STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A storage system 1 for storing items 20, the storage system comprising: a frame 10 having a plurality of columns 11 spaced apart, each column comprising a track (12, FIG. 3) extending at least partially in a vertical direction, the tracks of adjacent columns together defining a slot for slidably receiving a plurality of items, wherein the frame is configured to retain the items such that a first item at least partially bears the weight of a second item. Also described are a method (40, FIG. 4) for assembling the storage system and a method (50, FIG. 5) of exchanging items.

Claims

1. A storage system for storing items, the storage system having a frame comprising: a base defining a plurality of recesses for receiving columns; a plurality of columns spaced apart and received in the recesses, each column comprising a track extending at least partially in a vertical direction, the tracks of adjacent columns together defining a slot for receiving an item, wherein the base is configured to bear the weight of an item received in a slot.

2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the tracks of adjacent columns together define a slot for slidably receiving a plurality of items, wherein the frame is configured to retain the items such that a first item at least partially bears the weight of a second item.

3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the frame is modular and reconfigurable by the addition or removal of a column.

4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the frame is reconfigurable such that: the removal of an intermediate column combines adjacent slots; the addition of an intermediate column divides a slot.

5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage system is reconfigurable to store items of quantised dimensions, the quantised dimensions being substantially equal to integer multiples of the spacing between adjacent base recesses.

6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the base is modular.

7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a modular base comprising a plurality of base sections; and wherein adjacent base sections co-operate to define a recess at an interface therebetween.

8. The storage system of claim 7, wherein the recesses are spaced apart by half the width dimension of a base section.

9. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least three columns, including at least one intermediate column comprising a uniform H-shaped cross section having a track on either side of a central web portion.

10. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the tracks of adjacent columns are substantially aligned and in parallel.

11. The storage system of claim 1, comprising a spacer element slidably receivable within the slot and providable between items within the slot.

12. The storage system of claim 1, comprising slots of different dimensions.

13. A method comprising: providing the storage system of claim 1.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising: sliding a first item into the slot.

15. The method of claim 13, comprising one or more of: adding or removing a column; and adding or removing a base section.

16. A storage system for storing items, the storage system having a frame comprising: a modular base defining a plurality of recesses for receiving columns; and a plurality of columns spaced apart and received in the recesses, each column comprising a track extending at least partially in a vertical direction, the tracks of adjacent columns together defining a slot for slidably receiving a plurality of items, wherein the frame is configured to retain the items such that a first item at least partially bears the weight of a second item.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising sliding a second item into the slot such that the first item bears the weight of the second item.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage system of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 2 is an upper left perspective view of a part of the storage system of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 1 along the line III-III shown in FIG. 1; and

[0037] FIGS. 4 and 5 are example methods according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The Figures described below are exemplary not limiting, the scope of the invention being limited only by the claims.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a storage system 1 for storing items 21, 22, 23 (collectively, items 20) is described. As denoted by the axes, the storage system 1 extends in a height direction, H, a depth direction, D, and a width direction, W.

[0040] The storage system 1 comprises a frame 10 having a plurality of columns 11 extending along the height direction H between a base 13 and an upper support element or lid 15. Each column 11 is rigidly attached to the base 13 and the lid 15, such that the columns 11, the base 13 and the lid 15 form a rigid structure.

[0041] The base 13 comprises a substantially flat and planar upper surface which is configured to support (e.g., bear the weight of) the items 20 when received within the slots (described later). Beneath the base 13 may be drawers 17 provided adjacent one another along the width direction W.

[0042] The base 13 comprises sections provided adjacent one another along the width direction, W. The sections extend along the depth and width dimensions of the system 1 and are joined together along interfaces 14 extending in the depth and height directions of the system 1. Each section of the base 13 extends from one side of the system 1 to the other along the depth direction. In the embodiment shown, each section of the base 13 is configured to receive a column 11 at a midpoint proximate a front edge. Further, each section of the base 13 is configured to co-operate with an adjacent base section along the mutual interface 14 to receive a column 11 at the interface 14. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown, each section of the base 13 is able to at least partially support three columns 11. The base 13 thereby defines a regular series of recesses (not shown) for receiving a bottom end of a column, the recesses being spaced apart by half the width dimension of a base section.

[0043] The upper support element or lid 15 is substantially flat and planar and provided in a plane parallel to the base 13. The lid 15 is removable in order to permit items 20 to be added to or removed from the system 1. In a preferred example the lid 15 may comprise sections in a similar manner to the base 13. However, the sections of the lid 15 may be offset along the width direction W from those of the base 13 such that the interfaces 14 between base sections do not align with the interfaces of the lid 15. The overall rigidity of the frame 10 may thereby be improved.

[0044] The lid 15 may comprise recesses for receiving upper ends of columns 11. Additionally or alternatively, the lid 15 may be secured to the columns by fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts).

[0045] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section though the system 1 along the line III-III of FIG. 1. For simplicity, the front and rear lips 12a, 12b of only one track 12 are shown in FIG. 3, but it will be appreciated that each track 12 shown will comprise the same features. Similarly, for simplicity, an item 20 has been omitted from the track 12 having the annotations 12a, 12b.

