Nesting rack

Abstract

The present invention provides a nesting rack in which diagonal members can be freely selected without shape restrictions, the required strength of the diagonal members can be increased, and nesting can be performed smoothly. [Solution] The support frame 4A is formed in a rectangular frame shape by a frame 1 which is U-shaped in plan view, a pair of front pillars 2 which are fixed to the sub-part at the U-shaped opening end of the frame and stand upright, a pair of rear pillars 3 which are fixed near the end of the base part 11 and stand upright, a rear beam 42 which connects the rear end portions of both side members 43, and the front beam 41, and an inclined member 5 which slopes upward from the rear pillar 3 side toward the front pillar 2, wherein the inclined member 5 is a metal rod-shaped member 5A which is fixed to one point in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 via a first spacer 61, or a flexible string-shaped member or strip-shaped member which is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device provided at one point and a second locking device provided at the other point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a nesting rack that forms a shelf for storing articles, and in which one rack can be nested inside another rack when not in use.

Background Art

[0002] A rack, which is a general term for shelves and tables, is used for shelves and tables for storing articles. Among them, nesting racks have been used in a wide range of fields such as warehouses, offices, factories, etc., and generally have a configuration that can be stacked in multiple tiers. Here, an invention that is effective against the vibration of the rack in the front-rear direction during an earthquake has also been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, as described in claim 1 thereof, “… the reinforcing diagonal member must be formed to have a thickness thinner than the lateral distance between the inner surface of the front column and the outer surface of the rear column”, and the cross-sectional shape and thickness of the reinforcing diagonal member were subject to design limitations. Therefore, there was a risk that a structure of a nesting rack that could sufficiently withstand the vibration of a large earthquake could not be formed. Incidentally, in recent years, truck transport has become more prevalent, and due to a shortage of drivers and an increase in the volume of goods, there is a growing trend towards using large-capacity full trailers. It is expected that racks will be used not only for earthquake countermeasures but also more frequently in daily truck transport. In such cases, it is conceivable to stack racks in multiple layers to improve storage efficiency, and thus racks with increased strength are required. This is because when racks loaded with goods are stacked in multiple layers on a full trailer and transported, large inertial and centrifugal forces act on the racks when the driver brakes suddenly or turns a corner, potentially causing deformation or damage to the racks. Furthermore, braking and cornering occur frequently in truck transport, and repeated stress during braking and cornering can cause the racks to break. Lateral swaying of the racks in the front-to-back or side-to-side direction can also cause goods to fall or be damaged by collisions with other goods. This risk is particularly high at the bottom of multi-tiered racks. Furthermore, when transitioning to a nested state, Patent Document 1, due to the configuration of Claim 1, there was a risk that the diagonal member 18 of the upper rack R and the side upper beam 5 of the lower rack in Figure 11(a) would interfere with each other, or that the vertical beam 8 of the upper rack R and the diagonal member 18 of the lower rack in Figure 11(b) would interfere with each other, making a smooth transition to a nested state impossible.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a nesting rack in which diagonal members can be freely selected without shape restrictions, the required strength of the diagonal members can be increased, and nesting can be performed smoothly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the first aspect of the present invention comprises a frame frame (1) which is U-shaped in plan view, with a rod-shaped base portion (11) from which rod-shaped sub-parts (12) extend from both ends; a pair of front columns (2,2) which are fixed to the sub-parts at the U-shaped opening ends of the frame frame and stand upright; a pair of rear columns (3,3) which are fixed to the ends of the base portion and stand upright from both ends of the base portion toward the longitudinal center, at a point where the outer surface (3a) in a front view crosses the inner surface (2d) of the front columns and is located near the ends of the base portion; and a rod-shaped front beam (41) which connects the upper ends of the two front columns (2,2), with side members (43,43) which extend from the upper end side of the two rear columns (3,3) so as to be on the same horizontal plane and perpendicular to the front beam and extend to the ends of the front beam. The nesting rack comprises a support frame (4A) formed in the shape of a rectangular frame by the front beam and a rear beam (42) connecting the rear end portions of the members on both sides, and an inclined member (5) that connects one point in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part (12) and another point in the outer upper area of ​​the front column (2), and slopes upward from the rear column side toward the front column, wherein the inclined member (5) consists of a metal rod-shaped member (5A) fixed to the one point in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part (12) via a first spacer (61), or a flexible string-shaped member (5B) or strip-shaped member (5C) that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device provided at the one point and a second locking device provided at the other point. A second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the diagonal member (5) is made of the rod-shaped member (5A) and is fixed to the other point on the outer upper area of ​​the front column (2) via a second spacer (62). A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the diagonal member (5) is made of a flexible string-shaped member (5B) or a strip-shaped member (5C) that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device (66) provided at one point and a second locking device (67) provided at the other point. A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third aspect, characterized in that the first locking device (66) comprises a first upright portion erected at the first point and a first locking portion protruding from the first upright portion, and the second locking device (67) comprises a second upright portion erected at the second point and a second locking portion protruding from the second upright portion, and both ends of the string-like member (5B) or the strip-like member (5C) are detachably locked to the first locking portion and the second locking portion. A fifth aspect of the present invention is the first to fourth aspects, characterized in that a projection (8) whose tip protrudes above the support base is fixed to the outer surface of each of the four corner regions of the support base which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame.

