Patent ID: 9414677
Filing Date: 2016-08-16
CPC Classification: A47B,B65G,F16F

Claim Text:
1. An impact barrier for a storage rack support structure, the impact barrier comprising: an outer wall forming an interior space of the impact barrier to receive at least a portion of the storage rack support structure therein, the outer wall having a first end and a second end opposing the first end, wherein the first and second ends are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween; a first deflection element; a second deflection element; and a third deflection element, wherein the third deflection element is positioned between the first and second deflection elements, and is formed by a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment, each formed integrally and continuously with the outer wall, and a planar base portion extending between the first and second connecting segments, the first and second connecting segments providing respectively a first intersection and a second intersection joining the third deflection element with the outer wall, the first connecting segment having a first end portion, and the second connecting segment having a second end portion, each of the first end portion and the second end portion continuously and integrally joining an end of the planar base portion, such that the planar base portion is formed only between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the planar base portion extends through a first plane formed by a dividing line that divides the outer wall into a first half and a second half; wherein the first deflection element extends inwardly from a first position on the outer wall near or at the first end, and joins integrally and continuously with the outer wall at a second position between the first position and the third deflection element, the first deflection element containing two generally planar segments with ends intersecting obtusely in the interior space of the impact barrier; wherein the second deflection element extends inwardly from a third position on the outer wall near or at the second end, and joins integrally and continuously with the outer wall at a fourth position between the third position and the third deflection element, the second deflection element containing two generally planar segments with ends intersecting obtusely in the interior space of the impact barrier; wherein the third deflection element extends inwardly from the outer wall into the interior space, and through a second plane extending across the second position and the fourth position such that the planar base portion is disposed beyond the second plane toward the first and second ends of the outer wall; wherein upon impact, at least one of the first, second and third deflection elements deforms to dissipate energy generated from the impact.