Article storage apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an article storage apparatus which has a high earthquake resisting strength and can achieve weight saving and cost reduction. The article storage apparatus uses a lattice-shaped panel in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect, and is provided with a bottom panel forming a loading surface for an article to be stored, front and rear lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in both front and rear end portions of the bottom panel, and side lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in both side portions of the bottom panel. Further, side surfaces of the side lattice-shaped panels are provided with an upper reinforcing member attached along an upper end portion of the panel and having a higher flexure strength than that of the rod-like member. Further, there are leg portions provided having engagement portions capable of engaging with at least the upper reinforcing member and provided in a lower surface of the bottom panel. The engagement portions of the leg portions of the article storage apparatuses adjacent vertically to each other are engaged with at least the upper reinforcing member, at the time of piling a plurality of the article storage apparatuses. Since the article storage apparatus is reinforced by the upper reinforcing member, it is possible to manufacture the article storage apparatus having a high earthquake resisting strength.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an article storage apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

As this kind of article storage apparatus, there have been disclosed the following patent documents 1 and 2. This structure has a bottom panel 102, a front panel 103 provided so as to rise upward from the bottom panel 102, a rear panel 104, side panels 105, and leg portions 106 provided in a lower surface of the bottom panel 102, as shown in FIG. 21A. Each of the panels is structured in a lattice shape in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect. For example, the side panel 105 is formed in a lattice shape, as shown in FIG. 21B, so that a plurality of first rod-like members 108 directed in a vertical direction and a plurality of second rod-like members 109 directed in a lateral direction are orthogonal, and each of intersections 110 are welded.

Patent Document 1

Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Publication No. 51-22941

Patent Document 2

Japanese Patent No. 3487185

The front and rear panels 103 and 104 have the same structure as that of side panel 105. The first rod-like member 108 and the second rod-like member 109 structuring the panels have approximately the same diameter, and are structured so that one is directed in a vertical direction and the other is directed in a horizontal direction. In the panels mentioned above, in the case of increasing the strength with respect to force F (FIG. 21B) in the vertical direction, the number of the rod-like members is increased, however, there is a problem that with the increased number of rod like members, the weight of each of the panels will increase, increasing the labor hours required for manufacturing on the basis of an increase of the points needed to be welded, thus driving up the manufacturing cost.

Further, there is a case that a plurality of article storage apparatus 101's are piled vertically, as shown in FIG. 22. In such a piled state as mentioned above, engagement portions 107 provided in leg portions 106 are engaged with side panel 105 of the lower article storage apparatus 101, and load F in the vertical direction is applied to side panel 105 of article storage apparatus 101 in the lower stage. In the case of increasing the strength of side panel 105 with respect to load F, the number of first rod-like members 108 directed in the vertical direction has been conventionally increased, however, there has been a problem that the weight is increased or the like as mentioned above.

On the other hand, there is a case that while being stored in an pile-like state, if an earthquake occurs, article storage apparatus 101 can be damaged. In case of a particularly heavy article being stored, there is a possibility that great damage can be generated if article storage apparatus 101 is broken at the time of an earthquake hazard. Accordingly, an article storage apparatus having a high earthquake resistance is desired. When an earthquake occurs, the position where leg portion 106 of article storage apparatus 101 in the upper state is engaged, and the portion positioned just above leg portion 106 in bottom panel 102 are broken quite easily. Therefore, an article storage apparatus having a high earthquake resisting strength in which the easily broken points are reinforced is desired.

In this case, front and rear panels 103 and 104 and side panel 105 of article storage apparatus 101 are coupled to bottom panel 102 so as to be rotatable and foldable with respect to bottom panel 102. Further, in a state in which each of panels 103 to 105 is folded, a plurality of article storage apparatus 101's can be piled vertically so as to be stored. However, if the article storage apparatuses are piled in this manner, a space corresponding to the height of leg portion 106 between the upper and lower article storage apparatus 101 is generated. As a result, there is a problem that the article storage apparatuses can not be piled at a high density.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

The present invention is made in view of the foregoing background of the above mentioned circumstances, and in particular, a first object of the present invention is to provide an article storage apparatus which has a high earthquake resisting strength and can achieve weight saving and cost reduction. Further, a second object of the present invention is to provide an article storage apparatus which can be piled at a high density in a state in which each of the panels are folded.

Means for Solving the Problem and Effect of the Invention

In order to achieve the objects mentioned above, the first aspect of the present invention is characterized by providing an article storage apparatus using a lattice-shaped panel in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect, comprising:

a bottom panel forming a loading surface of the article to be stored;

front and rear lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in both front and rear end portions of the bottom panel;

side lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in both side portions of the bottom panel;

an upper reinforcing member attached to side surfaces of the side lattice-shaped panels along an upper end portion of the panel and having a higher flexure strength than that of the rod-like member; and

leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with at least the upper reinforcing member and provided in a lower surface of the bottom panel,

wherein the engagement portions of the leg portions of the article storage apparatus adjacent vertically to each other are engaged with at least the upper reinforcing member, at a time of piling a plurality of the article storage apparatuses.

In accordance with the first aspect of the present invention mentioned above, the upper reinforcing member is attached to the side surface of the side lattice-shaped panel along the panel upper end, and the engagement portion provided in the leg portion of the article storage apparatus in the upper stage is engaged with at least the upper reinforcing member. In other words, since the upper end portion of the side lattice-shaped panel is reinforced by the upper reinforcing member, it is possible to withstand an impact generated by an earthquake or the like.

