WO2006043898A1

WO2006043898A1 - Modular storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2006043898A1
Application number: PCT/SG2004/000341
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chia Neville
Original assignee: Technigroup Far East Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2004-10-19
Filing date: 2004-10-19
Publication date: 2006-04-27

Abstract

An assembled modular storage system for interior use, using at least 4 hollow vertical poles and eight or more hollow horizontal beams, three or more vertical panels, one or more doors, at least four pairs of jointing means and corresponding number of fastening bolts. The hollow horizontal beams and hollow vertical poles are locked in place by a jointing means to form a 3 dimensional frame work in which vertical panels, shelves and doors are added to form a storage unit having limitless combinations of storage modules. The vertical panels can come in a variety of designs and finishes. The modular storage system is both rigid, strong and capable of keeping heavy objects safely. The same modular storage system can be dismantled and re-assembled in a different location, in a different combination of panels and doors.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

MODULAR STORAGE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular storage system for interior use using a system of horizontal beams and vertical poles locked in place by a jointing means to form a 3 dimensional frame work in which vertical panels, shelves and doors are added to form a storage unit having limitless combinations of storage modules. The support panels can come in a variety of designs and finishes.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Present day modular storage units have evolved to be highly flexible in configuration by connecting patented components in a variety of ways. Construction of these storages requires a combination of component(s). These components are often of a unique design to assist in its ease of use. Users are able to configure these storage units to suit their requirements by manipulating these patented components to form storage modules. These systems provide storage as well as novelty in the jointing system employed. One drawback of these systems is that they require twice to three times the number of fasteners to the number of joints, thereby being slow and tedious to assemble.

EP 1 435 327 proposes a modular storage box comprising a base, a first and second walls, and a lid, capable of increasing its capacity longitudinally byway of the connections, by means of bridge elements, of additional first walls and second wall and bases, the bridge elements being mutually connected by a cross- member, all the components being connected by means of reversible interlocking elements. One drawback of this patent is not only the number of fasteners to the number of joints, but also the complexity of the construction leading to more time and costs of construction.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

It is desirable to have a modular storage system which is easily erected and using a lesser number of parts. It is also desirable that such a modular storage system have sufficient strength at the joints to hold everything in place.

The proposed modular storage system of this invention firstly uses a plurality of horizontal beams and vertical poles, the horizontal beams and vertical poles having hollow cross section produced by extrusion or roll forming processes, to give rigidity and strength to the storage system. The horizontal beams and vertical poles are also designed for easy assembly and dismantling and re- assembly . Finally, the proposed modular storage system uses a new joint developed to facilitate easy assembly and provide strength to the horizontal beams and vertical poles. The invention is thus able to overcome most of the drawbacks in the current type of modular storage units. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is a modular storage system for interior use, the modular storage system being formed by at least:-

four hollow vertical poles, each hollow vertical pole having an outer convex face, a recessed side opposite to each other and an inner face, the hollow vertical pole having 2 or more threaded inserts spaced apart along the length of the inner face of the hollow vertical pole,

eight or more hollow horizontal beams, each hollow horizontal beam having an angled end adapted to fit into a recessed side of the hollow vertical poles,

at least four pairs of jointing means; and

a plurality of vertical panels with angled ends

the modular storage system constructed by firstly, erecting a first, second, third and fourth hollow vertical, poles on a surface spaced apart, a first angled end of the first and second hollow horizontal beam inserted into the recessed side of the first hollow vertical pole, the first and second hollow horizontal beam held in place to the first hollow vertical pole with a first pair of jointing means,

the third hollow horizontal beam and a fourth hollow horizontal beam positioned at same selected height of the first hollow vertical pole as the first and second hollow horizontal beams, a first angled end of the third hollow horizontal beam and a first angled end of the fourth hollow horizontal beam inserted into the opposite recessed side of the first hollow vertical pole, the third and fourth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the first hollow vertical pole with the same first pair of jointing means, the third hollow horizontal beam and a fourth hollow horizontal beam also positioned at same selected height of the second hollow vertical pole,

a second angled end of the third hollow horizontal beam and a second angled end of the fourth hollow horizontal beam inserted into the recessed side of the second hollow vertical pole, the third hollow horizontal beam and fourth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the second hollow vertical pole by a second pair of jointing means

a first angled end of the fifth and sixth hollow horizontal beam is inserted into the opposite recessed side of the second hollow vertical pole, the fifth and sixth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the second hollow vertical pole with the second pair of jointing means,

