WO2004083079A2 - Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system - Google Patents
Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004083079A2 WO2004083079A2 PCT/US2004/007621 US2004007621W WO2004083079A2 WO 2004083079 A2 WO2004083079 A2 WO 2004083079A2 US 2004007621 W US2004007621 W US 2004007621W WO 2004083079 A2 WO2004083079 A2 WO 2004083079A2
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- storage unit
- rail
- members
- wheel
- arrangement
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B53/00—Cabinets or racks having several sections one behind the other
- A47B53/02—Cabinet systems, e.g. consisting of cabinets arranged in a row with means to open or close passages between adjacent cabinets
Definitions
- This invention relates to a storage system, and more particularly to a high density storage system that can be assembled on-site in different configurations.
- High density storage systems are well known, and typically include a series of storage units such as shelves, file cabinets or the like that are movable so as to eliminate the presence of an isle between adjacent storage units, thereby reducing the amount of space occupied by the storage system.
- the storage units are movably mounted to a pair of spaced apart rails, so that storage units can be moved laterally toward and away from each other so as to selectively create an isle between adjacent storage units when it is desired to gain access to the items supported by the storage units.
- the storage units are positioned side-by-side, and each storage unit is mounted to a pair of rails for movement between an extended position and a retracted position.
- the storage unit is moved to its extended position while the adjacent storage units remain in the retracted position, to expose the contents of the extended storage unit.
- high density lateral storage systems involve the use of a wheeled carriage or base, which includes a frame and other structural components to which the storage unit is mounted.
- the carriage or base is then engaged with floor-mounted rails, which typically are embedded in or otherwise permanently mounted to a floor.
- the base may include wheels which directly engage the floor so as to provide movement of the storage unit.
- the base may include a slide-type arrangement for providing cantilevered support of the storage unit when in the extended position.
- Representative applications of storage systems of this type include office, institutional and educational environments, wherein large quantities of dense objects such as papers, files, books, etc. are contained on the storage units.
- Such storage systems have a relatively heavy duty construction, and are installed and maintained by skilled, trained workers.
- It is a further object of the invention to provide such a storage system which can be produced, shipped and sold in knock-down form, and which can then be assembled on site using a minimal number of tools.
- a storage system includes a storage unit, a wheel arrangement and a guide arrangement including at least one rail.
- the storage unit, the wheel arrangement and the guide arrangement are constructed from components that are configured to be transported together in a disassembled state to an installation site that includes a support surface, and to be assembled at the installation site.
- Assembly of the system involves engaging the wheel arrangement with the storage unit and securing the rail of the guide arrangement to the support surface.
- the wheel engagement is engageable with the rail to provide movement of the storage unit relative to the support surface.
- the wheel arrangement can be secured to the storage unit in either a first orientation so as to provide movement of the storage unit in a first direction, or in a second orientation so as to provide movement of the storage unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
- the rail is adapted to be engaged with the support surface so as to guide movement of the storage unit in either the first direction or the second direction.
- a mobile storage system includes a series of storage units, a guide arrangement configured for engagement with a support surface and including at least one guide rail, and a series of wheeled members that are interposed between each storage unit and the guide arrangement.
- Each storage unit and its associated wheeled members include a cooperative positioning arrangement to position the wheeled members in either a first orientation or a second orientation, according to the desired direction of movement of the storage unit.
- the guide rails are engaged with the support surface in a desired orientation that provides movement of the storage units on the guide rail in either a first direction or in a second direction, according to the orientation of the wheeled members.
- a method of constructing a mobile storage system includes the acts of providing one or more storage units as well as a guide arrangement including at least one rail member, and securing the guide arrangement to a support surface.
- the method further involves mounting a series of wheel members to each storage unit, with the wheel members being configured to engage the rail members to provide guided movement of the storage unit relative to the support surface.
- the steps of securing the guide arrangement to the support surface and mounting the wheel members to the storage unit are carried out by selecting either a first orientation in which the wheel members and the rail members provide movement of the storage unit in a first direction, or a second orientation in which the wheel members and the rail member provide movement of the storage unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
- the invention further contemplates a kit of components for constructing a mobile storage system.
- the kit of components includes a series of storage unit components that are adapted to be assembled to construct a storage unit, a guide arrangement including at least one rail member which is configured to engage a support surface, and a series of wheel members which are configured to be mounted to the storage unit and to engage the rail member for providing guided movement of the storage unit relative to the support surface.
