US1890939A

US1890939A - Supporting rack structure

Info

Publication number: US1890939A
Application number: US596782A
Authority: US
Inventors: Emery H Fahrney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1932-03-04
Filing date: 1932-03-04
Publication date: 1932-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 1949-12-13

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 E. H. FAHRNEY Filed March 4, 1932 SUPPORTING RACK STRUCTURE Dec. 13, 1932.

IMM

JNI/ENTOR. EHE'/NY ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1932. E. H. FAHRNEY Sul-"PORTING' RACK STRUCTURE Filed March 4, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 www IN VEN TOR Eh. FA H/PND y ATTORNEY ma... 3 9 lllllllllllllllllllllllllll lll 0, n J 9 w\\.fmv .m s 3 E. ,w vw@ Euw Nm RsAm HK mmm am .H\md am Oi PF Qw P U s Dec. 13,` 1.932,

INVENTOR. Ely. FAHR/VFY A TTORNEY Patented Dec. 13, 1932` UNITED sra-'rss EMERY H. FAHRNEY, F CHICAGO, ILLINOISv SUPPORTING RACK STRUCTURE Application med March 4,

This invention relates to improvements Lin supporting rack structure particularly adapted, though n ot necessarily limited in its use, in experimental and research laboratories, for supporting various chemical and testing apparatus, and one of the objects of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus of this character embodying a main supporting body structure, and various brackets and supporting platforms or shelves are adapted to be readily attached to the supv porting body structure in any desir-ed or necessary position, for supporting the various parts of the apparatus or other articles 'i to be supported, at the desired height, and in the desired position one with relation to the other. t Y

A further object is to provide in connection with said rack construction various conduits, supply pipes, valves, junction boxes and the like, whereby the necessary heating or operating fluids or media may be supplied and connected in operative relation to the apparatus with which they are to be used, and in such position that the connection may be readily made, regardless of the position with respect to the rack, or the apparatus to which said iiuid or medium is to be supplied.

A still further object is to provide in connection with said rack a screen for protecting the operator, and which screen is adjustable or shiftable into any suitable position and which may be readily moved into a position, out of the way.k i

To the attainment of these ends and the accomplishment of other new and useful objects as will appear, the invention vconsists in the features of novelty in substantially the construction, combination and arrangement of the several parts hereinafter more fully described and claimed and shown in the accompanying drawings illustrating this invention, and in which Figure 1 is a front elevation of a. supporting rack structure of this character constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. l Figure 2 is a side elevation of Figure l, with parts omitted.

1932. serial No. 596,782,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the supporting platforms or shelves. j

Figure 1 is a perspective View of one of the supporting brackets.

Figure 5 is a view partly in section andas partly in end elevation of a portable single pack embodying the principles of this inven- Figure 6 is a view partly in section andpartly in end elevation, showing a portable to double rack structure embodying this invention. f

Figure I is an end elevation of Figure 8. i p Figure 8 is a front elevation of- Figure 7 showing a shiftable screen or shield for protecting the operator.

Referring more particularly to the drawings the rack structure consists essentially of a body portion formed in any desired or` suitable manner and embodying spaced superposed horizontal members 10 which are constructed of any suitable material and are preferablyV comparatively narrow with respect to their length. These members 10 are provided with suitablev openings 11 thcre- 'I5V through and are spaced lfrom each other throughout the length thereof. The members 10 are held spaced from each other for any'desired distance preferably by means ofl l tubular uprights 12, the openings of which register with the openings 11 in the members 10, and fastening bolts orI rods 13 pass through the openings 11 yand the tubular members 12, the bolts being provided with a head or nut 14 at one end, and a nut or 85 collar 15`at the other end threaded upon the bolts for drawing the parts together. Any number of these fastening bolts 13 and tubular uprights 12 may be provided, but they are preferably spaced from each other for a considerable distance yin directions lengthwise of the members 10. y

The rack or body structure thus formed may be supported by means of any suitable upright preferably by a wall 15, through the o5 medium of brackets 16, which in turn are secured by means of anchors 17 `to the upright or wall 15. Any suitable numberof ythese brackets may be provided, but they are preferably arranged so as to engage beneath the upper and lower horizontal members 10 of the structure, and the supporting arms of the bracket are of such a length that the rack structure thus formed will be spaced for the desired distance from the adjacent surface of the wall or support 15, so that a plurality of

supply pipes

18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 may be arranged intermediate the rack structure and the supporting wall. Each of the pipes 18 to 22 is provided with control valves'23, any number of which may be arranged Ain .each of the pipes and are suitably spaced from each other.

