AU2002300332B2 - Storage System and Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

31/07/2,802 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 04/28 Form No. 9

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No.: Application Date: Priority Dates: 31 July 2002 31 July 2001 (New Zealand Patent Application No. 513222) April 2002 (New Zealand Patent Application No.518412) Applicant: Kemohan Engineering Limited Vickerman Street Nelson NEW ZEALAND Address for Service: Ernest Robert SCHUCH Patent Attorney PO Box 6411 Baulkham Hills BC NSW 2153 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: STORAGE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: 31/07/2,082 17:24 SCHUCH OOMPANY PAGE 05/28 STORAGE SYSTEM AND APPARATUS TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an apparatus and system for storing and transporting objects and materials and the like. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a partially collapsible frame or container that can be stacked when in an assembled or disassembled state.

BACKGROUND ART Many pallet frames or containers, particularly those used as pallets or for retaining pallets for storing or transporting goods, are relatively bulky. These frames or containers also generally have rigid side panels or frames. It is a disadvantage to have a frame or container with rigid sides for use as a storage frame or container as it can take up valuable storage space when empty and unused.

Most pallet frames or containers are not stackable and therefore space above such pallets can not be used when goods are being stored, whether temporarily or permanently in a warehouse or other such storage facility.

With some frames or containers are collapsible, they collapse in a way that renders them unable to be stacked when in a disassembled state. That is, the frame or container can not have any working vertical members that function to locate a similar pallet container thereupon.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and system for storing objects and materials that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

31/07/ 8002 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 06/28 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a materials handling apparatus for storing and transporting materials and wherein the apparatus can be disassembled in part after use, the apparatus including a substantially horizontal platform attached to and supported by at least four spaced apart comer base members to define a base, each respective said corner base member being adapted to locate a substantially vertically disposed corner extension member of a sufficient length to define a predetermined storage area, and wherein each said corner base member is provided with a foot at the lower end portion adapted, in use, to locate and secure the top end portion of a second vertically disposed comer extension member or the top end portion of a second corner base member of a second apparatus below.

Preferably the corner base members are elongate tubular members. Advantageously the apparatus further comprises at least four side panels, each side panel being adapted, in use, to be releasably associated with and between two said vertically disposed corner extension members to define a storage cavity.

Desirably each side panel includes a supporting framework within which a mesh arrangement is attached between the framework, and wherein the base frame includes a mesh arrangement is attached between the base frame.

Alternatively each said side panel includes a supporting framework with a substantially planar panel attached thereto. Desirably spaced apart tubular sleeves are attached to the supporting framework on at [east two of the side panels to allow said panels to be slidably received by adjacent said corner extension members.

Preferably the planar panels are made of a suitable plastics material. Advantageously the planar panels are colour coded and/or substantially translucent.

Preferably at least one of the side panels is pivotally attached to the apparatus such that the one or more side panels apparatus with pivoting means such that the one or more 31/07/082 17:24 6444995888 SCHUCH OOMPANY PAGE 07/28 side panels is pivoted about either a substantially horizontal or vertical axis to allow access to the inside area of the apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a stacking system wherein any two or more apparatuses according to the first aspect of the invention are stacked one upon the other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows a cross-sectional view of a corner base member locating a corner extension member; Figure 2: Shows a perspective view of figure 1 integrated with the base of the apparatus according to an aspect of the invention; Figure 3: Shows a first side panel fitted to adjacent comer extension members; Figure 3a: Shows a first interlocking member attached to the first side panel; Figure 3b: Shows a second interlocking member attached to the bottom member of the first side panel and fitted over a cross member; Figure 4: Shows a second side panel fitted to adjacent corner extension members; Figure 4a: Shows a third interlocking member attached to the second side panel; 31/07/2002 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 88/28 Figure 5: Shows an exploded perspective view of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 6: Shows a plan view of the base of an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 7: Shows a first side panel associated with adjacent corner extension members; Figure 8: Shows a second side panel associated with adjacent corner extension members; and Figure 9: Shows a perspective view of the apparatus of figures 6 to 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figures 1 to 5, a materials handling apparatus in the form of a frame or container, generally referred to as 1 in figure 5, according to one embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The collapsible and stackable frame or apparatus I is seen in an exploded view in figure 5. It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 can be suitable for storing and transporting materials and objects and the like. The apparatus 1 can be suitable as a stillage frame for handling objects or materials when the sides are provided with mesh, or simply function as a stackable frame within which objects, say in pallets, can be stacked upon the platform.

