U.S. patent application number 12/780261 was filed with the patent office on 2011-11-17 for apparatus for a pallet rack.
Invention is credited to Scott C. Smith.
Application Number | 20110278251 12/780261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44910842 |
Filed Date | 2011-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110278251 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Scott C. |
November 17, 2011 |
Apparatus for a Pallet Rack
Abstract
An apparatus for a pallet rack includes a column including a
tubular member for vertical support. A base plate is joined to a
bottom end of the column for anchoring the apparatus to ground. A
top cap including a u-shaped structure is joined to a top portion
of the column for joining to a vertical support of a pallet rack.
An angle bracket is joined to the column including a horizontal
pivot point for joining, at the pivot point, to an angle brace of
the pallet rack, and for enabling the angle brace to pivot in a
vertical plane. A horizontal bracket is joined to the column
including a vertical pivot point for joining, at the pivot point,
to a horizontal brace of the pallet rack, and for enabling the
horizontal brace to pivot in a horizontal plane.
Inventors: |
Smith; Scott C.; (Modesto,
CA) |
Family ID: |
44910842 |
Appl. No.: |
12/780261 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 1/02 20130101; A47F
5/01 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/183 |
International
Class: |
A47B 55/00 20060101
A47B055/00; A47B 57/00 20060101 A47B057/00; A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: means for vertical support; means for
anchoring the apparatus to ground; means for joining to a vertical
support of a pallet rack; means for joining, at a pivot point, to
an angle brace of the pallet rack, and for enabling the angle brace
to pivot in a vertical plane; and means for joining, at a pivot
point, to a horizontal brace of the pallet rack, and for enabling
the horizontal brace to pivot in a horizontal plane.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for securing said anchoring means to ground.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for deflecting impacts from equipment.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising means
for indicating caution to equipment operators.
5. An apparatus comprising: a column comprising a tubular member
for vertical support; a base plate joined to a bottom end of said
column for anchoring the apparatus to ground; a top cap comprising
a u-shaped structure joined to a top portion of said column for
joining to a vertical support of a pallet rack; an angle bracket
joined to said column comprising a horizontal pivot point for
joining, at said pivot point, to an angle brace of the pallet rack,
and for enabling the angle brace to pivot in a vertical plane; and
a horizontal bracket joined to said column comprising a vertical
pivot point for joining, at said pivot point, to a horizontal brace
of the pallet rack, and for enabling the horizontal brace to pivot
in a horizontal plane.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising anchor
bolts for securing said base plate to ground.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising an
angled deflection plate joined to a front lower portion of said
column for deflecting impacts from equipment.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further comprising bright
color paint applied to the apparatus for indicating caution to
equipment operators.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said top cap is
joined to the vertical support with bolts.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said horizontal
pivot point and said vertical pivot point comprise bolts.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said angled
deflection plate is joined to said column by welding.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, wherein said column is
rectangular in shape.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein said angled
deflection plate comprises a right angle.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein said angled
deflection plate substantially covers said front lower portion.
15. An apparatus comprising: a first column comprising a tubular
member for vertical support; a first base plate joined to a bottom
end of said first column for anchoring the apparatus to ground; a
first top cap comprising a u-shaped structure joined to a top
portion of said first column for joining to a first vertical
support of a pallet rack; an angle brace; a first angle bracket
joined to said first column comprising a horizontal pivot point for
joining, at said pivot point, to a first end of said angle brace,
and for enabling said angle brace to pivot in a vertical plane; a
horizontal brace; a first horizontal bracket joined to said first
column comprising a vertical pivot point for joining, at said pivot
point, to a first end of said horizontal brace, and for enabling
said horizontal brace to pivot in a horizontal plane; a second
column comprising a tubular member for vertical support; a second
base plate joined to a bottom end of said second column for
anchoring the apparatus to ground; a second top cap comprising a
u-shaped structure joined to a top portion of said second column
for joining to a second vertical support of a pallet rack; a second
angle bracket joined to said second column comprising a horizontal
pivot point for joining, at said pivot point, to a second end of
said angle brace, and for enabling said angle brace to pivot in a
vertical plane; and a second horizontal bracket joined to said
first column comprising a vertical pivot point for joining, at said
pivot point, to a second end of said horizontal brace, and for
enabling said horizontal brace to pivot in a horizontal plane.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising anchor
bolts for securing said base plate to ground.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising a
first angled deflection plate joined to a front lower portion of
said first column and a second angled deflection plate joined to a
front lower portion of said second column for deflecting impacts
from equipment.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, further comprising bright
color paint applied to the apparatus for indicating caution to
equipment operators.
19. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said first column
and said second column are rectangular in shape.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 19, wherein said first angled
deflection plate and said second angled deflection plate comprise
right angles.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to metal pallet
racking for warehouses. More particularly, the invention relates to
means to repair and reinforce pallet racking.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides pallet racking repair and
reinforcement. Pallet racking is made of multiple vertical supports
with holes into which attachment means for horizontal shelves are
inserted. The vertical supports typically have many holes to
provide adjustability when creating shelving units for holding
items of various different shapes and sizes. However, these holes
may weaken the vertical supports, and pallet racking often holds
heavy loads. Furthermore, pallet racking is typically used in
storage areas or warehouses where forklifts are frequently being
operated. In these environments the forklifts may hit the pallet
racking, which can push the pallet racking over or bend the
vertical supports causing the racking to be unstable. It is
therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a system
for reinforcing pallet racking, generally preventing damage from
forklifts, and repairing damaged pallet racking.
[0006] There are some currently known systems for repairing the
damage caused to pallet racking by forklifts. However, some of
these systems make the racking too ridged, which may cause more
damage if the racking is hit again, and other systems are not
strong enough. Furthermore, none of the currently known systems
have means for preventing the forks of forklifts from damaging the
racking.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for improved
techniques for reinforcing and repairing pallet racking that is
strong, provides some flexibility, and protects the racking from
damage that may be caused by the forks of forklifts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0009] FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate an exemplary pallet racking
repair and reinforcement system attached to a front vertical
support of a pallet racking system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective
view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 1C is a side
perspective view of a lower portion of the system; and
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary pallet
racking repair and reinforcement system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] To achieve the forgoing and other objects and in accordance
with the purpose of the invention, an apparatus for a pallet rack
is presented.
[0013] In one embodiment an apparatus includes means for vertical
support, means for anchoring the apparatus to ground, means for
joining to a vertical support of a pallet rack, means for joining,
at a pivot point, to an angle brace of the pallet rack, and for
enabling the angle brace to pivot in a vertical plane and means for
joining, at a pivot point, to a horizontal brace of the pallet
rack, and for enabling the horizontal brace to pivot in a
horizontal plane.
[0014] In another embodiment an apparatus includes a column
including a tubular member for vertical support. A base plate is
joined to a bottom end of the column for anchoring the apparatus to
ground. A top cap including a u-shaped structure is joined to a top
portion of the column for joining to a vertical support of a pallet
rack. An angle bracket is joined to the column including a
horizontal pivot point for joining, at the pivot point, to an angle
brace of the pallet rack, and for enabling the angle brace to pivot
in a vertical plane. A horizontal bracket is joined to the column
including a vertical pivot point for joining, at the pivot point,
to a horizontal brace of the pallet rack, and for enabling the
horizontal brace to pivot in a horizontal plane.
[0015] In another embodiment an apparatus includes a first column
including a tubular member for vertical support. A first base plate
is joined to a bottom end of the first column for anchoring the
apparatus to ground. A first top cap including a u-shaped structure
is joined to a top portion of the first column for joining to a
first vertical support of a pallet rack. A first angle bracket is
joined to the first column including a horizontal pivot point for
joining, at the pivot point, to a first end of an angle brace, and
for enabling the angle brace to pivot in a vertical plane. A first
horizontal bracket is joined to the first column including a
vertical pivot point for joining, at the pivot point, to a first
end of a horizontal brace, and for enabling the horizontal brace to
pivot in a horizontal plane. A second column includes a tubular
member for vertical support. A second base plate is joined to a
bottom end of the second column for anchoring the apparatus to
ground. A second top cap including a u-shaped structure is joined
to a top portion of the second column for joining to a second
vertical support of a pallet rack. A second angle bracket is joined
to the second column including a horizontal pivot point for
joining, at the pivot point, to a second end of the angle brace,
and for enabling the angle brace to pivot in a vertical plane. A
second horizontal bracket is joined to the first column including a
vertical pivot point for joining, at the pivot point, to a second
end of the horizontal brace, and for enabling the horizontal brace
to pivot in a horizontal plane.
[0016] Other features, advantages, and object of the present
invention will become more apparent and be more readily understood
from the following detailed description, which should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
detailed figures and description set forth herein.
[0018] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity
of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of
the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation
choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is,
there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention
that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as
plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa,
where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily
imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0019] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings.
[0020] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are
provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present
invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific
details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but
rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or
manner.
