TIRE STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A tire storage system includes two spaced apart arrays of tire storage locations. An array of transfer locations is disposed between the two arrays of storage locations. Tires are loaded on and removed from carriages when the carriages are at transfer locations. The carriages are movable from the transfer locations to the storage locations along a path which extends along central axes of tires disposed on the carriages. The carriages may be suspended above a floor. Upper and lower arrays of storage and transfer locations may be provided.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of earlier filed Provisional Application No. 61/368,286 (Confirmation No. 8916) filed Jul. 28, 2010, for Modular Storage Rack With Sliding Shelves. The benefit of the earlier filing date of the aforementioned provisional application is hereby claimed. The disclosure in the aforementioned provisional application is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for use in storing tires.

Tires have previously been stored by being placed in stacks on a floor with sidewalls of the tires generally parallel to the floor on which the tires are stacked. In addition, it has been suggested that various rack arrangements may be utilized to store tires at locations above a floor or other support surface. Systems using a rack to store tires above a floor are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,438,729; 3,557,966; and 7,413,091.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus for use in storing tires. When a tire is to be stored, it is placed on a carriage while the carriage is at a transfer location. The carriage is moved from the transfer location to a storage location with the tire disposed on the carriage.

As the carriage is moved from a transfer location to a storage location, the carriage may be moved along a path which extends along a central axis of the tire disposed on the carriage. It is contemplated that the carriage may advantageously be suspended above a floor during movement of the carriage between a transfer location and a storage location.

If desired, a first array of tire transfer locations may be disposed along one side of a first array of storage locations. A second array of storage locations may advantageously be disposed above the first array of storage locations. A second array of transfer locations may be disposed along one side of the second array of storage locations and disposed above the first array of transfer locations.

It should be understood that the present invention includes a number of features. These features may be utilized together as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be utilized separately and/or in combination with features from the prior art. For example, carriages may be moved between transfer and storage locations without being suspended above a floor. As another example, upper and lower arrays of storage and transfer locations may be provided without suspending the carriages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon a consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic pictorial illustration of a tire storage apparatus and depicting the manner in which a plurality of tires are disposed on carriages located at a plurality of tire storage locations;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic front elevational view, taken generally along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, depicting a relationship between carriages disposed at tire storage locations on opposite sides of tire transfer locations, some of the tires illustrated in FIG. 1 having been removed from the carriages to facilitate understanding of the construction of the carriages;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic side elevational view, taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, further illustrating the manner in which tires are stored on a plurality of carriages;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration, generally similar to FIG. 1, with some of the tires of FIG. 1 removed from the carriages, one of the carriages being illustrated in FIG. 4 as having been moved part way from a tire storage location toward a tire transfer location;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic top plan view, taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4, illustrating the relationship between carriages and tire transfer locations when one carriage has been moved part way from a tire storage location to a tire transfer location;

FIG. 6 is a schematic pictorial illustration, generally similar to FIG. 4, illustrating the relationship between carriages when one carriage has been moved from a tire storage location to a tire transfer location, additional tires having been removed to better illustrate the construction of the carriages;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged schematic top plan view, taken generally along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6, illustrating the relationship between carriages and tire transfer locations when one of the carriages is disposed at a tire transfer location;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration depicting the manner in which wheels connected with a carriage engage a guide track in the tire storage apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged schematic illustration depicting a connector assembly utilized to releasably connect a tire support rack with a carriage support member extending downwardly from the guide track and wheels of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic pictorial illustration further illustrating the construction of the connector assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic pictorial illustration depicting the manner in which a plurality of tire storage units, each of which has the construction illustrated in FIG. 1, may be disposed in upper and lower levels;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged schematic side elevational view, taken generally along the line 12-12 of FIG. 11, illustrating the manner in which tires and carriages at upper storage locations are disposed above tires and carriages at lower storage locations in the apparatus of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary schematic pictorial illustration depicting a second embodiment of the tire storage apparatus; and

FIG. 14 is an enlarged schematic pictorial illustration of a portion of FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

General Description

A tire storage apparatus or unit 20 constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 through 3. The tire storage unit 20 includes a left array 22 of tire storage locations and a right array 24 of tire storage locations. An array 26 of tire transfer locations is disposed between the left and right arrays 22 and 24 of storage locations.