- the storage unit components, the guide arrangement and the wheel members are in the form of a set of components that are transported together in a disassembled state to an installation site, and to be assembled at the installation site.
- the rail member is adapted to be secured to the support surface by either positioning the rail member in an end-to-end relationship relative to rail members of adjacent storage units, to provide lateral movement of the storage units toward and away from each other, or in a spaced apart configuration in which adjacent rail members are parallel to each other to provide axial movement of the storage units between an extended position and a retracted position.
- the present invention further contemplates a method of constructing a mobile storage system including a series of storage units and a rail arrangement, by selecting either a first configuration in which the storage units move laterally toward and away from each other to selectively create a space between adjacent storage units, or a second configuration in which the storage units move axially between a retracted position and an extended position.
- the method involves selectively configuring the storage units and securing the rail arrangement to the support surface so as to provide either the first configuration or the second configuration.
- the various aspects of the invention can be carried out separately and independently, and each provides an improved feature, construction or installation of a mobile storage system.
- the aspects of the invention may also be used in various sub- combinations or altogether, to provide the desired set of features or advantages for a mobile storage system.
- Fig. 1 is an isometric view of storage system in accordance with the present invention, in which the storage units are laterally movable so as to selectively create a space between adjacent storage units;
- Fig. 2 is an isometric view of one of the storage units incorporated in the storage system of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial isometric view showing a portion of the lower end of the storage unit of Fig. 2;
- Fig. 4 is a partial isometric view showing a lower portion of the storage unit of
- Fig. 2 and a pair of guide rails for guiding movement of the storage unit
- Fig. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the components of the storage unit of
- Fig. 2 and its associated guide rails as shown in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 6 is a partial isometric view showing corner post members, a splice member and support members incorporated in the storage unit of Fig. 4;
- Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line 7-7 of Fig. 6;
- Fig. 8 is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference to line 8-8 of Fig. 5;
- Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference to line 9-9 of Fig. 5;
- Fig. 10 is an exploded isometric view showing a rail member as in Fig. 4 and an adhesive strip for mounting the rail member to a support surface;
- Fig. 11 is an end elevation view of the rail member, adhesive strip and support surface of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 12 is a partial section view with reference to line 12-12 of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the rail member of Fig. 10;
- Fig. 14 is a top plan view of a series of rail members placed in an end-to-end relationship for guiding movement of the storage units of Fig. 1;
- Fig. 15 is an exploded isometric view showing a splice arrangement for securing adjacent rail members together, as shown in Fig. 14;
- Fig. 16 is a view similar to Fig. 15, showing the adjacent rail members secured together;
- Fig. 17 is an exploded partial isometric view showing a stop member adapted for engagement with an end area of an endmost one of the rail members as in Fig. 14, for controlling the range of movement of the storage units relative to the rail members;
- Fig. 18 is an isometric view showing the stop member and rail member of Fig.
- Fig. 19 is an isometric view of the stop member and rail member end portion as in Fig. 18, from an opposite angle;
- Fig. 20 is an isometric view of the stop member of Figs. 17-19;
- Fig. 21 is an elevation view of the stop member of Figs. 17-20;
- Fig. 22 is a partial exploded isometric view showing a lower portion of one of the storage units as in Fig. 1, together with wheel members adapted to be secured to the lower corners of the storage unit for engagement with the rail members as in Fig. 14 to provide movement of the storage unit on the rail members;
- Fig. 23 is an exploded isometric view showing the components of one of the wheel members of Fig. 22, with reference to line 23-23 of Fig. 22;
- Fig. 24 is an isometric view of an assembled one of the wheel members of Fig.
- FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a mounting member incorporated in one of the wheel members shown in Figs. 22-24;
- Fig. 26 is an elevation view of a bumper member incorporated into the wheel member of Figs. 22-24;
- Fig. 27 is a transverse section view through the wheel member of Fig. 24;
- Fig. 28 is a partial isometric view illustrating a retainer arrangement incorporated in each storage unit as in Fig. 1 for selectively maintaining the storage unit in a predetermined position along the length of the rail members, and showing the retainer arrangement in a raised, disengaged position;
- Fig. 29 is a view simile to Fig. 28, showing the retainer arrangement in a lowered, engaged position;
- Fig. 30 is a partial section view taken along line 30-30 of Fig. 29;
- Fig. 31 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the components of the retainer arrangement of Figs. 28 and 29;
- Fig. 32 is a rear elevation view of a handle member incorporated in the retainer arrangement of Figs. 28 and 29;
- Fig. 33 is an end elevation view of the handle member of Fig. 32;
- Fig. 34 is a plan view illustrating one of the wheel members as in Fig. 24 and the location of a latch member incorporated in the retainer arrangement of Figs. 28 and 29 relative to the wheel member;
- Fig. 35 is a partial elevation view showing the wheel member, rail member and latch member of Fig. 34;
- Fig. 36 is an isometric view of a storage system in accordance with the present invention, in which the storage units are axially movable between an extended position and a retracted position;
- Fig. 37 is an isometric view of one of the storage units incorporated in the storage system of Fig. 36;
- Fig. 38 is an exploded isometric view showing a storage unit as in Figs. 36 and
- Fig. 39 is an exploded isometric view showing the components of the storage unit and the guide rails of Fig. 38;
- Fig. 40 is an exploded isometric view of one of the wheel members illustrated in Fig. 39, with reference to line 40-40 of Fig. 39;
- Fig. 41 is a partial isometric view of an outer end guide member adapted to be secured to one of the guide rails as shown in Figs. 38 and 39;
- Fig. 42 is an isometric view of the outer end guide member of Fig. 41 from an opposite angle;
- Fig. 43 is a top plan view of the outer end guide member of Figs. 41 and 42;
- Fig. 44 is an elevation view of an outer end guide member of Figs. 41-43;
- Fig. 45 is a partial isometric view showing guide rails for adjacent storage units as in Fig. 36, with a stop member for selectively preventing movement of the storage unit beyond its extended positions;
- Fig. 46 is a partial isometric view showing outer end portions of a pair of adjacent guide rails as in Fig. 45, with the stop member extending therebetween;
- Fig. 47 is an elevation view of the stop member illustrated in Fig. 46.
- Fig. 48 is a partial section view taken along line 48-48 of Fig. 46. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
- a mobile storage system 50 generally includes a series of storage units, representatively illustrated at 52a, 52b and 52c, that are movable on rails, shown at 54.
- Fig. 1 shows storage system 50 in a first configuration, in which storage units 52a, 52b and 52c are laterally movable toward and away from each other, in the direction of arrow 56, to selectively create an aisle or space A between adjacent storage units so as to provide access to items contained on the storage units.
- FIG. 2 representatively illustrates the construction of storage units 52a, 52b and 52c.
- storage unit 52a includes a series of corner members or posts 58, in combination with side support members 60 and end support members 62 that extend between and interconnect corner members 58.
- Side support members 60 and end support members 62 cooperate to support a series of shelves 64, which are adapted to support articles and items to be stored, in a manner as is known.
- a pair of wheel assemblies 66 are mounted to opposite comers of storage 52a, and a pair of wheel assemblies 68 are mounted to the other opposite comers of storage unit 52a.
- Wheel assemblies 66 and 68 include wheels that engage rails 54, to provide guided movement of storage unit 52a on rails 54.
- Each of storage units 52a, 52b and 52c is manufactured and shipped in knockdown, disassembled kit form, including the components illustrated in Fig. 5.
- the dissembled components, shown in Fig. 5 are packaged together and are assembled on site where the storage unit is to be installed.
- the storage units such as 52a, 52b and 52c are adapted produced and sold through retail outlets, and to be purchased by individual consumers for residential or other light duty applications.
- the kit of disassembled components illustrated in Fig. 5, which are adapted to be assembled together to construct a storage unit such as 52a, 52b or 52c, include corner member sections 72 and 74, which are connected together in end-to-end fashion using splice members 76, to form comer members 58.
- the components of Fig. 5 further include side support members 60 and end support members 62, as well as shelves 64 and wheel assemblies 66 and 68.
- the components of Fig. 5 further include a pair of rail members, shown at 54a, as well as a pair of end stops 78 and a series of splice plates 80.
- the kit of dissembled components includes a latch handle 82 and a latch member 84, the assembly and operation of which will later be explained.
- comer member 58 of each storage unit is formed by securing comer member sections 72 and 74 together using splice member 76.
