Patent ID: 6260719
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A method for converting a pre-existing, pre-assembled racking system into a double pallet, vehicle-loadable racking system suitable for use with palletized cartons and a lift truck having a body and an extendable mast, said pre-existing, preassembled racking system comprising a plurality of primary upright posts assembled together to form a frame, one or more first structural members attached to one or more of said plurality of primary upright posts, said first structural member capable of supporting goods placed thereon, and one or more second structural members, each of said second structural members providing structural support for said frame, the method comprising the steps of:isolating each of said primary upright posts from said pre-existing racking system, said step of isolating including the step of removing each of said structural members from said primary upright posts;binding each of said primary upright posts to a secondary upright post to form a plurality of bound upright posts;forming a grid of said bound upright posts, said grid having at least one row and at least two columns, such that each two successive bound upright posts of each said row are spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the entrance of said body of said lift truck and placement of a pair of said palletized cartons therebetween, said grid defining at least one interior side edge for each said column; andattaching a cantilevered support means for supporting one or more palletized cartons to each interior side edge of each column, said cantilevered support means each having an upper surface and an outer edge, such that the outer edges of any two opposing cantilevered support means are laterally separated from each other sufficiently to accommodate the entrance of said extendable mast of said lift truck therebetween, sufficient space is left below each cantilevered support means to allow passage of said body of said lift truck and placement of one of said palletized cartons thereunder, and said upper surfaces of any two opposing cantilevered support means are coplanar.