WO2015155572A1

WO2015155572A1 - A storage rack assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015155572A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/060639
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bossuet AFONSO
Original assignee: Afonso Bossuet
Priority date: 2014-04-11
Filing date: 2014-04-11
Publication date: 2015-10-15

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a storage rack assembly (10). The assembly (10) comprises a base plate (20) connectable to floor. The base plate (20) is configured to act as base of the storage rack assembly (10). One or more support posts (30) mounted onto the base plate (20). The one or more support posts (30) extend vertically from the base plate (20). Further, at least one shelf (50) is rotatably mounted to each of the one or more support posts (30). The at least one shelf (50) is configured to be operated between a first position and a second position.

Description

TITLE: "A STORAGE RACK ASSEMBLY" TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure generally relates to storage units. Embodiments of the disclosure disclose the storage rack assembly in which shelves may be operated between a storage position and access position.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally in applications such as but not limiting to domestic applications, industrial applications and off shore applications objects need to be stored permanently or temporarily depending on the requirement. In many domestic and industrial applications objects such as but not limiting to grocery, inventory, spare parts, heavy tools and equipment's needs to be stored at a place when the same are not in use. Similarly, in off-shore applications the heavy objects such as but not limiting to iron ores, metal billets, oil barrels, and rams needs to be stored in a place during transportation. Generally, the rams are heavy, weighing between 250 kg to 400 kg each. These rams are required on a drilling unit to be available on standby at any time as per standard operating procedure requirements. Traditionally, due to their heavy weight, such rams are stacked on deck or on horizontal tables. This requires a lot of space and may require moving stacked rams to access the required rams.

The storing of objects in a place is very crucial aspect since the storage space available in offshore applications is very minimal. In addition, it is important to utilise the minimal space available for storing effectively.

The objects stored in such applications are physically carried by the workers/users from storage place to any other desired location for its use or further processing based on the requirements. Hence, the objects need to be stored such that the workers/users will have easy access to the objects.

In view of the above, storage units are used in a variety of applications including but not limiting to domestic applications, industrial applications and off shore applications for either permanently or temporarily storing the objects when required. The storage units will be generally provided with shelves which are used for displaying, storing, or supporting the objects. However, the conventional storage units are not helping to obviate the problems faced by the workers/user during storage and access.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for developing a storage rack assembly to overcome the problems stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision of system as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a storage rack assembly. The assembly comprises a base plate connectable to floor. The base plate is configured to act as base of the storage rack assembly. One or more support posts mounted onto the base plate. The one or more support posts extend vertically from the base plate. Further, at least one shelf is rotatably mounted to each of the one or more support posts. The at least one shelf is configured to be operated between a first position and a second position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one shelf comprises a panel body portion, and a connector portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the connector portion is provided at substantially centre of at least one edge of the panel body portion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cross section of the connector portion is identical to cross section of the one or more support posts. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the panel body portion is configured with at least one lateral edge flange extending upwardly from one or more edges of the panel body portion. The shelf also comprises a brace extending between a lower surface of the panel body portion and the connector. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises at least one coupler fixed to the one or more support posts below the at least one shelf. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly comprises at least one bracket connected to the one or more support posts at predetermined location. The at least one bracket is connectable to a support member. Further, at least one lifting assembly rotatably mounted to at least one of one or more support posts. The lifting assembly comprises an arm and a lifting mechanism slidably mounted on the arm. The lifting mechanism is at least one of pulley mechanism, actuator mechanism, and motorised mechanism.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a top-front-left perspective view of a storage rack assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a top-front-right perspective view of a storage rack assembly of Figure 1, with an enlarged portion showing the detail of the shelf mount, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the storage rack assembly of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 illustrates a left side view of the storage rack of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates a right side view of the storage rack of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the storage rack of Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates photographic view of the of a storage rack assembly with the lifting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome the drawbacks mentioned in the background the present disclosure provides a storage rack assembly for using in applications such as but not limiting to domestic applications, industrial applications, and off shore applications. The assembly comprises a base plate configured as base of the storage rack assembly, one or more support posts mounted onto the base plate. At least one shelf rotatably mounted to the one or more support posts. The at least one shelf is configured to support objects such as but not limiting to a ram or other equipment or tool, and for any such item to be readily accessible without having to move other items. The at least one shelf carrying the required item can be pivoted from its storage position to its access position at which the required item can be removed from the shelf using a lifting mechanism includes, but not limited to, chain hoist, forklift, crane or other suitable lifting assembly. Any item that needs to be stored onto the shelf may also be loaded thereon in an easy manner. In the following description the words such as forward, rear, front, right, left, below and above are used with respect to particular orientation of the figures as depicted in the present disclosure. The words are used to explain the aspects of the present disclosure and for better understanding; however the same is not a limitation to the present disclosure. Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

Figures 1 to 6 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a storage rack assembly (10). The storage rack assembly (10) broadly comprises a base plate (20), support posts (30), wall support (40), lifting assembly (6) and a plurality of shelves (50).

