WO2010022448A1

WO2010022448A1 - Shelf storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2010022448A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murray James Clarke; Stephen John Celati; Pieter Cornelis Groenewegen
Original assignee: Dematic Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-08-25
Filing date: 2009-08-25
Publication date: 2010-03-04

Abstract

A racking system shelf member (16) incorporates a top flange (44) and downwardly depending webs (46 and 48). At least one of opposite end margins (40 and 42) of the shelf member (16) is arranged to locate within one or slots (24, 26) formed in a wall (18, 22) of the beam and wherein at least one of the web end margins includes a laterally extending abutment shoulder (56) further arranged to locate within the one or more slots. A beam incorporating the one or more slots to receive the shelf member as well as a shelf storage system is also disclosed.

Description

SHELF STORAGE SYSTEM

Technical Field

The invention relates generally to racking systems and to components used in such systems. The invention has particular application to shelf storage systems that are designed to carry stored goods as totes or cartons and the invention is herein described in that context. However it is to be appreciated that the invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

Background

Shelf storage systems typically comprise vertical supports (commonly referred to as uprights) interconnected by aligned beams. The uprights and beams are arranged in parallel arrays and adjacent pairs of beams are interconnected by profiled shelf members which extend transversely to bridge the gap between the beams and provide a means of supporting stored goods. The design of the shelf members depend on the field of application, as characterized by the size, weight and type of units to be stored. Commonly, the stored goods are totes or cartons in the weight range of 10-50 kg per unit, and these may be stored in a "single deep" or "double deep" configuration.

A shelving system of this type is often used in automated storage and retrieval systems (AS-RS). In one type of AS-RS system, an automatic storage retrieval machine ("crane") mounted between bottom and top rails within an aisle provides access to each stored unit. These systems generally have one crane per aisle, with this crane providing the means of access to all stored units across all storage levels and bays adjacent to the aisle. There are natural throughput limitations of this type of AS-RS system since only one automatic machine per aisle is usually employed.

In another type of AS-RS system, storage and retrieval access to the stored units is provided by means of a series of powered shuttle cars serving as a transport mode across multiple levels of the storage rack. Each shuttle car runs on fixed rails built into each storage level of the racking structure adjacent to the aisle. The shuttle cars maybe located at every storage level within the rack or shared across multiple levels, the movement between levels being accommodated via an elevator at the end of the aisle. One example of a recently released AS-RS system of this type is DEMATIC Multishuttle™.

In one application, a special version of the horizontally aligned beams, in which the shelf members are located, also provides the rail functionality for shuttle car transport. The throughput of a shuttle type AS-RS system is scaleable, depending on whether each level of each aisle has a dedicated shuttle car, or whether shuttle cars are shared across multiple levels within an aisle and/or across multiple aisles.

Irrespective of the exact field of application, there is an ongoing need to improve the connection between the shelf members and the beams. In this regard it is desirable to minimize the racking installation costs, a considerable portion of which is involved with the fixing of the shelf members into the beams.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a shelf member for a racking system, the member being channel-shaped and extending in a longitudinal direction between a first and an opposite second end and having a top flange and a pair of webs that extend from opposite side margins of the flange, a margin of the webs adjacent the first end being arranged to locate within one or more slots formed in a beam wall so as to provide a connection between the member and the beam, the first end margins including laterally extending abutment shoulders that are arranged to locate within the one or more slots.

Typically, both the shelf member and the beam are formed from metal sheet which are formed as profiled sections. The beam may be formed as an open section or may be a closed hollow section. In either case, the bearing surface available within the slot of the beam wall may be limited to the thickness of that beam wall. By providing laterally extending abutment shoulders, the contact surface between the end margins of the shelf member and the beam may be spread over a wider area than would otherwise be provided if an edge of the web beared against the edge of the beam wall within the slot. A further advantage of incorporating the laterally extending abutment shoulders is that it allows for a means to positively retain the shelf member within the slots of the beam as will be described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, the member includes a laterally extending rib in at least one of the webs, the rib having upper and lower side portions with the lower side portion forming the abutment shoulder for that rib. In one form both of the webs include such a laterally extending rib.

