EP1855513A1 - Design de grille modulaire extensible - Google Patents

Design de grille modulaire extensible Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1855513A1
EP1855513A1 EP07008290A EP07008290A EP1855513A1 EP 1855513 A1 EP1855513 A1 EP 1855513A1 EP 07008290 A EP07008290 A EP 07008290A EP 07008290 A EP07008290 A EP 07008290A EP 1855513 A1 EP1855513 A1 EP 1855513A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
horizontal frame
frame members
rack
vertical support
support posts
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07008290A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Antonio Tenreiro
David R. Johnson
Robert A. Duerr
Ashley Rooks
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Northrop Grumman Corp
Original Assignee
Northrop Grumman Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Northrop Grumman Corp filed Critical Northrop Grumman Corp
Publication of EP1855513A1 publication Critical patent/EP1855513A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
    • E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
    • E04C3/005—Girders or columns that are rollable, collapsible or otherwise adjustable in length or height

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to racks for supporting and/or storing articles, and more particularly, relates to expandable racks structured and arranged to transition from a collapsed folded position to an extended unfolded position.
  • Article supporting/storing racks are conventionally known. Such articles can include computers, computer components, electrical components, electrical, chemical, magnetic and biological sensors, radar equipment, and the like.
  • a conventional rack for supporting and/or storing such articles typically comprises stationary vertical posts and fixed horizontal bracings that support the articles. Such conventional racks typically take up a significant amount of space, are not easily portable and may require substantial assembly time.
  • An aspect of the present invention is to provide an expandable rack structured and arranged to transition from a collapsed folded position to an extended unfolded position.
  • the expandable rack can comprise a plurality of substantially vertical support posts, and a plurality of foldable substantially horizontal frame members pivotally connected between adjacent substantially vertical support posts, wherein at least one of the foldable substantially horizontal frame members is moveable from a collapsed folded position adjacent to and substantially aligned with the vertical support posts to an extended unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the vertical support posts.
  • the expandable rack can include at least one shelf structured and arranged to support an article and/or an article housing.
  • the pallet mounted rack system can comprise a pallet, and an expandable rack removeably mounted on the pallet.
  • the rack can comprise a plurality of substantially vertical support posts, and a plurality of foldable substantially horizontal frame members pivotally connected between adjacent substantially vertical support posts wherein at least one of the foldable substantially horizontal frame members is moveable from a collapsed folded position adjacent to and substantially aligned with the vertical support posts to an extended unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the vertical support posts.
  • a further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of deploying an expandable rack within a vehicle.
  • the method can comprise the steps of providing an expandable rack in a collapsed position within a vehicle interior, transitioning the expandable rack from the collapsed folded position to an extended unfolded position, and securing the rack to the interior of the vehicle.
  • the expandable rack can comprise a plurality of substantially vertical support posts, and a plurality of foldable substantially horizontal frame members pivotally connected between adjacent substantially vertical support posts wherein at least one of the foldable substantially horizontal frame members is moveable from a collapsed folded position adjacent to and substantially aligned with the vertical support posts to an extended unfolded position substantially perpendicular to the vertical support posts.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically collapsed and horizontally collapsed position in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally collapsed position in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and partially horizontally extended position in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and partially horizontally extended position in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is an enlarged portion of the perspective view of Figure 5.
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a shelf partially engaged therein in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a shelf fully engaged therein in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a shelf slideably positioned partially outside the rack in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a shelf supporting an article housing that is slideably positioned partially outside the rack in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view of an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a shelf rotatably supporting an article housing that is slideably positioned partially outside the rack in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle including an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position and a pallet comprising a second expandable rack, shelves and article housing in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle including an expandable rack in the vertically extended and horizontally extended position with multiple shelves supporting article housings and a pallet in accordance with the present invention.