The valve casings are provided with tubular projecting portions or nozzles 24, to any of which a pipe or hose 25 may .be connected by one end, for a purpose to be set forth. These valves and inozzles 24 are arranged adjacent the spaces between yproximate uplright .tubularmmembers l2 and also within `the `spaces 'formed vintermediate the horizontal members il() so that they will be readily accessible.

uIffdesired,= a conduit 261may beprovided to :extend zalong the upper portion of the rick `structure althoughthe samemay be located in any desired position, and in which conduit is arranged conductor-S27 Aforsupplying elec- Ltric current. .Plug lsockets 28 :are arranged in `the'conduit :so that when it is desired to employ electric current, the usual Mplug may beinserted into ,thesocket `'Supporting .brackets moreclearly disclosed 1in Figure 4, are provided :for use in connecit-ion with the supporting racks, and these :brackets preferably icomprise .a supporting :arm 29 .and a brace :30, `one Iend `of vthe brace `30 being connected .to the .arm 2 9 as at V31 :and the other end 'of the vbrace being ,provided with a [flanged portion .32 having 4an opening .-33 Athrough the free edge fthereof. Thesupporting arm 29is also provided .with an opening 34 lextending .preferably through one of-the lateral edges Vof the arm, and an aperture 35 isfalso provided in `the'arm 29 `in any convenient position.

,A platform or shelf36 constructedof any suitable=material co-operates with thebracket :and this platform ris ,provided with spaced downwardly projecting lugs or .pins 37 which :areradaptedfto enter apertures 35 iiradjacent Vbracket mrms 29 :for securing the shelf :or 'platform inposition and .also for assisting in maintaining Athe :brackets in .position.

.In use, ,the brackets.'aresecured `to `the sup Yporting Irack.structure in any desired ,position, by connecting the bracket arm v29 toene sof `the Ytubular uprights 12 by inserting the lybracket .-arm` around the upright by allowing itheflatter topassintothe.opening 34. When the bracket is applied the ilower face of the 5armi29frests upononeof thehorizontal mem- Abers 10asshownmore clearly in Figure .2, and the flanged portion'32of .the brace 30 will also .restupon one of thehorizontal members supporting structure.

displacement.

Obviously the shelves or platforms 36 may be of Iany desired length and the pins or projections 37 may be suitably spaced so as to compensate the positions of the supporting bracket-s with respect to each other.

It will be manifest that with .this structure the supporting` brackets `and `the shelves or Vplatforms 36 may be arranged in any position with resp-ect `to the main body supporting rack structure and at any desired elevation so as yto receive the apparatus or article to be supported thereby, and in the eventapparatus is supported, tomaintain or support the variousparts of the apparatusin theirproper relative positions and at any desired elevation which is convenient for the operator.

In Figure 1 of the drawings upon one of the lbrackets and supportingshelves is arranged a retort 38 mounted upon a supporting standard or rack 39, beneath which a burner 40 is arranged, and Ato Athis `burner 40 isvconnected the free end ofthe pipe or hose 25 vto supplygas or fuel to the'burner.

Another platform or shelf issupported by means of the supporting `brackets at a different elevation and spaced from the retort 38. Upon this second supporting platform is `arranged a container or receptacle 41 to which one endof a pipe 42 .is connectedpthe otherend 43 of the pipe being connected by means of suitable connection with the .retort 38.

An ordinary `U tube 44 is arranged intermediate the retort and container 41 andthis tube is supported by means of the ordinary and well known clamps 45 which in turn are clamped lor secured to the Atubular uprights ln the form of the invention shown in Fig- `ures 1 and 2,ithcrefis disclosed what is known there is shown a modiiied form of the invention, constituting what is known as a base That is, the main supporting rack structure is mounted upon `the supporting base or standards 4G and secured thereto in any suitable manner. lnthe form shown in Figure 5, a single-series of uprights 47 and horizontalmembers 48 areprovided, while inthe form shown in `Figure adouble series of uprights 49-50 and corresponding

horizontal members

51 and 52 are provided, the` double series being connected. tothe arms 53 of a supplemental support 54 secured to the supporting base or standard 46. At the lower portion of the rack members yshown in Figures and 6, tubs or sinks 55-56 are arranged, which are in turn supported by the base or standards 46.

In the forms of the invention shown in Figures l and 2, the tub or sink 57 is arranged beneath the supporting rack structure and is held in position in any suitable manner, either upon the supporting wall or surface l5 as shown, or by means of supporting legs (not shown).

