WO2007000597A1

WO2007000597A1 - Stackable storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2007000597A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002380
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allan Grainger
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-29
Filing date: 2006-06-28
Publication date: 2007-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2007-12-29

Abstract

A stackable storage system includes a first container (100) having two opposed sidewalls (104A, 104B) and a storage shelf (112) slidabiy mounted within the first container. The system further includes a second container (100A) having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidabiy mounted within the second container. An arrangement (120, 122, 124) is formed or fitted on top of the first container for allowing the second container to be releasably stacked on top of the first container.

Description

Stackable Storage System

The present invention relates to a stackable storage system and a container for such a system.

Various types of heavy-duty storage containers are available. Such containers need to be versatile and capable of securely storing items, sometimes during transportation. Conventionally, such storage devices have either been fixed individually (e.g. tied to a vehicle floor or wall) for transportation, which takes up a considerable amount of space. Attempting to stack the containers on top of each other for transportation is unwise because they are likely to fall off each other, which is especially dangerous when they are holding heavy items. In order to overcome these problems in the past, special storage racks have been provided in vehicles. Such racks can be expensive and heavy and can only be of use in vehicles where they are already installed, or if they are readily available. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stackable storage system including: a first container having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the first container; a second container having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the second container, and an arrangement formed or fitted on top of the first container for allowing the second container to be releasably stacked on top of the first container.

The arrangement for allowing the containers to be stacked can include a substantially flat member having at least one locating arrangement on at least one of its surfaces. The stacking arrangement may also function as a lid that at least partially covers the open top of the first container. Suitably, the lower surface of the second container may include at least one locating arrangement for cooperating with the at least one locating arrangement on the flat member. The at least one locating arrangement, in use, can allow at least some edges (ends and/or sides) of the first and second containers to be substantially aligned when they are stacked together. The at least one locating arrangement can, in use, substantially prevent the second container from moving in a horizontal direction on top of the first container. The width and length of flat member may generally correspond to the width and length of the base of the container. In use, a lower surface of the flat member may be fitted on top of the first container and a lower surface of the second container may be fitted on top of the flat member. Thus, the second container may be fitted directly on the stacking arrangement.

The system may further include a locking device moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, where, in its locked configuration, the locking device releasably locks a said shelf within its respective said container and (simultaneously) releaseably locks the second container on top of the first container. The locking device may be located on the first container and in its locked configuration can lock the shelf of the first container. The locking device may include a handle portion that is used to move (rotate) the locking device between its locked and unlocked configurations. In the locked configuration the handle device may be positioned so as to limit/prevent prevent (lateral) sliding movement of the shelf. The locking device may include a locking formation, e.g. a hook, for releaseably engaging another locking formation on the other container. The locking formation may be pivotably mounted on a rod connected to the first container. The rod may be accessible at a lower surface of the second container and may run along its length. A said locating arrangement on the flat member may include a protrusion and the locating arrangement on the lower surface of the second container may include a corresponding groove, bore or aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the locating arrangement on the flat member may include a groove or aperture and the locating arrangement on the lower surface of the container may include a corresponding protrusion. A said flat member locating arrangement may be located at or adjacent at least one corner of the flat member and a said container locating arrangement may be located at a corresponding location on the container. At least one of the grooves/bores and the corresponding projections may be elongate in shape.

The first and/or second container can further include a base. The container may further include an end wall upstanding from the base. Thus, the container can be in the form of a box with one open end and an open top. The shelf can form a base having two upstanding opposed sidewalls and/or at least one upstanding end wall. When the shelf is slid into the container, one of its end walls can act as an end wall that can close the open end of the container. Thus, the shelf can be part of a drawer (e.g. in the form of a box with an open top) slidably mounted within the container.

The system may further include a device for releasably locking the shelf within the container. The locking device may include a pivotable member fitted on an end the container (or on an end of the stacking arrangement), the member being pivotable to a location where it prevents movement of the shelf in the direction of the member. The pivotable member may be connected to the rod on which the at least one locking formation is mounted. Thus, the device for releasably locking the shelf within the container can also releasably lock the second container on top of the first container together. The slidable shelf may include a device for locking the position of the shelf relative to the container. The shelf locking device may include a member that engages with a surface, e.g. a portion of one of the sidewalls, of the container. In one embodiment, the locking device is located on an end wall of the shelf and can include a slidable member for engaging with a said sidewall of the container. At least one partition member may be provided on the shelf for dividing it into a plurality of compartments.

