Abstract: Material handling systems for supporting and transferring articles within defined areas from one location to another in which cooperatively spaced support plates are mounted within the defined areas and carriages or shuttles are movably supported by the plates in a manner such that the carriages may be guided along a network of optional routes along open passageways created between the plates. The carriages may be mechanized or manually maneuverable and may include load lifting and adjusting components which are selectively operated to raise, support, re-orient and lower the articles so that such articles may be transferred and repositioned as desired.