a second angled end of the fifth hollow horizontal beam and a second angled end of the sixth hollow horizontal beam inserted into the recessed side of the third hollow vertical pole, the fifth hollow horizontal beam and sixth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the third hollow vertical pole by a third pair of jointing means a first angled end of the seventh and eighth hollow horizontal beam is inserted into the opposite recessed side of the third hollow vertical pole, the seventh and eighth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the third hollow vertical pole with the third pair of jointing means,

a second angled end of the seventh hollow horizontal beam and a second angled end of the eighth hollow horizontal beam inserted into the recessed side of the fourth hollow vertical pole, the seventh hollow horizontal beam and eighth hollow horizontal beam held in place to the fourth hollow vertical pole by a fourth pair of jointing means

a second angled end of the first and second hollow horizontal beam is inserted into the opposite recessed side of the fourth hollow vertical pole, the first and second hollow horizontal beam held in place to the fourth hollow vertical pole with the fourth pair of jointing means,

thereby forming a sturdy rectangular frame for insertion of a plurality of vertical panels on the hollow horizontal beams to form the modular storage system.

Preferably, the hollow horizontal beams and jointing means are positioned at the threaded inserts spaced apart on the hollow vertical pole.

Preferably the jointing means consisting of a rigid angled trapezium-shaped piece having a front, a base, two angled sides, each angled side having a hook-like protrusion, two or more pin-like protrusions on the side of its base and two or more vertical holes on the top and a horizontal channel going through said jointing means, from the base to the front.

Preferably, the jointing means has a front which meets the inner face of the hollow vertical pole, each angled side of the jointing means meeting an inner side of the hollow horizontal beam, the hook-like protrusion at the angled side of the jointing means fitting into a square recess on an inner side of the hollow horizontal beams and further locked in position by sliding a fastening bolt through the horizontal channel until the fastening bolt is fitted into the threaded insert of the hollow vertical pole, and as said fastening bolt is screwed into the threaded insert in the vertical pole, the jointing means and the angled ends of the hollow horizontal beam are pulled towards each other, securing the whole assembly tightly.

Preferably, the hollow vertical pole having claw-like projections formed along its entire length, said claw-like projections formed at each end of the outer convex face and said claw-like projections formed at each end of the inner face of the hollow vertical pole.

Preferably, the hollow vertical pole has a recessed side, each recessed side formed between each claw-like projection on one end of the outer convex face and the each claw-like projection on the corresponding end of the inner face.

Preferably, the hollow horizontal beam has two angled ends, each angled end adapted to fit into the recessed side of the vertical pole and upon fitting of each angled end into the recessed side of the hollow horizontal beam, the hollow horizontal beam is held firmly in place by the claw-like projections on the vertical pole.

Preferably, the hollow horizontal beam has further a truncated end of a furrow and a truncated end of the inner side, wherein a claw-like projection is fitted between the truncated end of the furrow and angled end of the hollow horizontal beam and another claw-like projection is fitted between the truncated end of the inner side and angled end of the hollow horizontal beam, further holding the hollow horizontal beam in place.

Preferably, the hollow horizontal beam has one or more square recesses on its inner side near each angled end of the hollow horizontal beam.

Preferably, the hollow horizontal beam has a groove on its upper and lower sides and a furrow on the outer side, the groove having one or more tight fitting holes for insertion of a pin to hold a vertical panel.

Preferably, the furrow allows for insertion of a thinner panel such as a glass panel.

Preferably, the vertical panel has four sides, an angled mating side formed at each end and having a top side and a bottom side, the angled mating side fitting into the recessed side of the hollow vertical pole, the angled mating side also being gripped by the claw-like projections of the hollow vertical pole, the top side and bottom side fitting into the groove of the hollow horizontal beam, the top side and bottom side of the vertical panel having tight fitting holes spaced apart, for insertion of pins.

Preferably, the modular storage system for interior use, when assembled have three or more vertical panels with angled ends fitted between the hollow horizontal beams and the angled ends mated to the recessed sides of the hollow vertical poles, horizontal shelves laid on the jointing means and one or more doors which can be dismantled and re-assembled.

