US3590752A - Loading rack - Google Patents
- ️Tue Jul 06 1971
Inventor Thomas N. DcPew 3,140,673 7/1964 Wi11iams... l0 Sunningdale Drive. St- Lou s, Mo- 3,161,296 12/1964 Sart0r....... 63l24 3,244,123 4/1966 Pestritto App]. No. 800,503 3,285,204 11/1966 Schweitzer, Jr. Filed Feb. 19, 1969 3,315,800 4/1967 Wagner............,........... [45] Patented July 6,1971 3,472,363 10/1969 Rustin, Jr. eta]. 3,476,260 11/1969 Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay
7 claims, 7 Drawing Fig, Assistant Examiner-Glenn O. Finch Altorney- Ralph W. Kalish [52] 108/53, 108/55,21l/60,211/71,214/10.5
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interconnecting, cooperative means provided on said racks for effecting securement between a lower rack and a rack superimposed thereon.
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2,662,710 12/1953 La 2,778,590 1/1957 Jeannero.... 2,903,139 9/1959 Penman...............=........
PAT-ENIEBJUL sum 3590.752
SHEET 1
BF2 INVENTOR THOMAS N. DEPEW ATTORN EY
PATENTEB JUL6 IBTI SHEEI 2 [IF 2 INVENTOR THOMAS N. DEPEW ATTORNEY LOADING RACK BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to loading racks and more particularly to a rack adapted for the stacking of cylindrical objects in discrete layers with their major axes presented horizontally.
Heretofore, the handling of cylindrical objects, such as pipe and the like for storage and shipping, has proved difficult in the art. One expedient heretofore adopted has been the presentation of the objects in a vertical manner necessitating relatively elevated lateral support members for the load and occasioning expected difficulties in both loading and unloadmg.
Another expedient has been the pyramid stacking of such objects but, understandably, this arrangement necessitates a sacrifice of costly space. Additionally, by such an arrangement, the units must be individually handled for unstacking. Furthermore, to the present time there has not been devised an efficient manner in which cylindrical objects may be efiectively stored on loading pallets and thus denying the utilization ofa customary expedient in the field of material handling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a loading rack for cylindrical objects and being adapted for presenting the same with their major axes parallel to the support surface and disposed in discrete layers oflike extent.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rack of the character stated which is adaptable for removable mounting upon loading pallets whereby the stacked cylindrical objects may be efficiently handled and transported as a unitary pallet load.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rack of the character stated which incorporates handle portions so as to facilitate manipulation of said racks so that a supported load may be efficaciously transported.
It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a rack of the character stated which incorporates means for interlocking engagement with an underlying or superimposed rack for stabilizing the multitier load.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a rack of the character stated which embodies recess-forming elements for individually accepting a portion of the supported object.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a rack of the character stated which is easily arranged in assem bled operative position and as easily disassembled; which rack may be stored in minimum space when in disuse; the utilization of which does not necessitate securement to a pallet but which will be stabilized by the load; and which rack is capable of withstanding appreciable jarring forces without disrupting the load.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a loading pallet having disposed thereon racks constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention; a supported layer of cylindrical objects is shown in phantom lines.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the rack.
FIG. 3 is a top plan view ofthe rack shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 ofFlG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another form of loading rack constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further form of loading rack constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle portion of a loading rack of the present invention illustrating another form of rack-interengaging means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by reference characters to the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention, I. generally designates a conventional loading pallet having a
deck2, comprised of a plurality of boards 3 which latter are suitably secured, as by nailing, upon a plurality of
stringers4 spaced apart longitudinally of pallet 1. Fixed upon the upper surface of
deck2, adjacent the related edges thereof, is a plurality of longitudinal cleats or blocks 5 and a plurality of transverse cleats or
blocks6; said
blocks5, 6 defining a loading zone a for cylindrical objects as indicated generally at C, such as, for example, artillery shells, pipe sections and the like. It should be understood, however, that although the present invention is described hereinbelow for use in conjunction with cylindrical objects, the same could be readily adapted for utilization with elongated objects of cross section other than circular.
Disposed upon
deck2 in axially parallel relationship to cleats 5 along each longitudinal side of pallet l, and spaced inwardly of the adjacent cleats 5, are racks A. Said racks A are of identical construction and are presented in transversely aligned relationship for cooperatively engaging corresponding end portions of the objects to be received so that in usage, the rack of the present invention is utilized in pairs. The lower end extremities of each rack A are disposed adjacent the end face of the proximate
transverse cleat6 which latter serves as a detent for preventing said racks from moving relatively toward each other.
With reference being made to FIG. 2, it will be seen that each rack A comprises a unitary elongated,
narrow base7, formed as from flat steel bar stock, and at each end of said base there is mounted an
upstanding end member8 which latter embodies a
vertical web9 and an upper and lower horizontal flange 10, 11, respectively. Flange 11 of each
end member8 is fixed, as by welding, upon the upper surface of
base7. Continuous with upper horizontal flange 10 is a
short leg12 depending from its inner end in substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship with respect to the associated
web9. Rigid with upper flange 10 is an upwardly extending pin or
stud13, while lower flange 11 and the underlying portion of
base7, are drilled to present a continuous vertical opening 14 (see FIG. 4) having a diameter slightly greater than that of
pin13 for purposes presently appearing.
