U.S. patent application number 13/581967 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for upright support configuration for a pallet racking system.
This patent application is currently assigned to GLIDESTORE FREETRACK PTY LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is Brian Parker. Invention is credited to Brian Parker.
Application Number | 20130068705 13/581967 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47421928 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130068705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parker; Brian |
March 21, 2013 |
UPRIGHT SUPPORT CONFIGURATION FOR A PALLET RACKING SYSTEM
Abstract
The present invention relates to an upright reinforcing assembly
for use with a pallet racking system, and racking system
incorporating the same. The support configuration consists of an
upright support and attached a bracket containing two L-shaped
platforms which form a pocket. The upright support configuration is
placed between two frame assemblies to support the beam, which is
held in the pocket created by the bracket, thereby providing
additional support to the beam and preventing rotation, bowing or
distortion of the beam. Such a configuration lowers the cost of
pallet racking as lower capacity beams can be used, or otherwise
less frame assemblies are required in the racking.
Inventors: |
Parker; Brian; (Eastwood,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Parker; Brian |
Eastwood |
|
AU |
|
|
Assignee: |
GLIDESTORE FREETRACK PTY
LTD
Eastwood, South Australia
AU
|
Family ID: |
47421928 |
Appl. No.: |
13/581967 |
Filed: |
June 25, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
June 25, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU12/00744 |
371 Date: |
August 30, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/13.1 ;
211/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 57/402 20130101;
B65G 1/02 20130101; A47B 53/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/13.1 ;
211/183 |
International
Class: |
A47B 55/00 20060101
A47B055/00; A47B 96/00 20060101 A47B096/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 23, 2011 |
AU |
2011902461 |
Claims
1. A pallet racking system including: a frame assembly including a
width and a depth dimension, said width dimension being defined by
two outer upright frame assemblies, said frame assembly further
including one or more cross beams extending horizontally between
said two outer upright frame assemblies, wherein substantially
aligned cross beams along the depth dimension of the racking system
are adapted to support one or more pallets; and at least one
additional upright support disposed on a front or rear side of a
first one of said cross beams between the two outer frame
assemblies, said additional upright support having at least one
bracket configured to assist in supporting said first cross
beam.
2. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
first cross beam is of a length sufficient to accommodate two side
by side and spaced apart pallets.
3. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 2 wherein said
additional upright support and associated bracket is disposed
approximately halfway between said upright frame assemblies to
thereby assist in supporting said first cross beam; and wherein
said first cross beam is adapted to support two pallets on opposed
sides of said bracket.
4. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
bracket includes a main body configured to be secured to the
additional upright support.
5. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 4 wherein said
bracket further includes a base support surface extending outwardly
from said main body to thereby support said first cross beam.
6. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 5 wherein said
additional upright support is disposed rearwards of said first
cross beam, and the base support surface extends forwardly from
said main body.
7. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 5 wherein said
base support surface is horizontal.
8. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 6 wherein said
base support surface includes a curvature along its length adapted
to correspond with a curvature along said first cross beam when
pallets are supported on either side of said bracket.
9. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 8 wherein said
base support surface further includes rounded off edges.
10. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 5 wherein said
bracket further includes an upright support surface for preventing
said first cross beam from movement along said depth dimension
relative to said additional upright support.
11. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 1 wherein said
system includes a plurality of vertically spaced cross beams
extending between pairs of spaced apart upright frame assemblies
disposed along the depth dimension of the racking system.
12. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 11 wherein the
cross beams are substantially aligned along said depth dimension
such that racked pallets are supported and moveable along the
aligned cross beams.
13. The pallet racking system as defined in claim 12 wherein the
cross beams that are substantially aligned along said depth
dimension form a slight angle for facilitating movement of the
racked pallets by gravity along said depth dimension.
14. A reinforcing assembly for a frame system having a frame
assembly with a width and a depth dimension, said width dimension
being defined by two outer upright frame assemblies, said
reinforcing assembly further including one or more cross beams
extending horizontally between said two outer upright frame
assemblies, wherein substantially aligned cross beams along the
depth dimension of the racking system are adapted to support a
load, said upright support assembly including: at least one
additional upright frame member disposed on a front or rear side of
a first one of said cross beams between the two outer frame
assemblies, said additional upright frame member having at least
one bracket configured to assist in supporting said first cross
beam and load.
15. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 14 wherein said
frame system is a pallet racking system and said load is in the
form of one or more pallets.