As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, there is provided a protecting screen or member 58, which may be constructed of any desired or suitable material, but is preferably transpar* ent and formed of glass, andis adapted to be raised or lowered or shifted into any desired position so as to protect the operator against any accident which might happen by way of explosion or otherwise, resulting in or from the apparatus with which the operator is working.

This shield or screen is supported in any desired or suitable manner preferably by means of flexible elements 59 in the form of steel bands cr the like, any number of which may be provided and which may be connected as at 60 by one end to the plate or shield. The other ends of these flexible elements are adapted to be wound upon drums or spools 61, the latter being connected together preferably by means of a shaft 62 journaled in suitable bearings 63 carried by a supporting carriage 64. The wheels or drums 61 are preferably of the well known type, in which there is embodied a spring and ratchet mechanism (not shown) which will counterbalance the weight of the screen and will operate to lock the screen in its adjusted position. At the same time the spring within thedrums will .raise the screen by winding the flexible members 59 upon the drums in the ordinary and well known manner and when the pawl and ratchet mechanism are rendered inactive with respect to each other.

The carriage 64 is supported by suitable rollers 65 any number of which may be provided and these rollers run upon a track 66, the latter being held in position or supported preferably by means of the bracket 67, corresponding to the brackets 16 in Figure 1. and which brackets support the uprights of the rack structure. A brace bar 68 may be provided for bracing` the bracket 67 and the track 66 is secured to the bracket in any suitable manner such as by means of angle irons or members 69. The bracket 67L is of a length that the supporting track 66 will bc so disposed that the screen or shield 58 when lowered will pass in front of the apparatus 88 supported upon one of the supporting platforms 36. and if desired and-in ord-er to maintain the parts in proper position one or more rollers 70 rotating about uprightaXes may be connected with the carriage and so vpositioned as to engage and roll against the front face of the track 66.

With thisconstruction it will-be obvious that the screen 0r shield 58 may be raised or lowered at will with respect to the supporting carriage 64 and the latter may be lnoved along the track 66 to any desired position.

Any suitable means such as stops 7l may be provided to prevent the carriage 64 from running 0H of the track or roll 66.

While the preferred forms of the invention have been herein shown and described, it is to be understood that various changes may be made in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, within the scope ofthe claims, without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed as new is l. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying spaced superposed horizontal members, laterally spaced uprights securing the horizontal members together, supply` pipes ruiming along said rack for supplying an operating `medium, article supporting brackets detachably connected With the rack, and service outlets in the pipes for thel connection thereto of a conduit for conducting the saidv medium to an article or apparatus Wall face for supplying an operating medium,

article supporting bracket-s detachablyfconnected with the rack, and service outlets in the pipes for the connection thereto of a conduit for conducting the said medium to an article or apparatus supported upon said brackets. y

3. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying spaced superposed horizontal members, laterally spaced uprights securing the horizontal members together, supply pipes running-'along said rack for supplying an operating medium, article supporting brackets detachably connected with the rack, and service outlets in the pipes for the y connection thereto of a conduit for conducting the said medium to an articleorapparatus supportedvupon said brackets, said uprights embodying tubular members arranged. intermediate adjacent horizontal members and a fastening rod or bolt passing through said horizontal members and said tubular uprights to tie them together.

4. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying a rack comprising superposed horizontal kmembers and laterallyf" spaced uprights securing thehorizontal members together and in spacedsrelation, brackets having spaced portions, each' portion having a1 recess opening through one of the edges thereofto` facilitate engagement of said portions with the uprights of the rack, each of saidl spaced portions engaging and resting upon one of the said horizontal members ad jacent the respective uprights, and a platfo im or shelf carried with said bracket.

5. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying a rack comprising superposed horizontal members and laterally spaced uprights securing the horizontal members together and in spaced relation, brackets having spaced` portions, each portion having a recess opening through one of the edges thereof to facilitate engagement of said portions With the uprights of the rack, each of said spaced portions engaging and resting upon one of the saidihorizontal members adjacent the respective uprights, and a platform` or shelf adapted to engage and rest upon adj acent brackets.

6; Incombination, a supporting rack structureembodying a rack comprising superposed horizontal members and laterally spaced uprights securing the horizontal mem* bers together and in spaced relation, brackets having spaced portions, ,each portion having a recess opening through one of the edges tliereofto facilitate engagement of said portions With the uprights of'the rack, each of said spaced portions engaging and resting upon one of the said horizontal members adjacent the respective uprights, a platform or shelf adapted to engage and rest upon adjacent brackets, and interengaging means between the shelfand the respective brackets for detachably securing the brackets and shelf together.