The base plate (20) is configured as base of the storage rack assembly (10), and is connectable to rigid floor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the base plate (20) is configured in a shape such as but not limited to, square shape, rectangular shape, triangular shape and circular shape. The base plate (10) comprises a laterally extending platform body (22) having an elevated top surface (24), and edge flanges (26). The edge flanges (26) comprise a plurality of provisions (28) for mounting the base (20) to the floor. Further, one or more support posts (30) are mounted on the base plate (20) such that the support posts extends vertically from the base plate (10). Each of the support post (30) is provided with a disc mount (31) through which the support post may either fixedly or removably attached to the base plate (10). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the disc mount (31) comprises provisions (33) for mounting to the top surface (24) of the base plate (20) through fasteners (34). In an embodiment, the one or more support posts (30) are hollow shafts (32) and may be strengthened by providing reinforcement. The reinforcement is provided by configuring internal reinforcing tubes (not shown) extending therewithin.

Further, a bracket (40) is connected to the support posts (30) at predetermined locations such as but not limiting to top ends and middle of the support spots. The bracket (40) comprises a plate (42) for attachment to a support member such as but not limiting to wall, post or other structure. The bracket (40) further includes spaced apart legs (43) each terminating in a sleeve (44) which receives and is locked onto a respective top end (35) or middle portion of the support posts (30). In an embodiment, the bracket (40) is connectable to the support member either permanently or removably through fasteners. In addition, bracket (40) comprises a sleeve (44) for connecting the bracket with the support posts (30). A respective reinforcement bracket (46) extends between each sleeve (44), leg (43) and the plate (42) to provided structural support to the storage rack assembly (10).

The storage rack assembly (10) further comprises at least one shelf (50) rotatably mounted to the one or more support posts (30) for storing the objects on the storage rack assembly (10). The shelf (50) is configured to be operated between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) by rotating the shelf (50) for storing and accessing objects. In an embodiment, the first position (FP) is storage position and the second position (SP) is access position of the objects placed therein. Each shelf (50) comprises a panel body portion (51) of predetermined shape for holding/supporting the objects. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape of the panel body portion (51) is at least one of but not limiting to half an octagon, half-circle, half-oval, square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The panel body (51) also comprises lateral edge flanges (55) extending upwardly from at least one of front edge and side edges of the panel body portion (51) for gripping the objects placed on the panel body portion (51). Alternatively, all edges of the panel body (51) can include the flanges (55).

Each of the shelf (50) further comprises a connector portion (52) disposed at a substantially central portion of rear edge (53) of the panel body portion (51). The connector portion (52) extends generally perpendicularly to the plane of the panel body portion (51). The connector portion (52) is configured to be in a cross section identical to the cross section of the support posts (30). Further, connector portion (52) is dimensioned to be disposed along one of support post (30) being inserted therethrough. In an embodiment, the connector portion (52) is concentrically instated to the support pots (30) for mounting the shelf (50) onto the support pots (30). Each shelf (50) also comprises a brace (54) extending between a lower surface of the panel body portion (51) and the connector portion (52). The brace (54) acts as a support member for the panel body portion (51), and helps to bare the weight of the objects placed thereon. Further, the support post (30) comprises a plurality of spaced collars (36) disposed below or in between the shelf (50). The collar (36) comprises an annular body having a central aperture through which one of the support posts (30) can be inserted. Each collar (36) is locked in position along its respective support post via a pin (37). Alternatively, any other arrestor can be used to lock the collar with the support posts (30).

Now, referring to Figure 7 which illustrates a perspective view of the storage rack assembly (10) assembled with lifting assembly (60). The lifting assembly (60) is rotatably mounted to the at least one of the support posts (30), and is configured to be rotated to any angle. The lifting assembly may be operated by the worker/user for lifting the objects to place onto the shelf (50) or to remove the object form the shelf (50). The lifting assembly (60) comprises an arm (60a) extending horizontally form the pivot point. Length of the arm (60a) may be configured depending on the requirement. The arm comprises a guide path along its length to facilitate sliding movement of the lifting mechanism (60b). The lifting mechanism (60b) is slidably mounted on the arm (60a), and is configured to lift the objects. In an embodiment, the lifting mechanism (60b) is at least one of but not limiting to pulley mechanism, actuator mechanism, and motorised mechanism. As shown in Figure. 7 the lifting mechanism is pulley mechanism which can be operated by either of chain or rope to lift the objects. The combination of rotation movement of the arm (60a) and the sliding movement of the lifting mechanism facilitates the movement of lifting assembly to any location in the storage rack (10), thereby helping in easy accessibility of the objects.

