Supports: racks – Shelf type – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
2001-12-14
2004-11-23
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Shelf type
Knockdown
C211S133100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06820757
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to beam structures for shelving systems or the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to beam structures that provide improved strength and rigidity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally known to provide for a shelving system made of plastic, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. Such shelving systems typically include a plurality of panels connected and supported by a plurality of posts. Also, such shelving systems are intended to support the weight of one or more objects placed on the panel. It is also known to provide plastic panels with uniform wall thicknesses.
However, such panels have several disadvantages including a flexural modulus that allows the panel to bow, bend, or flex when weight is maintained over a period of time. Also, the amount of material and the types of material necessary to support anticipated loads may be costly (e.g., high flex modulus materials).
To provide an inexpensive, reliable, and widely adaptable beam structure that avoids the above-referenced and other problems would represent a significant advance in the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary feature of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, easy-to-manufacture and aesthetically-pleasing shelving system that overcomes the above-noted disadvantages.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a shelving system with an improved beam structure or a combination of beam structures.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a shelving system with a beam structure having an increased strength-to-weight ratio and reduces load deflection at minimal part weight increases.
How these and other advantages and features of the present invention are accomplished (individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations) will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES. Generally, however, they are accomplished in a support structure for a shelving system that includes a pair of opposing beam members having an upper end, a lower end, and an intermediate wall coupling the upper and lower ends. Upper and lower ends of opposing beam members define a plurality of orifices. A terminal end of the upper end includes a downward projection configured to provide strength and rigidity.
These and other features of the invention may also be accomplished in a support structure including a set of first beam structures, each having a pair of side walls, an upper wall, and a lower wall defining alternating oppositely disposed cavities, and a set of second beam structures, each having opposing beam members having an upper end, a lower end, and an intermediate wall coupling upper and lower ends. The first and second beam structures are combined to provide particular strength and rigidity characteristics.
The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification. Such other ways are deemed to fall within the scope of the disclosed embodiments if they fall within the scope of the claims which follow.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3053558 (1962-09-01), Challas, Jr. et al.
patent: 3669033 (1972-06-01), Murcia
patent: 3734032 (1973-05-01), Kovacik
patent: 3788242 (1974-01-01), Hassel et al.
patent: D245744 (1977-09-01), Brooks
patent: 4099472 (1978-07-01), Kellogg
patent: D249618 (1978-09-01), Oxenhandler
patent: 4145977 (1979-03-01), Yellin
patent: 4467927 (1984-08-01), Nathan
patent: 4574709 (1986-03-01), Lackey et al.
patent: 4593825 (1986-06-01), Hepp
patent: 4615278 (1986-10-01), Cabrelli
patent: 4621740 (1986-11-01), Lang
patent: 4706576 (1987-11-01), James
patent: 4843975 (1989-07-01), Welsch et al.
patent: 4852501 (1989-08-01), Olson et al.
patent: 4940150 (1990-07-01), Spengler
patent: 4953719 (1990-09-01), Spamer
patent: 4989519 (1991-02-01), Welsch et al.
patent: 4998023 (1991-03-01), Kitts
patent: 5158187 (1992-10-01), Taub
patent: D330652 (1992-11-01), Goetz
patent: D330819 (1992-11-01), Dickinson
patent: D344382 (1994-02-01), Conaway et al.
patent: 5303645 (1994-04-01), Meacham
patent: D347131 (1994-05-01), Wolff
patent: D362138 (1995-09-01), Sagol
patent: 5588541 (1996-12-01), Goetz
patent: D384226 (1997-09-01), Goetz
patent: D385132 (1997-10-01), Sagol
patent: 5683004 (1997-11-01), Aho
patent: 5709158 (1998-01-01), Wareheim
patent: 5752610 (1998-05-01), Remmers
patent: 6079339 (2000-06-01), Houk, Jr. et al.
patent: 6178896 (2001-01-01), Houk, Jr. et al.
Craft Charles William
Stitchick David Michael
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Marshall & Gerstein & Borun LLP
Rubbermaid Incorporated
LandOfFree
Beam structures for shelving apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Beam structures for shelving apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Beam structures for shelving apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3298565