Support beam and shelving system using the same

Abstract

A support beam for supporting a shelving structure, this includes: a first vertical element; a second vertical element sharing a common vertical plane with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the horizontal element and to an upper end of the second vertical element, the connecting element having a diagonal orientation such that the connecting element is inclined downwards towards the second vertical element; and an extension member having a first end and a second end connected to a lower end of the second vertical member at the second end, the extension member having a first straight portion extending from the first end, and an angle between an extension direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical member being between 0 and 145 degrees.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of 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. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a beam structure and storage device. More specifically, this invention relates to a support beam and a racking system that utilizes the support beam for various racking systems for increased efficiency in load handling and bulk material handling with large containers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Boltless or riveted shelving systems are commonly used to save space and store various items, reducing clutter and making them a popular storage option for warehouses, factories, homes, or garages due to their versatility and industrial strength. Typical shelving systems, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 8,424,694, may include four vertical corner posts, any number of horizontal support beams extending between paired posts, and corresponding shelves resting on and supported by the paired support beams. In addition, boltless shelving systems are designed for easy assembly (e.g., minimal tooling) and quick and easy adjustments and reconfigurations of the shelving systems.

[0004] However, many boltless shelving systems, including the aforementioned type, have undesirably low load-bearing capacities or require diagonal bracing on the sides of the shelving system, thus limiting the usable space of the shelving system and the accessibility of stored items. Therefore, there is a need for an optimal beam for use in a shelving system with high load-bearing capacities and improved accessibility. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide devices that enable various racking system beams for increased efficiency in load-bearing capacity and bulk container storage, as set forth in the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. Embodiments of the present invention may be freely combined with one another, provided they are not mutually exclusive.

[0006] The present invention includes a support beam for supporting a shelf assembly.It comprises: a first vertical element; a second vertical element positioned with the first vertical element in a common vertical plane; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the horizontal element and to an upper end of the second vertical element, the connecting element having a diagonal orientation such that the connecting element is inclined downwards towards the second vertical element; and a connecting element having a first end and a second end connected to a lower end of the second vertical element at the second end, the extension element having a first straight portion extending from the first end and an angle between an extension direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical element being between 0 and 145 degrees.

[0007] Preferably, a material of the support beam may comprise metal or plastic.

[0008] Preferably, the extension element may additionally have a second straight section extending from the second end.

[0009] Preferably, the first and second straight sections run parallel.

[0010] Preferably, the extension member may further comprise a U-shaped portion between the first straight section and the second end.

[0011] Preferably, the extension element may further comprise at least one arcuate portion between the first straight section and the second end.

[0012] Preferably, the extension element may further comprise at least one bending point between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0013] Preferably, the extension member may further comprise a flat portion extending perpendicular to the second vertical member between the first end and the second end.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second vertical elements may each additionally have an opening at the two ends of the support beam for riveting, slotting or screwing.

[0015] Preferably, the horizontal member and the connecting member may be cut at two ends of the support beam at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention includes another support beam for supporting the shelf assembly. It comprises: a first vertical member; a second vertical member positioned with the first vertical member in a common vertical plane; a horizontal member connected to the first vertical member; a connecting member connected to the horizontal member and to an upper end of the second vertical member, the connecting member having a curved shape; and a connecting member having a first end and a second end, which is connected to a lower end of the second vertical member at the second end, the extension member having a first straight portion extending from the first end, and an angle between an extension direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical member is between 0 and 145 degrees.

[0017] Preferably, a material of the support beam may comprise metal or plastic.

[0018] Preferably, the curved shape of the connecting element can have at least one turning point.

[0019] Preferably, the extension member may further comprise a second straight portion extending from the second end.

[0020] Preferably, the first and second straight sections run parallel.

[0021] Preferably, the extension member may further comprise a U-shaped portion between the first straight section and the second end.

[0022] Preferably, the extension element may further comprise at least one arcuate portion between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0023] Preferably, the extension element may further comprise at least one bending point between the first straight portion and the second end.

[0024] Preferably, the extension member may further comprise a flat portion extending perpendicular to the second vertical member between the first end and the second end.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second vertical elements may each further comprise an opening for riveting, slotting or screwing at the two ends of the support beam.

