CA2103517C - Storage rack beam having surface enabling indicia at high or low elevations to be easily read - Google Patents
Storage rack beam having surface enabling indicia at high or low elevations to be easily readInfo
- Publication number
- CA2103517C CA2103517C CA002103517A CA2103517A CA2103517C CA 2103517 C CA2103517 C CA 2103517C CA 002103517 A CA002103517 A CA 002103517A CA 2103517 A CA2103517 A CA 2103517A CA 2103517 C CA2103517 C CA 2103517C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- support beam
- storage rack
- indicia
- generally flat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 23
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 12
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 101710194330 Acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 2 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 244000182067 Fraxinus ornus Species 0.000 description 1
- 101000806171 Oryctolagus cuniculus Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family member 4 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005098 hot rolling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/14—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
- A47B96/1441—Horizontal struts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/60—Pipe-line systems wet, i.e. containing extinguishing material even when not in use
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
- B65G1/1371—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed with data records
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
- B65G1/1373—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses
- B65G1/1375—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed for fulfilling orders in warehouses the orders being assembled on a commissioning stacker-crane or truck
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/08—Fastening or securing by means not forming part of the material of the label itself
- G09F3/18—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels
- G09F3/20—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels
- G09F3/204—Casings, frames or enclosures for labels for adjustable, removable, or interchangeable labels specially adapted to be attached to a shelf or the like
Abstract
A support beam for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20° to about 70°
relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20° to about 45° relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45°
to about 70° relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement.
The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface.
The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load. When the fire extinguisher is activated, the fluid that is discharged impinges off the indicia-receiving surface, which may be inclined or curved, and onto the load.
relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20° to about 45° relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45°
to about 70° relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface having a suitable measurement.
The indicia-receiving surface enables a person who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface.
The support beam may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device to extinguish a fire in a supported load. When the fire extinguisher is activated, the fluid that is discharged impinges off the indicia-receiving surface, which may be inclined or curved, and onto the load.
Description
21~3~7 8~A~E RACR ~E~ ~A~IN~ ~R~AC~ EN~E~ INDICIA
A~ O~ ~O~ E~EVATION TO B~ ~a~ Y READ
Technical Field of the Invention This invention pertains to a support beam having a load-supporting surface for supporting a load, for a storage rack o~ a type used to store pallet loads and other loads. The support beam has an indicia-receiving surface adapted to receive machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both, as on a label applied to such surface. The indicia-receiving surface is inclined or curved so as to enable such indicia at a high or low elevation relative to a person seeking to read such indicia to be easily readO
The support beam of this invention may also be used with a fire extinguisher device that is located at generally the same elevation as the support beam. I~ a fire occurs, the inclined or curved indicia urfacP
deflects a fire extinguishing ~luid, such as wat r, onto ~ :
a ~urning load and the fire is extinguished quickly.
Backqround of the Invention Commonly, a storage rack of the type noted above -:
has multiple bays and multiple tiers and comprises : .
horizontally spaced, upright framec including upright column5, cross braces, and support beams. The support ~eams extend horizontally between the upright columns, at the ~ront of the storage rack and at the back thereo~, in vertically spaced pairs. The beams of each .
~ : . . ~. . .'- . ~ ' 21 03~17 pair are adapted to support a pallet load on their upper edges.
In designs in widespread use, each support beam is formed from ~heet steel in one piece or two pieces and is weld~d so as to have a hollow, tubular pro~ile.
Generally, the beam profile is rectangular except for a ledge, which has defined a horizontal surface ~acing upwardly and a vertical surface facing inwardly. In each pair of support beams, the led~es are adapted to support a wooden or steel deck or spaced wooden or steel braces, which is or are omitted in some irlstallations.
Storage racks comprising support beams according to these designs are available commercially from Unarco Material Handling (now a division of UNR Industries, Inc.) of Chicago, Illinois, under its STURDI-BILT
trademark.
Commonly, the beam pro~ile defines a flat, generally vertical, outer surface, on which it is known to apply a label bearing machine-readable indicia, such as bar code indicia, human-r~adable indicia, such as alpha-numeric indicia, or bo~h so as to assist in inventory management. Also, it is kno~n for such indicia to be directly applied to the outer surface of the support beam, as by stenciling. Usually, it is not effective to apply such indicia to generally horizontal surfaces of such a beam, since such surfaces tend to be partially or completely obscured by pallet loads.
Ordinarily, i~ bar code indicia are applied, a bar code reading wand is used to read such indicia.
~hether such indicia are applied via a lab~l or directly, it can be very difficult for a person standing on a support surface or ~itting on a lift truck to read such indici~ applied to such an outer surface of a support beam, particularly if the support beam is located at a high or low ~levation relative to the CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 person. If such indicia are bar code indicia, such difficulty is exacerbated, since it is desirable if not necessary to point a bar code reading wand along a generally perpendicular line of sight to a surface marked with bar code indicia for such indicia to be effectively read.
These storage racks are often used in a warehouse where such a rack is located next to a wall or such racks are placed in a back-to-back configuration. If a fire occurs, all of the loads stored on the racks may be burned and damaged since the fire can spread easily due to the close proximity of the racks. To prevent this, warehouses use fire extinguishing systems. These systems commonly comprise fire extinguishers located in close proximity to the loads. However, a significant problem with such a system is that the rack beams are usually within the spray patterns created by the fire extinguishing devices and only serve to deflect the fire extinguishing fluid off of the loads.
One aspect of this invention is addressed to a perceived need for a support beam providing a better way to apply such indicia so that such indicia can be easily read if the support beam is at a high or low elevation relative to such a person. Another aspect of this invention is addressed to a need for a support beam that provides a better way to extinguish a fire in a burning load.
CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 Summary of the Invention According to a first broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a tubular support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load said support beam including at least four integral, generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, said integral, generally flat walls further including an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls, forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge.
According to a second broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load, said support beam including a plurality of generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper, substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, which said generally flat walls further include an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge, said integral, generally flat walls further including a substantially horizontal wall extending inwardly from the inner, substantially vertical wall and spaced below the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the support beam having at least one other wall extending between the inclined wall and the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper wall, the support beam having a welded construction defining a generally tubular profile including the generally flat walls and including a ledge, which is defined by the inner, generally vertical wall and by the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper, generally horizontal wall, and which has a surface facing upwardly with relation to the storage rack and which has a surface facing away from the aisle.
According to a third broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, so as to correct informalities noted in the claim, a platform defined by a wooden or steel deck or by spaced wooden or steel CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 braces, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface supporting the end portion of the platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front column, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
According to a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising, an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface for supporting one end portion of a platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a - 6a -CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front columns, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
Brief description of the Drawinqs Figure 1 is a simplified, elevational view of several storage racks and a person sitting on a lift truck and using a wand to read machine-readable indicia on a support beam of one of the storage racks. The support beam having the indicia being read is at a high elevation relative to the person.
Figure 2, on a larger scale, is a fragmentary, perspective view of a storage beam bearing a label marked with machine-readable, bar code indicia and with human-readable, alphanumeric indicia and constituting a preferred embodiment of this invention, as associated with a column in a storage rack.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively are cross-sectional views of support beams constituting alternative embodiments of this invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of support beams according to another alternative embodiment of - 6b -CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 this invention. A pallet load supported thereon is shown fragmentarily.
Figure 10 is a cross-section view of a support beam according to another alternative embodiment of this invention.
A pallet load supported thereon is shown fragmentarily.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support beam exemplifying prior art.
Figure 12 is a simplified, elevational view of two storage racks next to a wall. A fire extinguisher is - 6c -2 :~ ~ 3 - ~ rl mounted to the wall and is shown with the extinguisher dis~harging a fire extinguishing fluid.
Figure ~3 is a enlarged view of th~ fire extinguisher and support beam of the present invention shown in Figure 12. A representative, ~;implified spray pattern that is created during khe dischArge of the fire extinguisher is shown by the lines.
Figure 14 is a simplified view o~ a prior art support beam being used in combination with a fire extinguishsr that is being discharged. A
representative, simplified spray pattern that is created during the discharge i~ shown by the lines.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view oP a support beam according to alternative embodiment of this invention.
