WO2015160260A1

WO2015160260A1 - Rack system

Info

Publication number: WO2015160260A1
Application number: PCT/NO2015/050067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik Westre; Bjørnar Andre WIK
Original assignee: Optimar Giske As
Priority date: 2014-04-15
Filing date: 2015-04-13
Publication date: 2015-10-22

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable/collapsible rack system comprising: -one or more stacks of shelf plates (62), -at least a first conveyor (32), -at least a means (75) for lifting the shelf plates (62) in a vertical direction (h), -at least a means (76, 83, 96, 106) for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelf plates.

Description

Rack system

Technical field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to logistics systems, and more particularly to a rack system for storing objects such as seismic nodes, for example.

Background art

[0002] In many cases, it is important that rack systems for storing objects are compact, and it is also of advantage if loading and unloading of racks can be accomplished in an automated manner.

[0003] From US 2014/031 1995 it is known a vertical storage system comprising a frame and several platforms vertically slidable within the frame. The system further includes means for raising and lowering the platforms.

[0004] According to the present invention, an arrangement for storing objects is provided.

Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a rack system is provided comprising:

a. one or more stacks of shelf plates,

b. at least a first conveyor,

c. at least a means for elevating the shelf plates in a vertical direction, d. at least a means for determining a maximum vertical distance

between two adjacent shelf plates, wherein the shelf plates:

i. have a daylight opening of depth c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor, or ii. are formed as shelf plate halves having a distance c between two opposing shelf plates at a same vertical level within the same rack, i.e. a shelf pair, with c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor.

[0006] According to an aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are formed as rectangular frames having two short sides of length=e and two long sides of length = a, a rectangular daylight opening with two short sides of length = c and two long sides of length = b, the short sides c being shorter than the length f of an object so that the object is able to rest against the rectangular shelf plates.

[0007] According to another aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are

formed as rectangular shelf plate halves, the shelf plate halves being disposed in two stacks within a rack, the stacks being arranged with the long sides opposing each other and with a distance between two shelf plate halves at the same vertical level and within the same rack equal to c, with two such shelf plates constituting a shelf pair, the shelf plate halves being provided with an upwardly extending rear edge, a shelf pair having a distance of length = e between two opposing rear edges and two long sides of length = a, the distance c between two shelf plate halves within a shelf pair being smaller than the length f of an object so that the object is able to rest against the shelf plate halves of a shelf pair.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the rack system, the at least one first

conveyor is arranged in parallel with a longitudinal direction a and surrounded by the height adjustable rack, d is the width of the transport surface of the conveyor, the transport surface can protrude above the shelf plates or the shelf plate halves of a shelf pair, and d<c.

[0009] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates can be lifted and lowered without engaging the at least one first conveyor in that the belt conveyor fits inside of the shelf plates or shelf plate halves.

[0010] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the height adjustable rack may be provided in that a plurality of shelf plates or shelf plate halves are positioned above and adjacent to each other, with neighbouring shelf plates being adapted for mutual engagement with each other by way of pivoted arms, wire, telescoping bolts, spacer bolts, brackets, and/or by chain with a pull-up mechanism capable of raising and lowering the shelf plates.

[001 1 ] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape and each shelf plate is provided with at least a first hole and a second hole, the first hole being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second hole being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, the first and second holes in the shelf plates being adapted for through-passage of a first wire and a second wire, respectively, the two wires, at the upper ends thereof, being engaged with a pull-up

mechanism, the first and second wires being anchored at the lower ends thereof, and, to ensure stability of the rectangular shelf plates, the first and second wires being provided with elongate rails, the rail length being shorter than the length e of the short sides of the rectangular shelf plates.

[0012] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is provided with at least two first and two second holes, the first holes being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and formed proximate to separate corners and the two second holes being located adjacent to opposite short sides of the rectangular shelf plates proximate to separate corners, with the first and second holes in the shelf plates being adapted for through-passage of two first and two second wires, respectively, said four wires being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms at the upper ends thereof and anchored at the lower ends thereof, and, in order to ensure stability of the rectangular shelf plates, the first and the second wires being provided with discs/stoppers, the discs/stoppers being shaped so as to not be able to slide through the first and second holes in the shelf plates, with the distance between the discs/stoppers defining the distance between neighbouring shelf plates.

[0013] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, each individual shelf plate, on the underside thereof, is provided with mountings for attaching spring elements, the number of fastening points corresponds to the number of holes provided in the shelf plate, the first end of each spring element is fastened at fastening points of the shelf plate, and the second end of the spring element is fastened to a wire, so that each wire is engaged with a single spring element.

[0014] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is provided with a first pair and a second pair of pivoted arms extending between two neighbouring shelf plates, with the exception of the top and bottom shelf plates, which have only one neighbour each and therefore only one first pivoted arm and one second pivoted arm, the pivoted arms being rotatably attached at their ends towards neighbouring shelf plates so that the distance between shelf plates can be varied from a folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivoted arms, the first pair of pivoted arms being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, and, for the top and bottom shelf plates, the first pivoted arm being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pivoted arm being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, with the top shelf plate being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the bottom shelf plate being anchored.

According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is provided with a first pair and a second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly and into engagement with an overlying shelf plate and with a first and a second pair of pivoted arms engaged with and configured for being rotated downwardly to a neighbouring shelf plate located below, with the exception of the top and bottom shelf plates, which have only one neighbour each and therefore only two first and two second elongate pivoted arms, the pivoted arms being rotatably attached at their ends towards neighbouring shelf plates so that the distance between shelf plates can be varied from a folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivoted arms, the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, and similarly the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, and, for the top shelf plate, the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated

downwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular top shelf plate, and, for the bottom shelf plate, the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular bottom shelf plate, with the top shelf plate being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the bottom shelf plate being anchored.

[0016] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is configured for engaging a plurality of spacer bolts, the spacer bolts being formed with a tubular centre section having extensions at both ends, the spacer bolts being disposed in such a manner that an upper extension is adapted for resting against a top shelf plate and the lower extension is adapted for providing an abutment face for an underlying, neighbouring shelf, the shelf plates further being provided with holes, the holes being larger in diameter than the tubular centre section of the spacer bolts and the holes being smaller than the extensions at the ends of the spacer bolts so that a spacer bolt cannot be pulled through said holes and at the same time so that the extensions are able to provide abutment faces for the shelf plates. The spacer bolts between two shelf plates may be mutually offset.

[0017] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is configured for engagement with a plurality of telescoping bolts, each telescoping bolt being made up of two or more tubular elements treaded into each other, the tubular elements having different relative external and internal diameters, the top tubular element being provided with an upper extension, the bottom tubular element being provided with a lower extension, the upper extension being configured for resting against a top shelf plate and the lower extension being configured for providing an abutment face for an underlying, non-adjacent shelf plate, the shelf plates further being provided with holes, the holes being of a diameter larger than the tubular section for the telescoping bolts engaged with the respective shelf plate, and the holes being smaller than the extensions at the ends of the telescoping bolts so that a telescoping bolt cannot be pulled through said hole and at the same time so that the extensions are able to provide abutment faces for the shelf plates, and the telescoping bolts further being provided with a number of intermediate abutment faces for engagement as an abutment face between a top and a bottom shelf plate.

[0018] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates are formed as shelf plate halves having a distance c between two opposing shelf plates at the same vertical level within the same rack, i.e. a shelf pair, where c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor, each shelf plate half being provided with two or more associated brackets configured for engagement with a pillar framework and the brackets being vertically slidable along the pillars provided by a first and second roller configured for engagement with a pillar.

[0019] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the height adjustable rack is provided in that a plurality of shelf plate halves are positioned above and adjacent to each other, with neighbouring shelf plates being configured for mutual engagement with each other by way of pivoted arms, wire, telescoping bolts, spacer bolts, and/or by chain with a pull-up mechanism capable of raising and lowering the shelf plates.