  • an expandable rack 20, in accordance with the present invention is shown.
  • the rack 20 is structured and arranged to transition from a collapsed folded position to an extended unfolded position within a confined area such as within the interior of a vehicle.
  • vehicle includes aircraft, such as planes, helicopters, and the like, watercraft, such as submarines, ships, boats, and the like, and land vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses and vans, and the like.
  • the rack 20 is structured to support and/or store articles and/or article housings.
  • article includes any item that could be housed within a storage rack, such as computers, computer components, electrical components, electrical, chemical, magnetic and biological sensors and radar equipment.
  • the rack 20 comprises a plurality of substantially vertical support posts.
  • the rack 20 can comprise a left front vertical support post 22, a right front vertical support post 24, a left rear vertical support post 26 and a right rear vertical support post 28.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can be made of any suitable material such as metal and/or a polymeric composition.
  • Each vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28 comprises an upper end 34, a lower end 36 and a middle section 38 located along the vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28 between the upper end 34 and the lower end 36.
  • the upper end 34, the lower end 36 and the middle section 38 are shown in Figure 1 with reference to one vertical support post, it is appreciated herein that each vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise corresponding upper and lower ends and middle sections.
  • each vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28 is configured to receive a floor fastener 42 within its interior, the floor fastener 42 being optionally slideable within a groove 41 in the floor, as will be discussed herein.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise any cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, circular, triangular, hexagonal and the like.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise a hollow interior or can be solid throughout, depending on the configuration of the rack 20.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise a plurality of holes 40 suitable for receiving pegs or shelving fasteners as will also be discussed herein.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 are telescopic and are capable of transitioning from a vertically collapsed position, as shown in Figure 1, to a vertically extended position, as shown in Figure 2 along the axis extending between the upper end 34 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and the lower end 36 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • the telescopic vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise any number of concentrically nesting sections, such as a first section 30 that extends into an interior of a second section 32 in the vertically collapsed position.
  • Each vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28 can comprise a first telescopic section 30 having an outer diameter that is sized to fit within an interior diameter of a second telescopic section 32.
  • the height of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can be any suitable height, such as a height that is taller than the height of several articles and/or article housings stacked on top of each other.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can have a vertically collapsed height VH c , shown in Figure 1, of from about 36 to about 60 inches (about 90 to about 150 cm), such as from about 48 to about 52 inches (about 120 to about 130 cm).
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can have any desired width and length such that the rack 20 is easily portable but strong enough to support a plurality of articles housed within the rack 20.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 have a width VW and a length is the horizontal direction VL both as shown in Figure 1, of from about 1 to about 4 inches (about 2 to about 10 cm), such as from about 2 to about 2 1 ⁇ 2 inches (about 5 to about 6 cm).
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can have a vertically collapsed height VH c , shown in Figure 1, of from about 30 to about 54 inches (about 76 to about 137 cm), such as from about 46 to about 47 inches (about 116 to about 119 cm).
  • a user can manually pull the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 from a vertically collapsed position, as shown in Figure 1, to a vertically extended position, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 can have a vertically extended height VH e , shown in Figure 2, of from about 60 to about 108 inches (about 152 to about 274 cm), such as from about 72 to about 87 inches (about 182 to about 221 cm).