Detailed Description of Illustrated Embodiments As shown in Figure 1, three storage racks 10 are supported on and by a support surface S, which is a warehouse floor. One such rack 10 is spac~d from the other racks 10 by a wide aisle and is tied to a warehouse wall by known braces 12. The latter racks 10 are tied to each other by known braces 12 ~one shown) in a back-to-back relationship. As shown in Figure 1, a person P riding on a li~t truck ~ is holding a bar code reading wand W, which is used to read machine~readable indicia, such as bar code indicia~ on support beams to be later de~cribed. A line o~ sight from the wand W to a support beam at a high elevation relative to the person i~ ~hown by an arrow. It is evident that, if ~uch indicia were applied to a generally vertical surface of a suppo~t beam at the high el~vation, it would be very di~icult for the person P u~ing the wand 2~3~
W to read such indicia unlPss he or she were elevated to a greater height.
Each storage rack 10 is similar to known ~torage racks in comprising upright ~rames 20, which include ~ront columns 22, back columns 24, horizontal braces 26, and diagonal braces 28, in welded assemblies, and which include support beams (not shown in Figure 1) connected between the ~ront columns 22 and between the back columns 24, at di~ferent elevations. As in known storage racks, the support beams define multiple bays, each comprising multiple tiers. A~ shown in Fiyure 1, each tier in each bay supports a pallet load L, which comprises a load supported by a pallet.
A support beam 30 of a known design in widespread use is shown in cross-section in Figure 11. The support beam 30 is formed from sheet steel and is welded along an upper seam 32 so as to have a tu~ular profile. Ths tubular pro~ile is shaped so as to de~ine an upper, inner ledge 34, which is adapted to support one edge portion of a wooden or steel deck (not shown) or spaced wooden or st~el braces (not shown) in a known manner.
The tu~ular pro~ile defines an outer, generally flat, generally vertical sur~ace 36, on which a labPl 38 bearing machine-readable indicia, hum~n-r2adable indicia, or both is applied adhPsively. A line of ~ight, which is generally perpendicular to the label 38, is shown by an arrow.
At intermediate elevations rzlative to a person seeking to read indicia applied to the support b~ams, each storage rack 10 may comprise support beams ~imilar to the s~port bea~ 30. However, at high elevations relative thereto, ~ach storage rack 10 compri~es support beams 40 o~ a novel design accordin~ to thi~ invention.
As sh~wn in Figure 2, each support ~eam 40 is similar to known ~upport beams, as exemplified by the 2~3~
support beam 30, in having two end flanges 42 welded ther~to and differs from such known beam~ in having a novel pro~ile. The end flange 42 at each end of each ~upport beam 40 is connected to a front or back column of one of the upright frames 20 in a known manner. As shown, the end flanges 42 are conn~cted to two ~ront columns 22 by wedge connectors 44 of a type disclosecl in Klein U.S. Pate~t No. 4,712,~96 or of a type disclosed in Klein U.S. Patent No. 4,741,445. The end flanges 42 may be alternatively connected thereto by connector bolts (not shown) of a type disclosed in Highsmith U.S.
Patent No. 4,496,061 or of a type disclosed in Klein U.S. Patent No. 5,020,678~
As shown in Figure 2, the support beam 40 is formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 50 having an upper flange 52 and a lower flange 54 and an inner piece 60 having an upper flange 62 and a lower flange 64. The flanges 52, 54, of tha outer piece 50 fit over the ~langes 62, 64, of the inner piece 60 and are weld d to the inner piece 60 at spaced welds 66 along the distal edge of each of the flanges 52, 54 so as to provide the support beam 40 with a tubular profile. Thus, the upper flange 52 of the outer piece 50 defines an upper edge of the support beam 40. Also, the lower flange 54 of the outer piece 50 defines a lower edge of the support beam 40.
The inner piece 60 provides an inner wall shaped ~o as to de~ine a ledge 70 having a generally horizontal surface 72 fa~ing upwardly and a generally verkical surface 74 fasing inwardly. The ledge 70 is adapted to support one end portion 76 of a wooden deck extending ~etwecn the support beam 40 and the ledge of a similar beam ~not ~hown) spaced ~rom the ~upport beam 40. A
steel deck (not shown) or ~paced wvoden or steel braoes Snot shown) may be alternatively supported by such ledges.
The outer piece 50 provides an oute:r wall shaped so as to define a generally flat, gen~rally vertical, upper surface 7~ ~acing outwardly and a genera:lly ~lat, inclined, lower surface gO ~acing outwardly and downwardly. The lower surface 80 defines an obtuse angle relative to the upper surface 78. A label 90 bearing machine-readable, bar code indicia and human-readable, alpha-numeric indicia is applied adhesively to the lower surface 80, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. A line of sight, which is generally perpendicular to th~ label 90, is shown by an arrow. Because the indicia-receiving surface 80 is inclined so as to ~ace outwardly and downwardly, the support beam 40 can be advantageously used at a high elev~tion relative to a person seeking to read such indicia. Thi~ invention enables such a person standing on the support surface S or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support sur~ace S to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-receiving surface ~0.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 8n is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to ~bout 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably an angle in a range from about 30~ to about 60~ relative thereto. As shown, such surface 80 is incli~ed at an angle of approximately 40~ relative to a vextical plane. It is desirable to select the angle to optimize readability of the indicia ~orne by the label 90 at the elevation where the support beam ~0 is employe~.
As shown in ~igure 3, a ~upport beam 100 constitutes an alternative embodiment of this invention.
3S The ~upport beam lO0 is formed from sheet ~teel in one 2:~03~
piece and is welded at an upper seam 102 ~o as to have a tubular profile. The tubular proPile includes an inner wall 104 shaped so as to define a ledge 106 similar to the ledge 40 o~ the support beam 40.
Furthermore, th~ tubular profile of the ~upport beam 100 includes an outer wall 110 having a top edge or load supporti~g surf~ce 112 and a bottom edge 114, at which the outer wall 110 and the inner wall 104 merge.
The outer wall 110 is shaped so as to define a gen~rally flat, upper surface 116 facing outwardly and a generally arcuate, lower, indicia-receiving surface 118 merying with the upper surface 116. A label 120 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesively to the surface 118.
So as to provide sufficient space for the label 120 bearing such indicia, the indicia receiving surface 118 has a peripheral measurement equal at least to approximately one third of the peripheral measurement along the outer wall 110, between the edges .tl2, 114.
As shown, the indicia-receiving surface 118 has a peripheral measurement equal to approximately two-thirds of the peripheral measurement along the outer wall 110, between the edge~ 112, 114. The peripheral measurements are made along the tubular profile. Several possible lines o~ sight, each of which is perpendic~lar to the label 120 where it intersects the label 120, are shown by arrows. Because the indicia-receiving sur~ace 118 is generally arcuate and faces outwardly and downwardly, as shown, the ~upport beam 100 can b~ ad~antageou~ly u~ed ~t a high elevation relative to a person seeking to read indicia born~ by the label 120, in one o~ the storage ra~ks 10. This invention enables surh a person st~n~ing on a support surface below the ~upport beam 100 or sitting on a lift truck ~upported by the support sur*acs 2 ~
to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-rec~iving surface llB.
As shown in Fi~ure 4, a support beam 130 constitutes another alternative embodiment of this invention. T~e support beam 130 is formed of sheet steel in one piece and is welded at an upper seam 132 so a~ to have a tubular profile, which i9 similar to the tubular profile of the suppoxt beam 100, except as ShOWIl and described herein. As shvwn, the tubular profile includes an inner wall 134 shaped so as t~ d2fine a ledge 136 similar to the ledges noted above. Moreover, the tubular profile of the support beam 130 includes an outer wall 140 defining a qenerally flat, upper surface 142 facing outwardly, a generally flat ~urface 144 lS merging with the surface 142 and facing outwardly and downwardly, and a generally flat surface 146 merging with the sur~ace 144 and ~acing outwardly and downwardly. The surface 146 is disposed below the surface 144. The surfaces 144, 146, define an obtuse angle relative to each other. Two similar labels 150 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both are applied adhesively. One such label 150 is applied to the intermediate surface 144. The other label 150 is appli~d to the lower surface 146.
The surface~ 144, 146 may be therefore called indicia-r~ceiving surfaces. Two lines of sight, each of which is generally perpendicular to a different one of th~
labels 150, ar~ shown by arrows.
The indicia-bearing surface 144 i~ inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 70~ relative to a vertical plane, pref~rably ln a rang~ from about 10~
to about 45~ relative thereto. As shown, the surface 144 is inclined at angle o~ about 12~ relative to a vertical plane~ ~he indicia-b~aring surface 146 is inclin~ at an a~gle in a range ~rom about 20~ to ~bout 2~3~
- ~3 -80O relative to a vertical plane, pre~erably at an angle in a range from about 4~~ to about 80~ relative thereto.