Mounted upon
base member7 the full extent thereof between
end members8, is a plurality of upwardly opening U-
shaped sections15 each being formed from fiat metal bar stock and each having substantially
parallel side portions16, 16 which, in their lower portions, are continuous with a substantially semicircular or
arcuate bottom portion17 which latter is fixed on its undersurface to
base7, as by welding, at 18. The said U-shaped sections are in side-by-side relationship with the outer surface of their
side portions16, 16' being fixed as by welding to the confronting outer portions of the
adjacent sections15; and with the
legs12 of each mounting member being fixed to the confronting surface of the adjacent side portion of the
proximate U-shaped section15. It will thus be seen (FIG. 2) that the
endmost U-shaped sections15 are spaced from the
adjacent web9 of the proximate end member 8 a distance adequate for extension of an operators hand therethrough with the
related web9 serving as a grip. Thus,
end members8, by their unique configuration, coordinate with the adjacent U-shaped
section15 to present handle portions for promoting facile handling of said racks A.
As may best be seen in FIG. 1, racks A are arranged in spaced apart paired relationship with the
U-shaped sections15 of each being transversely aligned for supportedly receiving end portions of a cylindrical object C extending between racks A. The
side portions16,16 and
bottom portion17 of each
section15 are so related to the diameter of the object C to be supported as to snugly receive same yet permit of ease of insertion and withdrawal. Thus, the distance between said
portions16,16 may be slightly greater than the diameter of object C and with the radius of
bottom portion17 being substantially the same or slightly, relatively greater. It is also to be noted that the depth of each
section15, that is the distance between the upper ends ofsaid
portions16,16 and the base of
bottom portion17, is greater than the diameter of object C to be received for purposes presently appearing.
Accordingly, objects C are received within the aligned U- shaped sections until the racks A are full. With reference to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the end faces of the object C abut against cleats 5 and are thus restrained against undesired axial shifting. The imposition upon said racks A of the load developed by the layer of objects C, serves to stabilize racks A against unauthorized movement so that there is no need for providing positive means for securing the lowermost racks A to pallet 1. It is apparent that, if desired, a suitable fastener, such as a nail, screw, or the like, could be utilized for such means by extension through apertures 14 of said racks A.
A second layer of objects C may be presented upwardly of the lowermost layer by superimposing a rack A upon each underlying rack A, disposed upon
deck2. Thus, the apertures 14 in the overlying rack will receive the
pins13 in the underlying rack so as to effect a union therebetween. After the development of such second layer, additional racks A may be applied so as to carry the load to whatever number of layers might be needed.
By the structure of racks A, a multitiering arrangement may be achieved of cylindrical objects wherein the latter are not subjected to the weight of any objects in overlying tiers. The load is thus transmitted through racks A to pallet 1, thereby assuring full protection of objects C against crushing or other damage. By reason of the development of handle portions through the relationship of
end members8 to the adjacent components ofeach rack A, racks A may be easily handled for disposition into operative position or for removal therefrom.
Furthermore, and of importance, is the fact that said racks A thus are adapted to facilitate handling of the objects in layer by-layer manner. With a workman at each end of the load and holding the ends of the two racks, an entire layer may be easily transported or otherwise handled in such manner as might be desired.
In view of the foregoing it is apparent that the racks of the present invention present effective means for the shipping and storing of cylindrical objects as well as to adapt the conventional industrial loading pallet for accommodating loads of cylindrical objects wherein maximum economy of the loading zone is achieved. Racks A are economically manufactured and being of identical construction, do not require time consuming matching of lefts and rights, but, do allow for ready replacement.
Referring now to FIG. 5, D designates another form of loading rack constructed in accordance with the present invention which is adapted for utilization independently ofa loading pallet. Rack D is fabricated of relatively heavy gauge strap or bar stock and incorporates a
base member20, a plurality of upwardly opening U-shaped sections 21 secured upon said base member and
end members22 all of which are of like configuration and function as
base member7,
sections15, and
end members8, respectively, of loading rack A hereinabove described. Mounted on the underface of
base member20 adjacent its opposite end portions, is a channel-shaped
member23 having a web 24 parallel to, and downwardly spaced from,
base20,
upstanding side portions25 with outwardly directed
flanges26 at the upper end of
side portions25 for flatwise securement to the underface of
base member7 as by welding or the like. Each
member23 thus cooperates with the
related base member20 to define an opening 27 the axis of which is normal to the longitudinal axis of
base member20 for receiving the forks of a conventional forklift truck. Intermediate channel-shaped
members23, a
support block28 may be affixed to
base member7 so as to reinforce the central portion thereof when under load.
