AU2013101155A4 - Storage module - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 A storage module including a base, two sides with spigots that allow for the sides to slide into a locked position relative to the base and end gates that lock onto the sides to close the ends of the module.

Description

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 STORAGE MODULE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a storage module. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Timber storage modules or crates have traditionally been used for storage and freight. However, such containers are regularly damaged by misaligned forklift impact and, once damaged, may be structurally unsound and expensive to repair as a carpenter is generally required to fit or replace damaged components of the module. [0003] The timber may also contain pests such as termites and fumigation may be needed if the modules are shipped internationally, which can generate further costs and delivery delays. Termites and the like may still find a way into the timber and can cause considerable damage to the structure of the module and the contents. [0004] The modules may also have a short lifespan as a result of being poorly and non-uniformly constructed. The timber also has a tendency to absorb water that can result in outbreaks of mould in the module structure that can spread into the contents of the module. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative module construction. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a storage module including a base, two sides with spigots that allow for the sides to slide into a secured position relative to the base and end gates that latch onto the sides to close the ends H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -2 of the module. [0007] Preferably, the spigots are in the form of posts that slide into holes provided in the base so that the sides are self-supporting on the base. [0008] Preferably, the end gates have connector parts that latch onto corresponding parts of the sides. [0009] Preferably, the connector parts are in the form of inter-fitting pin and slot parts. [0010] Preferably, the slot part is defined by a sleeve provided on the associated side and the pin part projects from the associated end gate. [0011] Preferably, at least one of the end gates is designed to hinge about the associated connector parts so that the end gate can be pivoted open and closed. [0012] Preferably, the pin parts are carried by the end gate and the pin parts on one side of the gate are shorter to allow the gate to be lifted clear of the associated slots on the one side to free the gate for pivoting movement. [0013] Preferably, the end gates include frame handles to enable the gates to be lifted into place or elevated to provide clearance between the shorter pin part and associated slot prior to pivoting movement to open the gates. [0014] Preferably, the module includes a lid that interlocks with the sides to close a top of the module. [0015] Preferably, the lid includes connecting spigots that are telescopically received in posts of the sides. [0016] Preferably, the lid includes brackets at corners of the lid, to locate a base of another module, when stacked on top. [0017] Preferably, the brackets project upwardly and laterally of the sides to inhibit H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -3 lateral movement of the module stacked on top. [0018] Preferably, the components and end gates are formed of a frame with a membrane or plastic sheeting material. Preferably, the membrane is a corrugated plastic sheet. [0019] Preferably, the base, sides, end gates and lid are designed to be flat-packed together or separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a storage module; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a base assembly; Figure 3 is an exploded view of a side assembly; Figure 4 is an exploded view of an end gate assembly; Figure 5 is an exploded view of a lid assembly; Figure 6 is a view showing an assembled module; Figure 7 is a view showing stacked assembled modules; Figure 8 are views showing a module disassembly/assembly process; Figure 9 is a view showing self supporting sides of the module; Figure 10 is a perspective cut-away view showing a container with flat packed modules; H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -4 Figure 11 illustrates different sized modules. Figure 12 is an exploded view of an extension unit. Figure 13 is a view showing an extension unit assembled with a module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0021] Referring firstly to Figure 1, a storage module 1 is shown as including a base 2, two sides 3, two end gates 4 and a lid 5. [0022] Each side 3 has spigots 6 in the form of posts 7 that slide into holes 8 provided in the base 2. The lid 5 has downwardly extending spigots 9 that telescopically slide into the open ends 10 of posts 7 to locate and interlock with the sides 3. [0023] The end gates 4 have connector parts 11 in the form of pins 12 that are arranged for a drop-in sliding fit into corresponding connecting parts 13 formed on the sides 3. The connecting parts 13 are in the form of sleeves 14 that define slots 15 for receipt of the pins 12. [0024] With reference to Figure 2, the base 2 is formed of a tubular frame 16 with top and bottom layers 17, 18, with a