch
diameter galvanized tubular steel conduit. The rod is flattened at
each end, and holes and/or slots are formed into the legs to form
the attachment elements 206. The legs 204 are formed by bending the
tubular rod into the desired shape. In a preferred embodiment, the
legs 204 are sized to offset the spacer surface 202 by about 3
inches or more from the uprights 106 to which the legs 204 attach.
Also in a preferred embodiment, the flue spacer 200 has a length of
about 49 to 50 inches from end to end.
[0035] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate the flue spacer 200 of FIG. 2
attached to the vertical uprights 108 of a storage rack 102. Once
attached, the spacer surface 202 is offset from the uprights 108,
thus forming a vertical flue space 300 within the storage rack. The
flue spacer surface 202 supports the items 302 in storage and keeps
them from obstructing the flue space 300. The number of spacers 200
installed per shelf level of the storage rack can be selected based
on the size of the items in storage. Fewer, taller items may
require fewer flue spacers 200, and more, shorter items may require
more flue spacers 200. Of course, it is not strictly necessary to
provide flue spacers 200 for every level of stacked items on each
shelf. Additionally, since the flue spacers 200 are installed
within each shelf level, the spacer does not need to penetrate
through the shelf levels and will thus not interfere with the
placement of the shelves in the storage rack. This feature of the
invention also aids with retrofitting pre-existing storage
racks.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a flue spacer 400
having the spacer surface 402 formed as bent or curved surface.
Like the previous embodiment, the flue spacer 400 also has two legs
404, and an attachment element 406 associated with each leg 404.
One benefit of this embodiment is that it can be used to support
more layers of items in storage. For example, a single bent spacer
surface 402 can support the tops of one row of boxes, and
simultaneously support the bottoms of another row of boxes that are
stacked on the other boxes. By supporting more layers, fewer
spacers need to be implemented per layer of shelves in the storage
rack. FIGS. 5A and 5B are end and front views of this embodiment of
a flue spacer 400 installed in a storage rack. As shown, two flue
spacers 400 are used to support three levels of boxes 502, 504, 506
to create a flue space 500.
[0037] FIG. 6 illustrates a flue spacer 600 with a spacer surface
602 formed as a plate, and FIG. 7 illustrates a flue spacer 700
with a spacer surface 702 formed as a mesh. In these two
embodiments, the spacer has four legs 604 and 704, respectively
(although three legs or more than four legs may be suitable). In
the illustrated embodiments, the legs 604, 704 have attachment
elements to mount them to the uprights 106, such as hooks that fit
into corresponding openings 124 in the lateral faces 122 of the
uprights 106. Of course, other attachment elements may be used
instead, such as holes and fasteners, or tabs. The use of a plate
or mesh as the spacer surface can provide more supporting surface
area. For example, the embodiments of FIG. 7 is shown installed in
a storage rack in FIGS. 8A and 8B (side and top views,
respectively). Here, the flue spacer 700 supports three rows of
boxes 802, 804, 806 to create a flue space 800. These embodiments
might also be useful where multiple smaller or irregular items are
being stored on the shelf.
[0038] Embodiments of the present invention may be assembled or
attached to storage racks in any suitable manner. In a preferred
embodiment, such as the embodiment of FIG. 2, the flue spacer 200
has simple holes 206 and/or slots through which screws or other
fasteners pass to install the spacer 200 (see FIG. 2C). These holes
206 may be pre-drilled or made during the installation process.
Most preferably, the attachment elements are adapted to engage the
lateral surfaces 122 of the uprights, which simplifies their
installation because an installer need not reach behind the rack to
install them. This is particularly preferred with respect to the
leg 204 that mounts to the rear upright 106, because access to the
front face 118 of the rear upright is typically obstructed by an
adjacent rack or wall.
[0039] The foregoing embodiment is preferred when the shelves are
not already filled with boxes or other stored goods because, at
that time, an installer can relatively easily attach both legs 204
to the storage rack uprights 106. This embodiment might, however,
be somewhat more difficult to install when the shelves are already
filled or partially-filled. As such, another embodiment of the
invention replaces one of the holes 206 with a remotely-installable
attachment device that can be firmly attached to the back upright
106 from a distance.