16. The A reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said
first cross beam is of a length sufficient to accommodate two side
by side and spaced apart pallets.
17. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 16 wherein said
additional upright support and associated bracket is disposed
approximately halfway between said upright frame assemblies to
thereby assist in supporting said first cross beam with two pallets
on opposed sides of said bracket.
18. The A reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said
bracket includes a main body configured to be secured to the
additional upright support.
19. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein said
bracket further includes a base support surface extending outwardly
from said main body to thereby support said first cross beam.
20. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein said
additional upright support is disposed rearwards of said first
cross beam, and the base support surface extends forwardly from
said main body.
21. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 19 wherein said
base support surface is horizontal.
22. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 19 wherein said
base support surface includes a curvature along its length adapted
to correspond with a curvature along said first cross beam when
pallets are supported on either side of said bracket.
23. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 22 wherein said
base support surface further includes rounded off edges.
24. The reinforcing assembly as defined in claim 19 wherein said
bracket further includes an upright support surface for preventing
said first cross beam from movement along said depth dimension
relative to said additional upright support.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet racking system and
reinforcing assembly therefor. In particular, the invention relates
to a system that includes intermediate supports consisting of an
upright support and a bracket with a base support and upright
component which, when assembled, provide support to a pallet
racking beam.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Pallet storage systems used to store cargo-carrying pallets
are known. Such systems typically include a support frame for
supporting the pallets and which are loadable from one or more ends
of the frame. These frames are generally designed in a grid
formation including upright frame assemblies and connected by beams
or shelves creating levels upon which the pallets are loaded by a
forklift. Typically 2 or more pallets can be accommodated between
each frame assembly.
[0003] A common and known racking system is the `Drive-in` system
wherein the forklift is driven in between the lanes or bays of the
system and the pallet is lifted into the racking. The disadvantage
of this system, however, is that it is labour intensive given the
care the forklift driver must take driving in and out of the
racking, and is thus is also time consuming. Another disadvantage
is the repair costs which are involved when errors or accidents
occur with the forklifts.
[0004] `Drive-in` racking has thus been improved by use of the
`Pushback` and `Flowthrough` racking alternatives, which are also
known. The `Pushback` system utilises a forklift to place the
pallet into the racking system, whereby the pallets are then pushed
back onto inclined rails inside the racking. The `Flowthrough`
system utilizes an incline rail with rollers and braking systems
which move the pallets along a slope and wherein the pallets are
loaded from one end (either the back or front of the system) and
unloaded from the other end.
[0005] As pallets often contain heavy material, the horizontal
cross beams in each system must be sturdy and made from a
sufficiently durable material so as to adequately support the
weight of several pallets.
[0006] The beams are commonly therefore made from steel or other
similarly sturdy material, however use of heavy duty steel beams in
pallet racking is cost prohibitive.
[0007] Cross beams made from cheaper and lighter material or beams
of a lower cross-sectional amount of steel can be used and are
desirable, however, the lack of strength in these beams can lead
the centre of the beam to depress, distort or rotate under the
pressure of the pallet weight and movement. The beam is therefore
structurally weak and dangerous and cannot accommodate the desired
weight of the pallets.
[0008] The object of this invention is to provide racking system
including additional uprights with support brackets which alleviate
some of the abovementioned problems, or at least provides the
public with a useful alternative.
[0009] A further object of the invention is to provide a
reinforcing assembly for use in such racking systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It should be noted that any one of the aspects mentioned
above may include any of the features of any of the other aspects
mentioned above and may include any of the features of any of the
embodiments described below as appropriate.
[0011] Therefore, in one form of the invention there is proposed a
pallet racking system including:
[0012] a frame assembly including a width and a depth dimension,
said width dimension being defined by two outer upright frame
assemblies, said frame assembly further including one or more cross
beams extending horizontally between said two outer upright frame
assemblies, wherein substantially aligned cross beams along the
depth dimension of the racking system are adapted to support one or
more pallets; at least one additional upright support adapted to be
disposed on a front or rear side of said cross beam between the two
outer frame assemblies, said additional upright support having at
least one bracket configured to assist in supporting said cross
beam.
[0013] Preferably said cross beam is of a length sufficient to
accommodate two side by side and spaced apart pallets.
[0014] In preference said additional upright support and associated
bracket is disposed approximately halfway between said upright
frame assemblies to thereby assist in supporting a cross beam with
two pallets on opposed sides of said bracket.