Thus, it is possible to provide an article storage apparatus which can achieve weight saving as well as providing a high earthquake resistance strength, by partly reinforcing the article storage apparatus as mentioned above. In other words, if it is intended to entirely increase the strength of the side portion lattice-shaped panel, the number of the rod-like members is increased, creating a problem of increased weight, however, since the points that are easily broken when earthquakes occur are partly reinforced in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to keep the increase of weight to a minimum.

Further, a second aspect of the present invention, the upper reinforcing member includes upper and lower bent portions in which both upper and lower end portions of the upper reinforcing member are bent toward the side lattice-shaped panel, and a center bent portion formed between the upper and lower bent portions and bent to protrude toward the side lattice-shaped panel, and

wherein the rod-like member directed in a vertical direction in the rod-like member constituting the side lattice-shaped panel, the upper and lower bent portions and the center bent portion are welded.

Thus, as mentioned above, since the upper reinforcing member is so structured as to include the upper and lower bent portions and the center bent portion, it is possible to form the rod-like member directed in a vertical direction in the rod-like members constituting the side lattice-shaped member, and each of the bent portions in the orthogonal shape. It is possible to weld the intersection thereof, particularly in accordance with spot welding. Since spot welding can weld only a comparatively small area, it is possible to increase manufacturing efficiency, and achieve cost reduction. Further, the upper reinforcing member including the upper and lower bent portions and the center bent portion is so structured as to achieve a high flexure strength.

Further, a third aspect of the present invention, the upper and lower bent portions of the upper reinforcing member are inclined to an inner side so that both intervals become narrower as they get nearer to the leading end side. Since the upper reinforcing member is attached to the side surface of the side lattice-shaped panel along the upper end portion of the panel, the upper reinforcing member is arranged at a point where the hand of a user is easily in contact. Further, because there are cases where the leading ends of the upper and lower bent portions are formed sharply, there is a chance the user's hand may be cut by the leading end. Accordingly, since the leading end is not exposed by inclining the upper and lower bent portions to the inner side, the risk of the user's hand being cut by the leading end is reduced.

Further, a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized by proving an article storage apparatus using a lattice-shaped panel in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect, comprising:

a bottom panel forming a loading surface of the article to be stored;

front and rear lattice-shaped panels coupled to both the front and rear end portions of the bottom panel so as to be foldable with respect to the bottom panel;

side lattice-shaped panels coupled to both sides of the bottom panel or the front and rear lattice-shaped panels so as to be foldable;

piling members arranged in the bottom panel at positions which do not overlap the front and rear lattice-shaped panels and the side portion lattice-shaped panels, at the time of folding the front and rear lattice-shaped panels and the side lattice-shaped panels with respect to the bottom panel, protruding to an upper side, and upper end portions of which are positioned higher than a panel's topmost surface of each of the folded panels;

leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with the piling members and provided in a lower surface of the bottom panel,

wherein the engagement portions of the article storage apparatus adjacent vertically to each other are engaged with the piling member, at a time of piling a plurality of the article storage apparatuses in a state in which each of the panels is folded.

In accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention mentioned above, it is possible to compactly fold each of the panels with respect to the bottom panel, and it is possible to pile the article storage apparatus in the folded state. Further, the article storage apparatus is provided with the piling members. The piling members are arranged in a position which do not lap over the front and rear lattice-shaped panels and the side lattice-shaped panels at the time of folding each of the panels, and protrude upward, and the upper end portions thereof are positioned higher than the panel's topmost surface of each of the folded panels. Accordingly, in the case of piling the folded article storage apparatus, the engagement portion formed in the leg portion of the article storage apparatus in the upper stage is engaged with the upper end portion of the piling member of the article storage apparatus in the lower stage, whereby it is possible to pile the article storage apparatus in a stable manner.

Further, a fifth aspect of the present invention, a lower portion of the piling member is folded to an inner side to be arranged in a side portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel,

the engagement portions of the leg portions of the article storage apparatus adjacent vertically are engaged with the upper end portion of the side lattice-shaped panel, at the time of piling a plurality of the article storage apparatuses, in a state in which the front and rear lattice-shaped panels are open in a perpendicular direction to the bottom panel, and the side lattice-shaped panel is open in a perpendicular direction to the front and rear lattice-shaped panes and the bottom panel, whereby a load of the piled article storage apparatus is applied to the side of the bottom panel through the side lattice-shaped panel, and

a lower portion of the piling member is arranged on the side portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel, thereby storing a part of the above-mentioned load and reinforcing the side of the bottom panel.

The piling member is structured as mentioned above in a state that the lower portion is folded to the inner side, to be arranged on the side portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel. Further, when piling the article storage apparatus in a state in which each of the panels is open, the load from the upper stage is applied to the side lattice-shaped panel of the article storage apparatus in the lower stage, and the load is further applied to the side of the bottom panel. If an earthquake or the like occurs in this state, a strong impact is applied to the side of the bottom panel, and there is a case that the bottom panel can be broken. However, in accordance with the present invention, since the lower portion of the piling member is arranged on the points which are easily broken, those points are reinforced.

