Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02505451 2005-05-13
1625
A NUT AND BOLT COMBINATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a nut and bolt combination for connecting two
members together, particularly upright frame members to lateral support beam
members through brackets of storage racks.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Storage racks for supporting pallets or the like are well known in the art and
various designs have been considered. Conventional storage racks typically
include an
upright frame structure having pairs of generally parallel, laterally spaced
support
beams at different elevations. Pallets to be supported on the storage racks
are placed
on the storage racks by lift trucks or other suitable devices in a manner so
that the
pallets are supported at opposite ends by the two support beams in a pair.
Conventional storage racks are almost always shipped unassembled and then
assembled at the warehouse site. The method by which the support beams are
connected to the upright frame structure has been the focus of design, since
the
connection between the support beams and the upright frame structure
determines the
axial strength of the upright frame structure, the interchangeability of
storage rack
components with other storage racks as well as the moment capacity of the
connection.
Structural storage racks make use of hot-rolled structural steel C-channel
members as the upright axial load carrying members in the upright frame
structure.
These C-channel members typically have two columns of holes formed therein
along
their length and spaced 2 or 4 inches apart. Brackets which support the ends
of the
support beams also have holes formed in them which align with the holes in the
C-
channel members. Bolts pass through the holes in the C-channel members and the
brackets to secure the support beams to the upright frame structure.
Unfortunately, a
problem exists in that assembly of the structural storage racks of this nature
at a
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warehouse site is difficult due to the fact that an individual must support
each end of
the support beam, align the holes in the brackets and the C-channel members
and at
the same time, push bolts through the aligned holes. A person must then thread
on a
nut and tighten it with sufficient force that the mating surfaces develop
friction
between each other such that they cannot shift relative each other. Should the
force
be insufficient to resist in-service forces and out of plumb forces, the rack
structure
will develop a lean that will converge on an angle that results from the
mechanical
play between the bolt and the mating holes being fully consumed. The
mechanical
play determines the angle of the lean that can be detrimental to the integrity
of the
structure, yet the mechanical play is present because without it, the person
inserting
the bolt would have difficulty in aligning the holes such that the bolt can be
inserted
through them.
Certain phenomena that are not fully understood exist such that the bolting
force caused by the tightening of the nut tends to erode over the service life
of the
storage rack. However, the connection is subjected to cyclical forces that act
in a
manner that work against the required frictional forces. As well, stress
relaxation in
the bolt causes the frictional force to diminish. In general, designers of
structures tend
to avoid connections that rely on friction, and structural design codes have
special
provisions that place restrictions on their use.
U.S.P. 5,845,795 - Mulholland, Anthony G., issued December 9, 1998,
describes a storage rack having an upright frame structure having a plurality
of
upright axial load carrying members at its corners. A plurality of pairs of
laterally
spaced, generally parallel support beams extend across pairs of the upright
axial
members at different elevations to support pallets and the like. Brackets
interconnect
the support beams and the upright axial members. Each bracket includes at
least one
axially adjustable lug which is accommodated by a primary hole in one of the
upright
axial members. The primary holes are shaped so that the lugs self plumb when
accommodated by the holes and are axially adjustable to allow for a flush
connection
between the brackets and the upright axial members. The lugs can also be
removed
from the brackets allowing the brackets to be used in structural storage racks
and roll-
form storage racks. They can also be positioned on the bracket to allow the
bracket to
be attached either to a structural storage rack or a roll-form storage rack.
However,
the essence of U.S.P. 5,845,795 requires the holes to be of a special inverted
pear
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CA 02505451 2005-11-07
shape, which is not typical of current and prior art and manufacturers are
reluctant to
change their tooling so as to take advantage of the benefits offered by USP
5,845,795.
