Storage unit and post and beam of the unit

Abstract

A storage unit of the disclosure includes vertical posts on which beams that connect the posts are adjustably supported at selected heights. Each post has an elongated shape of a T-shaped cross section including an imperforate outer wall, imperforate side walls that extend inwardly from the outer wall in spaced relationship to each other, inner walls that extend from the side walls toward each other in spaced relationship to the outer wall, and flanges which extend inwardly from the inner walls and are connected to each other. Mounting openings are provided in each inner wall of the post along the length thereof for use in securing the beams to the post. Each beam has an elongated shape between the posts and opposite ends which include respective notches. At least one attachment tab is mounted within each beam notch for protection when the beam is not being used and for use in securing the beam to the post by projecting through one of the post mounting openings. Upper and lower ends of the post mounting openings are symmetrical about a horizontal centerline so that the post can be used with either of its ends up. A unitary attachment plate on the end of the beam includes a flat section and a bent section from which the attachment tab is struck. As disclosed, there are two sets of vertically spaced attachment tabs and each set includes a lower support tab and an upper anti-lift tab which are both received within the same mounting opening upon securement of the beam to the post. Inclined surfaces of the post mounting openings are engaged by the support tabs to force the beam end against the post, and wedging surfaces of the support tabs likewise force the beam end against the post.