subject: Systems Of Pallet Racking [print this page] The invention is a drive-in pallet racking system for a large transportation vehicle like a railcar or truck trailer. The racking system includes a plurality of center posts which define two drive-through passageways along the length of the vehicle. Pallet-supporting rails are mounted on each side of the posts. One rail is mounted to the posts and the other is mounted on the sidewall opposite the posts. The rails are spaced apart so that a forklift can drive in between them. However, the spacing is sufficiently narrow so that the rails can support the edges of the pallet without any intermediate support.
A transportation container having a drive-in pallet racking system for carrying pallets loaded with goods, wherein the container is of a type and size to accommodate a forklift for carrying loaded pallets to and from the container, the drive-in racking system having at least one pair of parallel pallet-supporting rails extending lengthwise relative to the container, the rails being sufficiently long to support more than one pallet, the rails being spaced apart a distance that is less than the normal width of a pallet, for supporting the pallet without any intermediate means of support, but at least wide enough to allow the forklift to be driven in between the rails, the rails being positioned a sufficient distance above the floor of the container to allow the fork lift to move a loaded pallet below the rails on lowered forks, and further, the rails being positioned a sufficient distance below the ceiling of the container to allow the fork lift to move another loaded pallet above the rails on raised forks.
Pallet racking systems have been used in warehouses for years. However, it is not feasible to put a system built for a warehouse into a railcar. Railcar's pose different design problems. Warehouse systems are made from steel--the strongest material available. Steel is obviously the material of choice because it is suitable for supporting the heaviest pallet loads.