[0026] Preferably, the horizontal member and the connecting member may be cut at two ends of the support beam at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam.

[0027] The present invention provides a shelving system. It comprises: a number of corner posts; a number of beams, each beam configured to be adjustably connected to a pair of corner posts, and at least one of the beams being the aforementioned support beams; and at least one shelf configured to rest on at least two beams.

[0028] Preferably, the shelving system may additionally include at least one joist beam which is attached to two opposite support beams.

[0029] Without intending to limit the present invention, the support beams are advantageous over the previous design because they can support more weight with the same amount of material. Furthermore, the packaging volume for a shelving system for shipping and handling can be reduced by approximately 50-70%. In some embodiments, the reduction can be approximately 15%. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. a side view of a support beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. shows a rear view of the first embodiment. Fig. shows a front view of the first embodiment. Fig. shows another front view of the first embodiment with four openings punched into the support beam. Fig. shows a rivet fastened in each of the holes connecting the support beam. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of the support beam in the fourth embodiment having a flat bottom. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a variation of the support beam according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. is a side view of a support beam according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. shows a support beam with sections at two ends. Fig. shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving system. Fig. shows how the support beam is connected to the corner post. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the various embodiments.

[0031] See under Fig. . Fig. is a side view of a support beam 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. shows a rear view of the first embodiment and Fig. shows a front view of the first embodiment. The support beam 1 is a long, straight object and its extension direction is perpendicular to Fig. . To enlarge local features, a part of the support beam 1 between two ends is omitted and not drawn. Dashed lines in Fig. and Fig. show boundaries of the omitted part. Elements of support beam 1 mentioned below can be found in Fig. . It is to be understood that each element is also a long, straight object and is connected to another to form the support beam 1 in one piece. In Fig. Dashed lines are used to distinguish one element from another connected element.

[0032] In this embodiment, the support beam 1 for supporting a shelf assembly includes a first vertical member 11, a second vertical member 12, a horizontal member 13, a connecting member 14, and an extension member 15. The second vertical member 12 is not directly connected to the first vertical member 11. Rather, the second vertical member 12 is positioned with the first vertical member 11 in a common vertical plane. Thus, the first vertical member 11 and the second vertical member 12 can contact a plane of a corner post of a shelf, so that the support beam 1 can be attached to the corner post. For ease of explanation, the second vertical member 12 has an upper end 121 and a lower end 122.

[0033] The horizontal element 13 is connected to the first vertical element 11. The connecting element 14 is connected to the horizontal element 14 and to the upper end 121 of the second vertical element 12. In this embodiment, the connecting element 14 has a diagonal orientation, so that the connecting element 14 is inclined downward toward the second vertical element 12. The angle θ between the horizontal element 13 and the connecting element 14 can be variable.

[0034] The extension member 15 has a first end 151 and a second end 152. The second end 152 of the extension member 15 is connected to the lower end 122 of the second vertical member 12. The extension member 15 also has a first straight portion 153 extending from the first end 151. In the present embodiment, the extension member 15 forms a hook shape through the first straight portion 153 and increases the bending rigidity and torsional rigidity when the support beam 1 is mounted in a shelving system. An extension direction of the first straight portion 153, indicated by a dotted line with an arrow, and an extension direction of the second vertical member 12, indicated by a solid line with an arrow, are parallel. The angle between the two directions is 0 degrees. According to the present invention, the angle can be between 0 and 145 degrees.Other embodiments include different examples of the first straight section 153 to show different angles. The lower part of the support beam 1 is arc-shaped.

[0035] According to the present invention, the following situations may apply. The total length of the support beams from one end to the other may be 1 to 10 feet (approximately 30 to 300 cm). The width of the beam is between 1 and 6 inches (approximately 2.5 to 15 cm). The thickness of the support beams may be uniformly between 0.5 mm and 3.0 mm. With regard to the material, according to the present invention, in all embodiments, metal, plastic, or any other solid material may be used, among other things, but not exclusively.

