Modular storage system for logistical management of operational units
An organization system according to the present invention generally includes a plurality of reconfigurable carts that can be positioned in the storage site in a generally side-by-side configuration. At least one of the carts can be movable from the storage site to the remote location independent of the other cart. The carts can include one or more selectively positionable partitions, such that the storage space is adjustably dividable into a number of defined reconfigurable modules for separable storage of the equipment.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/990,766, entitled “MODULAR STORAGE STRUCTURE FOR LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF OPERATIONAL UNITS” filed Nov. 17, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/523,044, entitled “LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS” filed Nov. 17, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/543,047, entitled “LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS” filed Feb. 9, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/599,227, entitled “LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS” filed Aug. 5, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/616,538, entitled “LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS” filed Oct. 6, 2004. The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to movable storage cabinets. More particularly, the present invention relates to a modular storage system for the logistical management of operational units.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThose involved in field operational units often possess or require a large amount of uniforms, supplies, and other equipment. Examples of such operational units are athletic teams, construction industries, medical and hospital organizations, military and paramilitary organizations, theatre companies, and marching and concert bands. There is currently a need within these groups for better equipment storage and handling solutions. Specifically, there is a need for a storage system that can be used to effectively store equipment at storage sites and cycle and transport the equipment between the storage sites and areas in which the equipment is used.
As an example, space is always at a premium in schools and athletic facilities. There is rarely enough room allocated for athletic equipment storage. The storage space that is made available for athletic equipment is often located in storage facilities that are inconvenient for coaches, equipment managers, and players. These storage facilities are often small, cramped rooms, closets or portions of rooms or similar sites or spaces. Storage facilities often overflow into areas that are not intended for storage purposes, such as locker rooms, gymnasiums, and coaches' offices. Equipment storage facilities are frequently messy with athletic equipment strewn about the floor. If there are storage shelves and bins, they usually do not have labels or enable the equipment managers to visually inspect or manage the gear. Equipping players at the beginning of the season is usually disorganized and characterized by piles of gear spread out over the storage facility or locker room for weeks.
Mobility is also an essential part of the storage of items for field operational units. While a permanent storage facility enables certain efficiencies to be gained by having a central location of the stored items, in many instances some of these items need to be transported to another site quickly, inexpensively, and with minimal planning. For instance, in athletic endeavors, planning and managing the practice, game, and travel logistics of teams is a complicated task and usually not the primary focus of the athletic or activities director, coaches, players, and trainers. Athletic equipment is constantly being moved through a usage cycle between “off-season” storage and “in-season” use and management. During the season, equipment constantly needs to be moved to and from storage areas, practice fields, and game sites.
Safety is also a very important aspect of equipment management. Player safety and avoidance of program and personal liability can be accomplished by effectively managing gear through regular inspections and record keeping. Regular gear inventory and inspection is critical to identify and replace expired, damaged, and lost equipment. By taking care of their equipment and knowing what equipment is on hand and “game ready,” schools can also extend equipment life and can assure purchases only as necessary. Safety also encompasses the sanitary aspects of storage. With adequate ventilation, well-designed storage can mitigate the growth and spread of mold and odor associated with locker rooms. Also, by effectively managing and organizing equipment, schools can inhibit and control loss and theft.
Moreover, in the field of athletics, equipment storage systems must reflect the pride, excellence, and the winning attitude of the schools' athletic programs. Pride and excellence are rarely reflected in current equipment management areas or processes. Messy, disorganized equipment areas do not reflect discipline, pride, or excellence. Disorganized equipment distribution to players does not support the desired tone of the program. If the storage areas are poorly kept, they do not reflect well on a school's excellence to parents, alumni, fellow educators, and recruits. The makeshift storage areas are usually in a state of disarray and can be a source of embarrassment for the schools. As a result, the areas are often shut or closed during recruiting trips to inhibit such embarrassment.
There are not any commercially available organizational storage systems meeting the current needs or addressing the current problems discussed above. As an illustration, high schools, colleges, and universities usually use storage systems ranging from makeshift and make-do systems to generic, mass-marketed products modified for use as athletic equipment storage systems. The makeshift or make-do solutions often comprise homemade wooden shelves or generic shelving available from local hardware stores. Carts are also often homemade and storage containers are usually corrugated boxes, gear bags, garbage bags, laundry hampers, or generic plastic bins. Any labeling is usually done with a marker and tape on the equipment, shelves, and boxes.
Some universities/colleges and professional sports organizations currently use expensive, high-density storage solutions such as those manufactured by Spacesaver Corporation. Such high-density storage solutions have movable shelving units carried on a rail system typically installed in a raised floor such that the shelving units can be slide together and apart to provide for more space efficient storage as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,688,708, 6,669,314, 6,644,213, 6,371,031, 6,231,138, 6,161,485, 4,557,534, 4,432,589, and 3,829,189. Because these systems are fixed on dual tracks, those using the system are not enabled to bring the storage system to an off-site area. Those wishing to access the storage must come to the storage facility and cannot bring the storage system with them. In addition, solid panels enclose the shelves and/or bins in the storage system, which inhibits any airflow within the arrangement. Moreover, the bin and shelving arrangement within the systems are also fixed so those using the systems do not have the flexibility of being able to arrange the shelves and/or bins in appropriate dimensions for different sized articles. Also, although the storage solutions manufactured by Spacesaver Corporation have been modified to accommodate athletic equipment, the solutions are generally designed for document storage and therefore cannot fulfill all of the aforementioned equipment storage needs of logistical management units.
Other similar movable storage systems have been developed for storage units that are fixed onto and movable along dual tracks. Some exemplary systems can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,644,213, 6,371,031, 6,112,917, 6,027,190, 5,160,189, 4,597,615, 4,467,924, 4,307,922, 4,256,355, and 6,161,485. The storage units in these storage systems are movable along the dual tracks and the contents can be accessed when two adjacent units are separated by a space. However, the units in these storage systems cannot be removed from the dual tracks and taken out of the storage site. As a result, those desiring to transport equipment to an off-site area will not be able to do so using the units in the storage systems described in these patents.