[0020] According to a still further aspect of the rack system in which the shelf plates are shelf plate halves, these are provided with at least two first and two second holes, the first holes being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and located proximate to separate corners and the two second holes being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates proximate to separate corners, the first and second holes in the shelf plates being configured for through-passage of two first and two second lifting means, respectively, the four lifting means, at the upper ends thereof, being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms and the lifting means being anchored at the lower ends thereof, the lifting means, in order to ensure proper distance between the rectangular shelf plate halves, being provided with discs/stoppers, the discs/stoppers being shaped so as to not be able to slide through the first and second holes in the shelf plates, and the distance between the discs/stoppers defining the distance between neighbouring shelf plates. [0021 ] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the rack system comprises: a hoisting apparatus, the hoisting apparatus comprising a power unit, the power unit being connected to a driving means from the power unit, the driving means being engaged with an endless transmission means, the endless transmission means being engaged with a shaft providing for rotation of the shaft, which in turn provides for the

synchronous rotation of one or more winch drums. According to an aspect, the transmission means may be one of: a chain, a toothed belt, a cone belt, a multi-rib belt, or a flat belt.

[0022] According to a still further aspect of the rack system, the shelf plates for storing objects, at least at two of the lateral edges thereof, are provided with upwardly extending lateral edges. In one aspect of the invention, the objects are seismic nodes and the conveyor is a belt conveyor.

[0023] Further advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the

accompanying claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0024] The present invention will be more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Fig. 1 shows nodes entering or leaving a node hotel, with racks seen in a perspective view,

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a principle drawing of the distribution and transport of nodes in a node hotel, with Fig. 2a showing a rack filled with objects, Fig. 2b showing a rack during filling, and Fig. 2c showing an empty rack,

[0027] Fig. 3 shows a principle drawing of the distribution and transport of nodes in a node hotel, with Fig. 3a showing a rack filled with objects, Fig. 3b showing a rack during filling, and Fig. 3c showing an empty rack,

[0028] Fig. 4a shows exemplary means for adjusting the distance between shelf plates in a rack,

[0029] Fig. 4b shows exemplary means for adjusting the distance between shelf plates in a rack, the means being pivoted arms as shown in Fig. 3,

[0030] Fig. 5a shows an exemplary use of spacer bolts for adjusting the distance between shelf plates, frames in racks, [0031 ] Fig. 5b shows exemplary shelf plates in a folded-together or retracted position according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack,

[0032] Fig. 5c shows exemplary shelf plates in a folded-together position

according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the short side in a longitudinal direction/parallel with a conveyor,

[0033] Fig. 5d shows a perspective view of exemplary shelf plates in a folded- together position according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the conveyor not shown for simplicity,

[0034] Fig. 5e shows exemplary shelf plates in a partially folded-together position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] Fig. 5f shows exemplary shelf plates in a partially expanded position

according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen in a perspective view, with the conveyor not shown for simplicity,

[0036] Fig. 5g shows exemplary shelf plates in an expanded position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0037] Fig. 5h shows exemplary shelf plates in a fully expanded position, as seen from the short side in a longitudinal direction/parallel with a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0038] Fig. 5i shows a perspective view of exemplary shelf plates in an expanded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the conveyor not shown for simplicity,

[0039] Fig. 5j shows an exemplary shelf plate, as seen from above, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0040] Figs. 6a and 6b show an exemplary telescoping bolt according to an

embodiment of the present invention,

[0041 ] Fig. 6c shows an exemplary section of a telescoping bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0042] Fig. 6d shows an exemplary telescoping bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention, [0043] Fig. 7 a shows exemplary shelf plates/frame halves in a folded-together position according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack,

[0044] Fig. 7b shows exemplary frame halves in a folded-together position

[0045] Fig. 7c shows a perspective view of exemplary frame halves in a folded- together position according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0046] Fig. 7d shows exemplary shelf plates/frame halves in a partially folded- together position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0047] Fig. 7e shows exemplary frame halves in a partially folded-together

position, as seen from the short side in a longitudinal direction/parallel with a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0048] Fig. 7f shows exemplary frame halves in a partially expanded position, as seen in perspective, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0049] Fig. 7g shows exemplary frame halves in a partially folded-together

position, as seen in perspective from the short side in a longitudinal direction/parallel with a conveyor, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0050] Fig. 7h shows exemplary shelf plates/frame halves in an expanded

position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0051 ] Fig. 7i shows two exemplary neighbouring racks with shelf plates/frame halves in an expanded position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0052] Fig. 7j shows two exemplary neighbouring racks with shelf plates/frame halves in an expanded position, as seen laterally from the opposite side of Fig. 7i, according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0053] Fig. 7k shows exemplary frame halves in an expanded position according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen laterally from the short side in a longitudinal direction/parallel with a conveyor, [0054] Fig. 71 shows a detailed section of shelf plates/frame halves in a partially folded-together position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, with shelf spacer elements and the arrangement thereof being clearly shown,

[0055] Fig. 7m shows the same section as Fig. 71, but with one of the shelf

plates/frame halves in a slightly different position,

[0056] Fig. 7n shows a detailed section of shelf plates/frame halves in an

expanded position with elements for determining the vertical distance between the shelf plates,

[0057] Fig. 7o shows a rack, viewed from the short side, with frame halves in the expanded and folded-together positions, illustrating an alternative manner in which to arrange a line/wire determining the vertical distance between frame halves,

[0058] Fig. 7p shows two exemplary frame halves, as seen from above,

according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0059] Fig. 7q shows exemplary frame halves in an expanded position with shelf plates in a folded-together position according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the short side in a longitudinal

direction/parallel with a conveyor, with the conveyor not shown and the shelf plate hoisting apparatus shown,

[0060] Fig. 7r shows exemplary shelf plates/frame halves in an expanded position with shelf plates in a folded-together position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with objects to be stored and parts of the hoisting apparatus shown and with the conveyor not shown,

[0061 ] Fig. 7s shows exemplary frame halves in an expanded position with

folded-together shelf plates seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, as seen from a position between the frame halves, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with objects to be stored and parts of the hoisting apparatus shown and with the conveyor not shown,

[0062] Fig. 7t shows the hoisting apparatus for a rack section, as seen in a

bottom view with no pillar framework, [0063] Fig. 7u shows the hoisting apparatus of Fig. 7t for a rack section, as seen from the underside at a different angle, showing a detailed section of the hoisting apparatus, and

[0064] Fig. 7v shows exemplary shelf plates/frame halves in an expanded

position and a folded-together position, as seen laterally from the side towards the long side of the rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention, with objects to be stored and parts of the hoisting apparatus in the form of wire/rope shown, with details of the bracket, and with the conveyor not shown.

Detailed description of the invention

[0065] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Fig. 1 shows objects 1 1 on a conveyor while being loaded into a rack

system. The rack system shown in the drawing comprises two separate, vertical stacks of shelves. In the drawing, several of the shelves have been loaded with objects 1 1. In the drawing, the objects are indicated as being nodes, but the objects could be of any type if they are adapted to the size of the shelves of the rack system. In the drawing, it is seen that the objects are sorted in order within the rack system (Fig. 1 ), which is foldable, more particularly telescopically foldable according to an embodiment, or foldable to the extent that the vertical distance between each shelf is significantly reduced. Before the nodes are entered, the rack is empty and is folded together below the top level of an associated and adjacent conveyor belt (Figs. 2c, 3c, 5b - c, 7a - c). As nodes are loaded, individual shelves of the rack will be pulled up one at a time so that the node is lifted with the shelf (Figs. 2b, 3b, 5e - f, 7d - g). In other words, the rack will be expanded one increment above the belt conveyor for each node, or for each fifth node, for example, as it is possible to store several nodes on a shelf. The maximum rack height is determined by the internal height of the room in which the rack is located.

[0067] The following disclosure provides a detailed description of the drawings and specific embodiments in accordance with the present invention.