There is, therefore, a need for an improved storage rack to support pallets
and the
like having associated features, such as nuts and bolts, for connecting a
bracket to the
upright member that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above identified
disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a nut and bolt combination
for
connecting a first member to a second member.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved storage rack,
particularly a rack to support pallets, using the aforesaid nut and bolt
combination.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-
slip
permanent connection between first and second members to inhibit lateral
movement
therebetween comprising:
a first member having a first hole formed therein with a first diameter;
a second member having a second hole formed therein generally with said first
diameter, said first and second holes being aligned; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said first
and second holes and being in threaded engagement thereby to secure said first
and
second members together, wherein said bolt comprises and head and a threaded
shank
and wherein at least one of said nut and bolt carries a short radial
projection having a
diameter sized to fit snugly in said first and second holes, said head and nut
being in
secure contact with said first and second members.
Thus, in preferred embodiments, although the bolt is easily inserted into the
holes
of the first and second members, the radial projection means e.g.
circumferential, conical
or spaced wedge portions, inhibit rotations of the bolt while it is being
axially adjusted
when force fitted by the tightening action, and the conical portions retained
within the
hole.
Thus, in one embodiment, the bolt has a threaded minor diameter "a" that is
less
than the diameter "d" of the holes in the upright member and bracket, and a
conical
transition to a major diameter "d", the diameter of the holes in the upright
member and
bracket, whereas conventional bolts have a diameter "a" that is less than
diameter "d" of
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the holes in the upright member and bracket.
The conical transition leads to a shoulder that consumes the entire diameter
of the
holes in the upright member and bracket and thus results in lateral abutment
that does not
rely on surface friction to prevent of the bracket and upright channel member.
In
contrast, prior art allow of mechanical play.
In alternative embodiments, the circumferential shoulder may not be
continuous,
but comprise a crimped tapered portion.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a non-
slip
permanent connection between first and second members to inhibit lateral
movement
therebetween comprising:
a first member having a first hole formed therein with a first diameter;
a second member having a second hole formed therein generally with said first
diameter, said first and second holes being aligned; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said first
and second holes and being in threaded engagement thereby to secure said first
and
second members together, wherein said bolt comprises a head, a threaded shank
and a
short radial projection disposed between said head and shank, said projection
having a
diameter sized to fit snugly in said first and second holes and wherein said
nut has a
formation therein complimentarially sized and shaped to accommodate a portion
of said
projection.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
non-
slip permanent connection between first and second members to inhibit lateral
movement
therebetween comprising:
a first member having a first hole formed therein with a first diameter;
a second member having a second hole formed therein generally with said first
diameter, said first and second holes being aligned; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said first
and second holes and being in threaded engagement thereby to secure said first
and
second members together, wherein said bolt comprises a head, a threaded shank
and a
short radial projection disposed between said head and shank and wherein said
nut
comprises a short radial projection, the radial projections on said bolt and
nut extending
into said first and second holes and having portions with diameters sized to
fit snugly in
said first and second holes.
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According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
non-slip permanent connection between first and second members to inhibit
lateral
movement therebetween comprising:
a first member having a first hole formed therein with a first diameter;
a second member having a second hole formed therein generally with said first
diameter, said first and second holes being aligned; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said first
and second holes and being in threaded engagement thereby to secure said first
and
second members together; and
a washer through which said shank passes, said washer having a least one short
radial projection thereon extending into said first and second holes, said at
least one
projection having a diameter sized to fit snugly in said first and second
holes.
According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
storage rack to support pallets or the like comprising:
an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright, axial load-carry
members, each of said upright members having vertically spaced primary holes
formed
in a face thereof;
a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally parallel support beams at
different elevations extending between pairs of said upright members;
a plurality of bracket assemblies, each of said bracket assemblies
interconnecting
an end of one of said support beams to one of said upright members, each of
said bracket
assemblies comprising an angle bracket having at least one hole aligned with
one of said
primary holes and having a diameter generally the same as said one primary
hole; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said angle
bracket hole and said primary hole and being in threaded engagement thereby to
secure
said support beam and upright member together, wherein said bolt comprises a
head, a
threaded shank and a short radial projection disposed between said head and
shank, said
projection having a diameter sized to fit snugly in said angle bracket hole
and said
primary hole and wherein said nut has a formation therein complimentarially
sized and
shaped to accommodate a portion of said projection.
