Shelf support beams and shelving units utilizing same

Abstract

A shelf support beam (80, 130, 200) for use in a shelving unit (10) to support a shelf (22). A structural member (82, 132, 202) has a C-shaped cross-section. A web (94, 144, 216) separates a top flange (96, 146, 220) from a bottom flange (112, 162, 234). The top flange (96, 146, 220) is configured to support the shelf (22). The web (94, 144, 216), the top flange (96, 146, 220), and the bottom flange (112, 162, 234) define a channel (92, 142, 214) of the member (82, 132, 202). The channel (92, 142, 214) defines a cavity height (C1, D1, E1). The top flange (96, 146, 220) and the bottom flange (112, 162, 234) define a top flange width (C2, D2, E2) and a bottom flange width (C3, D3, E3), respectively. A ratio of the cavity height (C1, D1, E1) to a sum of the top flange width (C2, D2, E2) and the bottom flange width (C3, D3, E3) is greater than 1, is at least 1.20, or is about 1.40. The C-shaped cross-section has a moment of inertia (98, 148, 238) of greater than 0.40, greater than 0.45, or at least 0.46. The top flange (96, 146, 220) includes an elevated portion (100, 150, 222) and a lower or shelf support portion (104, 154, 226) separated by a sidewall (106, 156, 230).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.