A first plurality 32 of carriages is disposed at the left array 22 of tire storage locations. A second plurality 34 of carriages is disposed at the right array of storage locations. The first plurality 32 of carriages includes carriages 38, 40, 42, and 44 (FIG. 1). The second plurality 34 of carriages includes carriages 46, 48, 50 and 52 (FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). All of the carriages 38-52 have the same construction. However, if desired, some of the carriages 38-52 may have a construction which is different than the construction of other carriages.

The array 26 of tire transfer locations (FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) includes a plurality of transfer locations which have been indicated schematically at 58, 60, 62 and 64 in FIG. 5. The tire transfer locations 58-64 form an aisle disposed between the left array 22 of tire storage locations and the right array 24 of tire storage locations. A carriage in the first plurality 32 of carriages and a carriage in the second plurality 34 of carriages are aligned with each tire transfer location in the array 26 transfer locations.

When tires 70 are to be positioned on or removed from a carriage, the carriage is moved from its storage location to an associated one of the transfer locations 26. For example, when a tire 70 is to be removed from the carriage 48 (FIG. 1) in the second plurality 34 of carriages, the carriage 48 is moved from its storage location to a position in which the carriage 48 is disposed at one of the tire transfer locations, that is, the tire transfer location 60 (FIGS. 5-7), in the array 26 of tire transfer locations.

When the carriage 48 is to be moved from its storage location (FIG. 1) to its transfer location 60 (FIGS. 6 and 7), the carriage and/or a tire 70 on the carriage is manually grasped. The carriage 48 is then manually pulled away from the right array 24 of tire storage location toward the left array 22 of tire storage locations. As this occurs, the carriage 48 is moved partway toward the aligned carriage 40 (FIGS. 4 and 5) in the left array 22 of tire storage locations. As the carriage 48 is pulled into the tire transfer location 60 (FIGS. 6 and 7), the carriage moves into engagement with the aligned carriage 40. This limits leftward (as viewed in FIGS. 4-7) movement of the carriage 48.

When the carriage 48 is at the tire transfer location 60 (FIG. 7), tires 70 may be positioned on and/or removed from the carriage 48. The carriage 48 remains stationary at the transfer location 60 while one or more tires 70 are manually removed from and/or placed on the carriage. The carriage 48 is then moved rightward (as viewed in FIG. 7) through the position illustrated in FIG. 5 back to the tire storage location opposite from and aligned with the carriage 40 (FIG. 1). During this movement of the carriage 48, the carriages 38-46, 50 and 52 remain stationary at their storage locations. Thus, the carriages 38-52 are sequentially moved one at a time from their storage locations in the arrays 22 or 24 of storage locations to the associated one of the transfer locations. However, two or more carriages 38-52 may be moved at the same to transfer locations 26 as long as the carriages are not being moved to the same transfer locations. For example, the carriage 38 (FIG. 7) may be moved to the tire transfer location 58 while the carriage 48 is disposed at the tire transfer location 60.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the carriages 38-52 are manually moved between the arrays 22 and 24 of storage locations and the array 26 of tire transfer locations. However, it is contemplated that a suitable drive arrangement may be provided to move the carriages between the storage and transfer locations. For example, a screw drive or a rack and pinion drive may be connected with a suitable motor to move a carriage.

Tire Orientation

In accordance with one of the features of the present invention, the tires 70 are disposed on the carriages 38-52 with central axes 76 (FIG. 2) of the tires aligned with paths of movement of the carriages between the tire storage locations and the tire transfer locations. The central axes 76 of the tires 70 on the carriages 38-52 extend longitudinally through the transfer locations 58-64 and are parallel to longitudinal central axes of the transfer locations 58-64 (FIG. 5). Although only the central axes 76 of the tires 70 disposed on the carriages 38 and 46 are illustrated in FIG. 2, it should be understood that the central axes of all of the tires disposed on the carriages 38-52 extend parallel to the paths of movement of carriages between the arrays 22 and 24 of tire storage locations and the array 26 of tire transfer locations.