According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
storage rack to support pallets or the like comprising:
an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright, axial load-carry
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members, each of said upright members having vertically spaced primary holes
formed
in a face thereof;
a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally parallel support beams at
different elevations extending between pairs of said upright members;
a plurality of bracket assemblies, each of said bracket assemblies
interconnecting
an end of one of said support beams to one of said upright members, each of
said bracket
assemblies comprising an angle bracket having at least one hole aligned with
one of said
primary holes and having a diameter generally the same as said one primary
hole; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said angle
bracket hole and said primary hole and being in threaded engagement thereby to
secure
said support beam and upright member together, wherein said bolt comprises a
head, a
threaded shank and a short radial projection disposed between said head and
shank and
wherein said nut comprises a short radial projection, the radial projections
on said bolt
and nut extending into said angle bracket hole and said primary hole and
having portions
with diameters sized to fit snugly in said angle brachet hole and said primary
hole.
According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
storage rack to support pallets or the like comprising:
an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright, axial load-carry
members, each of said upright members having vertically spaced primary holes
formed
in a face thereof;
a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally parallel support beams at
different elevations extending between pairs of said upright members;
a plurality of bracket assemblies, each of said bracket assemblies
interconnecting
an end of one of said support beams to one of said upright members, each of
said bracket
assemblies comprising an angle bracket having at least one hole aligned with
one of said
primary holes and having a diameter generally the same as said one primary
hole;
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said
angle bracket hole and said primary hole and being in threaded engagement
thereby to
secure said support beam and upright member together; and
a washer through which said shank passes, said washer having a least one short
radial projection thereon extending into said angle bracket hole and said
primary hole,
said at least one projection having a diameter sized to fit snugly in said
angle bracket
hole and said primary hole.
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According to still yet another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a
storage rack to support pallets or the like comprising:
an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright, axial load-carry
members, each of said upright members having vertically spaced primary holes
formed
in a face thereof;
a plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally parallel support beams at
different elevations extending between pairs of said upright members;
a plurality of bracket assemblies, each of said bracket assemblies
interconnecting an end
of one of said support beams to one of said upright members, each of said
bracket
assemblies comprising an angle bracket having at least one hole aligned with
one of said
primary holes and having a diameter generally the same as said one primary
hole; and
a complimentary-threaded nut and bolt combination extending through said
angle bracket hole and primary hole and being in threaded engagement thereby
to secure
said support beam and upright member together, wherein said bolt comprises a
head and
a threaded shank and wherein at least one of said nut and bolt carries a short
radial
projection having a diameter sized to fit snugly in said angle bracket hole
and primary
hole, said head and nut being in secure contact with said angle bracket and
upright frame.
In the preferred embodiments, using the preferred nut and bolt combination
according to the invention, the connection does not rely on friction between
mating
upright members and beam brackets. The minor diameter, i.e. threaded shank, of
the bolt
that is inserted into the holes is sufficiently less than the holes in the
upright members,
such that it can easily be aligned and inserted by a person erecting the
structure. The bolt
is pulled into the holes by the nut tightening action and, in doing so, self
aligns the holes
and fully consumes their diameters, thereby ensuring the rack structure is
plumb. The
action between the nut and thread portion of the bolt is such that the nut
will not
inadvertently loosen to the point where it will lose its function.
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The bolt interacts with the holes on the bracket such that the bolt will
remain in the
hole when forced into place at ground level, thereby eliminating the need of
the
erector to insert them into the bracket at the elevated level.