  • the height of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 in the vertically extended position is from 2 to 5 times longer than the height of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 in the vertically collapsed position, such as from 3 to 4 times longer.
  • the vertical locking mechanism 44 can comprise any suitable fastener such as a pin(s) that extends into a hole(s) 40 within the vertical support post(s) 22, 24, 26 and 28, a sliding mechanism that engages to hold the first section 30 and the second section 32 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 in place, and/or a friction resistance fit between the first section 30 and the second section 32 of the vertical support post 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • One or more vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 may comprise a vertical locking mechanism 44 positioned at any desired location, such as between the upper end 34 and the lower end 36 or at about the middle section 38.
  • the vertical locking mechanism 44 can be positioned on an adjacent surface to the holes 40 suitable for receiving pegs or shelving fasteners. In another embodiment, once the rack 20 has been expanded to the vertically expanded position, it can be positioned within the orientation of the floor fasteners 42, as shown in Figure 2.
  • a user can transition the rack 20 from a horizontally collapsed position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, to a partially horizontally extended position, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, and subsequently to a fully horizontally extended position, as shown in Figures 5-13.
  • the rack 20 comprises a plurality of foldable substantially horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B are each pivotally attached to adjacent vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 or 28 by an integral pivoting fastener 52.
  • each horizontal frame member 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B is positioned adjacent to and extending substantially vertical along an adjacent vertical support post 22, 24, 26 or 28.
  • Fastener 52 allows each horizontal frame member 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B to pivot up to 90° with respect to the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 when the rack 20 is transitioned from the horizontally collapsed position to the horizontally extended position. As shown in Figure 5, in the fully horizontally extended position, the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B are substantially perpendicular to the vertical frame members 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • Fastener 52 can comprise any suitable fastener or fastening means, such as a nut and bolt system, a grommet, a ball and socket joint, hinge and pin, or the like.
  • the fastener 52 can comprise a horizontal locking mechanism to lock the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B perpendicular to the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 in the fully horizontally extended position.
  • the rack 20 can comprise a plurality of upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B positioned at about the upper end 34 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and extending between adjacent vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • the rack 20 can comprise a plurality of lower horizontal frame members 60A and 60B positioned at about the lower end 36 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28, extending between adjacent vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 or 28.
  • the rack 20 can further comprise a plurality of middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B positioned vertically between the upper end 34 and the lower end 36 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and extending between adjacent vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • the rack 20 comprises a plurality of upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B and a plurality of lower horizontal frame members 60A and 60B.
  • the rack 20 can comprise an upper horizontal frame member 56A and 56B extending between each adjacent vertical support post, a middle horizontal frame member 58A and 58B extending between each adjacent vertical support post, and/or a lower horizontal frame member 60A and 60B extending between each adjacent vertical support post.
  • the rack 20 may comprise a middle horizontal frame member 58A and 58B extending between the left front vertical support post 22 and the left rear vertical support post 26, a middle horizontal frame member 58A and 58B extending between the left rear vertical support post 26 and the right rear vertical support post 28, and a middle horizontal frame member 58A and 58B extending between the right rear vertical support post 28 and the right front vertical support post 24.
  • the left front vertical support post 22 and the right front vertical support post 24 are not be joined by a middle horizontal frame member.
  • the left front vertical support post 22 and the right front vertical support post 24 having no middle horizontal frame member positioned therebetween can be considered the "front" of the rack 20 and can be disposed to face away from an adjacent wall when installed. This can allow large articles to pass into the interior of the rack 20 as will be described herein. It will be appreciated, however, that the rack can be installed having any desired orientation depending on the needs of the user.
  • middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B may be positioned between adjacent vertical support posts and between the upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B and the lower frame members 60A and 60B.
  • from 1 to 10 sets of middle frame members 58A and 58B, such as from 1 to 3 middle frame members 58A and 58B, may be positioned between adjacent vertical support posts and between the upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B and the lower frame members 60A and 60B.
  • the term "set of middle frame members” means a plurality of middle frame members extending between adjacent vertical support posts in substantially the same horizontal plane.
  • each horizontal frame member can comprise at least two portions 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B respectively.
  • the first portion 56A, 58A and 60A of the horizontal frame member and the second portion 56B, 58B and 60B are hinged 54 at a location along the horizontal frame member between adjacent vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 or 28.
  • the hinging mechanism 54 can be integral to the first portion 56A, 58A and 60A of the horizontal frame members and integral to the second portion 56B, 58B and 60B of the horizontal frame members.
  • the hinging mechanism 54 can comprise a mechanical hinge, a living hinge, a line or region of flexure, or a material having a greater degree of flexibility than the material comprising the first portion 56A, 58A and 60A and the second portion 56B, 58B and 60B.
  • the hinging mechanism 54 and pivoting fastener 52 allows each of the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B to transition from a horizontally collapsed position to a horizontally expanded position when a force is applied to rack 20 in the side-to-side direction.
  • the hinging mechanism 54 allows first portion 56A, 58A and 60A to rotate 90° in a first direction and second portion 56B, 58B and 60B to rotate 90° in a second direction that is opposite the first direction such that first portion 56A, 58A and 60A and the second portion 56B, 58B and 60B are aligned in substantially the same horizontal plane when rack 20 is fully horizontally extended, as shown in Figure 5.
  • each hinged horizontal frame member is foldable such that first surface 56C, 58C and 60C of first portion 56A, 58A and 60A is positioned substantially parallel to second surface 56D, 58D and 60D of second portion 56B, 58B and 60B in the horizontally collapsed position.
  • first surface 56C, 58C and 60C of first portion 56A, 58A and 60A is positioned in substantially the same horizontal plane as the second surface 56D, 58D and 60D of second portion 56B, 58B and 60B in the fully horizontally expanded position.
  • the upper horizontal frame members 56A and 58B and the lower horizontal frame members 60A and 60B can be hinged in opposite directions to allow for a more compact collapsed rack position.
  • the upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B are hinged such that hinging mechanism 54 angles first portion 56A and second portion 56B downward toward the lower end 36 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26, and 28.
  • the lower horizontal frame members 60A and 60B can be hinged such that hinging mechanism 54 angles the first portion 60A and the second portion 60B upwards toward the upper end 34 of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26, and 28.
  • the middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B can be hinged in the same direction as either the upper horizontal frame members 56A and 56B or the lower horizontal frame members 60A and 60B depending on the desired placement of the middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B along the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B are positioned along the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28, at least one set of middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B can be hinged upwards and at least one other set of middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B can be hinged downwards.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can have any desired length, width and height such that the rack 20 is easily portable but strong enough to support a plurality of articles housed within the rack 20.
  • the length of the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can be any suitable length, such as a length that is longer than the length of an article and/or article housing.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can have a horizontally collapsed length HL c , shown in Figure 1, of from about 4 to about 16 inches (about 10 to about 40 cm), such as from about 8 to about 10 inches (about 20 to about 25 cm).
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can have a horizontally extended length HL e , as shown in Figure 5, of from about 22 to about 40 inches (about 56 to about 102 cm), such as from about 35 to about 36 inches (about 89 to about 91 cm).
  • the length of the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B in the horizontally extended position is from 2 to 5 times longer than the length of the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B in the horizontally collapsed position, such as from 3 to 4 times longer.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B have a width HW shown in Figure 5, of from about 1 to about 4 inches (about 2 to about 10 cm), such as from about 1 1 ⁇ 2 to about 2 inches (about 3 to about 5 cm).