There have also been systems developed in which the units are fixed relative to a wall but that can be pulled outwardly away from the wall to access the contents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,708 describes a space saving storage system in which the storage modules move along a bracket mounted on the wall. The storage modules are movable along the bracket and can be pulled outwardly from the wall to access the contents. However, as with the patents listed above, the units cannot be removed from the bracket and taken out of the storage facility. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,231,138, 6,027,190, and 5,683,155 describe additional fixed storage systems. The storage units described in these patents can be pulled outwardly from the wall to access the contents, but cannot be removed from the tracks and taken out of the storage facility. As a result, those desiring to transport equipment to an off-site area will not be able to do so using the units in the storage systems described in these patents.
While the vast majority of storage systems are fixed within a given facility, there have been a few attempts to provide storage units that can be removed from the storage facility. U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,765 describes a space saving system in which the storage units are movable on casters along adjacent dual track arrangements within a storage facility to provide front-to-rear movement of adjacent carts that are stored in a side-by-side relation in their storage position. While these carts could be removed from the track and taken out of the storage facility, the carts are not designed to accommodate equipment that is used by field operational units. In addition, the carts or shelves can only be removed off the end of the tracks. U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,106 is directed to a space saving system in which the storage units are shelf main bodies that are provided with pivotable casters and are movable along a dual set of overhead rails within a storage facility. While these shelf main bodies can be removed from the overhead rails so as to function as conveyer wagons, as with the above-listed patents, neither the shelf main bodies nor the overhead rails are not designed to accommodate equipment that is used by field operational units.
A patent that is directed towards an athletic equipment carrier rack can be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 2,904,383. The patent describes an athletic equipment carrier rack to be used for the care and handling of various articles of athletic equipment. However, the cart described by this patent is an isolated unit and is not designed to be incorporated into a modular storage system.
Because the deficiencies discussed above have not been addressed by conventional modular storage systems and carts, there is a current need for a modular storage cart addressing the problems and deficiencies inherent with conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe organization system and cart according to the present invention solve the deficiencies of conventional equipment storage systems by providing a system that can be used to effectively store uniforms and equipment at a storage facility and transport the equipment between the facility and remote areas in which the equipment is to be used. Unlike conventional systems, the carts according to the present invention can be selectively reconfigurable to present storage spaces of varying sizes, shapes, and configurations for accommodating uniforms and equipment of different field operational units. The organization system generally includes a plurality of reconfigurable carts positionable in the storage site in a generally side-by-side configuration. At least one of the carts can be movable from the storage site to the remote site independent of the other cart or carts.
Each of the carts can include a track follower mechanism attached to the base and a track operably positioned on the floor and extending along a track axis that is generally transverse to the cart length. The track follower mechanism is engageable with the track at the storage site such that the carts are movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track axis when the at least one track follower is selectively engaged with the track. The track can include track supports extending therebelow into a groove that is defined in the floor to inhibit deformation to the track.
An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention is that the carts can include partitions selectively positionable in the storage space, such that the storage space is adjustably dividable into a number of defined reconfigurable modules for separable storage of the equipment. The partitions can include shelves, panels, and adjustable dividers.
A shelf can be disposed intermediate the base and cart top and selectively vertically positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module above the shelf and a second reconfigurable module below the shelf. The shelf can include shelf hangers for coupling the shelf to the end panels of the cart and wall portions configured to retain contents on the shelf when the cart is moved from a storage facility. The wall portions can be ridge members or generally flexible members, such as netting.
A further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention is that the partitions can include a panel disposed intermediate the sides or ends of the cart. The panels can be removable from the cart sides and positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module and a second reconfigurable module along the cart length or width.
Because the carts according to the present invention can be selectively reconfigurable to present storage spaces of varying sizes, shapes, and configurations, the carts can be used to accommodate uniforms and equipment of many different field operational units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
As depicted in
The modular storage system as depicted in
It will be understood that the mixture of retained carts 112 and modular carts 212 can be of any number and mix, depending upon the length of the track 114 installed at the storage facility and the width of each cart 112, 212. It will also be appreciated that any number of tracks 114 could be installed in a variety of floor plan configurations at a given storage facility given the dimensions of the floor plan of the storage facility. As shown in
The carts 112, 212 generally comprise a reconfigurable storage structure that includes a number of different means for storing uniforms, equipment, and other items used by field operational units. The modular storage system 110 as depicted in the figures is designed to accommodate high school athletic equipment. As such, the following description of different means for storing uniforms, equipment, and other items is generally directed to athletic equipment storage. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the storage structures and means could be easily used to accommodate a number of different operational units, including, but not limited to, construction industries, medical and hospital organizations, military and paramilitary organizations, theatre companies, and marching and concert bands.
In addition, the arrangement of the track 114 and carts 112, 212 enable users to come to the storage facility, quickly find their equipment in a particular cart, move the carts along the track to access the appropriate cart, remove their equipment from the cart, and move on to an off-storage-site location with the necessary equipment. Because the uniforms and equipment are organized and arranged within the carts, those persons who monitor and track the equipment to be stored in the modular storage system 110 are able to determine what equipment remains within the storage facility and what equipment is being used at an offsite location. When users return to the storage facility to return their uniforms or equipment, they can give the uniforms and equipment to the persons responsible for monitoring and tracking the equipment, who can then return the equipment to the proper cart within the storage facility. Alternatively, users can return their own equipment to the proper cart within the storage facility.
Because the modular carts 212 can be taken out of the confines of the storage facility and transported to an off-site location, the modular storage system 110 of the present invention permits operational units that require large amounts of uniforms and various pieces of equipment to transport the uniforms and equipment in an organized manner. By doing so, the units are much less likely to forget or lose track of the uniforms and equipment. For example, military units often travel with large amounts of gear including uniforms, weapons, first aid kits, tents, cots, ammunition, and other equipment. When the military unit must travel, the logistics of transporting the members and equipment can create pose significant logistical problems. However, by using a modular storage system 110 according to the various embodiments of the present invention, the military unit can travel in an organized manner. Each uniform and piece of equipment can have a position within the carts 112, 212 when leaving a storage facility and when arriving at a destination. Because the equipment does not need to be removed from the cart during transportation, much time and effort can be saved by not having to load and unload any containers.
