Force protector for pallet rack systems

Abstract

A force absorbing column protector device is disclosed. The force absorbing column protector has a plurality of surfaces adjacent a structure to be protected from an external force encountering the structure. At least one of the surfaces has spring assemblies positioned intermediate one surface and the structure. Two of the surfaces are arranged sloping from opposite ends of the structure. It is the combination of the sloping surfaces and the spring assemblies that provide a measure of protection to a column. Some or all of the spring assemblies may be of a color that indicates a characteristic of the force absorbing column protector device.

1 . A force protector device for an upright leg of pallet rack systems comprising:
 a generally V-shape structure forming a space to fit around the upright leg,   a plurality of coplanar surfaces connected to the V-shaped structure, adjacent the upright leg and having a plurality of holes,   at least one panel affixed inside the V-shape structure and connecting the coplanar surfaces, and   at least one spring connected to the panel wherein the spring has an end portion facing the upright leg and connected to the spring with a fastener.   
     
     
         2 . The force protector device of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of holes consists of elongated holes. 
     
     
         3 . The force protector device of  claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners dimensioned to connect the force protector device to an upright leg using the elongated holes. 
     
     
         4 . A force protector device for an upright leg of pallet rack systems comprising: a generally V-shape structure having an upper portion and a lower portion and forming a space to fit around the upright leg,
 two coplanar surfaces connected to the V-shaped structure, adjacent the upright leg and having four elongated holes,   a first panel affixed inside the upper portion and connecting the coplanar surfaces,   a second panel affixed inside the lower portion and connecting the coplanar surfaces,   two upper spring assemblies connected to the first panel, and   two lower spring assemblies connected to the second panel, wherein the two upper spring assemblies and the two lower spring assemblies are coated with a color indicating a characteristic of the force protector device.   
     
     
         5 . The force protector device of  claim 4 , wherein each spring assembly is comprised of a spring formed from a 3/16 inch bar stock material and the V-shape structure and two coplanar surfaces are formed from 3/16 inch sheet metal. 
     
     
         6 . A device to absorb a force directed at an upright part of a structure, comprising:
 a plurality of surfaces supported adjacent said upright part;   a fixed surface located a predetermined distance from said upright part; and   resilient means having a color supported intermediate said plurality of surfaces and said fixed surface to permit said plurality of surfaces movement relative to said upright part;   whereby a force that is directed at said upright part is at least partially intercepted by said surfaces and at least partially absorbed by said resilient means.   
     
     
         7 . The device to absorb a force directed at an upright part of a structure as described by  claim 6  wherein said plurality of surfaces includes two, one located on each side of said upright part. 
     
     
         8 . The device to absorb a force directed at an upright part of a structure as described by  claim 6  wherein said resilient means includes at least two coil springs. 
     
     
         9 . The device to absorb a force directed at an upright part of a structure as described by  claim 6  wherein said plurality of surfaces each includes opening for attaching said device to said upright part.