Turning now to FIG. 6, E designates a further form of loading rack which is also constructed for use independent of a loading pallet. Rack E incorporates a
base20, U-shaped sections 21 and end members 22' which structurally and functionally correspond to
base member20, sections 21 and
end members22 of rack D hereinabove described. Secured to
base member20 adjacent each of its ends and substantially intermediate its ends for extension downwardly therefrom in a fork-
receptacle29; each being of quadrilateral configuration having upper and lower
parallel members30,30 and
parallel end sections31,31. The longitudinal axes of upper and
lower members30 are perpendicular to the long axis of
base member20 so as to direct the
opening32 defined by said members and sections lengthwise of
base member20. Thus, fork-
receptacles29 are aligned and so presented for receiving a fork of a conventional forklift truck. Thereby, rack B may be supported thereon in a stable manner so that a forklift truck could easily maneuver and handle a pair of loaded racks or a full loaded tier of such racks. Affixed to base member 20' substantially intermediate its length and depending therefrom may be a blocklike support 33 for buttressing the central portion ofsaid racks E under the load.
Referring now to FIG. 7, 38 designates an end member for utilization with loading racks A, D and E hereinabove described being adapted for replacement of
end members8, 22, 22', ifdesired.
Said
end member38 incorporates a
web39 and upper and lower
horizontal flanges40,41 said latter being suitably secured, as by welding, to the adjacent underlying base member such as 7. Continuous with
upper flange41 is a
short leg42; all of the aforesaid components of
end member38 being substantially identical with the corresponding components of
end member8 hereinabove described. Integrally formed with upper
horizontal flange40, and substantially centrally thereof, is an
upward projection43 of generally exteriorly rounded contour and internally opening downwardly, toward
lower flange41. Formed within the confronting portions of
base member7 and lower
horizontal flange41, in vertical alignment with
projection43, is a
similar projection44 extending, hump fashion, above
flange41 and opening downwardly through said
flange41 and
base member7. The inner diameter of
projection44 is slightly greater then the outside diameter of
projection43 so that in superimposing loading racks, the
projections43 on the
end members38 of the under loading rack may be received within the
projections44 of the immediately above loading rack so as to bring about a stable interengagement.
It is to be understood that there are numerous other means which may be utilized for interconnecting loading racks, one above the other, then those particular expediencies herein described. However, it is recognized that the same would clearly fall within the spirit of this invention.
Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to obtain by Letters Patent is 1. A loading rack for use in stacking elongated cylindrical objects comprising a base member,
a plurality of upwardly opening recess-forming sections mounted on said base member in side by side relationship throughout substantially the length of said base member;
said recess-forming section being of U-shape having substantially parallel side portions and a bottom arcuate portion interconnecting said side portions;
said recess-forming sections being of greater vertical extent than the maximum cross section of objects to be received;
' handle forming means comprising an elongated web extending upwardly of each end of said base member and being spaced endwise of said base member from the adjacent recess-forming section;
upper and lower flanges being integrated with said web and in perpendicular planar relationship thereto;
first means securing said lower horizontal flange upon said base member;
second means securing said upper horizontal flange to the adjacent recess-forming section; and
a pin mounted on said upper horizontal flange and projecting upwardly thereof;
said lower flange and said base member having aligned openings slightly in greater cross section than said pin.
2. A loading rack as defined in claim 1 and further characterized by receptacle-forming means depending from said base member for receiving the forks of a forklift truck.
3. A loading rack as defined in
claim2 and further characterized by said receptacle-forming means being presented in axially aligned relationship with said base member.
4. A loading rack as defined in
claim2 and further characterized by said receptacle-forming means being presented in axially nonnal relationship to said base member.
5. A loading rack for use in stacking elongated cylindrical objects comprising a base member, a plurality of upwardly opening, recess-forming sections mounted on said base member in side by side relationship throughout substantially the length of said base member; said recess-forming sections being of greater vertical extent than the maximum cross section of objects to be received; handle-forming means mounted adjacent the end portions of said base member, said handleforming means extending upwardly and being spaced endwise of said base member from the adjacent recess-forming section; first and second horizontal flanges on said handle-forming means disposed in planar parallel relationship with said base member; a pin mounted on said first horizontal flange; said second horizontal flange having an opening slightly greater in cross section than said pin for effecting interlocking engagement with a corresponding pin of an adjacent rack for development of multilayer stacking.
6. A loading rack as defined in claim 5 and further characterized by each of said recesses being of U-shape having substantially parallel side portions and a bottom arcuate portion interconnecting said side portions.
7. In combination with a storage pallet having a loading deck, a first set of racks disposed on said deck; each rack being disposed in transversely aligned, parallel relationship and located adjacent opposed side edges of said deck; each of said first set of racks having a plurality of upwardly opening recesses for receiving the end portions of elongated objects extending therebetween; the vertical extent of said recesses being greater than the maximum cross section of said received objects; a second set of racks; interlocking means on said first and second sets of racks for stacking said second set of racks in vertically aligned, relationship with the adjacent racks of said first set.