[0007] (action) When a rod-shaped member is fixed via a first spacer, or when a string-shaped member (5B) or a strip-shaped member (5C) is detachably stretched between the first and second locking devices, the nesting work can proceed smoothly because, when one nesting rack is placed inside another, the front columns and sub-parts of the other nesting rack do not interfere with the diagonal members of the first nesting rack. If the diagonal member (5) is a metal rod-shaped member (5A) fixed to the first longitudinal point on the outer side of the sub-part (12) via a first spacer (61), or a string-shaped member (5B) or strip-shaped member (5C) stretched by detachably locking both ends to the first and second locking devices, then the diagonal member is not restricted by its cross-sectional shape or thickness, and a diagonal member of the required strength can be freely selected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The nesting rack of the present invention has a relatively simple structure and offers significant advantages, not only for earthquake resistance but also in truck transportation, such as maintaining the rack shape even when subjected to large inertial and centrifugal forces during sudden braking, sudden acceleration, right turns, and left turns, while also facilitating smooth nesting operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the nesting rack in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view showing how one nesting rack is nested inside another, saving space. [Figure 3] This is a side view showing a further progression from the state in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a view along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] (a) is a side view of an oblique member having the same shape as the front column of this embodiment, and (b) to (g) are side view of oblique members of other embodiments. [Figure 6] This is a view along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a nesting rack. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows a nesting rack, which is a schematic diagram corresponding to the view along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. [Figure 9] This is a side view of the nesting rack according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the nesting rack according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 11] This is a side view of Figure 10, corresponding to Figure 9. [Figure 12] (a) is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the state in which the string-like member in Figure 11 is engaged with the second locking device, and (b) is a view taken along the line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of the nesting rack with the diagonal members removed from the state shown in Figure 10. [Figure 14] This is a side view of the nesting rack according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory diagram of a state where a locked portion of a belt-like member is attached to a first locking tool. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 5.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the nesting rack R of the present invention will be described in detail. FIGS. 1 to 6 are one form of the nesting rack (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "rack") of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 1, FIG. 2 is a side view of a state where another nesting rack is nested and stored in a space-saving manner in one nesting rack of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a side view further advanced from the state of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow IV-IV of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a side end view of the inclined member having the same shape as the front column of the present embodiment in (a), and (b) to (d) are side end views of inclined members in other aspects. FIG. 6 is a view taken in the direction of the arrow VI-VI of FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a nesting rack in another aspect, FIG. 8 is a schematic view corresponding to the view taken in the direction of the arrow VI-VI of FIG. 3 for the nesting rack of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a side view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 2, FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 3, FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10 corresponding to FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic view of the attitude where the string-like member in FIG. 11 is locked to the second locking tool in (a), and (b) is a view taken in the direction of the arrow XII-XII of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the nesting rack with the inclined member removed from the state of FIG. 10, FIG. 14 is a side view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 4, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a state where a locked portion of a belt-like member is attached to a first locking tool, and FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the nesting rack of Embodiment 5. In addition, each figure emphasizes and illustrates the main part of the invention for easy understanding of the drawing, and simplifies or omits parts not directly related to the present invention. FIGS. 6 and 8 illustrate only the upper rack R2, the front column 2, the front beam 41, and the base portion 11, and FIGS. 4, 6 to 8, 10, and 13 omit the illustration of the adjuster 71 and the support plate piece 72.

[0011] (1) Embodiment 1 This nesting rack R is a rack that forms shelves for storing articles, and when not needed, it is a rack that can be in a nesting state where one rack fits inside another rack, and it is a nesting rack provided with a slant member 5 to enhance mechanical strength. In the nesting rack R of Fig. 1, if a member for enhancing the resistance strength against an external force in the front-rear direction from the entrance / exit K side toward the rear column 3 is provided, it generally becomes difficult to fulfill the function of the nesting rack R. And even if a thin slant member formed as in Patent Document 1 is attached, there is a possibility that sufficient effects cannot be expected. This nesting rack R includes a frame frame 1, front columns 2, rear columns 3, a receiving frame 4A, slant members 5, a first spacer 61, and a second spacer 62, and while facilitating nesting, a significant strength increase by the slant members 5 can be obtained.