As shown, the lower sur~ace 146 is inclined at an ~ngle o~ about 58~ relative to a vertical plane. As shown, the surfaces ~6, 148, define an angle of about 134~
relative to each other. Being inclined at such angles, the indicia-receiving surfaces 144, 146, enable a per~on standing on a support surface or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support surface to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to at least one of thosc surfaces 144, 146.
As shown in Figure 5, a support beam lS0 constitutes yet another alternative embodiment of this invention. The support beam 150 ls ~ormed of sheet steel in one piece and is welded at an upper seam 152 so as to have a tubular profile, which is similar to the tubular profile of the support beam 100, except as ~hown and described herein. The tubular profile of the support beam 150 includes an inner wall 154 shaped so as to define a ledge 156 similar to the ledges noted above.
As shown, the tubular profile of the support beam 150 is shaped so as to have an outer wall 160 defining a generally flat, upper surface 162 facing outwardly and a generally flat, lower indicia-receiving surface 164 facing outwardly and downwardly. A label 170 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applie~ adhesively to the surface 164.
According to this invention, the indicia-bearing surface 164 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably in a ranye from about 30~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As ~hown, such sur~ace 164 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 164 is inclined at ~uch an 2~03~
angle, the support b~am 150 is useful generally where the support b~am 40 is useful.
Moreover, the inner wall 154 i5 shaped so as to define a generally flat surface 172 faci.ng inw~rdly, below the ledge 156, and so a~ to define a g~nerally flat surfac~ 174 facing inwaxdly and upwardly, below the surface 172~ The surface 174 is inclined at an angle similar to the angle (e.g., about 30~ relative to a vertizal plane, as shown) at which the indicia-receiving surface 164 is inclined. The tubular profile of the support beam 150 compensates for beam strength loss that would be otherwise attributable to the indicia-receiving sur~ace 164 being incli.ned.
As shown in Figure 6, a support beam 180 constitutes still another embodiment of this invention.
The support beam 180 is similar to the support beam 40 in being formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 182 having an upper flange 184 defining a load-supporting surface and a lower flange 186 and an inner piece 188 having an upper ~lange 190 and a lower flange 192. The flanges 184, 186, of the outer piece 182 fit over the ~langes 190, 192, of the inner piece 188 and are welded to the inner piece 188 at spaced welds 194 along the distal edge of each of the ~langes 184, 186, so as to provide the ~upport beam 180 with a tubular profile. The inner piece 188 provides an inner wall 196 shaped so as to define a ledge 198 similar to the ledge~ noted above.
The outer piece 182 provides an outer wall 200 shaped so as to define a yenerally flat, lower surface 202 facing outwardly and a genexally flat, inclined, upper surface 204 ~acing outwardly and upwardly. The upp~r sur~ace 200 defines an obtuse angle relative to the lower surface 202. A label 210 bearing machine~
readable indicia, bar code indicia, or both is applied ~103~17 adhesively to the upper sur~ace 204, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. ~ line of sight, which i~ perpendicular to the label 210, is shown by an arrow. Because the indicia-receiving sur~ace 204 is inclined so as to ~ace outwardly and upwardly, the support beam 180 can be advantageously used at a low elevation relative to a person seeking to read indicia borne by the label 210, in one of the storagP racks lOo According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 204 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably at an angle in a range from about 30~ to about 60~ relative thereto. As shown, such surface 204 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a vertical plane. Being inclined at such an angle, such surface 204 enables such a person standing on a support surface or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support sur~ace to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-receiving surface ~04.
As shown in Figure 7, a support beam 210 constitutes a further alternative embodiment o~ this invention. The support beam 2~0 is similar to the support beam 40 in being formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 212 having an upper ~lange 214 de~ining a load-supporting surface and a lower ~lange 216 and an inner piece 218 having an upper Plang~
220 and a lower ~lange 222. The flanges 214, 216, of the outer pieoe 212 fi~- over the flanges 220, 222, of the inner piece 218 and are welded to the inner piece 218 at spaced welds 224 along the distal edge of each o~
the flanges 214, 216, so as to provide the support beam 210 with a tubular pro~ile. The inner piece 218 pxovides an inner wall 226 shaped ~o as to define a ledge 228 similar to the ledges note~ above.
As shown, the outer piece 212 provides an outer wall 230 shaped so as to define a generally flat, upper surface 232 facing outwardly and a g~nerally flat, lower, indicia-receiving surface 234 ~ac:ing downwardly and outwardly. ~ label 240 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesively to such surface 234.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surfa¢e 234 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a ver~,ical plane, preferably in a range from about 30~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As shown, such surface 234 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a ~ertical surface. Because such surface 234 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 210 is useful where the support beam 40 is useful generally where the support beam 40 is use~ul.
As shown, th~ inner wall 226 is shaped so as to define a generally flat surface 2~8 ~aciny inwardly below the ledge 228, and so as to define a generally flat ~urface 250 facing inwardly and upwardly, below the surface 248. The surface 250 is inclined at an angle similar to the angle (e.g., about 30~ relative to a vertical plane, as shown) at which the indicia-re~eiving surface 234 is inclined. The tubular profile of the support beam 210 thus compensates for beam strength loss that would be otherwise attributable to the indicia-receiving surface 234 being inclined.
A~ shown in Figure 8, a support beam 250 constitutes a ~urther alternative embodiment of this invention. ~he support beam is ~ormed from sheet steel so as to have an outer wall 252 having an upper ~lange 254 and an inner wall 256 having an upper flange 258 defining a load-supporting surface. The upper ~lange 258 of the inner wall 256 fits over the upper flange 254 2~5~7 o~ the outer wall 252 and is welded to t:he ~lange 254 at spaced welds 260 along the dist~l edge of the flange 258 so as to provide the support beam 250 wi.th a tubular profile. The inner wall 256 is shaped so as to define a ledge 262 similar to the ledges noted above.
As shown, the outer wall 252 is ~haped so as to define a gene~ally ~lat, upper surface 254 facing outwardly and a generally flat, lower, indicia-receiving ~urface 266 facing downwardly and outwardly~ A label 269 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-read~ble indicia, or both is applied adhesively to such surface 266. A line of sight, which i~ generally perpendicular to the label 269, i~ shown by an arrow.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 266 is inclined at an angle in a range ~rom about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably in a range ~rom about 30~ to about ~0~
relative thereto. As shown, such sur~ace 266 is inclined at an angle of about 42~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 266 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 250 is useful generally wherQ
the support beam 40 is useful.
As shown in Figure 9/ a pallet L' is supported on a pair of ~upport beams 270 accordiny to yet another embodiment of this invention. Each ~upport beam 270 is ~ormed ~rom sheet steel in one piece so as to have a tubular, generally rectangular profile. Such profile de~ines an upper~ rela ively narrow wall 272, a lower relatively narrow wall 274, an outer, relatively wide wall 276, and an inner, relatively wide wall 278. Each ~upport beam 270 has a welded seam 280 along i~s upper wall 272.
At ~ach end, each support beam 270 i~ welded to an end flanye 282, w~ich i5 similar to ~he end flanges 42.
Each end ~lange 282 i connected to a ~ront or back 2~ ~3~7 column 284 o~ an upright frame of a storage xack, by a wedge connector 286 similar to the wedge connectors 44.
~ ach support beam 270 is oriented so that the pallet load L' is supported on a rounded corner or load~
supporting 6urface wher~ its upper wall 272 and ~t~
inner wall 278 ad~oin, and so that its outer wall 276 has an outer surface 288 ~acing outwardly and downwardly, as shown. On one support beam 270, a label 230 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesi~ely to its outer surface 288, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. A line o~ sight, which is generally perpendicular to the label 290, is shown by an arrow. A
similar label (not shown~ may be adhesively applied to the outer wall 276 o~ the other beam 270.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 288 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relativP to a vertical plane, preferably in a range from about 30~ to about ~0~
relative thereto. As shown, such surfac~ 288 is inclined at an angle of approximately 15~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such sur~ace 288 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 270 is useful generally where the support beam 40 is useful.
As shown in Figure 10, a support beam 300 constituting still another embodiment of this invention is used with another support beam (not shown) to support a pallet load ~''. The ~upport beam 300 is similar to each support beam 270, except that the ~upport beam is ~ormed with a generally horizontal, load-supporting wall or surfaee 302 between its upper wall 304, which is narrower than th~ upper wall 272 of each support beam 270, and its inner wall 306, whioh is narrower than the inn~r wall 278 oP each support beam 270. The wall or surface 302 include~ a welded seam 308.
