Abstract:
A support beam (40, 100, 130, 150, 180, 210, 250, 270, 300) for a storage rack has a tubular profile, which defines a ledge opening (106, 136, 156, 198, 228, 262) upwardly and inwardly, and which defines a generally flat, indicia-receiving surface (80, 170, 210, 240, 410, 266, 320) facing outwardly and either downwardly or upwardly at an angle from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees relative to a vertical plane. Alternatively, the tubular profile may define two such surfaces (144, 146) defining an obtuse angle relative to each other, namely an upper surface at an angle from about 20 degrees to about 45 degrees relative thereto and a lower surface at an angle from about 45 degrees to about 70 degrees relative thereto, or a generally arcuate, indicia-receiving surface (120) having a suitable measurement. The indicia-receiving surface enables a person (P) who is standing, or who is sitting on a lift truck, to have a generally perpendicular line of sight to such surface. The support beam (40, 100, 130, 150, 180, 210, 250, 270, 300) may also be used in combination with a properly positioned fire extinguishing device (330) to extinguish a fire in a supported load. When the fire extinguisher is activated, the fluid (332) that is discharged impinges off the indicia-receiving surface, which may be inclined or curved, and onto the load.
Abstract:
In a storage rack comprising a front beam (20), a back beam (22), and a crossbar (24) extending therebetween, the front beam (20) having a vertical wall (32) facing backwardly and a horizontal ledge (34) extending backwardly, the back beam having a recess wall (42) facing frontwardly and a recess ledge (44) extending frontwardly, a first slot (50) is provided in one such wall and a second slot (60) is provided in the other wall. The crossbar has a first tang (90) extending from a first end and adapted to be initially inserted into the first slot (50) and a second tang (100) extending from a second end and adapted to be subsequently inserted into the second slot (60) without removing the first tang from the first slot. Each end can sit firmly on a beam ledge with the tangs extending into the slots. The tangs have notches providing clearance for slot margins and end tabs (92, 102) preventing the tangs from being pulled out.