Further, a sixth aspect of the present invention, an article storage space surrounded by each of the panels is formed by opening the front and rear lattice-shaped panels in a perpendicular direction to the bottom panel, and by opening the side lattice-shaped panel in a perpendicular direction to the front and rear lattice-shaped panels and the bottom panel, and

the piling member is positioned on the outer side of the side lattice-shaped panel, thereby preventing the side lattice-shaped panel from being opened to the outer side, and preventing the side lattice-shaped panel from bulging outward due to an article stored in the article storage space.

Further, a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized by providing an article storage apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel having a rectangular shape;

front and rear panels coupled to both front and rear end portions of the bottom panel so as to be foldable with respect to the bottom panel;

side panels coupled to both sides of the bottom panel or the front and rear panels so as to be foldable;

piling members arranged at positions which do not overlap the front, rear and side panels, at the time of folding the front, rear and side panels with respect to the bottom panel, protruding to an upper side, and upper end portions of which are positioned higher than a panel's topmost surface of each of the folded panels;

a pair of leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with the piling member and provided in the direction of the long side in the panel lower surface in the side portion including a short line of the rectangular bottom panel,

wherein the other the article storage apparatus turned in a perpendicular direction is stored between the pair of leg portions provided in the direction of the long side, at the time of turning a plurality of the article storage apparatuses alternately in the perpendicular direction so as to pile in a state in which each of the panels is folded, and the piling member of one of the article storage apparatus is engaged with the engagement portion of the leg portion of the other of the article storage apparatus, between upper and lower article storage apparatus directed in the same direction.

In accordance with the seventh aspect of the present invention mentioned above, it is possible to pile a plurality of article storage apparatuses at a high density without forming an extra space, by turning a plurality of article storage apparatuses alternately in a perpendicular direction so as to pile in a state in which each of the panels is folded so as to be formed flat. Further, since the piling member of one of the article storage apparatuses is engaged with the engagement portion provided in the leg portion of the other article storage apparatuses between the upper and lower article storage apparatuses directed in the same direction, it is possible to tightly pile each of the article storage apparatuses.

An eighth aspect of the present invention corresponds to the article storage apparatuses obtained by more particularly describing the seventh aspect of the present invention. In other words, a height from the panel's topmost surface of the article storage apparatus in the lower stage, between the upper and lower article storage apparatuses which are directed in the same direction and in which the piling member is engaged with the engagement portion, to a lower surface of the bottom panel of the article storage apparatus in the upper stage is higher than the height from the lower surface of the bottom panel in each of the article storage apparatuses to the panel's topmost surface, and

an interval between the leg portions in the long side direction of the bottom panel is set longer than the length in the short side direction of the bottom panel.

Further, the present invention is characterized by providing an article storage apparatus in which an article storage space is formed by a bottom panel, front and rear lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in the bottom panel and side lattice-shaped panels,

wherein each of the lattice-shaped panels is structured in a lattice shape so that a plurality of first rod-like members aligned in the same direction and a plurality of second rod-like members aligned in a different direction from the first rod-like member intersect, and

wherein the front and rear lattice-shaped panels are structured so that the first rod-like members are directed in a vertical direction, the second rod-like members are directed in a lateral direction, and the second rod-like members are alternately arranged on an outer side and an inner side of the first rod-like members on the basis of the first rod-like members.

In the case that the second rod-like members directed in the lateral direction are arranged alternately on the outer side and the inner side on the basis of the first rod-like member directed in the vertical direction as mentioned above, the strength in the lateral direction is increased. Further, in the case of storing an article, a side pressure directed to the outer side from the inner side is applied to the lattice-shaped panel by the article, however, the strength of the side pressure can be increased by employing the structure mentioned above for the front and rear lattice-shaped panels. In other words, since it is possible to increase the side pressure strength without enlarging the diameter of the rod-like member or increasing the number of the rod-like members, it is possible to reduce the weight of the lattice-shaped panel, and since the point to be welded is reduced, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article storage apparatus 1 according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a left elevational view of article storage apparatus 1;

FIG. 2B is a vertical elevational view of the left side lattice-shaped panel 5;

FIG. 2C is the side elevational view of the left side lattice-shaped panel 5;

FIG. 3A is the right elevational view of article storage apparatus 1;

FIG. 3B is the vertical elevational view of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6;

FIG. 3C is the side elevational view of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6;

FIG. 4A is the front elevational view of article storage apparatus 1;

FIG. 4B is the horizontal cross sectional view of the front lattice-shaped panel 3;

FIG. 4C is the vertical cross sectional view of the front lattice-shaped panel 3;

FIG. 5A is the rear elevational view of article storage apparatus 1;

FIG. 5B is the horizontal cross sectional view of rear lattice-shaped panel 4;

FIG. 5C is the vertical cross sectional view of rear lattice-shaped panel 4;

FIG. 6A is a partly notched front elevational view of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 6B is a horizontal cross sectional view of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 6C is the transverse cross sectional view of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the main upper reinforcing member 7 and the right side lattice-shaped panel 6;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the main portion of piling member 10 and the bottom of lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 9 is a view showing the connecting portion between upper lattice-shaped panel 3a and lower lattice-shaped panel 3b of the front lattice-shaped panel 3;

FIG. 10 is a view explaining the problem generated in the case where only one second rod-like member is provided in the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3b;

FIG. 11 is a view showing a connection between rear lattice-shaped panel 4 and bottom lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 12 is a partly notched front elevational view in a state in which article storage apparatus 1's are piled vertically in an open state;