The present invention provides advantages in that the storage rack can be
assembled with relative ease and without having to exert large tightening
torques on
the nut, according to the prior art that is a prerequisite to the need to have
friction
between the mating surfaces of the bracket and the upright member. Also,
because
the bolt has a threaded shank of minor diameter and a conical transition that
leads to
the hole-filling major diameter, the assembly of the structure is facilitated
by the
ability to insert the bolts into the bracket holes at ground level, and easily
align the
minor diameter of the bolt with the holes in the upright member, while working
at an
elevated level. The resulting connection between the bracket and the upright
member
will become perpendicular as a result of the tightening of the nut on the
threaded
projection, and remain perpendicular over the working life of the rack.
1 S Thus, in preferred embodiments, the invention provides a combination as
hereinabove defined wherein the bolt comprises a threaded portion having a
diameter
of less than the bolt-receiving diameter and a non-threaded portion between
the bolt
head and the threaded portion of essentially the same diameter as the bolt-
receiving
diameter of the first and second member holes as to effect the sufficient
lateral
abutment after the entry, and while the radial projection means extend
radially-
outwardly, axially of the bolt.
In alternative embodiments according to the invention, a combination as
hereinabove defined comprises the nut having a body and a first integrally-
formed
upstanding portion on at least one face of the body and comprising the
projection
2S means extending radially-inwardly axially of the nut.
Preferably, the nut further comprises an integrally-formed flange between its
body and the first portion.
In alternative embodiments, the nut further comprises a second upstanding
portion on the other face of its body and further projection means extending
radially-
inwardly, axially of the nut, whereby the nut constitutes a double-headed
washer.
In alternative embodiments, at least a part of the first upstanding portion
and/or the second upstanding portion is threaded.
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In a further aspect, the invention provides a constructed assembly comprising
a nut and bolt combination as hereinabove defined, wherein the first member
and the
second member is selected from an angle bracket and C-channel member.
Thus, the invention provides in a most preferred aspect a storage rack that
includes an upright frame structure having a plurality of upright axial load
carrying
members at its corners. A plurality of pairs of laterally spaced, generally
parallel
support beams extend across pairs of the upright axial members at different
elevations
to support pallets and the like. Brackets interconnect the support beams and
the
upright axial members. Each bracket includes, preferably, at least two holes
that are
aligned with holes in the upright axial members and fasteners are inserted
into the
two holes, thereby connecting the beam to the upright frame. The fastener is a
unique
combination of the bolt and nut assembly as hereinbefore defined. The holes
are sized
to accommodate a unique bolt with having a conical taper that leads to a
shoulder that
consumes the entire diameter of the holes in both the bracket and the upright
axial
member. By consuming the entire diameter, mechanical play is eliminated
ensuring
the storage rack remains plumb and the structural performance is not
compromised.
The connection requires the relative position of the bracket and upright axial
member
be consistent or else the structure will come out of plumb, and the
interaction between
the two holes and the fastener is such that it does not rely on surface
friction between
the surface of the bracket and the axial member. By providing a connection
that does
not rely on friction, but contact force, the integrity of the assembly is
ensured and not
affected by stress relaxation in the fastener, cyclical loading of the beams,
or
inadequate tightening of the conventional nut-bolt assemblies that have
typically been
used in the art of storage rack beam-upright connections. The fasteners fully
consume
the holes they are inserted into, thereby enhancing the capacity of the
connection by
maximizing the bolt shear and bearing areas.
It will be readily understood by the person skilled in the art that the
present
invention allows the storage rack to be assembled with relative ease, while
providing
for secure connections between the brackets and the upright members. This is
achieved by allowing the bolts to be axially adjusted to secure the
connections
between the brackets and the upright members. In addition, since the bolts
fully
consume the holes in the bracket and upright, and do not rely on friction
between
mating surfaces, that results in the racks being plumb without special
intervention by
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CA 02505451 2005-05-13
skilled erectors. Since the bracket and post holes in the current art are
sized to suit a
bolt with a standard nominal diameter, the invention can be applied to current
art
without revision to the bracket or upright members. Moreover, where the
invention
cannot be applied to existing art, because the geometry of the upright member
precludes the use of the invention with a standardized shank length, a
conventional
bolt and nut can be used to fasten the bracket to the upright member.