External surfaces of the sidewalls of the container can be fitted with carrying handles. External surfaces of the sidewalls of the container can include a member for receiving ties for securing the container to a surface.

The height (of the sidewalls) of the first container may differ to the height of the second container.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a stackable storage system container including: two opposed sidewalls; a shelf slidably mounted within the first container, and an arrangement formed or fitted on top of the container for allowing another container to be releasably stacked on top of the container.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage system including a storage rack configured to receive at least one container substantially as described herein.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a stackable storage system including: a first container having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the first container; a second container having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the second container; a stacking arrangement formed or fitted on top of the first container for allowing the second container to be releasably stacked on top of the first container, and a locking device moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, where, in its locked configuration, the locking device releasably locks a said shelf within its respective said container and releaseably locks the second container on top of the first container. Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description. The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, embodiments thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a front view of an example of a container including a drawer; Figure 2 shows a side view of the container, with the drawer in an open position;

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the container and drawer;

Figure 3A details schematically a locking formation of the container;

Figures 4A - 4C detail the operation of a mechanism that can lock the drawer in a closed position within the container;

Figure 5 shows another container being stacked on top of the container;

Figure 6 shows a stack of containers secured to a surface, and

Figure 7 shows how the container can be held in a rack.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the container 100 includes a rectangular base 102. As with other components of the system, the base 102 can be formed from one or more piece and of a variety of suitably strong materials (e.g. metals such as steel) that can withstand heavy loads and can have various dimensions, depending on the particular application for which the storage system is to be used. For example, the container base 102 can be formed of steel and have a width of around 686 mm (27") and a length of around 1066 mm. Standing substantially perpendicularly upwards from the base 102 are two opposed side walls 104A, 104B. An end wall 106 extends between the two sidewalls at one end of the base 102. Thus, the container 100 takes the form of a rectangular box with an open top and one open end, although it will be appreciated that variations are possible, e.g. the sidewalls could taper. An open rectangular frame can be fitted onto the open end of the sidewalls. Each side wall 104 includes, on its outer surface, a pair of spaced apart handles 108. Each of the two handles on the side walls are located at or near opposing side ends of the walls. The end wall 106 can also include, on its outer surface, a handle (not shown) at a generally central location across the width of the end wall. The handles are cylindrical in cross-section and have been bent to form a generally rectangular loop shape. Each handle is hingeably connected to the wall by means of a plate (not detailed) that is fixed to the wall using rivets, the plate being formed to have a tubular channel in which one of the longer sides of the handle is located. The opposite longer side of the handle 108 may be fitted with a grip formed of rubber or the like. The tops of the handles are fixed about one quarter of the way down from the top edge of the container walls

104, 106. It will be understood that the locations and number of handles on the walls of the container 100 can be varied from the example shown, but the arrangement in the Figures allows the container to be conveniently handled by several persons. In an alternative version, the handles may be intended for use with mechanical lifting equipment such as a fork-lift truck or a crane.

The side walls 104A, 104B of the container each include, on their outer surfaces, a pair of spaced apart fixing devices 110. In the example, each fixing device on the container takes the form of a squared U-shaped bent portion of steel that, when viewed from above, forms a closed generally rectangular- shaped loop with the outer surface of the adjacent side wall 104. The locations and number of fixing devices 110 shown are exemplary only and it could be the case, for example, that one fixing device is located on each end wall. The fixing devices 110 can co-operate with a member in a rack for storing the container or can be used to help secure the container to a surface, as will be described below.

As shown schematically with broken lines in Figure 1 , a channel 110A is formed in the lower surface of the base 102 of the container. The channel is located around half-way across the width of the base and extends in a straight line between its two ends. The ends of the channel are spaced apart from the ends of the base so that portions of the base effectively form end walls for the channel. A rod 110B is fixed within the channel 110A, extending between the ends of the channel. Thus, the rod 110B is fitted within a (considerably wider) open channel on the lower surface of the base.