Preferably, the hollow vertical pole, the hollow horizontal beam and the jointing means for a modular storage system for interior use are all made of extruded metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects attained by its use, reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and together with the description herein, serve to explain the workings and principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is an exploded view of the pre-assembly of a joint of the modular storage system, with the hollow vertical pole, hollow horizontal beams, jointing means and a fastening bolt Fig. 2 is a cross section of the pre-assembly of the same joint of the modular storage system with the hollow vertical pole, hollow horizontal beam, fastening bolt and jointing means.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a joint of the modular storage system after assembly, held firmly in place with the fastening bolt.

Fig.4 is a top view of the same joint of the modular storage system, after assembly.

Fig.5 is a perspective view of the next stage in assembly of a modular storage system of this invention.

Fig. 6 is a detailed perspective view of how a vertical panel is fitted into the corner of the modular storage system.

Fig. 7 is another detailed perspective view of how a vertical panel is fitted into the corner of the modular storage system.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a further stage in assembly of a modular storage system of this invention.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the completed first module of a modular storage system of this invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig.1 shows an exploded view of the pre-assembly of a joint of the modular system. A single joint consisting of portions of 2 hollow horizontal beams (10) and a hollow vertical pole (1) is first assembled.

Fig.2 is a cross section view of the pre-assembly of the same joint of the modular storage system with the hollow vertical pole (1), hollow horizontal beam (10), fastening bolt (30) and jointing means (20).

Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the two hollow horizontal beams (10) and one hollow vertical pole (1) have hollow uniform cross-sections produced by extrusions or by any other means. The cross section of the hollow vertical pole (1) consists of an outer convex face (2) having each opposite end formed into a claw-like projection (5a, 5d), an inner face (4) having each opposite end formed into a claw-like projection (5b, 5c). Two recessed sides (3) are thus formed, between the outer convex face (2) and inner face (4), each recessed side (3) having two claw-like projection (5a, 5b and 5c, 5d). The two recessed sides (3) are opposite each other. The inner face (4) of the hollow vertical pole (1) is to receive the front (21) of jointing means (20): The joining of two hollow horizontal beams (10) and one hollow vertical pole (1) by use of the jointing means (20) is the basis for an eventual joint for a cabinet in the modular system. The hollow vertical pole (1) has threaded insert (9) spaced apart along the length of its inner face (4), each threaded insert (9), for receiving a fastening bolt (30).

The hollow horizontal beam (10) have two angled ends (14), each angled end (14) formed so as to fit into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1). The cross section length wise of the hollow horizontal beam (10) consists of a groove (12) with a furrow (15) on the outer side (18) and adjacent to the groove (12). The groove (12) is to receive and to hold a thick vertical panel (31) placed vertically on the groove, while the furrow (15) can be used to receive a thin panel or a glass pane, again placed vertically on the furrow (15).

The hollow horizontal beam (10) has square recesses (17) near the angled end (14), on its inner side (13), the square recesses (17) for receiving the hook-like protrusions (24) on the angled sides (22) of the jointing means (20).

Tight fitting holes (16) spaced apart are formed along the groove (12) of the hollow horizontal beam (10), for insertion of pins (33) into these tight fitting holes (16) to fasten the vertical panel (31 ) onto the groove (12).

The jointing means (20) is a rigid angled trapezium-shaped piece, having two angled sides (22) and a front (21) and a base (23). The base (23) of the jointing means (20) has an opening which leads to a horizontal channel (25) for passage of a fastening bolt (30). The trapezium-shaped piece also has two or more vertical holes (28) for passage of pins to support shelves placed on such modular storage systems. Each of the two angled sides (22) has a hook-like protrusion (24) which would fit into a square recess (17) in the inner side (13) of the hollow horizontal beam (10). The base (23) of the trapezium-shaped piece has two or more pin-like protrusions (27) to support shelves placed on such modular storage systems.

The angled side (22) of the jointing means (20) is designed to be fitted into the corner of a modular storage system of this invention. A typical corner section of the modular storage system being formed as described herein. A typical joint consists of a hollow vertical pole (1) and at least two hollow horizontal beams (10). The claw-like projections (5a,5b,5c,5d) of the hollow vertical pole (1) run length wise. Each recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1), formed between the claw-like projections (5a and 5b, 5c and 5d) , would receive an angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10), the angled end (14) fitting tightly into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1). The claw-like projections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) on the hollow vertical pole (1) would fit tightly into a truncated end of the furrow (15) and truncated end of the inner side (3) of the hollow horizontal beam (10). The recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1) and an angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10) would therefore fit into each other's profile. When the angled ends (14) of the hollow horizontal beams (10) is brought in contact with the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1), the claw-like projections (5a,5b,5c,5d) would fit into the end of the hollow horizontal beams (10), at the truncated end of the furrow (15) and the truncated end of the inner side (13) . Fig.3 is a perspective view of a joint of the modular storage system after assembly, with the fastening bolt (30) tightly secured and holding the jointing means (30), two hollow horizontal beams (10) and a hollow vertical pole (1) firmly in place.