[0015] Preferably said bracket includes a main body configured to
be secured to the additional upright support.
[0016] In preference said bracket further includes a base support
surface extending outwardly from said main body to thereby support
said cross beam.
[0017] In preference said additional upright support is disposed
rearwards of said cross beam, and the base support surface extends
forwardly from said main body.
[0018] Preferably said base support surface is horizontal.
[0019] Alternatively said base support surface includes a curvature
along its length adapted to correspond with a curvature along said
cross beam when pallets are supported on either side of said
bracket.
[0020] Preferably said base support surface further includes
rounded off edges.
[0021] Preferably said bracket further includes an upright support
surface for preventing said cross beam from movement along said
depth dimension relative to said additional upright support.
[0022] In preference said system includes a plurality of vertically
spaced cross beams extending between each pair of spaced apart
upright frame assemblies disposed along the depth dimension of the
racking system.
[0023] Preferably the cross beams are substantially aligned along
said depth dimension such that racked pallets are supported and
moveable along the aligned cross beams.
[0024] In preference the cross beams that are substantially aligned
along said depth dimension form a slight angle for facilitating
movement of the racked pallets by gravity along said depth
dimension.
[0025] In a further form of the invention, there is proposed a
reinforcing assembly for a frame system having a frame assembly
with a width and a depth dimension, said width dimension being
defined by two outer upright frame assemblies, said reinforcing
assembly further including one or more cross beams extending
horizontally between said two outer upright frame assemblies,
wherein substantially aligned cross beams along the depth dimension
of the racking system are adapted to support a load, said upright
support assembly including:
[0026] at least one additional upright frame member adapted to be
disposed on a front or rear side of said cross beam between the two
outer frame assemblies, said additional upright frame member having
at least one bracket configured to assist in supporting said cross
beam and load.
[0027] The skilled addressee would thus realize how the reinforcing
assembly comprising the additional upright support and bracket
effectively halve the span of a cross beam without requiring the
addition of a new upright frame assembly and/or requiring the beam
to be shortened. The present invention could thus have application
in a number of different structural systems and not necessarily
only in pallet racking systems.
[0028] Preferably said frame system is a pallet racking system and
said load is in the form of one or more pallets.
[0029] In preference said cross beam is of a length sufficient to
accommodate two side by side and spaced apart pallets.
[0030] Preferably said additional upright support and associated
bracket is disposed approximately halfway between said upright
frame assemblies to thereby assist in supporting a cross beam with
two pallets on opposed sides of said bracket.
[0031] In preference said bracket includes a main body configured
to be secured to the additional upright support.
[0032] Preferably said bracket further includes a base support
surface extending outwardly from said main body to thereby support
said cross beam.
[0033] In preference said additional upright support is disposed
rearwards of said cross beam, and the base support surface extends
forwardly from said main body.
[0034] Preferably said base support surface is horizontal.
[0035] Alternatively said base support surface includes a curvature
along its length adapted to correspond with a curvature along said
cross beam when pallets are supported on either side of said
bracket.
[0036] Preferably said base support surface further includes
rounded off edges.
[0037] In preference said bracket further includes an upright
support surface for preventing said cross beam from movement along
said depth dimension relative to said additional upright
support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
implementations of the invention and, together with the
description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the
invention. In the drawings:
[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pallet racking system
incorporating traditional upright side frame assemblies and
horizontal beams, the system including additional upright supports
in accordance with the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bracket according to a
first embodiment of the present invention including, in an exploded
view, upper and lower L-shaped platforms associated therewith which
support the beam;
[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 2 with
the upper platform secured to the lower platform to create a pocket
to support the beam; and
[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the additional
upright supports shown in FIG. 1 including the bracket of FIGS. 2-3
secured thereto and supporting a horizontal cross beam; and
[0043] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pallet racking system
including two traditional upright side frame assemblies with
additional upright supports disposed there between, and a cross
beam support bracket associated with each additional support
configured in accordance with a second and preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the connector
bracket of FIG. 5 in use and supporting a horizontal cross
beam;
[0045] FIG. 7 is a front and side view of the connector bracket of
FIG. 5 when not in use; and
[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connector bracket of
FIG. 5 when not in use.