Also, when inventory is taken prior to leaving a storage facility, inventorying is not required when arriving at a destination as there is no need to remove anything from the cart. These same benefits occur with other operational units such as athletic teams, construction industries, medical and hospital organizations, theatre companies, marching and concert bands, police and fire departments, and medical rescue teams.
Description of the Retained Carts
Referring to
As depicted in
The cart base 116 of the retained cart 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as depicted in
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a plurality of preferably cylindrical frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d disposed on the base sides 130a, 130b where the base sides 130a, 130b intersect the front plate 126 and rear plate 128. The frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d preferably include a post slot 171 such that the base sides 130a, 130b and frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d can be connected by sliding the post slots 171 onto the base sides 130a, 130b. Although the frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d are depicted as being cylindrical in shape, it is contemplated that they may be square, rectangular, or any other geometric shape. The frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d are preferably constructed of tubular steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
As depicted in
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention describes the operable connection of various members and elements of the carts 112, 212 with the use of mechanical fasteners 800, the various components of the carts 112, 212 could be assembled by welding or gluing in an alternative embodiment. It will be understood, however, that this alternate embodiment of assembling the carts 112, 212 does not facilitate easily on-site assembly of the carts 112, 212 as is provided for by the preferred embodiment.
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a pair of opposed beams 164a, 164b disposed on and extending along the base sides 130a, 130b between the frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d. The beams 164a, 164b are preferably tubular in shape and comprise concave shaped beam ends 166 so that the beams 164a, 164b substantially abut the cylindrical frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d. While the beam cross-sections as depicted are tubular in shape, it is contemplated that the beams nave a different shaped cross-section, such as square, rectangular, flat, or other various geometric shapes. The beams 164a, 164b are preferably constructed of tubular steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The bottom 124 preferably comprises a top surface 136, an underside 138 opposed the top surface 136, and a plurality of wheel slots 140 extending from the top surface 136 through the underside 138. The wheel slots 140 are preferably located proximate the frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, and 168d. The bottom 124 further comprises a support bar 142 that is disposed on the underside 138 extending substantially between the opposed base sides 130a, 130b. The support bar 142 as depicted has a square-shaped cross-section although it is contemplated that the support bar 142 be flat or tubular in shape. The support bar 142 can be constructed of steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Each wheel slot 140 preferably comprises an axle plate 150 having an axle pin aperture 158 and a plurality of axle plate tabs 160.
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a plurality of wheels covers 148, each wheel cover 148 having a plurality of axle pin apertures 152, a plurality of wheel cover tabs 154, and a plurality of axle plate tab slots 156. When the wheel cover 148 is placed onto the bottom 124 of the cart base 116, the wheel cover 148 preferably extends between the opposed sides 130a, 130b. In this position, the wheel cover tabs 154 are inserted into a plurality of wheel cover tab slots 162 included on the bottom 124 of the cart base 116 and the axle plate tabs 160 on the axle plates 150 are inserted into the axle plate tab slots 156 on the wheel covers 148. The wheel cover tabs 154 and axle plate tabs 160 assist in holding the axle plates 150 and wheel covers 148 in place. The wheel covers 148 and axle plates 150 are preferably constructed of sheet steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The components of the above-described cart base 116 are preferably selected, configured, and assembled so that the base 116 has a structural integrity and strength sufficient so that when the carts 112 are moved along the track 114, the carts 112 will not canter, flex, or bend by more than S degrees from normal to the track 114, and preferably by no more than 2-3 degrees from normal. By having such a structural integrity, when the carts 112 are moved along the track 114, the cart will not bind on the track 114, thus enabling easy manual movement of the carts 112 along the preferred embodiment of a single track 114. As a result of this preferred structural integrity, the present invention is able to dispense with the need for dual track arrangements as is generally taught in the modular storage systems of the prior art.
With continuing reference to
The cart base 116 further comprises at least one track follower mechanism 182. The track follower mechanism 182 can be seen in
The track follower mechanism 182 comprises a track follower 184 having a plunger 186 that can be cylindrical in shape and a roller 192 connected to the plunger 186 using a shoulder bolt 194. The frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d preferably include a plunger guide 190, such that when the track follower mechanism 182 is inserted into the frame post 168, the plunger 186 of the track follower mechanism 182 rests within the plunger guide 190. Once the plunger 186 rests within the plunger guide 190, the roller 192 can be connected to the plunger 186 using the shoulder bolt 194. In this position, the track follower mechanism 182 is vertically movable and rotatable about the plunger 186 within the frame post 168 in the plunger guide 190. When the track follower mechanism 182 is inserted into the frame posts 168a, 168d, the track follower roller 192 extends below the frame posts 168a, 168d. A plunger cap 188 on the plunger 186 opposite the shoulder bolt 194 inhibits the track follower mechanism 182 from falling out of the frame post 168. The roller 192 can be constructed of glass-filled nylon, although other materials such as steel, aluminum, bronze, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The plunger 186, shoulder bolt 194, and plunger guide 190 are preferably constructed of steel or aluminum, although other materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The cart base 116 further preferably includes a plurality of bumpers 196. As depicted in
The bumpers 196 protect adjacent carts 112, 212 when the carts 112, 212 are moved along the track 114 within the storage facility. If a first cart 112 is moved towards a second cart 112, such that the carts 112 contact one another, the bumpers 196 on the first cart 112 will contact the bumpers 196 of a second cart 112 rather than other parts of the carts 112 coming into contact with one another. As the bumpers 196 are constructed of nylon or other similar resilient materials, they will absorb the forces exerted when adjacent carts 12 are moved into an abutting relation along the track 14.