A drawer 111 is slidably mounted within the container 100. The drawer 111 comprises a rectangular base shelf 112 (having dimensions suitably less than those of the container base 102) upon which one or more items to be stored can be placed. Thus, the container including the drawer can be used as a stand-alone holder/drawer for items that can be used and transported on its own and separate from other components of the storage system. Embodiments can be designed to support items that can weigh anywhere between 5 and 40 kg, although it will be understood that this is just an example. The shelf 112 has a pair of upstanding opposed side walls 114A, 114B. An end wall (not visible in the Figures) extends between the two sidewalls at the end of the shelf 112 that is nearest the end wall 106 of the container 100. Each of the side and end walls can have a height of around 100 - 450 mm. At the other end of the shelf 112 there is an end panel 116. The end panel 116 can have a width at least equal to the width of the gap between the container side walls 104 so that contact between the drawer end panel and the container side walls prevents further sliding of the drawer in the direction of the end wall 106 of the container (this can be considered to be the closed position of the drawer 111 ). The height of the drawer end panel 116 may be similar to that of the container 100. A handle 108 may also be fitted at a substantially central position of the outer face of the panel 116. A member for creating a waterproof seal between the container and the drawer (when in its closed position) may be fitted on the drawer/container.

It will be appreciated that the drawer 111 may be slidably mounted in the container 100 using various known techniques, e.g. an arrangement of rollers on the external surfaces of the drawer sidewalls 114 (or drawer base 112) that roll on tracks fitted on the internal surfaces of the container sidewalls 104 (or container base 102), or any other cooperating arrangements of low-friction formations on the drawer and/or container.

A plurality of partition members 118 can be fitted within the drawer 111. These can extend at least partly along the length and/or width of the base 102 to provide any desired number of partitions (e.g. between 2 and 30) of various sizes.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, not all of the container and/or drawer components may be included. For example, the container could just comprise two sidewalls connected together (e.g. by an end wall without the base 102) with just the shelf/base 112 and no drawer side/end walls being slidably mounted between the container walls, which may be suitable for storage of certain types of items. A flat rectangular member 120 having a width/length similar to those of the base 102 and a thickness of around 20 mm is fitted on top of the sidewalls 104 and end wall 106 of the container 100, although in other embodiments the member 120 could have different dimensions. Protrusions/grooves or the like may be provided on the lower surface of the flat member 120 and upper surfaces of the side/end walls of the container to facilitate this fitting. The flat member 120 can act as a lid for the container and also includes formations that are intended to assist with locating another container on top of the container 100. In an alternative embodiment, such formations can be included on the upper surfaces of any of the side and/or end walls of the container, instead of being on a separate member 120. In yet another alternative version, the flat member could be foldable, e.g. by being of formed of more than one portion hingeably connected together, so as to allow the lid it forms to be partially opened. In a further variation, latches or the like could be provided to attach the flat member to the walls of the container.

The locating formations can include a set of generally cylindrical projections 122 (e.g. rubber suppressors/clamping mounts as manufactured by SouthCo of Pennsylvania, USA), one of which is positioned at/near each of the four corners of the upper surface of the flat member 120. In the example, further locating formations in the form of a pair of parallel elongate ribs 124A, 124B

(having curved surfaces) that extend along the length of the upper surface (but spaced from the edges of the surface) are also provided and it will be understood that other types of formations could be used.

As shown schematically with broken lines in Figure 3, a rod 127 is rotatably fitted within the flat member 120, about half-way across its width. The rod 127 extends along the length of the flat member has a length corresponding to that of the flat member. A pivoting handle 128 is fitted on the end of the rod, the handle lying over the external end surface of the member 120 that is fitted to lie above the open end of the container 100. Connected to the rod, near (but spaced from) each of its ends, are substantially identical locking formations 126A and 126B, respectively. Turning the handle 128 results in rotation of the rod 127 and the locking formations 126. The upper surface of the flat member

120 includes a rectangular recess 126A' that allows the locking formation 126A to lie below (or within) the upper surface of the flat member or project above the upper surface, depending upon the rotational position of the formation/rod. A similar recess 126B' is provided for the locking formation 126B. Figure 3A shows the locking formation 126A in more detail, with the formation being rotated so that it lies within the recess 126A'. In the example, the formation 126A has a hook-like shape, capable of engaging with the rod 110B as will be described below. It will be understood that other types/designs of formations capable of releaseably engaging a corresponding formation on the other container to lock them together could be used. It will also be appreciated that such formations could be changed between locking and non-locking configurations using arrangements other than a rotatable rod could be used, e.g. switches/latches. Further, the mechanism for changing between locked/unlocked states could be located on one of the containers rather than on the removable lid/flat member 120.