LIST OF COMPONENTS
[0047] 20 Pallet racking system
[0048] 24 Beam
[0049] 26 Outer upright frame
[0050] 28 Centre upright frame
[0051] 29 Brace
[0052] 30 Additional upright support
[0053] 32 Bracket
[0054] 33 Bracket main body
[0055] 34 Apertures
[0056] 36 Lower L-shaped platform
[0057] 38 Upper L-shaped platform
[0058] 40 Lower platform apertures
[0059] 42 Upper platform apertures
[0060] 44 Pocket
[0061] 46 Bolt
[0062] 48 Support configuration
[0063] 50 Pallet racking system (2)
[0064] 52 Bracket (2)
[0065] 53 Bracing (2)
[0066] 54 Pocket (2)
[0067] 56 Base support surface
[0068] 58 L-shaped member
[0069] 59 Upright portion
[0070] 60 Apertures (2)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0071] The following detailed description of the invention refers
to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following
description to refer to the same and like parts. Dimensions of
certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or
exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration.
[0072] The present invention relates to a pallet racking system and
bracket therefor which allows for horizontal cross beams supporting
the pallets to be constructed of cheaper and lighter material
and/or be of lesser cross sectional size than hitherto known beams
used in conventional pallet racking systems. The present invention
can be used in conjunction with either the "Pushback" or
"Flowthrough" racking systems which are known, but it is to be
understood that the invention could equally well be applied to any
kind of racking system.
[0073] Referring now to the drawings there is illustrated in FIG. 1
a racking system 20 according to the known type consisting of two
outer (or side) upright frame assemblies 26 and a centre upright
frame assembly 28, between which extend horizontal cross beams 24
onto which pallets (not shown) can be loaded. The system 20
includes a plurality of such frames spaced along its depth. In the
embodiment shown, the front facade of the system 20 includes three
upright frame assemblies 26 and 28, with five vertically spaced
cross beams 24 extending between each side and central frame
assembly, however the invention can be applied to alternately
configured systems having two or even four or more upright frame
assemblies and any number of vertically spaced cross beams.
[0074] The beams, therefore, extend between the outer frame
assemblies 26 and the centre frame assembly 28, attached by known
methods such as a bracket. The spacing between the outer assembly
26 and the centre assembly 28 allows for the insertion of two
pallets resting comfortably next to one another (with a gap there
between), and further beams 24 are attached in the same way
extending the depth of the racking system. The cross beams in
adjacent rows are aligned (typically on an angle as mentioned in
the preamble) and thus provide a secure shelf upon which the
pallets can be loaded.
[0075] Currently these cross beams, usually made from steel, need
to be of a certain dimension and strength in order to support the
pallets properly, however such volumes of steel are costly. It
would be advantageous for the beams to be either made of a lighter
material or from less steel, but still allow pallets of the same
weight to be loaded into the racking system.
[0076] Lighter beams can be used, however this requires additional
upright frame assemblies, usually the same as those which are used
for the outer and centre assemblies, to be inserted between each of
the pallets in order to provide the required support. Currently,
these additional frame assemblies are more cost effective than the
heavier beams, but can still be cost prohibitive. In addition, the
use of shorter beams and additional frame assemblies equates to
more cost for end brackets required at each end of the cross
beams.
[0077] The present invention proposes the use of additional upright
supports 30, rather than additional frame assemblies. These upright
supports 30 are similar to the frame assemblies 26 and 28 in that
they comprise one or more upright posts having spaced apart
engagement apertures (not numbered for the purpose of brevity)
along their height and/or width, however, because the additional
support is disposed behind the cross beam and not in line with it,
one beam can still be used to support two pallets between two
upright assemblies. If a standard upright assembly were used
instead, two beams would be required as well as two end brackets.
In addition, it is envisaged that the additional supports will not
require the diagonal or horizontal braces 29 which the frame
assemblies use to connect and support the assemblies along the
depth of the racking system. Thus, because the additional supports
are effectively freestanding, much less material is required, and
use of the upright supports 30 is far more cost effective than use
of additional frame assemblies. In addition, because they are
configured similarly to the upright support assemblies, the
additional supports can be made from known and existing
materials.
[0078] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the upright
support 30 is disposed halfway between each outer upright frame
assembly 26 and the centre upright frame assembly 28 and thereby
creates two channels on either side thereof for the insertion of
two pallets. Thus, in the configuration shown in FIG. 1 for
example, four pallets could be stored across the width of the
racking system, that is, on two cross members which together span
the width between the outer upright frame assemblies.