Fig.4 is a top view of the same joint of the modular storage system, after assembly, with the fastening bolt (30) tightly secured and holding the jointing means (30), two hollow horizontal beams (10) and a hollow vertical pole (1) firmly in place.

Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the jointing means (20) is a rigid angled trapezium- shaped piece of extruded metal with hook-like protrusions (24) on the two angled sides (22) and an opening at the base (23), the opening leading to a horizontal channel (25) that runs through the center. The front face (21) of the jointing means (20) fits into the inner face (4) of the hollow vertical pole (1). A hook-like protrusion (24) is formed at either angled side (22) of the rigid trapezium-shaped piece. Each hook-like protrusion (24) fits into a corresponding square recess (17) in the inner side (13) of the hollow horizontal beam (10).

When two hollow horizontal beams (10) are joined to the hollow vertical pole (1), the claw-like projections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the hollow vertical pole (1) would grip the angled ends (14) of the two hollow horizontal beams (10) specifically at the truncated end of the furrow (15) and the truncated end of the inner side (13). A fastening bolt (30) is then slotted through the horizontal channel (25) at the base (23) of the jointing means (20). The fastening bolt (30) is received into a predetermined threaded insert (9) on the hollow vertical pole (1). As the fastening bolt (30) is tightened, the hook-like protrusions (24) of the jointing means (20) pull the hollow horizontal beams (10) towards the hollow vertical pole (1). The hollow horizontal beams (10) are therefore locked in place by the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1), the claw-like projections (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the hollow vertical pole (1) and the jointing means (20), thus forming a closed triangular system of forces.

Vertical panels (31) of various thickness can be inserted into position by sliding in from the top.

Fig.5 to Fig. 9 illustrates construction of a typical storage unit, the construction of the typical storage unit beginning with the assembly of the joint, as described above.

Fig. 5 shows a detail of the vertical panel (31) slotted into the hollow vertical poles (1). The vertical panel (31) has an edge with similar profile to the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1). The vertical panel (31) also has an angled end (36) approximate to the angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10). The vertical panel (31) has a pin hole (32) on the top side (34) and bottom side (35). There is a corresponding tight-fitting hole (16) for the pin (33) in the groove (12) on the horizontal beam (10). The recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1) would therefore allow the vertical panel (31) to be slotted easily into the recessed side (3). The vertical panel (30) is further locked in position horizontally by a pin (33), slotted through a pin hole (32) on the top side (34) of the vertical panel (31), the pin (33) fitting also into another tight-fitting hole (16) for the pin (33) in the hollow horizontal beam (10) above the vertical panel (31). Similarly, the vertical panel (31) is held in position by another similar positioned pin (33) slotted through another pin hole (32) on the bottom side (35) of the vertical panel (31), the pin (33) fitting into the tight-fitting hole (16) in the hollow horizontal beam (10) beneath. The pins (33) are tight fitting and prevents the vertical panel (31 ) from all lateral movements.

Fig. 6 shows the vertical panel (31) now resting on the groove (12) of the hollow horizontal beam (10), held firmly in place by the pin (33).

Fig. 7 shows another view of the vertical panel (31) in perspective. The vertical panel (31) is angled at both ends (36), so that each angled end (36) could fit tightly into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1). The vertical panel (31) also fits tightly into the groove (12) of the hollow horizontal beam (10) and is further held in place by pins (33).

Fig. 8 shows a further stage in the assembly of the modular storage system, with the insertion of additional vertical panels (31) to make the first storage module.

Fig. 9 shows a further stage in the assembly of the modular storage system, with a complete assembly of a storage module on the first level. Additional levels of storage modules can be added vertically on top of the first module by adding more panels, doors, joints with additional hollow horizontal beams, joiners and mechanical fasteners until the layers reach the full height of the poles. The modular storage system of this invention is both rigid, strong and capable of keeping heavy objects safely.