FIG. 13 is a right side elevational view in a state in which the article storage apparatus 1 are piled vertically in an open state;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the state in which engagement portion 9 of leg portion 8 of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage is engaged with the side lattice-shaped panel and the upper reinforcing member of article storage apparatus 1 in a lower stage;

FIG. 15 is a view showing the other embodiment according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is the right side elevational view for explaining the operation of folding front and rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 of article storage apparatus 1 with respect to the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the state in which respective panels 2 to 6 of article storage apparatus 1 are piled vertically in a folded state;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view of a work of piling the respective panels 2 to 6 while alternately turning in a perpendicular direction in a folded state;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of article storage apparatus 1 in which the respective panels 2 to 6 are piled while alternately being turned in a perpendicular direction in a folded state;

FIG. 21A is a view showing the conventional article storage apparatus 101;

FIG. 21B is a view showing side panel 105 of conventional article storage apparatus 101; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view in the state in which vertical article storage apparatus 101's are piled vertically.

Description of Reference Numerals

1 article storage apparatus

2 bottom lattice-shaped panel

3 front lattice-shaped panel

4 rear lattice-shaped panel

5 left side lattice-shaped panel

6 right side lattice-shaped panel

7 upper reinforcing member

8 leg portion

9 engagement portion

10 piling member

11 first rod-like member

12 second rod-like member

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

A description will be given below of a best mode for carrying out the present invention while referring to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an article storage apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The article storage apparatus 1 has a bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 (an example of a bottom panel), a front lattice-shaped panel 3 and a rear lattice-shaped panel 4 provided in a rising manner from both the front and rear end portions of the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2, and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6. Further, an article storage space S surrounded by the respective lattice-shaped panels 2 to 6 opening in an upper side is formed. Further, an upper reinforcing member 7 is attached to the side surfaces of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 along the panel upper end portion. Reinforcing member 7 is obtained by forming a metal plate or the like, and has a higher flexure strength than the rod-like member constituting each of the lattice-shaped panels 2 to 6. Further, leg portion 8 is provided in the lower surface of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2, and engagement portion 9 which can engage with at least upper portion reinforcing member 7 is formed in leg portion 8. Further, piling member 10 is attached to the bottom of the side lattice-shaped panel so as to be positioned on the outward sides of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6.

Front lattice-shaped panel 3 and rear lattice-shaped panel 4 are coupled to the bottom of lattice-shaped panel 2 so as to be foldable. In more detail, front end rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 are coupled to both the front and rear end portions of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 so as to be rotatable and foldable, and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 are coupled to rear lattice-shaped panel 4 so as to be rotatable and foldable. In this case, side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 may be coupled to the side of front lattice-shaped panel 3, or may be coupled to the side of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2.

Next, FIG. 2A shows a right side view of article storage apparatus 1, and FIGS. 2B and 2C respectively show a horizontal cross sectional view and a vertical cross sectional view of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6. The right side lattice-shaped panel 6 is structured in a lattice shape so that a plurality of first rod-like members 11 directed in a vertical direction and a plurality of second rod-like members 12 directed in a lateral direction are orthogonal to each other, first rod-like members 11 are positioned on an outer side, and second rod-like members 12 are positioned on an inner side. Further, in order to increase the buckling strength in a vertical direction, reinforcing rod-like members 11a are partly provided on the inner side of second rod-like member 12. Further, in order to increase strength in a lateral direction, reinforcing rod-like members 12a are partly provided in the outer side of first rod-like member 11. At the time of viewing article storage apparatus 1 from a right side surface (FIG. 2A), reinforcing rod-like members 11a exist at a position concealed in the first rod-like member 11 on the outer side. Further, reinforcing rod-like members 12a exist at a position concealing the second rod-like member 12 on the inner side.

Further, the upper reinforcing member 7 is attached to an outer side surface of the panel along an upper end portion. An enlarged cross sectional view of upper reinforcing member 7 is shown in FIG. 7. Upper reinforcing member 7 is obtained by forming a plate-like member, and is provided with an upper bent portion 7a and a lower bent portion 7b in which both the upper and lower end portions are folded toward the right side lattice-shaped panel 6. Further, upper reinforcing member 7 has a center bent portion 7c formed between the upper bent portion 7a and the lower bent portion 7b and folded so as to protrude toward the right side lattice-shaped panel 6. Upper reinforcing member 7 can have high flexure strength on the basis of the structure mentioned above, and becomes hard to be deformed even from sustaining impact from an earthquake. Further, since upper and lower bent portions 7a and 7b and center bent portion 7c, and first rod-like member 11 directed in the vertical direction are orthogonal, it is possible to weld the intersection therebetween at the time of attaching upper reinforcing member 7 to the right side lattice-shaped panel 6. In other words, since the portion to be welded is comparatively small, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the panel.

In this case, upper and lower bent portions 7a and 7b are inclined to the inner side in such a manner that an interval between the both becomes narrower toward the leading end side. In the case that a user of article storage apparatus 1 puts a finger on the upper reinforcing member 7, there is such a case that a hand could be cut by the leading ends of upper and lower bent portions 7a and 7b due to their sharpness. However, it is difficult for the user to come into contact with the leading end. As a result, there is less risk the user's hand will be injured, thereby improving safety.

The description is returned to FIG. 2. A U-shaped locked portion 18 is attached to the left side of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6 so as to be pinched between first rod-like member 11 and reinforcing rod-like member 11a. The locked portion 18 is used for fixing front lattice-shaped panel 3 to the right side of the lattice-shaped panel. The method of usage is described below.

