GB2607565A

GB2607565A - Modular stillage

Info

Publication number: GB2607565A
Application number: GB2106946.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Nigel; James Peter
Original assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Current assignee: Drainfast Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-14
Filing date: 2021-05-14
Publication date: 2022-12-14
Also published as: WO2022238719A3; GB202106946D0; WO2022238719A2

Abstract

A modular stillage 1 comprises: a first module 2 with a first stillage; a second module 3 with a second stillage; and at least one connector 6 to connect the first module to the second module. The connector has a first connector plate 21 and a second connector plate 22, the second connector plate being securable to the first connector plate to connect the first module to the second module. Preferably the connector releasably connects the two modules. The stillage may also fasteners, the first connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the second connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the first module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and the second module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and wherein the first module is connected to the second module when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the first module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate; and one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the second module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate. A claim for the connector is also included.

Description

MODULAR STILLAGE

The present disclosure relates to a stillage. In particular, the present invention relates to a stillage for storing tools and building materials.

Building sites are often confined spaces in which construction workers are required to perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as cutting and drilling. It is often desirable to store building materials on site, close to where they are needed. However, loose building materials, in particular elongate building materials such as pipes, duds and guttering, can present trip hazards for construction workers. Such trip hazards may be particularly dangerous when they are in close proximity to where the potentially hazardous tasks being performed by the workers are being carried out. To minimise the risk to workers, elongate building materials are often stored off-site or away from the area in which they are needed. However, storing these building materials off site reduces the efficiency of workers, due to the time required to retrieve the building materials when they are needed. In addition, the fittings and tools used by workers on site are often stored separately from the building materials. These can also present trip hazards for workers on site, and can easily be lost or misplaced when workers move between different areas.

Sfillages offering improved on-site storage for building materials, tools and fittings have been developed. Examples of such stillages are described in GB2554716B and GB2559952A. There is an opportunity to further improve on-site storage for building materials, tools and fittings. It would be desirable to provide on-site storage that is adaptable to the needs of a particular site or user. It would also be desirable to provide on-site storage that is easy to store and transport when not in use.

According to this disclosure, there is provided a modular stillage comprising a plurality of modules, each module comprising a stillage, and further comprising a plurality of connectors, wherein adjacent modules are connected together by at least one of the plurality of connectors.

Advantageously, providing a modular stillage that comprises a plurality of separate stillages, all of which are connectable to form a larger stillage, enables the stillage to be adaptable to the to the needs of a site or a user. For example, a modular stillage comprising two modules connected together may be suitable for holding short lengths of pipe, and a modular stillage comprising four modules connected together may be suitable for holding long lengths of pipe. Advantageously, providing a modular stillage that is made up of a plurality of separate stillages that are connectable together also reduces cost and complexity in manufacturing and transporting the stillages, as individual modules may be manufactured and transported separately, or in a stacked arrangement.

As used herein, 'a stillage' refers to an apparatus for storing or holding goods above or off of the floor. Examples of stillages include racks, pallets and platforms.

In particular, according to the disclosure, there is provided a modular stillage comprising: a first module comprising a first stillage; a second module comprising a second stillage; and at least one connector configured to connect the first module to the second module.

In some embodiments, the modular stillage may comprise a third module comprising a third stillage, and at least one connector configured to connect the second module to the third module.

In some embodiments, the modular stillage may comprise a fourth module comprising a fourth stillage, and at least one connector configured to connect the third module to the fourth module. Any suitable number of modules may be provided according to the need of a site or a user. Preferably, all of the modules are substantially identical. Preferably, the first module and the second module may be substantially identical. Advantageously, providing substantially identical modules may facilitate manufacture of the modules, reducing complexity and cost.

The modular stillage comprises at least one connector. The modular stillage may comprise any suitable number of connectors. The modular stillage may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten connectors. The modular stillage may comprise a plurality of connectors.

In some embodiments, a single connector may be used to conned the first module to the second module. Preferably, the modular stillage comprises at least two connectors. The two connectors may connect the first module to the second module at opposite sides of the modules. Connecting together the first module to the second module at opposite sides may improve the robustness of the connection between the first module and the second module. The two connectors may comprise a first connector and a second connector. The first connector may conned the first module and the second module at a first side, and the second connector may conned the first module and the second module at a second side, opposite the first side. The modular stillage may comprise at least two connectors. The modular stillage may comprise at least two connectors for each pair of adjacent modules, wherein adjacent modules are connected together by two connectors.

In some preferred embodiments, the connector is configured to releasably conned the first module to the second module. Advantageously, enabling the first and second stillage modules to be releasably connected maintains flexibility in how the stillage may be used throughout the lifetime of the stillage, and further enables cost and complexity of storing and transporting the stillage, when not in use, to be reduced Preferably, the at least one connector comprises a first connector plate and a second connector plate.

The first module may be connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of the first module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate,.

Preferably, when the first module is connected to the second module by the connector, the portion of the first module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate. Preferably, when the first module is connected to the second module by the connector, the portion of the second module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate. Advantageously, compressing a portion of the first module, and the second module between the first connector plate and the second connector plate may strengthen the connection between the first module, the second module, and the connector.

In some embodiments, the first connector plate is fixedly secured to the second connector plate at one end. In these embodiments, an open channel is formed between the first connector plate and the second connector plate. The channel between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is configured to receive a portion of the first module and a portion of the second module. The first connector plate and the second connector plate may be configured to receive a plurality of fasteners to secure a portion of the first module and a portion of the second module in the channel between the first connector plate and the second connector plate. Suitable fasteners may include one or more of screws, bolts and rivets. The type of fastener chosen may be dependent on whether the connection between the first module and the second module is releasable or permanent. The fasteners may urge the first connector plate towards the second connector plate. Advantageously, fasteners that urge the first connector plate towards the second connector plate may compress an object arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

In other preferred embodiments, the second connector plate is separate from the first connector plate, and is securable to the first connector plate. The second connector plate is securable to the first connector plate to connect the first module to the second module. Preferably, the second connector plate is releasably securable to the first connector plate to releasably connect the first module to the second module. In these preferred embodiments, the first module may be connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of the first module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.