[0079] The upright supports extend vertically the height of the
frame, as seen in FIG. 1 and are preferably attached at the rear of
each of the horizontal beams 24 through use of a bracket 32 (not
shown in FIG. 1). The rear positioning of the upright support 30
takes advantage of the stronger front side of the uprights and
supports the rear of the cross beam. It can thus be appreciated
that each additional support is effectively a vertical structure
positioned at a point along a horizontal cross beam and connected
thereto using a bracket 32, to provide additional support for the
cross beam when one or more pallets is placed on the cross member.
In using cross beams of reduced material and strength, such support
is necessary and would otherwise not be provided by the upright
frame assemblies alone.
[0080] The upright supports 30 are preferably attached to the beams
24 at the halfway point between the outer upright frame 26 and the
centre upright frame 28. As the racking system 20 is designed to
accommodate two pallets in this space, the upright support 30
therefore does not interfere with the loading of the pallets, and
once loaded, there is a pallet on either side of the upright
support 30.
[0081] The upright supports therefore reinforce the beams 24 which
use much less steel than regular beams and allow pallets of the
same weight to be loaded onto the racking system 20 without
compromising the integrity of the beams. The upright supports 30
are therefore far more cost effective than use of additional frame
assemblies in a "Pushback" and "Flowthrough" system. The upright
supports 30 also allow the use of reduced capacity beams, typically
a beam with a steel thickness of 9 mm as opposed to the standard 12
mm, yet still hold the same pallet weight.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, there is illustrated a bracket 32
according to a first embodiment of the invention which provides the
support for the cross beam 24 and attaches to the upright supports
30. The bracket 32 includes a main perpendicular body portion 33
having two angled apertures 34 through a front face thereof, the
apertures being spaced a short distance from the vertical ends of
the front face. Extending downwardly from these apertures on the
reverse side of the front face are lugs (not shown) which are
adapted to engage with corresponding apertures on the additional
upright support 30. The bracket is therefore locked into place
against the upright support 30. The upright support apertures, also
mentioned earlier in this description, are not described in detail
as such apertures and their means of engagement with corresponding
lugs (not shown) is well known in the art.
[0083] A similar bracket is also used to secure the cross beams 24
at their ends to the upright frame assemblies 26 and 28. Thus, the
same type of brackets 32 can be used for the upright frame
assemblies 26 and 28 and upright supports 30. While it is a
preferred embodiment of the invention that the bracket 32 be the
same as that which is used to secure the upright frame assemblies
26 and 28, it is to be understood that the bracket can be
manufactured separately if desired.
[0084] The bracket 32 further includes two L-shaped platforms 36
and 38 which when assembled, as described below, provide a means of
supporting a cross beam. The lower L-shaped platform 36 is
preferably welded to the front face of the main body 33, and
preferably some 115 mm from the top of the front face as seen in
FIG. 2. The length of the platform 36 is greater than that of the
bracket 32 and thus the platform 36 extends outwardly from the
bracket, preferably by some 47 mm. The lower L-shaped platform 36
also contains two circular apertures 40, preferably some 21 mm from
either end of the platform. The upper L-shaped platform 38 also
includes two apertures 42 in a corresponding and co-aligned
position.
[0085] It is to be understood that these measurements are in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention, and are not
intended to be limiting. Furthermore, as will become apparent, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the use of bracket 32
including two platforms. For example, the platforms need not be
L-shaped and could indeed be replaced with a single member for
supporting the cross beam.
[0086] The upper L-shaped platform 38 is adapted to engage the
lower platform as shown most clearly in the exploded view of FIG.
2, that is, such that the base of the upper platform 38 rests
against the lid of the lower platform 36 creating a U-shaped pocket
44 as seen in FIG. 3. This allows the apertures 40 and 42 of both
platforms to align and bolts 46 can be inserted therein to secure
platform 38 to platform 36. In preference, the bolts 46 are
counter-sunk and do not extend above the apertures 40 and 42.
[0087] The U-shaped pocket 44 created by the bracket 32 and
platform 38 is therefore adapted for the insertion of the beam 24,
with the underside of the beam 24 resting upon the base of the
platform 38. The beam is then held and secured in the pocket 44 and
as the pocket 44 is of a relative size to the beam 24, it does not
move within the pocket 44.