The cart as depicted in
In an embodiment, the wire-grille panel 300 enables air to move within the cart 112. When uniforms or wearable equipment are placed into the cart 112, the air movement will enable the uniforms and wearable equipment to dry out, inhibiting any mold, fungus, or bacteria from forming and spreading on the uniforms and wearable equipment. Preferably, the wire-grille panels 300 have an at least 25% opening in the panel and optionally an at least 50% and up to 95% opening. Although the panels 300 are preferably constructed as wire-grilles, solid panels with equivalent cut out apertures could also be utilized to achieve the desired airflow.
The brackets 310 are generally used to connect the wire-grille panel 300, or a solid panel 326 as depicted in
As depicted in
Once the frames 302 and wire-grille panels 300 or solid panels 326 have been installed on the cart base 116, the cart base 116, and panels on the front end 118 and rear end 120 generally define a storage structure. As discussed below, the storage structure can be reconfigurable and can be used to store uniforms, wearable equipment, equipment, gear and other various articles for equipping field operational units.
As depicted in
The ends of the carts 112 can also preferably include labeling panels that can be attached to the wire-grille panels 300 or solid panels 326. By including a labeling panel, those using the carts 112 can determine what the cart 112 contains without needing to look within the cart, but by merely looking at the labeling panel.
As stated above, and as depicted in
In another embodiment of the present invention, the solid panel 326 comprises a plurality of solid panel 326 sections selectively positioned on the wire-grille panel 300. In another embodiment of the present invention, the carts 112 could comprise a solid panel 326 without using a wire-grille panel 300. In an embodiment, the solid panels 326 are preferably constructed of ⅝″ veneer core plywood with a laminate overlay, although other materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
As depicted in
Once the top panel 328 is connected to the frames 302a, 302b, the top panel extrusions 330a, 330b are connected to the top panel 328 using fasteners 800. Roof caps 332 are then connected to the top panel extrusions 330a, 330b using fasteners 800. The roof caps 332 protect the top panel extrusions 330a, 330b and provide a more aesthetically appealing appearance. The top panels 328 are preferably constructed of ⅝″ veneer core plywood with a laminate overlay, although other materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The roof caps 332 are preferably constructed of 14-gauge steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
As depicted in
As depicted in
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass doors 350 comprise a bottom door glide 354 and a top door glide 352 connected to the bottom 353 and top 351 of the bypass door 350, respectively. As depicted in
An alternative embodiment of the bypass door 350b can be seen in
The Track
The modular storage system 110 preferably comprises a single track 114. It will be noted that reference numerals in the 400's are generally used to denote the features and components of the track 114. Although a single track 114 can be utilized, it will be understood that for certain aspects of the present invention, a plurality of tracks 114 may be provided and utilized within the scope of those aspects of the present invention.
As depicted in
For cross-sections of the track 114 that end in the middle of a room, i.e., not at a wall, a track cap 410 having dimensions that are substantially the same as the exposed cross-section can be connected to the track 114 using fasteners 800 to inhibit the carts 112, 212 from moving beyond the track length 400. The track cap 410 also protects the exposed cross-section and provides a pleasing appearance. The track 14 can be constructed of extruded aluminum, although other materials such as steel could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The spring pins 408 are preferably constructed of steel, although other materials such as aluminum, bronze, or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The track caps 410 are preferably constructed of 16-gauge steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the track 114 can be installed into a newly formed surface. In this embodiment, the ramped surfaces 406 would not be required, as the channel 404 would be incorporated below the surface of a floor.
Referring to
The track 114 could also be installed on the floor of a vehicle, the floor of a trailer, or the floor of a storage system than includes a plurality of movable floors.
As described above, an “in-ground” track can be used in conjunction with the modular storage system for selectively and engageably tracking modular or retained carts thereto. Such a track can be incorporated into or operably coupled in a groove defined on a floor in a new or existing facility. The floor and groove defined therein are described in greater detail below. By incorporating or coupling the track in a groove defined in the floor, as opposed to on the surface of the floor, the overall height of the track can be minimized. This can enable a user to move a cart over a track with minimal force and gravitational resistance. This configuration can also inhibit any structure protruding from the floor, thus providing numerous aesthetic and operational benefits.
Referring to
The track 800 further generally comprises a first elongate track channel wall 806 and a second generally opposed elongate track channel wall 808, the track channel walls 806, 808 operably depending from the first and second track flanges 802, 804, respectively. The track channel walls 806, 808 can depend from a flange edge 816 included on the respective track flanges 802, 804, as generally depicted in
Referring to
The track channel walls 806, 808 and track base 810 generally define a track channel 812 therein that is configured to guide a track follower mechanism (not depicted in
Referring to
Referring to
Each of the flanges 802, 804 can also comprise a track lip 822 generally opposed the outer track edge 814, the track lip 822 being defined proximate the track channel 812 and positioned proximate the intersection of either of the track flanges 802, 804 and respective track channel walls 806, 808. The track lip 822 can extend inwardly with respect to the track channel 812 and can provide structure for operable engagement with a track follower on a track follower mechanism when the track follower mechanism is operably engaged with the track 800.
Each of the track lips 822 can comprise an inner lip surface 824, a lower lip surface 826, and a lip radius surface 828 intermediate the track lip 822 and respective inner track channel wall surface. The lip radius surface 828 can provide sufficient structure to inhibit any stress concentration or crack formations intermediate the track lips 822 and track channel wall 806, 808. In addition, the lip radius surface 828 can be used to place spring pins to connect separate sections of the track 800. The spring pins can be substantially the same as the spring pins 408 depicted and described with respect to the above-ground track in
The track flanges 802, 804 each comprise a flange thickness 830. The flange thickness 830a proximate the track edge 814 can be less than the thickness 830b proximate the track lip 822. This can provide a generally slightly ramped upper flange surface 818 (ramped upwardly from the track edge 814 towards the track channel 812) and can enable a cart being moved over the track 800 to easily traverse the track. This can also minimize the height of the track edge 814 yet retain a thickness 830 of the track flanges 802, 804 generally sufficient to inhibit damage to the track 800 when weight is placed on the track 800 or when a cart is operably coupled to the track 800.