TL In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying a rack comprising superposed horizont al members and laterally spaced uprights securingvthehorizontal members together and in spaced relation, brackets havingA spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through one'of the edges thereof to facilitateengagement of said portions with the uprights ofthe Tack, each of said spaced portions engagingand resting upon one ofthe said horizontal members adjacent the respective uprights, a platform or shelfadapted to engage and rest upon adjacent brackets and pin and aperture connections between the shelfand tlierespective brackets for detachably securing the parts together and the brackets against detachment from the rack structure.

8. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying al rack comprising superposed horizontal members and laterally spafceduprights securing the horizontal members -together and in spaced relation, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having Cil a recess opening through one of the edges thereof tofacilitate engagement of said portions With the uprights of the rack, each of said spaced portions engaging and resting upon one of the said' horizontal members adjacent the respective uprights, a platform or shelf carried with said brackets, conduits running along said rack structure for supplying an operating medium to apparatus or articles mounted upon said platform, and service connections in said conduits.

9. In combination, a supporting rack structure embodying a rack comprisin superposed horizontal members spaced uprights securing the horizontal members together and in spaced relation, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having a recess' opening through one of the edges thereof to facilitate engagement of said portions with the uprights of the rack, each of said spaced portions engaging and resting upon one of the said horizontal members adjacent the respective uprights, a platform or shelf carried with said brackets, conduits running along said rack structure for supplying an operating medium to apparatus or arti* cles mounted upon said platform, service connections in said conduits, and an open receptacle supported below said rack structure.

10. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction provided with vertical and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thcreinto of the upright of the lattice, said portions of the brackets resting upon the horizontal members of the rack, and a .shelf resting upon the brackets and secured thereto for free detachment, said shelf tying the brackets together'.

11. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction rovided with vertical and horizontal mem ers, meansV supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thcreinto of the ujiright of the lattice, said portions of the brackets resting upon the horizontal members of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets and secured thereto for free detachment, said shelf tying the brackets together, service supply conductors arranged along the rack for conveying an operating medium adjacent the rack, and service connections arrao ged in said conductors.

12. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction providedwith vertical and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets hav ing spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thcreinto of members of and laterally the lattice, said portions resting upon other members of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets, and a screen movable into a position in front of the shelf.

13. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction provided with vertical and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thereinto of members of the lattice, said portions resting upon other members of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets, and a screen supported by the structure and freely movable into a position in front of the shelf. Y

14. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction provided with vertical and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions, each portion having a recess opening through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thereinto of members of the lattice, said portions resting upon other members of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets, a screen supported by the structure and freely movable to a position in front of the shelf, means adapting said screen for raising and lowering movement, and means adapting the screen for free` sideWise movement.

15. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction provided with upright and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions provided With open recesses through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thereinto of an upright of the lattice, said portions resting upon the horizontal member of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets, a track fixed With relation to the rack, a carriage movable upon the track, and a screen supported by the carriage a-ilidlfadaptedv to be positioned in front of said s e 16. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack of a latticed construction provided With upright and horizontal members, means supporting the rack, brackets having spaced portions provided with open recesses through an edge thereof to permit the entrance thereinto of an upright of the lattice, said portions resting upon the horizontal members of the rack, a shelf resting upon the brackets, a track xed With relation to the rack, a carriage movable upon the track, a screen supported by the carriage and adapted to be positioned in front of said shelf, and means adapting said screen to be raised and lowered with respect to said carriage.

11. A laboratory apparat-us embodying a supporting rack structure, apparatus supporting brackets, means adapting said brackets to be secured at predetermined positions upon the supporting rack, a carriage movable along the rack, and a protecting screen supported by the carriage and adapted to be positioned in front of the apparatus supported by said bracket.

18. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack structure, apparatus supporting brackets, means adapting said brackets to be secured at predetermined positions upon the supporting rack, a carriage movable along the rack, a protecting screen supported by the carriage and adapted to be positioned in front of the apparatus supported by said bracket, and means adapting said screen to be` raised and lowered with respect to said carriage.

19. A laboratory apparatus embodying a supporting rack structure, apparatus supporting brackets, means adapting said brack-l ets to be secured in predetermined positions upon the rack, a track arranged adjacent and along the top of the rack, a carriage freely movable upon said track, a shield screen carried by the carriage and adapted to be positioned with respect to the brackets, and means adapting said screen for raising and lowering movements with respect to the carriage.

In testimony whereof, I have signed m name to this specification, on this 29th day of February, 1932.

EMERY H. FAHRNEY.