CA2505451C - A nut and bolt combination - Google Patents
A nut and bolt combination Download PDFInfo
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- CA2505451C CA2505451C CA 2505451 CA2505451A CA2505451C CA 2505451 C CA2505451 C CA 2505451C CA 2505451 CA2505451 CA 2505451 CA 2505451 A CA2505451 A CA 2505451A CA 2505451 C CA2505451 C CA 2505451C
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- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000014443 Pyrus communis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910000746 Structural steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B35/00—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws
- F16B35/04—Screw-bolts; Stay-bolts; Screw-threaded studs; Screws; Set screws with specially-shaped head or shaft in order to fix the bolt on or in an object
- F16B35/041—Specially-shaped shafts
- F16B35/048—Specially-shaped necks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B37/00—Nuts or like thread-engaging members
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A complementary-threaded nut and bolt combination for connecting a first member to a second member; wherein (i) said first member has at least a first member hole having a bolt-receiving diameter; (ii) said second member has at least a second member hole having a bolt-receiving diameter; and (iii) said bolt has a bolt head;
characterized in that at least one of said nut or said bolt has radial projection means that allows entry of at least a portion of said nut or said bolt within at least one of said first member hole or said second member hole to effect sufficient lateral abutment as to prevent lateral movement of said first member relative to said second member after said entry. The first and second members are preferably selected from angle brackets and C-channel members used in storage racks for receiving pallets of goods.
The nut and bolt assemblies provide improved integrity of the connections of the rack.
characterized in that at least one of said nut or said bolt has radial projection means that allows entry of at least a portion of said nut or said bolt within at least one of said first member hole or said second member hole to effect sufficient lateral abutment as to prevent lateral movement of said first member relative to said second member after said entry. The first and second members are preferably selected from angle brackets and C-channel members used in storage racks for receiving pallets of goods.
The nut and bolt assemblies provide improved integrity of the connections of the rack.
Description
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 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 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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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 4a 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.
4b 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.
4c 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.
S
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 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.
after tightening;
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.
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 4a 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.
4b 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.
4c 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.
S
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 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.
after tightening;
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 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 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 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.
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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 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 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 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.
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Claims (35)
1. ~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 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.
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 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.
2. ~A connection according to claim 1 wherein said short radial projection is non-threaded.
3. ~A connection according to claim 1 or 2 wherein at least said bolt carries said projection, said projection being disposed between said head and threaded shank.
4. ~A connection according to claim 3 wherein only said bolt carries said projection, said projection having one end abutting said head and an opposite end that sharply tapers toward said shank, said nut having a formation therein complimentarially shaped and sized to accommodate a portion of said projection.
5. ~A connection according to claim 2 wherein both said bolt and nut carry a radial projection, each said projection having a generally constant diameter portion and a sharply tapered portion, the sharply tapered portions of said projections being proximately disposed within said first and second holes.
6. ~A connection according to claim 5 wherein the sharply tapered portions of the radial projections on the bolt and nut contact one another within said first and second holes.
7. ~A connection according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein one of said first and second members is an angle bracket and the other of said first and second members is a C-channel member.
8. ~ 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.
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.
9. ~A connection according to claim 9 wherein said projection has one end abutting said head and an opposite end that sharply tapers toward said shank.
10. ~A connection according to claim 9 or 10 wherein said short radial projection is non-threaded.
11. ~A connection according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein one of said fast and second members is an angle bracket and the other of said first and second members is a C-channel member.
12. ~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 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
13 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.
13. ~A connection according to claim 12 wherein each said projection has a generally constant diameter portion and a sharply tapered portion, the sharply tapered portions of said projections being proximately disposed within said first and second holes.
13. ~A connection according to claim 12 wherein each said projection has a generally constant diameter portion and a sharply tapered portion, the sharply tapered portions of said projections being proximately disposed within said first and second holes.
14. ~A connection according to claim 13 wherein the sharply tapered portions of the radial projections on the bolt and nut contact one another within said first and second holes.
15. ~A connection according to any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein one of said first and second members is an angle bracket and the other of said first and second members is a C-channel member.
16. ~A connection according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein said projections are non-threaded.
17. ~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.
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.
18. ~A connection according to claim 17 wherein said washer is disposed between said first and second members and has short radial projections extending from opposite sides thereof into said first and second holes.
19. ~A connection according to claim 17 or 18 wherein one of said first and second members is an angle bracket and the other of said first and second members is a C-channel member.
20. ~A connection according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein said projections are non-threaded.
21. ~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.
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.
22. ~A storage rack according to claim 21 wherein said projection has one end abutting said head and an opposite end that sharply tapers toward said shank.
23. ~A storage rack according to claim 21 or 22 wherein said short radial projection is non-threaded.
24. ~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 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 bracket hole and said primary hole.
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 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 bracket hole and said primary hole.
25. ~A storage rack according to claim 24 wherein each said projection has a generally constant diameter portion and a sharply tapered portion, the sharply tapered portions of said projections being proximately disposed within said angle bracket hole and said primary hole.
26. ~A storage rack according to claim 25 wherein the sharply tapered portions of the radial projections on the bolt and nut contact one another within said angle bracket hole and said primary hole.
27. ~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.
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.
28. ~A storage rack according to claim 27 wherein said washer is disposed between said angle bracket and upright member and has short radial projections extending from opposite sides thereof into said angle bracket hole and said primary hole.
29. ~A storage rack according to claim 27 or 28 wherein said projections are non-threaded.
30. ~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 shack 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.
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 shack 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.
31. ~A storage rack according to claim 30 wherein said short radial projection is non-threaded.
32. ~A storage rack according to claim 30 or 31 wherein at least said bolt carries said projection, said projection being disposed between said head and threaded shank.
33. ~A storage rack according to claim 32 wherein only said bolt carries said projection, said projection having one end abutting said head and an opposite end that sharply tapers toward said shank, said nut having a formation therein complimentarially shaped and sized to accommodate a portion of said projection.
34. ~A storage rack according to claim 30 or 31 wherein both said bolt and nut carry a radial projection, each said projection having a generally constant diameter portion and a sharply tapered portion, the sharply tapered portions of said projections being proximately disposed within said first and second holes.
35. ~A storage rack according to claim 34 wherein the sharply tapered portions of the radial projections on the bolt and nut contact one another within said angle bracket hole and said primary hole.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505451 CA2505451C (en) | 2005-05-13 | 2005-05-13 | A nut and bolt combination |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505451 CA2505451C (en) | 2005-05-13 | 2005-05-13 | A nut and bolt combination |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2505451A1 CA2505451A1 (en) | 2005-07-31 |
| CA2505451C true CA2505451C (en) | 2007-03-13 |
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Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2505451 Active CA2505451C (en) | 2005-05-13 | 2005-05-13 | A nut and bolt combination |
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| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2505451C (en) |
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- 2005-05-13 CA CA 2505451 patent/CA2505451C/en active Active
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| Publication number | Publication date |
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| CA2505451A1 (en) | 2005-07-31 |
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