The tires 70 are disposed in a side-by-side relationship with each other on the carriages 38-52, in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Annular side surfaces 80 (FIG. 3) of the tires on the carriages 38-52 are disposed in engagement with each other and extend perpendicular to the central axes 76 of the tires. The side surfaces 80 of the tires 70 are disposed in abutting engagement with each other to maximize the number of tires which may be positioned on the carriages 38-52. The carriages 38-52 may be made larger, vertically and/or horizontally, so that the carriages can hold a greater number of tires. Alternatively, the carriages 38-52 may be made smaller.

The annular side surfaces 80 of the tires 70 on the carriages 38-52 extend perpendicular to the central axes 76 of the tires and perpendicular to the paths of movement of the carriages 38-52 between the tire storage locations 22 and 24 and the tire transfer locations 26. The central axes 76 of the tires 70 are horizontal and extend parallel to a support surface, that is, a floor 84 (FIG. 2), of a building in which the tire storage unit 20 is disposed. The annular side surfaces 80 of the tires 70 are disposed in a perpendicular relationship with the floor 84 of the building.

If the tires 70 are of the same size, the central axes 76 of tires on a first carriage will be coincident with the central axes 76 of tires on a second carriage which is aligned with the first carriage. For example, the carriage 38 is aligned with the carriage 46 (FIGS. 1, and 5). If the tires 70 on the carriage 38 are the same size as the tires on the carriage 46, the horizontal central axes 76 of the tires on the carriage 38 will be coincident with the horizontal central axes of the tires on the carriage 46 (FIG. 2). If the tires 70 on the carriages 38 and 46 are of different sizes, the central axes of the larger diameter tires may be offset upwardly from the central axes of the smaller diameter tires. Although the central axes of the larger diameter tires may be offset upwardly from the central axes of the smaller diameter tires, the central axes of the large and small diameter tires will all be horizontal and parallel to the floor 84.

The carriages 38-52 are movable between the tire storage locations 22 and 24 and the tire transfer locations 26 along paths which extend along and are parallel to the central axes 76 of the tires 70. Although the tires 70 are disposed in an upright orientation on the carriages 38-52 (FIGS. 2 and 3), it is contemplated that the tires 70 may be positioned in a different orientation on the carriages if desired. For example, the tires may be positioned on the carriages 38-52 with their annular side surfaces 80 horizontal.

Tire Storage

Unit Structure

The tire storage unit 20 (FIGS. 1-7) includes a main frame 90. The main frame 90 has a rectangular configuration which encloses the left and right arrays 22 and 24 of tire storage locations and the array 26 of tire transfer locations. The carriages 38-52 are also enclosed by the main frame 90. The tires 70 on the carriages 38-52 are disposed within a spatial envelope defined by the main frame 90 (FIGS. 3 and 5).

The main frame 90 includes upstanding posts 92, 94, 96 and 98 (FIG. 1). The vertical posts 92-98 extend perpendicular to the floor 84 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Horizontal support members 104, 106, 108 and 110 are disposed in a rectangular array and are fixedly connected to upper ends of the posts 92-98. Horizontal cross members 112 and 114 (FIGS. 1 and 5) extend between and are perpendicular to the support members 106 and 110. The vertical posts 92-98 (FIG. 1) are fixedly connected with the floor 84 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The support members 104-110 and cross members 112 and 114 are fixedly connected to the upper ends of the posts 92-98 and extend parallel to the floor 84. The carriages 38-52 are disposed within space defined by the perimeter of the main frame 90.

Guide tracks 120, 122, 124 and 126 (FIG. 1) are connected with the carriages 38-52. The horizontal tracks 120-126 guide movement of the carriages 38-52 between the storage locations 22 and 24 and the transfer locations 26. The parallel guide tracks 120-126 are fixedly connected to and extend perpendicular to the support members 104 and 108. The guide tracks 120-126 are also fixedly connected to the cross members 112 and 114. The guide tracks 120-126 guide movement of the carriages 38-52 along parallel paths which extend across the left and right arrays 22 and 24 of tire storage locations and the array 26 of tire transfer locations.