[0012] The frame frame 1 is a U-shaped frame body in plan view where rod-shaped sub-parts 12 extend from both ends 111 of a rod-shaped base part 11. The rod-shaped base part 11 includes cases where the lower end portion of the rear column 3 to be described later is interposed as in Fig. 1 to form a rod-shaped base part 11. Here, a separate terminal part 112 is coupled to the end face of the main part of the rod-shaped base part 11 via the rear column 3 to form the rod-shaped base part 11, but it can also be formed from a single rod-shaped body. The base part 11 and the sub-parts 12 related to the frame frame 1 use rod-shaped square tube members having the same shape as the rear column 3. The rod-shaped length of the base part 11 is about twice the length of the sub-parts 12.

[0013] The front columns 2 are a pair of upright columns whose lower ends are fixed to the sub-parts 12 at the U-shaped open ends of the frame frame 1. Here, the "front" related to the "front column 2" of the present invention means the right side and the right direction in Fig. 2 in side view when the lower nesting rack R is in the normal arrangement state, and the "rear" related to the "rear column 3" means the left side and the left direction of the paper surface. Also, in Fig. 2, the "upper side" and the "upper direction" literally refer to the upper side and the upper direction of the paper surface, and the "lower side" and the "lower direction" refer to the lower side of the paper surface. In this embodiment, the front column 2 is erected by fixing the lower end side of the front column 2 to the end face of the sub-part 12 that corresponds to the U-shaped opening end of the frame 1 (Figure 1). However, it is also possible to erect the front column 2 by fixing its lower end surface to the sub-part 12 near the end face that corresponds to the U-shaped opening end. In this case, the height of the front column 2 is made shorter than the length of the sub-part 12.

[0014] The rear columns 3 are a pair of upright columns that stand upright from both ends of the base portion 11 toward its longitudinal center, with their lower ends fixed at the point where, in a front view as seen from the entrance K side in Figure 4, the outer surface 3a crosses the inner surface 2d of the front column 2, and near the end of the base portion 11. Here, the "inner surface 2d of the front column 2" that corresponds to "the outer surface 3a of the front column 2 in a front view" is the opposing surface of the pair of front columns 2 in the normally arranged Figure 4. The "outer surface 3a" of the rear column 3 that corresponds to "the outer surface 3a in a front view" is the outside of the pair of rear columns 3, that is, in Figure 4, the left side of the left rear column 3 and the right side of the right rear column 3. In this embodiment, the rear column 3 is positioned so that the height of the side member 43 placed horizontally on its upright upper end surface is the same as the height of the front column 2.

[0015] The support frame 4A is a rectangular frame-like body formed by a front beam 41, a rear beam 42, and side members 43, 43, with the front beam 41 slightly protruding outwards on both sides, as shown in Figure 1. The rod-shaped front beam 41 connects the upper ends of both front columns 2, and the side members 43, 43 connect the upper ends of both rear columns 3, 3 in the same horizontal plane and perpendicularly to each other up to near both ends of the front beam 41. The rear beam 42 connects the rear end portions 431, 431 of the side members 43, 43, and the front beam 41 form a rectangular frame-like structure, thus creating the support frame 4A. In this embodiment, the support frame 4A is fixed and connected to both end faces of a front beam 41 that is horizontally positioned on the upper ends of the opposing surfaces of both front columns 2, 2, as shown in Figure 1, so that the upper end surface 26 of the front column 2 and the upper surface of the horizontally positioned front beam 41 are flush. The rear end portions 431 of the side members 43 are then placed on the upper end surfaces of both rear columns 43, 43 and fixed, and the front ends of the side members 43 are fixed to the ends of the front beam 41 so that the side members 43 intersect the front beam 41 at a right angle. At this time, the upper surface of the side member 43 is on the same horizontal plane as the upper surface of the front beam 41 from the point where it rests on the upper end of the rear column 3, and the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 and the outer surface 43a of the side member 43 are flush. The support frame 4A is a rectangular frame-like body with a protruding portion 412 of the front beam 41 extending from the rectangular frame. In the front view of Figure 4, the rear column 3 is positioned upright at a point where its outer surface 3a extends from the end of the base portion 11 toward the center and crosses the inner surface 2d of the front column 2. Thus, a clearance equal to the horizontal length α of the protruding portion 412 (corresponding to the length of the terminal portion 112) is obtained between the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 related to the upper rack R2 and the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 related to the lower rack R1. Thus, the reinforcing beams 45 divide the horizontally positioned support frame 4A into a grid pattern and are fixed to the support frame 4A, forming the support base 4 for the rack R.