Further, since the left side lattice-shaped panel 5 has the same structure as that of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6, as shown in FIG. 3, a description thereof will be omitted by attaching the same reference numerals to the constituent elements.

Next, a description will be given of front lattice-shaped panel 3 with reference to FIG. 4. Front lattice-shaped panel 3 includes upper lattice-shaped panel 3a and lower lattice-shaped panel 3b, which are rotatably coupled by front side upper stage hinge coil 15 and front panel coupling body 23. A pair of right and left lock portions 22 are respectively attached to upper and lower lattice-shaped panels 3a and 3b, and lock portion 22 is provided with a lock lever 21 which is movable to the right and left. If lock lever 21 is moved to lock position A, lock lever 21 is fitted to lock hole 19 of locked portion 18 provided on the side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, whereby it is possible to couple the panels. Further, in the case of canceling the coupling, lock lever 21 is moved to non-locking position B (as shown by a dotted line) and is disconnected.

Upper lattice-shaped panel 3a and lower lattice-shaped panel 3b are structured in a lattice shape in which first rod-like member 11 directed in the vertical direction and second rod-like member 12 directed in the lateral direction intersect. In more detail, an outer second rod-like member 12b and an inner second rod-like member 12c are arranged alternately on the basis of first rod-like member 11. On the basis of the above structure, the strength against the side pressure becomes higher. Even if pressure bulging to an outer side is generated by the article stored in the article storage space S (FIG. 1), the panel doesn't deform easily. In this case, in order to attach lock portion 22, two second rod-like members are continuously arranged on the inner side without being arranged alternately. Further, both outer second rod-like member 12b and inner second rod-like member 12c are attached to the upper end of upper lattice-shaped panel 3a for the reinforcement and to protect against hand injury.

On the other hand, the front panel coupling body 23 mentioned above is constituted by a cylindrical pipe member as shown by an enlarged cross sectional view in FIG. 9, and couples outer second rod-like member 12b in the lower end of upper lattice-shaped panel 3a, and outer second rod-like member 12b and inner second rod-like member 12c in the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3b by passing them through the pipe.

Further, both the outer second rod-like member 12b and inner second rod-like member 12c are attached to the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3b. This is provided for preventing upper lattice-shaped panel 3a from coming down in a shifted manner. In other words, as shown in enlarged cross sectional view in FIG. 10A, if outer second rod-like member 12b is not attached to the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3b, outer second rod-like member 12b comes down in a shifted manner from the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3a in the case of opening upper lattice-shaped panel 3a to an outward side. In other words, it becomes impossible to open and close upper lattice-shaped panel 3a in a stable manner. Further, FIG. 10B is a cross sectional view in the case that inner second rod-like member 12c is not attached to the upper end of lower lattice-shaped panel 3b. The same problem arises in this case.

Next, a description will be given of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 with reference to FIG. 5. Rear lattice-shaped panel 4 has a staggered structure in which the rod-like members are arranged alternately, in the same manner as front lattice-shaped panel 3. In more detail, inner second rod-like member 12c and outer second rod-like member 12b directed in the lateral direction are arranged alternately on the basis of first rod-like member 11 directed in the vertical direction. Inner second rod-like member 12c and outer second rod-like member 12b are both attached to the upper end of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 for reinforcement and to protect against hand injury. Further, rear lattice-shaped panel 4 has an L shape (shown in FIG. 5C) having a bent portion 4a in which the lower end is folded to an inner side.

Next, a description will be given of the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2. FIG. 6A is a partly notched front elevational view of the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2. FIGS. 6B and 6C are a horizontal cross sectional view and a vertical cross sectional view of FIG. 6A. The bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 has first support members 26 directed in an anterior-posterior direction and arranged in both right and left ends, and a second support member 25 arranged in a lateral direction so as to connect first support member 26. First support member 26 and second support member 25 employ a hollow member having a larger diameter so as to support the load of the stored article. Further, a plurality of first rod-like members 11 directed in the anterior-posterior direction are arranged above first support members 26 and second support member 25, and they are welded. Further, second rod-like members 12 directed in the lateral direction are arranged above of first rod-like member 11 so as to be orthogonal.

Further, a plurality of leg portions 9 having engagement portions 9 capable of engaging with at least the upper reinforcing member 7 are provided in the lower surface of the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2. Since engagement portion 9 is provided as mentioned above, engagement portion 9 provided in leg portion 8 of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage is engaged with side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 and the upper reinforcing member 7 of article storage apparatus 1 in the lower stage, in the case of piling other article storage apparatus 1 on the article storage apparatus 1, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a convex portion 20 for preventing falling is formed on second rod-like member 12 positioned in the upper ends of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, thereby preventing the article storage apparatus in the upper stage from shifting to the front side. Next, an enlarged view of the main portion in FIG. 12 is shown in FIG. 14. As mentioned above, engagement portion 9 is concaved to the above from a lower surface of leg portion 8, and has an outer wall portion 9a and an inner wall portion 9b. Accordingly, even if article storage apparatus 1 is shifted in the lateral direction at a time of piling article storage apparatus 1 vertically, outer wall portion 9a nor inner wall portion 9b is brought into contact with side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, thereby preventing article storage apparatus 1 from falling. Therefore, even if a little vibration arises due to an earthquake or the like, article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage does not fall and is able to be kept in an engaged state.