Referring now more particularly to figure 1, a cross-sectional side view of a corner base member 2 locating a vertically disposed comer extension member 10, is illustrated.

31/07/2082 17:24 644499588 CLC OPN 92 SCHLICH COMPANY PAGE 09/28 The corner base member 2 can include an elongate tubular body 3 having a foot 4 attached at the lower or bottom end portion. The foot 4 desirably includes a splayed skirt 5 for added stability for the apparatus 1 when resting on the ground. The skirt S also functions, in use, to locate and secure the top end portion of a second vertical corner extension member 8 from a second apparatus 1 being stacked thereupon.

The tubular body 3 is desirably square in cross section as seen clearly in figures 1 and 2, although it will be appreciated that most cross sectional shapes of tubing may be suitable as long as the various members and fittings interfit or interlock as required.

Preferably the corner base member 2 is provided with locating means for locating the extension member 8 in the form of indents 6. The indents 6 may be dimples made in the elongate body 3 and desirably four dimples are provided, one in each side of the square shaped body 3.

is The top end portion of the corner base member 2 is adapted to fit a guide means 7 desirably in the form of a grommet or sleeve. The guide means 7 is preferably made of a plastics material and may alternatively be made of rubber or any other suitable resilient and durable material or materials that allows sufficient friction to receive a corner extension member 8 therebetween as seen clearly in figure 1.

Referring now to figure 2, a perspective view of the base 10 of the apparatus 1, is illustrated.

The base 10 includes four spaced apart corner base members 2 attached to and supporting adjacent and adjoining horizontal cross tie members 11 to form a predetermined area defining a platform. The platform may correspond with the size of a standard pallet, and allow, in use, forklift tines to lift the apparatus I under the cross members 11 or to place a pallet of material thereupon.

Desirably base support members 12 can be attached between opposing cross members 11 to strengthen the base 10 of the apparatus 1. A bed or platform 1)3 can be provided 31/07/2.0882 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 10/28 across the cross members 11 and in this embodiment is a mesh platform 13 for use to place objects and materials in the apparatus 1. The mesh platform 13 is attached to the cross members 11 and/or the base support members 12.

It will be appreciated that the mesh platform 13 is particularly suitable for stillage applications whereby material placed in the apparatus 1 is drained or dried, or requires good air circulation during storage and transportation. The free flow of air about the material being stored can reduce the power required to keep the material at a cool temperature.

It is envisaged that in other applications a solid sheet of material may span across the cross members 11 and form a platform 13. It is envisaged that it may be useful to have a sheet of wood, such as plywood, resting over the mesh platform 13 for convenience purposes when stacking items.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1 is designed to be easily moved by forklift tines being positionable under the platform 13. It will also be appreciated that a side panel 14 may be removed to stack and/or remove objects and items from the apparatus 1, as required.

Referring now to figures 3, 3a, 3b, a first side panel, generally referred to as 14, for fitting to adjacent corner extension members 8, is illustrated.

The first substantially planar side panel 14 is adapted with interlocking members to releasable attach to adjacent corner extension members 8 across the shorter width of the container 1. In this embodiment a pair of first side panels 14 are provided. It is seen in figure 3 that a rectangular shape is formed by the apparatus 1 comprising two shorter opposing sides being adjacent to longer other opposing sides.

