GB2559952A

GB2559952A - Stillage

Info

Publication number: GB2559952A
Application number: GB1700651.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chambers John; James Peter
Original assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Current assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-13
Filing date: 2017-01-13
Publication date: 2018-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-13
Also published as: GB2559952B; GB201700651D0

Abstract

A stillage 1 adapted for the storage of articles of different sizes, comprising a first and a second region (2,3 fig.4) configured to hold long or short articles respectively. A second independent claim of a stillage 1 comprising upright members 7,8 extending upwards from the base, an insert comprising a plurality of compartments (21,22,23,24, fig.4), the insert being removably supported on at least one of the base and an upright member, wherein the insert is removably supported on at least one of the base and upright members, the stillage comprising a first and a second region (2,3 fig.4) configured to hold long or short articles respectively, the second region comprising the insert. A third independent claim to an insert for a stillage comprising a plurality of compartments (21,22,23,24, fig.4) and means for removably securing the insert to a stillage. The stillage may include a floor panel raised above the base and extending between upright members, side panels (31,32,33,34, fig.3) extending upwards from the floor panel and between upright members which define a storage volume and partitions between opposing side panels dividing the storage volume into compartments.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Drainfast Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Scaifs Farm, Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HL, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

John Chambers

Peter James (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2554716 A CN 205870491 U CN 203305207 U (58) Field of Search:

WO 2014/197932 A1 CN 205521274 U DE 202015006810U

INT CL B25H, B65D, B65G, E04G Other: EPODOC, WPI, Internet (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Reddie & Grose LLP The White Chapel Building,

Whitechapel High Street, London, E1 8QS, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Stillage

Abstract Title: A stillage for the storage of articles of different sizes (57) A stillage 1 adapted for the storage of articles of different sizes, comprising a first and a second region (2,3 fig.4) configured to hold long or short articles respectively. A second independent claim of a stillage 1 comprising upright members 7,8 extending upwards from the base, an insert comprising a plurality of compartments (21,22,23,24, fig.4), the insert being removably supported on at least one of the base and an upright member, wherein the insert is removably supported on at least one of the base and upright members, the stillage comprising a first and a second region (2,3 fig.4) configured to hold long or short articles respectively, the second region comprising the insert. A third independent claim to an insert for a stillage comprising a plurality of compartments (21,22,23,24, fig.4) and means for removably securing the insert to a stillage. The stillage may include a floor panel raised above the base and extending between upright members, side panels (31,32,33,34, fig.3) extending upwards from the floor panel and between upright members which define a storage volume and partitions between opposing side panels dividing the storage volume into compartments.

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STILLAGE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stillage or a pallet. In particular, the present invention relates to a stillage or a pallet adapted to store building materials, fittings and tools.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

Building sites are often confined spaces in which construction workers perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as cutting and drilling. It is often necessary to store building materials on site, close to where they are needed. However, loose building materials, in particular long building materials such as beams, pipes, ducts and guttering, can present trip hazards for construction workers. Shorter building materials, fittings and tools are often also stored on site, but are typically stored separately from long building materials. These shorter articles can also present trip hazards and can easily get lost or damaged if not stored appropriately.

There is an opportunity to improve on-site storage for building materials, tools and fittings. It would be desirable to provide on-site storage of building materials, fittings and tools that improves the safety of workers. It would also be desirable to provide means for organising building materials, fittings and tools on site, in order to improve the efficiency workers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stillage adapted for the storage of articles of different sizes. The stillage comprises a first region and a second region. The first region may be configured to hold long articles and the second region may be configured to hold short articles.

By providing a stillage with separate regions for storing articles of different sizes, the present invention enables articles of different sizes to be stored together, on site, in a single structure. This may improve the organisation of articles of different sizes on site. This may enable articles of different sizes to be stored safely and securely on site. This may also enable articles of different sizes to be moved to different locations, together, in a single action.

As used herein, the term ‘stillage’ refers to an apparatus for storing or holding articles above or off of the floor. Examples of stillages include racks, pallets and platforms.

It will be appreciated that the terms ‘long’ and ‘short’ are relative terms that are used herein to describe the relative lengths of articles that are suitable to be stored in the first and second regions of the stillage. In other words, the first region may be configured to store articles of a first length and the second region may be configured to store articles of a second length, the first length being longer than the second length. It will also be appreciated that the long articles referred to herein are articles having a length in one dimension that is significantly greater than the length in any dimension of the short articles referred to herein.

It will also be appreciated that the terms ‘long’ and ‘short’ are relative terms used herein to describe the lengths of articles relative to the length of the stillage. Generally, the long articles referred to herein have a length that is substantially similar to or greater than the length of the stillage. Suitable long articles may include long, elongate building materials, such as pipes and beams, and long, thin building materials, such as sheets, panels or plates. Similarly, the short articles referred to herein generally have a length that is substantially less than the length of the stillage. Suitable short articles may include connectors, fixtures and hand tools.

The first region may be adapted to hold long articles in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the stillage of the present invention has a length and the first region extends substantially the length of the stillage. This may enable long articles to be stored lengthways in the first region of the stillage. In other words, this may enable long articles to be stored in the first region of the stillage with a longitudinal axis of the article substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stillage. Preferably, the first region of the stillage is configured to store long articles in a horizontal orientation. In other words, preferably the first region of the stillage is configured to store long articles lying down. In some embodiments, the first region of the stillage may be configured to store long articles having a length that is longer than the length of the stillage. In these embodiments, at least one end of the first region of the stillage may be open to allow long building materials stored in the first region to extend out of the stillage.

The second region may also extend substantially the length of the stillage.

The second region may be adapted to store short articles in any suitable way. For example, the second region may be bounded or closed at some of the sides to define a storage volume that is suitable for holding short articles, such as fixings, fittings and hand tools. In some embodiments, the second region may comprise a plurality of compartments, as described in more detail later on.

