U.S. patent number 3,590,752 [Application Number 04/800,503] was granted by the patent office on 1971-07-06 for loading rack.
Invention is credited to Thomas N. De Pew.
United States Patent |
3,590,752 |
De Pew |
July 6, 1971 |
LOADING RACK
Abstract
A rack for the shipping and storing of cylindrical objects with
their major axes parallel to the support surface comprising an
elongated base, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped sections
presented vertically upon said base and being of a depth greater
than the diameter of the object; there being handle-forming
portions at each end of the rack for facilitating handling thereof
in loaded or unloaded state; and interconnecting, cooperative means
provided on said racks for effecting securement between a lower
rack and a rack superimposed thereon.
Inventors: |
De Pew; Thomas N. (St. Louis,
MO) |
Family
ID: |
25178563 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/800,503 |
Filed: |
February 19, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/55.3;
108/53.5; 206/443; 206/512; 206/598; 206/599; 211/60.1; 211/194;
211/85.18 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
19/44 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
19/38 (20060101); B65D 19/44 (20060101); B65d
019/18 () |
Field of
Search: |
;108/51--58 ;211/60,176
;214/10.5,84 ;206/46,62 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gay; Bobby R.
Assistant Examiner: Finch; Glenn O.
Claims
Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to
obtain by Letters Patent is
1. A loading rack for use in stacking elongated cylindrical objects
comprising a base member,
a plurality of upwardly opening recess-forming sections mounted on
said base member in side by side relationship throughout
substantially the length of said base member;
said recess-forming section being of U-shape having substantially
parallel side portions and a bottom arcuate portion interconnecting
said side portions;
said recess-forming sections being of greater vertical extent than
the maximum cross section of objects to be received;
handle forming means comprising an elongated web extending upwardly
of each end of said base member and being spaced endwise of said
base member from the adjacent recess-forming section;
upper and lower flanges being integrated with said web and in
perpendicular planar relationship thereto;
first means securing said lower horizontal flange upon said base
member;
second means securing said upper horizontal flange to the adjacent
recess-forming section; and
a pin mounted on said upper horizontal flange and projecting
upwardly thereof;
said lower flange and said base member having aligned openings
slightly in greater cross section than said pin.
2. A loading rack as defined in claim 1 and further characterized
by receptacle-forming means depending from said base member for
receiving the forks of a forklift truck.
3. A loading rack as defined in claim 2 and further characterized
by said receptacle-forming means being presented in axially aligned
relationship with said base member.
4. A loading rack as defined in claim 2 and further characterized
by said receptacle-forming means being presented in axially normal
relationship to said base member.
5. A loading rack for use in stacking elongated cylindrical objects
comprising a base member, a plurality of upwardly opening,
recess-forming sections mounted on said base member in side by side
relationship throughout substantially the length of said base
member; said recess-forming sections being of greater vertical
extent than the maximum cross section of objects to be received;
handle-forming means mounted adjacent the end portions of said base
member, said handle-forming means extending upwardly and being
spaced endwise of said base member from the adjacent recess-forming
section; first and second horizontal flanges on said handle-forming
means disposed in planar parallel relationship with said base
member; a pin mounted on said first horizontal flange; said second
horizontal flange having an opening slightly greater in cross
section than said pin for effecting interlocking engagement with a
corresponding pin of an adjacent rack for development of multilayer
stacking.
6. A loading rack as defined in claim 5 and further characterized
by each of said recesses being of U-shape having substantially
parallel side portions and a bottom arcuate portion interconnecting
said side portions.
7. In combination with a storage pallet having a loading deck, a
first set of racks disposed on said deck; each rack being disposed
in transversely aligned, parallel relationship and located adjacent
opposed side edges of said deck; each of said first set of racks
having a plurality of upwardly opening recesses for receiving the
end portions of elongated objects extending therebetween; the
vertical extent of said recesses being greater than the maximum
cross section of said received objects; a second set of racks;
interlocking means on said first and second sets of racks for
stacking said second set of racks in vertically aligned,
relationship with the adjacent racks of said first set.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to loading racks and more
particularly to a rack adapted for the stacking of cylindrical
objects in discrete layers with their major axes presented
horizontally.