.
21~ 3 Also, the support beam 300 is similar to each support beam 270 in having an outer wall 310 with an outer surface 312 facing outwardly and downwardly, as the outer surface 28B of the outer wall 276 of each support beam 270 faces outwardly and downwardly. A
label 320, which is similar to the adhesive label 290, is applied adhe~ively to the outer surface 312, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving sur~ace.
The label 320 bears machine-readable indicia, human readable indicia, or both. A line o~ sight, which is qenerally perpendicular to the label 320, is shown by an arrow.
The support beam 400, as illustrated in Figure 15, constitutes an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In th.is ~ ho~i ~nt, the support ~eam 400 is preferably used with another support beam to support a lightweight load since the support beam 400 has an open channel ~non-tubular) profile. The support beam 400 is formed ~rom a steel channel by cold forming or hot rolling.
The channel profile of the support beam 400 is shaped so as to have an upper, generally flat, horizontal load-supporting surface or flange 402 for supporting a load thereon, a generally vertical surface or flange 404 extending downwardly from a front edge of the upper sur~ace 402, a generally ~lat, lower indicia-receiving surface 406 facing outwardly and downwardly and extending from the bottom edge o~ the vertical surface 404, and a lower, g~nerally flat surface or flange 408 extending generally upwardly and ~ackwardly ~rom the bottom edge of the indicia-receiving surface 406. A label 410 bearing ~achine-readable indicia, huMan-readable i~dicia, or both,.is applied adhesively to the surface ~06.
~ ~3~7 The indicia-receiving surface 40~ i5 inclined at an angle from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, pre~erably in a range ~rom about ~0~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As shown, such surfaee 406 is inclined at an angle o~ approximately 5~i~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 406 i~ inclined at such an angle, the support beam 400 is useful generally where the tubular support beams of the previous emhodiments are useful.
A characteristic feature of each of the foregoing embodiments is a load-receiving surface for supporting a load thereon. Another characteristic feature of each of the foregoing is an indicia-receiving surfaee enabling machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both, at a high or low elevation relative to a person seeking to read such indicia to be easily read.
Turning now to Figs. 12 and 13, another advantage presented by the novel support beam 250 is shown. When the support beam 250 is used with a properly positioned fire extinguisher 330 o~ well known construction, the beam 250 allows more fire extinguishing fluid 332, such as water, to be deflected onto a burning load L due to the novel shape of the support beam 250 when compared with a prior art support beam~ Since more fluid 332 is deflected onto the load L, tlle fire is extinguished more quickly than if a privr art beam were used. This advantage can be achieved with any of the embodiments shown in Figures 2-10 and 15.
To achie~e this superior fluid spray pattern 332, the fire extinguisher 330 ~hould ~e plac~d at generally the ~ame elevation as the support beam 250 in generally close proximiky to the inclined or curved surface 26~.
This placement forces the ~luid 332 that is discharged fxom the fire extinguisher 330 to impinge upon the inclined or curv~d sur~ace 266 of the support beam 250 2:~3~ 7 ~ 21 and spray on the load L as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. Since the suppor~ beam 250 is open beneath (or above if the embodiment of Figure 6 is being used~, that is, no structure is in the way o~ the spray pattern, the fluid 332 falls freely and fully onto the supported load L. This placement al~o prevents the fire extinguisher 330 from being struck by a load L, which could damage or accidentally dischar~e the fire extinguisher 330~ when the operator is placing th~ load L onto the rack.
The fire extinguisher 330 may be mounted on a wall W in an upright or sidewall conditionO If the racks are placed in a side-by-side configuration, a pipe (not shown) having fire extinguishing devic~s (not shown) may extend from the floor or from the ceiling at a location between the racks. Generally, at least one fire extinguisher 330 is associated with one support beam 250. Thus, several fire extinguishers will be mounted along a wall or along the pipe.
The fire extinguisher 330 may include a deflector 334, also of well known constructionr to deflect even more fluid 33~ onto the inclined or curved surface 266.
The deflector 334 is mounted on the fire extinguisher 330 at a position where the deflector 334 deflects the most amount of fluid 332 onto the inclined or curved surface 266. For example, in FigsO 12 and 13, the deflector 334 is mounted by ccnYentional means on the bottom end of the fire extinguisher 330.
As shown in Fig. 14, a prior art support beam 30, as illustrated in Fig. 11, would not achieve a ~imilar ~luid spray pattern 33~ to the one created with the novel structure of the present invention. Since ths outer surface 36 o~ the prior art beam 30 is not inclined or curved, the ~aiority of ~e fluid 336 that is discharged from the extinguisher 330 would be de~lected hack towards the wall. If a deflector 334 is 2 ~ Q 3 ~ 1 !7 not used on this prior art beam, some fl.uid 336 may spray onto the load L, however, the quantity of fluid 336 will be small in comparison to the guantity of fluid 332 that is sprayed onto the load L when using the novel 5 support beam, for example, 250, of the present invention.
~ erein, t~e term indicia-receiving surface refers to the inclined or curved surface illustxated in the drawings and described above, whether or not any indicia are applied to such surface via a label or otherwise~
Various modifications may be made in the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
A~ O~ ~O~ E~EVATION TO B~ ~a~ Y READ
Technical Field of the Invention This invention pertains to a support beam having a load-supporting surface for supporting a load, for a storage rack o~ a type used to store pallet loads and other loads. The support beam has an indicia-receiving surface adapted to receive machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both, as on a label applied to such surface. The indicia-receiving surface is inclined or curved so as to enable such indicia at a high or low elevation relative to a person seeking to read such indicia to be easily readO
The support beam of this invention may also be used with a fire extinguisher device that is located at generally the same elevation as the support beam. I~ a fire occurs, the inclined or curved indicia urfacP
deflects a fire extinguishing ~luid, such as wat r, onto ~ :
a ~urning load and the fire is extinguished quickly.
Backqround of the Invention Commonly, a storage rack of the type noted above -:
has multiple bays and multiple tiers and comprises : .
horizontally spaced, upright framec including upright column5, cross braces, and support beams. The support ~eams extend horizontally between the upright columns, at the ~ront of the storage rack and at the back thereo~, in vertically spaced pairs. The beams of each .
~ : . . ~. . .'- . ~ ' 21 03~17 pair are adapted to support a pallet load on their upper edges.
In designs in widespread use, each support beam is formed from ~heet steel in one piece or two pieces and is weld~d so as to have a hollow, tubular pro~ile.
Generally, the beam profile is rectangular except for a ledge, which has defined a horizontal surface ~acing upwardly and a vertical surface facing inwardly. In each pair of support beams, the led~es are adapted to support a wooden or steel deck or spaced wooden or steel braces, which is or are omitted in some irlstallations.
Storage racks comprising support beams according to these designs are available commercially from Unarco Material Handling (now a division of UNR Industries, Inc.) of Chicago, Illinois, under its STURDI-BILT
trademark.
Commonly, the beam pro~ile defines a flat, generally vertical, outer surface, on which it is known to apply a label bearing machine-readable indicia, such as bar code indicia, human-r~adable indicia, such as alpha-numeric indicia, or bo~h so as to assist in inventory management. Also, it is kno~n for such indicia to be directly applied to the outer surface of the support beam, as by stenciling. Usually, it is not effective to apply such indicia to generally horizontal surfaces of such a beam, since such surfaces tend to be partially or completely obscured by pallet loads.
Ordinarily, i~ bar code indicia are applied, a bar code reading wand is used to read such indicia.
~hether such indicia are applied via a lab~l or directly, it can be very difficult for a person standing on a support surface or ~itting on a lift truck to read such indici~ applied to such an outer surface of a support beam, particularly if the support beam is located at a high or low ~levation relative to the CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 person. If such indicia are bar code indicia, such difficulty is exacerbated, since it is desirable if not necessary to point a bar code reading wand along a generally perpendicular line of sight to a surface marked with bar code indicia for such indicia to be effectively read.
These storage racks are often used in a warehouse where such a rack is located next to a wall or such racks are placed in a back-to-back configuration. If a fire occurs, all of the loads stored on the racks may be burned and damaged since the fire can spread easily due to the close proximity of the racks. To prevent this, warehouses use fire extinguishing systems. These systems commonly comprise fire extinguishers located in close proximity to the loads. However, a significant problem with such a system is that the rack beams are usually within the spray patterns created by the fire extinguishing devices and only serve to deflect the fire extinguishing fluid off of the loads.