In some embodiments, the first region may be arranged at a first side of the stillage and the second region may be arranged at a second side of the stillage. The second side may be opposite the first side. The first and second regions may be arranged substantially at opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the stillage. The longitudinal axis may be a central longitudinal axis. Where the longitudinal axis is a central longitudinal axis, the first region may comprise a first half of the stillage and the second region may comprise a second half of the stillage. Where the longitudinal axis is not a central longitudinal axis, the first region may be a different size to the second region. In some embodiments, the first region may be twice the size of the second region. In other embodiments, the first region may be half the size of the second region.

The first and second regions may not overlap. Where the first and second regions are arranged at opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the stillage, the first and second regions may not overlap along the longitudinal axis. The first and second regions may be separated by at least one partition or divider. This may prevent articles stored in the first region from mixing with articles stored in the second region.

Preferably, the first region has an open end or an open side. Preferably, the first region is open at the top. In other words, the first region may be accessible from above.

This may facilitate loading of the first region with long articles, as the long articles may be dropped into the first region from above.

In preferred embodiments, the second region comprises a plurality of compartments. Typically, each compartment comprises a floor and side walls. The floor and side walls may define a storage volume of the compartment.

Providing the second region of the stillage with a plurality of compartments may facilitate organisation of articles stored in the second region. For example, where two different types of small article are to be stored in the second region, each type of article may be stored in a separate compartment. Providing the second region with compartments of different sizes may facilitate storage of articles of different sizes in the second region.

In particularly preferred embodiments, there is provided a stillage comprising a first region and a second region, the second region being separated from the first region by at least one partition and comprising a plurality of compartments. In these particularly preferred embodiments, the first region may be arranged at a first side of the stillage and the second region may be arranged at a second side of the stillage, the second side being opposite the first side. The first and second regions may extend substantially the length of the stillage.

The second region may have an open end or an open side. Preferably, the second region is open at the top. Where the second region comprises a plurality of compartments, preferably the compartments are open at the top. Providing open toped compartments may also enable straightforward loading of the compartments, as articles may be poured or dropped into the compartments.

The stillage may be any suitable shape and size. Preferably, the stillage has a substantially rectangular footprint. As used herein, the term ‘footprint’ refers to the horizontal cross-section of the stillage when the stillage is stood upright, in an orientation for use. The stillage of the present invention may have a footprint equivalent to the footprint of a conventional pallet. In other words, the length and the width of the stillage of the present invention may be the same as the length and the width of a conventional pallet. However, preferably, the footprint of the stillage of the present invention is larger than the footprint of a conventional pallet in at least one dimension. The stillage of the present invention may be elongate. Preferably, the stillage of the present invention has a width that is equivalent to the length of a conventional pallet and the stillage of the present invention has a length that is equivalent to the width of three or more conventional pallets, arranged side-by-side.

The stillage of the present invention may have a width of between about 500 mm and 1600 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1400 mm and ideally about 1200 mm.

The stillage of the present invention may have a length of between about 500 mm and 64800 mm, preferably between about 1500 mm and 3600 mm and ideally about 3000 mm. Ideally, the stillage of the present invention has a width of about 1200 mm and a length of about 3000 mm, which is about the same as the footprint of three standard size British pallets arranged side-by-side in a row. In some embodiments, the stillage of the present invention may have a width of about 800 mm and a length of about 3600 mm, which is about the same as the footprint of three standard size Euro pallets arranged side-by side in a row.

The stillage of the present invention may have a height of between about 700 mm and 2000 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1600 mm and ideally about 1200 mm.

The stillage may comprise a base. The base may be any suitable shape. Typically the base is substantially rectangular.

In some embodiments, the base may comprise a base frame. The base frame may comprise horizontal frame members. The horizontal frame members may be arranged in a substantially rectangular formation. In other embodiments, the base may comprise a floor panel. The floor panel may be substantially rectangular.

In some embodiments, the base may comprise a base frame and a floor panel. In these embodiments, the floor panel may extend substantially between the horizontal frame members. The floor panel may be arranged above or below the horizontal frame members and may be secured to the horizontal frame members.

The stillage may also comprise upright members. The upright members may extend upwards from the base. Where the base comprises a base frame, the upright members may extend upwards from the horizontal frame members. Where the base comprises a floor panel, the upright members may extend upwards from the floor panel. Preferably, the upright members extend upwards from the edges of the floor panel.

As used herein, ‘upright’ is used to mean substantially vertical. As used herein, the terms ‘horizontal’ and the terms ‘upright’ and ‘vertical’ are used as relative terms to refer to components of the stillage that are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other.

The base may connect the upright members together, such that the base and upright members form a unitary structure. As such, the base to be substantially rigid, so that the structure of the stillage is substantially rigid. Where the base comprises a base frame and a floor panel, the upright members may be secured to the base frame. This may enable the floor panel to be made thinner or lighter, as the floor panel may not be required to provide structural rigidity to the stillage.

Upright members may be provided at least at the corners of the first region of the stillage. In some embodiments, particularly in embodiments where the first region is configured to hold articles with a length longer than the length of the stillage, the upright members may provide a stop to prevent long articles held in the first region from moving or rolling out of the first region in the direction of the width of the stilage.

The stillage may also comprise at least one horizontal cross-member extending between adjacent upright members. The horizontal cross-members may strengthen or reinforce the connection between adjacent upright members. The horizontal cross-members may also provide support for panels or covers, as described in more detail later on. The horizontal cross-members may be substantially similar to the horizontal frame members of the base. Preferably, the horizontal cross-members may extend along the sides of the stillage.

