US 2002/0153341 A1 · Lock for knock-down storage rack

Abstract

The locking connector interconnects a shelf-supporting beam to an upright of a knock-down storage rack. The locking connector includes a plunger which is connected to the connector and which is slidable between locking and unlocking positions. The plunger, when in the locking position, is within one of a number of openings formed in the upright with resulting locking of the upright to the connector. When the plunger is in the unlocking position, it is outside the opening thus allowing the upright to be separated from the connector. The first embodiment of the locking connector includes a resilient rod which is biased into a groove formed in the shank of the plunger when the plunger is in the locking position. The rod prevents the plunger from moving from the locking position unless a force, opposed to the bias of the rod, is applied to the plunger to cause the rod to withdraw from the groove. The second embodiment of the locking connector includes a housing which surrounds and protects the plunger. The third embodiment includes a guard for protecting the housing when the plunger is in the locking position.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A locking connector for a knock-down storage rack having a plurality of horizontally spaced uprights and vertically spaced shelf-supporting beams, said uprights having a plurality of vertically spaced openings formed therein, said locking connector including:

means for interconnecting said locking connector and one said beam;
a plunger having a shank in which a recess is formed, said plunger being slidable between a locking position in which said shank is within one of said openings with resulting locking of said upright to said locking connector and an unlocking position in which said shank is outside said one opening;
and a retainer biased by resilient means into said recess when said plunger is in said locking position and preventing movement of said plunger from said locking position unless a force, opposed to the bias of said retainer, is applied to said plunger to cause said retainer to withdraw from said recess.

A locking connector for a knock-down storage rack having a plurality of horizontally spaced uprights and vertically spaced shelf-supporting beams, said uprights having a front wall in which a plurality of vertically spaced openings are formed, said locking connector including:

(i) interconnecting means for attaching said locking connector to one said beam;
(ii) a front wall having an aperture formed therein, said aperture being defined by an edge of said front wall;
(iii) a casing extending outwardly from said front wall and having an inner end in which a groove is formed for receipt of said edge such that the margin of said front wall adjacent to said edge is within said groove;
(iv) a plunger confined within said casing and slidable between a locking position in which said plunger extends though said aperture and one of said openings in said upright with resulting locking of said locking connector to said upright and an unlocking position in which said plunger is outside said one opening;
and
(v) resilient means for biasing said plunger into said locking position and opposing movement of said plunger from said locking position unless a force, opposed to the bias of said resilient means, is applied to said plunger to cause said plunger to withdraw from said opening.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lock for knock-down storage rack

Life of this patent

Lock for knock-down storage rack

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17