In the First Position (FP) i.e. storage position, each shelf (50) along with the object will generally under or covering another shelf (50) [best shown in Figure. 7]. The shelf (50) may be turned to the second position (SP) i.e. access position by rotating the shelf (50). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shelf (50) may be rotated in complete 360 degrees. In the access position, the shelf (50) is substantially exposed in the vertical direction to allow a lifting assembly (60) to access an object stored onto the shelf (50). The panel body portion (51) of each shelf (50) remains in the generally horizontal orientation in the movement thereof between the first position (FP) and second position (SP). The second position (SP) access position of each shelf (50) can be either with the panel body portion (51) extending to the left side or to the right side of the storage rack assembly (10). Each shelf (50) is thus movable along an angle range of about 180°.

In the Figures 1-7 the storage rack assembly (10) having three support posts (30) is shown. Further, each of the support post (30) is provided with five shelves (50). In assembly, respective pairs of a collar (36) and connector portions (52) are disposed along each shaft (32). A lowermost collar (36) is disposed adjacent to each disc mount (31), and the connector portion (52) of a shelf (50) is disposed on top of the lowermost collar (36). The process is then repeated with the next collar (36) and next tube connector (52) of a next shelf (50).

Further, shelves (50) are pivotable about its connector portion (52) onto the support posts (30). The shelves (50) is pivotable between a storage position at which the shelf panel body (51) extends generally laterally, and an access position at which the shelf panel body portion (51) extends generally forwardly toward the front of the storage rack assembly (10) for loading/unloading of an item therefrom. The shelves (50) in each level of the storage rack (10) are shown oriented in the same lateral direction in their storage position to assist in balancing forces along the support posts (30). The collars (36) are provided below and in between the shelves (50). The collars (36) are provided with a bearing (not shown) to assist with the pivoting movement of its respective shelf (50). As each shelf (50) is supported by a respective collar (36), the weight of upper shelves (50) is not transferred to those of lower shelves (50), and thus does not affect the pivoting movement of the lower shelves (50).

Further, the embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage rack assembly (10) which allows each shelf (50) to support a ram or other equipment or tool, and for any such item to be readily accessible without having to move other items. The shelf (50) carrying the required item can be pivoted from its storage position to its access position at which the required item can be removed from the shelf using a chain hoist, forklift, crane or other suitable lifting assembly. Any item that needs to be stored onto the shelf can also be loaded thereon in an easy manner.

In an alternative embodiment, each shelf is movable along an angle range of only about 90°, being a storage position at which it extends laterally and the access position at which it extends forwardly. In this manner, the storage positions of the shelves can be set to assist with proper balancing of the storage rack assembly. The embodiments provide numerous advantages in a field where lack of space, worker safety and material and equipment handing are major concerns.

The storage rack assembly (10) of the present disclosure provides the following advantages:

The storage rack assembly (10) of the present disclosure consumes less space for storing the large and heavy items, simplifies handling and storage of heavy items.

The storage rack assembly (10) of the present disclosure enables that items are accessible at any time without having to move other items.

The storage rack assembly (10) of the present disclosure in which is safe to move the items such as rams from the storage rack onto the work equipment, further less time required to change a ram or other work item.

Whilst exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described. For example, the storage rack can have more or less support posts, shorter or taller support posts, more or less shelves and can also have an additional wall support supporting mid-portions of the support posts. As noted above, the shelves can also be of different shapes as desired.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Referral Numerals:

Claims

We claim:

1. A storage rack assembly (10) comprising:

a base plate (20) connectable to floor, wherein the base plate (10) is configured to act as base of the storage rack assembly (10);

one or more support posts (30) mounted onto the base plate (20), wherein the one or more support posts (30) extends vertically from the base plate (10); and

at least one shelf (50) rotatably mounted to each of the one or more support posts (30), wherein the at least one shelf (50) is configured to be operated between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP).

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one shelf (50) comprises a panel body portion (51), and a connector portion (52).

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connector portion (52) is provided at substantially centre of at least one edge of the panel body portion (51).

4. The assembly as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein cross section of the connector portion (52) is identical to cross section of the one or more support posts (30).

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the panel body portion (51) is configured with at least one lateral edge flange (55) extending upwardly from one or more edges of the panel body portion (52).

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one shelf (50) comprises a brace (54) extending between a lower surface of the panel body portion (51) and the connector (52).

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one coupler (36) fixed to the one or more support posts (30) below the at least one shelf (50).

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one bracket (40) connected to the one or more support posts (30) at predetermined location.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one bracket (40) is connectable to a support member.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one lifting assembly (60) rotatably mounted to at least one of one or more support posts (30).

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the lifting assembly (60) comprises an arm (60a) and a lifting mechanism (60b) slidably mounted on the arm (60a).

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lifting mechanism (60b) is at least one of pulley mechanism, actuator mechanism, and motorised mechanism.