Load support system

Abstract

A load support system or shelf system includes vertical supports and at least two horizontally extending beams attached to the vertical supports. The cross-section of a beam is L-shaped, and the joists extend along and rest upon a relieved horizontal surface of each of the beams. A plurality of spaced-apart cross trusses are affixed to each of the joists to form a unitary, open lattice for supporting loads. The number and spacing of the cross trusses can be adjusted to securely support the load designed to be accommodated by the system, but the number of trusses can be minimized to correspondingly reduce the weight and cost of the system.

1 . A load support system comprising, in combination:
 at least two horizontally extending beams for attachment to vertical support means, the beams having confronting, continuous L-shaped cross sections; and   a load support module comprising at least two joists, each joist adapted to extend along and rest upon a relieved horizontal surface of one of the L-shaped beams, and a plurality of spaced-apart cross trusses, each truss being affixed to each of the joists to form a unitary, open lattice for supporting loads.   
     
     
         2 . The load support system according to  claim 1  wherein the number of cross trusses forming the lattice and the spacing between the cross trusses are selected in accordance with the load which the system will support. 
     
     
         3 . The load support system according to  claim 1  including from two to twelve substantially evenly spaced cross trusses. 
     
     
         4 . The load support system according to  claim 1  including from four to six substantially evenly spaced cross trusses. 
     
     
         5 . The load support system according to  claim 1  wherein at least some of the cross trusses have an inverted U-shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The load support system according to  claim 5  wherein the cross truss inverted U-shaped cross-section includes a depressed intermediate strengthening section. 
     
     
         7 . The load support system according to  claim 6  wherein said intermediate strengthening section includes opposed downwardly extending arms away from a bight and an interconnected web portion affixed to and extending between the strengthening section arms. 
     
     
         8 . The load support system according to  claim 1  wherein said the joists are shorter than the beams upon which they rest. 
     
     
         9 . The load support system according to  claim 1  further including an adjustable attachment means for attaching the beams to the vertical support means in any one of a range of vertically spaced apart positions. 
     
     
         10 . A rigid, unitary support structure adapted for use in conjunction with a pallet support rack comprising:
 a) at least two substantially parallel side support joist members; and   b) a plurality of substantially parallel cross trusses immovably connected at opposed ends thereof to at least one of the side support joist members whereby the support structure, when mounted on the support rack, is capable of supporting a load and is removable from a load support system as a single unit.   
     
     
         11 . The rigid, unitary support structure according to  claim 10  wherein the number of cross trusses and the spacing between the cross trusses are selected in accordance with the weight of the load that the pallet support rack will support. 
     
     
         12 . The rigid, unitary support structure according to  claim 10  including from two to twelve substantially evenly spaced cross trusses. 
     
     
         13 . The rigid, unitary support structure according to  claim 10  including from four to six substantially evenly spaced cross trusses. 
     
     
         14 . The rigid, unitary support structure according to  claim 10  wherein at least some of the cross trusses have an inverted U-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         15 . The load support system according to  claim 14  wherein the cross truss inverted U-shaped cross-section includes a depressed intermediate strengthening section. 
     
     
         16 . The load support system according to  claim 15  wherein said intermediate strengthening section includes opposed downwardly extending arms away from a bight and an interconnected web portion affixed to and extending between the strengthening section arms. 
     
     
         17 . The load support system according to  claim 10  wherein said the joists are shorter than the beams upon which they rest. 
     
     
         18 . The load support system according to  claim 10  further including an adjustable attachment means for attaching the beams to the vertical support means in any one of a range of vertically spaced apart positions.