In this case, in the present invention, engagement portion 9 of leg portion 8 is so structured as to be engaged with “at least” upper reinforcing member 7. Because a case that engagement portion 9 of leg portion 8 is engaged only with the upper reinforcing member 7 is included as well as a case that engagement portion 9 of leg portion 8 is engaged with side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 and the upper reinforcing member 7 as shown in FIG. 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a case that upper reinforcing member 7 is so structured as to cover the upper end portions of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, and engagement portion 9 is engaged only with the upper reinforcing member 7 is included in the present invention.

Next, a description will be given of piling member 10 arranged in bottom lattice-shaped panel 2. As shown in an enlarged perspective view in FIG. 8, piling member 10 is formed by folding the rod-like member, and includes a fixed portion of 10a bent to the inner side so as to be fixed to a side portion of an upper surface of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2, and a protruding portion of 10b connected to the fixed portion of 10a and protruding to an upper side. Further, an upper end portion of 10c is provided with a displacement preventing portion of 10d for preventing a displacement at the time of piling article storage apparatus 1 (FIG. 20). The protruding portion of 10b is thicker than other rod-like members 11 and 12 for supporting the weight of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage at the time of piling.

Further, the fixed portion of 10a is broken down in a vertical direction, and the thickness thereof becomes substantially the same as the diameter of second rod-like member 12. In other words, the fixed portion of 10a and second rod-like member 12 are aligned at the same height. Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, at the time of vertically piling front and rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 in an open state, side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 are brought into contact with both second rod-like member 12 and the fixed portion of 10a, and it is possible to store the load from the upper stage by both elements. Since the position provided with the fixed portion of 10a is positioned just below leg portion 8 of the article storage apparatus in the upper stage at the time of being piled, it forms one of the positions to which a load is easily transmitted and that which is easily broken at a time when an earthquake happens. In accordance with the present invention, since the fixed portion of 10a of piling member 10 is arranged here, the fixed portion of 10a stores a part of the load, so that the side of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 is reinforced. In other words, the fixed portion of 10a of piling member 10 doubles as a reinforcing member of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the protruding portion of 10b of piling member 10 is positioned on the outward sides of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, it is possible to prevent side lattice-shaped panel 5 from being opened to the outward side. Further, it is possible to prevent side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 from bulging to the outward side by the stored article. In the conventional article storage apparatus, the special purpose parts for preventing the side lattice-shaped panels from falling to the outer side or bulging is attached to this position, however, in the present invention, piling member 10 doubles as the falling and bulging preventing part.

Next, a description will be given of the connection of each of the lattice-shaped panels 2 to 6. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the right side lattice-shaped panel 6 is coupled to the right side of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 so as to be rotatable and foldable. In more detail, first rod-like member 11 positioned in the rear end portion of the right side lattice-shaped panel 6, and first rod-like member 11 positioned in the right end portion of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 are coupled by right side hinge coil 14 and side panel coupling body 24. Side panel coupling body 24 has the same structure as front panel coupling body 23 of the front lattice-shaped panel 3 mentioned above. Further, the left side lattice-shaped panel 5 is also coupled to rear lattice-shaped panel 4 in the same manner.

On the other hand, front lattice-shaped panel 3 is coupled to bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 so as to be rotatable and foldable as shown in FIG. 4. In more detail, the outer second rod-like member 12b positioned in the lower end of the lower lattice-shaped panel 3b and second rod-like member 12 is positioned in the front end portion of bottom lattice-shaped panel so as to be coupled by the front portion of lower stage hinge coil 16.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the rear lattice-shaped panel 4 is coupled to bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 so as to be rotatable and foldable. In more detail, inner second rod-like member 12c is positioned in the inner end of the bent portion 4a of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 and second rod-like member 12 is positioned in the rear end portion of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 are coupled by the rear portion of hinge coil 17.

In the case that article storage apparatus 1 is not used, it is possible to compactly fold article storage apparatus 1. In other words, as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 4, lock lever 21 of each of lock portions 22 is moved to lock cancel position B from lock position A so as to be taken off from lock hole 19. Accordingly, the coupling between front lattice-shaped panel 3 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 is cancelled. Next, as shown in FIG. 16A, front lattice-shaped panel 3 is rotated to be folded to the upper surface side of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the left side lattice-shaped panel 5 is rotated in a direction of an arrow so as to be folded to the inner surface side of rear lattice-shaped panel 4, and the right side lattice-shaped panel 6 is rotated in a direction of arrow b so as to be folded further. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16B, rear lattice-shaped panel 4 is folded to the upper surface side of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 together with side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6. At this time, the main body portion of rear lattice-shaped panel 2 becomes in a horizontal slant attitude, and the bent portion of 4a becomes in a rising attitude, whereby a space corresponding to length G (FIG. 11) of the bent portion of 4a is formed. It is possible to store front lattice-shaped panel 3 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 within the above space. The height G of the bent portion of 4a is formed to be larger than a dimension obtained by adding the thickness of front lattice-shaped panel 3 and the respective thicknesses of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6.