Heretofore, the handling of cylindrical objects, such as pipe and
the like for storage and shipping, has proved difficult in the art.
One expedient heretofore adopted has been the presentation of the
objects in a vertical manner necessitating relatively elevated
lateral support members for the load and occasioning expected
difficulties in both loading and unloading.
Another expedient has been the pyramid stacking of such objects
but, understandably, this arrangement necessitates a sacrifice of
costly space. Additionally, by such an arrangement, the units must
be individually handled for unstacking. Furthermore, to the present
time there has not been devised an efficient manner in which
cylindrical objects may be effectively stored on loading pallets
and thus denying the utilization of a customary expedient in the
field of material handling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a loading rack
for cylindrical objects and being adapted for presenting the same
with their major axes parallel to the support surface and disposed
in discrete layers of like extent.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rack of
the character stated which is adaptable for removable mounting upon
loading pallets whereby the stacked cylindrical objects may be
efficiently handled and transported as a unitary pallet load.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rack
of the character stated which incorporates handle portions so as to
facilitate manipulation of said racks so that a supported load may
be efficaciously transported.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a
rack of the character stated which incorporates means for
interlocking engagement with an underlying or superimposed rack for
stabilizing the multitier load.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rack of
the character stated which embodies recess-forming elements for
individually accepting a portion of the supported object.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rack
of the character stated which is easily arranged in assembled
operative position and as easily disassembled; which rack may be
stored in minimum space when in disuse; the utilization of which
does not necessitate securement to a pallet but which will be
stabilized by the load; and which rack is capable of withstanding
appreciable jarring forces without disrupting the load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loading pallet having disposed
thereon racks constructed in accordance with and embodying the
present invention; a supported layer of cylindrical objects is
shown in phantom lines.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the rack.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the rack shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line
4-4 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another form of loading rack
constructed in accordance with and embodying the present
invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further form of loading rack
constructed in accordance with and embodying the present
invention.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle portion of a
loading rack of the present invention illustrating another form of
rack-interengaging means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which
illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, 1
generally designates a conventional loading pallet having a deck 2,
comprised of a plurality of boards 3 which latter are suitably
secured, as by nailing, upon a plurality of stringers 4 spaced
apart longitudinally of pallet 1. Fixed upon the upper surface of
deck 2, adjacent the related edges thereof, is a plurality of
longitudinal cleats or blocks 5 and a plurality of transverse
cleats or blocks 6; said blocks 5, 6 defining a loading zone a for
cylindrical objects as indicated generally at C, such as, for
example, artillery shells, pipe sections and the like. It should be
understood, however, that although the present invention is
described hereinbelow for use in conjunction with cylindrical
objects, the same could be readily adapted for utilization with
elongated objects of cross section other than circular.
Disposed upon deck 2 in axially parallel relationship to cleats 5
along each longitudinal side of pallet 1, and spaced inwardly of
the adjacent cleats 5, are racks A. Said racks A are of identical
construction and are presented in transversely aligned relationship
for cooperatively engaging corresponding end portions of the
objects to be received so that in usage, the rack of the present
invention is utilized in pairs. The lower end extremities of each
rack A are disposed adjacent the end face of the proximate
transverse cleat 6 which latter serves as a detent for preventing
said racks from moving relatively toward each other.