- comer member sections 72 and 74 have a cross section defining a pair of legs orientated perpendicular to each other. Rectangular mounting apertures 86 are formed in the legs of corner member sections 72 and 74 at predetermined increments along the length of each leg. An opening 88 is located adjacent each aperture 86.
- Splice member 76 has a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of comer member sections 72 and 74.
- comer member sections 72 and 74 are positioned such that the lower end of upper section 72 abuts the upper end of lower section 74.
- Splice member 76 is then placed over the joint between comer member sections 72 and 74, and is secured in place using conventional threaded fasteners that extend through selected openings 88 adjacent the joint between comer member sections 72 and 74.
- Side support members 60 and end support members 62 have a generally channel-shaped construction, wherein each defines an upper flange, a lower flange and a vertical web extending therebetween.
- the vertical web of each of side and end support members 60, 62, respectively, includes an extension that is engageable with one of comer members 58 via a pair of vertically aligned tabs 90 that are shaped so as to allow the tab 90 to pass through one of apertures 86.
- Apertures 86 have a downward taper, and each aperture 86 is configured to receive one of tabs 90. Application of a downward force to the support member 60, 62 then results in an interference or wedge fit between the upper area of the tab 90 and the lower edge of the opening 86 through which the tab 90 extends.
- the side and end support members 60, 62 may be secured to a comer member 58 in any desired vertical position, according to the desired elevation of the shelf 64 to be supported by the support members 60, 62.
- An opening 91 is formed in the end of each support member 60, 62 between tabs 90. If desired, a fastener may be inserted through opening 91 and the aligned opening 88 in comer member section 72 or 74, to maintain the support member in position.
- Shelves 64 are configured to be received within the internal area defined by comer members 58, and to engage the upper surfaces of the upper flanges of side and end support members 60, 62, respectively.
- the upper pair of shelves 64 each have comers defined by perpendicular edges, as shown in Fig. 8.
- the lower pair of shelves 64 each include a bevel 92 (Fig. 9) at one comer, to provide clearance for latch member 82 when assembled to a selected one of comer members 58. It can thus be appreciated that a storage unit, such as 52a, can be constructed from components shipped in disassembled kit form and assembled on site in the location at which the storage unit is being installed.
- Each of rails 54 is constructed from a series of identically constructed rail members, such as 54a as shown in Figs. 10-13.
- Each rail member 54a is adapted for engagement with a support surface S such as a floor, and includes a central channel 96 defined by a bottom wall 98 and a pair of sidewalls 100.
- a top wall 102 extends outwardly from each side wall 100 and is orientated generally parallel to bottom wall 98.
- An angled outer wall 104 extends outwardly and downwardly from the outer end of each top wall 102.
- Each top wall 102 includes a series of spaced apart apertures 106 along its length. Apertures
- outer walls 104 include a pair of openings 108 adjacent each end of rail member 54a.
- Rail member 54a may be secured to support surface S in any satisfactory manner.
- rail member 54a is secured to support surface S via an adhesive member, in the form of an adhesive strip 110, which is interposed between the underside of channel bottom wall 98 and support surface S.
- Adhesive strip 110 includes a carrier 112 and upper and lower adhesive layers 114, 116, respectively, in a manner as is known.
- Adhesive ship 110 has a length that corresponds to the length of rail member 54a, and may either be shipped separately and applied to bottom wall 98 on site, or may be pre- applied to bottom wall 98 during manufacture.
- a series of rail members 54a, 54b and 54c may be assembled in end-to-end relationship, to form rails 54.
- the adjacent rail members are connected together via splice members 118, and an end stop 78 is secured to the end of each end most rail member, such as rail members 54a and 54c.
- the adjacent rail members such as rail members 54a and 54b, are adapted to be placed in alignment with each other and in an end-to-end relationship, so that the ends of rail members 54a, 54b abut each other.
- Splice members 118 are positioned so as to overlap the end areas of outer walls 104, and include a series of aligned openings 122 that are positioned so as to be in alignment with outer wall openings 108 when rail members 54a, 54b are i aligned, abutting relationship.
- Fasteners 124 which may be in the form of self-tapping screws, extend through splice member openings 122 and into outer wall openings 108, for securing rail members 54a, 54b together.
- each end stop 78 includes an upper wall 126 and a pair of outer walls 128, which have an angular relationship similar to that of rail member top walls 102 and 104.