In one form the or each rib extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the member. In an alternative form, the rib extends along the entire length of the member between the opposite first and second ends. The advantage of this latter arrangement is that the rib may be easier to form using standard roll forming techniques. If the rib extends only along a portion of the member, then other processes such as pressing or swaging of the metal may be required which may reduce the strength of the resulting member and lead to additional manufacturing steps in shaping of that member which would increase the costs of manufacture.

In an alternative arrangement, at least one web includes a distal lip that is turned out from a major portion of the web, and wherein a lower surface of the distal lip forms the abutment surface for that web. In a particular form the lip return extends from the lip to a terminal end of the web, and that lip return is turned back towards the major portion of the web. hi this arrangement the combination of the lip and the lip return form a configuration akin to the rib arrangement described above.

In a particular embodiment, each web includes an upper portion and the laterally extending abutment shoulders are disposed below respective ones of the upper portions of the web. Typically these upper portions are flat and in one form are parallel to one another. However it is to be appreciated that the shelf member is not limited to such an arrangement as these upper portions may be mutually inclined to one another or may include other profiling including stiffening formations and the like.

In a particular form, at least one web further comprises a lower portion that extends beyond a notional longitudinal line extending through the abutment shoulders of that web. The lower portion may be incorporated to increase the bending stiffness of the member and/or form part of the connection between the shelf member and the beam.

In one form, the lower portion of the web is generally flat. In another form, the lower portion is profiled and in one embodiment includes a distal lip which is turned out from an adjacent part of the lower portion of that web.

In one form, the lower portion includes spaced apart first and second parts and wherein on connecting the member to the beam wall, the beam wall is arranged to locate in a space between the first and second parts so that the parts are disposed on opposite sides of the beam wall. In this way, the shelf member, when connected to the beam, is constrained from moving in the longitudinal direction of the shelf member.

In one form, the first part of the lower portion extends longitudinally along a major portion of the length of the member. In another form, the second part of the member is disposed in the first end margin of that web.

In a particular embodiment, a margin of the webs adjacent the second end of the member is arranged to locate within one or more slots formed in a beam wall so as to provide a connection between the member and that beam. In this way, the shelf member is arranged to extend between aligned beams each of which include the one or more slots. In a particular form, the second end margins also include the laterally extending abutment shoulders that are arranged to locate within the one or more slots. Accordingly, the second end margin utilises the advantage of having the laterally extending abutment shoulders locating within the one or more slots to include not only an increase in the bearing area between the shelf member and the beam wall but also in one form, to enable the shelf member to be retained in engagement within the beam wall so as to resist inadvertent release of the connection.

In one form, at least one abutment shoulder extends laterally outwardly from its respective web. In one form, the abutment shoulders for both webs extend laterally outwardly. In another arrangement, at least one abutment shoulder extends laterally inwardly from its respective web. In one form, the abutment shoulders for both webs extend laterally inwardly. In yet another form the laterally extending abutment shoulders of one web member may extend outwardly whilst the shoulders of the other web may extend inwardly.

In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a shelf storage system comprising a beam having a beam wall including one or more slots, and a shelf member. In one form, a first end margin of the shelf member is locatable in the one or more slots wherein the one or more slots include at least one lateral portion in which a portion of the shelf member locates. In a particular form, the shelf member is according to any form described above, and the at least one lateral portion of the slot is arranged to receive a respective one of the laterally extending abutment shoulders of the shelf member.

Locating a portion of the shelf member in a corresponding lateral portion in the slot, provides a mechanism to retain the shelf member in connection with the beam. In particular, where the slots extend generally vertically and the shelf member is moved in a downward direction into engagement with the beam, the location of the shelf member portion in the lateral portion of the slot(s), resists lifting of the shelf member out of connection with the beam. In one form, the portion(s) of the shelf member that locate in the lateral portion of the one or more slots is biased into that position. In a particular form, the shelf member is arranged to interconnect with the beam by virtue of a snap-fit or interference fit arrangement. The shelf member is caused to flex when being installed on the beam and, once in its installed position, the member is able to return towards its natural state thereby locating the lateral portions of the shelf member in the laterally extending portion of the one or more slots.