The first connector plate and the second connector plate may be securable together by a plurality of fasteners. Suitable fasteners may include one or more of screws, bolts and rivets. The type of fastener chosen may be dependent on whether the connection between the first module and the second module is releasable or permanent. The fasteners may urge the first connector plate towards the second connector plate. Advantageously, fasteners that urge the first connector plate towards the second connector plate may compress an object arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

In some embodiments, the first connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, and the second connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures. The first connector plate may be secured to the second connector plate when a fastener is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate. In other words, a fastener passing through a fastener aperture of the first connector plate and a fastener aperture of the second connector plate may secure together the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

In some preferred embodiments, the first module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and the second module comprises at least one fastener aperture. In these preferred embodiments, In these preferred embodiments, the first module is connected to the connector when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the first module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate. In these preferred embodiments, the second module is connected to the connector when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the second module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate In these preferred embodiments, the first module is connected to the second module when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the first module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate; and another one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the second module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate. Advantageously, passing one or more of the fasteners through a fastener aperture in one of the modules, as well as through the first connector plate and the second connector plate, improves the connection of the module to the connector.

According to the disclosure, there is provided a connector for connecting adjacent sfillages, the connector comprising: a first connector plate; and a second plate. The second connector plate is securable to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners. When the second connector plate is secured to the first connector plate, a cavity is provided between the first connector plate and the second connector plate. The cavity is suitable for receiving portions of a first sfillage and a second stillage. Preferably, the first connector plate and the second connector plate are removably securable together by the plurality of fasteners.

Preferably, the at least one connector comprises at least one alignment feature.

The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate. Advantageously, providing a feature that aligns the first connector plate with the second connector plate may facilitate securing together the first connector plate with the second connector plate.

The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the connector with at least one of the modules. The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the connector with the first module. The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the connector with the second module. Advantageously, providing a feature that aligns the connector with at least one of the modules may facilitate connecting together the first module and the second module.

The at least one alignment feature may take any suitable form.

In some embodiments, the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment aperture in the first connector plate; an alignment aperture in the second connector plate; and an alignment pin that is receivable in the alignment aperture in the first connector plate and the alignment aperture in the second connector plate to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.

In some embodiments, the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the first connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the second connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the first connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the first connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the second connector plate.

In some embodiments, the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the second connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the first connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the second connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the second connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the first connector plate.

The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the connector with one of the modules. The at least one alignment feature may be configured to align the first connector plate and the second connector plate with one of the modules.

In some embodiments, the first module may comprise an alignment feature. The alignment feature may be configured to align the connector with the first module. The alignment feature may be configured to align the first module with the second module. For example, the first module may comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin. The first module may be aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the first module. In another example, the first module may comprise an alignment pin. The alignment pin may extend from the first module. The alignment pin may be configured to be received in an alignment aperture of the connector. The alignment pin may be configured to be received in an alignment aperture of one or both of the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

In some embodiments, the second module may comprise an alignment feature. The alignment feature may be configured to align the second module with the connector. The alignment feature may be configured to align the second module with the first module. For example, the second module may comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin. The second module may be aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the second module. In another example, the second module may comprise an alignment pin. The alignment pin may extend from the second module. The alignment pin may be configured to be received in an alignment aperture of the connector. The alignment pin may be configured to be received in an alignment aperture of one or both of the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

In preferred embodiments, the at least one connector comprises a first connector plate and a second connector plate. Preferably, the first connector plate is substantially planar. The planar first connector plate may extend substantially in a first plane. Preferably, the second connector plate is substantially planar. The planar second connector plate may extend substantially in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may be substantially parallel when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate. In other words, the first connector plate may be substantially parallel to the second connector plate when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.

The first connector plate and the second connector plate may have any suitable shape. In some preferred embodiments, the first connector plate and the second connector plate may form a 1-shape.

The first connector plate may comprise a flange that extends towards the second connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate. The second connector plate may comprise a flange that extends towards the first connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate. Advantageously, providing a connector plate with such a flange may strengthen the connector plate against bending.

The first connector plate and the second connector plate may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the first connector plate and the second connector plate may be formed from one of: a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, a plastic material, and wood, and preferably are formed from a metal or a metal alloys including at least one of: aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel.

The modular stillage comprises a plurality of stillages, wherein each stillage forms a module of the modular stillage.

Each module of the modular stillage may comprise a base comprised of horizontal frame elements. In some preferred embodiments, the horizontal frame elements may be arranged in a rectangle. In other words, the horizontal frame elements may define a rectangular base.

Preferably, the first module includes a first base comprising first horizontal frame elements; and the second module includes a second base comprising second horizontal frame elements.

In preferred embodiments, the first module comprises a first base and the second modules comprises a second base, the at least one connector may be configured to connect a portion of the first base to a portion of the second base in order to conned the first module to the second module. In these preferred embodiments, the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of one the first base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together. In these preferred embodiments, when the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector: the portion of the first base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate; and the portion of the second base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

Each module may further comprise upright elements extending upwards from the base. The first module may comprise first upright elements extending upwards from the first base. The second module may comprise second upright elements extending upwards from the second base.

In some embodiments, the upright elements may extend upwards from the horizontal elements of the base.

In some preferred embodiments, the base comprises a plurality of corner elements. The horizontal elements may extend between adjacent corner elements. The upright elements may extend upwards from the corner elements.

In some particularly preferred embodiments, the first module includes: first corner elements; the first horizontal frame elements extending between the first corner elements; and the first upright elements extending upwards from the first corner elements; and the second module includes: second corner elements; the second horizontal frame elements extending between the second corner elements; and the second upright elements extending upwards from the second corner elements.

The base and the upright elements may define a storage volume. The base and the upright elements may define a storage volume of the stillage comprised by each module. The modular stillage may comprise a storage volume that is comprised of the storage volume of all of the plurality of modules connected together to form the modular stillage. The modular stillage comprising a first module and a second module may define a storage volume equal to the storage volume of the first module and the storage volume of the second module.

The upright elements may be movable relative to the base. The first upright elements may be movable relative to the first base. The second upright elements may be movable relative to the second base.

In some preferred embodiments, the upright elements are rotatable relative to the first base. The first upright elements may be rotatable relative to the first base. The second upright elements may be rotatable relative to the second base. Where the base comprises corner elements, the upright elements may be rotatable relative to the corner elements.

The upright elements may be pivotable relative to the base. The first upright elements may be pivotable relative to the first base. The second upright elements may be pivotable relative to the second base. Where the base comprises corner elements, the upright elements may be pivotable relative to the corner elements.

