Supporting beam and goods shelf system using same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a supporting beam and a goods shelf system. The support beam includes: a first vertical element; a second vertical element, a vertical plane shared with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; the connecting element is connected to the upper ends of the horizontal element and the second vertical element, and the connecting element has a diagonal orientation, so that the connecting element is bent downwards towards the second vertical element; and the extension element is provided with a first end and a second end, the second end is connected to the lower end of the second vertical element, the extension element is provided with a first linear part extending from the first end, and the angle between the extension direction of the first linear part and the second vertical element is between 0 and 145 degrees.

Description

[0001] Referenced patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 502,019, filed May 12, 2023, entitled “SHELVING SYSTEM WITH SUPPORT BEAMS,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This utility model relates to a beam structure and storage device. More specifically, this utility model relates to a support beam and a racking system using this support beam, for use in various racking systems to improve load-bearing and bulk transport efficiency. Background Technology

[0004] Boltless or riveted shelving systems are commonly used to store a variety of items in a space-saving manner while reducing clutter, and are a popular storage option for any warehouse, factory, house, or garage due to their versatility and industrial strength. As illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,694, a typical shelving system may comprise four vertical corner posts, any appropriate number of horizontal support beams extending between the pairs of posts, and corresponding shelving units resting on and supported by the pairs of horizontal support beams. Furthermore, boltless shelving systems are designed for easy assembly (i.e., requiring minimal tools) and can be quickly and easily adjusted and reconfigured.

[0005] However, many boltless racking systems, including the aforementioned prior art, have poor load-bearing capacity or require diagonal supports on the sides of the racking system, thus limiting the available space and access to the stored items. Therefore, there is a need for an optimal beam for racking systems that offers high load-bearing capacity and increased accessibility. Utility Model Content

[0006] One objective of this invention is to provide a device that allows for various types of racking system beams to improve the efficiency of load-bearing and bulk transport, as specified in the independent claims of this invention. Embodiments of this invention are described in the dependent claims. Embodiments of this invention can be freely combined with each other without mutual exclusion.

[0007] This utility model provides a support beam for supporting a shelf assembly. It includes: a first vertical element; a second vertical element sharing a vertical plane with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the upper ends of the horizontal element and the second vertical element, wherein the connecting element is diagonally oriented such that it bends downward toward the second vertical element; and an extension element having a first end and a second end, the second end being connected to the lower end of the second vertical element, wherein the extension element has a first straight portion extending from the first end, the angle between the extension direction of the first straight portion and the second vertical element being between 0 and 145 degrees.

[0008] According to the concept of this utility model, the material of the support beam may include metal or plastic.

[0009] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a second straight portion extending from the second end.

[0010] According to the concept of this utility model, the first straight section and the second straight section can be parallel.

[0011] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a U-shaped area between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0012] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have at least one arcuate region between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0013] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have at least one bending point between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0014] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical element between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0015] According to the concept of this utility model, the first vertical element and the second vertical element may further have openings for riveting, grooving or bolting at both ends of the support beam.

[0016] According to the concept of this utility model, the horizontal element and the connecting element can be adjusted at both ends of the support beam, and the angle formed is not perpendicular to the support beam.

[0017] This invention also provides another support beam for supporting shelf assemblies. It includes: a first vertical element; a second vertical element sharing a vertical plane with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the upper ends of the horizontal element and the second vertical element, wherein the connecting element has a curved shape; and an extension element having a first end and a second end, the second end being connected to the lower end of the second vertical element, wherein the extension element has a first straight portion extending from the first end, the angle between the extension direction of the first straight portion and the second vertical element being between 0 and 145 degrees.

[0018] According to the concept of this utility model, the material of the support beam may include metal or plastic.

[0019] According to the concept of this utility model, the bending shape of the connecting element may include at least one turning point.

[0020] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a second straight portion extending from the second end.

[0021] According to the concept of this utility model, the first straight section and the second straight section can be parallel.

[0022] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a U-shaped area between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0023] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have at least one arcuate region between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0024] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have at least one bending point between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0025] According to the concept of this utility model, the extension element may further have a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical element between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0026] According to the concept of this utility model, the first vertical element and the second vertical element may further have openings for riveting, grooving or bolting at both ends of the support beam.

[0027] According to the concept of this utility model, the horizontal element and the connecting element can be adjusted at both ends of the support beam, and the angle formed is not perpendicular to the support beam.