The first side panel 14 may include a frame having two substantially horizontal frame members 15,16 and two substantially vertical frame members 17,18. The panel 14 fits between the corner extension members 8 and above the cross member 11 and is 31/07/2002 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 11/28 retained in place by interfitting or interlocking members in the form of two top interfitting members 19 and two bottom interfitting members A more detailed view of a top interlocking member 19 is shown in figure 3a. In figure 3a, the top vertical frame member 15 is connected to a corner plate 21 and a square-shaped cap 22 is attached to the corner plate 21. In use, the two caps 22 of the panel 14 are located over the corner extension members 8. Alternatively it is envisaged that tubular sleeves may be used if used in conjunction with a means to secure the corner extension members 8 to prevent them from dislodging from the corner base members 2 if the apparatus 1 is tilted.

A more detailed view of a bottom interfitting or interlocking member 20 is shown in figure 3b. In figure 3b, an L shaped grappling member 20 is fitted, in use, over the bottom horizontal frame member 16 to bear against the inside edge of the cross member 11. It is seen in figure 3 that two interlocking members 20 are provided although it will be appreciated that only one may be required to retain the side panel 14 in place, and that two spaced apart members 20 provide additional support and securement of the panel 14. Alternatively a U shaped member 20 may be provided to hold over opposing edges of the cross member 11.

Desirably a cross-hatched lattice of strips forming a mesh 24 between the frame members 15,16,17,18 is provided for containers used as stillages. It is envisaged that the side panel 14 may alternatively include a solid piece of material between the corner extension members 8 that may retain objects of a smaller size than the mesh openings, or when solid panels are desired.

Referring now to figures 4, 4a, a second side panel, generally referred to as 25, for fitting to adjacent corner extension members 8, is illustrated.

The second substantially planar side panel 25 is adapted with interlocking members to releasable attach to adjacent corner extension members 8 across the longer width of the apparatus 1. In this embodiment a pair of second side panels 25 is provided.

31/07/200882 17:24 644499588 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 12/28 The second side panel 25 may include a frame having two substantially horizontal frame members 26,27 and two substantially vertical frame members 28,29. The second panel 25 fits between the corner extension members 8 and grapples to a cross member 11, and is retained in place by interlocking members in the form of two top interlocking members 30 and two bottom interlocking members 31 that may be identical to the interlocking members 20 as illustrated in figure 3b.

A more detailed view of a top interlocking member 30 is shown in figure 4a. In figure 4a, the top vertical frame member 26 is connected to an angled corner plate 32 and a square-shaped tubular sleeve 33 is attached to the angled corner plate 32. In use, the two tubular sleeves 33 are located over the corner extension members 8.

It is seen in figure 4 that two interlocking members 31 are provided although it will be appreciated that only one may be required to retain the second side panel 25 in place, and that two spaced apart interlocking members 31 provide additional support and securement of the second panel Desirably a cross-hatched lattice of strips forming a mesh 34 between the frame members 26,27,28,29 is provided for containers used as stillages. It is envisaged that the second side panel 25 may alternatively include a solid piece of material between the corner extension members 8 that may retain objects of a smaller size than the mesh openings, or when solid panels are desired.

Referring now to figure 5, an exploded perspective view of the apparatus 1, according to one embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The apparatus I is advantageously designed to be quickly and easily assembled by a user, and may be assembled without the use of tools. In operation, a user would first lay the base 10 in a substantially horizontal position as seen in figure 2, and then insert a vertical extension member 8 in each corner base member 2 so that the bottom portion of each extension member 8 locates between the indents 6 and the guide means 7.

31/07/200882 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 13/28 Then the opposing pair of second side panels 25 are fitted by the sleeves 33 locating about the corner extension members 8 and the two interlocking members 31 locating over the cross members 11.

Then the opposing pair of first side panels 14 are fitted by the caps 22 locating over the corner extension members 8 and the two interlocking members 20 locating over the cross members 11.

It is envisaged that the extension members 6 and caps 22 may extend a sufficient height to allow a second apparatus 1 having a skirt 5 about the foot 4 of the base member 2 to locate thereupon. This stacking feature is desirable when space in a warehouse or storage facility is at a premium and it is convenient to stack more than one apparatus 1 with materials or objects being stored within.