It is also preferred that the bolt has a head that cannot be easily impacted
upon,
for example, by vehicles that load the rack, and the minor diameter of the
bolt is
threaded to accept a nut that has a cavity that will accommodate the
unthreaded major
diameter of the bolt, where the length of the major diameter exceeds the
combined
thickness of the members, as will happen when various upright sections are
used for
differing axial capacities.
Although the bolt and nut have been described as being detached from the
brackets, those of skill in the art will appreciate that both the bracket or
upright
member may carry the bolt. Also, although the bolts have been described as
carrying
the means to inhibit rotation while being axially adjusted, it should be
appreciated that
the bracket may carry the means about the periphery of the holes formed
therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments
will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying
drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 A; 1 B are diagrammatic, horizontal cross-sections of nut and bolt
combinations connecting an angle bracket to a C-channel section, according to
the
invention; prior to tightening, for different bolt-headed embodiments;
Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section of the combination of Fig.
1,
after tightening;
Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section of an alternative nut and
bolt
combination connecting an angle bracket and a pair of C-channel members
according
to the invention, prior to tightening;
Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section of the combination of Fig.
3
after tightening;
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Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section of art alternative nut and
bolt
combination connecting an angle bracket and a C-channel section, according to
the
invention, prior to tightening;
Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section of the combination of Fig.
5,
after tightening;
Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-sectional view of an alternative
nut and
bolt combination, according to the invention, prior to tightening;
Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic, horizontal cross-section view of the combination of
Fig.
7, after tightening;
Fig. 9A is a longitadinal view of an alternative radial projection means of
use in
the practice of the invention;
Fig. 9B is a diagrammatic radial cross-section on the line 9B-9B of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a storage rack constructed with
a
nut and bolt combination according to the invention;
and wherein the same numerals denote like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to Figs. IA, 1 B and 2, these show generally as 10, a
complementary threaded nut 12 and bolt 14 combination prior to and after
tightening,
respectively, an angle bracket 16 to a C-channel member 18.
Bolt 14 has a head 20 (Fig. lA) and 21 (Fig. 1B) , a shank 22 having an
externally
threaded portion 24 integrally formed to cylindrical portion 26 by tapered
conical portion
28 constituting radial projection means which extend radially-outwardly,
axially along
bolt 14. Threaded portion 24 is of a diameter smaller than the diameters of
holes 30 and
32 of bracket 16 and C-channel member 18, respectively, as is used in the art.
Cylindrical portion 26, however, is of a diameter that is essentially the same
as the
diameters of holes 30, 32, such as to allow entry of portion 26 into holes 30,
32 under
tightening while providing sufficient lateral abutment of the circumference of
portion 26
with the inner sides of holes 30, 32 as to prevent lateral movement of bracket
16 relative
to C-channel member 18. Nut 12 has a body 34, an integral flange 36 and
complementary internal threads (not shown) to
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CA 02505451 2005-05-13
bolt 14. Circumferential conical portion 28 assists entry of cylindrical
portion 26 into
holes 30, 32.
Figs. 3 and 4 show alternative combinations, generally as 50, having bolt 52
of
longer cylindrical portion 54 to allow inclusion of an additional C-channel
member
56.
With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, these show generally as 60, a combination of
nut 62 and bolt 64 for retaining angle bracket 16 to C-channel member 18.
Bolt 64 has a shank 66 having threads 67 of a constant diameter "dl" smaller
than the diameter "d" of holes 30, 32, integral with head 68 and a radical,
projection
conical shoulder 70, therebetween.
Tapered portion ?0 has an initial external diameter "dl" which increases
axially along length "1" to diameter "d" for a portion 72 of length "1".