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B have a height HH shown in Figure 5, of from about 1 to about 4 inches (about 2 to about 10 cm), such as from about 1 1 ⁇ 2 to about 2 inches (about 3 to about 5 cm).
  • the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and the horizontal fame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can be made of any suitable material such as metal and/or a polymeric composition.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can comprise the same material as the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can comprise a hollow interior or can be solid throughout.
  • the horizontal frame members can comprise a plurality of holes suitable for receiving pegs or shelving fasteners as will be discussed herein.
  • the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can comprise any shape such as square, rectangular, circular, triangular, hexagonal and the like.
  • a user can manually pull the rack 20 from into the fully horizontally extended position, as shown in Figure 5.
  • the rack 20 can be locked in position by a horizontal locking mechanism 68.
  • any of the horizontal frame members may include a horizontal locking mechanism 68.
  • every horizontal frame member 56A and 58B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B comprise a horizontal locking mechanism 68.
  • the locking mechanism 68 can comprise any suitable fastener such as a pin that extends into a hole within the horizontal frame member 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B, a sliding mechanism that engages to hold the first section 56A, 58A and 60A and the second section 56B, 58B and 60B of the horizontal frame member in place.
  • a suitable fastener such as a pin that extends into a hole within the horizontal frame member 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B, a sliding mechanism that engages to hold the first section 56A, 58A and 60A and the second section 56B, 58B and 60B of the horizontal frame member in place.
  • the height, length and width of the rack 20 are each enlarged.
  • the overall height of the rack 20 in the collapsed position VH c can be from about 36 to about 60 inches (about 91 to about 152 cm), such as from about 48 to about 52 inches (about 122 to about 132 cm).
  • the overall height of the rack 20 in the extended position VH e can be from about 60 to about 108 inches (about 152 to about 274 cm), such as from about 72 to about 87 inches (about 182 to about 220 cm).
  • the overall height of the rack 20 in the extended position can be from 2 to 5 times taller than the height of the rack 20 in the collapsed position, such as from 3 to 4 times taller.
  • the overall length of the rack 20 in the collapsed position HL c can be from about 4 to about 16 inches (about 10 to about 40 cm), such as from about 8 to about 10 inches (about 20 to about 25 cm).
  • the overall length of the rack 20 in the extended position HL e can be from about 20 to about 40 inches (about 50 to about 102 cm), such as from about 35 to about 36 inches (about 89 to about 91 cm).
  • the overall length of the rack 20 in the extended position can be from 2 to 5 times taller than the length of the rack 20 in the collapsed position, such as from 3 to 4 times taller.
  • the width W e of the rack 20 in the extended position increases from the width W c in the collapsed position, shown in Figure 1, by the same amount as the length HL e of the rack 20 in the extended position increases from the length HL c in the collapsed position.
  • two horizontal frame members may have a different length from two other horizontal frame members.
  • the width W e of the rack 20 in the extended position may be different from the length HL e of the rack 20 in the extended position.
  • the dimensions of the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B and 60A and 60B can be selected to accommodate various sized articles.
  • the rack 20 can be secured to the floor 70 by aligning the interior of at least one of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 or 28 (only vertical support posts 24 and 28 shown in Figure 6) with at least one floor fastener 42.
  • Floor fasteners 42 can be slid within a groove 41 that is recessed in or protruding from the floor 70. Once the floor fastener 42 is positioned at a desired location, the floor fastener 42 can be secured to the floor 70 of a vehicle or the like by any convenient means, such as pegs or screws.
  • Each floor fastener 42 comprises a protrusion 72 that is configured to slideably engage the interior of a vertical support post 22, 24, 26 or 28.
  • the floor fasteners 42 can engage the interior of at least one of the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 or 28 by any suitable securing means, such as snap pins, bolts, screws, pressure fit pins, and the like.
  • the floor fasteners 42 prevent rack 20 from sliding on the floor 70 when a vehicle accelerates, turns, or when articles are positioned within the rack as will be discussed later.
  • the lower horizontal frame members 60B can contact the floor 70.
  • the floor fastener 42 can be slideably engaged within a groove 41 within the floor 70.
  • the floor fastener 42 can be slid to a desired location within groove 41 on the floor 70 and subsequently secured in place by floor fasteners 42.
  • the groove 41 can comprise a raised ridge that floor fastener 42 can slide along.