[0068] Distribution and storage of objects in racks

[0069] Fig. 1 shows nodes 1 1 while being loaded into a rack system 36. Nodes are shown solely as an example, and other objects are contemplated provided that they fit into the shelf system. Nodes 1 1 are transported on a conveyor belt into the node hotel. However, a belt conveyor is only one of several possible conveyors for nodes 1 1 . Typically, the conveyor could include combinations of conveyor belts, rollers, and wheels, as known by the person skilled in the art. Fig. 1 also shows parts of racks including a number of stored nodes 1 1 located on shelves. A shelf may be formed as a frame as it appears in the drawing, in which a bottom shelf plate is shown while three nodes 1 1 are being loaded. It could also be formed as two plates, two frame halves located at each side of the conveyor belt and moving synchronously, see Figs. 7a - 7p. A closer study of the drawings shows that nodes 1 1 moves on a belt inside of a shelf plate formed as a frame having a terminating edge 55 to prevent the nodes from moving outside of the shelf plate. It can also be seen that the shelf plates/frames are provided with upwardly extending edges 56 at the rear edge of the shelf plate. Also outlined is a corresponding upwardly extending edge at the front of the shelf plates/frames, so the frames have three upwardly extending edges. The purpose of the stopping edge/terminating edge 55 is to prevent nodesl 1 from moving with the conveyor belt into the next rack or outside of the rack. The upwardly extending lateral edges serve to ensure a proper positioning of nodes 1 1 on the shelf plates/frames, hence functioning as guides.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows the rack system schematically. Fig. 2a shows a rack filled with nodes 1 1 , Fig. 2b shows a rack while being filled, and Fig. 2c shows an empty rack. The drawing shows a schematic embodiment of the racks as seen from above as H, while the rack as seen schematically onto a short side e is shown as G.

[0071 ] Viewed from the side J, nodes 1 1 are seen that is transported below a filled shelf plate 62 in Fig. 2a. For simplicity, only one shelf plate 62 is shown. However, the number of shelf plates may be much larger and is determined by the internal height of the load carrier. The nodes 1 1 are transported on the belt conveyor 32 driven by rollers 64. Fig. 2a, seen from the side G, shows the stopping edge 55 and a rear edge 56. Even though no "front edge" corresponding to rear edge 56 is shown, such a front edge, according to one embodiment, is provided for guiding nodes 1 1 .

[0072] Fig. 2b, seen from the top side H, shows that the nodes 1 1 have a width f that is larger than the width f of belt conveyor 32, so that they rest against the shelf plate 62. Fig. 2b, seen from the side J, also shows that belt conveyor 32 projects above the shelf plate 62 to be filled. When shelf plate 62 is filled with nodes 1 1 , it will be elevated and another shelf plate 62 will be ready to be filled, until the entire rack in 2b is filled up, as is the case for the rack in Fig. 2a.

[0073] Fig. 2c shows that the width e is larger than the width f of a node 1 1 and further that the opening c in the shelf plate 62 is larger than the width d of the belt conveyor 32, which allows the intended effect that the nodes rest against the shelf plates 62 to be achieved while at the same time the shelf plates can be lowered below the top side of belt conveyor 32 for filling and subsequent lifting.

[0074] Even though the conveyor is shown as a belt conveyor 32, other solutions, such as a combination of a belt conveyor and rollers, are contemplated. A through conveyor spanning several racks is also possible when the shelves are split, as shown in Figs. 7a - 7p. Moreover, the lateral edges 56 of the shelf plates can be omitted or hinged. Stopping edge 55, according to an embodiment of the invention, can be hinged. It is also conceivable that the shelf plates are provided with a hinged, upwardly extending edge on the opposite short side of stopping edge 55. Such a hinged edge opposite to the stopping edge is not included in the drawing. A purpose of a hinged edge opposite to stopping edge 55 might be that when in an upwardly extending position after a shelf plate 62 has been filled up, it will secure the nodes 1 1 against any lateral movement in case the node hotel is moved.

[0075] Emptying of racks is the opposite operation of filling of racks. The

arrangement with expandable racks in which node 1 1 can be transported underneath an expanded rack allows for flexibility with respect to logistics, so that a first-in last-out regime or a first-in first-out regime may be adopted for nodes 1 1 in the node hotel. In the case of a first-in first-out implementation, this will be limited to blocks consisting of each entire rack, or alternatively smaller blocks if each rack is only partially filled before they are removed. As the system can be fully automated and the shelves can be elevated and lowered in an automated manner, other combinations of filling and emptying methods are contemplated.

Embodiments of expandable and collapsible racks

A first embodiment of expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention

[0076] Fig. 3 shows an exemplary expandable and collapsible rack in accordance with a first embodiment of a rack according to the present invention. By "collapsible" is meant that the shelves or frames 62 constituting a rack or part of a rack can be packed together entirely or partially to a stack of shelves or shelf plates 62, preferably in such a manner that transport of nodes 1 1 can be accomplished from a rack to a neighbouring rack regardless of whether the rack is fully expanded, partially expanded, or entirely folded together.

[0077] Fig. 3a shows a fully expanded rack in which all shelf plates 62 or frames 62 are loaded with nodes 1 1 . It can be seen from the drawing that nodes 1 1 are able to pass underneath the lowermost shelf plate 1 1 on a conveyor 32 to a neighbouring rack. The shelf plates 1 1 are elevated and lowered by way of a pull-up mechanism 73 engaged with a rope, cable, or wire 75. The wire 75 is engaged with the uppermost shelf plate 75, e.g. by an attachment to a pivoted arm 76. For the shelf plates 62 to be able to be pulled in a level position up and down with an evenly distributed load across the shelf plate, according to an embodiment of the invention, there will be four attachment points between the pull-up mechanisms 73 and the top shelf plate 62. One, two, or four pull-up mechanisms 73 may be provided for raising and lowering shelf plates 62. If one or two pull-up mechanisms 73 are used, then it will be necessary to include one or two load distributors between pull-up mechanism 73 and the top shelf plate 62. For example, load can be distributed from the pull-up mechanism to the top shelf plate using pulleys and/or a wire y-splitter. [0078] Fig. 3b shows a rack while being filled, and it can be seen that nodes 1 1 pass by underneath three filled shelf plates 62 on a conveyor 32.

Conveyor 32 projects above a shelf plate 62 to be filled. The shelf plate 62 to be filled is pulled up from a folded-together stack of shelves underneath conveyor 32. The distance between neighbouring shelf plates is

determined by the length and angle in an upright position of the pivoted arms 76. After the shelf plate/frame 62 being filled has been filled up, then the pull-up mechanism will lift the shelf plates up one "step", that is, the neighbouring shelf plate underneath the just filled shelf plate 62 is elevated to a level that corresponds to the level at which the elevated, newly filled shelf 62 was located before uplifting. In this manner, shelf plates can be filled until a rack is full or filled to a desired level. It should be understood that if the shelf plate 62 being filled in Fig. 3b is lowered to a level at which a stopping edge 55 (not shown) is positioned lower than the conveyor, then nodes 1 1 may be passed on to a neighbouring rack.

Hence, conveyor 32 is designed to run inside of the plates, that is, the plates are formed as frames as indicated in Fig. 2. Fig. 3c shows a fully folded-together rack into which no shelf plates have been loaded and for which there is no tension in wires 75.

[0079] In one embodiment, it is contemplated to include several parallel wires 75 that may serve as strain relievers, so that not all the load on shelves below the uppermost shelf plate 62 loads the latter. Attaching a wire 75 to a centre shelf plate 62, for example, could help distribute load from the uppermost shelf plate to the centre shelf plate through a wire 75 attached to said centre shelf plate.

[0080] Although the first embodiment of expandable and collapsible racks

according to the present invention refers to Fig. 3 in which

revolving/pivoted arms 76 are used to provide for the expansion and folding of racks, Fig. 3 is intended to illustrate a principle with which other means than revolving/pivoted arms 76 can be used. According to the first embodiment, a wire arrangement is used as shown in Fig. 4a.