In some preferred embodiments, the upright elements are moveable relative to the base between an upright position in which the upright elements extend upwards from the base, and a lowered position in which the upright elements extend substantially along the base. Advantageously, enabling the upright elements to be lowered from an upright position, in which the upright elements extend upwards from the base to define a storage area, to a lowered position, in which the upright elements extend substantially along the base, may enable the size of the stillage to be reduced. Reducing the size of the modules facilitates storage and transport of the stillage when it is not in use.

The first upright elements may be moveable relative to the first base between an upright position in which the first upright elements extend upwards from the first base, and a lowered position in which the first upright elements extend substantially along the first base. The second upright elements may be moveable relative to the second base between an upright position in which the second upright elements extend upwards from the second base, and a lowered position in which the second upright elements extend substantially along the second base.

The upright elements may be removable from the base. The first upright elements may be removable from the first base. The second upright elements may be removable from the second base. Where the base comprises corner elements, the upright elements may be removable from the corner elements.

Each module may comprise a base having horizontal elements, and optionally corner elements. Each module may also comprise upright elements extending upwards from the base.

The horizontal elements, upright elements and, optionally, corner elements may define a frame for each module. The elements of the frame may be made from any suitable material. Preferably, all of the frame elements are made from the same material. However, in some embodiments, the frame elements may be made from different materials. For example, the corner elements may be made from a more rigid material that is able to withstand higher compressive forces along its length without buckling, bending or breaking. Suitable materials for the frame elements 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 elements are made from mild steel.

In some preferred embodiments, all of the horizontal elements and upright elements are made from mild steel box section. Making the frame elements from hollow box section, rather than bar, may reduce the weight and cost of the frame. The box section elements 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 elements 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 elements 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 some other preferred embodiments, all of the horizontal elements and upright elements are made from mild steel angle section. Making the frame elements 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.

Preferably the base of each module is substantially rectangular. The rectangular base may have any suitable dimensions. Preferably, the rectangular base has the dimensions of a standard pallet. The rectangular base may have a width of between about 500 mm and 1600 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1400 mm and ideally about 1000 mm. The rectangular base may have a length of between about 500 mm and 1600 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1400 mm and ideally about 1200 mm. Ideally, the base has a width of about 1000 mm and a length of about 1200 mm, which is about the same footprint as a standard size British pallet.

The horizontal frame elements may have any suitable length. Two horizontal elements at opposite sides of a base of a module may define the width of the base, and may have a length of between about 500 mm and 1600 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1400 mm and ideally about 1000 mm. Two horizontal elements at opposite sides of a base of a module may also define the length of the base, and may have a length of between about 500 mm and 1600 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1600 mm and ideally about 1200 mm.

The upright elements may have any suitable length. Preferably all of the upright elements have the same length. The length of the upright elements may be between about 700 mm and 2000 mm, preferably between about 800 mm and 1600 mm and ideally about 1200 mm.

Each module may be configured to be stackable on top of another module. In particular, where the upright elements of a module are movable into a lowered position extending substantially along the base, each module may be configured to be stackable on top of another module when the uprights of each module are in the lowered position. Enabling stacking of the modules, particularly when uprights of the modules are in the lowered position, may reduce the footprint of the modular sfillage, facilitating storage and transport of the modular sfillage when not in use. Each module may comprise a plurality of feet. The feet may facilitate stacking of one module on top of another module.

Preferably, where the base of a module comprises corner elements, and where the upright elements of a module are movable into a lowered position extending substantially along the base, the corner elements may extend below the base and above the upright elements in the lowered position. Each corner element may comprise a foot. Each foot may be configured to receive an upper portion of a corner element. Accordingly, when the upright elements of a first module are in the lowered position, the feet of a second module may be received in upper portions of the corner elements of the first module, enabling the second module to be stacked on top of the first module The feet may have any suitable shape. The feet may have a cavity configured to receive an upper portion of a corner element. The feet may be tapered towards the base of the module. In other words, the feet may be relatively wide at a distal end and relatively narrow at a proximal end, close to the base. Preferably the feet are bell shaped. Advantageously, such shaping may facilitate location of the foot onto an upper portion of a corner member.

In some preferred embodiments, the modular sfillage further comprises at least one supplementary module. The at least one supplementary module is configured to be connected to one of the plurality of modules. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to be connected to one of the first module and the second module.

According to the disclosure, there is provided a modular sfillage comprising: a first module comprising a first stillage; and a supplementary module configured to be connected to the first module.

Where the base and the upright elements of a module define a storage volume, preferably the at least one supplementary module is configured to be connected to the module outside of the storage volume of the modules. Advantageously, connecting the at least one supplementary module outside of the storage volume of the module may increase the functionality of the modular sfillage without reducing the storage capacity of the modular sfillage.

The at least one supplementary module may comprises a storage container. The at least one supplementary module may comprise a workbench including a work surface. As used herein, a "workbench" refers to a sturdy or strong bench or table on which manual work, such as carpentry and other mechanical practical work, may be carried out. As used herein, a "work surface" refers to a surface that is configured to be sufficiently robust or durable surface for manual work, such as carpentry and other mechanical practical work, to be carried out upon it.

Preferably, the at least one supplementary module is configured to be removably connected to one of the plurality of modules. Preferably, the at least one supplementary module is configured to be removably connected to one of the first module and the second module.

The at least one supplementary module may be configured to be connected to the first module at one or more of the first upright elements. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to be connected to the second module at one or more of the second upright elements of the second module.

The at least one supplementary module may comprise one or more mounting points. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on a module from the one or more mounting points. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on one or more of the upright elements of a module from the one or more mounting points. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on one or more of the first upright elements of the first module from the one or more mounting points. The at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on one or more of the second upright elements of the second module from the one or more mounting points.

Preferably, the at least one supplementary module comprises two mounting points. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on two adjacent upright elements of a module. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on two adjacent first upright elements of the first module from the two mounting points. The at least one supplementary module may be configured to hang on two adjacent second upright elements of the second module from the two mounting points.

Each mounting point of the at least one supplementary module may be configured to receive an end of at least one of an upright elements of a module. Each mounting point may be configured to receive an end of at least one of the first upright elements of the first module. Each mounting point may be configured to receive an end of at least one of the second upright elements of the second module.

In some embodiments, a floor panel may extend between horizontal elements of the base of a module. In some embodiments, a side panel may extend between adjacent upright elements of a module.

