Column protector

#The present invention pertains to an apparatus for protecting pallet racking columns. More particularly, the invention pertains to an apparatus that protects the front column of a pallet rack frames against damage caused by a forklift.

#Many operations in warehouses and manufacturing plants require the use of forklift equipment for handling inventory and products. Operation of forklift equipment in facilities having pallet racking presents a significant safety concern.

#A common forklift used today is a reach truck. A reach truck with a load weighs approximately 6000 to 8000 pounds. Reach trucks have straddles located near the bottom of the truck on both the right and left sides. The straddles carry and support the lift and reach mechanism of the truck. Standard operating procedures for reach trucks require the truck to approach the front of the pallet rack with the straddles. This approach positions the truck to allow the cycle of the reach mechanism carriage to deposit or retrieve pallets from the racking unit. In order for the truck to deposit or retrieve pallets, the straddles must be within three inches of the front of the column of the rack. Should the truck operator impact the column in error, considerable damage may occur to the rack. If damage occurs to the frame column of the rack unit, the entire rack unit must be emptied in order for repairs to be made. Therefore, various devices have attempted to provide a means for protecting the rack against forklift damage.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the end of a racking system with two mounted column protectors.

#FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the column protector.

#FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the column protector.

#The present invention provides a device that protects the columns of warehouse racking systems from forklift damage. A typical warehouse racking system 10 along with two column protectors 16 are shown in FIG. 1. The racking system 10 typically includes beams 12 and columns 14. The beams 12 are used to support various warehouse items such as food, electronics or appliances. The columns 14 support the beams 12. Most columns 14 are of a rectangular or square cross section.

#As illustrated in FIG. 1, the column protector 16 consists of a collar 18 and a foot 20. The collar 18 extends above the foot 20. A plurality of anchors 22 are used to secure the column protector 16 to a concrete floor. The rack frame column 14 is surrounded by the collar 18. The collar 18 wraps around the column 14 protecting three sides of the column 14 from forklift damage.

#FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the column protector 16. The collar 18 has a first side 24, a second side 26 and a third side 28. The first side 24, the second side 26 and the third side 28 form a u-shape.