- End stop upper wall 126 includes a pair of laterally aligned openings 130 configured similarly to rail member openings 106, as well as a central recess 132 within which a depending tab 134 is located.
- Each outer wall 128 includes a pair of spaced apart openings 136.
- End stop 78 is engaged with the rail member end by positioning end stop 78 over the rail member end such that upper wall 126 overlies rail member top walls 102 and outer walls 128 overlie rail member outer walls 104.
- Tab 134 is configured to extend into channel 96, and end stop 78 is positioned so that openings 130 are aligned with the endmost set of rail member openings 106 and outer wall openings 136 are aligned with outer wall openings 108 of rail member 54a.
- Fasteners such as self-tapping screws 138, extend through openings 136 and into openings 108 for securing end stop 78 to rail 54a.
- FIGs. 22-25 illustrate the construction of wheel assemblies 66, two of which are mounted to opposite lower comers of each storage unit, such as 52a.
- Wheel assembly 66 includes a mounting bracket 142, which includes a bottom wall 144 and a pair of generally perpendicular upstanding sidewalls 146, 148 that include respective openings 150, 152.
- Bottom wall 144 includes a wheel opening 154, and a pair of mounting ears 156 extend upwardly from bottom wall 144 at wheel opening 154. Ears 156 define aligned axial openings 158.
- a wheel 160 is adapted to be positioned within wheel opening 154 and rotatably mounted to and between ears 156. Wheel 160 includes an outer annular rim 162 engaged with a bearing assembly 1 4.
- a pair of bushings 166 define reduced diameter inner portions that are received within and engaged with the inner race of bearing assembly 164, such that rim 162, bearing assembly 164 and bushings 166 define a wheel subassembly adapted for engagement with mounting bracket 142.
- Bushings 166 define aligned passages 168, and are configured to be positioned between ears 156 so that passages 168 are in alignment with axial openings 158 defined by ears 156.
- An axle 170 extends through openings 158 and bushing passages 168, to rotatably mount wheel 160 to mounting bracket 142.
- Axle 170 includes a head 172 which engages one of ears 156.
- the opposite end of axle 170 includes a transverse passage 174.
- Axle 170 has a length sufficient to locate passage 174 outwardly of the opposite ear 156, and a pin 176 extends through axial passage 174 to retain axle 170 and wheel 160 in engagement with ears 156,and thereby with mounting bracket 142.
- Wheel 160 may be secured to mounting bracket 142 during manufacture, or alternatively may be assembled on site by the end user.
- Wheel assembly 66 is mounted to one of a pair of opposite comers defined by the lower end of storage unit 52a by placing wheel assembly 66 such that its sidewalls 146, 148 engage the end area of one of side support members 60 and one of end support members 62 at the lower end of storage unit 52a, as well as the lower end of co er member section 74.
- a fastener such as a screw 178, extends through opening 152 in bracket sidewall 148, and through an aligned one of end support member openings 91 and an aligned one of openings 88 in comer member section 74.
- a nut 180 is engaged with the threads of screw
- a fastener such as a screw 182 extends through opening 150 in bracket sidewall 146, and through an aligned opening 91 in the end of side support member 60 and in the other leg of comer member section 74, for engagement with a nut 184.
- Screw 182 extends through a passage in a bumper 186, to mount bumper 186 to mounting bracket sidewall 146.
- bumper 186 includes a passage 188 through which the shank of screw 182 extends, as well as a recess 190 within which the head of screw 182 is received.
- Each wheel assembly 68 is constructed similarly to wheel assembly 66, and is mounted to one of the comers of storage unit 52a opposite a wheel assembly 66 in the same manner as described with respect to wheel assembly 66.
- the mounting bracket of each wheel assembly 68 is constructed similarly to the mounting bracket of wheel assembly 66, which enables the wheel assembly 68 to be mounted to a comer at the same side as one of wheel assemblies 66.
- the mounting bracket of each wheel assembly 68 is configured such that its associated wheel is oriented perpendicular to the wheel 160 of wheel assembly 66, so that the wheels of wheel assemblies 66, 68 are positioned in alignment with each other when wheel assemblies 66, 68 are mounted to the storage unit.
- the wheel rim 162 of each wheel 160 is configured to be received within the channel 96 of each track 54, so as to provide guided movement of the storage units along the length of tracks 54.