[0088] The lower platform 36 therefore provides the strength and
support to ensure that the beam 24 does not depress and the upper
platform 38 holds the beam 24 in place so that it does not stretch
outwardly or distort. The pocket 44 also holds the beam securely so
that there is no rotation of the beam 24 when the pallets are
pushed over it as is customary in the `Pushback` and `Flowthrough`
racking systems.
[0089] As the upper L-shaped platform is not fixed to the bracket
32, it can be altered depending on the type of beam 24 used. If the
beam 24 is of a greater height, the upper platform 38 and lower
platform 36 can be attached as described above. If the beam 24 is
of a lower height, a spacer (not shown) can be placed between the
upper and lower platforms and bolted to the upper platform 38. This
provides the additional height required to ensure that the upper
platform 38 reaches the desired height to support the beam 24.
Thus, the same bracket 32 and platforms 36 and 38 can be
manufactured and altered as desired by the end user, rather than
separate bracket and platform combinations requiring
construction.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated the desired
arrangement of an additional support provided to a pallet racking
system in accordance with the present invention. The cross beam 24
of reduced strength/size sits inside pocket 44 and is supported
above the platforms 36 and 38 of bracket 32, which is securely
attached to the upright support 30 via its main body portion 33. It
has been found that the bracket 32 and additional support 30
provides the necessary reinforcement to each cross beam 24 to
support the weight of two pallets stacked thereabove and on either
side of the bracket.
[0091] The skilled addressee would thus realize from a reading of
the first embodiment of the present invention how the system 20 and
reinforcing assembly comprising the additional upright support 30
and bracket 32 effectively halve the span of a cross beam without
requiring the addition of a new upright frame assembly and/or
requiring the beam to be shortened. The present invention could
thus have application in a number of different structural systems
and not necessarily only in pallet racking systems.
[0092] FIG. 5 illustrates a pallet racking system 50 and bracket 52
therefor in accordance according with a second and preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Parts of the system 50 that
are considered the same or similar in function to that of the
system 20 are referred to using like reference numerals.
[0093] The system 50, as embodied in this second embodiment,
includes two outer upright frame assemblies 26 with no central
frame assembly, although other frame configurations are indeed
possible and within the scope of the present invention. Disposed
between each of the two outer frame assemblies 26 is an additional
vertical support 30, as per the first embodiment, with a bracket 52
engageable therewith at a desired height for providing the
necessary support to the middle of the cross beam 24 for supporting
two pallets there above. In this embodiment, it can be appreciated
that the additional vertical supports may indeed include bracing 53
between supports spaced along the depth of the racking system, if
such additional bracing is deemed necessary.
[0094] The bracket 52 of this second embodiment is shown in a
number of views in FIGS. 6-8 and it can be appreciated that the
bracket includes, generally, similar features to bracket 32 of the
first embodiment. For example, the bracket 52 includes a main body
32 configured to be secured to the additional support 30 by known
means, as well as a U-shaped pocket 54 for accepting and supporting
the cross beam 24 on a base support surface 56 thereof. However,
rather than include multiple connectable platforms, the bracket 52
includes a single L-shaped member 58 adapted to be secured to the
main body (again by known means) and thereby form pocket 54 and a
base support surface 56 using less components. In addition, the
base support surface 56 includes special shaping in the form of a
gentle curvature along its length and rounded ends adapted to
minimize creasing (stress concentration) in the cross beam 24.
[0095] The skilled addressee would understand that when a load (a
pallet) is placed on either side of the bracket, the beam will
adopt a slight curvature owing to its reduced strength
characteristics. Accordingly, the shape of the base support surface
56 of bracket 52 is designed correspondingly with the envisaged
curvature of the cross beam to increase the abutting surface area
and thus reduce stress concentration at any one point. The bracket
52 further includes an upright portion 59 for preventing movement
of the beam 24 along a depth dimension of the frame relative to the
support 30, two reinforcing braces 60 beneath the base support
surface adapted to contact the main body 53, as well as apertures
60 in the event it is necessary to lock the cross beam to the
bracket 52 using known fastening means. It is a preferred
embodiment of the invention that the above elements be in accord
with the above measurements but it is to be understood that any
measurements can be used a required to achieve the same result.
[0096] Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to
the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although
the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to
be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized
that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit
of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details
disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims
so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. Any
discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in
no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely
known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this
field.
[0097] In the summary of the invention, except where the context
requires otherwise due to express language or necessary
implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of
"including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with
further features in various embodiments of the invention.
* * * * *