Referring to
Referring to
The track base 810 can further include a first track support 848 and a second track support 850 operably coupled to and extending below the track base bottom surface 842. In other embodiments, the track base 810 can include more than two supports. Each of the track supports 848, 850 generally comprises a support column 854 operably coupled to the track bottom surface 854 at a first column end 853 and a support base 856 operably coupled to the support column 854 at a second column end 855. Each of the support bases 856 can comprise a first support flange 858 and a second support flange 860. The track supports 848, 850 in this configuration can be generally T-shaped, as depicted in
Referring to
The groove 866 can be formed into a newly-formed surface. For example, in a concrete or cement floor, a mold or other structure can be used to form the groove 866 into the floor 862. Alternatively, the groove 866 can be cut out or otherwise formed into an already-existing floor 862. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of methods can be used to define the groove 866 in a floor 862. The floor 862 can be formed of concrete, cement, wood, various polymers, various metals, or any other materials known to those skilled in the relevant arts.
Once a floor 862 has a groove 866 defined therein, the track 800 can be placed into the groove 866. To do this, the base 810 and track channel walls 806, 808 are placed such that they operably rest in the groove 866. The track supports 848, 850 can operably rest upon the groove base 868 of the groove 866 and inhibit any further downward displacement of the track 800. Alternatively, as generally depicted in
The track 800 can be operably coupled to the floor 862 using any type of fastener 876, such as screws as depicted in
The in-ground tack 800 can be constructed of extruded aluminum. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the track 800 can be constructed of other materials, such as extruded polymers, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, some of the features described above and included in the track 800 can be machined into the track 800 after initial formation.
Features of the above-ground track 114 depicted and described above can also be included in the in-ground track 800. As such, such depictions and descriptions with respect to the above-ground track 114 are hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the in-ground track 800.
The Modular Cart
Referring now to
As can be seen in
The cart base 216 of the modular cart, as depicted in
Referring to
The cart base 216 also preferably comprises a plurality of track follower mechanisms 282. The track follower mechanisms 282 are substantially the same as the track follower mechanisms 182 described above. However, track follower mechanisms 282 further comprise a locking mechanism 293 as depicted in
Although the track follower mechanism 282 and locking mechanism 293 are preferably disposed on the front end 218 of the modular cart 220, it will be recognized that alternate embodiments are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the track 114 and corresponding track follower mechanisms 282 could be positioned proximate the rear end 220 of the carts 212 with appropriate coupling and linkages could be provided for mechanical triggering the track follower mechanism 282 and locking mechanism 293 from the front end 218 of the cart 212. In another embodiment, the track followers 282 could be positioned at any position along the length of the cart 212, for example, in the middle of the length of the cart 112 corresponding to placement of the track 114, and electronic powered controls, such as battery operated solenoids, could be used to remotely operated the track follower mechanism 282 and locking mechanism 293.
Trusses, Hangers Stackers and Shelves
Referring now to
Once a pair of truss hangers 376a, 376b are engaged with opposed front and end wire-grille panels 300a, 300b, the truss 366 can be placed onto the truss hangers 376. The body 378 of the truss hanger 376 preferably comprises a first truss member slot 382 and a second member slot 384, which the first truss member 370 and second truss member 372 fit, respectively. Including a first truss member 370 and second truss member 372 provides many benefits. For example, when helmet hangers 502 or pad hangers 504 populated with equipment and hung on the truss 366, the populated hangers will have a center of gravity that is below the second truss member. When a cart 12 having these populated hangers is moved along the track 14, the hangers are likely to swing back and forth in a pendulum motion that is parallel to the movement of the cart. The swinging hangers will make it more difficult to move the cart 12 as the momentum of the cart will be constantly changing due to the swinging hangers. By providing a first truss member 370 and second truss member 372, the populated hanger will be inhibited from excessive swinging as the combined height of the truss members 370, 372 gives more height and surface area for the hangers to contact and thus more height and surface area to inhibit swinging of the hangers. Alternatively, a single truss member could be used if the height was sufficient to provide the same height and surface area. The truss members 370, 372 are preferably constructed of tubular steel, although other materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. The hangers 376 are preferably constructed of steel, although other materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
The present invention includes a number of means for hanging equipment, such as football helmets and football shoulder pads. It will be noted that reference numerals in the 500's are generally used to denote the features and components of hangers and stackers adapted for use in the modular storage system 110 of the present invention. A helmet hanger 502 can be seen in
Another means for hanging equipment includes a pad hanger 504. Long and short pad hangers 504a, 504b can be seen in
In one embodiment, the present invention preferably includes means for stacking equipment within the storage space of the carts 112, 212. A pad stacker 506 can be seen in
The stacking tower 518 comprises a short tube loop 530 and a long tube loop 536, the tube loops 530, 536 connected at a bottom end 532 to a tower channel 531. At least one of the tube loops 530, 536 comprises a plurality of pin apertures 534. The pad support 520 comprises a pad support base 538 and a pad support member 540. The support channel 522 comprises a support plate 542 and a support channel member 544 connected to the support plate 542. The pad support 520 is then connected to the support plate 542 of the support channel 522.
To assemble the pad stacker 506, the stacking tower channel 531 is connected to the stacker frame cross tube 526 using fasteners 800. A pin is then inserted into one of the pin apertures 534 and the support channel 522 and pad support 520 are then placed onto the stacking tower 518 and lowered down until it rests upon the pin.
Once the pad stacker 506 has been assembled, the pad stacker 506 can be placed onto the cart base 116 or 216 of a cart. As can be seen in
As depicted in
Installation
When the track is installed in a room not near the wall, an island stop 354 may be needed to create the bounds of the storage facility. In this type of embodiment, the storage facility will be generally defined by the track length 342 and the overall length of the carts as they are moved along the track 114. When the track is installed in an area not near a wall, track end caps 350 should be used to inhibit damage to the exposed cross section of the track 14 and also to provide a more pleasing appearance.