- Figs. 28-33 illustrate a retainer or latch arrangement associated with the each of storage units 52a-52c for selectively maintaining the position of the storage unit on rails 54.
- the retainer or latch arrangement generally includes latch handle 82, which controls movement of latch rod 84, the lower end of which is selectively engaged within one of the rail openings 106 to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit relative to the rail.
- Latch handle 82 includes an inner mounting section 198 and an outer hand grip section 200 including a hand hole 202.
- Mounting section 198 is movably mounted to one of splice members 76, for movement between a lowered, engaged position as shown in Fig. 28 and a raised, disengaged position as shown in Fig. 29.
- mounting section 198 of latch handle 82 includes a pair of vertically aligned slots 204, which are in alignment with the openings in one of the legs of splice member 76.
- each shoulder bolt 206 are inserted into openings 204, such that the threaded shank of each shoulder bolt 206 extends through the splice member opening and the aligned comer member opening, for engagement with a nut 208.
- the shoulder section of each shoulder bolt 206 is positioned within the slot 204, so as to provide the dual function of securing splice member 76 in position and mounting latch handle 82 to splice member 76 for movement between the raised, disengaged position and the lowered engaged position.
- a latch mounting tab 210 extends from the inner edge of mounting section 198. When latch handle 82 is secured in position on splice member 76, latch mounting tab 210 extends inwardly from the inner surface of the comer member legs to which splice member 76 is mounted.
- Latch mounting tab 210 includes an opening 212.
- Latch rod 84 defines an inverted L-shape, including an upper mounting section 214 that extends laterally relative to the remainder of the length of latch rod 84.
- Mounting section 214 extends through opening
- latch member 84 extends vertically, and is positioned adjacent the inside comer defined by corner member 58.
- the bevels 92 at the comers of the bottom shelves 64 provide clearance for latch rod 84.
- latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 are subjected to a gravity bias that tends to place latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 in the lowered, operative position of Fig. 29.
- latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 are in this position, the lower end of latch rod 84 extends through one of openings 106 in rail 54, to prevent movement of the storage unit 52 relative to the rail 54.
- the user grasps hand grip section 200 of latch handle 82, and applies a vertical upward force as shown in Fig. 28 so as to move latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 to the raised, inoperative position in which the lower end of latch rod 84 is disengaged from opening 106 in rail 54.
- latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 The user maintains latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 in the raised, disengaged position during movement of the storage unit 52. Thereafter, the user releases latch handle 82 so as to allow latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 to be moved to the lowered, engaged position under the influence of the gravity bias, to allow the lower end of latch rod 84 to be engaged within one of openings 106. This functions to maintain the storage unit 52 in the desired position.
- the mounting bracket of each wheel assembly such as mounting bracket 142' of wheel assembly 68, includes an aperture 216 through which the lower end of latch rod 84 extends.
- Aperture 216 acts as a guide for the lower end of latch rod 84 during movement of latch rod 84 between the lowered, engaged position as shown in solid lines of Fig. 35, and the raised, disengaged position as shown in phantom in
- Fig. 36 illustrates an alternative configuration for storage system 50, in which the storage units such as 52a, 52b and 52c are configured for axial pull-out movement between an extended position and a retracted position, to provide selective access to the contents of each storage unit.
- the rail sections of each storage unit are positioned in a spaced apart, parallel relationship corresponding to the spacing between the storage unit wheel assemblies.
- the storage unit wheel assemblies are secured to the lower end of each storage unit so as to provide axial movement of the storage unit rather than transverse movement as shown in Fig. 1.
- rail sections 54a are secured to support surface S as described previously, using adhesive strips 110.
- An end stop 78 is secured to the inner end of each rail section 54a, also as described previously.
- An end guide 220 is secured to the outer end of each rail member 54a.
- an outer stop member 222 is engaged with end guides 220 at the outer ends of rail members 54a.
- Fig. 40 illustrates the construction of wheel assembly 68 which, as noted previously, is similar to that of wheel assembly 66 with the exception that the wheel 160 is in a position perpendicular to that of wheel of 160 of wheel assembly 66.
- Figs. 41-44 illustrate the construction of end guide 220 and its interconnection with the end of one of the rail members, such as 54a.