In some embodiments comprising a supplementary module, the supplementary module may comprise a floor panel and side panels. The floor and side panels of the supplementary module may be are arranged to define a storage compartment.

The floor and side panels may be made from any suitable material for holding building materials, fittings and tools. For example, the side 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 floor and side panels may be formed of the same material. The floor and side panels may be made from different materials.

In some embodiments, the floor and side 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 some embodiments, the floor and side 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. 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. However, preferably the mesh is formed from wires. The wires may have any suitable diameter and the diameter may depend on the material. However, 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 is a welded wire mesh.

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

Preferably, a supplementary module comprises a holder for receiving elongate building materials. The holder may be configured to receive an elongate building material. The holder may be configured to support an elongate building material. The holder may be configured to enable work to be performed on an elongate building material supported by the holder.

In some embodiments in which a supplementary modules comprises two side panels at opposing sides of the supplementary module, each of the two side panels comprises a holder for receiving elongate building materials. The holders of the opposing side panels may be aligned such that an elongate building material may extend between the opposing side panels, through the holders, in a substantially horizontal plane. This may enable the supplementary module to hold or securely support elongate building materials that have a length that is longer than the width of the supplementary module, off the ground, in a horizontal orientation.

In some embodiments in which the modular stillage comprises two supplementary modules arranged on one side of the modular stillage, each of the two supplementary modules comprises a holder for receiving elongate building materials. The holders the two supplementary modules may be aligned such that an elongate building material may extend between the two supplementary modules, through the holders, in a substantially horizontal plane. This may enable the stillage to hold or securely support elongate building materials that have a length that is longer than the width of the stillage, off the ground, in a horizontal orientation.

The modular stillage may comprise a plurality of supplementary modules arranged on one side of the modular stillage, each of the plurality of supplementary modules comprising a holder for receiving elongate building materials. The holders of the plurality of supplementary modules may be aligned such that an elongate building material may extend between the plurality of supplementary modules, through the holders, in a substantially horizontal plane.

A holder may take any suitable form.

In some embodiments, the holder may comprise an aperture in a side panel. The holder may comprise apertures in a plurality of side panels of a supplementary module. The apertures in the plurality of side panels of the supplementary module may be aligned such that an elongate building material may extend between the apertures in the plurality of side panels, in a substantially horizontal plane. An aperture may have any suitable shape. For example, an aperture may have a circular, elliptical, square, or triangular shape.

In some preferred embodiments, the holder comprises a notch in a top edge of a side panel.

The notch may be open at the top to enable an elongate building material to be lowered onto the holder from above. The holder may comprise notches in a plurality of side panels of a supplementary module. The notches in the plurality of side panels of the supplementary module may be aligned such that an elongate building material may extend between the notches in the plurality of side panels, in a substantially horizontal plane. A notch may have any suitable shape.

For example, a notch may have an arcuate, semi-circular, elliptical, square, triangular, or V shape.

A notch having an arcuate, semi-circular, triangular or V shape may be preferably, as such a shape may securely hold elongate building materials of various sizes and shapes.

In some preferred embodiments, the holder comprises a channel. The channel may comprise a support surface. The support surface may be configured to receive an elongate building material. Preferably, the channel is open to enable an elongate building material to be lowered into the channel from above. The channel may have any suitable shape. For example, the channel may have an arcuate, semi-circular, elliptical, square, triangular or V shape. A channel having an arcuate, semi-circular, triangular or V shape may be preferably, as such a shape may securely hold elongate building materials of various sizes and shapes.

A sling or the tines of a forklift may be receivable underneath the modular stillage.

Preferably the modular stillage comprises one or more guides 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. Where the modules comprise a base having horizontal elements, the one or more guides may depend from one or more of the horizontal elements. In some embodiments, the guides may support the weight of the stillage when the stillage is placed on a 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. However, preferably, the modules comprise a base having corner elements that depend below the horizontal elements and support the horizontal elements and one or more guides above the ground.

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.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described above may be implemented, supplied, and used independently.

Below, there is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting clauses. Any one or more of the features of these clauses may be combined with any one or more features of another clause, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

1. A modular stillage comprising: a first module comprising a first stillage; a second module comprising a second stillage; and at least one connector configured to connect the first module to the second module.

2. A modular stillage according to clause 1, wherein the connector is configured to releasably conned the first module to the second module. 5 3. A modular sfillage according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the at least one connector comprises a first connector plate and a second connector plate, the second connector plate being securable to the first connector plate to connect the first module to the second module, optionally the second connector plate being releasably securable to the first connector plate to releasably connect the first module to the second module.

4. A modular sfillage according to clause 3, wherein the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of the first module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.

5. A modular sfillage according to clause 3 or clause 4, wherein when the first module is connected to the second module by the connector: the portion of the first module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate; and the portion of the second module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

6. A modular sfillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are securable together by a plurality of fasteners, and optionally the fasteners include one or more of screws, bolts and rivets.

7. A modular sfillage according to clause 6, wherein the first connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the second connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, and wherein the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate when each fastener is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate.

8. A modular stillage according to clause 7, wherein the first module comprises at least one fastener aperture, the second module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and wherein the first module is connected to the second module when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the first module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate; and one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the second module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate.

9. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 8, wherein the at least one connector comprises at least one alignment feature configured to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.

10. A modular stillage according to clause 9, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment aperture in the first connector plate; an alignment aperture in the second connector plate; and an alignment pin that is receivable in the alignment aperture in the first connector plate and the alignment aperture in the second connector plate to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.

11. A modular stillage according to clause 9, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the first connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the second connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the first connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the first connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the second connector plate.

12. A modular stillage according to clause 9, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the second connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the first connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the second connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the second connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the first connector plate.

13. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 9 to 12, wherein the first module comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin, and wherein the first module is aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the first module.

14. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 9 to 13, wherein the second module comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin, and wherein the second module is aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the second module.

15. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 14, wherein the first connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar, and the second connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar.

16. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 15, wherein the first connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the second connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate.

17. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 16, wherein the second connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the first connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate.

18. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 3 to 17, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are formed from one of: a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, a plastic material, and wood, and preferably are formed from a metal or a metal alloys including at least one of: aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel.

19. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the at least one connector comprises at least two connectors, a first connector and a second connector, the first connector connecting the first module and the second module at a first side, and the second connector connecting the first module and the second module at a second side, opposite the first side.

20. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein: the first module includes a first base comprising first horizontal frame elements; and the second module includes a second base comprising second horizontal frame elements.

21. A modular stillage according to clause 20, wherein the at least one connector is configured to connect a portion of the first base to a portion of the second base to connect the first module to the second module.

22. A modular stillage according to clause 21, wherein the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of one the first base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.

23. A modular stillage according to clause 21 or clause 22, wherein when the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector: the portion of the first base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate; and the portion of the second base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate.

24. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 20 to 23, wherein: the first module includes the first base, and first upright elements extending upwards from the first base; and the second module includes the second base, and second upright elements extending upwards from the second base.

25. A modular stillage according to clause 24, wherein: the first upright elements are moveable relative to the first base; and the second upright elements are moveable relative to the second base.

26. A modular stillage according to clauses 24 or 25, wherein: the first upright elements are rotatable relative to the first base; and the second upright elements are rotatable relative to the second base.

27. A modular stillage according to clause 26, wherein: the first upright elements are pivotable relative to the first base; and the second upright elements are pivotable relative to the second base.

28. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 25 to 27, wherein: the first upright elements are moveable relative to the first base between an upright position in which the first upright elements extend upwards from the first base, and a lowered position in which the first upright elements extend substantially along the first base; and the second upright elements are moveable relative to the second base between an upright position in which the second upright elements extend upwards from the second base, and a lowered position in which the second upright elements extend substantially along the second base.

29. A modular stillage according to clause 24, wherein: the first upright elements are removable from the first base; and the second upright elements are removable from the second base.

30. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 24 to 29, wherein: the first module includes: first corner elements; the first horizontal frame elements extending between the first corner elements; and the first upright elements extending upwards from the first corner elements; and the second module includes: second corner elements; the second horizontal frame elements extending between the second corner elements; and the second upright elements extending upwards from the second corner elements.

31. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 24 to 30, wherein the modular stillage further comprises at least one supplementary module configured to be connected to one of the first module and the second module, and optionally to be removably connected to one of the first module and the second module.

32. A modular stillage according to clause 31, wherein the at least one supplementary module is configured to be connected to the first module at one or more of the first upright elements or to the second module at one or more of the second upright elements of the second module.

33. A modular stillage according to clause 32, wherein the at least one supplementary module comprises one or more mounting points, and wherein the at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on one or more of the first upright elements of the first module from the one or more mounting points or the supplementary module is configured to hang on one or more of the second upright elements of the second module from the one or more mounting points.

34. A modular stillage according to clause 32 or clause 33, wherein the at least one supplementary module comprises two mounting points, and wherein the at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on two adjacent first upright elements of the first module from the two mounting points or the at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on two adjacent second upright elements of the second module from the two mounting points.

35. A modular stillage according to clause 33 or clause 34, wherein each mounting point of the at least one supplementary module is configured to receive an end of one of the first upright elements of the first module or an end of one of the second upright elements of the second module.

36. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 31 to 35, wherein the at least one supplementary module comprises a storage container.

37. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 31 to 36, wherein the at least one supplementary module comprises a workbench including a work surface.

38. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 1 to 37, wherein the first module and the second module are substantially identical.

39. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 1 to 38, further comprising a third module comprising a third stillage, and at least one connector configured to connect the second module to the third module.

40. A modular stillage according to clause 39, wherein the first module, the second module and the third module are substantially identical.

41. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 1 to 40, wherein the modular stillage comprises a plurality of modules, each module comprising a stillage, and the plurality of modules including the first module and the second module, and the modular stillage further comprising a plurality of connectors, the plurality of connectors comprising the connector, and wherein adjacent modules are connected by at least one of the plurality of connectors.

42. A connector for connecting adjacent sfillages, the connector comprising: a first connector plate; and a second plate, wherein the second connector plate is securable to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, and wherein when the second connector plate is secured to the first connector plate a cavity is provided between the first connector plate and the second connector plate for receiving portions of a first stillage and a second stillage.

43. A connector according to clause 42, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are removably securable together.

44. A connector according to clause 42 or clause 43, wherein the plurality of fasteners include one or more of screws, bolts and rivets.

45. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 44, wherein the first connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the second connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, and wherein the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate when each fastener is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate.

46. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 45, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprises an alignment feature configured to align the first plate and the second plate.

47. A connector according to clause 46, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment aperture in the first connector plate; an alignment aperture in the second connector plate; and an alignment pin that is receivable in the alignment aperture in the first connector plate and the alignment aperture in the second connector plate to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.

48. A connector according to clause 46, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the first connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the second connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the first connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the first connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the second connector plate.

49. A connector according to clause 46, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the second connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the first connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the second connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the second connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the first connector plate.

50. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 49, wherein the first connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar, and the second connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar.

51. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 50, wherein the first connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the second connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate.

52. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 51, wherein the second connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the first connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate.

53. A connector according to any one of clauses 42 to 52, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are formed from one of: a metal, a metal alloy, a composite, a plastic material, and wood, and preferably are formed from a metal or a metal alloys including at least one of: aluminium, mild steel, stainless steel, galvanised steel.

54. A modular stillage comprising: a first module comprising a first stillage; and a supplementary module configured to be connected to the first module.

55. A modular stillage according to clause 54, wherein the supplementary module is configured to be removably connected to the first module.

56. A modular stillage according to clause 54 or clause 55, wherein the supplementary module comprises one or more mounting points, and wherein the at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on the first module from the one or more mounting points.

57. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 54 to 56, wherein the supplementary module comprises a storage container.

58. A modular stillage according to any one of clauses 54 to 57, wherein the supplementary module comprises a workbench including a work surface.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the front of a modular stillage according an embodiment of

the present disclosure;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the front of the modular stillage of Figure 1 holding a plurality of pipes; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a connector of the modular stillage of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the side of the modular stillage of Figure 1 with two of the uprights of one of the modules folded into the lowered position; Figure 5 is a close up perspective view of one of the modules of Figure 1 with two of the uprights of the module folded into the lowered position; Figure 6 shows a front view of the modules of the modular stillage of Figure 1 stacked together, with the uprights of each module folded into the lowered position; Figure 7 shows a side view of the modules of the modular stillage of Figure 1 stacked together, with the uprights of each module folded into the lowered position; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the modules of the modular stillage of Figure 1 stacked together, with the uprights of each module folded into the lowered position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the front of the modular stillage of Figure 1 including supplementary modules hanging from uprights of the modules; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the front of the modular stillage of Figure 9 holding a plurality of pipes; and Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a supplementary module of the modular stillage of Figure 9.