[0081 ] Fig. 4a shows a system in which the distance between shelf plates is

dictated by the wire 75 with spacers 83. In a folded-together condition, the wire 75 will be coiled up between shelf plates 62. To make sure wires 75 is positioned correctly between neighbouring shelf plates 62, they may, as shown in Fig. 4a, be provided with a spring 89 connected at the one end to a protruding attachment on the underside of shelf plate 62 and in the other end to an attachment means 84, such as a ring, for example, through which wire 75 has been run. Wires 75 are run through the shelf plates 62 in holes provided in the shelf plates 81.

[0082] A variant of the system for determining a vertical distance between shelf plates/frame halves 62 is shown in Figs. 7I - 7n. The wire, rope, or line 75 of Fig. 4a remains. However, a different means and principle than shown in Fig. 4a are used for keeping track of the wire, line, or rope 75, namely an elastic cord 1 18 between two wires, lines, ropes 75 adjacent to each other on the same horizontal level and within the same rack half. The solution with an elastic cord 1 18 could be replaced by a spring or a combination of a spring and a line, rope, or wire. In Fig. 7n spacers 83 are clearly apparent. It can be seen that these spacers are situated below the frame halves 62 and will retain them in a set vertical position.

[0083] A further variant of the system for determining a vertical distance between shelf plates/frame halves 62 is shown in Fig. 7o. The wire, rope, or line 75 of Fig. 4a remains. However, a different means and principle than shown in Fig. 4a are used for keeping track of the wire, line, or rope 75, namely an elastic cord 1 18 extending from the rope, line, wire 75 to an eye 120. Thus, elastic cords 1 18 are engaged with the rope, wire, line 75 and an eye 120. In the drawing, the eye is located on brackets 1 16 line 75, and eyes 120.

A second embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present Invention

[0084] According to a second embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention, a rack system is provided as disclosed in the first embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention with reference to Fig. 3, the differences from the first embodiment being related to the means for ensuring proper distance between shelf plates and for ensuring the collapsibility thereof and that racks are expandable. The second embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention differs from the first embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention in that pivoted/revolving arms 76 are used instead of a wire 75. Thus, a discussion of the general principles in relation to Fig. 3 is not necessary. Fig. 4 shows exemplary means usable for raising and lowering shelf plates 62 of a rack, as well as means for ensuring a specific distance between neighbouring shelf plates.

[0085] Fig. 4b shows the second embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention for raising and lowering the shelf plates 62. This embodiment also has been chosen in order to exemplify raising and lowering of the shelf plates 62 of Fig. 3. Fig. 4b shows pivoted arms 76 treaded through shelf plates 62 and fastened to the shelf plates 62 by way of cylinder screws 87, for example. At the upper end of the pivoted arm 76, the pivoted arm is fastened to the top side of the shelf plate 62 with a cylinder screw 87, and in the lower end of the pivoted arm 76, the pivoted arm is attached with a cylinder screw 87 on the underside of a shelf plate 62. The rotary function of the pivoted arms 76 can be ensured by other means of attachment between the pivoted arm 76 and shelf plate 62, such as by a non-threaded shaft with or without a ball bearing, for example.

A third embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention

[0086] Figs. 5a - 5j show a third embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention for raising and lowering shelf plates and at the same time ensure a desired distance between shelf plates in the expanded position as well as a compact stack of shelf plates in a folded-together position. The same principles for raising and lowering using wire as shown in Fig. 3 can be used. In addition, the basic principle for distributing nodes in racks as illustrated in Fig. 1 - 3 is maintained.

[0087] Fig. 5a shows, according to a third embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks, an alternative to the solution using wire 75 or

pivoted/revolving arms 76 as shown in Figs. 4a and 4b. A plurality of platelike bodies with a number of openings/holes is shown. The plate-like bodies may represent cuts in the corners for shelf plates 62, or

alternatively separate plate-like bodies mounted to the corners of the shelf plates 62 can be included. The corner regions of the shelf plates/frames 62 are seen in Figs. 5d, f, i, and j.

[0088] Spacer bolts 96 are arranged in columns A, B, that is, two columns on each long side in parallel with conveyor 32. Further, the spacer bolts are arranged in six rows α - ζ.

[0089] The spacer bolts 96 are formed with a tubular centre section with

extensions at both ends in the form of a plate/disc-like termination of the tubular centre section, for example. The tubular centre section of spacer bolts 96 is able to move axially and freely in holes recessed in the shelf plates. In the case of full expansion as shown in Figs. 5g - i, the

extensions of the spacer bolts will rest against a surface of the shelf plates and prevent the spacer bolts from sliding through the holes in the shelf plates. The distance between neighbouring shelf plates is determined by the distance between the extensions of the spacer bolts 96. This in turn is determined by the height y (Fig. 2, Fig. 3) of the objects to be stored on the shelf plates, typically nodes 1 1.

[0090] Fig. 5b shows a number of shelf plates in a fully folded-together position as seen in the longitudinal direction a of the shelf plates, with the conveyor 32 outlined as a bold black line above the shelf plates in the folded- together position. A number of spacer bolts 96 are seen protruding above the shelf plate stack. The spacer bolts are arranged to not be able to engage a conveyor. The rack is further shown to include a framework of pillars 98 and an optional cross-brace 99 at the upper end of the rack. Pull-up mechanisms as discussed in the description of Fig. 3 may be connected, for example, to the cross-brace 99 or to a mounting in the top of one or more of pillars 98. In all other aspects, the pull-up mechanism may be formed as indicated in the explanation of Fig. 3, with one, two, or four wires and with or without strain relief wires.

[0091 ] Fig. 5c shows a number of shelf plates in an entirely folded-together

position such as in Fig. 5b, but in this case seen towards the short side e of the shelf plates. The endless belt 32, the conveyor belt, is denoted with reference numeral 32. The belt has a width d, and the daylight opening of the short side of the shelf plates 62 is denoted as c. The pillar framework 98 is seen, and also seen is that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two times two columns A, B.

[0092] Fig. 5d shows a perspective view of a rack with shelf plates in a fully

folded-together position including a framework 98. From the drawing it is seen how the individual spacer bolts 96 are offset relative to each other in a longitudinal direction (A, B) and a cross direction (α - ζ).

[0093] Fig. 5e shows a rack with partially expanded shelf plates as seen from same angle as in Fig. 5b, in which four shelf plates has been lifted up. Typically, these four shelf plates will be filled with nodes. It should be understood that a conveyor can extend above shelf plate number five from the top. The conveyor, here in the form of a belt conveyor, can be seen, as can the rollers of the belt conveyor as shown as adjacent to opposite pillars 98. In Fig. 5e, it is seen that the spacer bolts 96 for the top shelf plates function as spacers between neighbouring shelf plates. It can further be seen that the spacer bolts 96 are in an offset position for each second shelf plate as seen in the longitudinal direction a, which will be more clearly apparent from Fig. 5j.

[0094] Fig. 5f shows a perspective view of a rack with shelf plates in a partially expanded condition including a framework 98.

[0095] Fig. 5g shows the shelf plates fully expanded, with said offset spacer bolts 96 in between in the longitudinal direction clearly seen. The spacer bolts are arranged in groups of six rows α - ζ at each corner so that they are clear of the belt conveyor. The drawing is viewed from the same angle as Figs. 5b and 5e. A belt conveyor 32 can be seen below all shelf plates. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 it should be understood that the distance between the conveyor belt and bottom shelf plate/frame 62 is preferably larger than the height of a node.

[0096] Fig. 5h shows a shelf plate in a fully expanded position as in Fig. 5g, but in this case seen towards the short side e of the shelf plates. The drawing only shows a section with the four lowermost shelf plates. According to an arrangement with groups of two columns A, B and six rows α - ζ at each corner, such an arrangement as outlined will be able to include 12 shelf plates. The endless belt 32, i.e. the conveyor belt, is denoted with reference numeral 32. The belt has a width d, and the daylight opening of the short side of the shelf plates 62 is denoted as c. The pillar framework 98 can be seen, and also seen is that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two times two columns A, B.