One aspect of this invention is addressed to a perceived need for a support beam providing a better way to apply such indicia so that such indicia can be easily read if the support beam is at a high or low elevation relative to such a person. Another aspect of this invention is addressed to a need for a support beam that provides a better way to extinguish a fire in a burning load.
CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 Summary of the Invention According to a first broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a tubular support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load said support beam including at least four integral, generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, said integral, generally flat walls further including an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls, forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge.
According to a second broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load, said support beam including a plurality of generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper, substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, which said generally flat walls further include an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge, said integral, generally flat walls further including a substantially horizontal wall extending inwardly from the inner, substantially vertical wall and spaced below the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the support beam having at least one other wall extending between the inclined wall and the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper wall, the support beam having a welded construction defining a generally tubular profile including the generally flat walls and including a ledge, which is defined by the inner, generally vertical wall and by the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper, generally horizontal wall, and which has a surface facing upwardly with relation to the storage rack and which has a surface facing away from the aisle.
According to a third broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, so as to correct informalities noted in the claim, a platform defined by a wooden or steel deck or by spaced wooden or steel CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 braces, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface supporting the end portion of the platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front column, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
According to a fourth broad aspect, the invention provides a storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising, an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface for supporting one end portion of a platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a - 6a -CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front columns, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
Brief description of the Drawinqs Figure 1 is a simplified, elevational view of several storage racks and a person sitting on a lift truck and using a wand to read machine-readable indicia on a support beam of one of the storage racks. The support beam having the indicia being read is at a high elevation relative to the person.
Figure 2, on a larger scale, is a fragmentary, perspective view of a storage beam bearing a label marked with machine-readable, bar code indicia and with human-readable, alphanumeric indicia and constituting a preferred embodiment of this invention, as associated with a column in a storage rack.
Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 respectively are cross-sectional views of support beams constituting alternative embodiments of this invention.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of support beams according to another alternative embodiment of - 6b -CA 02103~17 1998-09-28 this invention. A pallet load supported thereon is shown fragmentarily.
Figure 10 is a cross-section view of a support beam according to another alternative embodiment of this invention.
A pallet load supported thereon is shown fragmentarily.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a support beam exemplifying prior art.
Figure 12 is a simplified, elevational view of two storage racks next to a wall. A fire extinguisher is - 6c -2 :~ ~ 3 - ~ rl mounted to the wall and is shown with the extinguisher dis~harging a fire extinguishing fluid.
Figure ~3 is a enlarged view of th~ fire extinguisher and support beam of the present invention shown in Figure 12. A representative, ~;implified spray pattern that is created during khe dischArge of the fire extinguisher is shown by the lines.
Figure 14 is a simplified view o~ a prior art support beam being used in combination with a fire extinguishsr that is being discharged. A
representative, simplified spray pattern that is created during the discharge i~ shown by the lines.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view oP a support beam according to alternative embodiment of this invention.
Detailed Description of Illustrated Embodiments As shown in Figure 1, three storage racks 10 are supported on and by a support surface S, which is a warehouse floor. One such rack 10 is spac~d from the other racks 10 by a wide aisle and is tied to a warehouse wall by known braces 12. The latter racks 10 are tied to each other by known braces 12 ~one shown) in a back-to-back relationship. As shown in Figure 1, a person P riding on a li~t truck ~ is holding a bar code reading wand W, which is used to read machine~readable indicia, such as bar code indicia~ on support beams to be later de~cribed. A line o~ sight from the wand W to a support beam at a high elevation relative to the person i~ ~hown by an arrow. It is evident that, if ~uch indicia were applied to a generally vertical surface of a suppo~t beam at the high el~vation, it would be very di~icult for the person P u~ing the wand 2~3~
W to read such indicia unlPss he or she were elevated to a greater height.
Each storage rack 10 is similar to known ~torage racks in comprising upright ~rames 20, which include ~ront columns 22, back columns 24, horizontal braces 26, and diagonal braces 28, in welded assemblies, and which include support beams (not shown in Figure 1) connected between the ~ront columns 22 and between the back columns 24, at di~ferent elevations. As in known storage racks, the support beams define multiple bays, each comprising multiple tiers. A~ shown in Fiyure 1, each tier in each bay supports a pallet load L, which comprises a load supported by a pallet.
A support beam 30 of a known design in widespread use is shown in cross-section in Figure 11. The support beam 30 is formed from sheet steel and is welded along an upper seam 32 so as to have a tu~ular profile. Ths tubular pro~ile is shaped so as to de~ine an upper, inner ledge 34, which is adapted to support one edge portion of a wooden or steel deck (not shown) or spaced wooden or st~el braces (not shown) in a known manner.
The tu~ular pro~ile defines an outer, generally flat, generally vertical sur~ace 36, on which a labPl 38 bearing machine-readable indicia, hum~n-r2adable indicia, or both is applied adhPsively. A line of ~ight, which is generally perpendicular to the label 38, is shown by an arrow.
At intermediate elevations rzlative to a person seeking to read indicia applied to the support b~ams, each storage rack 10 may comprise support beams ~imilar to the s~port bea~ 30. However, at high elevations relative thereto, ~ach storage rack 10 compri~es support beams 40 o~ a novel design accordin~ to thi~ invention.
As sh~wn in Figure 2, each support ~eam 40 is similar to known ~upport beams, as exemplified by the 2~3~
support beam 30, in having two end flanges 42 welded ther~to and differs from such known beam~ in having a novel pro~ile. The end flange 42 at each end of each ~upport beam 40 is connected to a front or back column of one of the upright frames 20 in a known manner. As shown, the end flanges 42 are conn~cted to two ~ront columns 22 by wedge connectors 44 of a type disclosecl in Klein U.S. Pate~t No. 4,712,~96 or of a type disclosed in Klein U.S. Patent No. 4,741,445. The end flanges 42 may be alternatively connected thereto by connector bolts (not shown) of a type disclosed in Highsmith U.S.
Patent No. 4,496,061 or of a type disclosed in Klein U.S. Patent No. 5,020,678~
As shown in Figure 2, the support beam 40 is formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 50 having an upper flange 52 and a lower flange 54 and an inner piece 60 having an upper flange 62 and a lower flange 64. The flanges 52, 54, of tha outer piece 50 fit over the ~langes 62, 64, of the inner piece 60 and are weld d to the inner piece 60 at spaced welds 66 along the distal edge of each of the flanges 52, 54 so as to provide the support beam 40 with a tubular profile. Thus, the upper flange 52 of the outer piece 50 defines an upper edge of the support beam 40. Also, the lower flange 54 of the outer piece 50 defines a lower edge of the support beam 40.
The inner piece 60 provides an inner wall shaped ~o as to de~ine a ledge 70 having a generally horizontal surface 72 fa~ing upwardly and a generally verkical surface 74 fasing inwardly. The ledge 70 is adapted to support one end portion 76 of a wooden deck extending ~etwecn the support beam 40 and the ledge of a similar beam ~not ~hown) spaced ~rom the ~upport beam 40. A
steel deck (not shown) or ~paced wvoden or steel braoes Snot shown) may be alternatively supported by such ledges.
The outer piece 50 provides an oute:r wall shaped so as to define a generally flat, gen~rally vertical, upper surface 7~ ~acing outwardly and a genera:lly ~lat, inclined, lower surface gO ~acing outwardly and downwardly. The lower surface 80 defines an obtuse angle relative to the upper surface 78. A label 90 bearing machine-readable, bar code indicia and human-readable, alpha-numeric indicia is applied adhesively to the lower surface 80, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. A line of sight, which is generally perpendicular to th~ label 90, is shown by an arrow. Because the indicia-receiving surface 80 is inclined so as to ~ace outwardly and downwardly, the support beam 40 can be advantageously used at a high elev~tion relative to a person seeking to read such indicia. Thi~ invention enables such a person standing on the support surface S or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support sur~ace S to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-receiving surface ~0.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 8n is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to ~bout 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably an angle in a range from about 30~ to about 60~ relative thereto. As shown, such surface 80 is incli~ed at an angle of approximately 40~ relative to a vextical plane. It is desirable to select the angle to optimize readability of the indicia ~orne by the label 90 at the elevation where the support beam ~0 is employe~.
As shown in ~igure 3, a ~upport beam 100 constitutes an alternative embodiment of this invention.
