GB895638A - Improvements in or relating to storage systems - Google Patents

Abstract

895,638. Storage systems. KING, D. M. Oct. 13, 1960 [Sept. 22, 1959], No. 32239/59. Class 78 (4). Rows of racks 14 (Fig. 1) with gangways 16 between them, are arranged in one or more storage areas 10, 11, 12, bounded by main gangways, each provided with means for moving load carrying trucks into position adjacent any selected row of racks, so that loads may be transferred between the truck and selected racks by way of the subsidiary gangways 16. In the form illustrated, the racks are supported by stanchions (Fig. 2) and by columns 18 depending from the ceiling. Each shelf of the racks is formed of bent tubing 19 with a central gap for receiving the closely spaced tines 29 (Fig. 4) of a fork truck. Each of two decks on the load carrying trucks 23 is similarly constructed, and the members 26 forming the upper deck can be swung upwardly to provide unimpeded access to the lower deck. When two adjacent compartments in a pair of back-to-back rows of racks are both empty the fork truck can be driven through the central gap in the shell. Each truck 23 has a mast 24 engaged by dogs on an overhead conveyer 22 (Fig. 1) in the main gangways, and sidings 31 are provided adjacent each pair of rows of racks. Ramps 32, 33 may lead to other floors, and the mast 24 may be arranged to move downwardly on the ramp sections so that it comes out of engagement with the overhead chain and is engaged instead by a chain in the floor. Each truck may be provided with a selector device predetermining the siding 31 at which it will stop. The trucks can be moved along the subsidiary gangways 16 for engagement with the chain in the opposite main gangway.