Storage Rack

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT/CN2024/089454 filed on Apr. 24, 2024, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410479703.0 filed on Apr. 19, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

The present invention relates to the field of storage equipment and, in particular, to a storage rack.

Storage racks are widely used for warehousing and storage of goods in daily life, factories, logistics and other sectors. Modern storage racks are usually composed of shelves, vertical beams, horizontal beams and other modular components, and their main components including the vertical beams and horizontal beams are generally manufactured by bending or otherwise processing thin metal sheets. However, the so-manufactured components lack strength and have limited load-bearing capacity.

Therefore, those skilled in the art are directing their efforts towards developing a storage rack, the load-bearing capacity of which is effectively increased and adaptively enhanced at various locations with different load-bearing capacity requirements.

In view of the above-described shortcomings of the prior art, the problem sought to be solved by the present invention is how to effectively increase the load-bearing capacity of a storage rack and to adaptively enhance the load-bearing capacity at various locations with different load-bearing capacity requirements.

The above object is attained by a storage rack provided in the present invention, which includes a vertical beam, a first beam and a shelf. The first beam is coupled at its two ends to the vertical beam and defines a support surface on which the shelf is placed.

Additionally, the first beam may comprise at least one reinforcing portion.

Additionally, the first beam may comprise a first reinforcing portion which is a first projection formed by bending a body of the first beam, the first projection extending in a lengthwise direction of the first beam, the first projection comprising a first surface and a second surface, which intersect each other.

Additionally, the support surface may be formed by bending an upper margin of the first beam extending in the height-wise direction, or the first surface of the first projection may serve as the support surface.

Additionally, the first beam may comprise a second reinforcing portion which is a second projection formed by rolling a lower margin of the first beam located away from the support surface.

Additionally, the second projection may have a circularly curved cross-section.

Additionally, the storage rack may further comprise at least one second beam detachably coupled at its two ends to respective two of the first beams.

Additionally, the second beam may be provided at an end with a first locating member, with the first beam being provided with a second locating member at locations thereof where the first beam is to be coupled to the second beam, the first locating member detachably coupled to the second locating member.

Additionally, the first locating member may comprise a notch defining an opening, wherein the second locating member comprises a stud configured to be able to enter the notch through the opening.

Additionally, the second beam may be provided at an end with an engagement portion in a form of thin sheet, wherein the notch is provided in the engagement portion.

Additionally, the first locating member may comprise a flange provided at the end of the second beam, wherein the second locating member comprises a slot provided in the first beam, the flange configured to be able to pass through the slot.

Additionally, the second beam may comprise a second beam body and at least one reinforcing portion formed on the second beam body.

Additionally, the second beam body may have two margins, an upper one of which projects outwardly and forms a third projection, wherein the first locating members are provided at an end of the third projection.

Additionally, a lower one of the two margins of the second beam may project outwardly and form a fourth projection, wherein the first locating member is provided at an end of the fourth projection.

Additionally, the first locating member may be provided at an end of the second beam body.

Additionally, one of the third projection and the fourth projection may extend from its edge toward the other, forming a fifth projection which serves as the reinforcing portion of the second beam.

Additionally, the second beam body may be bent to form a sixth projection which serves as the reinforcing portion of the second beam, the sixth projection comprising a first surface and a second surface, which intersect each other.

Additionally, the second locating member may not be located at middle of the first beam.

Additionally, the storage rack may further comprise a connecting member connecting a first vertical beam and a second vertical beam in sequence along lengthwise direction, the connecting member configured to restrict relative movement of the first vertical beam and the second vertical beam in a non-vertical direction.

Additionally, the connecting member may comprise a first body and a second body, which substantially perpendicularly intersect each other, the first body defining a first clamping portion along its edge away from the second body, the second body defining a second clamping portion along its edge away from the first body, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion both having U-shaped cross-sections and thus defining therein channels adapted for insertion of the first vertical beam and second vertical beam therethrough.

Additionally, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion may be both provided therein with a first protrusion, and the first protrusion may be oriented toward inner wall surfaces of the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion and used to stop the first vertical beam and the second vertical beam in position.

Additionally, the connecting member may further comprise a second protrusion, and the second protrusion may be formed by extensions of intersecting portion of the first body and the second body in the lengthwise direction of the vertical beams.

Additionally, the connecting member may have a length h smaller than a distance H between a first slot in the first vertical beam and a second slot in the second vertical beam, wherein the first slot is spaced from the second vertical beam by one slot, and the second slot is spaced from the first vertical beam by one slot.

Additionally, the connecting member may be provided with avoidance slots corresponding to the slots in the vertical beams.

Additionally, the first beam may be integrally formed by rolling.

The storage rack of the present invention has the benefits as follows:

Below, the concept, structural details and resulting effects of the present application will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings to provide a full understanding of the objects, features and effects of the application.