3S The ~upport beam lO0 is formed from sheet ~teel in one 2:~03~
piece and is welded at an upper seam 102 ~o as to have a tubular profile. The tubular proPile includes an inner wall 104 shaped so as to define a ledge 106 similar to the ledge 40 o~ the support beam 40.
Furthermore, th~ tubular profile of the ~upport beam 100 includes an outer wall 110 having a top edge or load supporti~g surf~ce 112 and a bottom edge 114, at which the outer wall 110 and the inner wall 104 merge.
The outer wall 110 is shaped so as to define a gen~rally flat, upper surface 116 facing outwardly and a generally arcuate, lower, indicia-receiving surface 118 merying with the upper surface 116. A label 120 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesively to the surface 118.
So as to provide sufficient space for the label 120 bearing such indicia, the indicia receiving surface 118 has a peripheral measurement equal at least to approximately one third of the peripheral measurement along the outer wall 110, between the edges .tl2, 114.
As shown, the indicia-receiving surface 118 has a peripheral measurement equal to approximately two-thirds of the peripheral measurement along the outer wall 110, between the edge~ 112, 114. The peripheral measurements are made along the tubular profile. Several possible lines o~ sight, each of which is perpendic~lar to the label 120 where it intersects the label 120, are shown by arrows. Because the indicia-receiving sur~ace 118 is generally arcuate and faces outwardly and downwardly, as shown, the ~upport beam 100 can b~ ad~antageou~ly u~ed ~t a high elevation relative to a person seeking to read indicia born~ by the label 120, in one o~ the storage ra~ks 10. This invention enables surh a person st~n~ing on a support surface below the ~upport beam 100 or sitting on a lift truck ~upported by the support sur*acs 2 ~
to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-rec~iving surface llB.
As shown in Fi~ure 4, a support beam 130 constitutes another alternative embodiment of this invention. T~e support beam 130 is formed of sheet steel in one piece and is welded at an upper seam 132 so a~ to have a tubular profile, which i9 similar to the tubular profile of the suppoxt beam 100, except as ShOWIl and described herein. As shvwn, the tubular profile includes an inner wall 134 shaped so as t~ d2fine a ledge 136 similar to the ledges noted above. Moreover, the tubular profile of the support beam 130 includes an outer wall 140 defining a qenerally flat, upper surface 142 facing outwardly, a generally flat ~urface 144 lS merging with the surface 142 and facing outwardly and downwardly, and a generally flat surface 146 merging with the sur~ace 144 and ~acing outwardly and downwardly. The surface 146 is disposed below the surface 144. The surfaces 144, 146, define an obtuse angle relative to each other. Two similar labels 150 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both are applied adhesively. One such label 150 is applied to the intermediate surface 144. The other label 150 is appli~d to the lower surface 146.
The surface~ 144, 146 may be therefore called indicia-r~ceiving surfaces. Two lines of sight, each of which is generally perpendicular to a different one of th~
labels 150, ar~ shown by arrows.
The indicia-bearing surface 144 i~ inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 70~ relative to a vertical plane, pref~rably ln a rang~ from about 10~
to about 45~ relative thereto. As shown, the surface 144 is inclined at angle o~ about 12~ relative to a vertical plane~ ~he indicia-b~aring surface 146 is inclin~ at an a~gle in a range ~rom about 20~ to ~bout 2~3~
- ~3 -80O relative to a vertical plane, pre~erably at an angle in a range from about 4~~ to about 80~ relative thereto.
As shown, the lower sur~ace 146 is inclined at an ~ngle o~ about 58~ relative to a vertical plane. As shown, the surfaces ~6, 148, define an angle of about 134~
relative to each other. Being inclined at such angles, the indicia-receiving surfaces 144, 146, enable a per~on standing on a support surface or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support surface to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to at least one of thosc surfaces 144, 146.
As shown in Figure 5, a support beam lS0 constitutes yet another alternative embodiment of this invention. The support beam 150 ls ~ormed of sheet steel in one piece and is welded at an upper seam 152 so as to have a tubular profile, which is similar to the tubular profile of the support beam 100, except as ~hown and described herein. The tubular profile of the support beam 150 includes an inner wall 154 shaped so as to define a ledge 156 similar to the ledges noted above.
As shown, the tubular profile of the support beam 150 is shaped so as to have an outer wall 160 defining a generally flat, upper surface 162 facing outwardly and a generally flat, lower indicia-receiving surface 164 facing outwardly and downwardly. A label 170 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applie~ adhesively to the surface 164.
According to this invention, the indicia-bearing surface 164 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably in a ranye from about 30~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As ~hown, such sur~ace 164 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 164 is inclined at ~uch an 2~03~
angle, the support b~am 150 is useful generally where the support b~am 40 is useful.
Moreover, the inner wall 154 i5 shaped so as to define a generally flat surface 172 faci.ng inw~rdly, below the ledge 156, and so a~ to define a g~nerally flat surfac~ 174 facing inwaxdly and upwardly, below the surface 172~ The surface 174 is inclined at an angle similar to the angle (e.g., about 30~ relative to a vertizal plane, as shown) at which the indicia-receiving surface 164 is inclined. The tubular profile of the support beam 150 compensates for beam strength loss that would be otherwise attributable to the indicia-receiving sur~ace 164 being incli.ned.
As shown in Figure 6, a support beam 180 constitutes still another embodiment of this invention.
The support beam 180 is similar to the support beam 40 in being formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 182 having an upper flange 184 defining a load-supporting surface and a lower flange 186 and an inner piece 188 having an upper ~lange 190 and a lower flange 192. The flanges 184, 186, of the outer piece 182 fit over the ~langes 190, 192, of the inner piece 188 and are welded to the inner piece 188 at spaced welds 194 along the distal edge of each of the ~langes 184, 186, so as to provide the ~upport beam 180 with a tubular profile. The inner piece 188 provides an inner wall 196 shaped so as to define a ledge 198 similar to the ledge~ noted above.
The outer piece 182 provides an outer wall 200 shaped so as to define a yenerally flat, lower surface 202 facing outwardly and a genexally flat, inclined, upper surface 204 ~acing outwardly and upwardly. The upp~r sur~ace 200 defines an obtuse angle relative to the lower surface 202. A label 210 bearing machine~
readable indicia, bar code indicia, or both is applied ~103~17 adhesively to the upper sur~ace 204, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. ~ line of sight, which i~ perpendicular to the label 210, is shown by an arrow. Because the indicia-receiving sur~ace 204 is inclined so as to ~ace outwardly and upwardly, the support beam 180 can be advantageously used at a low elevation relative to a person seeking to read indicia borne by the label 210, in one of the storagP racks lOo According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 204 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably at an angle in a range from about 30~ to about 60~ relative thereto. As shown, such surface 204 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a vertical plane. Being inclined at such an angle, such surface 204 enables such a person standing on a support surface or sitting on a lift truck supported by the support sur~ace to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to the indicia-receiving surface ~04.
As shown in Figure 7, a support beam 210 constitutes a further alternative embodiment o~ this invention. The support beam 2~0 is similar to the support beam 40 in being formed from sheet steel in two pieces, namely an outer piece 212 having an upper ~lange 214 de~ining a load-supporting surface and a lower ~lange 216 and an inner piece 218 having an upper Plang~
220 and a lower ~lange 222. The flanges 214, 216, of the outer pieoe 212 fi~- over the flanges 220, 222, of the inner piece 218 and are welded to the inner piece 218 at spaced welds 224 along the distal edge of each o~
the flanges 214, 216, so as to provide the support beam 210 with a tubular pro~ile. The inner piece 218 pxovides an inner wall 226 shaped ~o as to define a ledge 228 similar to the ledges note~ above.
As shown, the outer piece 212 provides an outer wall 230 shaped so as to define a generally flat, upper surface 232 facing outwardly and a g~nerally flat, lower, indicia-receiving surface 234 ~ac:ing downwardly and outwardly. ~ label 240 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesively to such surface 234.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surfa¢e 234 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a ver~,ical plane, preferably in a range from about 30~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As shown, such surface 234 is inclined at an angle of about 30~ relative to a ~ertical surface. Because such surface 234 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 210 is useful where the support beam 40 is useful generally where the support beam 40 is use~ul.
As shown, th~ inner wall 226 is shaped so as to define a generally flat surface 2~8 ~aciny inwardly below the ledge 228, and so as to define a generally flat ~urface 250 facing inwardly and upwardly, below the surface 248. The surface 250 is inclined at an angle similar to the angle (e.g., about 30~ relative to a vertical plane, as shown) at which the indicia-re~eiving surface 234 is inclined. The tubular profile of the support beam 210 thus compensates for beam strength loss that would be otherwise attributable to the indicia-receiving surface 234 being inclined.
