Support platform

Abstract

A support platform for use in automated storage and retrieval systems is generally a planar board having an upper support surface. The board further includes opposing end edges and opposing side edges. The end edges each include first and second interlocking members formed therein. The support platform is placed on the racks in the automated storage and retrieval system with items or containers of items placed thereon. Several support platforms are placed on each rack, one behind the other. The end edges of each support platform are interlocked with each adjacent support platform, with each first interlocking member interlocked with one of the second interlocking members of an adjacent support platform.

1 . A storage system support board having a generally planar body with an upper support surface, opposing end edges and opposing side edges, a first end edge including at least one first interlocking member, a second end edge including at least one second interlocking member complementary to the first interlocking member. 
   
   
       2 . The support board of  claim 1  wherein the first end edge and the second end edge each includes a plurality of the first interlocking members and a plurality of the second interlocking members. 
   
   
       3 . The support board of  claim 2  wherein the first interlocking members are interlocked with the second interlocking members of a second support board similar to the support board. 
   
   
       4 . The support board of  claim 2  wherein the first interlocking members are T-shaped projections. 
   
   
       5 . The support board of  claim 4  wherein the second interlocking members are T-shaped openings. 
   
   
       6 . The support board of  claim 5  wherein the second interlocking members are openings completely through the support board. 
   
   
       7 . The support board of  claim 6  wherein the first interlocking members can enter the second interlocking members of an adjacent board through an upper side of second interlocking members or through a lower side of the second interlocking members. 
   
   
       8 . The support board of  claim 7  wherein the first interlocking members are interlocked with the second interlocking members of a second support board, similar to the support board. 
   
   
       9 . A storage system including the support board and the second support board of  claim 8  support on a rack. 
   
   
       10 . An automated storage and retrieval system including the rack, support board and second support board of  claim 9  further including automated handling equipment. 
   
   
       11 . The support board of  claim 1  wherein the planar body includes an upper sheet portion having a plurality of integrally molded upper ribs extending downwardly therefrom. 
   
   
       12 . The support board of  claim 11  wherein the planar body further includes a lower sheet portion having a plurality of integrally molded lower ribs extending upwardly therefrom, the lower ribs secured to the upper ribs. 
   
   
       13 . The support board of  claim 12  wherein the planar body further includes a plurality of handle openings extending therethrough. 
   
   
       14 . A support board having a generally planar upper sheet portion having an upper support surface, a plurality of integrally molded ribs extending downwardly therefrom, the upper sheet portion having opposing end edges and opposing side edges, a first end edge including at least one first interlocking member, a second end edge including at least one second interlocking member complementary to the first interlocking member. 
   
   
       15 . The support board of  claim 14  wherein the first end edge and the second end edge each includes a plurality of the first interlocking members and a plurality of the second interlocking members. 
   
   
       16 . The support board of  claim 15  further including a lower sheet portion secured to the ribs. 
   
   
       17 . The support board of  claim 14  wherein the planar body further includes a plurality of handle openings extending therethrough. 
   
   
       18 . A method of operating a storage and retrieval system including the steps of:
 a) placing a first item on a first support board;   b) placing a second item on a second support board;   c) connecting the first support board to the second support board;   d) placing the first support board and the second support board on a rack;   e) pulling the first support board on the rack; and   f) pulling the second support board on the rack by performing said step e) via the connection between the first support board and the second support board.