- End guide 220 includes a pair of top wall sections 224, each of which includes an opening 226.
- a channel section 228 is located between wall sections 224, and includes a bottom wall 230 and sidewalls 232 that are convergent in an outward-to-inward direction.
- end guide 220 includes a pair of angled outer walls 234 that extend outwardly and downwardly from the outer edges of top wall sections 224.
- Each outer wall 234 includes a pair of openings 236.
- End guide 220 is secured to the rail section outer end by positioning top wall sections 224 over the rail section top wall 102.
- End guide outer walls 234 overlie rail outer walls 104, and end guide openings 236 are positioned in alignment with rail outer wall openings 108.
- Fasteners, such as screws 238, extend through outer wall openings 236 and end guide 220 and into rail outer wall openings 108, to secure end guide 220 to the outer end of rail member 54a.
- End guide 220 is configured such that bottom wall 230 of channel 228 rests on support surface S, and the inner end of channel 228 has a configuration matching that of rail channel 96. With this construction, each end guide channel 228 provides a mouth or funnel extending from rail channel 96 at the outer end of the rail member.
- Fig. 45 illustrates the positioning of a pair of rail members 54a on support surface S, as well as the manner in which adjacent rail members, such as 54b, are interconnected with support surface S for positioning adjacent storage units.
- outer stop member 222 is in the form of an L-shaped member having a bottom wall 240 and an upstanding stop wall 242.
- a pair of angled mounting walls 244 extend from the ends of bottom wall 240, and have an angle complementary to that of end guide outer wall 234.
- Each mounting wall 244 includes a pair of openings having the same spacing as openings 236 in end guide outer walls 234.
- outer stop member 222 is positioned so that the openings in mounting walls 244 are in alignment with openings 236 in end guide outer walls 234, which in turn, are in alignment with rail of outer wall openings 108. Screws 238 then extend through the aligned openings into engagement with rail outer wall openings 108 to secure both outer stop member 222 and end guides 220 in position at the rail outer ends.
- stop wall 242 of outer stop member 222 has a height sufficient to position the upper end of stop wall 242 above the lower extent of the inner end support member 62 of the storage unit. In this manner, as the storage unit is pulled outwardly to the extended position from the retracted position, the lower end of end support member 62 engages stop wall 242, to maintain the rear wheels in engagement with the rails.
- the user moves the selected one of storage units 52a, 52b and 52c away from the retracted position to the extended position by first disengaging latch member
- each storage unit including the associated rails, wheel assemblies and stop components, are produced and packaged together for shipment and transportation to an installation site, which representatively may be a garage, basement or other storage area of a residence or other relatively light duty environment.
- the user is able to assemble each storage unit, and to then mount the wheels to the storage unit and to secure the rails to the floor so as to provide the desired storage system configuration, e.g., a lateral high density configuration or a pull-out, high density configuration.
- the desired storage system configuration e.g., a lateral high density configuration or a pull-out, high density configuration.
- the components unique to the pull-out application namely, end guides 220 and outer stop member 222, are not used and may be kept in the event the user later desires to alter the storage system configuration.
- a pull-out configuration as in
- splice plate 80 and bumpers 186 are not used and may be stored for use in the event the user later decides to change the configuration of the storage system.
- the components, construction and assembly of the storage system of the present invention have been shown in described with respect to a specific embodiment, it is understood that variations and alterations are possible and are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
- the storage unit components have been shown and described as being manufactured, sold and shipped together in knock-down form, it is also contemplated that the wheel assemblies and rail members may be sold separately from the storage unit for installation in a retrofit manner.
- wheel and rail mobilization system of the present invention may be used in connection with any type of storage unit or the like, and is not limited to a shelf-type storage unit as shown and described. It is also contemplated that the mobilization system of the present invention may be used in connection with a worksurface, work bench or the like. In addition, it is also contemplated that various accessories may be provided for the storage units, such as doors, drawers, worksurfaces, end panels, and back panels (either solid or pegboard), etc. Such accessories may be incorporated in the kit of components, or may be offered separately to enable a user to customize the storage system according to the user's requirements.
- latch mechanism that utilizes holes in the rails to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit relative to the rails
- numerous other types of latch mechanisms may be employed, e.g., a brake or other member that directly engages the support surface as opposed to the rail, or a latch and rail configuration that uses any other type of mating structure to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit relative to the rail.