Different combinations of storages are possible as are the openings to each storage module in the unit. Doors can be positioned in any or all four directions, allowing easy access to contents in the modular unit.

While the above describes the assembly of a storage module, the same storage module can be dismantled easily and re-assembled either in a different location or re-configured in a different part of the storage module, as described above. The same modular storage system can also be dismantled and re-assembled in with a different combination of panels and doors.

While an embodiment of the invention have been described, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, rearrangements, substitutions alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited by the particular features and structures hereinbefore described and depicted in the accompanying drawings. It is therefore intended to cover all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

An assembled modular storage system using at least 4 hollow vertical poles and eight or more hollow horizontal beams, three or more vertical panels, one or more doors, corresponding number of joiners and bolts is both rigid, strong and capable of keeping heavy objects safely.

The same modular storage system can be dis-mantled and re-assembled in a different location, in a different combination of panels and doors.

Different combinations of storages are possible as are the openings to each storage module in the unit. Doors can be positioned in all 4 directions, allowing easy access to contents in the unit.

Claims

1. A modular storage system for interior use, the modular storage system being formed by at least:-

four hollow vertical poles (1), each hollow vertical pole (1) having an outer convex face (2), a recessed side (3) opposite to each other and an inner face (4), the hollow vertical pole (1) having 2 or more threaded inserts (9) spaced apart along the length of the inner face (4) of the hollow vertical pole (1),

eight or more hollow horizontal beams (10), each hollow horizontal beam (10) having an angled end (14) adapted to fit into a recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical poles (1),

at least four pairs of jointing means (20); and

a plurality of vertical panels (31) with angled ends

characterized in that a first, second, third and fourth hollow vertical poles (1) is erected on a surface spaced apart, a first angled end (14) of the first and second hollow horizontal beam (10) is inserted into the recessed side (3) of the first hollow vertical pole (1), the first and second hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the first hollow vertical pole (1) with a first pair of jointing means (20),

the third hollow horizontal beam (10) and a fourth hollow horizontal beam (10) positioned at same selected height of the first hollow vertical pole (1) as the first and second hollow horizontal beams (10), a first angled end (14) of the third hollow horizontal beam (10) and a first angled end (14) of the fourth horizontal beam (10) inserted into the opposite recessed side (3) of the first hollow vertical pole (1), the third and fourth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the first vertical pole (1) with the same first pair of jointing means (20), the third horizontal beam (10) and a fourth horizontal beam (10) also positioned at same selected height of the second hollow vertical pole (2),

a second angled end (14) of the third hollow horizontal beam (10) and a second angled end (14) of the fourth hollow horizontal beam (10) inserted into the recessed side (3) of the second hollow vertical pole (1), the third hollow horizontal beam (10) and fourth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the second vertical pole (1) by a second pair of jointing means (20),

a first angled end (14) of the fifth and sixth hollow horizontal beam (10) is inserted into the opposite recessed side (3) of the second hollow vertical pole (1), the fifth and sixth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the second hollow vertical pole (1) with the second pair of jointing means (20),

a second angled end (14) of the fifth hollow horizontal beam (10) and a second angled end (14) of the sixth hollow horizontal beam (10) inserted into the recessed side (3) of the third hollow vertical pole (1), the fifth hollow horizontal beam (10) and sixth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the third hollow vertical pole (1) by a third pair of jointing means (20), a first angled end (14) of the seventh and eighth hollow horizontal beam (10) is inserted into the opposite recessed side (3) of the third hollow vertical pole (1), the seventh and eighth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the third hollow vertical pole (1) with the third pair of jointing means (20),

a second angled end (14) of the seventh hollow horizontal beam (10) and a second angled end (14) of the eighth hollow horizontal beam (10) inserted into the recessed side of the fourth hollow vertical pole (1), the seventh hollow horizontal beam (10) and eighth hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the fourth hollow vertical pole (1) by a fourth pair of jointing means (20),

a second angled end (14) of the first and second horizontal beam (10) is inserted into the opposite recessed side (3) of the fourth hollow vertical pole (1), the first and second hollow horizontal beam (10) held in place to the fourth hollow vertical pole (1 ) with the fourth pair of jointing means (20),

thereby forming a sturdy rectangular frame for insertion of a plurality of vertical panels (31) on the hollow horizontal beams to form the modular storage system.

2. A modular storage system for interior use as claimed in Claim 1 where the hollow horizontal beams (10) and jointing means (20) are positioned at the threaded inserts spaced apart on the hollow vertical pole.