[0040] Examples of remotely-installable attachment devices are
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in the form of hooks that drop into holes
124 on the lateral faces 122 of the uprights 106. Additional
embodiments of remotely-installable attachment devices are shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B in the form of tabs. FIG. 9A illustrates a tab 902
formed into one spacer leg 904 of a flue spacer 900. FIG. 9B
illustrates a tab 906 that can be attached to a hole 910 in a
spacer leg 912 of another flue spacer 908. The tab 906 can be
attached to the spacer leg by screws, rivets, a friction fit,
welding, or any other suitable mechanism or process. In the shown
embodiment, the tab 906 is removable, and is attached to the hole
910 by a threaded shaft 914 and suitable fastener 916, such as a
hexagonal nut or a wingnut.
[0041] Any suitable tab shape may be used. In the embodiment of
FIG. 9A, the tab 902 comprises a single rectangular protrusion that
can fit into a standard-sized hole in an upright. In the embodiment
of FIG. 9B, the tab 906 comprises a pair of rectangular protrusions
that fit into adjacent holes in a upright.
[0042] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another tab 1000 of the present
invention, in which FIG. 10A is a plan view, FIG. 10B is a cutaway
view as seen along line I-I of FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10C is a cutaway
view as seen along line II-II of FIG. 10A. The tab 1000 comprises a
base plate 1002 that is formed into a pair or tab protrusions 1004
at one end, and a collar 1006 at the other end. The tab protrusions
are shaped to fit into the holes 124 on the lateral faces of the
rack uprights 106, and may be modified depending on the particular
shape and spacing of these holes 124. The collar 1006 is shaped to
slip over the end of one flue spacer leg 204. Although it is not
strictly necessary to firmly hold the collar 1006 onto the leg 204,
if this is desired, a rib or protrusion (not shown), or other
locking means, may be located within the collar 1006 to engage the
leg 204 to hold it firmly in place. The collar 1006 may also be
friction fit, fastened, welded, clamped, or otherwise attached to
the end of the leg 204.
[0043] Additional and alternative shapes and sizes of tabs may be
provided to fit into standard support openings, as will be
appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
present disclosure. In one preferred embodiment, tabs 906 are
provided with flue spacers as an adapter kit for installing the
flue spacer in tight spaces or on shelves that already have boxes
stored on them.
[0044] The tabs 900, 902 and 1000 attach the spacer 200 to the rack
upright 106 by sliding into corresponding holes therein. These tabs
are particularly useful for retrofitting storage racks that already
have items stored on the shelves because an installer can simply
reach the flue spacer back behind the stored goods and slide the
tabs into holes in the uprights to secure the back of the flue
spacer, all without having to remove the goods or climb into the
shelf space. Once the rear tab is inserted, the installer can
attach the front spacer leg using a fastener, hook, tab, or other
attachment device.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment of the
invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, two storage racks
1102, 1102' are adjacent one another, and the flue spacer 1104 has
been modified to extend transversely across both racks 1102, 1102'.