[0097] Fig. 5i shows a perspective view of a rack with shelf plates in an expanded condition including a framework. 98. In this case, the shelf plates or frames are provided with a stopping edge 55. From the drawing, it is seen how the individual spacer bolts are engaged between neighbouring shelves and the offset position in a longitudinal direction and cross direction can be seen.

[0098] Fig. 5j shows a top view of a shelf plate. The pillars of the framework of the rack can be seen as square profiles 98. It is seen that the spacer bolts 96 are arranged in two columns A, B as seen in from the short side of the rack/shelf plate at each corner of the shelf plates, cf. Figs. 5c, d, and h. It is also seen that the spacer bolts are arranged in 6 rows α - ζ as seen in the longitudinal direction of a shelf plate, cf. Figs. 5e, g. It is further clearly apparent from Figs. 5j and 2c that the shelf plates are formed as frames, with the daylight opening of the frames transversally to the longitudinal direction being indicated to have a width c. The width c must be larger than the width of a conveyor for the shelf plate to be able to surround the conveyor and to be raised and lowered around the latter. Additionally, e must be larger than the nodes/articles to be stored on the shelf plate.

A fourth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention

[0099] According to a fourth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention, the spacer bolts 96 are in the form of telescoping bolts 106. Such a variant is shown in Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b. By "telescoping bolts" 106 is meant that the spacer bolts themselves can be telescopic, so that the tubular part of the spacer bolts can comprise two or more tubes treaded into each other. The inner tube 106a will be provided with a stopping edge 103a like the fixed-length spacer bolts 96 discussed above. The inner tube 106a of a plurality of tubes will be treaded through holes in a top shelf plate, and stopping edge 103a, configured as a disc, for example, will make sure the top shelf plate does not slide downwardly in an expanded position and keep shelves located below at a fixed distance from the top shelf plate. The outermost tube 106d will be provided with a stopping edge 103b to keep a bottom shelf plate raised at a fixed distance from the above shelf plate. Intermediate shelf plates will be resting on tube edges 104, 105, 107. The number of links of a telescoping bolt 106 is a matter of design choice. The distances yi, V2, V3, and y₄ determine the distances between neighbouring shelf plates for a telescoping bolt 106. In principle, it is conceivable that all shelf plates of a rack rest on four such telescoping rods/bolts 106. Any combination of the telescoping variant 106 shown in Fig. 6 and the spacer bolt variant 96 shown in Figs. 5a - 5j may be usable as separators between shelf plates of a rack system according to the present invention. As indicated, the number of links of a telescoping bolt 106 is a matter of design choice.

[00100] Fig. 6 c shows an exemplary telescoping bolt 106 engaged with corner sections of shelf plates. A bottom link 106d of telescoping bolt 106 has a bottom collar 103b resting against a bottom corner section of a shelf plate. A top edge of 106d forms an abutment face for a next lowest corner section of a shelf plate. A second telescoping link 106c has a top edge that forms an abutment face for a third lowest corner section of a shelf plate. Similarly, the third 106b and fourth 106a telescoping links will form abutment faces for corner sections. As indicated, the number of

telescoping links in a telescoping bolt 106 may be varied.

[00101 ] Fig. 6d shows a similar exemplary telescoping bolt as Fig. 6c, except that 6d shows the telescoping bolt in a side view whereas 6c shows the telescoping bolt in a perspective view.

A fifth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention

[00102] According to a fifth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention, the shelf plates or frames 62 are provided as shelf plate halves or frame halves. Such a solution provides flexibility as compared with the use of conveyor 32 as such a conveyor then may span over several adjacent racks, which is particularly clearly apparent from Figs. 7c and 7g.

[00103] Fig. 7a shows a number of shelf plates in a fully folded-together position as seen in the longitudinal direction a of the shelf plates, showing for this case that conveyor 32 extends beyond the rack itself as shown in the drawing. The rack is shown to include a framework of pillars 98. Pull-up mechanisms as discussed in the description of Figs. 3 and 4 may be attached, for example, to a mounting on top of one or more of the pillars 98. In all other aspects, the pull-up mechanism may be as indicated in the explanation of Fig. 3 with one, two, or four wires and with or without strain relief wires.

[00104] Fig. 7b shows a number of shelf plates in a fully folded-together position as in Fig. 7a, but in this case seen towards the short side e of the shelf plate halves. The endless belt 32, i.e. the conveyor belt, is denoted with reference numeral 32. The belt has a width d, and the distance between two corresponding shelf plate halves 62 is denoted as c. The pillar framework 98 is seen.

[00105] Fig. 7c shows a perspective view of a rack with shelf plates in a fully

folded-together position including a framework 98. In this drawing, it is clearly apparent how conveyor 32 is situated between shelf plate halves.

[00106] Fig. 7d shows a rack with partially expanded shelf plates seen from the same angle as in Fig. 7a, where four shelf plate halves 62 has been lifted up. Typically, these four shelf plate halves 62 will be filled with nodes. It should be understood that a conveyor 32 is situated between the two shelf plate halves located as number five from the top, as can be seen in Figs. 7c and 7g. Conveyor 32, in this case in the form of a belt conveyor, can be seen, as can one of the rollers 64 of the belt conveyor. Brackets 1 16 fastened to individual shelf plates 62 are shown in the drawing. The purpose of these brackets 1 16 is to make sure the shelf plate halves are slidably anchored to the pillar framework 98. The brackets 1 16, however, are not only fastened to shelf plates 62, but are also engaged with the pillars 98 through rollers, which will be discussed in more detail with reference to Figs. 7q and 7v. [00107] Fig. 7e shows the same situation as Fig. 7d, towards the short side e of the shelf plate halves. The endless belt 32, i.e. the belt conveyor, is denoted with reference numeral 32. The belt has a width d, and the distance between two shelf plate halves 62 is denoted as c, cf. Fig. 7b. Pillar framework 98 can be seen. In this drawing, the brackets 1 16 are seen from the side and it clearly appears that these brackets 1 16 are provided with openings adapted for the pillars 98. Typically, the openings will be rectangular, but may be given other shapes depending on the cross-section of a pillar 98.

[00108] Fig. 7f shows a perspective view of a rack with shelf plates in a partially expanded condition including a framework. 98. In this drawing it is clearly seen that the shelf plates 62 are split, and that they are provided with stopping edges 55 and upwardly extending lateral edges 56. Pillars 98 have cross-sections as round timber and a rectangular opening in the bracket 1 16 is adapted thereto.

[00109] Fig. 7g shows the same situation as Fig. 7e, towards the short side e of the shelf plate halves, but now in a perspective view. The endless belt 32, i.e. the belt conveyor, clearly appears in the drawing. In this case, the attachments 1 16 are seen from the side and it can be clearly seen that these brackets 1 16 are provided with openings adapted for the pillars 98. Typically, as mentioned above, the opening will be rectangular, but may also have another shape depending on the cross-section of a pillar 98. In Figs. 7a - 7v, the pillars are of the round timber type, that is, tubular.

[001 10] Fig. 7h shows the shelf plates 62 fully expanded, and said brackets 1 16 are clearly seen. The drawing is seen from the same angle as Figs. 7a and 7d. A conveyor belt 32 can be seen underneath all shelf plates 62.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3 it should be understood that the distance between the belt conveyor and bottom shelf plate/frame 62 is preferably larger than the height y of a node 1 1 .

[001 1 1 ] Fig. 7k shows the shelf plates in a fully expanded position like in Fig. 7h, but in this case seen towards the short side e of the shelf plates.

According to a configuration, as shown, there will be 12 shelf plate halves in the height, with the height h of the pillars being determinative of the number of shelf plates 62 in a vertical direction together with the distance between adjacent shelf plates in the vertical direction. The brackets are denoted as 1 16 in the drawing.

[001 12] Fig. 7p shows a shelf plate from above. The pillars 98 of the framework of the rack can be seen to have a tubular profile. It also clearly appears from Fig. 7p that the shelf plates are formed as two shelf plate halves 62, with the distance between the shelf plates being indicated by a width c. The width c must be larger than the width d of the conveyor 32 if the conveyor is to be able to move freely between the shelf plate halves and at the same time extend beyond the width a of the shelf plates 62. In addition, e be must larger than the nodes/articles to be stored on the shelf plate.