Once the modular storage system 110 of the present invention has been installed in a storage facility, the carts 112, 212 can be placed into the storage facility. In an embodiment, a plurality of carts 112, 212 will be used, the plurality of carts comprising both retained carts 112 and modular carts 212. To place the retained carts 112 into the storage site, they generally would have to be lifted into the storage facility and positioned such that the track followers 184 are directly above the channel 404 of the track 114. Once the retained carts have been positioned, the track followers 184 should be enabled to engage with the channel 404 of the track 114. Once the track followers 184 engage with the channel 404 of the track 114, the retained carts can then be manually moved within the storage facility in a direction along the track 114.
To place modular carts 212 in the storage facility, the modular carts 212 can be manually moved over the track 14. By manually providing the modular cart 212 with enough momentum, the wheels 274 will roll over the ramped surfaces 406 of the track. The modular cart can then be placed so that the track followers 284 are directly above the channel 404 of the track 114. Once the modular carts 212 have been positioned, the track followers 284 should be enabled to engage with the channel 404 of the track 114. To do this, the plunger clip 295 and backer 297 should be pulled away from the track follower 284 so that the track follower can move freely. Once this is done, the track follower 284 will engage with the channel 404 of the track 114. The modular carts 212 can then be manually moved within the storage facility in a direction along the track 114.
In an embodiment, there can be at least a portion of the track 114 that does not include a cart 112, 212. By having such a space, the carts 112, 212 can be moved along the track 114 and different carts 112, 212 can then be accessed proximate the portion not including a cart 112, 212.
In an embodiment of the present invention, comprising modular carts 212 and retained carts 112, the modular carts 212 could contain uniforms and equipment in off-season use or uniforms and equipment that is not need to be taken out of the storage facility in the cart. This type of uniforms and equipment could be retrieved by individuals or taken to the individuals. The retained carts 112 could contain equipment that is needed out of the storage site 11 and easier to transport in a cart 12. Such equipment could include game uniforms and equipment. A modular cart 212 such as this could be simply loaded onto a trailer or into a vehicle and transported to a game site.
When the at least one track follower mechanism 282 on modular carts 212 is selectively engaged with the track 114, these carts 212 are operably retained by and movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track 114 permitting the cart to be selectively positioned within a storage position that is generally side-by-side with an adjacent cart 112, 212 along the track. In this position, the contents of the carts 112, 212 are accessible position as the carts 112, 212 are generally spaced apart with adjacent carts along the track.
As depicted in
If those using modular carts 212 desire to inhibit the cart 212 from being removed from the storage facility, the plunger lock bracket 602 can be used to keep the track follower 284 in an engaged position. The plunger lock bracket 602 comprises a lock slot 604 that can be placed onto the locking portion 316 of a bracket 310 and a channel portion 606 that inhibits the track follower 284 from being placed in a retained position. The plunger lock bracket 602 can be seen in
The storage facility for the modular storage system 110 of the present invention can be located in any area of the room, facility or even a storage area in vehicle such as a truck or trailer. While it is preferred that the storage facility be located near a wall and in the corner of a room, it is contemplated that the storage facility be located in the center of a room. In this type of arrangement, there will likely be a need to place an island stop 608, as depicted in
The cart base 116/216, cart top 122/222, front end 118/118, and rear end 120/220 of the retained cart 112 and the modular cart 212 according to the various embodiments of the present invention provides the carts 112, 212 with a defined structural integrity that is sufficient to permit the manual movement of the carts 12 in the direction that is generally parallel to the track 14 by a manual force greater than the coefficient of a rolling friction of the wheels 172/272 times the maximum gross weight exerted on one of the ends 18, 20 of the cart 12 and inhibit binding along the length of the cart 12.
Instructional and AV Accessories
As depicted in
As depicted in
Storage Shelf Accessories
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The network of primary and secondary wire members 706, 708 can be welded or otherwise coupled at some or all of the intersections of the primary and secondary wire members 706, 708. In addition, the primary and secondary wire members 706, 708 can be welded or otherwise coupled at their ends to the wire frame member 710. The network of wire members 706, 708 and the wire frame 710 can provide strength and stability to the storage shelf 700 and can also enable air movement through the air spaces defined between the wire members. The shelf 700 can be constructed of other materials known to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention, such as aluminum or various plastics. In addition, the wire members 706, 708 and the wire frame 710 can be painted or coated with variously colored paint or polymer coatings to inhibit corrosion of the shelf portion 702, provide an appealing aesthetic appearance, and inhibit damage to contents placed upon the shelf 700.
Each of the shelf channels 704 that are operably coupled to the shelf portion 702, such as on an underside of the shelf portion 702, can comprise an elongated channel member 712 and a pair of shelf channel pins 714 disposed at the ends of the channel member 712.
Referring to
The shelf channel pins 714 can be circular in cross-section, as depicted generally in the figures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shelf channel pins 714 can comprise differently shaped cross sections. The shelf channel pins 714 can be welded or otherwise coupled to the shelf channel base 713 proximate the ends of the shelf channels 704. Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The engagement members 722 are generally hook-shaped and the distance between each of the engagement members 722 generally corresponds to the spacing in the wire members on the wire-grille panel 300. The hanger body 720 can also include one or more cutouts 726 defined thereon in which, for example, the channel member 712 can operably couple when the shelves 700 are placed onto the shelf hanger 718. In addition, the shelf hanger can include a hanger tab 725 on a lower end thereof that can couple with a portion of the wire-grille panel 300 to securely retain the shelf hanger 718 with respect to the wire-grille panel 300.
Referring again to
There can be an aperture 727 formed on the body 720 of the shelf hanger 718 through which a nylon tie (not depicted) can be inserted. The nylon tie can then be inserted through a portion of the wire-grille panel 300 and tied off, such that the nylon tie can retain the shelf hanger 718 with respect to the wire-grille panel 300.
