Barriers for Storage Racks and Shelving

Abstract

A barrier for storage racks or shelving with a netting that extends across a horizontal storage platform. The barrier having a first end and a second end each of which have a mounting system. The netting comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier is mounted to storage racks or shelving, the netting limits access to the horizontal storage platform. The netting limits the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform from leaving the horizontal storage platform without user intervention. The netting is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform.

Description

BACKGROUND

Storage racks and shelving are used to temporarily store items in a variety of settings and allow easy access to such items. However, if the storage racks and shelving are often used, it is possible for items to be easily knocked off and damaged. What is presented are barriers that are mountable to storage racks or shelving wherein the barriers easily moved aside to allow access to the materials stored behind them while leaving the barrier mounted to the storage rack or shelving.

SUMMARY

What is presented is a barrier for storage racks or shelving wherein the storage racks or shelving comprise at least one horizontal storage platform located perpendicularly between a pair of vertical structural elements. The barriers comprise netting having a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform and is at least as long as the distance between the pair of vertical structural elements. The netting has a height that extends vertically along a portion of the pair of vertical structural elements. The netting has a first end and a second end, each of which have a mounting system. Each mounting system is mountable to a vertical structural element of the storage rack or shelving such that the barrier is mounted to the storage racks or shelving by mounting the first end to one of the pair of vertical structural elements and mounting the second end to the other of the pair of vertical structural elements. The netting comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier is mounted to storage racks or shelving, the netting limits access to the horizontal storage platform, the netting limits the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform from leaving the horizontal storage platform without user intervention, and the netting is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform.

In various embodiments, the mounting system is one of hook and loop fasteners, a hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, laces, and screws. In other embodiments, the barrier is mounted to more than two vertical structural elements of the storage rack or shelving. In some embodiments of the barrier, the netting is attachable to the horizontal storage platform.

In embodiments of storage racks or shelving that have at least four vertical structural elements, some embodiments of netting have a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform and further extends to at least all four vertical structural elements such that the barrier extends along three sides of said horizontal storage platform. In some such embodiments, the netting has additional said mounting systems to permit mounting the barrier to each vertical structural element. In other embodiments, the netting has a length that extends around all four vertical structural elements such that the barrier extends around all four sides of the horizontal storage platform.

In some embodiments of the barrier, each mounting system comprises a series of mounts along the height of the netting such that incremental mounting or dismounting of the mounting system to the vertical structural elements allows incremental access to the horizontal storage platform.

Those skilled in the art will realize that this invention is capable of embodiments that are different from those shown and that details of the apparatus and methods can be changed in various manners without departing from the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as including such equivalent embodiments as do not depart from the spirit and scope of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding and appreciation of this invention, and its many advantages, reference will be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of barrier for storage racks or shelving;

FIG. 2 depicts barriers of FIG. 1 installed on a storage rack;

FIG. 3 depicts a barrier of FIG. 1 installed on a storage rack that is holding back items on the storage rack from falling off the storage rack;

FIG. 4 depicts a user moving the netting of a barrier aside to access the horizontal storage platform of a storage rack;

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of barrier for storage racks or shelving;

FIG. 6 depicts the barrier of FIG. 5 installed on a storage rack;

FIG. 7 depicts another embodiment of barrier for storage racks or shelving;

FIG. 8 depicts barriers of FIG. 7 installed on a shelving unit;

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of barrier for storage racks or shelving;

FIG. 10 depicts barriers of FIG. 9 installed on a shelving unit;

FIG. 11 depicts a close up of the shelving unit of FIG. 10 in which the barrier is lowered for access to the horizontal storage platform;

FIG. 12 depicts another embodiment of barrier for storage racks or shelving; and

FIG. 13 depicts the barrier of FIG. 12 installed on a shelving unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, some of the reference numerals are used to designate the same or corresponding parts through several of the embodiments and figures shown and described. Corresponding parts are denoted in different embodiments with the addition of lowercase letters. Variations of corresponding parts in form or function that are depicted in the figures are described. It will be understood that variations in the embodiments can generally be interchanged without deviating from the invention.

Storage racks and shelving come in a variety of configurations for the storage of goods. Generally storage racks and shelves comprise at least one horizontal storage platform located perpendicularly between a pair of vertical structural elements. The horizontal storage platform are generally flat surfaces onto with goods are placed for storage or display. The horizontal storage platform may be wire mesh platforms or may be solid panels or any of a range of horizontal surfaces that allow the placement of goods on top.

