A pallet return
pallet racking storage system of the pushback rack type is provided where the wheeled carts may be selectively and automatically transferred from a pair of feed rails to a pair of return rails.
The present invention preserves the advantages of known pushback rack and other
pallet racking storage systems. In addition, the present invention provides new advantages not found in currently available systems and overcomes many of the disadvantages that may be associated with known devices.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a pallet return
pallet racking system where unloaded, wheeled carts and pallets are selectively and automatically returned from an unloading end to a loading end without the operator having to physically remove the pallet or cart.
Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide an automatic pallet return
pallet racking system that can be used in combination with multiple rack systems, and that can be used in conjunction with other types of pallet storage systems.
In accordance with the present invention, a pallet return
pallet racking system is provided utilizing a two-level rail system, wheeled carts in rolling relation to each of the rail systems, a transfer assembly and a release mechanism. The rail system includes at least one pair of spaced, parallel feed rails and at least one pair of spaced, parallel return rails. The feed rails and return rails each have an unloading (front) end, a loading (rear) end as well as a rolling surface. At least one cart having wheels is provided which is capable of rolling engagement with the feed rails and which is capable of being automatically transferred to rolling engagement with the return rails which are positioned and operable below the feed rails.