The upright members may comprise upright corner members extending upwards from the corners of the base. The upright members may also comprise intermediate upright members arranged between the upright corner members. Typically, intermediate upright members are arranged around the sides or edges of the stillage. In some embodiments, the stillage may comprise intermediate upright members spaced at regular intervals along at least one of the sides the stillage, between the upright corner members. Intermediate upright members may also be arranged between the first and second regions of the stillage.

Upright members may be spaced along the length of the stillage at intervals having a spacing substantially similar to the width of conventional pallets.

The stillage may be configured to be stackable with other similar stillages. Where the stillage is stackable, the upright members may be configured as compressive members. In other words, the upright members may as columns or stanchions that are configured to withstand substantial compressive forces without bending, buckling or breaking. The upright members may be configured to support the weight of one or more similar stillages stacked on top of the stillage. Where the stillage comprises upright members spaced along the length of the stillage, along both sides, individual conventional pallets may also be stacked on top of the stillage, between two adjacent or neighbouring upright members.

The horizontal frame members and the upright members may be generally referred to herein as frame members. The frame members may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, all of the frame members are made from the same material. However, in some embodiments, the frame members may be made from different materials. Suitable materials for the frame members include: metals, metal alloys, composites, plastic materials, and wood. Suitable metals and metal alloys include aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel. Preferably, all of the frame members are made from mild steel.

The frame members may have any suitable shape and dimensions. For example, each frame member may be made from solid bar or plate, hollow bar or angle bar.

Preferably all of the frame members may have the same cross-section. However, in some embodiments, the frame members have different cross-sections. Preferably, the frame members are made from hollow box section or angle section.

In some embodiments, all of the frame members are made from mild steel box section. Making the frame members from hollow box section, rather than bar, may reduce the weight and cost of the frame. The box section members may have a width of between about 20 mm and 200 mm, preferably between about 50 mm and 100 mm and ideally about 75 mm. The box section members may also have a depth of between about 20 mm and 200 mm, preferably between about 50 mm and 100 mm and ideally about 75 mm. The box section members may have a wall thickness of between about 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between about 2 mm and 10 mm and ideally about 5 mm.

In other embodiments, all of the frame members are made from mild steel angle section. Making the frame members from angle section, rather than box section, may further reduce the weight and cost of the frame. The angle section may be formed from a sheet of steel bent along its length into an L-shape cross-section, such that the angle section comprises two substantially perpendicular sections. Each substantially perpendicular section of the angle section may have a width of between about 20 mm and 200 mm, preferably between about 50 mm and 100 mm and ideally about 50 mm. The angle section may have a wall thickness of between about 2 mm and 15 mm, preferably between about 2 mm and 10 mm and ideally about 5 mm.

The upright members may have any suitable length. The upright members may all have the same length. However, the lengths of the upright members may vary depending on the type of upright member. The upright members may have a length of between about 700 mm and 2000 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1600 mm and ideally about 1200 mm. Preferably, the lengths of the upright corner members define the height of the stillage.

Preferably, all of the upright corner members have the same length. Preferably, the upright corner members have a length of about 1200 mm.

Some frame members may be secured together. Frame members may be secured together by any suitable means. Preferably, metal frame members are welded together.

In addition to the floor panel, the stillage may also comprise a plurality of other panels. The stillage may comprise side panels extending between adjacent upright members. In some embodiments, a partition panel may be provided between the first and second regions to separate the first and second regions. In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments may be formed from panels. Where the compartments are formed from panels, the panels may define the storage volume inside the compartment. Where the second region comprises a plurality of compartments, one or more of the compartments may comprise a floor and side walls formed from individual panels that are secured together or to frame members of the stillage. Some compartments may share common panels. For example, some compartments may share a common floor panel and one or more common side panels. Adjacent compartments may be separated by a common partition panel. Some embodiments may also comprise one or more removable cover panels for removably covering open sides or ends of the stillage. The floor panels, side panels, partition panels and cover panels may all be generally referred to herein as panels.

Preferably, the panels are substantially planar or flat. Preferably, the panels are thin. As used herein, ‘thin’ is used to describe an article with one dimension that is substantially less than the other dimensions. In other words, a ‘thin’ article has a length, a width and a depth, and the depth of the articles is substantially less than the length and the width.

The panels may be made from any suitable material for holding building materials, fittings and tools. For example, the panels may be formed for metal or a metal alloy, a composite material, plastics, ceramics or wood. Suitable metals and metal alloys include aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel and galvanised steel. The panels may all be made from the same material. The panels may be made from different materials. The floor panel may be made from a different material to the side panels.

In some embodiments, the panels may be made from one or more planks or sheets of material. The planks or sheets may have any suitable thickness and the thickness may depend on the material. However, suitable thicknesses may be between about 0.5 mm and about 10 mm, and preferably between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

In other embodiments, the panels may be made from a mesh material. A mesh material may have apertures that enable a user to see the stored materials in the storage compartment. Where the floor panel comprises a mesh material, the floor may enable water to drain from the stillage. The apertures may have any suitable shape, such as circular, elliptical, square or hexagonal. The apertures may be sized to be smaller than the objects to be stored in the storage compartment. For example, the apertures may have a width of between about 1 mm and about 50 mm, and preferably between about 5 mm and about 30 mm. The mesh may be any suitable type of mesh. For example, the mesh may be a perforated mesh. Preferably the mesh is formed from wires. The wires may have any suitable diameter and the diameter may depend on the material. Suitable diameters may be between about 0.5 mm and 10 mm, and preferably between about 1 mm and about 5 mm. The wire mesh may be threaded, but preferably the wire mesh is a welded wire mesh.

Where the stillage has a plurality of panels, each panel may be formed from the same material. However, each panel may be formed from a different material.

Preferably, the panels are made from sheets of mild steel or welded wire meshes of mild steel.