With reference being made to FIG. 2, it will be seen that each rack
A comprises a unitary elongated, narrow base 7, formed as from flat
steel bar stock, and at each end of said base there is mounted an
upstanding end member 8 which latter embodies a vertical web 9 and
an upper and lower horizontal flange 10, 11, respectively. Flange
11 of each end member 8 is fixed, as by welding, upon the upper
surface of base 7. Continuous with upper horizontal flange 10 is a
short leg 12 depending from its inner end in substantially
parallel, spaced apart relationship with respect to the associated
web 9. Rigid with upper flange 10 is an upwardly extending pin or
stud 13, while lower flange 11 and the underlying portion of base
7, are drilled to present a continuous vertical opening 14 (see
FIG. 4) having a diameter slightly greater than that of pin 13 for
purposes presently appearing.
Mounted upon base member 7 the full extent thereof between end
members 8, is a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped sections 15
each being formed from flat metal bar stock and each having
substantially parallel side portions 16, 16' which, in their lower
portions, are continuous with a substantially semicircular or
arcuate bottom portion 17 which latter is fixed on its undersurface
to base 7, as by welding, at 18. The said U-shaped sections are in
side-by-side relationship with the outer surface of their side
portions 16, 16' being fixed as by welding to the confronting outer
portions of the adjacent sections 15; and with the legs 12 of each
mounting member being fixed to the confronting surface of the
adjacent side portion of the proximate U-shaped section 15. It will
thus be seen (FIG. 2) that the endmost U-shaped sections 15 are
spaced from the adjacent web 9 of the proximate end member 8 a
distance adequate for extension of an operator's hand therethrough
with the related web 9 serving as a grip. Thus, end members 8, by
their unique configuration, coordinate with the adjacent U-shaped
section 15 to present handle portions for promoting facile handling
of said racks A.
As may best be seen in FIG. 1, racks A are arranged in spaced apart
paired relationship with the U-shaped sections 15 of each being
transversely aligned for supportedly receiving end portions of a
cylindrical object C extending between racks A. The side portions
16,16' and bottom portion 17 of each section 15 are so related to
the diameter of the object C to be supported as to snugly receive
same yet permit of ease of insertion and withdrawal. Thus, the
distance between said portions 16,16' may be slightly greater than
the diameter of object C and with the radius of bottom portion 17
being substantially the same or slightly, relatively greater. It is
also to be noted that the depth of each section 15, that is the
distance between the upper ends of said portions 16,16' and the
base of bottom portion 17, is greater than the diameter of object C
to be received for purposes presently appearing.
Accordingly, objects C are received within the aligned U-shaped
sections 15 until the racks A are full. With reference to FIG. 1,
it will be seen that the end faces of the object C abut against
cleats 5 and are thus restrained against undesired axial shifting.
The imposition upon said racks A of the load developed by the layer
of objects C, serves to stabilize racks A against unauthorized
movement so that there is no need for providing positive means for
securing the lowermost racks A to pallet 1. It is apparent that, if
desired, a suitable fastener, such as a nail, screw, or the like,
could be utilized for such means by extension through apertures 14
of said racks A.
A second layer of objects C may be presented upwardly of the
lowermost layer by superimposing a rack A upon each underlying rack
A, disposed upon deck 2. Thus, the apertures 14 in the overlying
rack will receive the pins 13 in the underlying rack so as to
effect a union therebetween. After the development of such second
layer, additional racks A may be applied so as to carry the load to
whatever number of layers might be needed.
By the structure of racks A, a multitiering arrangement may be
achieved of cylindrical objects wherein the latter are not
subjected to the weight of any objects in overlying tiers. The load
is thus transmitted through racks A to pallet 1, thereby assuring
full protection of objects C against crushing or other damage. By
reason of the development of handle portions through the
relationship of end members 8 to the adjacent components of each
rack A, racks A may be easily handled for disposition into
operative position or for removal therefrom. Furthermore, and of
importance, is the fact that said racks A thus are adapted to
facilitate handling of the objects in layer-by-layer manner. With a
workman at each end of the load and holding the ends of the two
racks, an entire layer may be easily transported or otherwise
handled in such manner as might be desired.