space 19 to receive fork tines of a fork-lift of the like. A cover sheet 44 is fitted on to the top layer 18 and a plastic sheet 20 is fixed on top of the cover sheet 19 to complete the base assembly 2. Corner sections 21 of the base 2 define the holes 8 for receipt of the posts 7 of the side assemblies 3. [0025] With reference to Figure 3, the sides 3 are also formed of a tubular frame 22 with a plastic sheet 23 fixed over the frame 22. The bottom end 24 of each side post 7 is of a reduced dimension to fit inside the open ends 8 provided in the base 2. The sleeves 14 are attached at top and bottom locations on each side post 7, for connection with the associated pins 12 of the end gates 4. [0026] Referring now to Figure 4, the end gate 4 is shown as also being formed of tubular frame 25 with a plastic sheet 26 fixed to the frame 25. The frame 25 includes H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -5 hook pins 12 located at positions corresponding to the sleeves 14 of the side assemblies 3. The frame 25 also includes handles 27 to allow the end gate 4 to be lifted into place and then lowered so as to enable the pins 12 to slide into locking engagement with the sleeves 14. [0027] Referring now to Figure 5, the lid assembly 5 is shown as also being formed with a tubular frame 28 and plastic sheet 29. The frame 28 includes spigots 9 that locate in to the open ends 10 of the posts 7 of the sides 3. Brackets 30 are provided at each of the corner sections 31. The brackets 30 have side flanges 32 that project upwardly and laterally of the frame 28. The brackets 30 serve to locate a base of another module when stacked on top. [0028] With reference to Figure 6, a completed module 1 is shown supported on a trolley 34 with brackets 35 corresponding to those on the lid 5, to securely locate the base 2 relative to the trolley 34. [0029] As can be seen, the module 1 presents a neat and structurally integral unit, where each of the base, sides, end gates and lid 2, 3, 4 and 5 are interlocked with each other. In particular, the sides 3 have been dropped into position on the base 2 by sliding the posts 7 into the open ends 8 provided in the frame 16. The lid 5 is similarly interlocked with the sides 3 by telescopically sliding the connecting spigots 9 into the side posts 7 of the side assemblies 3. The end gates 4 are securely locked in place to close the ends 36 of the module 1 by the interconnection of the pins 12 in the holes 15 defined by the sleeves 14 on each of the end posts 7 of the sides 3. [0030] Referring now to Figure 7, a set of stacked modules 1, 37 is illustrated carried by a fork-lift 38. The base 2 of the upper module 37 is reliably located in place onto of the lid of the lower module 5 and lateral movement of the top module 37 is resisted by the brackets 30. [0031] Referring now to Figure 8, the module 1 is illustrating the disassembly process. For that purpose, Step 1 illustrates the end gates 4 being removed. Step 2 illustrates the lid 5 being lifted clear of the sides 3. Step 3 illustrates the sides 3 being lifted off the base 2. Step 4 illustrates the base, sides, end gates and lid 2, 3, 4 and 5 flat packed in a stacked formation. The Steps illustrated in Figure 8 can be performed H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -6 in reverse order to assemble the module 1. [0032] During the assembly or disassembly process, the end gates 4 can hinge about the associated connector parts 13 so that the end gate 4 can be pivoted open and closed. The pins 45 on one side of the end gate 4 are shorter to allow the gate to be lifted clear of the associated slots on the one side to free the end gate 4 for pivoting movement. [0033] The end gates 4 also include frame handles 27 to enable the end gates 4 to be lifted into place or elevated to provide clearance between the shorter pin 45 and associated slot 14 to free the end gate 4 for hinged movement. The frame handles 27 are shaped as to allow a person to slide their fingers behind the handle 27 and grab the handle 27 comfortably from a position standing front-on, using an underarm grip, an overarm grip or a combination of both. [0034] Referring to Figure 9, the sides 3 are shown as self-supporting, which means the lid 5 can be lifted clear without the sides 3 collapsing. This also means that when the end gates are removed the module can be loaded from both sides. [0035] Referring to Figure 10, a container 39 is illustrated as being filled with flat packed bases, sides, end gates and lids 2, 3, 4 and 5. With that arrangement, a standard sized shipping container might include the necessary components to construct up to 20 modules that have a height dimension in the order of 2412mm and a width dimension in the order of 1883mm when in the fully assembled condition. [0036] Figure 11 illustrates multiple modules 40, 41, and 42 of different size and volume, ranging from 4, 6 and 8 cubic metres. [0037] Figure 12 illustrates an exploded view of extension sides 46 and extension end gates 47, forming an extension unit 48 constructed of the same tubular frame and plastic sheet assembly as module 1 sides 3 and end gates 4. The extension unit utilises the same spigots, open ends, pins and sleeves to assemble and function the same as the end gates 4 and sides 3 of module 1. [0038] Figure 13 illustrates the extension unit 48 assembled on top of module 1.