A modular stillage 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure is shown in Figures 1 to 11. The modular stillage 1 comprises a plurality of modules 2, 3, 4, 5, wherein each module comprises a stillage, and wherein adjacent modules are connected together by a plurality of connectors 6. The modular stillage 1 comprises four modules 2, 3, 4, 5, which when connected together form a single large stillage that is suitable for holding long building materials, such as pipes, as shown in Figure 2. Although the modular stillage 1 comprises four modules 2, 3, 4, 5, it will be appreciated that the modular stillage may comprise any suitable number of modules required by a site or a user.

The four modules of the modular stillage 1 comprise a first module 2, a second module 3, a third module 4, and a fourth module 5. The first module 1 is arranged adjacent the second module 2, and the first module 2 is connected to the second module 4 by a pair of connectors 6. The second module 2 is arranged adjacent the third module 4, and the second module 3 is connected to the third module 4 by a pair of connectors 6. The third module 4 is arranged adjacent the fourth module 5, and the third module 4 is connected to the fourth module 5 by a pair of connectors 6.

Each of the four modules 2, 3, 4, 5 comprises a stillage, and all of the four sfillages are substantially identical. The only difference between the modules 2, 3, 4, 5, is that the second and third modules 3, 4 comprise guides 7 for receiving tines of a fork lift, which are not provided on the first and fourth modules 2, 5. Each stillage 2, 3, 4, 5 defines a storage volume, and is configured to hold objects. However, each stillage 2, 3, 4, 5 on its own is not large enough to securely hold long building materials. When connected together, the four stillages 2, 3, 4, 5 form a large, modular stillage 1 that is configured to securely hold long building materials. The modular stillage 1 defines a storage volume that comprises the storage volumes of each of the individual modules 2, 3, 4, 5.

Each module 2, 3, 4, 5 includes a base 10 formed from four corner elements 11, and four horizontal elements 12. The corner elements 11 and horizontal elements 12 are arranged to form a rectangular base frame. Each horizontal element 12 extends between two adjacent corner elements 11. At the front and back of the module, additional horizontal support elements 14 are provided, extending between the adjacent corner elements 11, below the horizontal elements 12. A horizontal brace element 15 is provided half way between the front and back of the module, extending between the horizontal elements 12 at the sides of the module.

The base has a length of about 1200 mm between the front and the back, a width of about 1000 mm between the sides, which is about the same footprint as a standard size British pallet In this embodiments, the horizontal elements 12 and the additional horizontal support elements 14 are welded together. It will be appreciated that the horizontal elements may be secured to the corner elements by other suitable means, such as by screws, bolts or rivets. In some embodiments, the horizontal elements may be removably secured to the corner elements. Similarly, in this embodiment the horizontal brace elements 14 are also welded to the horizontal elements 12 at the sides of the module.

Four upright elements 16 extend upwards from the base 10. An upright element 16 extends upwards from each of the corner elements 11. The upright elements 16 have a length of about 800 mm, and the corner elements have a length of about 350 mm. The rectangular base 10 and the upright elements 16 define the storage volume of the module.

The horizontal elements 12, horizontal support elements 14, horizontal brace elements 15 and upright elements 16 are all made from mild steel box section, with the same cross-section.

The corner elements 11 are also formed from mild steel box section, but have a larger cross-section than the upright elements 16. The corner elements 11 have an internal cavity 17 that is sized to receive a lower portion of the upright elements 16. The internal cavity 17 of the corner elements 11 is open at the upper end to receive an upright element, and is also open at an upper portion of the side of the corner element 11 that faces along the horizontal element 12 at the side of the module. Accordingly the open sides of the cavities 17 of the corner elements 11 at the front of the module face the back of the module, and the open sides of the cavities 17 of the corner elements 11 at the back of the module face the front of the module. The opening at the side of the cavities 17 is sized to enable the lower portion of an upright element 17 to pass through the opening.

The upright elements 16 are movable relative to the corner elements between an upright position, and a lowered position. In the upright position, the upright elements 16 extend upwards from the corner elements 11, with a lower portion of the upright element 16 received in the cavity 17 of the corner element 11, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The upright position is a use position, and when all four of the upright elements 16 of a module are in the upright position, the module forms a stillage configured to store objects. In the lowered position, the upright elements 16 are lowered such that they extend substantially along the base, as shown in Figures 4 to 8. The lowered position is a storage and transport position, and when all four of the upright elements 16 are in the lowered position, the modules may be stacked together, such that they can be stored and transported easily.

In this embodiment, the upright elements 16 are movable between the upright position and the lowered position by the provision of slots 18 in opposite sides of the uprights 16, which cooperates with a pin (not shown) that extends through the slots 18 and is secured at both ends at the corner elements 11 at an upper portion of the corner element 11. The pins extend in the direction of the width of the module. The slot 18 and pin arrangement enables the upright elements 16 to be lifted and lowered vertically relative to the corner element 11 when the upright element is in a vertical orientation, with the pin travelling along the length of the slot 18. The length of the slot 18 limits the length of travel of the upright element 16 relative to the corner element 11. When the lower portion of the upright element 16 is lifted sufficiently to clear the closed lower portion of the corner element 11, the upright element 16 may be rotated about the pin, such that the upright element 16 is lowered through the opening in the upper portion of the side of the corner element 11. The upright elements 16 at the front of the module may be lowered in the direction of the back of the module, and the upright elements 16 may be lowered in the direction of the front of the module. As such, when the upright elements 16 at the front and back on the module, on one side of the module, are both lowered, the upright elements 16 overlap such that one of the upright elements 16 rests on the other.

When the upright elements 16 are in the upright position, the upright elements are secured in place by pins 19 extending from the upright elements 16, which cooperate with a notch in the upper end of the corner elements 11. When a pin 19 of an upright element 16 is seated in the notch of a corner element 11, the upright element 16 is prevented from wobbling or rotating relative to the corner element. The notch in the corner element 11 is open at the upper end, such that the pin 19 may be lifted out of the notch when the upright element 16 is lifted in preparation for rotating the upright element 16 into the lowered position.