[0016] The inclined member 5 is a highly rigid metal rod-shaped member, or a flexible string-shaped member or strip-shaped member, that connects one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 to another point 2y in the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2, and slopes upward from the rear column 3 side toward the front column 2. In this invention, "outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12" and "outer upper region 2E of the front column 2" refer to the left side of the left sub-part 12 and left front column 2 as shown in Figure 4, and the right side of the right sub-part 12 and right front column 2.

[0017] In this embodiment, the inclined member 5 is a rod-shaped member, and one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 is set to a point closer to the rear column 3 than the midpoint of the sub-part 12, and another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2 is set to the upper end of the front column 2, so that the inclined member 5 slopes upward toward the front column 2 (preferred from the viewpoint of increasing strength). However, as long as the inclined member 5 slopes upward toward the front column 2, it is not limited to the points shown in Figures 1 to 6. Reference numeral 51 indicates the upper end portion of the inclined member 5, and reference numeral 52 indicates the lower end portion of the inclined member 5. Furthermore, unlike the diagonal member in Patent Document 1, the diagonal member 5 in this actual form is a thick-walled metal member with a solid rectangular cross-sectional shape (side end face shape). However, it is not limited to this, and in addition to a rectangular tubular rod-shaped member as shown in Figure 5(a) with a side end face the same shape as the front column 2, etc., it is also possible to have a rectangular tube, a strip-shaped product, or a metal rod-shaped member with a cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction, such as a flattened pipe, as shown in Figures 5(b) to (g). In Figure 5, reference numeral 50 denotes the hollow part, reference numeral 55 denotes the main part, reference numeral 56 denotes the bent part, and reference numeral 57 denotes the curved part.

[0018] Furthermore, this nesting rack R includes a first spacer 61 and a second spacer 62. The diagonal member 5 is configured as a nesting rack R by interposing the first spacer 61 at one point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12, and the second spacer 62 at another point 2y in the outer upward direction of the front column 2, thereby connecting point 12x and point 2y. The first spacer 61 is a plate-shaped piece with a thickness t1, and the second spacer 62 is a plate-shaped piece with a thickness t2. The plate thicknesses t1 and t2 can be different, but in this embodiment they are the same. Therefore, when the upper rack R2 is placed into the lower rack R1 when the rack is not needed, a gap ε1 is created between the outer surface 2a and sub-part 12 of the upper front column 2 and the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5, as shown in Figure 6. Figures 4 and 6 are illustrated symmetrically with the vertical axis centers of the lower rack R1 and the upper rack R2 aligned, but by securing the gap ε1, the desired nesting rack R can be easily set to a nesting state even if the upper rack R2 is slightly shifted laterally from side to side in the figures.

[0019] This nesting rack R relies on the gap ε1 between the front column 2 and the diagonal member 5, provided by the first spacer 61 and the second spacer 62, to enable nesting, so the diagonal member 5 is not subject to shape constraints. Even when applied to racks stacked on trailers, etc., a desired nesting rack with sufficient mechanical strength can be obtained. It is well known that, in addition to the diagonal member 5, a reinforcing member is incorporated between the pair of rear columns 3, 3 to suppress lateral swaying, so the description of that reinforcing member will be omitted. Reference numeral 71 denotes a stacking adjustment device in which a horizontally elongated member is placed horizontally on the sub-part 12 and welded to the lower rear wall side of the front column 2. Reference numeral 72 denotes a support plate piece consisting of a tongue-shaped plate, with its base end welded to the terminal portion 112 of the base portion 11 that protrudes outward from the two rear columns 3, and the height of its upper edge matches the horizontal height of the adjustment device 71.

[0020] Next, we will describe one way to use this Nesting Rack R. When the nesting rack R is in use, as shown in Figure 1, the support base 4 is placed on top, and items are stored in the rack R through the entrance K between the pair of front pillars 2,2 as indicated by the white arrows, and items are also placed on the support base 4. In addition, in trailers, another rack R can be stacked on top of the rack in Figure 1, and items can be stored and placed in each rack R to improve storage efficiency and streamline truck transport.