A positive retention arrangement as described above is beneficial as it can minimize vibration and movement of the members particularly where the shelf storage system is used as part of an AS-RS system where movement of the crane or shuttle can induce vibration through the storage system.

In a particular form, the slots of the shelf storage system may be designed to include camming surfaces which facilitate the flexing of the shelf member within the beam as described above. In such an arrangement, the one or more slots includes at least one camming surface in which a portion of the shelf member engages on locating the first end margin in the one or more slots so as to cause flexing of the shelf member.

Accordingly, in yet a further embodiment, a shelf storage system is provided that comprises a beam having a beam wall having one or more slots, and a shelf member locatable within the one or more slots, wherein the one or more slots includes at least one camming surface in which a portion of the shelf member is arranged to engage on locating of the member within the slots wherein said engagement causes flexing of the shelf member.

In one form, the camming surface is provided at a lead in section of the slot.

Li another aspect, there is provided a shelf storage system comprising an elongate racking beam having a top wall, at least one side wall including one or more slots, and a shelf member, the beam and the shelf member being made from sheet material, and wherein an end of the shelf member is adapted to be located into the one or more slots so that one or more surface portions of the shelf member extends generally in a longitudinal direction of the beam, and is disposed in and engages with said side wall.

In one form, the shelf member includes a top wall and wherein when the shelf member is located within the one or more slots of the racking beam, an upper surface of the top wall of the shelf member is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the top wall of the beams. The upper surface of the shelf member may be marginally below the upper surface of the top wall of the beam (say less than 2 mm) to prevent a catch point on the assembled structure. It is to be appreciated that the term "substantially aligned" as used in the specification includes such variations in height.

In a further aspect, there is provided a beam for a shelf storage system, the beam including one or more slots and being arranged to receive an end margin of a shelf member, the one or more slots including a main portion which opens to a surface of the beam and a lateral portion that extends from the main portion.

In yet a further aspect, there is provided a beam for a shelf storage system, the beam including one or more slots and being arranged to receive an end margin of a shelf member, the one or more slots opening to a surface of the beam wherein the one or more slots includes at least one camming surface in which a portion of the shelf member engages on locating the end margin in the one or more slots, the at least one camming surface being arranged to cause flexing of the shelf member as it moves within the one or more slots to an installed position.

In one form, the beam includes first and second walls, the walls being mutually inclined and wherein a part of the one or more slots is formed in each of the first and second walls.

In one form, in use, the second wall extends generally vertically and contains the lateral portion of the slot, and wherein the one or more slots opens to an outer surface of the first wall.

In a further aspect, there is provided a method of mounting a shelf member in an elongate racking beam having a top wall and at least one side wall, the beam and shelf member being made from sheet material and the method comprising the step of locating an end of the shelf member into one or more slots formed in the beam so that one or more surface portions of the shelf member extends generally in a longitudinal direction of the beam and is disposed in and engages with said side wall.

In one form, the shelf member includes a top wall and wherein the upper surface of the top wall of the shelf member is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the top wall of the beam

In yet a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method of installing a shelf member across two elongate racking beams comprising the steps of locating the shelf member on the two beams and applying downward pressure to the shelf member so that the member engages in one or more slots in each of the respective beams.

Brief Description of the Drawings

It is convenient to hereinafter describe embodiments of the invention with reference too the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings and the related description is to be understood as not superseding the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings: 5 Fig. 1 is a front elevation of a shelf storage system;

Fig. 2 is a detailed view of a shelf storage system according to Fig. 1 showing two embodiments of shelf members which connect to parallel beams of the storage system;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the two embodiments of shelf members when o connected to parallel beams;

Fig. 4 is a detailed end and side view of the connection between a first end of the shelf member and the beam;