[0046] Each column 11 comprises a substantially uniform cross section along its height dimension such that an item 20 may slide within the track 12 between the uppermost and lowermost ends of the column 11 without encountering an obstruction. Each track 12 comprises a vertically extending front lip 12a and rear lip 12b opposing one another and defining boundaries of the track 12 in the depth direction. In particular, the tracks 12 comprise a right-angular U-shaped cross section, configured to receive an edge or side of a right-angular item 20 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0047] With the optional exception of the columns 11 provided at the ends of the system 1, each column 11 comprises an H-shaped cross section such that a track 12 is provided on either side of a central web portion 12c. Accordingly, with the exception of the columns 11 at the ends of the system, the columns 11 are substantially identical to one another, such that they comprise uniform dimensions and geometry. The columns 11 provided at the end of the system 1 may comprise only a single track 12, such that these columns 11 may comprise a cross section similar to the columns 11 of FIG. 3 but halved along the central web portion 12c.

[0048] The columns 11 are spaced apart by a selected distance according to a corresponding width dimension 20 of items which are to be stored in the slot. In particular, the columns 11 are translated relative to one another along the width direction, such that they are provided in the same orientation and substantially aligned. The columns 11 are therefore parallel with one another and exist substantially in the same vertical plane which extends along the height and width directions H, W.

[0049] Accordingly, adjacent columns 11 comprise opposing tracks 12 which are substantially aligned with one another and together define a slot for receiving items 20. The slots are therefore modular and complex in construction as they are formed by the co-operation between separate components which are not unitary and may not be directly connected.

[0050] In the embodiment shown, adjacent columns 11 are spaced apart by integer multiples of half of the width dimension of the sections of base 13. For example, towards the near side of the system of FIG. 1, and in FIG. 2, the columns are spaced apart by a dimension substantially equal to half of the width of a single section of base 13, whereas either side of items 23 (FIG. 1), the columns 11 are spaced apart by a dimension substantially equal to twice the width of a base section 13. This may be achieved by the omission of an intermediate column 11 at the interface between two base sections 13, and the omission of two mid-point columns 11. Accordingly, the recesses on the midlines of the two base sections, and the recesses at the interface between the two base sections, bearing the weight of the items 23 are vacant but obscured and inaccessible by virtue of the items 23.

[0051] The items 20 are right-angular and comprise two major faces, and four minor faces or edges perpendicular to and extending between the major faces. In the embodiments shown, the items 20 are slabs (e.g., made from quartz, granite, wood, etc.) of worktop sample (e.g., for a kitchen, bathroom or workshop), which may be on the order of 5 cm in thickness. In particular, the items 20 shown are flat and comprise a uniform thickness (e.g., in the depth direction).

[0052] The items 20 are retained within the slot such that a major face of each item faces outwardly (i.e., along the depth direction). In particular, an edge of each item and a small portion of each major face is received within the respective track 12. As the tracks 12 extend vertically, each item is thereby retained in an upright orientation, resting on a minor face or edge. In effect, the system 1 retains items 20 in a stacked arrangement on edges which, in the absence of the system 1, the items would not be able to stack in a stable manner. As such, the full height dimension of a major face of each item 20 facing outwardly is completely unobstructed and thus visible.

[0053] The items are stacked within the slot such that they are spaced apart along the height direction. For example, only one item 20 (or spacer element 24 described later) may be provided at any co-ordinate in the height direction.

[0054] Within the tolerance provided by the front and rear lips 12a, 12b, items retained within the same slot will have substantially the same width dimension.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 may store items 20 of a range of dimensions. For example, each slot may receive three items 21 having, in a stored configuration, a height dimension which is greater than a width dimension. Additionally or alternatively, each slot may be configured to receive two items 22 having, in a stored configuration, a height dimension which is significantly greater than (e.g., double) a width dimension. Additionally or alternatively, each slot may be configured to receive two items 23 which, in a stored position, have a length dimension significantly greater than a height dimension.

[0056] The dimensions of the lips 12a, 12b extending in the width dimension define the range of item widths which are receivable within a slot. For example, an item 20 which has a width less than the minimum dimension between front lips 12a of opposing tracks 12 may not be securely retained by the opposing tracks 12. Similarly, a dimension between central web portions 12c of opposing tracks 12 may define a maximum width dimension of items 20 which may be retained by the opposing tracks 12.

[0057] For each plurality of items receivable within a slot, the items 20 comprise a thickness or depth dimension which does not exceed that of the track 12 between the front and rear lips 12a, 12b, at least in the portion of the item 20 that is receivable within the track 12. For example, all items having a side or edge received within a track 12 of the same slot necessarily comprise a maximum thickness in the depth direction at the location of the side or edge receivable within the track 12. It will be understood by the skilled person that thickness dimensions which are closer to the depth dimension of the respective track 12 will permit the items 20 to be retained closer to the vertical.

[0058] Although item thicknesses may vary, due to the stacked nature of items 20, it is preferable that items within the same slot have similar thickness dimensions.

Spacer Elements

[0059] The system 1 optionally comprises spacer elements 24 provided between stacked items 20. The spacer elements 24 are configured to improve the appearance of the display, by providing a decorative border between each item in the stack. If made of a resilient or slightly flexible material they may prevent impact damage to items which are placed carelessly in the display. Finally the spacers may serve to distribute the weight of higher items in the stack (e.g., to prevent the weight of higher items 10 from being borne unevenly by the upper minor face of lower items 10). Further, the spacer elements 24 may protect the lower items from the surface of any higher items (e.g., the upper face of a wooden sample from the lower face of a granite sample).

[0060] In each slot, the spacer elements 24 comprise substantially the same width and depth dimensions as the items 20 stored in the slot. Accordingly, the dimensions of the spacer elements 24 may be varied in accordance with the dimensions of the items 20 to be stored. The spacer elements 24 comprise a height dimension which is significantly less than the height dimensions of the items 20 within the same slot.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 2, the front lips 12a of the columns 11 extend forward of the received items 20, whilst the items 20 and the spacer elements 24 remain flush with one another. Accordingly, along the height direction within the slot (e.g., along the midline of the slot), the items 20 and the spacer elements 24 form the forwardmost surfaces of the system 1. For example, the frame 10 does not comprise lateral components extending between adjacent columns 11. A user may thereby grasp an item (e.g., from the lowermost position within the slot), and lift the item upwards out of the top of the slot in a continuous motion (e.g., without having to alternate hands or change hand-position due to the presence of lateral components proximate or within the slot).

Modular Structure

[0062] It will be evident from the foregoing that the system 1 is modular. For example, the system 1 comprises components which can be added or removed in order to vary the dimensions of a slot (and thus items receivable by the system 1), as well as the overall dimensions of the system 1.

[0063] A user may add a further base section, a further two columns 11, and a further lid section in order to extend the width of the system 1. Additionally or alternatively, a user may remove an intermediate column in order to provide a slot of approximately double width and/or add a column to divide a larger slot into two smaller slots. Similarly, a user may add columns of different height dimensions to define slots of different heights.

[0064] As the base and/or the lid receive the columns by means of recesses, when a column is not received in a particular recess, the recess may be obscured or otherwise made inaccessible by the item received in the slot. In other words, the slots defined by the columns coincide with the recesses formed in the base and/or lid.

Assembly & Interchange

[0065] FIG. 4 shows an example method 40 according to the present invention. The method 40 optionally comprises removing 41 a lid 15 of the system 1 (if not already removed) and inserting 42 an item 20 (e.g., in an orientation having an edge or minor face of an item 20 lowermost) into the uppermost opening of two opposing tracks 12 of adjacent columns 11 and sliding (e.g., resisting the fall of the item 20 due to gravity) the item 20 down the slot formed by the opposing tracks 12, until the item 20 reaches the base 13. The method 40 further comprises sliding 43 a spacer element 24 down the tracks 12, until it rests upon an uppermost surface of the first item 20.

[0066] The method 40 further comprises sliding 44 in a second item 20 in a similar manner, until it rests on an upper surface of the spacer element 24. The method may further comprise inserting 45 further pairs of spacer elements 24 and items 20 until the slot is filled in the height dimension. It is optional whether an item 20 or a spacer element 24 is uppermost (e.g., closest to the lid 15) within a filled slot.

[0067] Any adjacent slots provided within the system 1 (e.g., under the same lid 15 or lid section) may be filled 46 in a similar manner. The method 40 may further comprise replacing 47 the lid 15.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a further example method 50 of the present invention. The method 50 may be performed after the method 40. The method 50 comprises removing 52 a first item 20 from a first slot; inserting 53 a second item 20 into the first slot. The method 50 may additionally comprise inserting 54 the first item 20 into a second slot. Optionally, the method 50 comprises removing 51 the second item 20 from the second slot (e.g., prior to removal of the first item 20 from the first slot). For example, the method 50 may move items 20 from one slot to another, and/or rearrange items 20 within the same slot.

Alternatives

[0069] Although the figures suggest that items 20 within the same slot may have the same height dimension, it will be understood that this is only one example of the present invention. For example, items 20 within the same slot may have different height dimensions. However, items 20 within the same slot must have substantially the same width at the location of the same track 12, within the tolerance provided by the front and rear lips 12a, 12b.

[0070] Although FIG. 3 suggests that all items have uniform thickness, it will be understood by the skilled person that items within a slot may have different thicknesses. For example, items 20 within a slot may have edges which have a smaller thickness dimension than the centre of the item. These items 20 may be provided flush with the forwardmost surface of a column 11.

[0071] Further, an item may have different thickness dimensions on different edges, so as to fit into opposing tracks 12 having different thickness dimensions. For example, a column 11 may comprise tracks 12 of differing depth dimensions either side of a central web portion 12c such that items 20 of different thicknesses may be stored. The tracks 12 may also have different depth and lip dimensions.

[0072] With reference to FIG. 1, the far side of the system 1 extending in the width direction may also comprise a storage arrangement as described.

[0073] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although the invention has been described by way of example, with reference to one or more exemplary examples, it is not limited to the disclosed examples and that alternative examples could be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.