The shelves 700 can be various widths, for example, 24 inches and 32 inches, and can be vertically adjustable in various increments, for example, one-inch increments. The shelves 700 can also include a shelf liner, such as a plastic, metal, or paper liner, that can be placed on the shelf 700 and enable a user to more easily slide items in and out of the carts. The shelves 700 can enable adjustable storage space a variety of contents, including water jugs, duffel bags, ball bags, storage bins, helmets, and various uniforms.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The upper panel 732 can comprise a plurality of knob slots 744 between a top edge 743 and a bottom edge 745 thereof and one or more tabs 746 defined on the bottom edge 745. The upper and lower panels 73, 732 of the shelf divider 728 can be constructed of sheet steel, although those of skill in the art will recognize that other materials can be used.
Referring to
The shelf divider 728 can enable a user to divide the storage space on, above, or below a storage shelf 700 into smaller organized storage spaces. This can enable the available storage space on one shelf 700 to be used for storing distinct items in separate areas, such as clothing or equipment for different sports.
Referring to
The shelf lip 754 can be constructed of sheet steel, although those of skill in the art will recognize that other materials, such as aluminum and various plastics, can be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The sections 756, 758 can include a plurality of apertures 760 defined therein such that a number of fasteners 748, such as a bolt 750 and wing nut 752, can be used to attach the lip 754 to the shelf 700.
Referring to
The shelf lip 754 can enable items to be placed on the shelves 700 without rolling or sliding off of the shelf 700. For example, balls can be placed on the shelf 700 and retained on the shelf 700 by the shelf lip 754. When the retained or carts 112, 212 are moved along a track 114 in a storage site 111 or moved to in any direction off of a track, the balls can be inhibited from rolling off of the shelf 700 by the shelf lip 754. Various other equipment and clothing, such as jerseys or uniforms, can be placed on a shelf 700 having a shelf lip 754 and can be inhibited from falling off of the shelf 700 by the shelf lip 754.
The shelf lip 754 can extend substantially along the length of retained or cart 112, 212 or can extend partially along the length of the retained or carts 112, 212. For example, on the full-length shelf 700 as depicted in
Referring to
Referring to
The divider panel 762 can enable a user to divide the storage space into smaller organized storage spaces. This can enable a first space to be used for storing distinct items from a second space, such as clothing or equipment for the same or different sports. By being flexible, the divider panel 762 can enable a storage space to flex as needed with the contents of in the storage spaces. In addition, the divider can act as a visual barrier from one side of a cart to the other.
Referring to
The netting 768 can be constructed of synthetic fiber, although those of skill in the art will recognize that other materials, such as natural fibers, can be used. The netting 768 and border 770 include some elasticity such that the cargo net 766 can flex as items are placed in or move within the storage space on the shelf 700. The elasticity also can enable items generally larger than the width of the shelf 700 to be placed on and retained within the storage space on the shelf 700. Referring to
The cargo net can enable items to be placed on the shelves without rolling or sliding off of the shelf. For example, balls can be placed on the shelf and retained on the shelf by the cargo net. When the cart is moved along a track in a storage site or moved to in any direction off of a track, the balls will be inhibited from rolling off of the shelf by the cargo net. Various other equipment and clothing, such as jerseys or uniforms, can be placed on a shelf having a cargo net and inhibited from falling off of the shelf by the cargo net.
The cargo net 766 can extend substantially along the length of the cart 112 or can extend partially along the length of the cart 112. For example, on the full-length shelf 700 as depicted in
Referring to
The equipment holders 776 or bat/racquet holders are generally retained in position by one or more bat/racquet holder hooks 786 that are integrally formed with or operably coupled to a rear portion of the elongated portion 778. The bat/racquet holder hooks 786 each have a body 788 and a plurality of engagement members 792 disposed on an extension 790 extending generally perpendicularly from the body 788.
The distance between each of the engagement members 792 generally corresponds to the spacing in the wire members on the wire-grille panel 300. Once a user has selected a position for the bat/racquet holder 776, the bat/racquet holder hooks 774 can be positioned on, and engaged with, the wire-grille panel 300, as depicted in
The bat/racquet holders 776 can be used for various types of equipment. In athletics, such equipment can include baseball or softball bats, tennis or racquetball racquets, gloves, or many other types of sports equipment that those skilled in the art would recognize. In military organizations, such equipment can include weapons, helmets, scopes, or many other types of military equipment that those skilled in the art would recognize. In marching or concert bands, such equipment could include instruments, uniforms, or other equipment that those skilled in the art would recognize.
The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are described within the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments in form and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. An organization system for storing equipment at a storage site and transporting the equipment between the storage site and a location remote from the storage site, the system comprising:
- at least first and second reconfigurable carts selectively positionable in the storage site in a generally side-by-side configuration, wherein at least first cart is movable from the storage site to the remote location independent of the other cart, said first cart including: a base having generally opposed sides presenting a cart width and generally opposed ends presenting a cart length, the ends having end panels operably extending upwardly therefrom to a cart top, the end panels and the base generally defining a storage space therebetween, the storage space comprising a storage space height presented between the base and cart top, a storage space length presented between the end panels, and a storage space width presented between the sides; one or more partitions selectively positioned in the storage space, such that the storage space is adjustably dividable into a number of defined reconfigurable modules for separable storage of the equipment, the partitions operably dividing at least two of the storage space height, storage space length, or storage space width to define the modules; and ground engaging wheel assemblies operably attached to and extending below the base, such that said first cart is selectively movable on the wheel assemblies from the storage site to the remote location remote.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more partitions comprise a shelf disposed intermediate the base and cart top, the shelf selectively vertically positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module above the shelf and a second reconfigurable module below the shelf.