In view of the foregoing it is apparent that the racks of the
present invention present effective means for the shipping and
storing of cylindrical objects as well as to adapt the conventional
industrial loading pallet for accommodating loads of cylindrical
objects wherein maximum economy of the loading zone is achieved.
Racks A are economically manufactured and being of identical
construction, do not require time consuming matching of lefts and
rights, but, do allow for ready replacement.
Referring now to FIG. 5, D designates another form of loading rack
constructed in accordance with the present invention which is
adapted for utilization independently of a loading pallet. Rack D
is fabricated of relatively heavy gauge strap or bar stock and
incorporates a base member 20, a plurality of upwardly opening
U-shaped sections 21 secured upon said base member 20 and end
members 22 all of which are of like configuration and function as
base member 7, sections 15, and end members 8, respectively, of
loading rack A hereinabove described. Mounted on the underface of
base member 20 adjacent its opposite end portions, is a
channel-shaped member 23 having a web 24 parallel to, and
downwardly spaced from, base 20, upstanding side portions 25 with
outwardly directed flanges 26 at the upper end of side portions 25
for flatwise securement to the underface of base member 7 as by
welding or the like. Each member 23 thus cooperates with the
related base member 20 to define an opening 27 the axis of which is
normal to the longitudinal axis of base member 20 for receiving the
forks of a conventional forklift truck. Intermediate channel-shaped
members 23, a support block 28 may be affixed to base member 7 so
as to reinforce the central portion thereof when under load.
Turning now to FIG. 6, E designates a further form of loading rack
which is also constructed for use independent of a loading pallet.
Rack E incorporates a base 20', U-shaped sections 21' and end
members 22' which structurally and functionally correspond to base
member 20, sections 21 and end members 22 of rack D hereinabove
described. Secured to base member 20' adjacent each of its ends and
substantially intermediate its ends for extension downwardly
therefrom in a fork-receptacle 29; each being of quadrilateral
configuration having upper and lower parallel members 30,30' and
parallel end sections 31,31'. The longitudinal axes of upper and
lower members 30 are perpendicular to the long axis of base member
20' so as to direct the opening 32 defined by said members and
sections lengthwise of base member 20'. Thus, fork-receptacles 29
are aligned and so presented for receiving a fork of a conventional
forklift truck. Thereby, rack E may be supported thereon in a
stable manner so that a forklift truck could easily maneuver and
handle a pair of loaded racks or a full loaded tier of such racks.
Affixed to base member 20' substantially intermediate its length
and depending therefrom may be a blocklike support 33 for
buttressing the central portion of said racks E under the load.
Referring now to FIG. 7, 38 designates an end member for
utilization with loading racks A, D and E hereinabove described
being adapted for replacement of end members 8, 22, 22', if
desired.
Said end member 38 incorporates a web 39 and upper and lower
horizontal flanges 40,41' said latter being suitably secured, as by
welding, to the adjacent underlying base member such as 7.
Continuous with upper flange 41 is a short leg 42; all of the
aforesaid components of end member 38 being substantially identical
with the corresponding components of end member 8 hereinabove
described. Integrally formed with upper horizontal flange 40, and
substantially centrally thereof, is an upward projection 43 of
generally exteriorly rounded contour and internally opening
downwardly, toward lower flange 41. Formed within the confronting
portions of base member 7 and lower horizontal flange 41, in
vertical alignment with projection 43, is a similar projection 44
extending, hump fashion, above flange 41 and opening downwardly
through said flange 41 and base member 7. The inner diameter of
projection 44 is slightly greater then the outside diameter of
projection 43 so that in superimposing loading racks, the
projections 43 on the end members 38 of the under loading rack may
be received within the projections 44 of the immediately above
loading rack so as to bring about a stable interengagement.
It is to be understood that there are numerous other means which
may be utilized for interconnecting loading racks, one above the
other, then those particular expediencies herein described.
However, it is recognized that the same would clearly fall within
the spirit of this invention.
* * * * *