Fig. 5 is a detailed end and side view of the connection between a second end of the shelf member and the beam; 5 Fig. 6 is an installation sequence of the shelf member to parallel beams in accordance with the storage system of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a sequence view showing the snap-fit engagement of the shelf member with the beam in the storage systems of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a detailed end and side view of the connection between a shelf member o and a beam according to a third embodiment;

Fig. 9 is a detail of the connection between a shelf member and beam according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 10 is a connection detail between a shelf member and beam according to a fifth embodiment; 5 Fig. 11 illustrates the connection detail of a shelf member between two parallel beams according to a sixth embodiment;

Fig. 12 illustrates an end view showing the connection detail of a shelf member with two parallel beams according to a seventh embodiment;

Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating the connection of a shelf member of the storage system of Fig. 2 in a beam with slots incorporating camming surfaces;

Fig. 14 illustrates variations of the shelf member incorporating inwardly directed abutment surfaces;

Fig. 15 is a sequence view of the installation of a shelf member within slots of a beam according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 16 illustrates variations on the beam profile for use in the storage system; and o Fig. 17 illustrates a further embodiment of a storage system.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

Turning firstly to Fig. 1, a shelf storage system 10 comprises vertical supports 12 otherwise known as uprights interconnected with beams 14 which are generally 5 horizontally aligned. The uprights and beams are arranged in parallel arrays and shelf members 16 bridge the gap between adjacent arrays. These shelf members are connected to the beams 14 and are arranged to provide a means to support stored goods which in the illustrated form comprise totes 100. The shelf members are arranged to interconnect with the beams without requiring the use of mechanical fasteners as will be o explained in more detail below.

The beams 14 of the illustrated form are formed from sheet metal, typically sheet steel. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-15 and 17, the beam is formed as a closed section however the invention is not limited to such an arrangement and different profiles of 5 beam may be used depending on the application and strength requirements. Other representative beam profiles are disclosed in Fig. 16 which shows open profiles (see 14², 14³, 14⁴ and 14⁵), as well as closed sections (see 14 and 14¹). These different profiles may be used in different applications. For example the beam profiles of 14¹ and 14³ are used as intermediate beams in "double deep" configuration of a storage o system whereas the beam profile 14⁵ is ideally suited for use in the DEMATIC

Multishuttle™ where the beam also provides the rail functionality for the shuttles.

The beam profiles (14-14⁵) in the illustrated form also include a chamfered wall 18 which interconnects a top wall 20 of the beam to a side wall 22. The chamfer joins both 5 the top wall 20 and the side wall 22 at an included angle that is obtuse and assists in connection of the shelf member 16 to the beam 14 and provides a less abrupt transition along an upper surface of the system at the connection. An alternative means of providing a smooth transition along the upper surface of the storage system is to incorporate a large radius between the top wall 20 and side wall 22. These features will become more apparent in following description. However, the profile of the beams can be modified to not include the chamfered wall 18. For example the beam may include the top 20 and side walls 22 joining directly at a right angle with only a relatively small radius. Whilst such an arrangement is not preferred it can still provide adequate functionality to the system 10.

The beam 14 (in any form describe above) incorporates a plurality of pairs of slots (24, 26). These slots are arranged to receive specially shaped end margins 40, 42 of the shelf member 16 to interconnect the member 16 to the beam 14 without requiring separate fixing means (such as mechanical fasteners or brazing).

The slots 24 and 26 extend vertically (with reference to the usual installed orientation of the beam 14) and are formed in both the chamfered wall 18 and side wall 22, thereby giving the slots both depth (i.e. dimension in the direction between the top 20 and bottom 28 of the beam and width (i.e. dimension in the direction from the front side wall 22 and rear side wall 30). Depending upon the dimensions of the chamfered wall 18 then this depth and width of the slots could be attained by extending the slots into the upper wall 20.

The slots 24, 26 include a main portion that comprises a narrower upper portion 32 that opens to a surface of the beam and a lower portion 34 that is wider than the upper portion 32 and incorporates a lateral extension 36. These lateral extensions of the pairs of slots may extend outwardly as shown in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 13, or inwardly as shown in the embodiments of Figs. 14 and 15. The narrower upper portions 32 may include parallel sides (as shown in Figs. 1 to 12) or may include inclined surfaces 38 (see Fig. 13) which act as camming surfaces to induce flexing in the shelf members as will be described in more detail below.