[0028] This utility model also provides a shelving system comprising: a plurality of corner posts; a plurality of beams, wherein each beam is adjustablely coupled to a pair of corner posts, at least one beam being a support beam as described above; and at least one shelving unit placed on at least two beams.

[0029] According to the concept of this utility model, the shelving system also includes at least one fixed beam, which is fixed on two opposite support beams.

[0030] Without limiting the scope of this application, the support beams are technically superior to existing technologies because they can bear more weight for the same amount of material. Furthermore, the package volume of the shelving system used for transportation and handling can be reduced by approximately 50-70%. In some embodiments, the reduction can be approximately 15%. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1A This is a side view of the support beam according to the first embodiment of the present utility model.

[0032] Figure 1B Showing a rear perspective view of the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 1C A front perspective view of the first embodiment is shown.

[0034] Figure 1D Another front perspective view of the first embodiment is shown, showing four openings in the support beam.

[0035] Figure 1E The diagram shows a rivet fixed in each opening to connect the support beam.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a side view of the support beam according to the second embodiment of the present utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a side view of the support beam according to the third embodiment of the present utility model.

[0038] Figure 4A This is a side view of the support beam according to the fourth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0039] Figure 4B This is a side view of the support beam in the fourth embodiment, showing a flat bottom.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a side view of the support beam according to the fifth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0041] Figure 6A This is a side view of the support beam according to the sixth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0042] Figure 6B This is a side view of a variant of the support beam according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a side view of the support beam according to the seventh embodiment of the present utility model.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a side view of the support beam according to the eighth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a side view of the support beam according to the ninth embodiment of the present utility model.

[0046] Figure 10 Showing the support beams that were cut off at both ends.

[0047] Figure 11 A perspective view showing an embodiment of the shelving system.

[0048] Figure 12 This shows how the support beam is fixed to the corner column. Detailed Implementation

[0049] This document explicitly outlines and identifies certain features of this utility model; other features will be provided in the following description. This section attempts to cover various modifications and arrangements made within the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0050] refer to Figures 1A-1C . Figure 1A This is a side view of the support beam according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B A rear perspective view of the first embodiment is shown. Figure 1C Showing a front perspective view of the first embodiment. The support beam 1 is a long, straight object whose extension direction is perpendicular to... Figure 1A To magnify local features, the supporting beam 1 between the two ends is omitted from the drawing. Figure 1B and Figure 1C The dashed lines represent the boundaries of the omitted portions. The requirements for support beam 1 described below are defined as follows: Figure 1A Each component is a long, straight object, and they are connected to form a one-piece support beam 1. Figure 1A In the diagram, the dashed line is used to separate one element from another connected element.

[0051] In this embodiment, the support beam 1 supporting the shelving assembly includes a first vertical element 11, a second vertical element 12, a horizontal element 13, a connecting element 14, and an extension element 15. The second vertical element 12 is not directly connected to the first vertical element 11. Instead, the second vertical element 12 shares a vertical plane with the first vertical element 11. Therefore, the first vertical element 11 and the second vertical element 12 can contact the plane of the shelving corner post, thereby allowing the support beam 1 to be fixed to the corner post. For ease of explanation, the second vertical element 12 has an upper end 121 and a lower end 122.

[0052] Horizontal element 13 is connected to first vertical element 11. Connecting element 14 is connected to the upper end 121 of horizontal element 13 and second vertical element 12. In this embodiment, connecting element 14 is diagonally oriented such that it bends downward toward second vertical element 12. The angle θ between horizontal element 13 and connecting element 14 is variable.

[0053] The extension element 15 has a first end 151 and a second end 152. The second end 152 of the extension element 15 is connected to the lower end 122 of the second vertical element 12. The extension element 15 also has a first straight portion 153 extending from the first end 151. In this embodiment, the extension element 15 is hook-shaped by the first straight portion 153, which increases the rigidity against bending and torsion when the support beam 1 is assembled in the racking system. The extension direction of the first straight portion 153, represented by the dashed arrow, is parallel to the extension direction of the second vertical element 12, represented by the solid arrow. The angle between the two directions is 0 degrees. According to this invention, the angle can be from 0 degrees to 145 degrees. Other embodiments may include different first straight portions 153 to show different angles. The bottom of the support beam 1 is arc-shaped.