The guide tracks 120-126 extend parallel to each other and to the floor 84. The guide tracks 120-126 extend perpendicular to the support members 104 and 108 and extend perpendicular to the cross members 112 and 114. One end portion of each of the guide tracks 120-126 is fixedly connected to the support member 104. The opposite ends of the guide tracks 120-126 are fixedly connected to the support member 108. In addition, the guide tracks 120-126 are fixedly connected to the cross members 112 and 114.

The guide tracks 120-126 (FIG. 5) have parallel longitudinal central axes which extend parallel to the paths of movement of the carriages 38-52. Thus, the guide track 120 is disposed directly above the longitudinal central axes of the coincident paths of movement of the carriages 38 and 46 and extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the paths of movement of the carriages 38 and 46. Similarly, the guide track 122 is disposed directly above and extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the coincident paths of movement of the carriages 40 and 48. The guide track 124 is disposed directly above and extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the coincident paths of movement of the carriages 42 and 50. Similarly, the guide track 126 is disposed directly above and extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the coincident paths of movement of the carriages 44 and 52. Although the guide tracks 120-126 are disposed above and extend parallel to the floor 84 (FIG. 2), it is contemplated that the guide tracks may be disposed on the floor 84 or beneath an upper surface of the floor 84 if desired.

In the illustrated embodiment of the tire storage unit 20 (FIG. 1), a single guide track 120, 122, 124, or 126 is connected with each of the carriages 38-52. If desired a plurality of guide tracks may be connected with each of the carriages 38-52. For example, the carriage 46 may be connected with a pair of parallel guide tracks instead of the single guide track 120. The parallel guide tracks may be spaced apart by a distance which is approximately the same as the width of the carriage 46. Of course, in the foregoing example, the carriage 38 would be connected with the same pair of guide tracks as the carriage 46.

Carriage Construction

The carriages 38-52 all have the same construction. The carriage 46 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. Carriage 46 includes a pair of parallel vertical support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 4). The vertical support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 4) extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the guide track 120 with which they are connected.

A plurality of identical tire support racks 138 are connected with the support members 132 and 134 for the carriage 46. The tire support racks 138 extend parallel to the floor 84 (FIGS. 3 and 4) and extend perpendicular to the carriage support members 132 and 134. Each of the tire support racks 138 has an elongated rectangular configuration and has a longitudinal central axis which extends parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the guide track 120. The longitudinal central axis of the tire support rack 138 also extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the path of movement of the carriage 46 between one of the storage locations 24 and the transfer location 58 (FIG. 5).

Each of the tire support racks 138 includes a pair of horizontal tire support members 150 and 152 which extend parallel to each other and to the guide track 120 (FIG. 7). The horizontal tire support members 150 and 152 are fixedly connected to horizontal cross members 154 and 156 (FIG. 7). The cross members 154 and 156 extend perpendicular to the tire support members 150 and 152 and are connected to the upright carriage support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 6).

The cross members 154 and 156 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the guide track 120 (FIG. 7) and to the longitudinal central axes of the carriage support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 6). The horizontal cross members 154 and 156 (FIG. 7) are releasably connected to the vertical carriage support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 6) to enable the spacing between the tire support racks 138 on the carriage 46 to be varied to accommodate tires 70 of different diameters. Tires of the same size or of different sizes may be positioned on any one of the tire support racks 138. If desired, tires of one size may be positioned on one of the tire support racks 138 and tires of a different size may be positioned on other tire support racks 138 of the carriage 46.

The tires 70 are positioned on a tire support rack 138 (FIGS. 6 and 7) with a circular tread portion 158 (FIG. 3) of the tires in engagement with the tire support members 150 and 152 (FIG. 7). The tire support members 150 and 152 cooperate with the tread portions 158 of the tires 70 disposed on the tire support rack 138 to position the tires with their central axes 76 (FIG. 2) extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the guide track 120 and parallel to the path of movement of the carriage 46 between tire storage location 24 and a tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 7). The central axes 76 of the tires 70 on the carriage 46 extend through and are perpendicular to the carriage support members 132 and 134. Although only the carriage 46 has been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the other carriages 38-44 and 48-52 have the same construction and cooperate with the tires 70 in the same manner as does the carriage 46.