The pivoting handle 128 is in the form of an elongate member that can be rotated in a generally downwards direction so that it lies in front of the drawer panel 116 when the drawer 111 is in its closed position, thereby releaseably locking the drawer in that position. Labels 129A and 129B may be provided on the member 120 and panel 116, respectively, to indicate how the pivoting member 128 should be positioned in order to allow the drawer to be opened or locked. The panel 116 is fitted with a pair of locking mechanisms 130A, 130B that are positioned adjacent opposing sides of the panel, but spaced from its side edges. Figures 4A - 4C show partial plan views of the container (the flat member 120 is not included) and drawer that detail how one of the locking mechanisms 130A works. As can be seen, the end of the side wall 104A adjacent the open end of the container 100 has a small perpendicular portion 202 that extends towards the opposite side wall 104B. The locking mechanism 13OA includes a handle member 204 that is located on the external face of the panel. The locking mechanism is slidably mounted in a slot in the panel 116 so that it can be moved to the left and to the right. The handle 204 is connected to a lock member 206 that is located on the internal face of the panel.

Figure 4A shows the locking mechanism 130A in its locking position where it holds the drawer in the closed position. The locking mechanism has been slid to the left in the Figure so that the lock member 206 engages the perpendicular portion 202 of the sidewall 104A. This engagement prevents the drawer 111 being pulled out of the container. Figure 4B shows the locking mechanism 130A after it has been slid to the right so that the lock member 206 is no longer in contact with the perpendicular portion 202 and Figure 4C shows the drawer 111 after it has been pulled out of the container 100. The handle member 204 has a reverse C-shaped portion (when viewed from above as in Figures 4A - 4C) that can also be used as a handle for assisting with lifting the drawer 111/container 100 and/or opening/closing the drawer, as well as for sliding the locking mechanism.

Turning to Figure 5, the way in which the container 100 can be stacked with a second similar container 100A is illustrated. It will be understood that the containers in the stack need not be identical, e.g. one of them could have a different height to the other container(s). As shown schematically in Figure 5, the lower surface of the base 102 of the containers includes a set of four blind bores 302, the positions of which are intended to correspond with those of the projections 122 on the flat member 120. The lower surface of the base 102 also includes a pair of elongate grooves 304, the positions of which are intended to correspond with those of the elongate ribs 124.

In use, the second container 100A is lifted, above the first container 100 (upper part shown only) and then lowered down onto the flat member 120 fitted on the first container. The projections 122 of the first container fit into the bores 302 in the second container 100A and the elongate projections 124 of the first container fit into the elongate grooves of the second container (the curved surfaces of the projections can help with locating the two containers so that the projections and bores/grooves inter-engage). The engagement of the projections and bores/grooves mean that the edges of the two containers can be substantially aligned when they are stack and the engagement can also substantially prevent the upper container 100A in the stack from sliding in a horizontal direction on top of the lower container 100.

To further secure the two containers when they have been positioned in a stack as described above, the pivoting handle 128 can be turned to its locking position. This provides a dual-function as it holds the drawer 111 of the lower container 100 in its closed position and also allows the hooks 126A, 126B on the container 100 to engage the rod 110B on the bottom of the container 100A. This limits/prevents relative movement of the two containers in vertical and horizontal directions until the formations are disengaged.

Further similar containers can be stacked/locked on top of the upper container 100 to add the stack. Figure 6 shows an example of five containers in a stack 400. The uppermost container 100D has one end of a strap 402A connected to one of the fixing devices 110 on its left-hand sidewalk One end of another strap 402B is connected to one of the fixing devices 110 on its right- hand sidewall. The other ends of the two straps are secured to members 404A, 404B, respectively, that are fixed on a surface 406. The surface 406 may be part of a vehicle and having the stack 400 of containers fixed to the surface in this way can prevent the stack from toppling over/sliding around when the vehicle is moving.

Figure 7 shows how the container 100 can also be stored in a rack 500. The rack 500 may be a "Glide-Out" racking system sold by Rack International (UK) Ltd of Merthyr Tydfil, United Kingdom. The rack 500 includes at least one strong slidable shelf 502 onto which the container 100 can be placed/fitted. The fixing devices 110 on the sidewalls of the container can co-operate with angle sections on the shelf 502 to limit movement of the container in a vertical direction. Another type of lid 504 can be used on the container instead of the flat member 120 when it is not to be part of a stack. Thus, the containers 100 are versatile and each one can function as a self-contained storage drawer, as well as being capable of being stacked with one or more other container for storage in a space-saving manner (and are also capable of acting as a set of drawers when stacked in this way to allow access to their contents), which can be especially useful during transportation. The containers can also be held in a rack for longer-term storage.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A stackable storage system including: a first container (100) having two opposed sidewalls (104A, 104B) and a storage shelf (112) slidably mounted within the first container; a second container (100A) having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the second container, and an arrangement (120, 122, 124) formed or fitted on top of the first container for allowing the second container to be releasably stacked on top of the first container.

2. A system according to Claim 1 , wherein the arrangement for allowing the containers to be stacked includes a substantially flat member (120) having at least one locating arrangement (122, 124) on at least one of its surfaces.

3. A system according to Claim 2, wherein the stacking arrangement (120) also functions as a removeable lid that at least partially covers the open top of the first container (120).

4. A system according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein a lower surface of the second container (100A) includes at least one locating arrangement (302, 304) for cooperating with the at least one locating arrangement (122, 124) on the flat member (120).

5. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one locating arrangement (122, 124), in use, allows at least some edges of the first and second containers (100, 100A) to be substantially aligned when the containers are stacked.

6. A system according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one locating arrangement (122, 124), in use, substantially prevents the second container (100A) from moving in a horizontal direction on top of the first container (100).

7. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, where, in use, the second container (100A) is fitted directly on the stacking arrangement (120).

8. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, further including a locking device (126, 128) moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, where, in its locked configuration, the locking device releasably locks a said shelf (112) within its respective said container (100) and releaseably locks the second container (100A) on top of the first container.

9. A system according to Claim 8, wherein the locking device (126, 128) is located on the first container (100) and in its locked configuration locks the shelf (112) of the first container.

10. A system according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the locking device (126, 128) includes a handle portion (128) that is used to rotate the locking device between its locked and unlocked configurations.

11. A system according to Claim 10, where, when the locking device (126, 128) is in its locked configuration, the handle portion (128) is positioned so as to limit/prevent prevent sliding movement of the shelf (112).

12. A system according to any one of Claims 8 to 11 , wherein the locking device include a locking formation (126), e.g. a hook, for releaseably engaging a formation (127) on the other container (100A).

13. A system according to any one of Claims 8 to 11 , wherein the locking device (126, 128) is pivotably mounted on a rod (127) connected to the first container (100).

14. A system according to Claim 13, wherein the rod (127) is located at a lower surface of the second container (100A) and runs along its length.

15. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein a said locking arrangement (122, 124) comprises a groove, bore or apertures that is elongate in shape.

16. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the first and/or second container (100, 100A) is in the form of a box with one open end and an open top.

17. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the shelf

(112) forms a base of a drawer (111) having two upstanding opposed sidewalls (114A, 114B) and/or at least one upstanding end wall (116).

18. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, further including a device (130) for locking the position of the shelf (112) relative to the container (100).

19. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, further including at least one partition member (118) for dividing the shelf (112) into a plurality of compartments.

20. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein external surfaces of the sidewalls (104) of the container (100) include at least one member (110) for receiving ties for securing the container to a surface (406).

21. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein at least one of the containers (100, 100A) includes a device (100) for locating the container on a shelf (502) in a rack (500).

22. A system according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the height of the first container (100) differs to the height of the second container (100A).

23. A stackable storage system container (100) including: two opposed sidewalls (104A, 104B); a shelf (112) slidably mounted within the first container, and an arrangement (120, 122, 124) formed or fitted on top of the container for allowing another container to be releasably stacked on top of the container.

24. A stackable storage system including: a first container (100) having two opposed sidewalls (104A, 104B) and a storage shelf (112) slidably mounted within the first container; a second container (100A) having two opposed sidewalls and a storage shelf slidably mounted within the second container, and an arrangement (120, 122, 124) formed or fitted on top of the first container for allowing the second container to be releasably stacked on top of the first container, and a locking device (126, 128) moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, where, in its locked configuration, the locking device releasably locks a said shelf (112) within its respective said container (100) and releaseably locks the second container (100A) on top of the first container.

25. A stackable storage system substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

26. A stackable storage system container substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.