The purpose of the slots 24, 26 is to receive the end margins 40 and 42 of the shelf members 16 so as to connect the shelf members 16 to the aligned beams 14.

Fig. 2 shows two embodiments of the shelf member (generally designated 16 and 16¹ with other features similarly designated with superscript for ease of identification). As best shown in Fig. 2, the shelf member 16 is channel shaped and includes a top flange 44 and downwardly depending webs 46, 48 which extend from the flange. Each web includes an upper portion 50 which merges with the top flange 44 and an outwardly extending rib 52 disposed below the upper portion 50. The ribs 52 include an upper wall 54 and a lower wall 56 (see Fig. 4). The ribs 52 in use are arranged to engage in the lateral parts 36 of the respective slots 24, 26.

The webs 46, 48 of the shelf member 16 also each include a lower portion 58 which extends below the line of the ribs 52. The lower portion includes a first part 60 which extends along the majority of the length of the shelf member 16 and a second part 62 which is formed adjacent the first end margin 40. The first part 60 of the lower portiono includes an outwardly turned distal lip 64 whereas the second part is formed as a shorter tab. The first and second parts (60, 62) are spaced apart so as to form a recess 63 therebetween.

The first part 60 of the lower portion does not extend to the end of the shelf member 16s at the other end margin 42. Accordingly, this end margin is stepped as best shown in Fig. 3.

The shelf member embodiment 16¹ shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is substantially the same as the shelf member 16 with the exception that the webs 46¹ and 48¹ incorporate extended o "fingers" 66¹ which are located at the second end margin 42. As shown in Fig. 3 the finger extensions 66¹ are of unequal length. These fingers 66¹ function to provide lead in guidance for installation and are arranged to locate under the top wall 20 of the beam as best shown in Fig. 3 and as will be described in more detail below. 5 The installation of the shelf member 16 will now be described with reference to Figs. 6 and 7. This installation process involves two primary actions. The first action as disclosed in Fig. 6 is the location of the end margins 40, 42 in engagement with the respective parallel beams 14. The second action is the flexing of the respective end margins so that the webs 46, 48 can engage with the slots as shown in Fig. 7. 0

Turning firstly to Fig. 6, the shelf member 16 is arranged to interconnect to spaced apart beams 14. These beams are in opposing relationship so that the chamfered surfaces 18 and slots 22, 24 are facing inwardly. The shelf member 16 is presented over the beams 14. One end margin 42 is pushed into the slots 22, 24. As this end does not include the5 tab 62 it is possible for this end margin to be pushed into the slots in the longitudinal direction of the member 16. If the end margins 42 include the extended fingers 66¹ (as shown in Figs. 2 and 3), these locate under the top 20 of the beam under this longitudinal movement.

Once the end 42 is located with the beam 14, the shelf member 16 is then rotated so that the other end 40 of the shelf member moves into engagement within the slots on the other beam member 14, thereafter the beam is pushed into engagement with those slots so as to be located in its fully installed position. In this position the front wall 22 of the beam locates in the slot 63 formed between the first and second parts (60, 62) so as to constrain the shelf member 16 from longitudinal movement. o Turning now to Fig. 7, the end margins 40, 42 of the shelf member are arranged to engage with the slots 24, 26 in a snap-fit or interference fit arrangement wherein the shelf member 16 is caused to flex as it moves into its fully installed position. This engagement technique of the shelf member with the slots is enabled by the dimension of the slots, and the spacing between the slot pairs relative to the dimensions of the shelf5 member. To engage the ribs 52 within the slots it is necessary to manually press the webs 46, 48 together so as to shorten the distance between the respective ribs 52. This then enables the ribs to locate in the slots and once located in position the shelf member can be pushed into a fully installed position. In this regard it should be noted that there is a space between the first part 60 and the second part 62 of the lower portions at the o first end 40 of the shelf member 16. The beam wall 22 is arranged to locate in this space so that the lower portion 58 of the webs do not prevent movement of the shelf member to its fully installed position where a lower part of the ribs 52 engage a lower edge 68 of the beam wall 22. Once the shelf member is pushed far enough into the slots 24, 26 the ribs align with the lateral portions 36 of those slots which thereby allows the5 webs to 46 and 48 to move apart back into their natural state. This movement then biases the ribs into engagement with these lateral parts 36. The dimensions of the lateral parts 36 is such that the ribs 52 are located in a snug fit so that the shelf member is positively retained within the slots in its installed position.