[0054] According to this invention, the following applications are possible: The total length of the support beam from one end to the other can be 1 to 10 feet. The beam width can be 1 to 6 inches. The thickness of the support beam can be uniform throughout, ranging from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. Regarding materials, according to this invention, all embodiments are not limited to metal, plastic, or any other rigid material.

[0055] Support beam 1 can be fixed to the corner post by welding, forming part of the racking system. However, this is not the only way. Support beam 1 can be further processed by bolting, riveting, slotting, or any other method to the corner post. See Figure 1D and Figure 1E . Figure 1D Another front perspective view of the support beam 1 of the first embodiment is shown, with four openings punched in the support beam 1; Figure 1E A rivet is fixed in each opening to connect the support beam 1. The first vertical element 11 and the second vertical element 12 have openings 20 at both ends of the support beam 1 for riveting, slotting or bolting. Figure 1D There are four openings. Rivet 21 is fixed to the opening 20 of the first vertical element 11 and the second vertical element 12. Rivet 21 can be replaced by bolts to fix the support beam 1 to the corner post. The difference between rivets 21 and bolts is that the former is fixed to the support beam 1, while the latter is only used during assembly. For a clearer understanding, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 12 Rivets 21 located at one end of the support beam 200 can be fastened to locking slots 110 on the same corner post 100 to enhance the stability of the racking system and keep the support beam 200 perpendicular to the corner post 100. In addition, these rivets 21 can be fixed to locking slots 110 on the far corner post 100 to extend the length of a single corner post to stack multiple racking systems on top of each other.

[0056] See Figure 2This is a side view of the support beam 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, most of the elements of the support beam 2 are the same as the corresponding elements of the support beam 1. For simplicity, the same symbols represent the same elements in different drawings and embodiments. Unless certain characteristics change in a new design, the details of the above-mentioned elements will not be repeated. In the second embodiment, the extension direction of the first straight section 153 represented by the dashed arrow is no longer parallel to the extension direction of the second vertical element 12 represented by the solid arrow. The angle between the two directions is greater than 0 degrees, for example, 30 degrees. The extension element 15 can still be formed into a hook shape via the first straight section 153, increasing rigidity against bending and torsion during use.

[0057] See Figure 3 This is a side view of the support beam 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the design of the extension element 15 differs from the previous two embodiments. The extension direction of the first straight portion 153, represented by the dashed arrow, is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second vertical element 12, represented by the solid arrow. The angle between the two directions is 90 degrees. The extension element 15 forms an L-shape via the first straight portion 153, which also helps to increase rigidity against bending and torsion. The first straight portion 153 is parallel to and shorter than the horizontal element 13. Figure 3 The first straight section 153 compared to Figure 2 Rotate counterclockwise by a larger angle (approximately 60 degrees). In fact, the angle between the two directions can be larger up to the upper limit, such as the 145 degrees mentioned above.

[0058] See Figure 4A This is a side view of the support beam 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 4 further includes a second straight portion 154 extending from the second end 152. The first straight portion 153 and the second straight portion 154 are parallel, making the hook shape deeper. Furthermore, the extension element 15 has a U-shaped region 155 between the first straight portion 153 and the second end 152. In the first embodiment, the corresponding portion of the U-shaped region 155 forms an arc shape. The U-shaped region 155 may have an arc with the same diameter at the corner. Alternatively, the corner may be a right angle. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4B This is a side view of a variant of the support beam 4, with a flat bottom. That is, the U-shaped area 155 becomes a flat portion 155' with straight segments. The flat portion 155' is perpendicular to the second vertical element 12 between the first straight portion 153 and the second end 152.

[0059] See Figure 5This is a side view of the support beam 5 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 5 has a bending region 156, replacing the U-shaped region 155 of the previous embodiment. The extension element 15 has at least one bending point between the first straight portion 153 and the second end 152. In this embodiment, there are two bending points indicated by two arrows. A discontinuous plane is formed where the bending region 156 appears.

[0060] See Figure 6A This is a side view of the support beam 6 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 6 has three arcuate regions 157, replacing the curved region 156 between the first straight portion 153 and the second end 152 in the previous embodiment. According to the present invention, the number of arcuate regions 157 is at least one. A wavy appearance can be made on the bottom of the support beam 6. According to the present invention, the arcuate regions 157 can also be between the first straight portion 153 and the U-shaped region 155. See Figure 6B This is a side view of a variant of support beam 6, with the hooks wavy.