[0021] On the other hand, when a rack is not needed, the upper rack R2 is nested inside the lower rack R1, as shown in Figures 2 to 4. For example, first, the entrance K of the upper rack R2 is aligned with the entrance K of the lower rack R1, and the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 is advanced from a slightly higher position behind the rear column 3 of the lower rack R1 so as to straddle the rear column 3 (Figure 2). The rear columns 3, 3 are positioned so that their outer surfaces 3a, when viewed from the front, extend from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the longitudinal center, and their outer surfaces 3a extend beyond the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 toward the center, allowing them to advance without interference between the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 of the lower rack R1 and the inner surface 2d (and sub-part 12) of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2. As shown in Figure 4, the rear column 3 is positioned upright with its outer surface 3a recessed from both ends of the base portion 11 toward the longitudinal center by the horizontal length α of the protruding portion 412 compared to the inner surface 2d of the front column 2. Therefore, the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 and the sub-part 12 related to the upper rack R2 can easily advance from the rear of Figure 2, passing through the outer area of ​​the rear column 3 related to the lower rack R1 and the outer surface 43a of the side member related to the support frame 4A.

[0022] Then, the upper rack R2 is moved forward further. As a result, as shown in Figure 3, the outer surface 2a and sub-part 12 of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 move into the inside of the inclined member 5 of the lower rack R1. Here, the first spacer 61 and the second spacer 62 are provided, and their thicknesses t1 and t2 create a gap ε1. As shown in Figure 6, a gap ε1 is secured between the inner surface 5b of the inclined member 5 of the lower rack R1 and the outer surface 2a and sub-part 12 of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2, so the front column 2 and sub-part 12 of the upper rack R2 can move forward without difficulty from the state in Figure 2 to the state in Figure 3. Subsequently, the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 is placed on the adjuster 71 of the lower rack R1, and the sub-part 12 near the rear column 3 of the upper rack R2 is placed on the support plate piece 72 of the lower rack R1, thereby creating a nesting state where the upper rack R2 fits inside the lower rack R1. When the rack is not needed, it becomes a desired nesting rack R that saves space.

[0023] By the way, the nesting rack R in Figures 1 to 6 can also be made into another form of nesting rack R as shown in Figures 7 and 8, by omitting the second spacer 62. In the rack R of Figures 7 and 8, the thickness t3 of the first plate related to the first spacer 61 is made larger than the thickness t1 of the first spacer 61 in the racks of Figures 1 to 6, in order to compensate for the omission of the second spacer 62. As the thickness t3 of the first plate is large, the gap ε3 between the inner surface 5b of the inclined member 5 and the outer surface 2a of the front column when the front column 2a and sub-part 12 of the upper rack R2 enter the inside of the inclined member 5 of the lower rack R1 becomes larger, making it easier for the front column 2 and sub-part 12 of the upper rack R2 to advance toward the inclined member 5 of the lower rack R1. Then, as the final stage of placing the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 on the adjuster 71 of the lower rack R1 approaches, as shown in Figure 8, the gap ε0 between the inner surface 5b of the inclined member and the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 of the upper rack R2 when the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 enters converges to zero, correcting the lateral movement of the upper rack R2 relative to the lower rack R1, and enabling a stable nesting stack.

[0024] (2) Embodiment 2 This embodiment is a rack R in which a cord-like member 5B, which is a rope (wire rope in this case) made of a flexible woven rope or steel rope as shown in Figure 9, is used as the diagonal member 5. The cord-like member 5B is a flexible cord-like member that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device 66 provided at a point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 and a second locking device 67 provided at another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2. Here, the first locking device 66 is erected with two pins close together on the outer surface of the sub-part 12 at point 12x, and the second locking device 67 is erected with two pins close together on the outer surface 2a of the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2.

[0025] When using the rack for cargo, one end of the string-like member 5B is placed between the two pins of the first locking device 66 and wrapped around the sub-part 12 to prevent movement in the front-rear direction. The other end of the string-like member 5E is placed between the two pins of the second locking device 67 and wrapped around the front column 2 to prevent movement in the up-down direction, and the rack is tensioned as shown in Figure 9. On the other hand, when storing the rack R, the ends of the string-like member 5B, which was attached and fixed to the first locking device 66 and the second locking device 67, are undone, and the string-like member 5B is separated from the sub-part 12 and the front column 2. Since the string-like member 5B is detachably locked to the first locking device 66 and the second locking device 67, it can be easily removed. By removing the string-like member 5B, the desired nesting rack R is created, which allows the nesting work to proceed smoothly. Other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1, and their description is omitted. The same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0026] (3) Embodiment 3 This embodiment is a nesting rack R in which a metal wire string-like member 5B is used as the diagonal member 5, as shown in Figures 10 to 13. Similar to Embodiment 2, the flexible string-like member 5B is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device 66 provided at a point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 and a second locking device 67 provided at another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2. Unlike Embodiment 2, the configuration allows the rack to be nested when stored without removing the string-like member 5B. The first locking device 66 comprises an axial first upright portion 66a erected at a first point 12x and an annular first locking portion 66b projecting outward from the first upright portion, and the second locking device 67 comprises an axial second upright portion 67a erected at a second point 2y and an annular second locking portion 67b projecting outward from the second upright portion, and both ends of the string-like member 5B are locked to the first locking portion 66 and the second locking portion 67, respectively.