Article storage apparatus 1 can be piled vertically in a state in which article storage apparatus 1's are folded as mentioned above. As shown in an enlarged cross sectional view of a main portion in FIG. 18, piling member 10 is arranged in bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 at a position where piling member 10 does not overlap front and rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 in the folded state, protrudes upward, and the upper end portion of 10c is positioned higher than the panel's topmost surface P of the folded rear lattice-shaped panel 4. In more detail, a height H2 of piling member 10 is set longer than the dimension obtained by adding the height H1 of engagement portion 9 (a height from the lower surface of leg portion 8 to the upper wall of 9c of engagement portion 9), and height G of the bent portion of 4a of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 (a height from the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 to the panel's topmost surface P). Accordingly, if article storage apparatuses 1 are piled vertically, engagement portion 9 provided in leg portion 8 of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage is engaged with piling member 10 of article storage apparatus 1 in the lower stage, and a gap can be formed between the lower surface of leg portion 8 of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage and the panel's topmost surface P of article storage apparatus 1 in the lower stage. In the case that the condition mentioned above is not satisfied, leg portion 8 of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage gets on the rear lattice-shaped panel 4 of article storage apparatus 1 in the lower stage, so that there is a case that rear lattice-shaped panel 4 is broken.

Further, if the article storage apparatus 1 is piled vertically, a space corresponding to height H3 (FIG. 18) of leg portion 8 is formed. However, in the present invention, the other article storage apparatus 1 which is turned in a perpendicular direction can be stored in this space. In other words, as shown in FIG. 19, article storage apparatus B1 can be piled on article storage apparatus A1 while being turned in a perpendicular direction. Thereafter, the other article storage apparatus A2 having the same direction as that of article storage apparatus A1 is piled, and the other article storage apparatus B2 having the same direction as that of article storage apparatus B1 is further piled. A side elevational view of the piled state is shown in FIG. 20. As mentioned above, upper and lower article storage apparatus A1 and A2 directed in the same direction are piled in a state in which engagement portion 9 of upper side leg portion 8 and lower side piling member 10 are engaged, article storage apparatus B1 is stored in the space formed between article storage apparatus A1 and A2, and engagement portion 9 of the upper side article storage apparatus B2 and piling member 10 of the lower side article storage apparatus B1 are engaged so as to be piled. As a result, it is possible to pile at a high density without forming any extra space.

In more detail, the following conditions are satisfied for piling in the manner mentioned above.

The bottom lattice-shaped panel is formed in a rectangular shape, and a pair of leg portions 8 are provided in the long side direction in the lower surface of the panel of the side portion including a short side of the bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 (FIG. 6).

The height X from the panel's topmost surface P of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 of article storage apparatus A1 in the lower stage to lower surface Q of bottom lattice-shaped panel 1 of article storage apparatus A2 in the upper stage is longer than the height H4 from the lower surface Q of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 from the panel's topmost surface P of rear lattice-shaped panel 4 in the respective article storage apparatus, between upper and lower article storage apparatuses A1 and A2 which are directed in the same direction and in which piling member 10 and engagement portion 9 of leg portion 8 are engaged (FIG. 18).

Interval D (FIGS. 6 and 20) between leg portions 8 in the long side direction of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2 is longer than length L in the short side direction of the bottom lattice-shaped panel.

As described above, in accordance with the present invention, since upper reinforcing member 7 has the higher flexure strength than rod-like members 11 and 12 which are provided in the side surfaces of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 along the panel upper end portion, upper reinforcing member 7 can store the load of article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage, at the time of piling front and rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 and side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 vertically in a state in which they are open. As a result, even if a strong impact is applied due to an earthquake or the like, the article storage apparatus is hard to be broken. In particular, upper reinforcing member 7 has upper and lower bent portions 7a and 7b, and center bent portion of 7c, and can achieve a high flexure strength. Further, since the first rod-like member 11 in the vertical direction constituting side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, and each of the bent portions of 7a, 7b and 7c are formed orthogonal, it is possible to weld the orthogonal points in accordance with a spot weld having a comparatively small weld amount, and thus it is possible to achieve an improvement of the working efficiency and cost reduction. Further, since upper and lower bent portions 7a and 7b are so inclined as to be narrower toward the leading end side, a risk that a worker's hand may come into contact with the cut area in the leading end is reduced, and safety is increased. Further, piling member 10 is provided, and each of the panels can be piled in a folded state. Since piling member 10 is provided in side portion of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2, piling member 10 is arranged in a position which can store a part of a load from article storage apparatus 1 in the upper stage at the time of piling each of the panels 2 and 6 in the open state. As a result, it is possible to reinforce the side portion of bottom lattice-shaped panel 2. Further, since piling member 10 is positioned on the outward sides of side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6, it is possible to prevent side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 from opening to the outward side, and it is possible to store a side pressure caused by the article so as to prevent side lattice-shaped panels 5 and 6 from bulging to the outward side, at the time of opening each of the panels 2 to 6 and storing the article in article storage space S. Further, since front and rear lattice-shaped panels 3 and 4 are structured so that first rod-like member 11 is directed in a vertical direction, second rod-like member 12 is directed in a lateral direction, and second rod-like member 12 is arranged alternately on the outward side and the inner side on the basis of first rod-like member 11, it is possible to increase the strength against the side pressure caused by the stored article.

Claims

1. An article storage apparatus using a lattice-shaped panel in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect, comprising:

a bottom panel forming a loading surface of an article to be stored;

front and rear lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in both the front and rear end of the bottom panel;

side lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner on both the sides of said bottom panel;

an upper portion reinforcing member attached to the side surfaces of the side lattice-shaped panels along an upper end portion of the panel and having a higher flexure strength than that of said rod-like member; and

leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with at least said upper portion of the reinforcing member and provided in a lower surface of said bottom panel,

wherein said engagement portions of said leg portions of said article storage apparatus adjacent vertically to each other are engaged with at least said upper portion reinforcing member, at the time of piling a plurality of said article storage apparatuses.