A~ shown in Figure 8, a support beam 250 constitutes a ~urther alternative embodiment of this invention. ~he support beam is ~ormed from sheet steel so as to have an outer wall 252 having an upper ~lange 254 and an inner wall 256 having an upper flange 258 defining a load-supporting surface. The upper ~lange 258 of the inner wall 256 fits over the upper flange 254 2~5~7 o~ the outer wall 252 and is welded to t:he ~lange 254 at spaced welds 260 along the dist~l edge of the flange 258 so as to provide the support beam 250 wi.th a tubular profile. The inner wall 256 is shaped so as to define a ledge 262 similar to the ledges noted above.
As shown, the outer wall 252 is ~haped so as to define a gene~ally ~lat, upper surface 254 facing outwardly and a generally flat, lower, indicia-receiving ~urface 266 facing downwardly and outwardly~ A label 269 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-read~ble indicia, or both is applied adhesively to such surface 266. A line of sight, which i~ generally perpendicular to the label 269, i~ shown by an arrow.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 266 is inclined at an angle in a range ~rom about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, preferably in a range ~rom about 30~ to about ~0~
relative thereto. As shown, such sur~ace 266 is inclined at an angle of about 42~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 266 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 250 is useful generally wherQ
the support beam 40 is useful.
As shown in Figure 9/ a pallet L' is supported on a pair of ~upport beams 270 accordiny to yet another embodiment of this invention. Each ~upport beam 270 is ~ormed ~rom sheet steel in one piece so as to have a tubular, generally rectangular profile. Such profile de~ines an upper~ rela ively narrow wall 272, a lower relatively narrow wall 274, an outer, relatively wide wall 276, and an inner, relatively wide wall 278. Each ~upport beam 270 has a welded seam 280 along i~s upper wall 272.
At ~ach end, each support beam 270 i~ welded to an end flanye 282, w~ich i5 similar to ~he end flanges 42.
Each end ~lange 282 i connected to a ~ront or back 2~ ~3~7 column 284 o~ an upright frame of a storage xack, by a wedge connector 286 similar to the wedge connectors 44.
~ ach support beam 270 is oriented so that the pallet load L' is supported on a rounded corner or load~
supporting 6urface wher~ its upper wall 272 and ~t~
inner wall 278 ad~oin, and so that its outer wall 276 has an outer surface 288 ~acing outwardly and downwardly, as shown. On one support beam 270, a label 230 bearing machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both is applied adhesi~ely to its outer surface 288, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving surface. A line o~ sight, which is generally perpendicular to the label 290, is shown by an arrow. A
similar label (not shown~ may be adhesively applied to the outer wall 276 o~ the other beam 270.
According to this invention, the indicia-receiving surface 288 is inclined at an angle in a range from about 10~ to about 80~ relativP to a vertical plane, preferably in a range from about 30~ to about ~0~
relative thereto. As shown, such surfac~ 288 is inclined at an angle of approximately 15~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such sur~ace 288 is inclined at such an angle, the support beam 270 is useful generally where the support beam 40 is useful.
As shown in Figure 10, a support beam 300 constituting still another embodiment of this invention is used with another support beam (not shown) to support a pallet load ~''. The ~upport beam 300 is similar to each support beam 270, except that the ~upport beam is ~ormed with a generally horizontal, load-supporting wall or surfaee 302 between its upper wall 304, which is narrower than th~ upper wall 272 of each support beam 270, and its inner wall 306, whioh is narrower than the inn~r wall 278 oP each support beam 270. The wall or surface 302 include~ a welded seam 308.
.
21~ 3 Also, the support beam 300 is similar to each support beam 270 in having an outer wall 310 with an outer surface 312 facing outwardly and downwardly, as the outer surface 28B of the outer wall 276 of each support beam 270 faces outwardly and downwardly. A
label 320, which is similar to the adhesive label 290, is applied adhe~ively to the outer surface 312, which may be therefore called an indicia-receiving sur~ace.
The label 320 bears machine-readable indicia, human readable indicia, or both. A line o~ sight, which is qenerally perpendicular to the label 320, is shown by an arrow.
The support beam 400, as illustrated in Figure 15, constitutes an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In th.is ~ ho~i ~nt, the support ~eam 400 is preferably used with another support beam to support a lightweight load since the support beam 400 has an open channel ~non-tubular) profile. The support beam 400 is formed ~rom a steel channel by cold forming or hot rolling.
The channel profile of the support beam 400 is shaped so as to have an upper, generally flat, horizontal load-supporting surface or flange 402 for supporting a load thereon, a generally vertical surface or flange 404 extending downwardly from a front edge of the upper sur~ace 402, a generally ~lat, lower indicia-receiving surface 406 facing outwardly and downwardly and extending from the bottom edge o~ the vertical surface 404, and a lower, g~nerally flat surface or flange 408 extending generally upwardly and ~ackwardly ~rom the bottom edge of the indicia-receiving surface 406. A label 410 bearing ~achine-readable indicia, huMan-readable i~dicia, or both,.is applied adhesively to the surface ~06.
~ ~3~7 The indicia-receiving surface 40~ i5 inclined at an angle from about 10~ to about 80~ relative to a vertical plane, pre~erably in a range ~rom about ~0~ to about 60~
relative thereto. As shown, such surfaee 406 is inclined at an angle o~ approximately 5~i~ relative to a vertical plane. Because such surface 406 i~ inclined at such an angle, the support beam 400 is useful generally where the tubular support beams of the previous emhodiments are useful.
A characteristic feature of each of the foregoing embodiments is a load-receiving surface for supporting a load thereon. Another characteristic feature of each of the foregoing is an indicia-receiving surfaee enabling machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both, at a high or low elevation relative to a person seeking to read such indicia to be easily read.
Turning now to Figs. 12 and 13, another advantage presented by the novel support beam 250 is shown. When the support beam 250 is used with a properly positioned fire extinguisher 330 o~ well known construction, the beam 250 allows more fire extinguishing fluid 332, such as water, to be deflected onto a burning load L due to the novel shape of the support beam 250 when compared with a prior art support beam~ Since more fluid 332 is deflected onto the load L, tlle fire is extinguished more quickly than if a privr art beam were used. This advantage can be achieved with any of the embodiments shown in Figures 2-10 and 15.
To achie~e this superior fluid spray pattern 332, the fire extinguisher 330 ~hould ~e plac~d at generally the ~ame elevation as the support beam 250 in generally close proximiky to the inclined or curved surface 26~.
This placement forces the ~luid 332 that is discharged fxom the fire extinguisher 330 to impinge upon the inclined or curv~d sur~ace 266 of the support beam 250 2:~3~ 7 ~ 21 and spray on the load L as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13. Since the suppor~ beam 250 is open beneath (or above if the embodiment of Figure 6 is being used~, that is, no structure is in the way o~ the spray pattern, the fluid 332 falls freely and fully onto the supported load L. This placement al~o prevents the fire extinguisher 330 from being struck by a load L, which could damage or accidentally dischar~e the fire extinguisher 330~ when the operator is placing th~ load L onto the rack.
The fire extinguisher 330 may be mounted on a wall W in an upright or sidewall conditionO If the racks are placed in a side-by-side configuration, a pipe (not shown) having fire extinguishing devic~s (not shown) may extend from the floor or from the ceiling at a location between the racks. Generally, at least one fire extinguisher 330 is associated with one support beam 250. Thus, several fire extinguishers will be mounted along a wall or along the pipe.
The fire extinguisher 330 may include a deflector 334, also of well known constructionr to deflect even more fluid 33~ onto the inclined or curved surface 266.
The deflector 334 is mounted on the fire extinguisher 330 at a position where the deflector 334 deflects the most amount of fluid 332 onto the inclined or curved surface 266. For example, in FigsO 12 and 13, the deflector 334 is mounted by ccnYentional means on the bottom end of the fire extinguisher 330.
As shown in Fig. 14, a prior art support beam 30, as illustrated in Fig. 11, would not achieve a ~imilar ~luid spray pattern 33~ to the one created with the novel structure of the present invention. Since ths outer surface 36 o~ the prior art beam 30 is not inclined or curved, the ~aiority of ~e fluid 336 that is discharged from the extinguisher 330 would be de~lected hack towards the wall. If a deflector 334 is 2 ~ Q 3 ~ 1 !7 not used on this prior art beam, some fl.uid 336 may spray onto the load L, however, the quantity of fluid 336 will be small in comparison to the guantity of fluid 332 that is sprayed onto the load L when using the novel 5 support beam, for example, 250, of the present invention.