Length "I", is
such, relative to the depth of hole 30 i.e. thickness of bracket 16, that
lateral
movement of bracket 16 relative to bolt 64 is prevented due to contact force.
1 S Nut 62 has a body 74, an axial protrusion 76 and intervening flange 78,
therebetween.
Nut 62, flange 78 and protrusion 76 have internal threads (not shown)
complementary to external threads 67 on nut 64. Protrusion 76 constitutes an
external
tapered shoulder having an initial external width as to allow of entry of
protrusion 76
into hole 32 of C-channel member 18, i.e. less than diameter "d", but
expanding to a
width of "d" whereby shoulder 76 effects sufficient lateral abutment as to
prevent
lateral movement of nut 62, bolt 64 and C-channel member 18 relative one to
another.
Thus, the tapered portions constitute radial projection means which extend
radially-
inwardly, axially of nut 62, and bolt 64. Thus, the tightened combination 60
of Fig. 6
prevents any movement or decrease in the integrity of the whole structure.
Figs. 7 and 8 show, generally, as 100, a nut 80, a bolt 82, angle bracket 84
and
C-channel member 88 combination, according to the prior art, but provided with
a
double-headed washer 90 invoking the principle according to the invention seen
in nut
62 shown in Figs. S and 6.
Washer 90 has an internally threaded planar body 92 with an upstanding
internally threaded projection 94, 96 on each face 98, 110, respectively. As
seen for
projection 76 in Figs. 5 and 6, projections 94, 96 have tapered portions
constituting
radial projections which extend radially-inwardly, axially of nut 80. Washer
90 is
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CA 02505451 2005-05-13
located between angle bracket 84 and C-channel 88 and received, therethrough,
threaded shank of bolt 82 which also receives nut 80. Upon tightening nut 80,
projections 94, 96 enter holes 30 and 32, respectively, of bracket 16 and C-
channel
18, respectively, to effect sufficient lateral abutment as to prevent lateral
movement of
bracket 16 relative to C-channel 18. The integrity of tightened combination
100 is
enhanced by tapered portion 99 of bolt 82 within hole 30, according to the
practice of
the invention, as hereinabove described, with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.
Fig. 9A and 9B shows a shoulder portion 200 of bolt 112 having a plurality of
upstanding circumferentially-space protrusions 114, which allow of entry of
shoulder
200 and bolt portion major diameter 116 into hole 30, 32 and the like while
effecting
sufficient lateral abutment between bolt portion 116 and bracket 16 or C-
channel 18.
Fig. 10 shows, generally, as 120, a storage rack including an upright frame
structure 122, having upright axial load carrying members 124 at its corners.
Bracing
members 126 span the upright members 124 and are secured to the upright
members
by suitable fasteners 127 according to the invention. Pairs of generally
parallel,
laterally spaced support beams 130 span pairs of upright members 124 at
different
elevations. The support beams 130 are secured to the upright members 124 by
way of
bracket 132.
The support beams 130 are, preferably, generally L-shaped to form steps
defining upper and lower support surfaces 134 and 136, respectively. The upper
support surfaces 134 are intended to support pallets and the like placed on
the storage
rack 120. A row of laterally spaced slots 138 are formed in the lower support
surfaces
136 of each support beam 130 and accommodate formations on transverse safety
bars
140. The safety bars 140 span the support beams 130 of each pair at laterally
spaced
locations to provide additional supporting surfaces for pallets and the like
supported
on the storage rack 120.
As one of skill in the art will appreciate, the present invention allows the
storage rack to be assembled with relative ease while providing for secure
connections
between the brackets and the upright members. This is achieved by allowing nut
and
bolt combination to be axially adjusted to secure the connections between the
brackets
and the upright members.
Although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred
embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not
restricted
CA 02505451 2005-05-13
to those particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all
embodiments
which are functional or mechanical equivalents of the specific embodiments and
features that have been described and illustrated.
l0
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