Some panels may be secured to frame members. Some panels may be secured to other, adjacent panels. The panels may be secured together or to the frame members by any suitable means. Suitable securing means include welding, adhering or fastening. For example, side panels may be bolted to the upright corner members. For example, an adhesive layer may be provided between two adjacent panels. Preferably, where the panels are formed from a metal, the panels are welded together or to the frame members. Where the stillage has a plurality of panels, each panel may be secured be the same means. However, each panel may be secured by different means.

As mentioned above, the second region may comprise a plurality of compartments. Preferably, each compartment comprises a floor and side walls. Preferably, the floor and side walls define a storage volume. The storage volume may be a substantially cubic volume.

Each compartment may have an upper end opposite the floor. Each compartment may be open at one end or side to enable access to articles stored in the compartment. Typically, the compartments are open at the upper end so that the contents of the compartments can be accessed from above. Providing compartments with open upper ends may also enable straightforward loading of the compartments, as articles may be poured or dropped into the compartments.

The upper ends of some of the compartments may be substantially aligned. In other words, the top of some of the compartments may be aligned. Preferably, the upper ends of all of the compartments are aligned. The upper ends of the compartments may substantially lie on a horizontal plane. The upper ends of the compartments may be substantially aligned towards the distal or upper ends of the upright members. Such alignment of the tops of upper ends of the compartments may facilitate access to articles stored in the compartments.

The second region may comprise any suitable number of compartments. The second region may comprise between two and twenty compartments, preferably between four and fifteen compartments and more preferably between about six and twelve compartments.

The compartments may be arranged in any suitable arrangement. Some of the compartments may be arranged in contact with other compartments. Some of the compartments may be arranged side-by-side or end-to-end. Some of the compartments may be spaced from the other compartments.

Preferably, the arrangement of compartments extends substantially the length and width of the second region. In other words, preferably the compartments extend substantially over the footprint of the second region. However, in some embodiments, the compartments may extend partially over the footprint of the second region.

Some of the compartments may extend upwards from the base of the stillage. In other words, the floor of some compartments may be arranged at the base of the stillage. Where the base of the stillage comprises a floor panel, the floor panel of the base may also form the floor of the compartment.

Some compartments may have a floor that is spaced from the base of the stillage. Some compartments may have a floor that is raised above the base of the stillage. These compartments may be supported by the upright members of the stillage. These compartments may also be supported on a sub-frame. The sub-frame may comprise upright sub-frame members. The sub-frame may also comprise horizontal sub-frame members.

The sub-frame may be supported by at least one of the upright members and horizontal frame members of the stillage. The sub-frame may be fixedly secured to at least one of the upright members and the base of the stillage. However, in some embodiments, where the sub-frame supports compartments that are removably supported on at least one of the upright members and the base, the sub-frame may also be removably supported on at least one of the upright members and the base.

The compartments may be any suitable size and shape. Some of the compartments may have an identical size and shape. In some embodiments, all of the compartments have the same size and shape. However, in preferred embodiments, the second region comprises compartments of different sizes and shapes. In the most preferred embodiments, the size and shape of each compartment is chosen depending on the size and shape of the short article to be stored in the compartment.

As used herein, the length of a compartment refers to the extent of the compartment in the direction of the length of the stillage. The compartments may have any suitable length. All of the compartments may have the same length. However, preferably the compartments have different lengths. Some compartments may have a length that is less than a third of the length of the stillage. Some compartments may have a length that is substantially equal to a third of the length of the stillage. Where the stillage has a length that is substantially equivalent to the width of three conventional pallets arranged side-by-side, and the first and second regions are arranged on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the stillage, these compartments may have a length that is substantially equal to the width of a conventional pallet. Some compartments may have a length that is greater than a third of the length of the stillage.

As used herein, the width of a compartment refers to the extent of the compartment in the direction of the width of the stillage. The compartments may have any suitable width. Some compartments may have a width that is substantially equal to the width of the second region. Where the stillage has a width that is substantially equal to the length of a conventional pallet, and the first and second regions are arranged on opposite sides of a central longitudinal axis of the stillage, these compartments may have a width that is substantially equal to half the length of a conventional pallet. Some compartments may have a width that is less than the width of the stillage.

As used herein, the depth of a compartment refers to the extent of the compartment in the direction of the height of the stillage. Some compartments may extend upwards from the base of the stillage to substantially the distal or upper end of one or more of the upright members. These compartments are referred to herein as deep compartments. Other compartments may be shallower than the deep compartments. Shallower compartments may extend upwards from the base to a position substantially below the distal or upper end of one or more of the upright members. However, preferably, shallower compartments may have a floor that is raised above the base of the stillage. Raising the floor of shallower compartments may reduce the need for a user to bend over to access articles stored at the bottom of the shallower compartments.

In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments may be an integral part of the stillage. In other words, one or more of the compartments may be integrally formed with other parts of the stillage, such as the frame members, the floor panel and the side panels.

In other embodiments, one or more of the compartments may be fixedly secured to the stillage. The one or more compartments may be fixedly secured to the stillage by any suitable means, such as by welding, adhering and bolting. In other embodiments, one or more of the compartments may be removably supported on at least one of the frame members, floor panel and side panels of the stillage. One or more of the compartments may be removably securable to at least one of the frame members, floor panel and side panels of the stillage.

The compartments may be formed in any suitable way. For example, one or more of the compartments may comprise a floor panel and side panels defining the floor and side walls of the compartment. Some compartments may comprise panels that are secured together. Some compartments may have a floor and side walls that are integrally formed.

Some compartments may comprise a frame. For example, some compartments may comprise a base formed of horizontal frame members and upright members extending generally upwards from the base. Compartments having a frame may have floor and side panels extending between the frame members. The frame of the compartments may be separate from the base and upright members of the stillage.