The horizontal elements 12 are secured to the corner elements 11 at around half way along the length of the corner element 11. All of the horizontal elements are secured to the corner element on the same plane. At the front and back of the module, the horizontal support elements 14 are secured to the corner elements 11 towards the lower end of the corner element 11.

At the lower end of the corner elements 11, a foot 20 is provided. The foot 20 is flared outwards to provide a stable platform on which the corner element 11 may be supported. The feet 20 are also open at the lower end, so that the foot may receive an upper end of another corner element 11. This enables the modules 2, 3, 4, 5 to be stacked together, as shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, when all of the upright elements 16 are in the lowered position. Advantageously, the flared lower ends of the feet 20 also help to locate the feet onto the upper end of a corner element 11 of another module when the module is being stacked on top of another module.

In accordance with the disclosure, adjacent modules 2, 3, 4, 5 of the modular stillage 1 are connected together by connectors 6. Each adjacent module is connected together by one connector 6 at the front, and by another connector 6 at the back. Providing two connectors 6, one connector at the front and one connector at the back, securely connects together adjacent modules, and enables adjacent modules to perform as a single, large stillage.

As shown in Figure 3, a connector 6 comprises a first connector plate 21, and a second connector plate 22. The first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 are substantially planar sheets of mild steel which have been generally formed into a T-shape. The first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 have generally the same shape and dimensions.

The first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 are securable together by a plurality of fasteners (not shown). In this case, the fasteners are bolts, which are passed through a plurality of apertures 23 in the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 and secured in plate with nuts. In this embodiment, the fasteners enable the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 to be removably connected together, such that the modular stillage 1 may be disassembled into separate modules if required. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the fasteners may be not be removable.

The connector 6 shown in Figure 3 is positioned at the front of the first module 2 and the second module 3. In Figure 3, the horizontal support elements 14 below the horizontal elements 12 of the modules 2, 3 are not shown. The first module 2 and the second module 3 are positioned with horizontal members 12 at the sides of the modules 2, 3 abutting. The connector 6 spans the adjacent front portions of the bases 10 of the first module 2 and the second module 3.

The first connector plate 21 is mounted to an outer surface of the corner element 10, and an outer surface of a portion of the horizontal element 12 of the first module 2. The first connector plate 21 is also mounted to the outer surface of the corner element 10, and the outer surface of a portion of the horizontal element 12 of the second module 3.

The second connector plate 22 is mounted to an inner surface of the comer element 10, and an inner surface of a portion of the horizontal element 12 of the first module 2. The second connector plate 22 is also mounted to the inner surface of the corner element 10, and the inner surface of a portion of the horizontal element 12 of the second module 3.

Accordingly, a portion of the base 10 of the first module 2 is sandwiched between the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22, and a portion of the base 10 of the second module 2 is sandwiched between the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22.

Apertures are provided in the horizontal elements 12, and the corner elements 11 of the modules 2, 3, which align with the apertures 23 in the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22, and enable the fasteners to pass through the module 2, 3 as well as the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 to not only secure the first connector plate 21 to the second connector plate 22, but also to secure the connector 6 to the module 2, 3. The fasteners, when tightened, urge the first connector plate 21 towards the second connector plate 22, compressing the modules 2, 3 between the first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22. This compression helps to provide a secure connection of the first module to the second module.

The heads of the T-shaped first connector plate 21 and second connector plate 22 extend along the horizontal elements 12 of the first module 2 and the second module 3. The bodies of the T-shaped first connector plate 21 and second connector plate 22 extend along the horizontal support elements 14 of the first module 2 and the second module 3. The first connector plate 21 and the second connector plate 22 are T-shaped to provide a rectangular space beneath the ends of adjacent connectors 6, as shown in Figure 3. This rectangular space beneath the ends of adjacent connectors 6 keeps a space clear of the connectors 6 for the guides 7 for tines of a forklift, where they are provided.

The first connector plate 21 comprises a central flange 24 extending perpendicular to the first connector plate 21, which extends towards the back of the modules 2, 3, between the corner elements 11 of the first module 2 and the second module 23 when the first connector plate 21 is mounted to the modules 2, 3. The flange 24 helps to locate the first connector plate 21 in position on the modules 2, 3, and helps to strengthen the first connector plate 21 against bending.

The first connector plate 21 also comprises alignment pins 25, which extends from the outer ends of the body of the T-shaped first connector plate 21, perpendicular to the first connector plate 21, in the same direction as the flange 24. The alignment pins 25 pass through apertures in the horizontal support member 14, and are received in apertures of the second connector plate 22, to help locate the first connector plate 21 relative to the second connector plate 22, and to help locate the first connector plate 21 relative to the modules 2, 3.

The second connector plate 22 comprises a central cut-out (not shown) to accommodate the horizontal members 12 at the abutting sides of the modules 2, 3.

In use, the first module 2 and the second module 3 are arranged side-by-side, and the first connector plate 21 is mounted to the modules 2, 3. The alignment pins 25, and the flange 24 of the first connector plate 21 help to locate the first connector plate 21 on the first module 21 and the second module 22. The second connector plate 22 is then mounted to the modules 2, 3, with the alignment pins 25 of the first connector plate 21 and the cut-out helping to locate the second connector plate 22 on the modules 2, 3. Fastening bolts are then passed through the apertures 23 in the first connector plate 21 and secured in place with nuts, which are tightened onto the bolts to urge the first connector plate towards the second connector plate.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the modular stillage 1 may also be provided with a plurality of supplementary modules 30, 31. In this embodiment, the supplementary modules comprise storage containers 30, and workbenches 31.

The supplementary modules 30, 31 have substantially the same width as the modules 2, 3, 4, 5, and are each hung from uprights 16 of one of the modules 2, 3, 4, 5. The supplementary modules 30, 31 are hung from the front or back of the modular stillage 1, clear of the storage volume of the stillage, such that elongate building materials may still be held by the modular stillage, as shown in Figure 10.

Each of the storage modules 30, 31 comprises a mounting point, in the form of a channel, at the back of the supplementary module, which is configured to receive the two uprights of one of the modules 2, 3, 4, 5 at the front or the back of the module. The supplementary modules may hang freely from the uprights 16 of the modules 2, 3, 4, 5, or may be secured to the uprights 16 with fasteners. In this embodiment, the supplementary modules 30, 31 are removably supported on the uprights 16 of the modules 2, 3,4, 5, such that the supplementary modules may be removed from the modular stillage 1 when not in use.