The vertical structural elements could be columns, walls, pillars, or other structures that, in combination with the horizontal storage platform, define the storage area of the storage rack or shelf. The number and combination of vertical structural elements vary greatly depending on the application. In some systems, the vertical structural elements are a pair of walls that define a shelving unit. In some systems, the vertical structural elements are at least four columns with a series of horizontal storage platforms to define a storage rack. In some systems, vertical structural elements could comprise wheels or casters which would make the storage rack or shelving mobile and more easily moveable. In other systems the vertical structural elements are permanently fixed to the floor.

In some storage racks and shelving, a plurality of vertical structural elements may be interposed within a horizontal storage platform to create smaller divided storage areas, or cubbies, that provide additional flexibility in organizing goods on the storage rack or shelving.

In all of these instances, users use the horizontal storage platforms for storage or display. In warehousing settings in which the goods are often accessed, or when the horizontal storage platforms are overloaded with goods, it is possible for goods to fall off the storage racks or shelving, thereby damaging or destroying them and creating dangerous or hazardous conditions for users. The barriers presented herein provide a way to alleviate these issues by preventing the goods from falling off the horizontal storage platform.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of barrier 10 that addresses the issues identified herein. FIG. 2 shows the barrier 10 mounted to a storage rack 12 or shelving unit. The storage rack 12 comprises several horizontal storage platforms 14, the wire shelves in this embodiment, that are located perpendicularly between vertical structural elements 16, in this embodiment two pairs of vertical columns. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the barrier 10 comprises a netting 18 has a length 20 that extends across the horizontal storage platform 14 and is at least as long as the distance between one pair of vertical structural elements 16. The netting 18 has a height 22 that extends vertically along a portion of the pair of vertical structural elements 16. The netting 18 has a first end 24 and a second end 26, each of which have a mounting system 28 that can be mounted to a vertical structural element 16, as shown. The barrier 10 is mounted to the storage racks 12 by mounting the first end 24 to one of the pair of vertical structural elements 16 and mounting the second end 26 to the other of the pair of vertical structural elements 16. In the embodiment shown, the mounting systems 28 are hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, that wrap around the vertical structural elements 16. Other types of mounting systems could be just as effective, such as a hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, laces, and screws.

The netting 18 comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier 10 is mounted to storage racks 12 or shelving, the netting 18 limits access to the horizontal storage platform 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the netting 18 of installed barriers 10 also limits the movement of any items 36 stored on the horizontal storage platform 14 from leaving the horizontal storage platform 14 without user intervention. Nevertheless, as shown in FIG. 4, the netting 18 is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting 18 away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform 14.

The embodiment of storage rack 12 shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 is mounted on casters 30, however as the type of storage rack 12 or shelving is immaterial, so long as the mounting system 28 may be attached to vertical structural elements 16.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of barrier 10a. FIG. 6 shows the barrier 10a mounted to more than two vertical structural elements 16a of the storage rack 12a or shelving. In this embodiment, the storage rack 12a comprises several horizontal storage platforms 14a, the wire shelves in this embodiment, that are located perpendicularly between vertical structural elements 16a, in this embodiment two pairs of vertical columns. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 5 and 6, the barrier 10a comprises a netting 18a has a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform 14a and further extends to the next vertical structural element 16a such that the barrier 10a extends along three sides of the horizontal storage platform 14a.

The netting 18a has a height 22a that extends vertically along a portion of the vertical structural elements 16a. The netting 18a has a first end 24a and a second end 26a, each of which have a mounting system 28a that can be mounted to a vertical structural element 16a, as shown. The barrier 10a is mounted to the storage racks 12a by mounting the first end 24a to one of the vertical structural elements 16a and mounting the second end 26a to the another of the vertical structural elements 16a. This embodiment of barrier 10a further comprises additional mounting systems 28a that permit mounting the barrier 10a to each of the four vertical structural element 28a in this embodiment of storage rack 12a. In the embodiment shown, the mounting systems 28a are hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, that wrap around the vertical structural elements 16a. Other types of mounting systems could be just as effective, such as a hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, laces, and screws.