Some compartments may share common features. For example, some compartments may share a common floor panel and one or more common side walls. Adjacent compartments that are arranged side-by-side may share a common partition. Compartments that are arranged side-by-side may be integrally formed together. Providing common features that are shared by more than one compartment may reduce the weight of the compartments and, therefore, reduce the weight of the stillage.

In some embodiments, a floor panel and side panels extend between frame members of the stillage and define a storage volume. The storage volume may be separated into a plurality of compartments by one or more partition panels extending between opposing side panels.

One or more of the compartments may be formed from a plurality of panels secured to the frame of the stillage. The panels may be secured to the upright members. The panels may also be secured to horizontal frame members.

In some embodiments, one or more of the compartments may comprise an individual unit. In other words, one or more of the compartments may comprise an independent structure, separate of the structure of the other compartments. Where one or more of the compartments comprises an individual unit, the individual units may be secured or joined together. Adjacent compartments may be permanently secured or joined together. Adjacent compartments may be removably secured together. Where compartments are removably secured together, the arrangement or configuration of compartments may be altered to accommodate different storage requirements. In other words, the compartments may be modular.

Where one or more of the compartments is removably supported on the frame or the upright members, the one or more compartments may define an insert for a stillage. Where such an insert comprises two or more compartments, the insert may enable an existing stillage to be converted into a stillage according to the present invention.

The insert may comprise means for removably securing the insert to upright members or a base of a stillage. For example, an insert may comprise clips or hooks.

Where the insert comprises hooks, the hooks may engage with a horizontal cross-member of a stillage to removably secure the insert to the stillage. In other words, the insert may be hung from a horizontal cross-member of a stillage. When the insert is removably secured to the stillage, the stillage may comprise a first region and a second region, the second region comprising the insert with the plurality of compartments. The first region may be configured to store long articles and the second region may be configured to store short articles.

The insert may comprise a sub-frame supporting one or more of the compartments. The sub-frame may connect two or more of the compartments of the insert together.

In some embodiments, the stillage may comprise one or more covers. The stillage may comprise a cover configured to extend over the open end of the first region. The stillage may comprise a cover configured to extend over the open end of the second region. The stillage may comprise a cover configured to extend over the open ends of the first and second regions. The stillage may comprise one or more covers for covering the open end of the compartments.

A cover may protect articles stored in the stillage from the environment, such as rain. Preferably, the one or more covers are supported on the frame members. The one or more covers may be securable or lockable to the frame members such that the articles stored in the covered compartments are not able to be accessed by unauthorised users.

The one or more covers may be substantially similar to other panels of the stillage. The one or more covers may be substantially planar or flat. The one or more covers may be made from any suitable material. In particular, the one or more covers may be made from a relatively robust or durable material, such as metal or wood. The one or more covers may be made from a mesh material, to enable articles stored in the stillage to be seen from the outside. The one or more covers may be made from the same material as the panels.

The one or more covers may be removably coupleable to the frame. In some embodiments, the weight a cover may couple the cover to the frame. In some embodiments, a cover may have one or more lips depending from edges of the cover that are configured to engage with outer sides of the frame members. In some embodiments, the cover may be slidably receivable by the frame. For example, the frame may comprise grooves or notches for slidably receiving the edges of the horizontal cover. The frame members may comprise rails for slidably receiving the cover. In some embodiments, the one or more covers may be hingedly coupled to the frame. In other words, the one or more covers may be pivotally attached to the frame at one or more locations.

Preferably the stillage comprises legs for raising the base above a surface on which it is placed. The legs may be configured to support the weight of the stillage and any materials stored in the stillage. Preferably the legs are formed from lower portions of the upright corner members extending downwards from the corners of the base.

The stillage may be configured to be stackable on top of other similar stillages. For example, where the stillage comprises legs, each leg may comprise a foot. Preferably, the upright corner members comprise legs extending blow the base and a lower portion of each leg may comprise a foot. Each foot may have a cavity configured to receive an upper end of an upright corner member of another stillage. As such, the stillage may be lowered on to the upper ends of the upright corner members of another stillage, with each foot of the stillage receiving an upper end of an upright member of the lower stillage.

The feet may have any suitable shape. The feet may be tapered towards the base.

In other words, the feet may be relatively wide at the distal end and relatively narrow at the proximal end, close to the base. Preferably the feet are bell shaped. This shaping may facilitate stacking of the stillage on top of a lower stillage, by making it easier to locate the upper ends of the upright corner members of a lower stillage, arranged below the stillage, into the cavities of the feet.

In preferred embodiment, the stillage is configured to be liftable. For example, the stillage may be configured to be liftable by a hand pallet truck, a fork lift or a sling. Where the stillage comprises legs depending from the base, a sling or the tines of a forklift may be receivable in the gap underneath the base.

Preferably the stillage comprises one or more guides depending from the base. The one or more guides may be configured to receive a tine of a forklift device. The one or more guides may each comprise a hollow section or U-shaped member having a channel for receiving a tine of a forklift device. Preferably the guides comprise a rectangular hollow bar made from mild steel.

The guides may have channels sized to receive standard size forklift tines. For example, the channels may have a width of between about 100 mm and 150 mm, and preferably about 125 mm. For example, the channels may have a height of between about 40 mm and 60 mm, and preferably about 45 mm, 50 mm, or 60 mm. Where the stillage comprises two guides, the guides may be separated by any suitable distance. For example, the centres of the guides may be separated by between about 300 mm and 700 mm.

In embodiments where the stillage comprises legs that depending from the base, the weight of the stillage may be supported by on the legs when the stillage stands upright on a flat surface. However, in some embodiments the stillage may not comprise legs, and the guides may support the weight of the stillage when the stillage stands upright on a flat surface. In other words, the guides may act as skids or skis. The stillage may be slidable on the guides to move the stillage where a lifting device is not available.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stillage adapted to store articles of different sizes, the stillage comprising a base, upright members extending upwards from the base, and an insert comprising a plurality of compartments, wherein: the insert is removably supported on at least one of the base and upright members, and when the insert is removably supported on at least one of the base and upright members, the stillage comprises a first storage region and a second storage region.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insert for a stillage, the insert comprising a plurality of compartments and means for removably securing the insert to a stillage.