  • one or more shelves 74 can be positioned within the interior of the rack 20. As shown in Figures 7-8, in one embodiment, the shelf 74 can be positioned within the interior of the rack 20 after the rack 20 has been secured by the horizontal locking mechanisms 68 and secured to the floor 70 by engagement with the floor fasteners 42. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 7-9, the shelf 74 can comprise a first surface 78 and a second surface 80 hinged together along hinge 76 to allow a greater degree of portability. The shelf 74 can comprise any suitable dimensions, such as dimensions to allow the shelf 74 to be fully contained within the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • one or more saddles 75 can be positioned over one or more horizontal frame members, such as 60A or 60B to assist in stabilizing the rack 20.
  • two saddles 75 opposite each other in substantially the same plane can be positioned over opposite segments of the horizontal frame members, such as 60A and 60B as shown in Figure 7, or horizontal frame members 58A and 58B.
  • the shelf 74 can be positioned to supportably engage the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and/or the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B (not shown), 58A and 58B and/or 60A and 60B of rack 20.
  • the shelf 74 can comprise a series of pegs that can engage a plurality of holes 40 within the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • a plurality of shelves 74 can be positioned at any location along the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28.
  • each shelf 74 supportably engages a set of middle horizontal frame members 58A and 58B.
  • the shelf 74 can comprise at least two sliding mechanisms 82 positioned on the underside 84 of the shelf 74 that are fixably attached to the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B (not shown), 58A and 58B or 60A and 60B.
  • the sliding mechanism 82 can comprise any conventional slider arrangement having a fixed portion 86 which can be attached to the horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B or 60A and 60B and a slider portion 88 which is slideably engaged with the fixed portion 86 and attached to the underside 84 of the shelf 74.
  • the shelf 74 can also comprise a circular recessed area 90 structured and arranged to at least partially receive an article and/or an article housing within the recessed area 90.
  • Articles and article housings can be adapted to contain a protrusion structured to mate with the recessed area 90 of the shelf 74 such that the articles and/or article housings do not slide on the shelves 74 once positioned within the vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 of the rack 20.
  • the shelf 74 can be horizontally slideable from an extended position at least partially positioned outside the rack, as shown in Figures 9-11, to a retracted position within the rack 20, as shown in Figures 12 and 13.
  • an article housing 92 such as an equipment casing, rests on an article shelf 93 which has a disk-shaped projection (not shown) which can be positioned within the circular recessed area 90 (shown in Fig. 9) of the shelf 74 when the sliding mechanisms 82 are extended outside the rack 20.
  • the article 92 can be secured to the shelf 74 by straps 94 or the like and rotated within the recessed area of the shelf 74 when the sliding mechanisms 82 are extended outside the rack 20.
  • the shelf 74 can be configured to allow an article 92 to easily rotate with respect to the orientation of the shelf 74.
  • one or more shelves 74, optionally housing one or more articles and/or article housings 92 can be positioned entirely within rack 20 by sliding the sliding mechanism from a position extending outside the rack, shown in Figures 9-11, to a confined position within the interior of the rack 20, shown in Figure 12.
  • multiple shelves 74 and articles and/or article housings 92 can be positioned within the rack 20.
  • the rack 20 can optionally be secured to a vehicle wall 100 or ceiling by additional fasteners 130 that connect portions of the rack 20 to an installed rack grid 140.
  • a fully expanded rack 20 including vertically expanded vertical support posts 22, 24, 26 and 28 and horizontally expanded horizontal frame members 56A and 56B, 58A and 58B, and 60A and 60B houses an article and/or article housing 92 on a shelf 74 having sliding mechanisms 82 positioned within the interior of the rack 20.
  • a second expandable rack 120 of the present invention can be introduced into a confined space, such as on the floor 70 on a vehicle as a transportable pallet mounted expandable rack system 110.
  • the transportable pallet mounted expandable rack system comprises a pallet 96 and an expandable rack 120, at least one shelf 174, and at least one article and/or article housing 192 mounted on the pallet 96.
  • the pallet 96 can be carried in to a confined space or can be delivered on a skid by mechanical means.
  • the articles and/or article housings 92 and shelves 74 can be removed from the rack 20, any horizontal locking mechanism(s) and/or vertical locking mechanism(s) can be disengaged, and the rack 20 can be transitioned from a horizontally and vertically expanded position to a horizontal and vertically collapsed position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
EP07008290A 2006-05-08 2007-04-24 Design de grille modulaire extensible Withdrawn EP1855513A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/429,892 US20070256995A1 (en) 2006-05-08 2006-05-08 Expandable modular rack design