A few preferred embodiments of the present invention are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that techniques thereof will become more apparent and more readily understood. The application can be embodied in various different forms and its scope is in no way limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Throughout the figures, structurally identical elements are indicated with the same reference numerals, and structurally or functionally similar elements are indicated with like reference numerals. The dimensions and thickness of each element in the drawings are shown arbitrarily, and the present application is not limited to any particular dimension or thickness of any element. In the figures, where appropriate, the thicknesses of some elements may be somewhat exaggerated for clarity.

As shown in, a storage rackconstructed in accordance with the present invention includes four vertical beams, four first beamsand a shelf. The vertical beamsare erected at four different locations. Opposite ends of the first beamsare coupled to the vertical beams. The first beams are arranged in a single layer and define support surfaces, on which the shelfis placed. If required, the storage rackmay include multiple such layers which are spaced apart at variable distance(s). The shelfmay be provided in any of various forms, such as a mesh, a flat plate or a wood plate. The present invention is not limited to any particular form of the shelf.

Referring to, the ends of the first beamsare coupled to the vertical beams. The coupling may be accomplished with any conventional means known in the art. The present invention is not limited to any particular means for coupling the first beamsto the vertical beams. Preferably, a plurality of slotsare provided in the vertical beamsalong their lengthwise direction (see), and the ends of the first beamsare coupled to some of the slots, for example, using any known means such as clasps or fasteners. Coupling the first beamsto slotsat different locations can change the height of the aforesaid single layer. Alternatively, in case of multiple layers in the storage rack, this can also modify the distance(s) between the layers. The slotsmay have any practically required shape and may be, but are not limited to being, square slots, circular holes or teardrop-shaped slots as shown in(each of which consists of a circular upper portion and a lower straight portion, which is joined to, and has a width less than a diameter of, the circular upper portion).shows how the first beamsare coupled to the vertical beamsaccording to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ends of the first beamsare provided with rivets, which can be engaged in the slots.

Referring to, each first beamis elongate and includes a first beam body, a support surfaceand at least one reinforcing portion. The support surfaceis used to support the shelfand may be formed by bending or otherwise processing the first beam. The reinforcing portion is used to increase support strength of the first beam. In some embodiments, as shown in, an upper margin of the first beamin a height-wise direction is bent twice to form the support surface. Moreover, the bodyof the first beamis bent along its lengthwise direction to form an outwardly projecting first projection, which serves as one reinforcing portion of the first beams. The first projectionhas a first surfaceand a second surfacewhich intersects the first surfaceat an angle, preferably at an acute angle. In some embodiments, as shown in, the first surfaceof the first projectionserves as the support surface, and a portion defining the second surfacefunctions as a reinforcing portion.

In some embodiments, a lower margin of the first beamaway from the support surface defines a reinforcing portion of the first beam. As shown in, the lower margin of the first beammay be bent, rolled or otherwise processed to form the outwardly projecting second projection, which serves as another reinforcing portion of the first beam. The second projectionmay be circularly curved. Preferably, the first beammay be rolled so that the lower margin continuously curves and plastically deforms into a final shape desired by the second projection.

Referring to, in order to further increase the load-bearing capacity of the first beams, the storage rackfurther includes a second beamdisposed between opposite two of the first beams. The second beamis elongate and provided with a first locating memberat each end. The first beamsare each provided with a second locating member. The first locating memberscan be detachably coupled to the second locating members, allowing for quick locating and coupling of the first beamsand the second beam. In order to avoid reinforcing portions of the first beamsfrom interfering with the ends of the second beam, the ends of the second beammay define avoidance notchesfor receiving the reinforcing portions. For example, as shown in, first reinforcing portions of the first beamsmay be received in the avoidance notchesat the ends of the second beam. The second beammay be coupled to the first beamsso that the first reinforcing portions are received in the avoidance notches.

In some embodiments, referring to, the first locating membersare notcheseach defining an opening(see), and the second locating membersare studswhich can be passed through the respective openingsand received in the respective notches. For example, the studsmay be provided by rivets. The rivets may be cylindrical and solid, and corresponding holes in the first beamsmay be accordingly circular. It is such circular holes that are least possible to develop stress concentration. Therefore, the circular holes in the horizontal beams can minimize load bearing induced damage. Moreover, the solid rivets can support the first beams in terms of load withstand capacity. The rivets may be forced into the first beamsso that their head portions are situated above the first beamsand form the studs. The studsmay detachably engage with the notches, allowing for quick coupling. The notchesmay have any suitable shape. Preferably, referring to, each notchis circularly curved, and the openingthat it defines forms a narrow mouth. That is, the size of the openingis smaller than a diameter defined by the notch's circularly curved shape. In some embodiments, referring to, the second beamdefines, at each end, an engagement portionin the form of a thin sheet, and the notchesthat defines the openingsare provided in the respective engagement portions. Preferably, in order to minimize impairment of load-bearing capacity of the first beams, in general terms, instead of arranging the rivets at the middle of the first beams, at least one pair of such rivets is evenly provided on each first beam. For example, as shown in, one pair of studsis provided on each first beam(which are formed by corresponding rivets arranged on the first beam) so that each studis located closer to either end of the first beamrather than at its middle.

