Pallet rack lock and stopper

A pallet rack lock for use in a pallet rack system releasable locking one end of a shelf beam to an upright column is the subject matter of this invention. Pallet rack systems are used extensively in many industries. Foods or other commodities are often palletized. Typically a palletized commodity will be off loaded from a truck, and a motorized pallet handler will move the palletized commodity to a storage area having pallet racks. Pallet racks are used to conserve floor space. It is desirable to stack the pallets on racks to allow the palletized materials to be selectively removed from the storage area. A pallets racking stopper assembly includes a stanchion and a bracket interconnecting the stanchion to a rear load beam of a pallet rack to provide a backstop for a pallet placed on the rack. A pallets racking system comprising a plurality of vertical support posts, front and rear longitudinally extending load beams and cross load beams between the front and rear load beams to provide a rack framework, and a pallets racking stopper assembly is connected to the rear longitudinally extending load beams. 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. 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. A pallet racking has upright columns supporting vertically cambered beams having step box or channel shapes accommodating a generally horizontal deck for carrying pallets and product loads.