WO1996001580A1

WO1996001580A1 - Storage racking

Info

Publication number: WO1996001580A1
Application number: PCT/AU1995/000406
Authority: WO
Inventors: Graham Ambridge
Original assignee: Universal Storage Systems Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1994-07-07
Filing date: 1995-07-05
Publication date: 1996-01-25

Abstract

A modular storage system such as a storage rack (10) for storing in either a horizontal or vertical orientation a plurality of articles including substantially planar members such as compact disc, video disc, audio tape and video tape storage cases (11). The storage rack (10) comprises a base (12) and at least two walls (13), the walls (13) being formed of a stack of interconnected crossbar members (16). The number of crossbar members (16) used in each wall (13) set the height of the rack (10).

Description

STORAGE RACKING FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular storage system and in particular to a storage rack for substantially planar members . BACKGROUND

The efficient storage of items whether it be in the workplace or in the home is a perennial requirement. In many instances, traditional storage techniques such as shelves, filing cabinets and drawers do not provide adequate flexibility due either to their dimensions or operation.

It would be desirable to have a storage system which is sufficiently adaptable such that it can accommodate articles of various dimensions, can fit neatly and efficiently into tight or awkward spaces and can be readily enlarged should that be necessary. An example of a requirement where such a storage system is desirable is where a person has to store a significant number of compact discs, video discs, audio tapes or video tapes. The proliferation of compact discs, video discs and the like for the storage of audio and other data has led to a requirement for a means of safely and conveniently storing the cases. Storage of such items is desirably efficient in its use of space, allows ready access to the items and can grow to meet the expanding collection of the user. DISCLOSURE OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention consists in a modular storage system for at least one article, the system comprising: at least two elongate members forming a base; at least two walls which extend substantially normal to, and are interconnected with, the elongate members, the walls being spaced apart and having a support means extending therebetween so as to support the at least one article; wherein each wall is formed of a stack of interconnected crossbar members, the number of crossbar members setting the height of each wall.

In a preferred embodiment, each wall has support means such that cooperating pairs of support means on the respective walls can support the at least one article therebetween. In one embodiment, the article may comprise a shelf or drawer.

In a second aspect, the present invention consists in a storage rack for a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members forming a base; at least two walls which extend substantially normal to, and are interconnected with, the elongate members, the walls being spaced apart and each having support means such that co-operating pairs of support means on the respective walls can support at least one of the plurality of substantially planar members therebetween; wherein each wall is formed of a stack of interconnected crossbar members, the number of crossbar members setting the height of each wall.

In a further aspect, the present invention consists in a kit of parts for forming a modular storage system such as a storage rack for at least one article or a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members capable of forming a base; and a plurality of crossbar members for forming at least two walls, each crossbar member being capable of interconnecting with and extending substantially normal to the at least two elongate members, and being capable of interconnecting with another crossbar member positioned thereabove. Each crossbar member preferably comprises a rectangular component having an upper and lower surface and a first and second side.

The upper surface of each crossbar member preferably has one or more protrusions integral with the member and the lower surface has one or more recesses arranged to engage with the protrusions on the upper surface of a crossbar member positioned therebelow.

Each of the protrusions on the upper surface of each crossbar member are preferably dimensioned such that they lock in the recesses through a force fit.

The first and second sides of the crossbar members each also preferably have two continuous or discontinuous flanges extending longitudinally the length of the components thereby forming a continuous or discontinuous groove therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the flanges serve as the support for the substantially planar member supported between the walls and have a stop formed at each end to prevent the member sliding off the support. Each crossbar member is preferably of the same dimensions such that the substantially planar members are supported between the walls substantially horizontally.

Each elongate member preferably comprises a substantially rectangular or substantially cylindrical rod having a plurality of notches formed therein. The dimensions of each notch are preferably arranged such that the lower surface of the crossbar member will lock with the rod through a force fit.

The elongate members and crossbar members are preferably fabricated from a polymeric material, such as a copolymer of the acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) family. Other materials can, however, be employed including metal, alloys and timber. In one embodiment of the invention, the elongate members are preferably of a length such that at least three walls extend substantially normal to the elongate members such that at least two parallel storage racks for the at least one article or for substantially planar members are created. In another embodiment, adjacent crossbar members in each wall are interconnected by a linkage means which engages an upper surface of each crossbar member to a lower surface of an adjacent crossbar member positioned immediately thereabove. In this embodiment, each crossbar member preferably has an upper and lower surface having two continuous or discontinuous longitudinal flanges extending the length of the crossbar member and thereby forming a continuous or discontinuous groove therebetween. The linkage means preferably comprises a rectangular rod which is so dimensioned such that it is capable of locking in the grooves of adjacent crossbar members through a force fit.