[0027] When using the rack for cargo, one end of the string-like member 5B is secured to the first locking portion 66b of the first locking device 66, and the other end of the string-like member 5B is secured to the second locking portion 67b of the second locking device 67, and the rack is stretched as shown in Figure 10. In this way, the string-like member 5B can prevent the rack from swaying in the front-to-back direction during sudden braking or other incidents during truck transport. On the other hand, when storing the rack, unlike in Embodiment 1, the string-like member 5B, which was detachably attached and fixed to the first locking device 66 and the second locking device 67, can be nested and stored without untying both ends. This is because, at the first upright portion 66a of the first locking device 66, a gap ε5 is provided between the sub-part 12 and the string-like member 5B, as shown in Figure 12(b), corresponding to the gap created by the thickness t1 of the first spacer 61 in Embodiment 1. Also, at the second upright portion 67a of the second locking device 67, a gap ε4 is provided between the front column 2 and the string-like member 5B, as shown in Figure 12(a), corresponding to the gap created by the thickness t2 of the second spacer 62 in Embodiment 1. The symbol WD indicates a welded portion. Thus, as in Embodiment 2, a desirable nesting rack is obtained in which one rack can be placed inside another rack without having to remove the string-like body 5B from the rack body. Of course, the string-like body 5B may be removed during nesting (Figure 13). The other components are the same as in Embodiment 2, and their description is omitted. The same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1 indicate the same or corresponding parts.

[0028] (4) Embodiment 4 This embodiment is a nesting rack in which a strip-shaped member 5B is used as the diagonal member 5, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The strip-shaped member 5C is flexible and supple, and is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device 66 provided at a point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 and a second locking device 67 provided at another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2. Similar to Embodiment 3, the structure allows for nesting without removing the strip-shaped member 5C. The strip-shaped member 5C of the present invention can be made of a strip of woven fabric, knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric, or felt whose main part is flexible, or a strip of flexible resin sheet, and also includes those having a fastening portion 58 or a locking portion 54 at the end of the strip. The strip-shaped member 5C may also be a divided structure. In this case, the strip-shaped member 5C is a belt made of polyester material, and the belt is divided into two parts at the buckle portion of the fastening portion 58.

[0029] The first locking device 66 is a shaft-shaped member formed by shaping a metal rod into a U-shaped handle. As shown in Figure 15, the base end of the first upright portion 66a is welded to the sub-part 12, and the hook-shaped device of the locking portion 54 attached to the end opposite the buckle on one of the two divided buckle-equipped band members 5C is hooked onto the first locking portion 66b of the bar-shaped gripping portion that connects the pair of bar-shaped first upright portions (Figure 15). Similarly, the hook-shaped device of the locking portion 54, which is attached to the end opposite to the buckle engagement portion, is hooked and locked by the other divided strip member 5C to the second locking portion 67b of the bar-shaped gripping portion that connects the pair of bar-shaped second upright portions 67b, which are formed by welding the base end of the second upright portion 67a of the U-shaped body to the front column 2. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped member 5C is detachably secured at both ends to a first locking device 66 located at point 12x and a second locking device 67 located at point 2y, and is stretched taut by the tightening portion 58. Here, to facilitate tensioning, a buckle incorporated into a cargo-stabilizing belt (commonly known as a lashing belt) for truck cargo is used as the tightening portion 58. Buckles include ratchet type and over-center type, but the ratchet type is preferred. The belt (strip-shaped member 5C), which is tightly fastened by the tightening portion 58 when the rack is in use, can be easily loosened and removed when the rack is no longer needed. Furthermore, if the first upright portion 66a and the second upright portion 67a secure the required height, it becomes a desirable nesting rack that can be nested without removing the strip-shaped member 5C, similar to Embodiment 3.