As with previously discussed embodiments, the netting 18a comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier 10a is mounted to storage racks 12a or shelving, the netting 18a limits access to the horizontal storage platform 14a. Although not shown in the figures with this embodiment, it will be understood that the netting 18a operates similarly to the previously disclosed embodiment such that installed barriers 10a also limit the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14a from leaving the horizontal storage platform 14a without user intervention. Nevertheless, the netting 18a is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting 18a away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform 14a.

The netting 18a in this embodiment of barrier 10a is further attached to the horizontal storage platform 14a with shelf mounting systems 32a. This provides additional support to limit the movement of items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14a. In this embodiment, the shelf mounting systems 32a are hook and loop fasteners that wrap around portions of the horizontal storage platform 14a. However, other types of mounting systems 28a could be just as effective, such as hook and loop combinations, bolts, pins, snaps, screws, and laces.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of barrier 10b. FIG. 8 shows the barrier 10b mounted to a shelving unit 12b or storage rack. The shelving unit 12b comprises horizontal storage platforms 14b that are further subdivided into cubbies 34b. The vertical structural elements 16b are solid boards that define the structure of the shelving unit 12b. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 7 and 8, the barrier 10b comprises a netting 18b has a length 20b that extends across the horizontal storage platform 14b and is at least as long as the distance between one pair of vertical structural elements 16b. The netting 18b has a height 22b that extends vertically along a portion of the pair of vertical structural elements 16b. The netting 18b has a first end 24b and a second end 26b, each of which have a mounting system 28b that can be mounted to a vertical structural element 16b, as shown. The barrier 10b is mounted to the shelving unit 12b by mounting the first end 24b to one of the pair of vertical structural elements 16b and mounting the second end 26b to the other of the pair of vertical structural elements 16b. In the embodiment shown, the mounting systems 28b are screws that drilled into the vertical structural elements 16b. Other types of mounting systems could be just as effective, such as a hook and loop fasteners, hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, and laces.

The netting 18b comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier 10b is mounted to shelving units 12b or storage racks, the netting 18b limits access to the horizontal storage platform 14b. As shown with other embodiments, the netting 18b of installed barriers 10b also limits the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14b from leaving the horizontal storage platform 14b without user intervention. Nevertheless, the netting 18b is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting 18b away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform 14b.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of barrier 10c. FIG. 10 shows the barrier 10c mounted to a storage rack 12c or shelving unit. The storage rack 12c comprises several horizontal storage platforms 14c. The vertical structural elements 16c define the structure of the storage rack 12c. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 9 and 10, the barrier 10c comprises a netting 18c has a length 20c that extends across the horizontal storage platform 14c and is at least as long as the distance between one pair of vertical structural elements 16c. The netting 18c has a height 22c that extends vertically along a portion of the pair of vertical structural elements 16c. The netting 18c has a first end 24c and a second end 26c. In this embodiment, each of the first end 24c and the second end 26c which have a mounting system 28c that can be mounted to a vertical structural element 16c, as shown. In this embodiment, each mounting system 28c comprises a series of mounts 32c along the height 22c of the netting 18c. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 10 and 11, the mounts 32c can be incrementally mounted or dismounted to/from the vertical structural elements 16c allowing incremental access to items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14c so that the netting 18c doesn't have to be moved too far out of the way.

The mounts 32c in the embodiment shown are loops that are screwed into the vertical structural elements 16c with hooks that are at the first end 24c and the second end 26c of the netting 18c. The barrier 10c is mounted to the shelving unit 12c by mounting each hook of the mount 32c to the corresponding loop on the pair of vertical structural elements 16c. In the embodiment shown, the mounting systems 28c are the hook and loop mounts 32c as shown. Other types of mounting systems 28c could be just as effective, such as a hook and loop fasteners, bolts, pins, snaps, screws, and laces.

The netting 18c comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier 10c is mounted to storage racks 12c or shelving, the netting 18c limits access to the horizontal storage platform 14c. As shown with other embodiments, the netting 18c of installed barriers 10c also limits the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14c from leaving the horizontal storage platform 14c without user intervention. Nevertheless, the netting 18c is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting 18c away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform 14c.