[0036] Support beam 1 can be connected to a corner post by welding to form one section of the shelving system. However, this is not the only option. Support beam 1 can be further processed to be connected to the corner post by bolting, riveting, slotting, or other means. See Fig. and Fig. . Fig. shows a further front view of support beam 1 in the first embodiment with four openings punched into the support beam 1, and Fig. shows a rivet fastened in each of the holes for connecting to the support beam 1. On the first vertical element 11 and the second vertical element 12, an opening 20 for riveting, slotting, or screwing can be found at both ends of the support beam 1. In Fig. Four openings 20 are shown. Rivets 21 are fixed in the openings 20 in the first vertical member 11 and the second vertical member 12. The rivets 21 can be replaced by screws for attaching the support beam 1 to the corner posts. The difference between the rivets 21 and the screws is that the former are fixed in the support beam 1, while the latter are only attached when connecting. For a better understanding, see Fig. The rivets 21 located at one end of the support beam 200 can be attached to the keyhole holes 110 on the same corner post 100 to reinforce the stability of the shelving system while maintaining the vertical alignment of the support beam 200 with the corner post 100. Alternatively, these rivets 21 can be attached to the keyhole holes 110 on another corner post 100 to extend the length of a single corner post, thus enabling stacking of different shelving systems on top of one another.

[0037] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, most elements of the support beam 2 are the same as the corresponding elements of the support beam 1. For ease of explanation, the same symbols refer to the same element in different drawings and embodiments. Unless some features change in new designs, the details of the mentioned elements are not repeated. In the second embodiment, the extension direction of the first straight portion 153 shown by a dotted line with an arrow and the extension direction of the second vertical member 12 shown by a solid line with an arrow are no longer parallel. An angle between the two directions is more than 0 degrees, for example, 30 degrees.The extension member 15 may still form a hook shape through the first straight portion 153 to increase rigidity against bending and torsional forces during use.

[0038] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the design of the extension element 15 differs from the designs of the extension element 15 in the two previous embodiments. The extension direction of the first straight section 153, shown by a dotted line with an arrow, and the extension direction of the second vertical element 12, shown by a solid line with an arrow, are perpendicular to each other. The angle between the two directions is 90 degrees. The extension element 15 forms an L-shape through the first straight section 153 and can contribute to increased bending and torsional rigidity. The first straight section 153 runs parallel to the horizontal element 13 and is shorter than it. The first straight section 153 in Fig. rotates more degrees (approx. 60 degrees) counterclockwise from Fig. In practice, the angle between the directions can be larger and can reach up to the limit of 145 degrees specified above.

[0039] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 4 further includes a second straight section 154 extending from the second end 152. The first straight section 153 and the second straight section 154 run parallel. This makes the hook shape deeper. In addition, the extension element 15 has a U-shaped portion 155 between the first straight section 153 and the second end 152. The corresponding part of the U-shaped portion 155 in the first embodiment results in the arched shape. The U-shaped portion 155 can have arches of the same diameter at the corners. In a variation, the corners can also be at a right angle. See Fig. . It is a side view of the support beam 4, which has a flat bottom. The U-shaped section 155 becomes a flat section 155' with a straight segment. The flat section 155' runs perpendicular to the second vertical element 12 between the first straight section 153 and the second end 152.

[0040] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 5 has an angled portion 156, which replaces the U-shaped portion 155 in the previous embodiment. The extension element 15 has at least one curvature point between the first straight section 153 and the second end 152. In this embodiment, there are two curvature points, indicated by two arrows. Discontinuous planes are formed in the presence of the angled portion 156.

[0041] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 6 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 6 has three arcuate sections 157, which replace the angled section 156 between the first straight section 153 and the second end 152 in the previous embodiment. According to the present invention, the number of arcuate sections 157 is at least one. It could appear wavy at the lower end of the support beam 6. According to the present invention, the arcuate sections 157 can also be located between the first straight section 153 and the U-shaped section 155. See Fig. . It is a side view of a variation of the support beam 6. This makes the hook wave-shaped.

