Supports: cabinet structure – Canopy or curtain type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-27
2001-10-23
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Canopy or curtain type
C312S005000, C108S162000, C211S195000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305764
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a rack assembly for holding components and, more particularly, to a rack assembly for holding industrial components in such a manner to provide quick access to the industrial components while preserving the integrity of each component.
When assembling products, such as a vehicle, a computer, furniture or the like, assembly line workers need quick access to the pre-assembled parts or components that are to be installed in or on the product so that the assembly line flow is unimpeded by the flow of parts. Small parts are typically stored en masse in totes and are positioned adjacent the assembly line for easy access by the assembly line worker. More recently, an improved industrial component rack, which is described in copending application No. 09/532,437 entitled INDUSTRIAL COMPONENT RACK ASSEMBLY, filed by Production Assembly, Inc. of Holland, Mich., on Mar. 23, 2000, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, individually supports each component in a manner to eliminate contact between the components and, furthermore, supports the components in a carrier assembly which is movably mounted to a rack frame. The frame provides protection to the components in the carrier assembly when the carrier assembly is retracted within the frame and supports the carrier assembly when it is extended from the frame, which permits easy access to all the components in the carrier assembly.
Large parts, on the other hand, are typically supported in a rack frame by a column of vertically spaced flexible support shelves. The shelves comprise fabric webs which extend between a pair of fabric panels which form sides of the column. In order to maintain the spacing between the sides of the vertical storage columns, stiffeners are often incorporated into the flexible support shelves. However, the fabric panels do not provide sufficient protection to the component parts supported on the support shelves. When the racks are moved, these fabric columns shift in the frame permitting impact between the components supported in adjacent columns. Though the impact is somewhat absorbed by the sides of the columns, with larger parts the amount of impact absorbed by the fabric sides may not be sufficient. Furthermore, each storage column requires extensive stitching to assemble and mechanical mounting to the support frame, which mechanical mounting increases the cost and weight of the overall rack assembly.
In addition, when storing vehicle components, such as Class A vehicle components, manufactures often require components to be covered until they are installed on or in the vehicle to protect the components from airborne debris such as dust, fumes, or the like, which could scratch, discolor or otherwise damage the components. Typically, canvas or other material covers are mounted to the exterior of the rack framework which require lifting for access to the components held within the rack. As these rack assemblies are designed for stacking and, further, for lifting by a fork lift or other mechanical means, these covers are subject to damage and require frequent replacement.
Consequently, there is a need for a storage system which will provide a cost efficient method for holding a plurality of larger pre-assembled industrial components, such as computer components, furniture components, vehicle components, including Class A components, while providing easy access to each individual component for installation. Further, there is a need for an adjustable storage system, which can modified at the assembly plant. In addition, there is a need for a storage system that will provide the above advantages and, further, will protect the components from dust and debris all in a manner that will permit the storage system to be stacked and handled without damage to the individual components comprising the storage system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a rack assembly for holding a plurality of industrial components is provided that holds components in such a manner that the components are readily available for installation in an assembly line and, further, which are protected from damage. In preferred form, the rack assembly individually supports each component to essentially eliminate contact between the components and, furthermore, supports the components in a collapsible frame which provides for multiple configurations of support shelves. Furthermore, the collapsible frame is self supporting so that the frame need not be suspended from the frame and, instead, may be positioned in the frame and optionally attached to the side of the rack, which permits a retractable cover to be mounted to the interior of the rack and retracted into the rack when access to the components within the flexible frame is needed.
In one form of the invention, a rack for holding industrial components includes a rigid frame and a collapsible self-supporting frame. The collapsible self-supporting frame is positionable in the rigid frame and is adapted to support a plurality of industrial components in a vertically spaced arrangement with the industrial components accessible from at least one side of the rigid frame.
In one aspect, the collapsible self-supporting frame includes a plurality of side members and a plurality of shelves extending between the side members. Preferably, the shelves comprise flexible shelves, such as fabric panels. In other aspects, the shelves are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.
In another aspect, the rack further includes a cover which is movably mounted to the rigid frame. The cover is movably between a closed position covering at least a portion of the collapsible frame to protect components supported in the collapsible frame. Furthermore, the cover is movable to an open position to provide access to components supported in the collapsible frame. In further aspects, the cover retracts into the rigid frame when moved to the open position. Preferably, the cover is mounted to the frame by a pair of rails. More preferably, the cover is slidably mounted on the rails and extends between the rails when the cover is moved to the open position.
In other aspects, the side members comprise corrugated panels, preferably plastic corrugated panels. In yet other aspects, the shelves are removably mounted to the side members to permit adjustment of the shelves.
According to another form of the invention, a rack for holding industrial components includes a rigid frame and a flexible frame having a plurality of support surfaces for supporting a plurality of industrial components. The rigid frame includes a first plurality of horizontal members and a second plurality of horizontal members which are interconnected by a plurality of vertical members. The flexible frame is removably positioned in the rigid frame inwardly of the horizontal and vertical members. The rack further includes a cover movably mounted to the rigid frame, with the cover being movable between a retracted position in the rigid frame between the rigid frame in the flexible frame to provide access to components supported in the flexible frame and a closed position adjacent the support surfaces wherein the cover protects the components supported in the flexible frame from debris.
In other aspects, the cover is movably mounted on the rigid frame by a pair of rails. Preferably the rails are mounted to a pair of the first plurality of horizontal members. In further aspects, the rails comprise inverted L-shaped rails having an upper portion mounted to a pair of the first plurality of horizontal members and a second portion mounted to a pair of the vertical members.
According to yet another form of the invention, a rack for holding industrial components includes a rigid frame having at least one open side and a self-supporting collapsible frame positionable in the rigid frame through the open side. The collapsible frame includes a plurality of substantially rigid side members and a plurality of flexible shelves extend
Kortman Calvin J.
Kortman Joyce E.
Kortman Mark A.
Cuomo Peter M.
Fisher Michael J.
Production Assembly Service, Inc.
Van Dyke Gardner, Linn & Burkhart, LLP
LandOfFree
Industrial component holder assembly and rack does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Industrial component holder assembly and rack, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Industrial component holder assembly and rack will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2609467