2. The article storage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said upper portion reinforcing member includes upper and lower bent portions in which both upper and lower end portions of said upper reinforcing member are bent toward said side lattice-shaped panel, and a center bent portion formed between the upper and lower bent portions is bent so as to protrude toward said side lattice-shaped panel, and

wherein said rod-like member directed in a vertical direction in said rod-like member constituting said side lattice-shaped panel, said upper and lower bent portions and said center bent portion are welded.

3. The article storage apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said upper and lower bent portions of said upper reinforcing member are inclined to an inner side so that the closer to leading edge, the more narrow both intervals become.

4. An article storage apparatus using a lattice-shaped panel in which a plurality of rod-like members intersect, comprising:

a bottom panel forming a loading surface of an article to be stored;

front and rear lattice-shaped panels coupled to both front and rear end portions of the bottom panel so as to be foldable with respect to said bottom panel;

side lattice-shaped panels coupled to both side portions of said bottom panel or said front and rear lattice-shaped panels so as to be foldable;

piling members arranged in said bottom panel at positions which do not over lap said front and rear lattice-shaped panels and said side lattice-shaped panels, at the time of folding said front and rear lattice-shaped panels and said side lattice-shaped panels with respect to said bottom panel, protruding to an upper side, and the upper end portions which are positioned higher than a panel's topmost surface of each of the folded panels;

leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with the piling member and provided in a lower surface of said bottom panel,

wherein said engagement portions of said article storage apparatuses adjacent vertically to each other are engaged with said piling member, at the time of piling a plurality of said article storage apparatuses in a state in which each of said panels is folded.

5. The article storage apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein a lower portion of said piling member is folded to an inner side so as to be arranged in a side portion of an upper surface of said bottom panel,

said engagement portions of said leg portions of said article storage apparatus adjacent vertically are engaged with the upper end portion of said side lattice-shaped panel, at the time of piling a plurality of said article storage apparatuses, in a state in which said front and rear lattice-shaped panels are open in a perpendicular direction to said bottom panel, and said side lattice-shaped panel is open in a perpendicular direction to said front and rear lattice-shaped panels and said bottom panel, whereby a load of the piled article storage apparatus is applied to a side portion of said bottom panel through said side lattice-shaped panel, and

the lower portion of said piling member is arranged in said upper surface of said bottom panel, thereby storing a part of said load and reinforcing said side portion of said bottom panel.

6. The article storage apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein an article storage space surrounded by each of the panels is formed by opening said front and rear lattice-shaped panels in a perpendicular direction to said bottom panel, and by opening said side lattice-shaped panel in a perpendicular direction to said front and rear lattice-shaped panels and said bottom panel, and

said piling member is positioned on an outward side of said side lattice-shaped panel, thereby preventing said side lattice-shaped panel from being opened to an outward side, and preventing said side lattice-shaped panel from bulging to an outward side due to an article stored in said article storage space.

7. An article storage apparatus comprising:

a bottom panel having a rectangular shape;

front and rear panels coupled to both front and rear end portions of the bottom panel so as to be foldable with respect to said bottom panel;

side panels coupled to both side portions of said bottom panel or said front and rear panels so as to be foldable;

piling members arranged at positions which do not over lap said front and rear panels and said side panels, at the time of folding said front and rear panels and said side panels with respect to said bottom panel, protruding to an upper side, and upper end portions of which are positioned higher than a panel's topmost surface of each of the folded panels;

a pair of leg portions having engagement portions capable of engaging with the piling member and provided in the direction of the long side on the panel's lower surface on the side portion including a short line of said rectangular bottom panel,

wherein the other said article storage apparatus turned in a perpendicular direction is stored between said pair of leg portions provided in the direction of the long side, at the time of turning a plurality of said article storage apparatuses alternately in the perpendicular direction so as to pile in a state in which each of said panels is folded, and said piling member of one of said article storage apparatus is engaged with said engagement portion of said leg portion of the other of said article storage apparatuses, between said upper and lower article storage apparatuses directed in the same direction.

8. The article storage apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein a height from said panel's topmost surface of said article storage apparatus in the lower stage, between the upper and lower said article storage apparatuses which are directed in the same direction and in which said piling member is engaged with said engagement portion, to a lower surface of said bottom panel of said article storage apparatus in the upper stage is higher than a height from a lower surface of said bottom panel in each of the article storage apparatuses to said panel's topmost surface, and

an interval between said leg portions of the long side direction of said bottom panel is set longer than the length of the a short side direction of said bottom panel.

9. An article storage apparatus in which an article storage space is formed by a bottom panel, front and rear lattice-shaped panels provided in a rising manner in the bottom panel and side lattice-shaped panels,

wherein each of said lattice-shaped panels is structured in a lattice shape so that a plurality of first rod-like members aligned in the same direction and a plurality of second rod-like members aligned in a different direction from the first rod-like member intersect, and

wherein said front and rear lattice-shaped panels are structured so that said first rod-like members are directed in a vertical direction, while said second rod-like members are directed in a lateral direction, and said second rod-like members are alternately arranged in an outer side and an inner side of said first rod-like members on the basis of said first rod-like members.