[0042] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 7 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The extension element 15 of the support beam 7 has an inclined straight section 158, which replaces the three arcuate sections 157 in the previous embodiment. The lower part of the support beam 7 is bent at an angle. The distance between the second vertical element 12 and the first straight section 153 in the embodiments can be shorter than the horizontal element 13. It should be noted that the sharp corners shown in Fig. are not limited to sharp shapes; gently rounded corners on the outside and / or inside are also possible, similar to the rounded corners of the extension element 15 as in Fig. Furthermore, the first end 151 of the extension element 15 is not limited to a flat rectangular shape; it may have a concave or convex surface or be slightly curved inward and / or outward, thus forming the tail-like end.

[0043] See Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 8 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the design of the connecting element 14. The connecting element 14 in this embodiment is connected to the horizontal element 13 and to the upper end 121 of the second vertical element 12. The connecting element 14 has a curved shape. As in Fig. As shown, the connecting element 14 can be further separated into a first segment 141 and a second segment 142, with an inflection point marked by a star in between.

[0044] According to the present invention, the curved shape of the connecting element 14 may have more than one inflection point. Regarding the design with more inflection points, see Fig. . It is a side view of a support beam 9 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment features a different design of the connecting element 14. The connecting element 14 can be further separated into a first segment 141, a second segment 142, a third segment 143, and a fourth segment 144. For this reason, there are three inflection points in this embodiment. It should be noted that the variations of the extension element 15 can also be applied to the eighth and ninth embodiments.

[0045] To facilitate the assembly of a shelving system using the above-mentioned support beams, additional treatments can be applied to both ends of the support beam. See Fig. . It shows a support beam with sections at two ends. The horizontal member 13 and the connecting member 14 are cut off at two ends of the support beam at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam. The first vertical member 11 and the second vertical member 12 are not affected. Therefore, the resulting section plane is not the cross-section of the support beam. In fact, a normal direction of the section plane at each end is not parallel to the extension direction of the support beam. As shown in Fig. As shown, two ends of the support beam are cut inward toward the horizontal member 13 and the connecting member 14. Additionally, a section of the extension member 15 is removed at two ends of the support beam. This treatment clears the openings on the side of the support beam, allowing the rivet or bolt to be installed. It also prevents the support beams from colliding at the ends during assembly.

[0046] See Fig. . It shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a shelving system 10. The shelving system 10 includes a number of corner posts 100, a number of beams 200, and at least one shelf 300. In this embodiment, there are four corner posts 100, sixteen beams 200, and four shelves 300, which were used for this illustration. The result is a rectangular shelf with four levels. In practice, the number of individual elements is not limited by Fig. limited. It is possible to use more 200 beams and 300 shelves to create the 10 shelving system with more levels.

[0047] In some embodiments, a tier of the shelving system may include more than one shelf 300. For example, the tier may include at least two shelves 300. In this embodiment, each shelf may be shorter than the length of the beam. This allows for the height to be extended on a lower tier. For example, if one of the shorter shelves is used on a tier, a portion of that tier remains open, allowing larger items to be placed on the lower tier, which then protrude through this open area.

[0048] The corner posts 100 can be formed by bending a hard metal strip to form two connected, long, straight strips at right angles to each other. For attaching the beams 200, there are a series of keyhole holes 110 on each corner post 100. The position of the keyhole holes 110 should be the same on all corner posts 100. The length of the corner posts 100 is not limited.

[0049] According to the present invention, the type of beams is not limited. Conventional beams not described in this invention may also be used. Nevertheless, at least one of the beams 200 should constitute the above-mentioned support beams. The length of the beams 200 is not limited. In this embodiment, two types of beams 200 with different lengths are used. Each beam 200 is configured to be adaptably connected to a pair of corner posts 100. Fig. shows how the support beam 200 is connected to the corner post 100. In this embodiment, all beams are the support beams of one type in the first embodiment. Two rivets 21 at one end of the beam 200 are passed through two matching keyhole holes 110 of the corner post 100 and then snapped into place. Fig. It can be seen that the sections at the ends of the beams 200 ensure that the beams 200 do not interfere with each other at the corner, as shown by the dotted circle. When the beams 200 are firmly connected to the corner posts 100, thus forming a basic structure of the shelving system 10, the shelf 300 can rest on at least two beams 200. According to the present invention, the shelf 300 should generally be supported by four beams 200 to allow for the maximum load.

