Site News  |   Monitor Keywords  |   Monitor Archive  |   Organizer  |   Account Info  |

Bolt-together frame

Bolt-together frame description/claims

The present invention pertains to bolt-together frame. In particular, it pertains to a bolt-together frame for racking systems used in warehouse shelving applications.

In the material handling industry, it is necessary to pre-build racking systems for warehouses that are capable of holding pallets of materials. The racking systems generally comprise posts, reinforcement supports, and shelves. Generally, the posts and reinforcement supports are fabricated prior to shipment, while the shelves and supports for the shelves are attached in the field.

In one example, the posts and reinforcement supports are welded together at the fabrication facility and then are shipped to the installation location. This is quite costly as each unit is heavy and large. An alternative to this scenario is to ship the posts and supports separately and fabricate them at the installation location. The problem with this scenario is that it requires the extensive use of in the field labor, which is generally more expensive. What is needed is a solution that enables the shipment of the components separately, while keeping the fabrication costs in the field to a minimum.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a structural rack comprising at least two spaced end assemblies. The rack comprises at least one shelf positioned between and connected to each end assembly. In one aspect, each end assembly comprises a first and second spaced, substantially upright, elongate column. The columns may be positioned such that the front face of the first elongate column is substantially facing the front face of the second elongate column.

In one aspect, a plurality of integrally formed, spaced studs extends from the front face of each of the columns. The integral studs may, for example, be spaced evenly along the longitudinal length of the elongate column. In another aspect, each end assembly comprises a plurality of diagonal cross members, wherein a proximal end of each diagonal cross member is configured to connect to a stud on the first elongate column and a distal end of each diagonal cross member is configured to connect to a stud on the second elongate column.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the instant invention and together with the description, serve to explain, without limitation, the principles of the invention. Like reference characters used therein indicate like parts throughout the several drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one aspect of the present invention for a structural rack.

FIG. 2 is an exploded and fragmented perspective view of an end assembly of the rack of FIG. 1, showing horizontal and diagonal cross members.

FIG. 3 is a transverse elevational view of an end assembly of the rack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail view taken at inset circle 4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a transverse elevational view of an end assembly of an alternate embodiment of a structural rack according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view taken at inset circle 6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a transverse elevational view of an end assembly of an alternate embodiment for the structural rack of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail view taken at inset circle 8 in FIG. 7.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

• What Is a Patent?
• What Is a Trademark or Servicemark?
• What Is a Copyright?
• Patent Laws