[0061] See Figure 7 This is a side view of the support beam 7 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 7 has a straight section 158, replacing the three arc sections 157 of the previous embodiment. The bottom of the support beam 7 is curved upward at an angle. In the embodiment, the distance between the second vertical element 12 and the first straight section 153 may be less than that between the horizontal element 13. Figure 4B , Figure 5 , Figure 7 The sharp corners drawn are not limited to sharp shapes; smooth curved corners can also be used on the outer and / or inner sides, similar to... Figure 4A The extension element 15 has a smooth corner. Furthermore, the first end 151 of the extension element 15 is not limited to a flat rectangle; it may have a concave or convex surface, or create a slightly inward and / or outward curved area to form a tail-like portion.

[0062] See Figure 8 This is a side view of the support beam 8 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Except for the design of the connecting element 14, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the connecting element 14 is connected to the upper end 121 of the horizontal element 13 and the second vertical element 12. The connecting element 14 has a curved shape. Figure 8 As shown, the connecting element 14 can be further divided into a first segment 141 and a second segment 142, with a turning point marked by an asterisk in between.

[0063] According to this invention, the bending shape of the connecting element 14 may include more than one bend point. For designs with more bend points, see [link to related documentation]. Figure 9This is a side view of the support beam 9 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is another design of the connecting element 14. The connecting element 14 can be further divided into a first segment 141, a second segment 142, a third segment 143, and a fourth segment 144. Therefore, there are three turning points in this embodiment. Note that variations of the extension element 15 can also be applied to the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0064] To facilitate the assembly of the racking system using the aforementioned support beams, further supports can be added to both ends of the beams. See [link / reference]. Figure 10 This shows the support beam cut off at both ends. The horizontal element 13 and connecting element 14 are trimmed at both ends of the support beam, forming an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam. The first vertical element 11 and the second vertical element 12 are unaffected. Therefore, the resulting cut plane is not a cross-section of the support beam. That is, the normal direction of the cut plane at each end is not parallel to the extension direction of the support beam. Figure 10 As shown, the support beam's ends are gradually trimmed inwards at both ends of the horizontal element 13 and connecting element 14. Furthermore, the portion of the extension element 15 at both ends of the support beam is removed. Therefore, openings on the sides of the support beam are cleared to facilitate the installation of rivets or bolts. This also prevents interference from the support beam at corners during assembly.

[0065] See Figure 11 This shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the shelving system 10. The shelving system 10 includes several corner posts 100, several beams 200, and at least one shelf 300. In this embodiment, four corner posts 100, sixteen beams 200, and four shelves 300 are shown, forming a rectangular four-tier shelving unit. In practice, the number of each component is not limited to... Figure 11 More beams 200 and shelves 300 can form a multi-layer shelving system 10.

[0066] In some embodiments, a single-level shelving system may have more than one shelf 300. For example, the level may include at least two shelves 300. In this embodiment, each shelf may be shorter than the beam length. This expands the height of the lower level. For example, if only one shorter shelf is used for a single level, an area of ​​that level will be open, allowing taller items to be placed on the lower level and pass through that open area.

[0067] A rigid metal sheet can be bent to form corner posts 100, which are two connected long straight plates at right angles. Several keyhole slots 110 are formed on each corner post 100 to fix the beam 200. The keyhole slots on the corner posts 100 should be in the same position. The length of the corner posts 100 is not limited.

[0068] According to this invention, the type of beam is not limited. Conventional beams not described in this invention can be used. However, at least one beam 200 should be the aforementioned supporting beam. The length of the beam 200 is not limited. In this embodiment, two types of beams 200 of different lengths are used. Each beam 200 can be adjusted and coupled to a pair of corner columns 100. Figure 12 This illustrates how the support beam 200 is secured to the corner post 100. In this particular embodiment, all beams are a type of support beam as described in the first embodiment. Two rivets 21 at one end of the beam 20 pass through two corresponding locking slots 110 in the corner post 100 and are then engaged therein. Figure 12 In the diagram, the cut-off portions at both ends of beam 200 are clearly intended to prevent the beams from interfering with each other at corners, as shown by the dashed circles. When beam 200 is secured to corner posts 100 and forms the basic structure of the shelving system 10, shelving 300 can be placed on at least two beams 200. According to this invention, generally, for maximum load-bearing capacity, shelving 300 should be supported by four beams 200.