Here, one flue spacer leg 1106 is attached to the aisle-side
upright 1108 (i.e., the upright adjacent the aisle, as opposed to
the upright adjacent the adjacent rack) of one storage rack 1102,
and the other leg 1106' is attached to the aisle-side upright 1108'
of the other storage rack 1102'. Using this construction it is not
necessary to remotely install the back leg of each flue spacer,
potentially easing installation when boxes or goods are already on
the racks, and fewer parts are required to fully equip the facility
with flue spacers. Other than being adapted to extend across two
racks, the flue spacer 1104 is the same as described previously
herein. If desired, the spacer 1104 may also include a brace (which
may be a separate part, an attached part, or simply and curved
central portion of the flue spacer 1112, as shown in the lower
embodiment) that abuts one or both of the two center uprights 1110,
1110' to help prevent the longer flue spacer 1104 from bending
should the boxes or other goods press against it.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 12, the present invention also
provides an embodiment of a flue spacer that is adapted to be
installed without tools. In this embodiment, the flue spacer 1200
comprises a spacer surface 1202 and a pair of legs 1204 that extend
from the spacer surface and terminate at respective tabs 1206. The
tabs 1206 are adapted to fit into corresponding holes on vertical
uprights, as shown previously herein. In this embodiment, the
spacer surface 1202 comprises a first member 1202a that is
telescopically positioned over a second member 1202b such that the
two members 1202a, 1202b can be moved relative to one another to
increase and decrease the distance between the tabs 1206. A spring
1208 is provided to bias the two members 1202a, 1202b apart. If
necessary, the two members 1202a, 1202b may have non-circular
profiles or other features (such as a tab on the outer member 1202a
that protrudes into a groove on the inner member 1202b) to prevent
them from rotating relative to one another. The flue spacer 1200 is
installed by inserting one of the tabs 1206 into the rear vertical
upright holes, compressing the spring 1208 (such as by pressing
back on one of the telescoping members 1202a, 1202b), positioning
the other tab 1206 into the front vertical upright holes, and
releasing the compressing force on the spring 1208. When the
compressing force is released, the spring 1208 extends the two
members 1202a, 1202b and locks the tabs 1206 into their respective
holes. When installed, the spring 1208 may be fully extended, or
may still exert a restoring force that urges the tabs 1206 away
from one another and into engagement with the holes.
[0047] A number of variations on the foregoing embodiment will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
present disclosure. For example, the spring 1208 may be replaced by
a turnbuckle or other axial positioning device that is manually
expanded to lock the tabs 1206 into their respective holes. The
telescoping members 1202a, 1202b may also be replaced by adjacent
sliding members or a linkage (such as a trapezoidal 4-bar linkage).
These and other variations are included in the present
invention.
[0048] A further variation of a spring-loaded flue spacer is
illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In this embodiment, the flue
spacer 1300 comprises a spacer surface 1302 and legs 1304, such as
described previously herein. A spring-loaded tab 1306 is affixed to
one of the legs 1304, and the other leg (not shown) is provided
with a fixed tab, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-C, 9A-B, or
10A-C. In the shown embodiment, the spring-loaded tab 1306
comprises a sleeve 1308 that slides over a flattened end portion
1310 of the leg 1304. The tab 1306 and leg 1304 are connected by a
spring 1312, which hooks onto corresponding structures on the tab
1306 and leg 1304. The spring 1312 is arranged to bias the tab 1306
away from the flue spacer 1300, as shown in FIG. 13A. Applying a
compressive force to the tab 1306 or the flue spacer 1300 moves the
tab 1306 towards the flue spacer 1300, as shown in FIG. 13B, to
reduce the total distance between the spring-loaded tab 1306 and
the fixed tab on the second leg (not shown) at the other end of the
flue spacer 1300. This embodiment is installed by inserting the
spring-loaded tab 1306 into rear vertical support holes,
compressing the spring 1312, inserting the other tab into front
vertical support holes, and releasing pressure to allow the spring
1312 to contract and hold the flue spacer in place.
[0049] A number of variations on the foregoing embodiment are
envisioned and will be apparent with practice of the present
invention and upon review of the present disclosure. For example,
spring-loaded tabs may be provided on both ends of the flue spacer,
or other kinds of spring (or other resilient material, such as
elastomer), may be used. The spring arrangement also may be
modified. For example, the leg may be provided as a spring-loaded
member that pivots relative to the spacer surface. This embodiment
may use a mechanical pivot between the leg and the spacer surface
in conjunction with a spring that biases the leg into the engaged
position, or the spacer surface itself may be flexible enough to
act as a spring. In the latter case, the user can install the flue
spacer by inserting the rear tab into a rear vertical support hole,
flexing the support surface to fix the front tabs into a front
vertical support hole, and releasing the flue spacer to lock it
into place.
[0050] It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are
exemplary only, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings provided
herein. For example, any type of fastening mechanism may be used to
install the spacers, and the spacers can take any suitable shape.
Spacers may be installed in any suitable pattern to obtain the
desired flue space volume, and may be made larger or smaller, or
attached with shims, to provide smaller or larger flue spaces, if
necessary or desired. Also, the spacers may be installed by
attaching them to the shelves or horizontal or angled rack
elements, rather than the uprights. The claimed invention is
limited only by the following claims.
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