3. The system of claim of claim 2, wherein the shelf is comprised of a wire-grille.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the shelf is operably coupled to the end panels.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the end panels are each comprised of a wire-grille operably attached to a tubular frame structure.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the shelf comprises a plurality of shelf hangers having engagement members presented thereon, such that the shelf is operably coupleable to the wire-grille of the end panels with the engagement members.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the shelf comprises a wall portion extending upwardly from an edge presented on the shelf, wherein the wall portion is configured to operably retain contents on the shelf when the first cart is selectively moved between the storage site and location remote from the storage site.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the one or more wall portions are selectively removable from the shelf.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the wall portions comprise netting.
10. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more partitions comprises one or more selectively positionable dividers operably coupled to and extending upwardly from the shelf, wherein the divider portions are configured to operably divide the first reconfigurable module into two or more secondary reconfigurable modules above the shelf.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the dividers comprise two or more generally planar portions, the planar portions operably coupleable at selective positions to define a selectively variable divider height.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more partitions comprise a panel disposed intermediate the ends, panel selectively removable from at least one of the cart sides and selectively horizontally positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module and a second reconfigurable module along the cart length.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more partitions further comprise a shelf disposed intermediate the base and cart top, the shelf selectively removable from at least one of the cart sides and selectively vertically positionable in the storage space to divide the first reconfigurable module into two or more secondary reconfigurable modules.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one track follower mechanism operably attached to the base and a track operably positioned on the floor and extending along a track axis that is generally transverse to the cart length, the track follower mechanism selectively engageable with the track such that the carts are movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track axis when the at least one track follower is selectively engaged with the track.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising an equipment holder selectively operably coupled to at least one end panel.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more partitions comprises one or more selectively positionable divider panels, the divider panels being selectively removable and horizontally positionable between the cart sides to present a first reconfigurable module and a second reconfigurable module along the cart width.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the divider panel is generally flexible.
18. A method of assembling an organization system for storing equipment at a storage site and transporting the equipment between the storage site and a location remote from the storage site, the method comprising:
- providing at least first and second reconfigurable carts selectively positionable in the storage site in a generally side-by-side configuration, wherein at least first cart is movable from the storage site to the remote location independent of the other cart, said first cart including: a base having generally opposed sides presenting a cart width and generally opposed ends presenting a cart length, the ends having end panels operably extending upwardly therefrom to a cart top, the end panels and the base generally defining a storage space therebetween, the storage space comprising a storage space height presented between the base and cart top, a storage space length presented between the end panels, and a storage space width presented between the sides; and ground engaging wheel assemblies operably attached to the base, such that said first cart is selectively movable on the wheel assemblies from the storage site to the remote location remote; and
- selectively positioning one or more partitions in the storage space, such that the storage space is adjustably dividable into a number of defined reconfigurable modules for separable storage of the equipment, the partitions operably dividing at least two of the storage space height, storage space length, or storage space width to define the modules; and
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising operably coupling a shelf intermediate the base and cart top, the shelf selectively vertically positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module above the shelf and a second reconfigurable module below the shelf.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising operably coupling one or more wall portions on the shelf, such that the wall portions extending upwardly therefrom, wherein the wall portions are configured to operably retain contents on the shelf when the cart is selectively moved between the storage site and location remote from the storage site.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising operably coupling one or more selectively positionable dividers to the shelf, such that the divider portions are configured to operably divide the storage space above the shelf.
22. The method of claim 18, further comprising operably coupling a panel intermediate the ends, the panel selectively removable from at least one of the cart sides and selectively horizontally positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module and a second reconfigurable module along the cart length.
23. The method of claim 18, further comprising operably attaching at least one track follower mechanism to the base and operably positioning a track on the floor and extending along a track axis that is generally transverse to the cart length, the track follower mechanism selectively engageable with the track such that the carts are movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track axis when the at least one track follower is selectively engaged with the track.
24. The method of claim 18, further comprising operably disposing one or more selectively positionable divider panels in the storage space, the divider panels being selectively removable and horizontally positionable between the cart sides to present a first reconfigurable module and a second reconfigurable module along the cart width.
25. A rail system for use with a transportable equipment organization system having a cart, the rail system comprising:
- a rail disposed in a groove presented on a floor surface and extending along a rail path, the rail at least partially presenting a storage site, the rail comprising first and second generally opposed flanges and a channel depending from the first and second flanges and extending along the rail generally parallel to the rail path, the first and second generally opposed flanges having an upper surface and a lower surface, the rail operably positioned in the groove such that the lower surfaces of the first and second flanges operably couple the floor surface and the channel extends therebelow; and
- a rail follower mechanism operably attached to a cart and selectively engageable with the channel, such that when the at least one rail follower mechanism is selectively engaged with the channel the cart is movable along the rail within the storage site in a direction generally parallel to the rail path, and such that when the at least one rail follower mechanism is selectively disengaged with the channel the cart can be moved on the floor and across the upper surfaces of the first and second generally opposed flanges to enable removal of the cart from the storage site.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the rail further comprises one or more rail supports extending below the channel towards a groove base presented in the groove, such that the one or more rail supports can inhibit deformation to the rail.
27. The system of claim 25, wherein the upper surfaces of the first and second generally opposed flanges are generally ramped, such that the cart can be more easily moved across the upper surfaces.
28. The system of claim 25, wherein the rail is installed in relation to a floor that is selected from the set consisting of: the floor of a vehicle, the floor of a trailer, the floor of a storage system than includes a plurality of movable floors, an existing floor, or a newly formed floor surface.
29. The system of claim 25, wherein the rail is selected from the set consisting of a unitary rail or a rail having a plurality of sections.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 16, 2006
Publication Date: Oct 19, 2006
Inventors: Richard Bothun (Owatonna, MN), Mark Gallea (Waseca, MN), Michael Jines (Northfield, MN), Frederick Mather (Owatonna, MN), Gregg Nelson (Northfield, MN), Marty Prins (Owatonna, MN), Craig Ulrich (Owatonna, MN)
Application Number: 11/377,933
International Classification: A47F 5/08 (20060101);