In some embodiments, at least one margin of a bodyof the second beamin its height-wise direction defines a reinforcing portion, and the notchesthat define the openingsare provided at opposite ends of the reinforcing portion.

For example, as shown in, an upper margin of the body of the second beammay be bent to form a third projectionwith an upper surface, and ends of the third projectionmay rest on the support surfacesof the first beams. Referring to, the notchesmay be provided as the first locating members at the ends of the third projection, and the studsmay be provided as the second locating memberson the support surfaces.

For example, referring to, a low margin of the body of the second beammay be bent to form a fourth projection, and ends of the fourth projectionmay rest on the second projectionsof the first beams. Additionally, the notchesmay be provided as the first locating members at the ends of the fourth projection, and the studsmay be provided as the second locating memberson surfaces of the second projectionsof the first beams.

It would be appreciated that both or either of the third projectionand the fourth projectionshown inmay be formed. In the former case, the notchesmay be provided as the first locating members in either of the third projectionand the fourth projection. Alternatively, each of the third projectionand the fourth projectionmay be provided therein with such notches(see).

In some embodiments, as shown in, the notchesmay be provided at ends of the bodyof the second beam.

In some embodiments, referring to, the first locating membersare downwardly-projecting flangesprovided at the ends of the second beam, and the second locating membersare slots, which are provided in the first beamsand adapted for insertion of the flangestherethrough. Quick locating and coupling of the first beamsand the second beamcan be achieved simply by inserting the flangesthrough the slots. For example, as shown in, an upper margin of the second beammay be bent to form a third projection. End portions of the third projectionmay extend in a lengthwise direction of the second beamand then be bent downwards to form the flanges, and the slotsmay be provided at corresponding locations in the support surfacesof the first beams. It will be understood that a lower margin of the second beammay be processed in a similar way to form flanges. That is, the lower margin of the second beammay be bent to form a fourth projection. End portions of the fourth projectionmay extend in the lengthwise direction of the second beamand then be bent downwards to form the flanges, and slots adapted for insertion of the flangesof the fourth projectiontherethrough may be provided in lower margins of the first beams. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG., end portions of the bodymay extend in the lengthwise direction of the second beamand then be bent downwards to form the flanges.

show the second beamhaving the aforementioned third projectionand fourth projection, which are capable of enhancing load-bearing capacity of the second beam. In some embodiments, the second beammay have one or more additional reinforcing portions. For example, as shown in, the second beammay further have a fifth projectionserving as such an additional reinforcing portion, which projects from an edge of the fourth projectiontoward the third projection. As another example, as shown in, a middle portion of the second beammay be bent to form an outwardly projecting sixth projectionwhich can serve such an additional reinforcing portion of the second beam. The sixth projectionmay have a first surfaceand a second surface, which both extend in the lengthwise direction of the second beamand intersect each other.

Additionally, the second beammay have hanging holes, on which some items can be hung, and which can be used in hoisting the second beam. With the slots, the second beamcan be conveniently hoisted during manufacture, e.g., to facilitate spraying.

Referring to, in order to extend the height of the storage rack, the storage rackmay further include connecting memberseach capable of connecting two vertical beamslengthwise to form a longer vertical beamin such a manner that the connecting membercan restrict relative displacement of the two vertical beamsin any other direction than lengthwise, thereby securely connecting them together so that they act as if they were an integral whole. As shown in, each vertical beamhas a first side faceand a second side face, which are substantially perpendicular to each other. As shown in, the connecting memberhas substantially the same cross-sectional shape as each vertical beam. Specifically, the connecting memberincludes a first bodyand a second body, which are substantially perpendicular to each other. The first bodyand the second bodyintersect along their first edgesand. The first bodydefines a first clamping portionalong its second edgeopposite to the first edge, and the second bodydefines a second clamping portionalong its second edgeopposite to the first edge. Both the first clamping portionand the second clamping portionhave U-shaped cross-sections, and these U-shaped portions delimit spaces that form channelsinto which the vertical beamscan be inserted. End portions of the vertical beamscan be inserted into the U-shaped spaces so that the first clamping portionsurrounds outer edges of the first side facesof the vertical beamsand that the second clamping portionsurrounds outer edges of the second side facesof the vertical beams. In this way, limited by the first clamping portionand the second clamping portion, the two lengthwise connected vertical beamsare restricted from displacement in any other direction than lengthwise.shows the storage rackwithout such connecting members, whileshows the storage rackwith the connecting members. Through using the connecting members, the height of the storage rackcan be extended, increasing space utilization. The connecting membersmay be included or not, as required in practical applications.

In some embodiments, referring to, each of the first clamping portionand the second clamping portionhas internal first protrusionstoward an inner wall surface of the clamping portion, which may be formed by stamping. The first protrusionscan impede movement of the vertical beams. That is, when the end portions of the vertical beamsare inserted into the U-shaped spaces of the clamping portions, the first protrusionswill come into contact with them and thereby prevent the vertical beamsfrom moving within the U-shaped spaces of the clamping portions. Impeding movement of the vertical beamsby the first protrusionscan help consumers achieve locating during assembly.