It is also within an aspect of the invention to have an apparatus 1 that partially collapses or disassembles when not required. The apparatus 1 can be advantageously stacked when disassembled for storage and/or return shipping or otherwise. The operation for disassembling is simply the opposite steps for assembly, and does not need to be repeated.

The side panels 14, 25 and the corner extension members 8 when removed from the base 10 can be stacked flat on the platform 13, and it is seen that the flat stacked height of the side panels 14, 25 and the comer extension members 8 can be lower than the top of the base member 2, thus allowing at least two disassembled apparatuses 1 to be stacked with one base 10 upon the other, with respective panels 14, 25 and extension members 8 flat stacked therebetween on each respective platform 13 (not shown).

The apparatus 1 of the invention may also be provided with releasable clamps (not shown) that clamp over the top end of the extension members 8. This allows the apparatus 1 to be tilted, tipped and/or turned upside down by suitable machinery to quickly empty the contents of the apparatus 1, as required.

31/07/200882 17:24 6444995088 SCHUCH 9 COMPANY PAGE 14/28 It is envisaged that a forklift (not shown) may be adapted so as to have the tines fit under the cross members 11 as seen in figure 5, and have clamps fit over the top end of the extension members 8 as seen in figure 4 to allow tilting and tipping of the apparatus 1, as required.

In an alternative embodiment the base 10 may be disassembled with the platform 13 and cross members releasing from the comer base members 2 using any known quick releasing means.

Referring to figures 6 to 9, an apparatus, generally referred to as 50, according to a second embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The apparatus 50 is similar to the apparatus 1 in many aspects and such similar aspects will not necessarily be repeated in the description of this second alternative embodiment.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 50 can be suitable for storing and transporting objects and materials and the like, whether used as a stackable frame with materials, packaged or otherwise, resting thereupon, or as a stackable container with side panels. The apparatus 50 can also be suitable as a stillage frame when the side panels are provided with mesh, or for other objects that should be protected during storage or transportation whether the side panels are provided with mesh or any other suitable durable and resilient material.

As seen in figure 6 with a plan view of a base 51, the base 51 desirably includes at least four corner base members 52, each corner member 52 preferably having an elongate tubular body and a foot 53 attached at the lower or bottom end portion. The corner members 52 are configured and arranged for locating vertically disposed corner extension members 54 as seen more clearly in figures 7 to 9. The corner extension members 52 are desirably releasably located in respective comer base members 52.

31/07/2802 1.7:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 15/28 That is, the extension members 54 slidably locate with the base member 52 that function as a locating and retaining sleeve for the extension members 54.

The corner members 52 are adapted to be attached to adjacent and adjoining horizontal cross tie members 55 to form a predetermined and desirable container size defining a platform and additionally four sides, as required. The apparatus 50 may correspond with the size of a standard pallet, and allow, in use, forklift tines to lift the apparatus under the cross members 55 or to place a pallet of material or objects thereupon.

Desirably base support members 56 can be attached between opposing cross members to strengthen the base 51 of the apparatus 50. As seen in figure 9, a bed or platform 57 can be placed on the cross members 55 and base support members 56 to enable objects and materials to be placed on the base 51 of the apparatus The platform 57 may be a suitable sheet of mesh when the apparatus 50 is used as a stillage frame, as seen in figure 2 of the first embodiment, or may be a sheet of metal, plywood, plastics material or any other suitable durable and resilient material or any combination thereof.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 50 is designed and adapted to be easily moved by forklift tines being positionable under the platform 57.

The apparatus 50 includes a first side panel 58 and a second side panel 59 opposite the first side panel. The first and second side panels 56, 59 are preferably releasably attachable to the corner extension members 54.

The first and second side panels 58, 59 comprise a body portion and releasable attachment means. The panels may be made of any suitable resilient and durable material, and in this embodiment desirably includes a frame comprising a top rail bottom rai! 61, central rails 62, and side rails 63. The panel 64 is made of a plastics material and is desirably transparent or translucent to allow a user to view the contents of the apparatus 50. The plastics material may be clear or may be Coloured as required.