H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -7 The extension sides 46 and extension end gates 47 increase the height of the module, and therefore its storage volume. The lid 5 of module 1 has been retained and assembled on top of the extension unit. [0039] As may be appreciated, the tubular frame construction of the base, sides, end gates and lid 2, 3, 4 and 5, means the module 1 and the individual assemblies are light weight but very strong. [0040] The plastic sheets 20, 23, 26, 29 covering the frames are easily cleaned, as opposed to a timber module, so the module 1 allows for clean and safe storage of all types of objects, material and organic matter for both long and short periods, without termites or mould being an issue, as with the prior art timber modules. [0041] The module 1 is fast and simple to construct and can be assembled and disassembled without tools. If one of the frames or plastic sheets is damaged and needs replacing, the relevant components can be readily replaced as needed, without requiring expensive carpenter repairs, as with the prior art timber modules. [0042] The module described above can also be reliably stacked. It is envisaged that each module could carry a 1.6 tonne load capacity, even when three modules are stacked one on top of the other, although higher or lower load capacity could be designed into the construction of the frames, as required. [0043] The module has been described by way of non-limiting example only and many modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described.

Claims (14)

1. A storage module including a base, two sides with spigots that allow for the sides to slide into a locked position relative to the base and end gates that lock onto the sides to close the ends of the module.

2. The storage module of claim 1, wherein the spigots are in the form of posts that slide into holes provided in the base so that the sides are self-supporting on the base.

3. The storage module of claim 2, wherein the sides have connector parts that clip onto corresponding parts of the sides.

4. The storage module of claim 3, wherein the connector parts are in the form of a inter-fitting pin and sleeve connector parts.

5. The storage module of claim 4, wherein the slot part is defined by a sleeve provided on the associated side and the pin projects from the associated end gate.

6. The storage module of claim 5, wherein at least one of the end gates is designed to hinge about the associated connector parts so that the end gate can be pivoted open and closed.

7. The storage module of claim 6, wherein the pin parts are carried by the end gate and the pin parts on one side of the gate are shorter to allow the gate to be lifted clear of the associated slots on the one side to free the gate for pivoting movement.

8. The storage module of claim 7, wherein the end gates include frame handles to enable the gates to be lifted into place or elevated to provide clearance between the shorter pin part and associated slot prior to pivoting movement to open the gates.

9. The storage module of claim 1, further including a lid that interlocks with the sides to close a top of the module. H:\cab\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\CAB\5431773_l.doc-30/08/2013 -9

10. The storage module of claim 9, wherein the lid assembly includes connecting spigots that are telescopically received in posts of the sides.

11. The storage module of claim 10, wherein the lid assembly includes locating brackets at corners of the lid, to locate a base of another module, when stacked on top.

12. The storage module of claim 11, wherein the brackets project upwardly and laterally of the sides to inhibit lateral movement of the module stacked on top.

13. The storage module of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base, sides, end gates and lid are formed of a frame with a membrane of plastic sheeting material.

14. The storage module of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the base, sides, end gates and lid are designed to be flat-packed.