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1855513A1 true EP1855513A1 (fr) 2007-11-14

Family

ID=38421751

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07008290A Withdrawn EP1855513A1 (fr) 2006-05-08 2007-04-24 Design de grille modulaire extensible

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20070256995A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1855513A1 (fr)
IL (1) IL182414A0 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7641295B2 (en) * 2006-04-26 2010-01-05 Aopen Inc. Foldable host unit case for a computer with joint mechanisms
AT11406U3 (de) * 2010-06-17 2011-05-15 Avl List Gmbh Messmodul, formteil als verbindungsmittel, messmoduleanordnung sowie tragplatte für die temporäre verwendung in fahrzeugen
FR2987218A1 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-23 Schneider Electric Ind Sas Ossature d'un coffret ou d'une armoire electrique
GB2506131A (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-26 Eltek As Power supply rack

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7971733B2 (en) * 2007-09-18 2011-07-05 Amcor Packaging Distribution Window pallet and method of use thereof
AU2009275386B2 (en) * 2008-07-28 2010-05-27 David Andrew Mckenzie-Mcharg Method and apparatus for facilitating cable terminations of rack mounted equipment
US8353490B2 (en) * 2011-03-28 2013-01-15 Thomas Spinelli Device for attaching electronic components to flat-screen television
US10118678B2 (en) * 2014-12-13 2018-11-06 Rodolpho B. Dias Collapsible and portable rack for storing boardsport equipment
US9848697B2 (en) 2015-10-20 2017-12-26 The Keyw Corporation Modular aviation equipment rack
ES2615777B1 (es) * 2015-11-05 2018-03-14 Universidade Da Coruña Módulo compacto para la formación de estructuras porticadas
CN111900642B (zh) * 2020-08-10 2022-04-19 湖南湘东开关厂 一种组合式ggd型交流低压配电柜
CN113347847B (zh) * 2021-08-09 2021-11-02 深圳市宏亿时代电子有限公司 一种用于通信设备的机架
US20230098524A1 (en) * 2021-09-30 2023-03-30 Grey Orange Inc. Apparatus, method, and system for implementation of dynamic workstations

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4482900A (en) * 1982-09-13 1984-11-13 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Deployable folded antenna apparatus
US4964020A (en) * 1989-09-27 1990-10-16 At&T Bell Laboratories Equipment rack
US5243803A (en) * 1988-07-05 1993-09-14 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Module for expandable framework structure and expandable framework structure employing said module
US20040194419A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2004-10-07 Simmons Robert J. Telescope sectioned moment column

Family Cites Families (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US475013A (en) * 1892-05-17 Folding election-booth
US907032A (en) * 1905-10-21 1908-12-15 George A Gohen Election-booth.
US1342269A (en) * 1919-10-08 1920-06-01 Irving N Stewart Portable wardrobe
US2249234A (en) * 1938-11-30 1941-07-15 Joseph W Srodulski Vending machine compartment means
US3093247A (en) * 1960-02-25 1963-06-11 C E Erickson Co Inc Collapsible rack
US3061396A (en) * 1960-05-02 1962-10-30 Lester R Hock Collapsible cabinet
US3709165A (en) * 1971-12-08 1973-01-09 Paltier Corp Pallet tiering frame interlock
DE2824434C2 (de) * 1978-06-03 1983-05-19 Aluminium-Walzwerke Singen Gmbh, 7700 Singen Frachtbehälter, insbesondere für Lufttransporte
US4482066A (en) * 1982-09-24 1984-11-13 Dykstra Donald P Storage rack with an extendible shelf structure
USD290791S (en) * 1984-08-30 1987-07-14 Fieldcrest Cannon, Inc. Modular display rack
US4740010A (en) * 1987-01-09 1988-04-26 Accurate Metal Products, Inc. Foldable cart
US4878682A (en) * 1988-07-22 1989-11-07 Lee David M Center collapsible transport cart
US4953878A (en) * 1988-10-31 1990-09-04 Sbragia Frank J Collapsible cart
US5205630A (en) * 1991-04-05 1993-04-27 Intermetro Industries Corporation Multiple purpose, knock-down modular storage system and method of assembling same
US5131547A (en) * 1991-11-26 1992-07-21 Kenneth Goldberg Collapsible storage rack
WO1995018130A1 (fr) * 1993-12-28 1995-07-06 Meiji Seika Kabushiki Kaisha Derives tricycliques de benzazepine et benzothiazepine
DK0741532T3 (da) * 1994-02-04 2000-02-21 Mark C Carter Sammenklappeligt displaybord
USD391232S (en) * 1994-11-08 1998-02-24 Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh Gmbh & Co. Kg Switchgear cabinet
US5560502A (en) * 1994-12-02 1996-10-01 Hsiung; Yu-Kuang Collapsible closet frame structure
JP2727420B2 (ja) * 1995-01-27 1998-03-11 矢崎化工株式会社 棚 枠
USD402640S (en) * 1996-11-07 1998-12-15 Rittal-Werk Rudolf Loh Gmbh & Co. Instrument case
JP3913360B2 (ja) * 1997-12-26 2007-05-09 辰雄 小野 支保工
JP3948695B2 (ja) * 1999-11-30 2007-07-25 株式会社リコー 物品運搬保管装置
US6443481B1 (en) * 2000-06-21 2002-09-03 David M. Stravitz Collapsible movable cart
US6635689B1 (en) * 2000-06-26 2003-10-21 3M Innovative Properties Company Accelerators for cationic polymerization catalyzed by iron-based catalysts
DE20102412U1 (de) * 2001-02-12 2001-07-19 Wang Wen Tsan Zusammenlegbarer Kleiderschrank
DE20103240U1 (de) * 2001-02-23 2001-07-05 Wang Wen Tsan Zusammenklappbarer Kleiderständer
US6499705B1 (en) * 2002-01-04 2002-12-31 Ming-Liang Tsai Multi-purpose supporting structure
US7377538B2 (en) * 2003-02-07 2008-05-27 Myrna Lea Stuart Shopping buddy
US6851564B2 (en) * 2003-05-28 2005-02-08 Kelvin Kin-Chung Ng Multi-plane compound folding frame
US7080640B2 (en) * 2004-11-18 2006-07-25 Sanders Larry E Portable cooking grill having collapsible and extendable frame
CN2827121Y (zh) * 2005-04-05 2006-10-18 梁琳 便携式折叠置物架
CN2885054Y (zh) * 2006-04-25 2007-04-04 李旭亮 收叠式置物架