31/07/2002 17:24 6444995088SHUH&CMAYPG 1/2 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 16/28 It is envisaged that the side panels may be colour coded as required for purposes including the ease of identifying the type of contents within. Colour coding may be useful to alert person's to dangerous or special goods being located within the apparatus The panel 64 may be made of one piece, or several pieces, of material.

The base members 52 are advantageously adapted to provide locating slots 65 that slidably receive the side panels 58, 59. Corresponding pins 66 are provided on the side rails 63 to locate the slots 65 when fitting the side panels 58, 59 in place.

The side panels 58, 59 may desirably be provided with interfitting members in the form of locating brackets 67 attached to the side rails 63 that interfit about the corner extension members 54, as shown.

The side panels 58, 59 may include handles 68 as an aid for slidably lifting the side panels 58, 59 up and away from the base members 5;2 and for locating the side panels 58., 59 back in place for use.

The side panels 58, 59 are also provided with a latching means in the form of a latching bracket 69 to locate corresponding pins 70, the pins 70 being attached to each edge of adjacent third and fourth side panels 71, 72.

A bracing member 73 may be attached to the vertical extension members 54 adjacent either side of each side panel 58, 59 for added stability and strength of the apparatus It is seen in figure 9 that the bracing members 73 are not in the path of the side panels 58, 59 as the panels 58, 59 are removed and refitted to the apparatus Referring now more particularly to figure 8, a third side panel 71, is illustrated. The apparatus 50 may be, to an extent, symmetrical in design and therefore figure 8 also Shows further detafIS of the fourth side panei 72.

The third and fourth side panels 71, 72 comprise a body portion and releasable attachment means. The panels 71, 72 are Made of any suitable resilient and durable 31/07/2002 1.7:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 17/28 material, and in this embodiment desirably includes a frame comprising a top rail 74, bottom rail 75, central rails 76, and side rails 77. The panels 71,72 are made of a plastics material and are desirably transparent or translucent to allow a user to view the contents of the container 50. The plastics material may be clear or may be coloured as required. It is envisaged that all the side panels 58, 59, 71, 72 may be colour coded as required for purposes including the ease of identifying the type of contents within.

The base members 52 are advantageously adapted to provide locating slots 78 that slidably receive side panels 71,72. Corresponding pins 79 are provided on the side rails 77 to locate the slots 78 when fitting the side panels 71, 72 in place.

The side panels 71, 72 may include handles 80 as an aid for slidably lifting the side panels 71, 72 up and away from the base members 52 and for locating the side panels 71, 72 back in place for use.

Referring now more particularly to figure 9, a perspective view of the apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The apparatus 50 has been designed to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without the use of tools.

In one form of assembly, a user may first lay the base 52 in a substantially horizontal position, and then insert the vertical extension members 54 in each corner base member 52 so that the bottom portion of each extension member 54 locates within the base member 52. The corner base member 52 functions, inter alia, as a locating sleeve.

Then the first and second side panels 58, 59 are fitted by locating the pins 66 into respective slots 65 about the base members 52 as the interfitting members or locating brackets 67 are fitted or slid about the vertical extension members 54.

31/07/2002 17:24 8444995668 SCHLJCH COMPANY PAGE 1B/28 Then the third and fourth side panels 71, 72 are fitted by locating the pins 79 into respective slots 78 about the base members 52, and the pins 70 are located in respective apertures (not shown) in respective locating brackets 69.

Advantageously the arrangement of panels 58, 59, 71, 72 and the base 51 and various interfitting members serve to support and stabilise the apparatus 50 when assembled.

It will be appreciated that the third and/or fourth side panels 71, 72 may be pivoted from a substantially vertical fitted position to a second substantially flat position for load ing/unloadi ng purposes. Advantageously the third panel 71 and/or the fourth panel may be removed to enable objects and items to be loaded and unloaded from the apparatus 1, 50 as required.