It will be appreciated that features of the first aspect may also be applicable to the second and third aspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments in accordance with the present invention will now be described in detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front of a stillage according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is perspective view of the back of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a side view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a front view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a back view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is an underside view of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 10 is a view of a pair of feet of the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary stillage that may be used with the stillage of Figure 1;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the front of a stillage according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a side view of the stillage of Figure 12; and Figure 14 is a plan view of the stillage of Figure 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A stillage according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 10. The stillage 1 generally comprises two regions, a first region 2, and a second region 3.

The stillage 1 comprises a frame formed from elongate frame members. The elongate frame members are all made from mild steel box section, having a width of about mm, a depth of about 50 mm and a wall thickness of about 3 mm. The lengths of the elongate frame members vary depending on the position of the members in the frame.

The frame comprises a substantially rectangular base. The base is formed from four horizontal frame members 4 arranged in a rectangular formation. Ends of the horizontal frame members 4 are welded together to provide a rigid base. Additional horizontal members 5 are provided between the long to provide additional rigidity to the base.

The base has a width that is equivalent to the length of a standard pallet and a width that is equivalent to the width of three standard pallets arranged side-by side. In this embodiment, the width of the base is about 1200 mm and the length of the base is about 3000 mm. As such, the base has a footprint that is about the same as the footprint of three standard size British pallets arranged side-by-side. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments the base may have any other suitable size. For example, the base may have a length of about 2400 mm and a width of about 1200 mm, such that the base has a similar footprint to three standard size Euro pallets arranged side-by side.

The frame also comprises upright members 6, 7, 8, 9. Each upright member is welded to a horizontal frame member 4, 5 and extends generally upwards from the base to an upper or a distal end. Each upright member is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the horizontal frame members 4, 5.

The upright members include four upright corner members 6. Each upright corner member is arranged at a corner of the rectangular base. The upright corner members 6 have a length of about 1200 mm. The upright corner members 6 define the height of the stillage 1, and as such, the stillage 1 has a height of about 1200 mm. The upright corner members 6 have a lower portion that extends below the base and forms legs on which the stillage stands. The legs raise the base off the surface on which the stillage stands.

The upright members also include four pairs of intermediate upright members, two first pairs of intermediate upright members 7 and two second pairs of intermediate upright members 8. Each long side of the base includes one first pair of intermediate upright members 7 and one second pair of upright intermediate members 8. The first pairs of intermediate upright members 7 are arranged directly opposite each other and the second pairs of intermediate upright members 8 are also arranged directly opposite each other.

At each long side of the base, the upright corner members 6 and the first and second pairs of intermediate upright members 7, 8 are spaced apart by substantially equal distances. At each long side, the first pair of intermediate upright members are spaced about 1000 mm from the adjacent upright corner member 6, the second pair of intermediate upright members are spaced at about 1000 mm from the adjacent upright corner member 6 and the first and second pairs of upright intermediate members are spaced at about 1000 mm from each other. This spacing between adjacent upright members is approximately equal to the width of a conventional size British pallet. As such, where all of these upright members 6, 7, 8 extend to the same height from the base, a conventional size British pallet may be stacked on top of four adjacent ones of these upright members 6, 7, 8, with the corners of the pallet supported by the upright members. Pairs of upright intermediate members 7, 8 are provided so that three conventional size British pallets may be stacked side-by-side on top of the stillage 1.

In this embodiment, the first pairs of upright intermediate members have a length that is slightly shorter than the length of the upright corner members 6, and do not extend to the same height from the base as the upright corner members 6. This reduced height allows for easier access to some of the compartments of the second region 3, as described in more detail later on. As such, in this embodiment it is not possible to stack a conventional size British pallet on top of the first pairs of upright intermediate members 7. However, the second pairs of upright intermediate members 8 are the same length as the upright corner members 6 and extend to the same height from the base. Thus, it is possible to stack a conventional size British pallet on top of the stillage 1 between the second pair of upright corner members 8 and the adjacent upright corner members 6.

The first and second pairs of upright intermediate members 7, 8 have lower portions extending below the base. The lower portions of the first and second pairs of upright intermediate members 7, 8 are substantially identical to the lower portions of the upright corner members 6.

The upright members also include three upright intermediate members 9 arranged at the boundary between the first and second regions 2, 3. Two of the upright intermediate members 9 extend upwards from the horizontal frame members 2 at the short sides of the base. The other upright intermediate member 9 extends upwards from the additional horizontal frame member 5 that extends between the second pairs of upright intermediate members 8. The upright intermediate members 9 do not comprise lower portions extending below the base.

The lower portions of the upright members 6, 7, 8 are provided with feet 42 at their distal ends. Each foot 42 is formed from the same material as the frame members and comprises a flared or bell shaped shell having an open cavity. The cavity is sized to receive the upper end of an upright member of a similar stillage. As such, the stillage 1 is configured to be stacked on top of another, similar stillage, with the upper ends of the upright corner members of the lower stillage being received in the cavities of the feet 42 of the upper stillage. Each foot 42 is flared outwards towards its distal end such in order to help location of the upper ends of the upright corner members of a lower stillage into the cavities of the feet 42.

The stillage 1 further comprises two guides 44 depending from the horizontal frame members 4 of the base. Each guide 44 is comprised of mild steel rectangular box section and has a channel that is sized to receive a tine of a forklift device, typically with a width of about 125 mm and a height of about 45 mm. The guides 44 are oriented substantially parallel to each other and are spaced apart such that the centres of the channels are about 400 mm apart. As such, the tines of a forklift device may be received in the guides 44 and the stillage 1 may be picked up by a forklift device and may be moved easily to another location.