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4482900A (en) * 1982-09-13 1984-11-13 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force Deployable folded antenna apparatus
US5243803A (en) * 1988-07-05 1993-09-14 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Module for expandable framework structure and expandable framework structure employing said module
US4964020A (en) * 1989-09-27 1990-10-16 At&T Bell Laboratories Equipment rack
US20040194419A1 (en) * 2003-04-03 2004-10-07 Simmons Robert J. Telescope sectioned moment column

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7641295B2 (en) * 2006-04-26 2010-01-05 Aopen Inc. Foldable host unit case for a computer with joint mechanisms
AT11406U3 (de) * 2010-06-17 2011-05-15 Avl List Gmbh Messmodul, formteil als verbindungsmittel, messmoduleanordnung sowie tragplatte für die temporäre verwendung in fahrzeugen
FR2987218A1 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-23 Schneider Electric Ind Sas Ossature d'un coffret ou d'une armoire electrique
EP2632000A1 (fr) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-28 Schneider Electric Industries SAS Ossature d'un coffret ou d'une armoire électrique
US8869995B2 (en) 2012-02-21 2014-10-28 Schneider Electric Industries Sas Framework of an electrical panel or enclosure
GB2506131A (en) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-26 Eltek As Power supply rack
WO2014044633A1 (fr) * 2012-09-20 2014-03-27 Eltek As Baie d'alimentation électrique
GB2506131B (en) * 2012-09-20 2015-04-08 Eltek As Power supply rack

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070256995A1 (en) 2007-11-08
IL182414A0 (en) 2007-07-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1855513A1 (fr) Design de grille modulaire extensible
US9770097B2 (en) Foldable table
US7641253B2 (en) Adjustable shelving system for vehicles
US20080231067A1 (en) Retractable Tailgate Barrier and Accessory Systems
US9888771B2 (en) Safes having interior storage panels
US6540123B1 (en) Pickup truck bed extender apparatus
US7226100B1 (en) Vehicle bed extender
US6644704B1 (en) Extendable truck rack
US4809471A (en) Diagonal assembly for folding display frames
US20110260488A1 (en) Universal Modular Storage For A Vehicle
US20160037913A1 (en) Versatile racks and related assemblies and methods
US6772928B2 (en) Multipurpose activity frame for use on articulating roof rack system
US20030168487A1 (en) Multi-configuration, multi-purpose rack system
US20060059840A1 (en) Frame for building an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system
EP1876875A2 (fr) Dessin de grille modulaire
US6634689B1 (en) Retractable truck cargo support walls
US20150145393A1 (en) Ceiling Mounted Tray Storage System
US20150048129A1 (en) Modular truck bed storage system
US7874529B2 (en) Deck and pier accessories and mounting assemblies
US11260918B2 (en) System for a vehicle shell
US20090020576A1 (en) Foldable chair
US7201282B1 (en) Suspension storage rack
US20030127482A1 (en) Storage system for a vehicle
US20030075476A1 (en) Storage and transport system for collapsible tradeshow displays
US20050225108A1 (en) Adjustable shelving system for vehicles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

AKX Designation fees paid
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8566

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20080515