o Accordingly, the shelf system 10 discloses a connection arrangement which allows for simple installation of shelf members between the beams without requiring the use of mechanical fasteners or other fastening techniques but which still provides positive retention of the shelf member to the beam. Furthermore, the arrangement provides for effective load transfer between the shelf and the beam as the lower wall portion 56 of5 the ribs locate across the edge of the slots 68 thereby increasing the bearing surface between the shelf member 16 and the beam 14. A further advantage of this arrangement is that it does not require the shelf member to rest on the top flange 20 of the beam thereby allowing a smooth transition between the top flange of the shelf member 44 and the top of the beam 20 as best illustrated in Fig. 4. In particular it limits any catch points which would otherwise occur if the top flange 44 was overlapping the beam member 20.

Figs. 8 to 17 show various different embodiments of the shelf member and/or the beam. For convenience, like features have been given like reference numerals with the exception that superscripts have been used to distinguish between the various embodiments.

In Fig. 8 a shelf member 16² includes modified flanges 46², 48². Rather than including ribs as in the earlier embodiment, lateral abutment shoulders are formed through the use of an outwardly turned distal lip 70² and lip returns 72² which are turned back over the lip returns toward the upper portion 50² of the webs. With this arrangement, the shelf member 16² does not include a lower portion. The lips 70² and lip returns 72² provide a similar function to the ribs 52 of the earlier embodiment of shelf member 16.

Fig. 9 illustrates a further embodiment of shelf member 16³ where the main distinction is that the shelf member 16³ does not include a lower portion 58. The webs 46³ and 48³ terminate at the lower wall 50³ of the ribs 52³.

In the embodiment of Fig. 10, the shelf member 16⁴ includes a modified version of the first part 60⁴ of the lower portion 58⁴ where the first part does not include the distal turned lips 64 as in the first embodiment.

Turning to Fig. 11, a further embodiment of shelf member 16⁵ is disclosed where the lower part 58⁵ includes tabs 62⁵ at both end margins 40⁵ and 42⁵.

In installing the shelf member 16⁵ in the arrangement of Fig. 11, the shelf member can be presented to the beams 14 in generally horizontal alignment and then moved vertically into engagement with the beam slots 24 and 26. In this way, the tabs 62⁵ at both end margins 40⁵ and 42⁵ locate behind the slots within the respective beams 14. To enable this installation process, the beams and shelf members are dimensioned so that the spacing from the back of the slots 24, 26 (i.e. taken from the respective outer edges of the slots in the chamfered walls 18) is greater than the length of the shelf member 16⁵, whilst the spacing of the front side walls 16 of the beams 14 correspond to the distance between the respective slots 63 formed between the first and respective second parts 60, 62 of the shelf member.

In the embodiment of Fig. 12, a shelf member 16⁶ is disclosed which includes yet another variation of the lower portion 58⁶. hi this embodiment, the lower portion 58⁶ does not include second parts 62 on either of the end margins 40⁶ and 42⁶. The lower portion 58⁶ only includes a lower portion first part 60⁶ which extends between the beams 14.

Fig. 13 shows an installation sequence for the shelf member 16 in a beam including modified slots that incorporate inclined camming surfaces 38 mentioned above. These camming surfaces are arranged to induce the flexing of the flange and webs by sloping inwardly along the length of a first portion of the slot so that the distance between the slots decreases. With this arrangement, the requirement to initially manually compress the webs of the shelf member to allow engagement of the webs with the slots is diminished or obviated.