In a final aspect, the present invention consists in a kit of parts for forming a modular storage system such as a storage rack for at least one article or a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members capable of forming a base; and a plurality of crossbar members and linkage means for forming at least two walls, each crossbar member being capable of interlocking with, and extending substantially normal to the at least two elongate members, each crossbar member being capable of interlocking with another crossbar member by the linkage means which interconnects an upper surface of each crossbar member to a lower surface of another crossbar member which is capable of being positioned immediately thereabove. In a preferred embodiment of the final aspect, the kit of parts includes at least one shelf member and/or one drawer member arranged to be supported between the walls .

The substantially planar members are preferably cases for compact discs, video discs, audio tapes, video tapes and other means of data storage and the size of the rack and its components is preferably dimensioned accordingly.

The modular storage system and storage rack are preferably mountable on a base or wall of an item of furniture or a building structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Hereinafter given by way of example only preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a modular storage system comprising a storage rack for a plurality of substantially planar members;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from above of the components comprising the storage rack of Fig 1; Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of an alternative arrangement of the storage rack of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a further alternative arrangement of the storage rack of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A storage rack for audio, video or other data (eg: CDROM) compact disc storage cases is generally shown as 10 in Figs. 1-2 and 30 in Fig 3. The rack 10 in Figs 1-2 and 30 in Fig 3 is designed to be placed on a horizontal surface and store a plurality of storage cases 11 in a substantially horizontal orientation. As is depicted in Fig.4, in an alternative arrangement, a storage rack 40 is arranged such that the storage cases 11 are stored in a substantially vertical orientation.

The embodiment of the rack 10 depicted in Fig. 1 includes a base 12, two walls 13 between which a plurality of storage cases 11 are supported and a top 23.

The base 12 and top 23 are comprised of two elongate members 14, each member 14 having a plurality of notches 15 formed therein.

Each wall 13 is formed from a stack of substantially rectangular components 16 interconnected together.

The two side surfaces of the components 16 have a pair of continuous flanges 20 extending longitudinally thereon. Each pair of flanges 20 form a continuous groove 21 therebetween. As is best depicted in Fig. 2 on the upper surface of and integral with each component 16 are five protrusions 17 arranged to engage with corresponding recesses (not visible) formed in the lower surface of a component 16 positioned thereabove. The dimensions of each component 16 and the notches 15 in the elongate members 12 are arranged so as to ensure that the lowermost component 19 of each wall 13 is interconnected to the elongate members 12 through a force fit. A similar force fit is used to interconnect the protrusions 17 on the upper surface of each component 16 with corresponding recesses in the lower surface of a rod 16 positioned thereabove.

Each inwardly extending flange 20 on each rod 16 that makes up each wall 13 forms a support 22 on which the storage cases 11 are supported. Each support 22 has a raised stop formed at each end to prevent the storage cases 11 inadvertantly sliding off the support 22. In another embodiment of the invention which is not depicted, the supports 22 could extend between the walls 13 and be integral with each wall. Further, the supports 22 could support drawers or shelves if required by a user.

The height of each wall 13 is set by the number of components 16 in each wall 13 and can be increased or decreased as needs dictate.

In Fig. 3, the components of the storage rack 10 of Fig. 1 are placed in an alternative arrangement. In this embodiment, where like pieces have the same reference number given in Fig. 1, the rack 30 comprises two storage racks 10 placed side by side with the distance between them set so as to allow a further stack of storage cases to be supported therebetween. One or more elongate members 14 could be employed to fix the distance between the two separate storage racks 10 that constitute the rack 30 in this embodiment.

An alternative arrangement of the invention, namely storage rack 40, is depicted in Fig. 4. Rack 40 comprises rack 10 of Fig. 1 turned over such that one wall 41 is placed on a horizontal surface 42. In this arrangement, storage cases 11 are stored substantially vertically between the flanges 20 of the two walls 13. Further storage for the cases 11 is provided by the top wall 43 of the upper wall 13 as is depicted in the drawing.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is the storage rack generally shown as 50 in Fig. 5, with once again like pieces having the same reference members as earlier embodiments. In this embodiment, the rack 50 includes a base 12 and two walls 13 between which a plurality of storage cases 11 are supported by supports 22. Base 12 is comprised of two cylindrical elongate members 14, each cylindrical member 14 having a plurality of notches 15 formed circumferentially therein. In this embodiment, each wall 13 is formed from a stack of crossbar members 16 interlocked together via linkage means 51.