- the illustrated embodiment provides a simple, inexpensive and reliable latch mechanism that has been found to function satisfactorily in the storage system of the present invention. Further, it is understood that the illustrated stop arrangements may take any other form then those shown and described.
Landscapes
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
MXPA05009522A MXPA05009522A (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-03-12 | Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system. |
US10/542,130 US20060232174A1 (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-03-12 | Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system |
CA002514465A CA2514465A1 (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-03-12 | Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US45499903P | 2003-03-14 | 2003-03-14 | |
US60/454,999 | 2003-03-14 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004083079A2 true WO2004083079A2 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
WO2004083079A3 WO2004083079A3 (en) | 2006-03-23 |
Family
ID=33029939
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2004/007621 WO2004083079A2 (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-03-12 | Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060232174A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2514465A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MXPA05009522A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004083079A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2468377A (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2010-09-08 | Spacesaver Corp | A mobile storage rack with upright supports and shelf supports secured to a wheel unit |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7829838B2 (en) * | 2007-06-05 | 2010-11-09 | Spacesaver Corporation | Mobile high bay storage system having vehicle guidance system |
US7950331B2 (en) * | 2007-11-09 | 2011-05-31 | Spacesaver Corporation | Narrow slot roller and guide system for high density mobile storage systems |
US20120181907A1 (en) * | 2011-01-14 | 2012-07-19 | Neil Edwards | Storage carousel |
US20140346934A1 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2014-11-27 | Michael Patrick Flynn | Adjustable Storage System |
US9686882B2 (en) * | 2014-05-16 | 2017-06-20 | Dell Products, Lp | Modular data center cabinet rack guide and retention mechanism |
US11167908B2 (en) * | 2018-11-28 | 2021-11-09 | Doron Moshe | Securing mechanism for casing for transporting communications computers and electronics racks |
IL263352B2 (en) * | 2018-11-28 | 2023-07-01 | Moshe Doron | Securing mechanism for casing for transporting communications computers and electronics racks |
CN110658768B (en) * | 2019-10-15 | 2022-04-15 | 南京盛伯智能科技有限公司 | Intelligent compact shelf control method and control system |
CN113812810B (en) * | 2021-09-18 | 2023-04-07 | 浙江百世技术有限公司 | Goods shelf for storing returned goods |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3286651A (en) * | 1964-07-07 | 1966-11-22 | Jr Ernest A Dahl | Sliding tub desk file cabinet and mounting therefor |
US3967868A (en) * | 1975-02-14 | 1976-07-06 | E. Baker And Associates, Inc. | Storage system |
US4807765A (en) * | 1987-09-18 | 1989-02-28 | Nashville Wire Products Mfg. Co., Inc. | Mobile storage apparatus |
US5597217A (en) * | 1995-05-19 | 1997-01-28 | Hoska; Gerald R. | Anti-tip bracket for high capacity shelving |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US328665A (en) * | 1885-10-20 | Leveling-instrument |
-
2004
- 2004-03-12 CA CA002514465A patent/CA2514465A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-03-12 US US10/542,130 patent/US20060232174A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-03-12 WO PCT/US2004/007621 patent/WO2004083079A2/en active Application Filing
- 2004-03-12 MX MXPA05009522A patent/MXPA05009522A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3286651A (en) * | 1964-07-07 | 1966-11-22 | Jr Ernest A Dahl | Sliding tub desk file cabinet and mounting therefor |
US3967868A (en) * | 1975-02-14 | 1976-07-06 | E. Baker And Associates, Inc. | Storage system |
US4807765A (en) * | 1987-09-18 | 1989-02-28 | Nashville Wire Products Mfg. Co., Inc. | Mobile storage apparatus |
US5597217A (en) * | 1995-05-19 | 1997-01-28 | Hoska; Gerald R. | Anti-tip bracket for high capacity shelving |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2468377A (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2010-09-08 | Spacesaver Corp | A mobile storage rack with upright supports and shelf supports secured to a wheel unit |
GB2468377B (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2013-01-02 | Spacesaver Corp | Carriageless mobilized storage unit for use in a mobile storage system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060232174A1 (en) | 2006-10-19 |
WO2004083079A3 (en) | 2006-03-23 |
MXPA05009522A (en) | 2005-10-26 |
CA2514465A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 |
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