It is envisaged that that either or both of the panels 71, 72 can be pivotal ly rotated about a substantially horizontal axis between the slots 78 and may be removed. Alternatively the lower end of the panels 71, 72 may be adapted with pins identical to the pins 66 located at the top end of the panels 71, 72, and wherein corresponding latching brackets are attached to the corner base members 52 such that the panels 71, 72 can be lifted off the pins 66 on either side and pivotally rotated about a substantially vertical axis to open and thus allow a forklift or person to load or unload goods from the apparatus rt is further envisaged that the extension members 54 may extend a sufficient height to allow a second apparatus 50 having a flared foot 53 on the base member 52 to locate thereupon. This stacking feature is desirable when space in a warehouse or storage facility is at a premium and it is convenient to stack apparatus 1, 50 with objects being stored within.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 50 can be disassembled such that the height of the apparatus can be reduced to that of the height of about the corner base members 52.

Alternatively, the corner base members 52 may be releasably attached to the base and 31/07/2002 L7:24 6444995088 SCHUCH COMPANY PAGE 19/28 platform to further dissemble or collapse the apparatus 50 during transportation of the container when not being used, or during storage periods.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus 1, 50 are capable of being stacked together.

It is also within an aspect of the invention to have an apparatus 1, 50 that collapses or disassembles when not required. The apparatus 1, 50 can be advantageously stacked when disassembled for storage and/or return shipping or otherwise. The operation for disassembling is simply the opposite steps for assembly, and do not need to be repeated.

The parts of the apparatus 1,50 are made of any suitable durable and resilient material and may include wood, metal, alloys, aluminium, plastics materials or a combination thereof. In the embodiment described the material desirably used is galvanised steel with all attachments secured by welding or the like. The steel components may alternatively be powder coated or painted, or otherwise. It will be appreciated that components may be attached by bolts or screws or the like, if required.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A stackable materials handling apparatus for storing and transporting materials and wherein the apparatus can be disassembled in part after use, the apparatus including a substantially horizontal platform attached to and supported by at least four spaced apart corner base members to define a base, each respective en said corner base member being adapted to locate a substantially vertically disposed corner extension member of a sufficient length, and including side o panels adapted, in use, with at least two spaced apart interlocking members Nl 10 attached adjacent the top outer area of each said panel to be releasably o mountable onto adjacent corner extension members to define a storage area N within the area of the side panels, the side panels being provided with an interfitting member adjacent the bottom area of each said panel, in use, to releasably interfit the side panels to the base, each said corner base member being provided with a foot at the lower end portion adapted, in use, to locate and secure the top end portion of a second vertically disposed corner extension member or the top end portion of a second corner base member of a second apparatus below.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the corner base members are elongate tubular members.

3. An apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein corner extension members are square in cross section, and wherein the interlocking members associated with the side panels are square shaped to slidingly fit over respective corner extension members.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein each side panel includes a supporting framework within which a mesh arrangement is attached between the framnework, and wherein the base frame includes a mesh arrangement is attached between the base frame. 17 COMS ID No: SBMI-03739296 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:21 Date 2006-05-30 30/05/2006 17:45 30/5/20617:5 444995092 SCRUCH 9 COMPANY PG PAGE 05/07 An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein each said side panel includes a supporting framework with a substantially planar panel attached thereto.

6. An apparatus according to either claim 4 or claim 5 wherein spaced apart tubular sleeves are attached to the supporting framework on at least two of the Cl side panels to allow said panels to be slidably received by adjacent said corner en extension members.

7. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the planar panels are made of a O suitable plastics material.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the planar panels are colour coded and/or substantially translucent.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claim 3 to a wherein at least one of the side panels is pivotally attached to the apparatus with pivoting means such that the one or more side panels is pivoted about either a substantially horizontal or vertical axis to allow access to the inside area of the apparatus. A slacking system wherein any two or more apparatuses according to any one of the preceding claims are stacked one upon the other.

11. An apparatus according to claim 'I substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

12. A stacking system according to claim 10 substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. Dated: this 3 0 1h day of May 2006. KERNOKAN ENGINEERING LIMITED By its Agents SCHUCH COMPANY 18 COMS ID No: SBMI-03739296 Received by IP Australia: Time 15:21 Date 2006-05-30