[0030] (5) Embodiment 5 This embodiment is a nesting rack R as shown in Figure 16, which is the same as the nesting rack R of Embodiment 1 but inverted so that the support base 4 is on the bottom. Figure 16 is a perspective view of the nesting rack R seen from below the transparent floor plate. The nesting rack R has protruding pieces 8 fixed to the outer surface of the four corner regions of the support base 4, which is formed in a rectangular frame shape, with the tip portion of the protruding piece 8 extending upward from the support base 4. This nesting rack R, which is used by placing the nesting rack R of Figure 1 upside down, becomes a desirable nesting rack R that facilitates transport by inserting the forks F of a forklift under the support base 4 as shown in Figure 9, by providing the protruding pieces 8. The protruding piece 8 is a plate-like body as shown. Here, the protruding piece 8 is applied to the nesting rack R of Embodiment 1, but of course the protruding piece 8 can also be applied to the nesting rack R of Embodiments 2 to 4.

[0031] (4) Effects The nesting rack R configured in this way comprises a frame 1, a pair of front columns 2,2, a pair of rear columns 3,3, and a support frame 4A, thus forming a rack for storing or placing items. Furthermore, a diagonal member 5 is provided that slopes upward from the rear column 3 towards the front column 2, connecting a point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 to another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E of the front column 2. Since the diagonal member 5 is not constrained by the cross-sectional shape, it is possible to adopt a desired diagonal member 5 that strongly suppresses the swaying of the rack in the longitudinal direction when inertial forces and centrifugal forces are applied to the nesting rack R due to earthquakes, as well as braking and cornering operations when used for truck transport. Therefore, when used for truck transport, the swaying of the rack R in the longitudinal direction is suppressed, thus avoiding problems such as damage to transported goods due to lateral swaying, dropping, and damage from collisions between goods.

[0032] Moreover, the nesting racks R can be nested inside each other for space-saving storage when not in use. A pair of rear columns 3 stand upright, fixed to the ends of the base 11, at a point where, in a front view, the outer surface 3a crosses the inner surface 2d of the front column 2 and is fixed near the ends of the base 11, extending from both ends toward the longitudinal center. Therefore, when the nesting racks R are not needed, the entrances K of the lower and upper racks R2 are aligned, and the upper rack R2 is advanced from the rear as shown in Figure 2, creating a clearance between the outer surface 3a of the rear column 3 and the inner surface 2d of the front column 2, corresponding to the terminal portion 111 and the protruding portion 412 (Figure 4), facilitating the advance of the upper rack R2 toward the lower rack R1.

[0033] In Figures 7 and 8, when the upper rack R2 is advanced toward the lower rack R1, the diagonal member 5 is connected to the aforementioned point 12x on the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 via the first spacer 61. Based on the thickness t3 of the first spacer 61, gaps ε3 and ε0 are created between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 and the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 and the sub-part 12. Therefore, the diagonal member 5 does not interfere with the outer surface 2a of the front column 2 and the sub-part 12, and does not hinder the nesting state. In particular, when introducing the outer surface 2a of the front column toward the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member in Figure 8, the gap ε3 is large, so it is easily guided. As the nesting process reaches its final stage, the gap ε0 between the outer surface 2a of the outer upper region 2E of the front column 2 (Figure 8) and the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member approaches zero. This corrects the lateral movement of the upper rack R2 relative to the lower rack R1, allowing for smooth operation of the space-saving nesting state of the upper rack R2 relative to the lower rack R1.

[0034] Furthermore, in Figures 1 to 6 of Embodiment 1, the diagonal member 5 connects a point 12x in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part 12 to another point 2y in the outer upper area 2E related to the front column 2 via the first spacer 61. Therefore, the diagonal member 5 is not limited to a thin thickness as in Patent Document 1. As in Embodiment 1, it can be made into a solid rod-shaped body with a thick rectangular cross-section, making it possible to finish a robust nesting rack R that meets customer requirements. In addition, the diagonal member 5 of Embodiment 1 can be made into various rod-shaped diagonal members 5 in which strength is increased by appropriately selecting the shape and thickness as shown in Figure 5 according to the application.

[0035] Furthermore, when the second spacer 62 is provided in addition to the first spacer 61, as the upper rack R2 is advanced into the lower rack R1, a gap ε1 is created between the inner surface 5b of the diagonal member 5 and the outer surface 2a and sub-part 12 of the front column 2, based on the thicknesses t1 and t2 of the first spacer 61 and the second spacer 62, preventing the diagonal member 5 from interfering with the outer surface 2a and sub-part 12 of the front column 2. As a result, smooth operation is possible from the initial insertion of the outer surface 2a (and sub-part 12) of the front column into the diagonal member 5 to the final nesting stage. In addition, by providing the first spacer 61 and the second spacer 62, it is not necessary to increase the thickness t3 of the second spacer 62 as shown in Figure 8 to make the base end of the diagonal member 5 protrude outwards on both sides of the front column 2, resulting in a space-saving and easy-to-handle nesting rack R.

