Weldless shelf support beams and shelving units utilizing same

Abstract

A shelf support beam for use in a shelving unit to support a shelf. The support beam includes a first end and a second end at opposite longitudinal ends of the shelf support beam between which a structural member extends. The structural member has a C-shaped cross-section and includes a web separating a top flange configured to support the shelf from a bottom flange. The support beam further includes a tab located at each of the first and second ends of the structural member. Each tab includes a pair of securing fingers that are angled relative to a plane disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shelf support beam such that each securing finger is angled inwardly toward a center of the structural member. The support beam further includes an enforcement tab formed in the web at each of the first and second ends of the structural member.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a shelf support beam for use in a shelving unit to support a shelf, comprising:
 cutting a blank from a sheet of material, the blank comprising a body that extends between a first end and an opposite second end and including a tab located at each of the first and second ends;   punch-forming at least one securing finger in each tab; and   roll-forming the body of the blank into a structural member of the shelf support beam with a roll-forming machine, the structural member comprising a C-shaped cross-section and including a web separating a top flange that is configured to support the shelf from a bottom flange;   wherein the at least one securing finger is punch-formed before the body of the blank is roll-formed.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising punch-forming the at least one securing finger including a stiffening rib in each tab. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one securing finger comprises a pair of securing fingers. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising punch-forming an enforcement tab in the body of the blank at each of the first and second ends before the body of the blank is roll-formed. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the roll-forming machine includes one or more grooved rolls, the method further comprising:
 receiving the at least one securing finger by the grooved rolls.