[001 13] Fig. 7q shows the same situation and section as Fig. 7e. The drawing more clearly shows the brackets 1 16 and the hoisting apparatus for raising and lowering the shelf plates 62.

[001 14] On a shelf level there are two shelf plate halves 62, referred to as a shelf pair, on each side of conveyor 32. In one embodiment, two ropes 75 suspend each shelf. As mentioned in the discussion of Figs. 3 and 4a, the ropes could be replaced by wire, cable, cord, or line or be a combination thereof. In total, one have four ropes 75 at each shelf level. These ropes 75 are pulled upwards by separate winch drums 73 with reels that provide a constant lifting length pr. turn. All four winch drums 73 are connected together to the same power unit, via a shaft 73a and transmission means 1 17. The transmission means 1 17 may be any type of belt drive such as a cone belt, toothed belt, multi-rib belt, or flat belt. Toothed belts and chain drives have the advantage that they do not skid and hence will maintain a synchronous operation of the hoisting apparatus. The winch drums are configured so that the angle of rope 75 down towards the shelf plates 62 is always equal or symmetrical.

[001 15] The shelf plates are connected to rope 75 by integrated rope clamps 83.

Each shelf level thus has four rope clamps 83 (stopper) distributed between two shelves. All shelf levels are suspended in the same four ropes 75. Each rope hence has as many attachment points as the number of shelf levels. The distance between rope clamps 83 on the same rope 75 determines the vertical distance between two vertical levels of the shelf plates 62. [001 16] To prevent that the rope gets tangled in between the shelves and creates additional distance in the folded-together position, a tensioning means 1 18 such as an elastic cord 1 18 can be provided between the ropes that serves to restrict the ropes 75. The elastic cord 1 18 serves the same purpose as the spring 89, and the elastic cord could be replaced with such a spring and mounted as shown in Fig. 4a. To make sure the ropes 75 are situated correctly between neighbouring shelf plates 62, they may, as shown in Fig. 4a, be provided with a spring 89 attached, at the one end thereof, to a protruding mounting on the underside of shelf plate 62 and, at the other end thereof, to an attachment 84, such as a ring through which the rope 75 is run, for example. Ropes 75 are run through the shelf plates 62 in holes provided in the shelf plates 81 .

[001 17] Each shelf plate half 62 is mounted in two brackets 1 16, which is in turn configured for engaging a separate pillar 98. The bracket is defined by two spacer halves 1 16c, which spacers are congruent and arranged in parallel with each other. At each end of the spacers a roller 1 16a, 1 16b is provided that serves as a distance keeper between spacers 1 16c. Spacers 1 16c and a first roller 1 16a and a second roller 1 16b define a rectangular opening configured for engagement with pillars 98, which rectangular opening constitutes the part of the brackets 1 16 that is configured for engagement with pillars 98. The rectangular opening in bracket 1 16 has a lower, second roller 1 16b located adjacent to a shelf plate half 62. This lower, second roller 1 16b bears against the pillar 98. The rectangular opening in bracket 1 16 has an upper, first roller 1 16a resting against pillar 98. The first 1 16a and second roller 1 16b provides a slidable bracket 1 16.

[001 18] Fig. 7r shows a rack with partially expanded shelf plates as shown in Fig.

7d, as seen from the same angle. It should be understood that a conveyor 32 is positioned between the shelf plate halves. The conveyor is not shown. Brackets 1 16 fastened to individual shelf plates 62 are shown in the drawing. Also shown is a lifting means 75, which may be a rope, wire, line, or the like. From the drawing, it is seen that the lifting means 75 extends from the hoisting apparatus downwardly through all shelf plates 62. The means 1 18 for keeping track of the lifting means 75 is shown in the drawing. No nodes are shown on the shelf plates. [001 19] Fig. 7s shows the same situation as Fig. 7r, but in this case the shelf plates are seen from a rack half towards another rack half. A rack half refers to a part of a rack of shelf plate halves situated vertically above each other and engaged with the same pillars 98. The drawing shows a sectional view of the hoisting apparatus, in which a motor 1 14 for driving winch drums 73 via a driving means 1 15 for operating the transmission means 1 17 for transmission between the motor 1 14 and winch drums 73 for raising and lowering shelf plates 62. The means 1 18 for keeping track of the line, wire, or rope 75 is not shown. Nodes 1 1 are shown in one of the frame halves.

[00120] Fig. 7t shows the hoisting apparatus for a rack from the underside. The drawing shows the power unit in the form of a motor 1 14, which motor 1 14 is connected to a driving means 1 15 from the motor. The driving means 1 15 is shown engaged with an endless transmission means 1 17. The endless transmission means 1 17 is engaged with a shaft 73 that provides for rotation of the shaft 73, which in turn provides for the synchronous rotation of winch drums 73. In the drawing, the transmission means is shown as a chain and the driving means 1 15 from the motor is a gear wheel for chain drive.

[00121 ] Fig. 7u shows the lifting means for a rack from the underside like Fig. 7t, but in this case the viewing angle is different and details of the hoisting apparatus are shown. The details show, among other things, that driving means 1 15 is provided with gear wheels 1 15. The bottom part of the drawing shows the hoisting apparatus with the associated framework.

[00122] Fig. 7v shows the same situation and viewing angle as Fig. 7r, but in this case details of bracket 1 16 are shown as spacers 1 16c and a first roller 1 16a and a second roller 1 16b. An elastic cord 1 18 is shown extended between the lifting means 75 for each level of shelf plates 62 located in an expanded position.

A sixth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention

[00123] The fifth embodiment of the expandable and collapsible racks according to the present invention discloses a rack system including shelf plate halves for each vertical shelf level, in which a lifting means 75 is used for controlling the distance between the vertical shelf levels. The shelf plate halves are slidably engaged with pillars 98.

[00124] The raising and lowering mechanism described in relation to the fifth

embodiment is substantially identical with the one described with reference to Fig. 4a as regards the lifting means 75 and the engagement thereof with the shelf plates 62.

[00125] It should be understood that the distance between shelf plate halves as discussed in the fifth embodiment above may be provided by way of revolving or pivoted arms as seen in Figs. 3 a - c and 4b. The hoisting apparatus may be as in the fifth embodiment, but according to the present solution the lifting means 75 can be attached to a top shelf pair 62, with the shelf plates of a same vertical stack being engaged with each other through the pivoted arms 76.

[00126] A number of solutions are contemplated for ensuring a given distance between shelf plates 62 in a vertical direction, including grooves in the pillars 98 which, in combination with a pull-up system for the shelf plate, will make sure the shelf plate bears against these grooves. The distance between adjacent grooves in a vertical direction will then determine the vertical distance between two adjacent shelf plates 62.

[00127] It should be understood that the at least one means for determining a

maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelf plates described above, namely lifting means 75 with stoppers 83, pivoted arms 76, spacer bolts 96, or telescoping bolts, may be combined with a rack system with shelf plate halves and brackets 1 16.

[00128] Although handling of nodes on-board a vessel has been described, such nodes, according to the invention, can be replaced by other suitable objects as long as they are adapted for the shape, depth, and daylight opening of the shelves or the distance between the shelf plates.

[00129]

External length of the longer side of the shelf plates,

frames, or frame halves 62. The long side is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 32. b The length of a long side b of the rectangular opening (daylight opening) of a shelf plate or frame 62. For frame halves 62, this corresponds to the distance between two stopping/terminal edges 55. The long side b is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 32. c The length of a short side c of the rectangular opening

(daylight opening) of a shelf plate or frame 62. For frame halves 62, this corresponds to the distance between two adjacent frame halves located in the same plane. c>d. The short side c is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 32.

d This is the width of the endless belt, belt conveyor,

conveyor 32.

e External length of the short side of the shelf plates, frames, or frame halves 62. The short side is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor 32.

f The length of a long side of a node 1 1 , that is, the depth to which a node 1 1 protrudes inwards on a frame/shelf plate 62.

y The height of an object adapted for being stored on shelf plates 62. In the examples, the object is indicated as nodes 1 1 .

yi , y2, y3, The distances y1 , y2, y3, and y4 determine the distances y4 between neighbouring shelf plates 62 for a telescoping bolt

106. y1 denotes the distance between a top and an underlying shelf plate, frame 62. y2 denotes the distance between two adjacent shelf plates 62 below y1 , y3 denotes the distance between two adjacent shelf plates 62 below y2, y4 denotes the distance between two adjacent shelf plates 62 below y3.