[0069] In some cases, if beam 200 is too long, its rigidity may be insufficient to resist the momentary bending caused by the load on shelf 300. To illustrate this point, as... Figure 11 As shown, the shelving system 10 may further include at least one fixed beam 400. The fixed beam 400 may be fixed to two opposing beams 200 on the same layer, preferably at the center of the beams 200. In this embodiment, four fixed beams 400 are used, one for each of the two long beams 200 on each layer.

[0070] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed and described, modifications to them will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. In some embodiments, the drawings provided in this application are drawn to scale, including angles, dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the drawings are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the claims is not limited by the dimensions of the drawings. In some embodiments, embodiments described using the term "comprising" in this application also cover embodiments that can be described as "substantially consisting of" or "consisting of," therefore, the use of "substantially consisting of" or "consisting of" to define the claims in this application conforms to the requirements of the description.

[0071] Although this application has been described based on embodiments currently considered most practical and preferred, it should be understood that this application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this application is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, and the claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. A support beam for supporting a shelving assembly, characterized by, include: First vertical element; The second vertical element is located in the same vertical plane as the first vertical element; A horizontal element is connected to a first vertical element; A connecting element is connected to the upper end of the horizontal element and the second vertical element, wherein the connecting element has a diagonal orientation such that the connecting element bends downward toward the second vertical element; An extension element has a first end and a second end, the second end being connected to the lower end of a second vertical element, wherein the extension element has a first straight portion extending from the first end, the angle between the extension direction of the first straight portion and the second vertical element being between 0 and 145 degrees.

2. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The supporting beams can be made of metal or plastic.

3. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The extension element has a second straight portion extending from the second end.

4. The support beam of claim 3, wherein The first straight section is parallel to the second straight section.

5. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The extension element has a U-shaped region between the first straight portion and the second end.

6. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The extension element has at least one arcuate region between the first straight portion and the second end.

7. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The extension element has at least one bend between the first straight portion and the second end.

8. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The extension element has a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical element between the first straight portion and the second end.

9. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The first and second vertical elements have openings at both ends of the support beam for riveting, grooving, or bolting.

10. The support beam of claim 1, wherein The horizontal and connecting elements are trimmed at both ends of the support beam, and the angle they form is not perpendicular to the support beam.

11. A shelving system characterized by, include: Multiple corner pillars; Multiple beams, wherein each beam is adjustablely coupled to a pair of corner columns, and at least one beam is a support beam as claimed in claim 1; At least one shelf placed on at least two beams.

12. The shelving system of claim 11, wherein, It also includes at least one fixed beam, which is fixed to two opposing support beams.

13. A support beam for supporting a shelving assembly, characterized by, include: First vertical element; The second vertical element is located in the same vertical plane as the first vertical element; A horizontal element is connected to a first vertical element; A connecting element is connected to the upper end of the horizontal element and the second vertical element, wherein the connecting element has a curved shape; An extension element has a first end and a second end, the second end being connected to the lower end of a second vertical element, wherein the extension element has a first straight portion extending from the first end, the angle between the extension direction of the first straight portion and the second vertical element being between 0 and 145 degrees.

14. The support beam of claim 13, wherein, The supporting beams can be made of metal or plastic.

15. The support beam of claim 13, wherein, The curved shape of the connecting element includes at least one inflection point.

16. The support beam of claim 13, wherein The extension element has a second straight portion extending from the second end.

17. The support beam of claim 16, wherein The first straight section is parallel to the second straight section.

18. The support beam of claim 13, wherein, The extension element has a U-shaped region between the first straight portion and the second end.

19. The support beam of claim 13, wherein The extension element has at least one arcuate region between the first straight portion and the second end.

20. The support beam of claim 13, wherein The extension element has at least one bend between the first straight portion and the second end.

21. The support beam of claim 13, wherein, The extension element has a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical element between the first straight portion and the second end.

22. The support beam of claim 13, wherein The first and second vertical elements have openings at both ends of the support beam for riveting, grooving, or bolting.

23. The support beam of claim 13, wherein The horizontal and connecting elements are trimmed at both ends of the support beam, and the angle they form is not perpendicular to the support beam.

24. A shelving system characterized by, include: Multiple corner pillars; Multiple beams, wherein each beam is adjustablely coupled to a pair of corner columns, and at least one beam is a support beam as claimed in claim 13; At least one shelf placed on at least two beams.

25. The shelving system of claim 24, wherein, It also includes at least one fixed beam, which is fixed to two opposing support beams.

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