~ erein, t~e term indicia-receiving surface refers to the inclined or curved surface illustxated in the drawings and described above, whether or not any indicia are applied to such surface via a label or otherwise~
Various modifications may be made in the foregoing embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.
Claims (13)
1. A storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a tubular support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load said support beam including at least four integral, generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, said integral, generally flat walls further including an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls, forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range from about 10° to about 80° relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge.
2. The storage rack of claim 1 wherein the support beam has welded construction defining a generally tubular profile including the upper and outer walls.
3. The storage rack of claim 1 wherein the indicia-receiving surface is inclined at an angle from about 30° to about 60° relative to a vertical plane.
4. The storage rack of claim 3 wherein said indicia-receiving surface faces outwardly and downwardly at such an angle relative to the storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is supported on said support beam.
5. The storage rack of claim 4 including an inner wall extending below said inner vertical wall defining a generally flat surface facing inwardly and upwardly and being inclined at an angle in said range relative to said vertical plane.
6. The storage rack of claim 1 wherein the integral, generally flat walls are made in one piece.
7. A storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, said storage rack including a front portion facing toward an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, said storage rack comprising an upright frame and means including a support beam made of steel and connected to the upright frame for supporting a pallet load, said support beam including a plurality of generally flat walls, said integral, generally flat walls including an upper, substantially horizontal wall defining a generally flat, substantially horizontal, load-supporting surface, which said generally flat walls further include an outer, substantially vertical wall and an inner, substantially vertical wall, the substantially vertical walls extending below the upper wall, being substantially parallel, and being spaced horizontally from each other by at least the width of the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the substantially horizontal wall and substantially vertical walls forming an inverted channel opening downwardly, said integral, generally flat walls further including an inclined wall extending below the outer, substantially vertical wall, the inclined wall defining a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface facing outwardly and downwardly from the front portion of said storage rack so as to be readily visible from the aisle when a pallet load is supported on said support beam, said indicia-receiving surface being inclined at a fixed angle in a range from about 10° to about 80° relative to a vertical plane, said support beam having a lowermost edge, said indicia-receiving surface extending to the lowermost edge, said integral, generally flat walls further including a substantially horizontal wall extending inwardly from the inner, substantially vertical wall and spaced below the upper, substantially horizontal wall, the support beam having at least one other wall extending between the inclined wall and the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper wall, the support beam having a welded construction defining a generally tubular profile including the generally flat walls and including a ledge, which is defined by the inner, generally vertical wall and by the substantially horizontal wall spaced below the upper, generally horizontal wall, and which has a surface facing upwardly with relation to the storage rack and which has a surface facing away from the aisle.
8. A storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, so as to correct informalities noted in the claim, a platform defined by a wooden or steel deck or by spaced wooden or steel braces, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface supporting the end portion of the platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front column, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10° to about 80° relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
9. The storage rack of claim 8 wherein the inclined wall faces upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 30° to about 60° relative to a vertical plane.
10. The storage rack of claim 8 wherein the support beam is tubular.
11. A storage rack positioned on a substantially horizontal surface the storage rack including a front portion facing an aisle and a rear portion facing away from the aisle, the storage rack comprising, an upright frame including two front columns, each front column having a side wall and a front wall meeting the side wall at a vertical corner, a support beam extending horizontally between the front columns and connected to the front columns, the support beam having an uppermost edge and having a surface for supporting one end portion of a platform, the supporting surface being spaced below the upper edge, the support beam having two ends and an end flange at each end, the end flange being connected to a given one of the front columns, the end flange having a side portion and a front portion meeting the side portion at a vertical corner, the side portion being welded to said end of the support beam and facing the side wall of the same one of the front columns, the front portion facing the front wall of the same one of the front columns, the support beam having an inclined wall facing upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 10° to about 80° relative to a vertical plane, the inclined wall extending to the uppermost edge.
12. The storage rack of claim 11 wherein the inclined wall faces upwardly and frontwardly at an angle in a range from about 30° to about 60° relative to a vertical plane.
13. The storage rack of claim 11 wherein the support beam is tubular.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US92645892A | 1992-08-07 | 1992-08-07 | |
| US926,458 | 1992-08-07 | ||
| US095,607 | 1993-07-21 | ||
| US08/095,607 US5368174A (en) | 1992-08-07 | 1993-07-21 | Storage rack beam having surface enabling indicia at high or low elevation to be easily read |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2103517A1 CA2103517A1 (en) | 1994-02-08 |
| CA2103517C true CA2103517C (en) | 1999-02-16 |
Family
ID=26790388
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002103517A Expired - Lifetime CA2103517C (en) | 1992-08-07 | 1993-08-06 | Storage rack beam having surface enabling indicia at high or low elevations to be easily read |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (6) | US5368174A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0653916A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07509639A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2103517C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994003090A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5368174A (en) * | 1992-08-07 | 1994-11-29 | Unr Industries, Inc. | Storage rack beam having surface enabling indicia at high or low elevation to be easily read |
| US5636755A (en) * | 1992-08-07 | 1997-06-10 | Unarco Llc | Storage rack system with fire extinguishing device |
| US6042321A (en) * | 1996-07-30 | 2000-03-28 | Westafalia Technologies, Inc. | Automated storage and retrieval system for palletless dairy cases |
| WO1998004482A1 (en) * | 1996-07-30 | 1998-02-05 | Westfalia Technologies, Inc. | Automated storage and retrieval system for palletless dairy cases |
| US5769249A (en) * | 1996-12-16 | 1998-06-23 | Unarco Material Handling, Inc. | Storage rack beam having rolled, intermediate section with upturned, deck-supporting edge and with inclined, indicia-receiving surface |
| US5964361A (en) * | 1997-02-21 | 1999-10-12 | Frazier Industrial Company | Ergonomic storage racks |
| FR2765788B1 (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 1999-09-17 | Guillaumond Sa | STORAGE STRUCTURE MADE OF PROFILED ELEMENTS AND MEANS FOR ASSEMBLING SAID ELEMENTS BETWEEN THEM |
| US6230910B1 (en) | 1998-03-31 | 2001-05-15 | Auto-Lok, Inc. | Self-locking beam clip |
| US6378711B1 (en) * | 2000-10-19 | 2002-04-30 | United Steel Enterprises, Inc. | Beveled beam |
| US6705576B2 (en) | 2001-03-22 | 2004-03-16 | Devri Pratt | Nursing bottle support |
| AT410816B (en) * | 2002-01-10 | 2003-08-25 | Metka Ges M B H | PROFESSIONAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF STAGES, SCAFFOLD OD. DGL. |
| US6702122B2 (en) | 2002-07-11 | 2004-03-09 | Frank G. Hopkins | Rack for fork lift extensions |
| US6716185B1 (en) | 2002-10-15 | 2004-04-06 | Christopher L. Rieger | Wrist angle brace |
| US20040089715A1 (en) * | 2002-11-07 | 2004-05-13 | Jon Otis | Portable, stand-alone, shelf-mounted promotional device |
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-
1993
- 1993-07-21 US US08/095,607 patent/US5368174A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-08-06 JP JP6505585A patent/JPH07509639A/en active Pending
- 1993-08-06 CA CA002103517A patent/CA2103517C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-08-06 WO PCT/US1993/007413 patent/WO1994003090A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-08-06 EP EP93919913A patent/EP0653916A4/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1994
- 1994-04-06 US US08/223,970 patent/US5386917A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-11-18 US US08/341,761 patent/US5492231A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-11-18 US US08/341,749 patent/US5526945A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-01-25 US US08/591,294 patent/US5655675A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-09-23 US US08/717,372 patent/US5749482A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5526945A (en) | 1996-06-18 |
| US5492231A (en) | 1996-02-20 |
| US5386917A (en) | 1995-02-07 |
| WO1994003090A1 (en) | 1994-02-17 |
| EP0653916A1 (en) | 1995-05-24 |
| US5368174A (en) | 1994-11-29 |
| US5655675A (en) | 1997-08-12 |
| CA2103517A1 (en) | 1994-02-08 |
| US5749482A (en) | 1998-05-12 |
| EP0653916A4 (en) | 1997-08-13 |
| JPH07509639A (en) | 1995-10-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |