STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A storage system 1 for storing items 20, the storage system comprising: a storage area 5 extending in a length direction L; a first item 21 having a first length; and a plurality of further items 22, 23 each having length less than the first length, wherein the storage area is configured to interchangeably store: the first item in a first arrangement in which the first length extends in the length direction; and the plurality of further items in a further arrangement in which further item lengths extend along the length direction and adjacent further items are spaced apart along the length direction by a fixed separation L.sub.g, wherein the first length is substantially equal to the sum of further item lengths and the at least one fixed separation. A method (40, FIG. 4) of interchanging items 20 is also provided.

Claims

1. A storage system for storing items, the storage system comprising: a storage area extending in a length direction; a first item having a first length; and a plurality of further items each having a further item length less than the first length, wherein the storage area is configured to interchangeably store: the first item in a first arrangement in which the first length extends in the length direction; and the plurality of further items in a further arrangement in which further item lengths extend along the length direction and adjacent further items are spaced apart along the length direction by a fixed separation, wherein the first length is substantially equal to the sum of further item lengths and at least one fixed separation, wherein the storage area comprises a plurality of engagement features, the engagement features configured to engage co-operating engagement features provided on rear surfaces of the first and further items such that in the first and further arrangements a fixed clearance is provided between the items and the storage area.

2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage area comprises a continuous surface having an array of engagement features with a regular periodicity in the length direction.

3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage area comprises an array of point fixings having a regular periodicity in the length direction, each item comprising a corresponding array of point fixings configured to engage the point fixings of the storage area.

4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the engagement features provided on the rear surfaces of the items are provided at a minimum margin from the edges of the items, the margin being greater than the fixed clearance between the items and the storage area in the first and further arrangements.

5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the engagement features of the storage area are non-contiguous.

6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the engagement features of the storage area are spaced apart along the length direction by a distance at least three times greater than the dimensions a dimension of the engagement features in the length direction.

7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage area extends in a width direction, the first item having a first width and each further item having the first width, wherein in the first and further arrangements, the items are stored such that the first widths of the items extend in the width direction.

8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of further items comprises: a second item having a second length less than the first length and a third item having a third length less than the first length, the further arrangement comprising one fixed separation; three third items each having a third length less than the first length, the further arrangement comprising two fixed separations; or two third items each having a third length less than the first length, the further arrangement comprising one fixed separation.

9. The storage system of claim 8, wherein the second length is greater than the period of the array, wherein the second item comprises two engagement features spaced apart along the length direction by the period of the array, and wherein the third length is less than the period of the array, wherein the third item comprises engagement features at only a single length coordinate.

10. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first length is greater than two periods of the array; and wherein the first item comprises two engagement features spaced apart by twice the period of the array.

11. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage area comprises an array of engagement features having an alternating periodicity along the width direction, each engagement feature configured to co-operate with a corresponding engagement feature of an item.

12. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the storage area is configured to store a plurality of first items having first item lengths along the length direction, adjacent first items being spaced apart along the length direction by the fixed separation.

13. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the first length:second length:third length:fixed separation:spacing of the array are provided approximately in the ratios 571:356:140:75:216.

14. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the engagement features comprise button fixings.

15. The storage area of claim 1, wherein in the first and further arrangements, the edges of the items are not obscured or obstructed.

16. A method comprising: providing the storage system of claim 1; removing from the storage area one of the first item and the plurality of further items; replacing the removed one of the first item and the plurality of further items by the other of the first item and the plurality of further items.

17. A storage system for storing items, the storage system comprising: a storage area extending in a length direction; a first set of items each having a length; and a second set of items each having a length, wherein the storage area is configured to interchangeably store: the first set of items item in a first arrangement in which the lengths of the items of the first set extend along the length direction; and the second set of items in a second arrangement in which the lengths of the items of the second set extend along the length direction, wherein in the first and second arrangements, adjacent items are spaced apart along the length direction by a fixed separation, wherein the sum of the lengths of the items in the first arrangement and any fixed separations therebetween is substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of the items in the second arrangement and any fixed separations therebetween, wherein the storage area comprises a plurality of engagement features, the engagement features configured to engage co-operating engagement features provided on the rear surfaces of the items such that in the first and second arrangements a fixed clearance is provided between the items and the storage area.

18. The storage system of claim 17, wherein the total lengths of items of the first set is different from the total lengths of items of the second set.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] 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:

[0054] FIG. 1 is a front view of a storage system according to the present invention in a storage arrangement;

[0055] FIG. 2 is a front view of a storage stand of the system of FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 3 is a reverse perspective view of a plurality of items of the storage system of FIG. 1; and

[0057] FIG. 4 is an example method according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] FIG. 1 is a front view of a storage system 1 comprising a storage stand 3 and a plurality of items 20 in an assembled configuration. In particular, FIG. 1 is an x-ray view of the storage system 1, such that components (e.g., the engagement features 7, 27) which would ordinarily be obscured in an assembled configuration are visible.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a front view of the storage stand 3 of FIG. 1 in the absence of the items 20.

[0060] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a storage system 1 for storing items 20 is described. The storage system 1 comprises a storage stand 3 having a storage area 5 for receiving items 20. The storage area 5 has a plurality of engagement features 7 provided in an array having a regular periodicity L.sub.A in the length direction L and an alternating periodicity W.sub.A, W.sub.B in the width direction W. In particular, in the width direction W, the array comprises an alternating periodicity in which every other period W.sub.B is approximately half the dimension of the intervening period W.sub.A.

[0061] In the embodiment shown, the array comprises nine rows of engagement features 7 and twenty columns of engagement features 7. However, it will be understood by the skilled person that alternative numbers of columns and rows may be provided according to the present invention.

[0062] Each engagement feature 7 is configured to co-operate with a corresponding engagement feature 27 (FIG. 3) provided on an item 20, such that the item 20 is retained by the engagement feature 7 (optionally in combination with other engagement features 7) in the storage area 5. In the embodiment shown, each engagement feature 7 provided in the storage area 5 comprises a female portion 7 (e.g., a female portion of a button fixing) which is configured to receive a male portion 27 (e.g., a male portion of a button fixing) provided on an item 20 to be stored.

[0063] The engagement features 7 are substantially recessed within the storage area 5 such that the storage area 5 is substantially planar.

[0064] The storage stand 3 may be supportable on a wall and/or supportable on a floor, such that the stand 3 and the storage area 5 may be provided in a substantially vertical plane. The stored items 20 may thereby be readily visible from a range of angles and distances as well as readily accessible. The storage stand 3 may be used as a display stand, e.g., in a shop, for displaying products.

[0065] The female button fixings 7 may be engaged by insertion in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the storage area 5 (e.g., into the page of FIG. 1), followed by sliding downwards along the length direction (e.g., in the direction of gravity and in the plane of the page of FIG. 1). Although the female button fixings 7 permit the insertion then the sliding of the male button fixings 27, the sliding distance is short, and so the female button fixings 7 may still be considered point fixings. A point fixing may be distinct from a slot which is substantially elongate in relation to width. Point fixings may be easier to engage and so may improve the speed of exchange of items. Further, point fixings may be smaller than larger fixings and so permit more room for the receipt of a user's hand or digits.

Items

[0066] With reference to FIG. 3, the items 20 configured to be stored in the storage area 5 are described.

[0067] FIG. 3 shows a plurality of items 20 from a reverse angle, such that the locations and characteristics of the male portions 27 of the button fixings are visible. The items 20 are shown as if supported by the storage area 5 and as if viewed through the storage area 5, but with the storage area 5 omitted. The items 20 of FIG. 3 are thereby provided in three columns 31, 32, 33 each of which relates to an arrangement according to the present invention.

[0068] The items 20 comprise a first item 21, a second item 22, and a third item 23.

[0069] The first item 21 is substantially planar and has a first length, a first width, and a first thickness defined in relation to the right-angular axes W, L, T.

[0070] The first item 21 comprises at least two male engagement features 27 (e.g., male button fixings) which protrude from the rear surface of the of the first item 21. The at least two male engagement features 27 are spaced apart along the length of the item 21 by a distance substantially equal to an integer multiple of the regular period L.sub.A of the array of the storage area 5. The male engagement features 27 provided on the first item 21 are configured to engage the female engagement features 7 provided in the storage area 5.

[0071] In the embodiment shown, the first item 21 comprises three pairs of male button fixings 27 at three longitudinal co-ordinates, the spacing between the longitudinal co-ordinates being substantially equal to L.sub.A. Within each pair at the same longitudinal co-ordinate, the male button fixings 27 are provided with a fixed width substantially equal to the period W.sub.A of the array of the storage area 5 in the width direction. The male button fixings 27 may thereby be provided in an array on the rear surface of the item 21 which mirrors the periodicities L.sub.A, W.sub.A of the array in the storage area 5.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the first item 21 may comprise only an uppermost pair and a lowermost pair of male button fixings 27 spaced apart by twice the period L.sub.A, such that the middle pair may be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, the male button fixings 27 may not be provided in pairs, such that the item 21 may comprise only individual male button fixings 27 at each longitudinal co-ordinate.

[0073] The uppermost and lowermost engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective upper and lower edges of the item 21. This distance is chosen in combination with the period of the array L.sub.A and the overall length of the first item 21, such that upon storage of the item 21 in the storage area 5, the distance in the length direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later).

[0074] Similarly, the engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective left and right edges of the item 21. The distance is chosen in combination with the periods W.sub.A, W.sub.B of the array and the width of the item 21, such that upon storage of the item 21 in the storage area 5, the distance in the width direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later).

Second Item

[0075] The second item 22 is substantially planar and has a second length, the first width and the first thickness defined in relation to the axes W, L, T. The first length is greater than the second length.

[0076] The second item 22 comprises at least two male engagement features 27 (e.g., male button fixings) which protrude from the rear surface of the second item 22. The at least two male engagement features 27 are spaced apart along the length of the item 22 by a distance substantially equal to the regular period L.sub.A of the array in the length direction of the storage area 5. The male engagement features 27 provided on the first item 21 are configured to engage the female engagement features 7 provided in the storage area 5.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the second item 22 comprises two pairs of male button fixings 27 at two longitudinal co-ordinates, the spacing between the longitudinal co-ordinates being substantially equal to L.sub.A. Within each pair at the same longitudinal co-ordinate, the male button fixings 27 are provided with a fixed width substantially equal to the period W.sub.A of the array of the storage area 5 in the width direction. The male button fixings 27 may thereby be provided in an array on the rear surface of the item 22 which mirrors the periodicities L.sub.A, W.sub.A of the array in the storage area 5.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the male button fixings 27 may not be provided in pairs, such that the item 22 may comprise only individual male button fixings 27 at each longitudinal co-ordinate.

[0079] The engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective upper and lower edges of the item 22. This distance is chosen in combination with the period of the array L.sub.A and the overall length of the second item 22, such that upon storage of the item 22 in the storage area 5, the distance in the length direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later). The pre-determined distance for the second item 22 is the same as the corresponding pre-determined distance for the first item 21.

[0080] Similarly, the engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective left and right edges of the item 22. The distance is chosen in combination with the periods W.sub.A, W.sub.B of the array and the width of the item 22, such that upon storage of the item 21 in the storage area 5, the distance in the width direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later). The pre-determined distance for the second item 22 is the same as the corresponding pre-determined distance for the first item 21.

Third Item

[0081] The third item 23 is substantially planar and has the first width, the first thickness and a third length defined in relation to the right-angular axes W, L, T. The first and second lengths are greater than the third length.

[0082] The third item 23 comprises at least one male engagement feature 27 (e.g., male button fixing) which protrudes from the rear surface of the third item 23. The at least one male engagement feature 27 is provided at only a single longitudinal co-ordinate. The single longitudinal co-ordinate is centred relative to the length of the third item 23. The at least one male engagement feature 27 is configured to engage at least one female engagement feature 7 provided in the storage area 5.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the third item 23 comprises a pair of male button fixings 27 at a single longitudinal co-ordinate. The spacing in the width direction of the pair of button fixings 27 is substantially equal to the period W.sub.A of the array of the storage area 5 in the width direction.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the male button fixings 27 may not be provided in pairs, such that the item 22 may comprise only a single male button fixing 27 at a single longitudinal co-ordinate (e.g., centred relative to the length and width directions of the third item 23).

[0085] The engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective upper and lower edges of the item 23. This distance is chosen in combination with the period of the array L.sub.A and the overall length of the third item 23, such that upon storage of the item 22 in the storage area 5, the distance in the length direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later). The pre-determined distance for the third item 23 is the same as the corresponding pre-determined distances for the first and second items 21, 22.

[0086] Similarly, the engagement features 27 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the respective left and right edges of the item 23. The distance is chosen in combination with the periods W.sub.A, W.sub.B of the array and the width of the item 22, such that upon storage of the item 21 in the storage area 5, the distance in the width direction between adjacent items is fixed (described later). The pre-determined distance for the third item 23 is the same as the corresponding pre-determined distances for the first and second items 21, 22.

Quantised Lengths

[0087] The items 20 are effectively quantised in length based on how many periods L.sub.A of the array in the storage area 5 they span. As such, the length of each item 20 is defined according to the equation:

Length=2p+nL.sub.A

where p is the pre-determined distance from the upper and lower edges of each item 20 to the nearest engagement feature 27 in the length direction, n is the integer number of array periods spanned by the engagement features 27, and L.sub.A is the regular period of the array in the length direction.

[0088] For example, the third item 23 doesn't span a whole period L.sub.A, and so n=0 for the third item 23. Similarly, the first item 21 spans two periods L.sub.A, and so n=2 for the first item 21.

[0089] In view of the foregoing, it will be evident that additional items spanning greater than two periods L.sub.A may be provided. Further, it will be evident that items of width greater than the array width spacing W.sub.A may be provided based on considerations similar to those for the length dimensions.

Assembled Configuration

[0090] In the assembled configuration of FIG. 1, the substantially planar items 21, 22, 23 are provided having their length dimensions aligned with the length direction of the storage area 5, and their width dimensions aligned with the width direction of the storage area 5. The items 20 are thereby substantially in parallel with the plane of the storage area 5.

[0091] The male fixings 27 of the items 20 engage the female fixings 7 of the storage area 5, by the insertion and sliding mechanism previously described, such that the female fixings 7 bear the weight of the respective items 20 via the male fixings 27. The items 20 are thereby retained in the storage area 5. When the storage stand 3, and thus the storage area 5, is provided in a vertical plane, the items 20 are retained in a vertical plane (e.g., a parallel vertical plane).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 1, a first item 21 as stored in the storage area 5 spans two periods L.sub.A in the length direction, and the longitudinal co-ordinates of three pairs female engagement features 7 in the length direction.

[0093] Similarly, a second item 22 as stored in the storage area 5 spans a period L.sub.A in the length direction and thus the longitudinal co-ordinates of two pairs female fixings 7 in the length direction.

[0094] A third item 23 as stored in the storage area 5 spans less than one period and thus the longitudinal co-ordinates of a single pair of female fixings 7.

[0095] In the embodiment (not shown) that the first item 21 comprises no middle engagement feature 27 (e.g., no middle pair of button fixings 27), then the first item 21 may engage only the upper and lower female engagement features 7. The middle pair of female engagement features 7 would remain in the regular array. This is permitted by the provision of female engagement features on the array, such that the omission of male engagement features does not affect the functioning of adjacent engagement features 7, 27.

[0096] A first item 21 as stored in the storage area 5 occupies a first length of the storage area 5 which is substantially equal to the length of the first item. This may be termed a first arrangement. The first length is substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of a second item 22 and a third item 23 having a fixed separation L.sub.g along the length direction therebetween (e.g., as shown in the left and middle arrangements 31, 32 in FIG. 3).

[0097] Similarly, a first item 21 as stored in the storage area 5 occupies a length substantially equal to the sum of the lengths of three third items 23 having two fixed separations interspersed therebetween (e.g., as shown in the left and right arrangements 31, 33 in FIG. 3).

[0098] Further, a second item 22 as stored in the storage area 1 occupies a length substantially equal to the length of two third items 23 having a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween (e.g., as shown in the lower part of the middle and right arrangements 32, 33 in FIG. 3).

[0099] Along the length direction, the spacing between adjacent items is fixed at L.sub.g such that all items 20 have the same space above and below them in the length direction. Along the width direction, the spacing between adjacent items is fixed at W.sub.g such that all items 20 have the same spacing to their left and right. The spacing between adjacent items 20 in the length and width directions may not be equal. In the example shown, the spacing L.sub.g along the length direction is greater than in the width direction W.sub.g.

[0100] As all items 20 comprise substantially the same width, any arrangement of items occupying the same length will also occupy the same two-dimensional space. The storage area 5 is thereby configured to interchangeably store different combinations of items 20. In effect, any two-dimensional space having length equal to a first length is able to store either: a first item; or a second item and a third item with a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween; or three third items with two fixed separations L.sub.g interspersed therebetween. Similarly, any two-dimensional space having length equal to a second length is able to store either: a second item; or two third items having a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween. Similar considerations apply for items which have length greater than the first length.

[0101] The items 20 may be supported only by the engagement features 7, 27 such that the items 20 are not obscured or obstructed at their edges. Further, the engagement between the engagement features 7, 27 may retain the items 20 in parallel with, but spaced apart from, the plane of the storage area 5 (e.g., spaced apart in the thickness direction).

[0102] By providing space around the items 20 (e.g., uniformly around and behind all items 20), a user may readily interact with the items 20 by grasping them (e.g., to add or remove the item from the storage area 5). In particular, the space behind an item 20 may permit a user to place their fingers behind the item so as to grasp it. Further, the space above and below an item may permit a user to grasp the upper and lower edges of the item 20 with their palm. The accessibility of the items 20 when stored in the storage area 5 is thus improved according to the present invention.

[0103] In a preferred example, the first length is substantially equal to 571 mm, the second length is substantially equal to 356 mm, the third length is substantially equal to 140 mm, the dimension L.sub.g is substantially equal to 75 mm, the period L.sub.A of the array is substantially equal to 216 mm and the distance from the edge of an item 20 to an engagement feature 27 along the length direction is substantially equal to 70 mm. The period of the array W.sub.A may be selected according to user preference, as long as it is constant. Similarly, the period of the array W.sub.B may be selected according to user preference, as long as it is constant.

[0104] In the nine by twenty array of FIG. 1 (i.e., nine rows of engagement features 7 by twenty columns of engagement features 7), there is illustrated a variety of item arrangements which are possible according to the present invention. For example, any portion of the array spanning two by two engagement features may be able to interchangeably store a second item or a plurality of third items with a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween.

[0105] Similarly, any portion of the array spanning at least three (rows) by two (columns) of engagement features 7 may be able to store a first item 21; or a second item 22 and a third item 23 with a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween; or three third items 23 with two fixed separations L.sub.g interspersed therebetween. Similarly, any two-dimensional space having length equal to a second length is able to store either: a second item 22; or two third items 23 having a fixed separation L.sub.g therebetween.

[0106] It will be evident to the skilled person that a similar consideration may be performed for any portion of the overall nine by 20 array of FIG. 1. For example, any nine by two portion, or any three by four or three by six portion of the array may be considered as an area configured to store a plurality of items interchangeably.

Method

[0107] With reference to FIG. 4, an example method 40 of the present invention is described. The method 40 comprises providing 42 the storage system 1. The method 40 further comprises removing 44 from the storage area 5 a first item 21. Replacing 46 the removed first item 21 by a second item 22 and a third item 23 or by three third items 23.

[0108] Alternatively, the method 40 comprises removing 44 from the storage area 5 a second item 22 and a third item 23 adjacent one another. The method 40 further comprises replacing 46 the removed items 22, 23 by a first item 21 or by three third items 23.

[0109] Alternatively, the method 40 comprises removing 44 from the storage area 5 three third items 23 adjacent one another in the length direction. The method 40 further comprises replacing 46 the removed items 23 by a first item 21 or by a second item 22 and a third item 23.

[0110] Alternatively, the method 40 comprises removing 44 from the storage area 5 a second item 22. The method 40 further comprises replacing 46 the removed item 22 by two third items 23.

[0111] Alternatively, the method 40 comprises removing 44 from the storage area 5 two third items 23 adjacent one another in the length direction. The method 40 further comprises replacing 46 the removed items 23 by a second item 22.

Additional Embodiments

[0112] Although in FIG. 1 the nine rows of engagement features 7 appear effectively divided into three sets of three rows by the illustrated item arrangements (e.g., between the third and fourth rows of engagement features 7 and between the sixth and seventh rows of engagement features 7 there is a continuous spacing of dimension L.sub.g running from left to right which is not obstructed by an item 20), it will be understood that this is not an essential feature of item arrangements of the present invention.

[0113] Further, although the first item 21 spans two periods L.sub.A of the array, it will be understood that a longer item spanning at least three periods L.sub.A of the array of the storage area 5 may be provided.

[0114] Further still, although illustrated as being substantially planar and having the same thickness, items 20 may instead have differing thickness dimensions or be non-planar.

[0115] The provision of female and male engagement features 7, 27 on the storage area 5 and the items 20 respectively may be reversed without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure. 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.