The netting 18c in this embodiment of barrier 10c is further attached to the horizontal storage platform 14c with shelf mounting systems 32c. This provides additional support to limit the movement of items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14c. In this embodiment, the shelf mounting systems 32c are screws that are driven into the horizontal storage platform 14c. However, other types of mounting systems 28c could be just as effective, such as hook and loop combinations, hook and loop fasteners, bolts, pins, snaps, and laces.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of barrier 10d. FIG. 13 shows the barrier 10d in which the barrier 10d is mounted to four vertical structural elements 16d of the storage rack 12d or shelving. In this embodiment, the storage rack 12d comprises several horizontal storage platforms 14d, the wire shelves in this embodiment, that are located perpendicularly between four vertical structural elements 16d, in this embodiment two pairs of vertical columns. As best understood by comparing FIGS. 12 and 13, the barrier 10d comprises a netting 18d has a length that extends around all four vertical structural elements 16d such that the barrier 10d extends around all four sides of the horizontal storage platform 14d.

The netting 18d has a height 22d that extends vertically along a portion of the vertical structural elements 16d. The netting 18d has a first end 24d and a second end 26d, each of which have a mounting system 28d that can be mounted to a vertical structural element 16d, as shown. The barrier 10d is mounted to the storage racks 12d by mounting the first end 24d to one of the vertical structural elements 16d, wrapping the barrier 10d around the other three vertical structural elements 16d and mounting the second end 26d to the same vertical structural elements 16d as the first end 24d. This embodiment of barrier 10d further comprises additional mounting systems 28d that permit mounting the barrier 10d to each of the other three vertical structural element 28d. In the embodiment shown, the mounting systems 28d are hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro, that wrap around the vertical structural elements 16d. Other types of mounting systems could be just as effective, such as a hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, laces, and screws.

As with previously discussed embodiments, the netting 18d comprises a stretchable material wherein when the barrier 10d is mounted to storage racks 12d or shelving, the netting 18d limits access to the horizontal storage platform 14d. Although not shown in the figures with this embodiment, it will be understood that the netting 18d operates similarly to the previously disclosed embodiment such that installed barriers 10d also limit the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform 14d from leaving the horizontal storage platform 14d without user intervention. Nevertheless, the netting 18d is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move the netting 18d away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform 14d.

This invention has been described with reference to several preferred embodiments. Many modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such alterations and modifications in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents of these claims.

Claims

1. A barrier for storage racks or shelving wherein the storage racks or shelving comprise at least one horizontal storage platform located perpendicularly between a pair of vertical structural elements, the barriers comprising: netting having a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform and at least as long as the distance between the pair of vertical structural elements;said netting having a height that extends vertically along a portion of the pair of vertical structural elements;said netting having a first end and a second end;each of said first end and said second end having a mounting system;each said mounting system mountable to a vertical structural element such that said barrier is mounted storage racks or shelving by mounting said first end to one of the pair of vertical structural elements and mounting said second end to the other of the pair of vertical structural elements; andsaid netting comprising a stretchable material wherein when said barrier is mounted to storage racks or shelving, said netting limits access to the horizontal storage platform, said netting limits the movement of any items stored on the horizontal storage platform from leaving the horizontal storage platform without user intervention, and said netting is sufficiently stretchable to permit a user to move said netting away to allow access to the horizontal storage platform.

2. The barrier of claim 1 wherein said mounting system is one of hook and loop fasteners, a hook and loop combination, bolts, pins, snaps, laces, and screws.

3. The barrier of claim 1 further comprising the barrier is mounted to more than two vertical structural elements of the storage rack or shelving.

4. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the storage rack or shelving further comprises at least four vertical structural elements further comprising said netting has a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform and further extends to at least all four vertical structural elements such that the barrier extends along three sides of said horizontal storage platform.

5. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the storage rack or shelving further comprises at least four vertical structural elements further comprising said netting has a length that extends across the horizontal storage platform and further extends to at least all four vertical structural elements; andsaid netting having additional said mounting systems to permit mounting said barrier to each vertical structural element.

6. The barrier of claim 1 further comprising said netting is attachable to the horizontal storage platform.

7. The barrier of claim 1 further comprising each said mounting system comprises a series of mounts along said height of said netting such that incremental mounting or dismounting of said mounting system to the vertical structural elements allows incremental access to the horizontal storage platform.

8. The barrier of claim 1 wherein the at least one horizontal storage platform is located perpendicularly between four vertical structural elements further comprising: said netting having a length that extends around all four vertical structural elements such that the barrier extends around all four sides of the horizontal storage platform.