U.S. patent application number 13/782646 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for inclined panel for industrial bins and inclined rack systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to AKRO-MILS. The applicant listed for this patent is Jerry Brown, Thomas Riems, Travis D. Shamp. Invention is credited to Jerry Brown, Thomas Riems, Travis D. Shamp.
Application Number | 20160286985 13/782646 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57015455 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160286985 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shamp; Travis D. ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
INCLINED PANEL FOR INDUSTRIAL BINS AND INCLINED RACK SYSTEMS
Abstract
An inclined panel for mounting industrial bins that allows the
bins to hang at an angle such that the interior of the bin is more
easily accessible by production personnel is presented. The
inclined panel has an upper edge and a lower edge; a plurality of
louvers formed on the panel; a separation plate adjoining the upper
edge of the panel; and a mounting surface. The panel may optionally
incorporate a second mounting surface. Typically, the inclined
panel relies upon the separation plate to space the panel away from
vertical by an angle of 10.degree.-25.degree. and preferably by an
angle of about 10.degree.-15.degree.. A rack system using such a
panel is also presented. The rack system may also include one or
more end caps at the ends of the panels. The rack system may
incorporate a wheeled base or the panels may be mounted on a fixed
wall.
Inventors: |
Shamp; Travis D.; (Akron,
OH) ; Brown; Jerry; (Medina, OH) ; Riems;
Thomas; (Sandusky, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Shamp; Travis D.
Brown; Jerry
Riems; Thomas |
Akron
Medina
Sandusky |
OH
OH
OH |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AKRO-MILS
Akron
OH
|
Family ID: |
57015455 |
Appl. No.: |
13/782646 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/04 20130101; A47F
5/0025 20130101; A47F 5/108 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00; A47F 5/13 20060101 A47F005/13; A47F 7/28 20060101
A47F007/28 |
Claims
1. An inclined panel for mounting industrial bins, comprising: a
panel having an upper edge and a lower edge; a plurality of louvers
formed on the panel; a separation plate adjoining the upper edge of
the panel; and a mounting surface.
2. The inclined panel of claim 1, further comprising; a second
mounting surface.
3. The inclined panel of claim 2, wherein the first mounting
surface is connected to the separation plate and the second
mounting surface is connected to the lower edge of the panel.
4. The inclined panel of claim 3, wherein the separation plate
spaces the panel away from a vertical support by an angle of
10.degree.-25.degree..
5. The inclined panel of claim 1, wherein the separation plate
spaces the panel away from a vertical support by an angle of
10.degree.-15.degree..
6. A rack system for industrial bins, comprising: an upstanding
support structure; at least one louvered panel at an angle of
10.degree.-25.degree. from vertical; and a plurality of louvers
formed on the louvered panel.
7. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising: a separation plate adjoining the upper edge of the
louvered panel.
8. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising: a mounting surface connected to the panel and fixing
the louvered panel to the support structure.
9. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, wherein the
separation plate spaces the panel away from a vertical support by
an angle of 10.degree.-15.degree..
10. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, wherein the
separation plate spaces the panel away from a vertical support by
an angle of 13.degree.-15.degree..
11. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising an end cap at at least one end of each panel.
12. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising end caps at either end of each panel.
13. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising a wheeled base upon which the upstanding support
structure is mounted.
14. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, wherein the
upstanding support structure is a fixed wall.
15. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, further
comprising at least one central support member mounted between the
louvered panel and the upstanding support structure.
16. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 15, wherein the
central support member is generally triangular.
17. A rack system for industrial bins, comprising: a movable base
unit; an upstanding support structure mounted to the base unit; a
plurality of louvered panels mounted on the support structure and
angled at 10.degree.-25.degree. from vertical; a plurality of
louvers formed on each louvered panel; and at least one industrial
bin mounted on one or more of the louvers.
18. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 17, further
comprising: a separation plate adjoining the upper edge of the
louvered panel.
19. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 6, wherein the
separation plate spaces the panel away from a vertical support by
an angle of 10.degree.-15.degree..
20. The rack system for industrial bins of claim 17, further
comprising an end cap at at least one end of each panel.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Rack systems for industrial bins are often used in
industrial assembly facilities. Typically, the bins include hooks
or cleats on the vertical rear surface of the bin and the cleats
are connected with louvers on a metal plate. The louvers in the
rack systems are vertical and bins are mounted to the rack such
that they are horizontal and the contents of the bins are
accessible from the front or top. There is a very large installed
base of bins and rack systems where the rack systems include a
planar louvered panel with bins mounted in a level orientation.