55 Stopping, terminal edge of a shelf plate, frame, or frame half 62.

56 Upwardly extending lateral edge of a shelf plate Shelf plate/shelf frame/plate for storing objects such as seismic nodes

Rollers for the operation of belt conveyor 32

Pull-up mechanism

a Shaft between to pull-up mechanisms/winches 73 driven by transmission means 1 17

Lifting means such as wire, line, rope, cable, or chain for pulling up and lowering shelf plates

Pivoted arms for connecting neighbouring shelf plates

Holes provided in the shelf plates for the through-passage of line, wire, or rope between shelf plates.

Distance keepers, rope clamps, stoppers attached to line, wire, rope, or cable between shelf plates 62 for adjusting distance between shelf plates

Attachment, such as a ring, for example, for mounting a spring

Rotary link for pivoted arms, such as a cylinder screw, a shaft, or the like for ensuring rotatability of the pivoted arms

Spring

Spacer bolts provided for adjusting distance between shelf plates

Pillar as part of a framework for a rack

Cross brace, part of the framework of a rack

3a An upper stopping edge or an extension for a telescoping bolt 106 configured for providing an abutment face for a shelf plate

3b A lower stopping edge or an extension for a telescoping bolt configured for providing an abutment face for a shelf plate4, 105, Tube edges, abutment faces for shelf plates

7

6 Telescoping bolt for adjusting distance between shelf plates6a Top link of a telescoping bolt

6b A link of a telescoping bolt adjacent to the top link of a telescoping bolt

c A link of a telescoping bolt adjacent to the bottom link of a telescoping bolt

d Bottom link of a telescoping bolt

Motor for operating winch drums 73 for raising and lowering shelf plates 62

Driving means from motor 1 14 for driving a chain, cone belt, toothed belt, or another transmission means 1 17 for operating winch drums 73

Device for connecting shelf plates, frame halves 62 to pillars 98

a First roller of the device for connecting shelf plates, frame halves 62 to pillars 98, which roller is engaged with pillars 98 for slidable movement of the device 1 16 for connecting shelf plates

b Second roller of the device for connecting shelf plates,

frame halves 62 to pillars 98, which roller is engaged with pillars 98 for slidable movement of the device 1 16 for connecting shelf plates

c Two spacers 1 16c tying the first roller 1 16a to the second roller 1 16b.

Transmission means for transmission between motor 1 14 and winch drums 73. The transmission means may be a chain, cone belt, toothed belt, or another type of driving belt.

Tensioning means such as an elastic cord, for example

Transmission/gearbox

Eye

Claims

1 . A rack system comprising:

-one or more stacks of shelf plates (62),

-at least a first conveyor (32),

-at least a means (75) for elevating the shelf plates (62) in a vertical direction (h),

-at least a means (76, 83, 96, 106) for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelf plates, wherein the shelf plates (62) are formed as shelf plate halves (62) having a distance c between two opposing shelf plates at the same vertical level within the same rack, i.e. a shelf pair, with c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor (32).

2. The rack system of claim 1 , wherein the shelf plates (62) are formed as

rectangular shelf plate halves, which shelf plate halves are disposed in two stacks within a rack, the stacks being arranged with long sides opposing each other and with a distance between two shelf plate halves at the same vertical level and within the same rack equal to c, with two such shelf plates (62) constituting a shelf pair, the shelf plate halves (62) being provided with an upwardly extending rear edge (56), a shelf pair having a distance of length e between two opposite rear edges (56) and two long sides of length a, the distance c between two shelf plate halves of a shelf pair being smaller than the length f of an object (1 1 ) so that the object (1 1 ) is able to rest against the shelf plate halves (62) of a shelf pair.

3. The rack system of claim 2, wherein the at least one first conveyor (32) is arranged in parallel with a longitudinal direction a and surrounded by the height adjustable rack, d is the width of the transport surface of the conveyor (32), the transport surface may protrude above the shelf plate halves (62) of a shelf pair, and d < c.

4. The rack system of claims 1 - 4, wherein the shelf plates (62) can be

elevated and lowered without engaging the at least one first conveyor (32) in that the conveyor belt fits inside of the shelf plate halves (62).

5. The rack system of one or more of claims 2 - 5, wherein the height

adjustable rack is provided in that a plurality of shelf plate halves is positioned above and adjacent to each other, said shelf plate halves being adapted for mutual engagement with each other by way of pivoted arms (76), wire (75), telescoping bolts (106), spacer bolts (96), brackets (1 16), and/or by chain with a pull-up mechanism (73) capable of raising and lowering the shelf plates (62).

6. The rack system of claim 12, wherein the spacer bolts (96) between two shelf plates are located in mutually offset positions.

7. The rack system of claims 1 - 6, wherein the shelf plates are formed as shelf plate halves (62) with a distance c between two opposing shelf plates at the same vertical level within the same rack, i.e. a shelf pair, where c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor (32), each shelf plate half (62) being provided with two or more associated brackets (1 16) configured for engagement with a pillar framework (98), the brackets (1 16) being slidably moveable vertically along the pillars (98) as provided by a first roller (1 16a) and a second roller (1 16b) configured for engagement with a pillar (98).

8. The rack system of claim 5, wherein the shelf plates are provided with at least two first holes (81 ) and two second holes (81 ), the first holes (81 ) being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and located proximate to separate corners, the two second holes (81 ) being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) proximate to separate corners, the first and second holes (81 ) in the shelf plates (62) being adapted for the through-passage of two first lifting means (75) and two second lifting means (75), respectively, said four lifting means being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms (73) at the upper ends thereof and anchored at the lower ends thereof, said lifting means (55), in order to ensure proper distance between the rectangular shelf plate halves, being provided with discs/stoppers (83), the

discs/stoppers being configured so as to not be able to slide through the first holes (81 ) and second holes (81 ) in the shelf plates (62), with the distance between the discs/stoppers (83) defining the distance between neighbouring shelf plates.

9. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the first and second wires 75 are

engaged with each other through an elastic cord 1 18 extended between the first and second wires 75.

10. The rack system of claim 8, wherein the first and second wires 75 are

engaged with an eye provided on the brackets 1 16 through an elastic cord 1 18.

1 1 . The rack system of claims 7 - 8, wherein the rack system comprises a

hoisting apparatus, the hoisting apparatus comprising a power unit (1 14), the power unit being connected to a driving means (1 15) from the power unit, the driving means (1 15) being engaged with an endless transmission means (1 17), the endless transmission means (1 17) being engaged with a shaft (73a) providing for rotation of the shaft (73a), which in turn provides for the synchronous rotation of one or more winch drums (73).

12. The rack system of claim 1 1 , wherein the transmission means (1 17) is one of: a chain, a toothed belt, a cone belt, a multi-rib belt, or a flat belt.

13. The rack system of one or more of claims 1 - 7, wherein the shelf plates for storing objects (1 1 ), at least at two of the lateral edges thereof, is provided with upwardly extending edges (56).

14. The rack system of any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the objects are seismic nodes (1 1 ).

15. The rack system of any one of claims 1 - 8, wherein the conveyor (32) is a belt conveyor.

16. A rack system comprising:

- one or more stacks of shelf plates (62),

-at least a first conveyor (32),

-at least a means (76, 83, 96, 106) for determining a maximum vertical distance between two adjacent shelf plates, wherein the shelf plates (62) have a rectangular daylight opening with two short sides c, with c > d, d being the width of the transport surface d of the conveyor (32).