The first and second regions 2, 3 are shown clearly in Figures 4 and 5. The first region 2 comprises a first half of the stillage 1 on a first side of the central longitudinal axis ΛΑ The second region 3 comprises a second half of the stillage 1 on a second side of the central longitudinal axis A-A, opposite the first side. The first and second regions 2, 3 both extend the entire length of the stillage 1.

The first region 2 is configured to store long articles such as pipes and beams. As such, the first region 2 comprises open ends that enable long articles with a length longer than the length of the stillage to be laid down lengthways in the first region 2, with one or both of the ends of the article extending beyond the ends of the stillage 1. Long articles held in the fashion in the first region 2 are supported on the short horizontal members 4 and the additional horizontal members 5. The upright members bounding the first region 2 may inhibit long articles held in the first region from falling or rolling out of the first region in the direction of the width of the stillage 1.

The second region 3 is configured to store short articles, such as fixtures, fittings and hand tools. The second region 3 comprises a plurality of compartments 21, 22, 23, 24. In total, the second region 3 comprises 9 compartments. The compartments extend over the entire footprint of the second region 3. All of the compartments 21,22, 23, 24 are arranged side-by-side along the length of the second region 3, and each compartment has a width that extends the entire width of the second region 3.

A large compartment 21 is arranged at one end of the second region 3, and extends upwards from the base to towards the upper or distal ends of the upright members. The depth of the large compartment is about 900 mm. The large compartment 21 occupies about one third of the footprint of the second region 3, which corresponds to about half of the area of a conventional British pallet.

A plurality of smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 are arranged between the large compartment 21 The smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 share a floor that is raised above the base of the stillage to a height of about 400 mm. The smaller compartments all have a depth of about 500 mm. As such, the upper ends of the smaller compartments are substantially aligned with the upper end of the large compartment 21.

The compartments are formed from a plurality of panels secured to the frame members. The panels are all formed from a mild steel welded wire mesh with a thickness of about 5 mm. By forming the panels from a mesh, the contents of the compartments may be visible from all sides. Mesh material also allows water to flow out of the compartments so that is does not cause damage articles held in the compartments. Mesh material also may be lighter than a sheet without apertures, and so may help to reduce the weight of the stillage.

It will be appreciated that the size of the apertures of the mesh material should be chosen to be less than the size of the articles to be stored in the compartments, so that the compartments are suitable to hold the desired articles.

The large compartment 21 comprises a floor panel (not shown) and four side panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 arranged to define a storage volume. The floor panel is positioned at the base of the stillage 1 and extends between an upright corner member 6 and one of the upright intermediate members 9 at a first end of the stillage 1 and one of the second pairs of upright intermediate members 8 and another upright intermediate members 9. The floor panel is welded at the corners to the upright members and along three sides at the horizontal members. The side panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 extend upwards from the floor panel to a height of about 900 mm and are welded along their edges to the upright frame members.

The smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 share a floor panel (not shown) that is raised above the base to a height of about 400 mm and extends from the large compartment 21 to the other end of the stillage 1. The floor panel extends between the and upright corner member 6 and the other upright intermediate member 9 at the other end of the stillage 1 and the second pair of upright intermediate members 8 and the upright intermediate member 9 at one side of the large compartment 21. The floor panel is welded to the upright members at its corners.

The smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 also share side panels 35, 36, which extend along the long side of the floor panel between the large compartment 21 and the opposite end of the stillage. The side panel 35 at the outer side of the stillage 1 extends upwards from the floor panel to a height of about 500 mm, and defines the depth of the smaller compartments. The upper edge of the side panel 35 is flush with the upper edges of the side panels 31, 32, 33 and 34 of the large compartment 21. The side panel 36 extends upwards from the floor panel to a height of about 540 mm. The larger height of the side panel 36, relative to the side panel 35, helps to prevent small articles held in the small compartments from falling out of the top of the small compartments. The side panel 35 has a smaller height than side panel 36 to make access to the smaller storage compartments easier.

A plurality of partition panels 37 extend upwards from the floor panel and between the side panels 35 and 36. The partition panels have a height of about 540 mm, similar to the side panel 36. Two partition panels 37 are arranged at the opposite ends of the floor panel and seven partition panels are spaced along the length of the floor panel, between the two end partition panels, to define the smaller compartments. Adjacent ones of the smaller compartments share a common partition panel 37. The spacing between adjacent partition panels 37 changes depending on the sizes of the compartment.

Thus, each one of the smaller compartments comprises a floor and side walls comprising a portion of the floor panel, a portion of the side panels 35, 36 and two of the partition panels 37. The floor and side walls of the smaller compartments define a substantially cubic storage volume that is open at the upper end or top, to allow a user to access articles stored in the storage volume.

All of the panels are welded together, and to the frame members, along their edges. As such, the panels and frame members form a substantially rigid structure.

It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the number of arrangement of horizontal and upright frame members may vary. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the stillage may comprise a floor panel rather than a base frame. It will also be appreciated that the upright members may all extend to the same height from the base. It will also be appreciated that the base of the stillage may be configured to rest directly on the floor, and that the upright members may not extend below the base. It will also be appreciated that the number and arrangement of the compartments may vary.

A stillage that is usable with the stillage of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 11. 1 to 10. The stillage 90 shown in Figure 11 has a frame that is substantially identical to the frame of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. As such, the footprint of the stillage 90 is substantially identical to the footprint of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. This enables the stillage 90 to be able to be stacked on top of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, with the feet of the upright corner members of the stillage 90 engaging with the upper ends of the corner members 6 of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. The stillage 90 shown in Figure 11 does not comprise a first and second region, according to the present invention, but rather comprises compartments extending over the entire footprint of the stillage. The compartments are similar to the compartments of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment, comprising a large compartment 91 and a plurality of smaller compartments 92, but the compartments of the stillage 90 extend across the entire width of the stillage 90.