SUMMARY
[0002] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, an
inclined panel for mounting industrial bins, is presented that
incorporates a panel having an upper edge and a lower edge; a
plurality of louvers formed on the panel; a separation plate
adjoining the upper edge of the panel; and a mounting surface. The
panel may optionally incorporate a second mounting surface.
Typically, the inclined panel relies upon the separation plate to
space the panel away from vertical by an angle of
10.degree.-25.degree. and preferably by an angle of about
10.degree.-15.degree..
[0003] In another embodiment of the present invention, a rack
system for industrial bins is presented incorporating an upstanding
support structure; at least one louvered panel at an angle of
10.degree.-25.degree. from vertical; and a plurality of louvers
formed on the louvered panel. The panel may optionally incorporate
a second mounting surface. Typically, the inclined panel relies
upon the separation plate to space the panel away from vertical by
an angle of 10.degree.-25.degree. and preferably by an angle of
about 10.degree.-15.degree.. The invention may also include an end
cap at least one end of each panel and typically at either end of
each panel. The rack system may incorporate a wheeled base the
panels may be mounted on a fixed wall.
[0004] In yet another embodiment of the present invention a rack
system for industrial bins incorporating a movable base unit; an
upstanding support structure mounted to the base unit; a plurality
of louvered panels mounted on the support structure and angled at
10.degree.-25.degree. from vertical; a plurality of louvers formed
on each louvered panel; and at least one industrial bin mounted on
one or more of the louvers is presented. Typically, the rack system
includes a separation plate adjoining the upper edge of the
louvered panel which spaces the panel away from a vertical support
by an angle of 10.degree.-15.degree..
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A more complete appreciation of the invention and the many
embodiments thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes
better understood by reference to the following detailed
description when considered in connection with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1A illustrates a side plan view of the inclined
louvered panel of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 1B illustrates a side plan view, in detail, of the
louver formed in the panel of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of the inclined panel and
rack system of one embodiment of the present invention with
industrial bins mounted thereon;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a isometric view of the inclined panel
and rolling rack system of one embodiment of the present invention
with industrial bins mounted thereon;
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded isometric view of a louvered
inclined panel of the present invention with an endcap;
[0011] FIG. 5A illustrates an isometric view of a louvered inclined
panel of the present invention with an endcap;
[0012] FIG. 5B illustrates a rear isometric view of a louvered
inclined panel of the present invention with an endcap;
[0013] FIG. 6A illustrates an isometric view of an endcap panel
support suitable for use with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 6B illustrates an side plan view of an endcap panel
support suitable for use with the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention will now be described with occasional
reference to the specific embodiments of the invention. This
invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The
terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for
describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be
limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the
invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless
the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0017] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight,
reaction conditions, and so forth as used in the specification and
claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by
the term "about." Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the
numerical properties set forth in the specification and claims are
approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties
sought to be obtained in embodiments of the present invention.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting
forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the
numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as
precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently
contain certain errors necessarily resulting from error found in
their respective measurements.
[0018] FIG. 1A shows an inclined louvered rack system 10 for
mounting industrial bins in accordance with the present invention.
The rack system 10 includes louvered surface 12 top mounting
surface 20 and bottom mounting surface 18. A separation plate 22
spaces the louvered surface 12 from a generally upright support
structure. The louvered surface 12 includes a number of louvers 14.
The louvered surface 12 is angled from vertical by an angle
.alpha.. The .alpha. is generally about 10.degree.-25.degree. while
an angle of 10.degree.-15.degree. is preferable. The inclined
louvered rack system 10 as shown in FIG. 2 is generally mounted to
a set of uprights or a vertical support panel. A inclined louvered
rack system may have a number inclined panels separated by the
distance of top and bottom mounting surfaces 18, 20 or top and
bottom mounting surfaces 18, 20 may be overlapped for a denser fit
of the bins positioned on the panel assembly.
[0019] An individual louver 14 is shown in FIG. 1B in which louver
extensions are cut from the sheet steel of panel 12 and are
generally spaced approximately 5 cm apart. A generally inverted
U-shape cut 5 cm wide and 6 cm high is made in the sheet steel for
each louver 14 and the tab of the panel is deflected 1-3 mm from
the plane of the panel 12 to form the upwardly extending louver 14
and bend 16 leaving a orifice 14a in panel 12. The louver 14 may be
linked to a downwardly facing lip on the industrial bin.