Each crossbar member 16 comprises a component 52 having a rectangular bore 53 extending longitudinally therein. The upper, lower and two side surfaces of each crossbar member 16 each have a pair of continuous flanges 20 extending longitudinally thereon. Each pair of flanges 20 form a continuous groove 21 therebetween. The linkage means 51 comprises a rectangular rod of similar longitudinally extent as each crossbar member 16. The dimensions of the grooves 21 in each crossbar member 16 and the notches 15 in the elongate members 12 serve to ensure that the lower most crossbar member 54 in each wall 13 is interlocked to the elongate members 12 through a force fit. A similar force fit is used to interlock the upper surface of each crossbar member 16 to the lower surface of each crossbar member 16 positioned thereabove via the linkage rod 51. As with the storage rack 10 depicted in Fig. 1, alternative arrangements of the storage rack 50 can be achieved by appropriate manipulation of the component pieces of the rack.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular storage system for at least one article, the system comprising: at least two elongate members forming a base; at least two walls which extend substantially normal to, and are interconnected with, the elongate members, the walls being spaced apart and having a support means extending therebetween so as to support the at least one article; wherein each wall is formed of a stack of interconnected crossbar members, the number of crossbar members setting the height of each wall.

2. The modular storage system of claim 1 wherein the walls each have support means such that cooperating pairs of support means on the respective walls can support the at least one article therebetween.

3. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the at least one article comprises a shelf or drawer.

4. A storage rack for a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members forming a base; at least two walls which extend substantially normal to, and are interconnected with, the elongate members, the walls being spaced apart and each having support means such that co-operating pairs of support means on the respective walls can support at least one of the plurality of substantially planar members therebetween; wherein each wall is formed of a stack of interconnected crossbar members, the number of crossbar members setting the height of each wall.

5. The storage rack of claim 4 wherein each crossbar member comprises a rectangular component having an upper and lower surface and a first and second side, the upper surface of each crossbar member having one or more protrusions integral with the member, the lower surface having one or more recesses arranged to engage with the protrusions on the upper surface of a crossbar member positioned therebelow.

6. The storage rack of claim 5 wherein each of the protrusions on the upper surface of each crossbar member are dimensioned such that they lock in the recesses through a force fit.

7. The storage rack of claim 6 wherein the first and second sides of the crossbar members each have two continuous or discontinuous flanges extending longitudinally the length of the components and forming a continuous or discontinuous groove therebetween.

8. The storage rack of claim 4 wherein each elongate member comprises a substantially rectangular or substantially cylindrical rod having a plurality of notches formed therein, the dimensions of each notch being arranged such that the lower surface of the crossbar member will lock with the rod through a force fit.

9. The storage rack of claim 4 wherein adjacent crossbar members in each wall are interconnected by a linkage means which engages an upper surface of each crossbar member to a lower surface of an adjacent crossbar member positioned immediately thereabove.

10. The storage rack of claim 9 wherein each crossbar member has an upper and lower surface having two continuous or discontinuous longitudinal flanges extending the length of the member and thereby forming a continuous or discontinuous groove therebetween, the linkage means comprising a rectangular rod which is so dimensioned such that it is capable of locking in the grooves of adjacent crossbar members through a force fit.

11. A kit of parts for forming a modular storage system such as a storage rack for at least one article or a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members capable of forming a base; and a plurality of crossbar members for forming at least two walls, each crossbar member being capable of interconnecting with and extending substantially normal to the at least two elongate members, and being capable of interconnecting with another crossbar member positioned thereabove.

12. A kit of parts for forming a modular storage system such as a storage rack for at least one article or a plurality of substantially planar members comprising: at least two elongate members capable of forming a base; and a plurality of crossbar members and linkage means for forming at least two walls, each crossbar member being capable of interlocking with, and extending substantially normal to the at least two elongate members, each crossbar member being capable of interlocking with another crossbar member by the linkage means which interconnects an upper surface of each crossbar member to a lower surface of another crossbar member which is capable of being positioned immediately thereabove.

13. The storage rack of claim 4 wherein the substantially planar members are cases for compact discs, video discs, audio tapes, video tapes and other means of data storage and the size of the rack and its components is dimensioned accordingly.