[0036] Furthermore, as in embodiments 2 to 4, if the diagonal member 5 consists of a flexible string-like member 5B or a strip-like member 5C that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device 66 provided at one point 12x and a second locking device 67 provided at another point 2y, the diagonal member 5 can be removed from the rack R when storing after stacking is complete, so the nesting work becomes the same as with a conventional rack shape, and the work is not difficult.

[0037] Furthermore, as in embodiments 3 and 4, if the first locking device 66 comprises a first upright portion 66a erected at a first point 12x and a first locking portion 66a protruding from the first upright portion, and the second locking device 67 comprises a second upright portion 67a erected at a second point 2y and a second locking portion 67b protruding from the second upright portion, and both ends of the string-like member 5B or the strip-like member 5C are detachably locked to the first locking portion and the second locking portion, then even during nesting work, there is no need to remove the string-like member 5B or the strip-like member 5C from the rack R, resulting in a nesting rack that is extremely easy to use. Furthermore, as in Embodiment 5, if protruding pieces 8, whose tips extend upward above the support base 4, are fixed to the outer surface of the four corner regions of the rectangular frame-shaped support base 4, the nesting rack R of Embodiment 1 can be placed upside down, resulting in a nesting rack R like the one shown in Figure 16, with the support base 4 positioned on the underside. The forks F of the forklift can fit under the support base 4, making it easier to transport and move the nesting rack R. Thus, this Nesting Rack R exhibits the numerous excellent effects described above and is extremely beneficial.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above, and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the present invention depending on the purpose and application. The shape, size, number, material, etc. of the frame 1, base part 11, sub-part 12, front column 2, rear column 3, support base 4, support base frame 4A, diagonal member 5, first spacer 61, second spacer 62, etc. can be appropriately selected according to the application. For example, in Embodiment 4, the locked portion 54 is a hook-type hook, but the locked portion 54 can be a ring-type O-ring, etc., and the first locking portion 66b and second locking portion 67b can be hook-type for hooking and locking. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0039] 1 frame 11 Base section 12 subsection 2 front pillar 3 Posterior column 4A Support frame 41 Front beam 42 Back beam 43 Side members 5. Diagonal member 61 First Spacer 62 Second Spacer 8 prongs

Claims

1. A frame (1) with a U-shaped base (11) and rod-shaped sub-parts (12) extending from both ends thereof, A pair of front columns (2,2) are fixed to the aforementioned sub-parts at the U-shaped opening end of the frame and stand upright, A pair of rear columns (3,3) are fixed to the ends of the base portion and stand upright, extending from both ends toward the longitudinal center of the base portion, at a point where, in a front view, the outer surface (3a) crosses the inner surface (2d) of the front column and is fixed near the ends of the base portion. A support frame (4A) is formed in a rectangular frame shape by a rod-shaped front beam (41) connecting the upper ends of the two front columns (2,2), and by side members (43,43) that connect the upper ends of the two rear columns (3,3) in the same horizontal plane and perpendicular to each other up to the ends of the front beam, and a rear beam (42) that connects the rear ends of the front beam and the side members. The present invention comprises a slanted member (5) that connects one point in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part (12) with another point in the outer upper area of ​​the front column (2), and that slopes upward from the rear column side toward the front column, The nesting rack is characterized in that the diagonal member (5) is a metal rod-shaped member (5A) fixed to one point in the outer longitudinal direction of the sub-part (12) via a first spacer (61), or a flexible string-shaped member (5B) or strip-shaped member (5C) that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device provided at one point and a second locking device provided at the other point.

2. The nesting rack according to claim 1, wherein the diagonal member (5) is made of the rod-shaped member (5A) and is fixed to the other point on the outer upper area of ​​the front column (2) via a second spacer (62).

3. The nesting rack according to claim 1, wherein the diagonal member (5) is a flexible string-like member (5B) or a strip-like member (5C) that is stretched by detachably locking both ends to a first locking device (66) provided at one point and a second locking device (67) provided at the other point.

4. The nesting rack according to claim 3, wherein the first locking device (66) comprises a first upright portion erected at the first point and a first locking portion protruding from the first upright portion, and the second locking device (67) comprises a second upright portion erected at the second point and a second locking portion protruding from the second upright portion, and both ends of the string-like member (5B) or the strip-like member (5C) are detachably locked to the first locking portion and the second locking portion.

5. A nesting rack according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a projection (8) is fixed to the outer surface of each of the four corner regions of the support base, which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame, with the tip portion of the projection extending upward from the support base.

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