This arrangement with the cammed surfaces in the slots 24, 26 can be advantageously used with the arrangement of shelf member 16⁵ shown in Fig. 11. In that arrangement, the shelf member can merely be placed so as to sit in the widened openings of the slots 0 24 and 26 (formed by the presence of the camming surfaces 38) in the respective beam

16. The shelf member 16 can then be pushed or tapped home so as to locate fully in the slots in its installed position.

Fig. 14 illustrates further variations of the shelf member 16⁷, 16⁸, 16⁹, 16¹⁰. In the5 embodiments shown in Fig. 14 the ribs 52⁷, 52⁸ ₅ 52⁹ or distal lips 70¹⁰ are arranged to extend inwardly rather than outwardly as in the earlier embodiments. When using an inwardly directed rib or lip the shape of the slots 24, 26 needs to be similarly modified so that the lateral parts 36 of those slots extend inwardly rather than outwardly as in the earlier embodiment. Moreover, as disclosed in Fig. 15, to allow for the spring fit and/or o interference fit between the slots and the shelf member it is necessary for the webs to flex outwardly rather than inwardly. To facilitate this flexing action, the slots may be further modified to include the camming surface 36 on the inner surface of the slots rather than on the outer surface of the slots as disclosed in the earlier embodiments, hi this way there is no need or a diminished need to manually splay the webs apart to 5 allow proper location of the webs within the slots 22, 24.

Finally, Fig. 17 shows a modified version of the shelf member 16¹¹ where the engaging ribs 52¹¹ only extend along end margins 40^π, 42¹¹ of the member 16. These ribs which are typically formed by a pressing operation are still arranged to engage the slots 24, 26 in a similar manner to the earlier embodiments. Even though the engaging ribs extend only along the end margins, the connection of the shelf member 16 with the beams can still occur in the same way as that disclosed with respect to the earlier embodiments.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", that is the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Variations and modifications can be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

I A shelf member for a racking system, the member being channel shaped and extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end and an opposite second end and

5 having a top flange and a pair of webs that extend from opposite side margins of the flange, a margin of the webs adjacent the first end being arranged to locate within one or more slots formed in a beam wall so as to provide a connection between the member and beam, the first end margins including laterally extending abutment shoulders that are arranged to locate within the one or more slots. o 2 A member according to claim 1 , wherein a laterally extending rib is formed in at least one web, the rib having upper and lower side portions, the lower side portions forming the abutment shoulder for that web.

3 A member according to claim 2, wherein the rib extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the member. 5 4 A member according to claim 3, wherein the rib extends along the length of the member between the opposite first and second ends.

5 A member according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one web includes a distal lip that is turned out from a major portion of the web, wherein a lower surface of the distal lip forms the abutment surface for that web. o 6 A member according to claim 5, wherein a lip return extends from the lip to a terminal end of the web, the lip return being turned back towards the major portion of the web.

7 A member according to any preceding claim, wherein each web includes an upper portion, and the laterally extending abutment shoulders are disposed below5 respective ones of the upper portions of the webs.

8 A member according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one web further comprises a lower portion that extends below a notional longitudinal line extending through the abutment shoulder of that rib.

9 A member according to claim 8, wherein the lower portion includes spaced apart o first second parts, wherein on connecting the member to the beam wall, the beam wall is arranged to locate in a space between the first and second parts so that the first and second parts are arranged to be disposed on opposite sides of the beam wall to constrain movement of the member in the longitudinal direction of the shelf member.

10 A member according to claim 9, wherein the first part of the lower portion 5 extends longitudinally along a major portion of the length of the member.

II A member-according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second part of the member is disposed in the first end margin of that web. 12 A member according to any preceding claim, wherein a margin of the webs adjacent the second end being arranged to locate within one or more slots formed in a beam wall so as to provide a connection between the member and the beam, the second end margins including laterally extending abutment shoulders that are arranged to locate within the one or more slots.

13 A member according to any preceding claim wherein at least one abutment shoulders extend laterally outwardly from its respective web.

