Storage Rack Decking

Abstract

The decking comprises a first support rail and a second support rail parallel to each other. Each support rail has an upper rail surface and a plurality of female engagement sockets. The support rails support a plurality of deck members. Each deck member has an upper deck surface, a first male engagement end and a second male engagement end. Each male engagement end has a lower profile than the upper deck surface by at least the distance between the upper rail surface and the top of the female engagement sockets. The first male engagement end of each deck member is inserted into a female engagement socket of the first support rail. The second male engagement end of each deck member is inserted into a female engagement socket of the second support rail. The upper rail surface is about flush with the upper deck surface in the assembled decking.

1 . Decking for a storage rack system, the storage rack system comprising a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal step beams that define at least one storage bay, each step beam having a lip onto which the decking is mounted to form a storage shelf, the decking comprising:
 a first support rail and a second support rail parallel to each other, said first support rail and said second support rail each having an upper rail surface and a plurality of female engagement sockets;   a plurality of deck members, each deck member having an upper deck surface, a first male engagement end and a second male engagement end, said first male engagement end and said second male engagement end having a lower profile than said upper deck surface by at least the distance between said upper rail surface and the top of said female engagement sockets;   said first male engagement end of each deck member inserted into a female engagement socket of said first support rail;   said second male engagement end of each deck member inserted into a female engagement socket of said second support rail; and   said upper rail surface is about flush with said upper deck surface.   
   
   
       2 . The decking of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of deck members is secured to said first and second support rails. 
   
   
       3 . The decking of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of deck members is secured to said first and second support rails by at least one of rivets, spot welds, glue, screws, or nails. 
   
   
       4 . The decking of  claim 1  further comprising a cap mounted on top of the decking. 
   
   
       5 . The decking of  claim 1  further comprising a cap mounted on top of the decking, said cap comprises one of a perforated sheet, an expanded metal mesh, or an extruded wire mesh. 
   
   
       6 . The decking of  claim 1  in which said deck members are sized and spaced to create an at least 50% open area rack deck. 
   
   
       7 . The decking of  claim 1  in which said first and second support rails and said deck members are made of one of stainless steel, steel, aluminum, or plastic. 
   
   
       8 . The decking of  claim 1  wherein said deck members are solid beams. 
   
   
       9 . The decking of  claim 1  wherein said upper deck surface is perforated.