17. The rack system of claim 16, wherein the shelf plates (62) are formed as rectangular frames having two short sides of length e and two long sides of length a, a rectangular daylight opening having two short sides of length c and two long sides of length b, the short sides c being shorter than the length f of an object (1 1 ) so that the object (1 1 ) is able to rest against the rectangular shelf plates (62).

18. The rack system of claim 17, wherein the at least one first conveyor (32) is arranged in parallel with a longitudinal direction a and surrounded by the height adjustable rack, d is the width of the transport surface of the conveyor (32), and the transport surface may protrude above the shelf plates (62), with d < c.

19. The rack system of claims 16 - 18, wherein the shelf plates (62) can be lifted and lowered without engaging the at least one first conveyor (32) in that the belt conveyor fits inside of the shelf plates (62).

20. The rack system of one or more of claims 17 - 19, wherein the height

adjustable rack is provided in that a plurality of shelf plates (62) is positioned above and adjacent to each other, said shelf plates (62) being adapted for mutual engagement with each other through pivoted arms (76), wire (75), telescoping bolts (106), spacer bolts (96), brackets (1 16), and/or by chain with a pull-up mechanism (73) capable of raising and lowering the shelf plates (62).

21 . The rack system of claims 16 - 20, wherein the shelf plates (62) are

elongate and have a rectangular shape and each shelf plate is provided with at least a first hole (81 ) and a second hole (81 ), the first hole (81 ) being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and the second hole (81 ) being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62), the first hole (81 ) and second hole (81 ) in the shelf plates being adapted for the through-passage of a first wire (75) and a second wire (75), respectively, said two wires being engaged with a pull-up mechanism (73) at the upper ends thereof and said first wire (75) and second wire (75) being anchored at the lower ends thereof, said first and second wires, in order to ensure stability of the rectangular shelf plates, being provided with elongate rails, the rail length being shorter than the length e of the short sides of the rectangular shelf plates (62).

22. The rack system of claim 21 , wherein the first and second wires 75 are

23. The rack system of claim 21 , wherein the first and second wires 75 are

engaged with an eye provided on the brackets 1 16 through an elastic rubber band 1 18.

24. The rack system of claims 16 - 23, wherein the shelf plates (62) are

elongate and have a rectangular shape and each shelf plate is provided with at least two first holes (81 ) and two second holes (81 ), the first hole (81 ) being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) and located proximate to separate corners and the two second holes (81 ) being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62) proximate to separate corners, the first and second holes (81 ) in the shelf plates (62) being adapted for the through-passage of two first (75) and two second wires (75), respectively, said four wires being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms (73) at the upper ends thereof and anchored at the lower ends thereof, said first and second wires, in order to ensure stability of the rectangular shelf plates, being provided with discs/stoppers (83), the discs/stoppers being configured so as to not be able to slide through the first holes (81 ) and second holes (81 ) in the shelf plates (62), with the distance between the discs/stoppers (83) defining the vertical distance between neighbouring shelf plates.

25. The rack system of claim 24, wherein each individual shelf plate, on the underside thereof, is provided with mountings for the attachment of spring elements (89), the number of attachment points corresponds to the number of holes provided in the shelf plate, the first end of each spring element is attached to attachment points on the shelf plate while the second end of the spring element (89) is attached to a wire (75), so that each wire is engaged with a single spring element (89).

26. The rack system of claims 16 - 20, wherein the shelf plates (62) are

elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate is provided with a first pair (76) and a second pair (76) of pivoted arms extending between two neighbouring shelf plates (62), with the exception of the top and the bottom shelf plates, which have only one neighbouring plate each and therefore only one first pivoted arm and one second pivoted arm (76), the pivoted arms (76) being rotatably attached (87) at their ends towards neighbouring shelf plates so that the vertical distance between shelf plates may be varied from a folded to a maximum vertical distance defined by the length of the pivoted arms (76), the first pair of pivoted arms being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, and, for the top and bottom shelf plates, the first pivoted arm (76) being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pivoted arm (76) being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62), the top shelf plate being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the bottom shelf plate (62) being anchored.

27. The rack system of claims 16 - 20, wherein the shelf plates (62) are

elongate and have a rectangular shape, and the shelf plate (62) is provided with a first pair and a second pair of rotatable arms (76) configured for being rotated upwardly and engaged with an overlying shelf plate as well as a first and a second pair of pivoted arms (76) engaged with and configured for being rotated downwardly to a neighbouring shelf plate located below, except for the top and bottom shelf plates, which have only one neighbour each and therefore only two first and two second elongate pivoted arms, said pivoted arms being rotatably attached (87) at their ends towards neighbouring shelf plates so that the distance between shelf plates may be varied from a folded to a maximum distance defined by the length of the pivoted arms, the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates (62), and similarly the first pair of pivoted arms (76) configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plates and the second pair of pivoted arms (76) configured for being rotated downwardly being arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular shelf plates, and, for the top shelf plate, the first pair of pivoted arms (76) configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate (62) and the second pair of pivoted arms (76) configured for being rotated downwardly being located adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular top shelf plate, and, at the bottom shelf plate, the first pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being located adjacent to a short side of the rectangular shelf plate and the second pair of pivoted arms configured for being rotated upwardly being arranged adjacent to the opposite short side of the rectangular bottom shelf plate, the top shelf plate being engaged with one or more pull-up mechanisms, the bottom shelf plate being anchored.

28. The rack system of claims 16 - 20, wherein the shelf plates (62) are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate (62) is configured for engaging a plurality of spacer bolts (96), the spacer bolts being formed with a tubular centre section having extensions at both ends, the spacer bolts being arranged so that an upper extension is adapted for resting against a top shelf plate while the lower extension is configured for providing an abutment face for a underlying neighbouring shelf, the shelf plates further being provided with holes, the holes being larger in diameter than the tubular centre section of the spacer bolts (96) and the holes being smaller than the extensions at the ends of the spacer bolts so that a spacer bolt (96) cannot be pulled through said hole and at the same time so that the extensions are capable of providing abutment faces for the shelf plates.

29. The rack system of claim 28, wherein the spacer bolts (96) between two shelf plates are located in mutually offset positions.

30. The rack system of claims 16 - 20, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the shelf plates (62) are elongate and have a rectangular shape, and each shelf plate (62) is configured for engaging a plurality of telescoping bolts, each telescoping bolt (106) being comprised by two or more tubular elements (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) treaded into each other, the tubular elements having (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) different relative external and internal diameters, the top tubular element being provided with an upper extension (103a), the bottom tubular element being provided with a lower extension (103b), the upper extension being adapted for resting against a top shelf plate and the lower extension being adapted for providing an abutment face for a non-adjacent underlying shelf plate, the shelf plates further being provided with holes, the holes being larger in diameter than the tubular section of the telescoping bolts (106) engaged with the respective shelf plate, and the holes being smaller than the extensions at the ends of the telescoping bolts (103a, 103b) so that a telescoping bolt cannot be pulled through said hole and at the same time so that the extensions (103a, 103b) are capable of providing abutment faces for the shelf plates, the telescoping bolts (106) further being provided with a number of intermediate abutment faces (104, 105, 107) for engagement as an abutment face between an upper and a lower shelf plate.

31 . The rack system of claims 16 - 30, the rack system comprising a hoisting apparatus, the hoisting apparatus comprising a power unit (1 14), the power unit being connected to a driving means (1 15) from the power unit, the driving means (1 15) being engaged with an endless transmission means (1 17), the endless transmission means (1 17) being engaged with a shaft (73a) providing for rotation of the shaft (73a), which in turn provides for the synchronous rotation of one or more winch drums (73).

32. The rack system of claim 31 , wherein said transmission means (1 17) is one of: a chain, a toothed belt, a cone belt, a multi-rib belt, or a flat belt.

33. The rack system of one or more of claims 16 - 32, wherein the shelf plates for storing objects (1 1 ), at least at two of the lateral edges thereof, is provided with upwardly extending edges (56).