A stillage according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 12 to 14. The stillage 100 shown in Figures 12 to 14 has a similar frame to the stillage 1 of the first embodiment.

The stillage 100 comprises a base formed from four horizontal frame members in a rectangular arrangement. However, the base does not comprise additional horizontal frame members extending between the horizontal frame members at the long sides of the stillage 100.

The stillage 100 comprises four upright corner members 106 extending generally upwards from the corners of the base. However, the stillage 100 comprises four individual upright intermediate members 107, 108, rather than the four pairs of upright intermediate members 7, 8 of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. The four individual upright intermediate members 107, 108 are arranged substantially identically to the four pairs of upright intermediate members 7, 8 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, both the first and second upright intermediate members are the same length as the upright corner members and extend the same height from the base as the upright corner members.

The stillage 100 comprises a plurality of compartments that is arranged substantially similarly to the plurality of compartments of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. The stillage 100 comprises a large compartment 121 at one end of the stillage, similar to the large compartment 21 of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. The stillage 100 also comprises a plurality of smaller compartments 122 raised above the base, similar to the smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 of the stillage 1 of the first embodiment. However, smaller compartments 122 are arranged in a different arrangement to the first embodiment and are supported on a sub-frame comprising an upright sub-frame member 112 extending upwards from the centre of the short side of the base, opposite the large compartment 121, at the boundary between the first and second regions 102, 103. The upright sub-frame member 112 extends upwards from the base to the floor of the small compartments. The sub-frame further comprises horizontal sub-frame cross-members 114 forming a substantially rectangular base below the floor of the small compartments. The sub-frame base is supported at the corners, where it is secured to an upright corner member 106, a second upright intermediate member 108, a panel of the large compartment 121 and the upper end of the upright sub-frame member 112. The sub-frame may enable the smaller compartments 122 to hold heavier articles than the smaller compartments 22, 23, 24 of the first embodiment.

It will be appreciated that the examples described herein are straightforward examples, and that modifications may be made to the stillages to provide different or more sophisticated functionality. It will be appreciated that features described herein with reference to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stillage adapted for the storage of articles of different sizes, the stillage comprising: a first region configured to hold long articles; and a second region configured to hold short articles.

2. A stillage according to claim 1, wherein the stillage has a length and the first region extends substantially the length of the stillage.

3. A stillage according to claim 2, wherein the second region extends substantially the length of the stillage.

4. A stillage according to claims 1,2 or 3, wherein the first region is arranged at a first side of the stillage and the second region is arranged at a second side of the stillage, opposite the first side.

5. A stillage according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second regions are arranged at opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the stillage.

6. A stillage according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal axis of the stillage is a central longitudinal axis.

7. A stillage according to any preceding claim, wherein the first region comprises a first half of the stillage and the second region comprises a second half of the stillage.

8. A stillage according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second regions are separated by at least one partition.

9. A stillage according to any preceding claim, wherein the second region comprises a plurality of compartments.

10. A stillage according to claim 9, wherein each compartment comprises a floor and side walls.

11. A stillage according to claim 9, wherein each compartment comprises an upper end opposite the floor, the upper end being open to allow access to the interior of the compartment.

12. A stillage according to claim 9, wherein the upper ends of the plurality of compartments are substantially aligned.

13. A stillage according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the plurality of compartments comprise at least two adjacent compartments arranged side-by side.

14. A stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the stillage comprises a base and a plurality of upright members extending upwards from the base.

15. A stillage according to claim 14, wherein the base comprises a substantially rectangular floor panel.

16. A stillage according to claim 15, wherein the base comprises a substantially rectangular base frame, the base frame being formed from horizontal frame members.

17. A stillage according to claims 14 or 15, wherein the upright members comprise upright corner members extending upwards from the corners of the base.

18. A stillage according to claim 17, wherein the upright members further comprise intermediate upright members arranged between the upright corner members.

19. A stillage according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the upright members further comprise intermediate upright members arranged between the first and second regions.

20. A stillage according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the stillage comprises a plurality of compartments.

21. A stillage according to claim 20, wherein each compartment comprises a floor and side walls.

22. A stillage according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the compartments comprises a floor that is raised above the base of the stillage.

23. A stillage according to claims 21 or 22, wherein each compartment comprises an upper end opposite the floor, the upper end being open to allow access to the interior of the compartment.

24. A stillage according to claim 23, wherein the upper ends of the plurality of compartments are substantially aligned.

25. A stillage according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the plurality of compartments comprises at least two adjacent compartments arranged side-by side.

26. A stillage according to claim 22, wherein the stillage comprises:

a floor panel raised above the base and extending between upright members; side panels extending upwards from the floor panel and between upright members, the floor panel and side panels defining a storage volume; and one or more partitions extending upwards from the floor panel and between opposing side panels to divide the storage volume into two or more of the compartments.

27. A stillage according to any one of claims 20 to 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of compartments is removably supported on at least one of the base and an upright member.

28. A stillage adapted to store articles of different sizes, the stillage comprising: a base;

upright members extending upwards from the base; and an insert comprising a plurality of compartments, the insert being removably supported on at least one of the base and an upright member, wherein, when the insert is removably supported on at least one of the base and upright members, the stillage comprises a first storage region adapted to hold long articles and a second storage region configured to hold short articles, the second region comprising the insert.

29. An insert for a stillage, the insert comprising a plurality of compartments and means for removably securing the insert to a stillage.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1700651.1 Examiner: Miss Evelyn Toalster