The supplementary modules 30, 31 may provide additional functionality to the modular stillage 1, without compromising the function of the modular stillage 1.

The supplementary modules 30, 31 may be storable and transportable in a disassembled state, and assembled on side. This may facilitate storage and transport of the supplementary modules, particularly where the disassembled supplementary module may be stored in a flat pack arrangement.

A supplementary module 31, in the form of a workbench, is shown in a disassembled state in Figure 11. The supplementary module 31 comprises a back panel 32, side panels 33, a floor panel 34, a work surface 35, and shelves 36. The back panel 32 comprises the channel (not shown) for mounting the supplementary module to the uprights 16 of a module 2, 3, 4, 5 at a rear surface. The side panels 33 include cut-outs at an upper end, which align to form supports for an elongate building material. These cut-outs enable an elongate building material, such as a pipe, to be held and worked on the workbench. The panels are all formed of sheets of mild steel and are securable together with various fasteners to form a workbench. The work surface 35 is formed from a thicker sheet of mild steel to improve the durability of the work surface. The workbench defines various storage compartments defined by the panels 32, 33, 34, 36, enabling tools and fittings to be stored in the workbench. In this embodiment, the supplementary module 31 is not configured to be disassembled once is has been assembled. However, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments supplementary modules may be configured to be disassembled, to facilitate storage and transport when not in use.

Claims

Claims 1. A modular stillage comprising: a first module comprising a first stillage; a second module comprising a second stillage; and at least one connector configured to connect the first module to the second module, wherein the at least one connector comprises a first connector plate and a second connector plate, the second connector plate being securable to the first connector plate to connect the first module to the second module.
2. A modular stillage according to claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to releasably connect the first module to the second module, and optionally the second connector plate being releasably securable to the first connector plate to releasably connect the first module to the second module.
3. A modular stillage according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of the first module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second module is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.
4. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the first module is connected to the second module by the connector: the portion of the first module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate; and the portion of the second module arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate.
5. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the modular stillage comprises a plurality of fasteners, the first connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the second connector plate comprises a plurality of fastener apertures, the first module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and the second module comprises at least one fastener aperture, and wherein the first module is connected to the second module when: one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the first module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate; and one of the fasteners is received in one of the fastener apertures of the first connector plate, one of the fastener apertures of the second module, and one of the fastener apertures of the second connector plate
6. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one connector comprises at least one alignment feature configured to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.
7. A modular stillage according to claim 6, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment aperture in the first connector plate; an alignment aperture in the second connector plate; and an alignment pin that is receivable in the alignment aperture in the first connector plate and the alignment aperture in the second connector plate to align the first connector plate with the second connector plate.
8. A modular stillage according to claim 6, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the first connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the second connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the first connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the first connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the second connector plate.
9. A modular stillage according to claim 6, wherein the at least one alignment feature comprises: an alignment pin extending from the second connector plate; and an alignment aperture in the first connector plate configured to receive the alignment pin of the second connector plate, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned when the alignment pin of the second connector plate is received in the alignment aperture of the first connector plate.
10. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein at least one of: the first module comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin, and wherein the first module is aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the first module; and the second module comprises an alignment aperture configured to receive the alignment pin, and wherein the second module is aligned with the at least one connector when the first connector plate and the second connector plate are aligned, and when the alignment pin is received in the alignment aperture of the second module.
11. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar, and the second connector plate of the at least one connector is substantially planar.
12. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein at least one of: the first connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the second connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate; and the second connector plate comprises a flange that extends towards the first connector plate when the first connector plate is secured to the second connector plate.
13. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one connector comprises at least two connectors, a first connector and a second connector, the first connector connecting the first module and the second module at a first side, and the second connector connecting the first module and the second module at a second side, opposite the first side.
14. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: the first module includes a first base comprising first horizontal frame elements; and the second module includes a second base comprising second horizontal frame elements.
15. A modular stillage according to claim 14, wherein the at least one connector is configured to connect a portion of the first base to a portion of the second base to connect the first module to the second module.
16. A modular stillage according to claim 15, wherein the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector when a portion of one the first base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, a portion of the second base is arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate, and the first connector plate and the second connector plate are secured together.
17. A modular stillage according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein when the first module is connected to the second module by the at least one connector: the portion of the first base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate; and the portion of the second base arranged between the first connector plate and the second connector plate is compressed by the first connector plate and the second connector plate.
18. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein: the first module includes the first base, and first upright elements extending upwards from the first base; and the second module includes the second base, and second upright elements extending upwards from the second base.
19. A modular stillage according to claim 18, wherein: the first upright elements are moveable relative to the first base, optionally the first upright elements are rotatable relative to the first base; and the second upright elements are moveable relative to the second base, optionally the second upright elements are rotatable relative to the second base.
20. A modular stillage according to claim 18 or claim 19, wherein: the first upright elements are moveable relative to the first base between an upright position in which the first upright elements extend upwards from the first base, and a lowered position in which the first upright elements extend substantially along the first base; and the second upright elements are moveable relative to the second base between an upright position in which the second upright elements extend upwards from the second base, and a lowered position in which the second upright elements extend substantially along the second base.
21. A modular stillage according to claim 18, wherein: the first upright elements are removable from the first base; and the second upright elements are removable from the second base.
22. A modular stillage according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the modular stillage further comprises at least one supplementary module configured to be connected to one of the first module and the second module, optionally the at least one supplementary modules being configured to be removably connected to one of the first module and the second module, and optionally the at least one supplementary module comprising at least one of: a storage container; and a workbench including a work surface.
23. A modular stillage according to claim 22, wherein the at least one supplementary module comprises one or more mounting points, and wherein the at least one supplementary module is configured to hang on one or more of the first upright elements of the first module from the one or more mounting points or the supplementary module is configured to hang on one or more of the second upright elements of the second module from the one or more mounting points.
24. A connector for connecting adjacent stillages, the connector comprising: a first connector plate; and a second plate, wherein the second connector plate is securable to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, and wherein when the second connector plate is secured to the first connector plate a cavity is provided between the first connector plate and the second connector plate for receiving portions of a first stillage and a second stillage.
25. A connector according to claim 24, wherein the first connector plate and the second connector plate are removably securable together.