[0021] It is to be understood that any exact
measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials
indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable
configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled
in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following
teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation
details.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention reinforce
pallet racking and protect pallet racking from forklift damage by
making the lower end of the pallet racking stronger. Preferred
embodiments may also be used to repair pallet racking that has been
damaged. Preferred embodiments repair or reinforce the racking
without damaging the rest of the racking system. Preferred
embodiments also comprise an added deflection plate on the front
portion to generally prevent the forks of forklifts from hitting
the pallet racking. Preferred embodiments of the present invention
may be used in any warehouse or other storage area that has pallet
racking and forklifts. Preferred embodiments use as much of the
original structure of the pallet racking system as possible when
repairing the racking system. In some preferred embodiments bright
color paint is applied to the apparatus for indicating caution to
equipment operators.
[0023] FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate an exemplary pallet racking
repair and reinforcement system 100 attached to a front vertical
support 105 of a pallet racking system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front perspective
view. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view. FIG. 1C is a side
perspective view of a lower portion of repair and reinforcement
system 100. It additionally illustrates by way of example, and not
limitation, and exemplary angled deflection plate (described
below), in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present
invention. In the present embodiment, repair and reinforcement
system 100 repairs and reinforces the lower portion of vertical
support 105 of the metal pallet racking from damages caused by
forklifts and generally restores the integrity of the racking. This
generally makes the pallet racking safer. Repair and reinforcement
system 100 comprises a column 110 of 3''.times.3''.times.1/4'' wall
tubing as the body of system 100. A top cap 115 welded to the top
of column 110 extends 10'' from the top of column 110 with two
connection points 120 to connect top cap 115 to vertical support
105. Repair and reinforcement system 100 also comprises a
5''.times.7'' base plate 130 with four holes 135 for anchor bolts
140. Anchor bolts 140 enable column 110 to be bolted to the floor.
On the front of column 110 near the bottom going up 6'' is a peace
of angled deflection plate 145 that generally prevents the forks of
forklifts from hitting repair and reinforcement system 100. In the
present embodiment, repair and reinforcement system 100 is made so
that if a forklift does break anchor bolts 140 from the ground, no
damage is done to the a rear vertical support 150, unlike the prior
art. A prior design of this type of system uses 3'' C-Channel steel
for bracing this makes the system to rigid and the force of the
impact goes to the back upright that is only 12 G steel and damages
the upright. Our system uses the original bracing from the pallet
manufacture and our 2 piece tube brace with a low shear bolt. This
will stop the force from making it to the back upright.
[0024] In typical use of the present embodiment, the lower portion
of vertical support 105 is removed and repair and reinforcement
system 100 is added to vertical support 105. The top of column 110
is placed directly under vertical support 105, and top cap 115 is
bolted to vertical support 105 at connection points 120. Then, an
angle brace 155 and a horizontal brace 165 of the pallet racking
system are bolted to column 110. System 100 can be used to repair
damaged pallet racking or can be used as a pallet racking
reinforcement for various reasons for example, without limitation,
because the racking holds a large amount of weight or because the
racking is in a high-traffic area. System 100 can be used as a
seismic retrofit to make non-seismic pallet racking seismic. System
100 can also be used as a preventive tool to generally prevent
pallet racking damage and to generally prevent the forks of
forklifts from damaging the vertical supports of the pallet
racking. System 100 can also be used to fix the back lag of a
vertical support.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an exemplary pallet
racking repair and reinforcement system 200, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
repair and reinforcement system 200 comprises two columns 210 that
are connected to two vertical supports 205 of a pallet racking
system. Columns 210 are connected with an angle brace 255 and a
horizontal brace 265. System 200 may be used when multiple vertical
supports of a racking system are damaged. System 200 can also be
used to lift a racking system off the ground to make it taller.
[0026] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of
providing pallet racking repair and reinforcement according to the
present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The
invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the
specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the
particular implementation of the pallet racking repair and
reinforcement system may vary depending upon the particular type of
column and braces used. The systems described in the foregoing were
directed to implementations with columns made of square tube with
one angled brace and one horizontal brace; however, similar
techniques are to use columns of various different shapes such as,
but not limited to, circular tubing, triangular tubing, solid rod,
etc. and to use fewer or more braces. Implementations of the
present invention comprising various different column and brace
configurations are contemplated as within the scope of the present
invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the following claims.
[0027] Claim elements and steps herein have been numbered and/or
lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. As
such, the numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and
should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or
steps in the claims.
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