3. A jointing means (20) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the jointing means (20) consisting of a rigid angled trapezium-shaped piece having a front (21), a base (23), two angled sides (22), each angled side (22) having a hook-like protrusion (24), two or more pin-like protrusions (27) on the side of its base (23) and two or more vertical holes (28) on the top and a horizontal channel (25) going through the said jointing means (20), from the base (23) to the front (21).

4. A jointing means (20) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the front (21 ) of the jointing means (20) meeting the inner face (4) of the hollow vertical pole (1), each angled side (22) of the jointing means (20) meeting an inner side (13) of the hollow horizontal beam (10), the hook-like protrusion (24) at the angled side (22) of the jointing means (20) fitting into a square recess (17) on an inner side (13) of the hollow horizontal beams (10) and further locked in position by sliding a fastening bolt (30) through the horizontal channel (25) until the fastening bolt (30) is fitted into the threaded insert (9) of the hollow vertical pole (1), and as said fastening bolt (30) is screwed into the threaded insert (9) in the hollow vertical pole (1), the jointing means (20) and the angled ends (22) of the hollow horizontal beam (10) are pulled towards each other, securing the whole assembly tightly.

5. A hollow vertical pole (1) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim

1, the hollow vertical pole (1) having claw-like projections (5a,5b,5c,5d) formed along its entire length, said claw-like projections (5a, 5d) formed at each end of the outer convex face (2) and said claw-like projections (5b,5c) formed at each end of the inner face (4) of the hollow vertical pole (1).

6. A hollow vertical pole (1) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the hollow vertical pole (1) having a recessed side (3) formed between the claw-like projection (5a) of the outer convex face (2) and the corresponding claw- like projection (5b) of the inner face (4) and an opposite recessed side (3) formed between the claw-like projection (5d) at the other end of the outer convex face (2) and the corresponding claw-like projection (5c) of the inner face (4).

7. A hollow horizontal beam (10) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the hollow horizontal beam (10) having two angled ends (14), each angled end (14) adapted to fit into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1) and upon fitting of each angled end (14) into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1), the hollow horizontal beam (10) is held firmly in place by the claw-like projections (5a,5b, 5c, 5d) on the hollow vertical pole (1).

8. A hollow horizontal beam (10) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the hollow horizontal beam (10) having further a truncated end of a furrow (15) and a truncated end of the inner side (13), wherein a claw-like projection (5a,5d) is fitted between the truncated end of the furrow (15) and angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10) and another claw-like projection (5b,5c) is fitted between the truncated end of the inner side (13) and angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10), further holding the hollow horizontal beam (10) in place.

9. A hollow horizontal beam (10) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1. the hollow horizontal beam (10) having one or more square recesses (17) on its inner side (13) near each angled end (14) of the hollow horizontal beam (10).

10. A hollow horizontal beam (10) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the hollow horizontal beam (10) having a groove (12) on its upper and lower sides and the furrow (15) on the outer side (18), the groove (12) having one or more tight fitting holes (16) for insertion of a pin (33) to hold a vertical panel (31).

11. A hollow horizontal beam (10) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1. the hollow horizontal beam (10) having a furrow (15) for insertion of a thinner panel such as a glass panel.

12. A vertical panel (31) for a modular storage system as claimed in Claim 1, the vertical panel (31) having four sides, an angled mating side (36) formed at each end and having a top side (34) and a bottom side (35), the angled mating side (36) fitting into the recessed side (3) of the hollow vertical pole (1), the angled mating side (36) also being gripped by the claw-like projections (5a,5b,5c,5d) of the hollow vertical pole (1), the top side (34) and bottom side (35) fitting into the groove (12) of the hollow horizontal beams (10), the top side (34) and bottom side (35) of the vertical panel (31) having tight fitting holes (32) spaced apart, for insertion of pins (33).

13. A modular storage system for interior use, assembled in accordance to Claim 1 having three or more vertical panels (31 ) with angled ends (36) fitted between the hollow horizontal beams (10) and the angled ends (36) mated to the recessed sides (3) of the hollow vertical poles (1), horizontal shelves laid on the jointing means (20) and one or more doors which can be dismantled and re-assembled.

14. A hollow vertical pole (1), a hollow horizontal beam (10) and a jointing means (20) for a modular storage system for interior use, as claimed in Claim 1, all made of extruded metal.