[0020] A rack system of the present invention is shown in FIG. 2,
in which uprights 40 are shown with louvered panels 10 mounted on
either side of uprights 40 by top and bottom mounting surfaces 20,
18. The louvered surface 12 and louvers 14 provide support for
industrial bins 42, 44 and other devices may be hung from the
louvers 14. The louvered surface 12 is typically screwed or bolted
to uprights 40. Typically, two or three upright supports 40 may be
used. In the event that three upright supports 40 (one at each edge
of the panel and one at the center of the panel) are used, it may
not be necessary to use support members 60 at each upright. As
shown, a number of bins 42, 44 may be mounted on the panel
depending on the size of the bins and desired density. The bins
include a cleat 46, 48 on the back surface 50 of each bin. The
cleat 46, 48 fits over louvers 14 so that the rear of the bin 50
contacts louvers 14 and hangs generally perpendicular to the
louvered surface 12. The panel 10 may also be mounted to a wall or
other upright surface. The bins may be formed of any suitable
material, such as: polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, SMMA
(styrene methyl methacrylate, acrylic blend), or HIPS high impact
polystyrene or other such materials commonly used in the
manufacturing of polymeric parts and/or parts made by common
forming techniques.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a rack assembly in accordance with the present
invention. The uprights 40 are mounted on platform 64, which may
include wheels 66 or braces 62. A number of louvered panels 10 are
mounted to the uprights 40. As shown a wide variety of bins 42, 44
may be mounted to the louvered panels 10. Various bins 42, 44 may
include lids, any number of different widths, depths and heights,
as well as any other equipment that could be mounted on a vertical
rack system.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows the end of louvered panel 10 and endcap 60. The
endcap 60 may be mounted to the panel by plastic pins, pop-in
fasteners, screws or rivets. The end cap 60 is generally triangular
and includes one or more orifices 64 which is bolted or riveted to
separation plate 22, louvered surface 12 and potentially mounting
surface 18 to form a structural portion of the rack assembly by
inhibiting the flexing of the pane when heavy items are placed in
the bins mounted to the louvers 14 on the panel 10. Panel 10
includes top and bottom mounting surfaces 20, 18 each including
orifices 18', 20' by which panel 10 is typically screwed or bolted
to a vertical surface or uprights. The louvered surface 12 and
louvers 14 provide support for industrial bins and other devices.
Also shown are mounting holes 12' for end caps on the distal ends
and for a central support member (not shown) mounted in the central
section of the panel.
[0023] FIG. 5A shows the front of a louvered panel 10 in accordance
with the present invention. As can be seen a 12.times.5 grid of
louvers 14 may be used, although any suitable configuration is
possible. Also included are orifices 20' in mounting panel 20 and
orifices 18' in mounting panel 18 for mounting panel 10 to a
vertical surface or uprights. Also shown are mounting holes 12' for
end caps 60 on the distal ends of mounting panel 10 and for a
central support member 60 mounted in the central section of panel
10. Typically, a single central support 60 is used in longer panels
or high load applications. Any number of central supports 60 may be
used depending on load and length of panel 10.
[0024] FIG. 5B shows the rear of a louvered panel 10 in accordance
with the present invention. A grid of louvers 14 on louvered
surface 12 is provided. Also included are orifices 20' on mounting
panel 20 and orifices 18' in mounting panel 18 for attaching panel
10 to a vertical surface or uprights. Also shown are end caps 60 on
the distal ends of mounting panel 10 and central support member 60
mounted in the central section of panel 10. Typically, a single
central support 60 is used in longer panels or high load
applications. Any number of central supports 60 may be used
depending on load and length of panel 10.
[0025] FIG. 6A shows an endcap 60 also referred to as a central
support member 60 suitable for use with the present invention. The
central support member 60 is generally triangular with sides 72, 74
and hypotenuse 76 such that first side 74 contacts louvered panel
12, second side 72 contacts separation plate 22 and the hypotenuse
contacts the upright support or surface upon which the panel is
hung. The apex of the central support member points downward. The
first side 74 of central support member 60 includes first and
second depressions 80 in the face with mounting holes 82 that mate
with screws or rivets 62 to the louvered panel 12. The second side
72 of the central support member 60 generally includes a first
depression 80 with a mounting hole 82 that mates with a screw or
rivet 62 to separation plate 22. The interior of the central
support member includes a number of reinforcing walls 78 to provide
rigidity and structural integrity. The central support member may
also include a surface 70 spanning the sides 72, 74, 76 and
reinforcing walls 78 to provide additional stiffness. The central
support member 60 is typically plastic and may be injection molded
or formed by any other suitable method. The central support member
may also be formed of steel.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a plan view of a central support member suitable
for use with the present invention showing first side 74 of central
support member 60 and first and second depressions 80 in the face
with mounting holes 82 that mate with screws or rivets 62 to the
louvered panel 12.
[0027] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the specific examples described herein, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention. Various
modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures
and devices to which the present invention may be applicable will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Those skilled in
the art will understand that various changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention, which is not to be
considered limited to what is described in the specification.
* * * * *