[0050] If the beams 200 are too long, the stiffness of the beams may in some cases not be sufficient to withstand the bending moment of the load on shelf 300. To solve this problem, the shelving system 10 can be designed as shown in Fig. shown, further include a joist beam 400. The joist beam 400 can be connected to the two opposite beams 200 on the same floor, preferably halfway between the beams 200. In this embodiment, four joist beams 400 were used, one for every two long beams 200 on each floor.

[0051] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims. In some embodiments, the figures shown in this patent application are drawn to scale, including angles, relationships of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are for illustrative purposes only, and the claims are not limited to the dimensions in the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the present invention use the term "comprising."This also includes embodiments that could be described as "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" and therefore the written description requirement for claims related to one or more embodiments using the phrase "consisting essentially of" or "consisting of" is satisfied.

[0052] While the invention has been described in terms of what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which are to be construed as broadly as possible to encompass all such modifications and similar structures. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 502.019

[0001] US 8424694

[0003]

Claims

[1] A support beam for supporting a shelving structure, this includes: a first vertical element; a second vertical element sharing a common vertical plane with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the horizontal element and to an upper end of the second vertical element, the connecting element having a diagonal orientation such that the connecting element is inclined downwards towards the second vertical element; and an extension member having a first end and a second end connected to a lower end of the second vertical member at the second end, the extension member having a first straight portion extending from the first end, and an angle between an extension direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical member being between 0 and 145 degrees. [2] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein a material of the support beam comprises metal or plastic. [3] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein the extension member further comprises a second straight portion extending from the second end. [4] The support beam according to claim 3, wherein the first straight section and the second straight section are parallel. [5] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein the extension member further comprises a U-shaped portion between the first straight section and the second end. [6] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein the extension member further comprises at least one arcuate portion between the first straight section and the second end. [7] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein the extension member further comprises at least one bending point between the first straight portion and the second end. [8] The support beam of claim 1, wherein the extension member further comprises a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical member between the first straight end and the second end. [9] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein each of the first vertical members and the second vertical members at the two ends of the support beam further each have an opening for riveting, slotting or screwing. [10] The support beam according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal member and the connecting member are cut off at two ends of the support beam at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam. [11] A shelving system. It includes: a variety of corner posts; a plurality of beams, each beam being configured to be adjustably connected to a pair of corner posts, and at least one of the beams being the support beam according to claim 1 and at least one shelf configured to rest on at least two beams. [12] The shelving system of claim 11, further comprising at least one joist beam connected to two opposing support beams. [13] A support beam for supporting a shelving structure, comprising: a first vertical element; a second vertical element sharing a common vertical plane with the first vertical element; a horizontal element connected to the first vertical element; a connecting element connected to the horizontal element and to an upper end of the second vertical element, the connecting element having a curved shape; and an extension member having a first end and a second end connected to a lower end of the second vertical member at the second end, the extension member having a first straight portion extending from the first end, and an angle between an extension direction of the first straight portion and that of the second vertical member being between 0 and 145 degrees. [14] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein a material of the support beam comprises 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 member further comprises a second straight portion extending from the second end. [17] The support beam according to claim 16, wherein the first straight section and the second straight section are parallel. [18] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein the extension member further comprises a U-shaped portion between the first straight section and the second end. [19] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein the extension member further comprises at least one arcuate portion between the first straight section and the second end. [20] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein the extension member further comprises at least one point of curvature between the first straight section and the second end. [21] The support beam of claim 13, wherein the extension member further comprises a flat portion perpendicular to the second vertical member between the first end and the second end. [22] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein each of the first vertical members and the second vertical members at the two ends of the support beam further each have an opening for riveting, slotting or screwing. [23] The support beam according to claim 13, wherein the horizontal member and the connecting member are cut off at two ends of the support beam at an angle that is not perpendicular to the support beam. [24] A shelving system. It includes: a variety of corner posts; a plurality of beams, each beam configured to be adjustably connected to a pair of corner posts, and at least one of the beams being the support beam according to claim 13; and at least one shelf configured to rest on at least two beams. [25] The shelving system of claim 24, further comprising at least one joist beam attached to two opposing support beams.

Images