Transfer table

Claim 1

A transfer table operable for storage and lateral transfer, in a longitudinal direction, of I-beams and the like that are presented supported upon transversely and vertically extending flanges, said flanges having bottom dimensions, in the longitudinal direction, as narrow as 1/4 inch, comprising: A. at least two longitudinally extending supports; and B. four roller trains mounted upon each longitudinal support, each of said trains extending in said longitudinal direction and each roller train further comprising a first roller mounted upon a first transverse axis and a second roller mounted upon a second transverse axis which is transversely and longitudinally spaced from said first transverse axis, wherein each roller train is positioned so that the first and second transverse axes of each roller train are staggered on 1/4 inch centers with respect to the corresponding first and second transverse axis of adjacent roller trains, whereby four rollers per linear inch are provided in said longitudinal direction upon said supports; and, C. a conveyor drive means extending longitudinally along said each longitudinal support, said conveyor means being rotatably mounted fore and aft with respect to said roller trains, such that said conveyor extends longitudinally intermediate two of said roller trains; and, D. a dog supported upon said conveyor means operable to engage said transversely and vertically extending flanges on an I-beam and the like in order to laterally transport said I-beam upon said roller trains at a right angle, with respect to said transverse axes, and longitudinally, with respect to said longitudinal extending supports.