The invention of this application relates to an improvement in the design of rack in which vertical beams and horizontal columns are attached together by bolts, for simple assembly and disassembly. Welded racks may be strong, but they cannot be easily disassembled for moving, and the labor involved in welding them together is substantial.
Bolted racks, while easily assembled, exhibit the problem that any looseness in the beam to column connection will result in a leaning, wobbling rack. This in turn induces higher stresses in many of the components which might cause collapse of a heavily loaded rack. Also, problems may arise because of irregularities in the floor of the warehouse or other place where the rack is positioned. This, along with small errors in the length and width of the beams and columns as well as the positioning of bolt holes therein, can result in the creation of unpredictable positional variations in the beams and columns as one attempts to affix them together. This, in turn, may create significant difficulties in getting a tightly bolted connection between the beams and columns, since the parts may not quite fit precisely together because of the unpredictable positional variations.
Thus, the final result may be a less than satisfactory leaning or wobbling rack, which may be quite unacceptable in any circumstances.
In accordance with this invention means are provided for affixing beams and columns together by bolt means in a tight, rigid manner despite unpredictable positional variations in the beams and columns as they are so affixed.
While racks are specifically contemplated as the environment for the use of this invention, other structures besides racks may take advantage of this invention as well, such as frames, buildings, mezzanines, or any other structure using a beam to column connection, or any connection between structural members.