14 A member according to any preceding claim wherein at least one rib abutment shoulders extend laterally inwardly from its respective web. 15 A beam for a shelf storage system, the beam being formed from sheet metal including one or more slots and being arranged to receive an end margin of a shelf member, the one or more slots including a main portion which opens to a surface of the beam and a lateral portion that extends from the main portion.

16 A beam for a shelf storage system, the beam being formed from sheet metal including one or more slots and being arranged to receive an end margin of a shelf member, the one or more slots opening to a surface of the beam wherein the one or more slots includes at least one camming surface in which a portion of the shelf member engages on locating the end margin in the one or more slots, the at least one camming surface being arranged to cause flexing of the shelf member as it moves within the one or more slots to an installed position.

17 A beam according to claim 16, wherein the one or more slots include a main portion incorporating the at least one camming surface and which opens to a surface of the beam, and a lateral portion that extends from the main portion.

18 A beam according to either claims 15 or 17, wherein the beam includes first and second walls, the walls being mutually inclined and wherein a part of the one or more slots is formed in each of the first and second walls.

19 A beam according to claim 18, wherein in use the second wall extends generally vertically and contains the lateral portion of the slot, and wherein the one or more slots opens to an outer surface of the first wall. 20 A beam according to either claim 18 or 19, wherein the included angle between the first and second walls is obtuse.

21 A beam according to either claim 19 or 20, wherein the first and second walls are substantially at right angles.

22 A shelf storage system comprising a beam including one or more slots, and a shelf member, a first end margin of the shelf member being locatable in the one or more slots, wherein the one or more slots include at least one lateral portion in which a portion of the shelf member locates. 23 A shelf storage system comprising a beam having a beam wall including one or more slots, and a shelf member, a first end margin of the shelf member being locatable in the one or more slots, wherein the one or more slots include at least one camming surface in which a portion of the shelf member engages on locating the first end margin in the one or more slots so as to cause flexing of the shelf member.

24 A shelf storage system comprising an elongate racking beam having a top wall, at least one side wall and including one or more slots, and a shelf member, the beam and the shelf member being made from sheet material, and wherein an end of the shelf member is adapted to be located into the one or more slots so that one or more surface portions of the shelf member extends generally in a longitudinal direction of the beam, and is disposed in and engages with said side wall.

25 A shelf storage system according to claim 24, wherein the shelf member includes a top wall and wherein when the shelf member is located within the one or more slots of the racking beam, an upper surface of the top wall of the shelf member is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the top wall of the beams.

26 A shelf storage system according to either claim 24 or 25, wherein the shelf member includes first and second portions which are arranged to be in opposing relationship with respective ones of the opposite surfaces of the beam side wall.

27 A shelf storage system according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the shelf member is according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

28 A shelf storage system according to any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the beam is according to any one of claims 15 to 21.

29 A method of mounting a shelf member in an elongate racking beam having a top wall and at least one side wall, the beam and shelf member being made from sheet material and the method comprising the step of: locating an end of the shelf member into one or more slots formed in the beam so that one or more surface portions of the shelf member extends generally in a longitudinal direction of the beam and is disposed in and engages with said side wall.

30 A method according to claim 29, wherein the shelf member includes a top wall and wherein the upper surface of the top wall of the shelf member is substantially aligned with the upper surface of the top wall of the beam.

31 A method according to either claim 29 or 30, wherein the shelf member is retained in the one or more slots of the beam by a snap or interference fit.

32 A method according to any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein a portion of the shelf member is in opposed relationship with each of the opposite surfaces of the beam side wall.

33 A method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the shelf member is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14.

34 A method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the beam is in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 21.

35 A method of installing a shelf member across two elongate racking beams comprising the steps of: locating the shelf member on the two beams; and applying downward pressure to the shelf member so that the member engages in one or more slots in each of the respective beams.

36 A method according to claim 35, wherein at least one of the one or more slots includes a camming surface that causes flexing of the shelf member during installation of that member.

37 A method according to either claim 35 or 36, wherein when installed, the shelf member is mounted to the beam in accordance with any one of claims 29 to 34.

38 A shelf member for a racking system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

39 A beam for a shelf storage system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40 A shelf storage system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.