The central axes 76 of tires 70 on a first carriage extend through support members 132 and 134 for the first carriage on which the tires are disposed. In addition, the central axes 76 of the tires 70 on the first carriage extend through support members 132 and 134 for a second carriage suspended from the same track as the first carriage. For example, the central axes 76 of all of the tires 70 on the carriage 48 (FIG. 4) extend through the support members 132 and 134 for the carriage 48 and the support members 132 and 134 for the carriage 40. The central axes 76 of all the tires 70 on the carriage 48 also extend parallel to the guide track 122 from which the carriages 48 and 40 are suspended. In addition, the central axes 76 of all the tires 70 on the carriage 48 extend along and are parallel to the path of movement of the carriages 48 and 40 between a tire storage location 24 and the tire transfer location 60. It should be understood that the central axes 76 of all the tires 70 on the carriage 40 extend through the support members 132 and 134 for the carriages 40 and 48 and are parallel to the guide track 122.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, there are three tire support racks 138 on each of the carriages 38-52. However, it is contemplated that a greater or lesser number of tire support racks 138 may be provided on any one or all of the carriages 38-52. For example, four tire support racks 138 may be provided on some of the carriages 38-52 while two tire support racks are provided on other carriages.

In accordance with one of the features of the present invention, the carriages 38-52 are suspended from the guide tracks 120-126 by the carriage support members 132 and 134 (FIGS. 2-4). Space is provided between the lower ends of the carriages 38-52 and the floor 84. By having the carriages 38-52 hang from the guide tracks 120-126 and spaced from the floor 84, movement of the carriages 38-52 is not interfered with by debris which may be disposed on the floor 84. In addition, cleaning of the floor 84 beneath the carriages 38-52 is facilitated.

If desired, each of the carriages 38-52 may be provided with one or more support wheels which engage the floor 84 and support the carriage for movement along the floor. For example, a support wheel may be connected with the carriage support member 132 and another support wheel may be connected with a carriage support member 134 for the carriage 46 (FIG. 6). If this is done, the two support wheels would roll on the floor 84 and, to some extent at least, support the carriage 46 (FIG. 4) by transmitting force from the carriage to the floor. If desired, a support wheel may be provided at each of the four corners of the lower most tire support rack 138 on the carriage 46. Of course, support wheels may be provided in association with the other carriages 38-44 and 48-52. If wheels are provided on the carriages 38-52, the wheels may roll on the floor or engage guide tracks which are parallel to the guide tracks 120-126. If wheels are provided on the carriages 38-52, the wheels would transmit force from the carriages to the floor 84 while force is also transmitted from the carriages to the guide tracks 120-126.

A was previously mentioned, a pair of guide tracks may be provided in association with any one of the carriages 38-52. If this is done, the lower end portion of each carriage 38-52 may be provided with four wheels. Two of the wheels being disposed in vertical alignment with each guide track of the pair of guide tracks. For example, the guide track 120 (FIG. 1) may be replaced by a pair of parallel guide tracks which are spaced apart by a distance equal to the length of the cross members 154 and 156 (FIG. 6). A wheel may then be placed at each of the corners of the lower support rack 138 of the carriage 46. The wheels would engage the floor 84 and be disposed in vertical alignment with the two guide tracks with which the carriage 46 is connected.

Carriage Connection Features

The upright carriage support member 132 (FIGS. 4 and 8) is connected with the guide track 120 (FIGS. 5 and 8) by a connector assembly 164 (FIG. 8). The connector assembly 164 (FIG. 8) includes a hanger bracket 168 which is connected with wheels 170 and 172 disposed within the track 120. The wheels 170 and 172 roll along the interior of the track 120 as the carriage 46 is moved along the track between one of the tire storage locations 24 and the tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 7).

The hanger bracket 168 (FIG. 8) is connected to the upright carriage support member 132 by a suitable fastener 178. Although only the connector assembly 164 associated with the carriage support member 132 have been described herein, it should be understood that a connector assembly 164 interconnects the guide track 120 and the carriage support member 134 at the opposite end of the carriage 46. Although the hanger brackets 168 in the connector assemblies 164 which connect the carriage support members 132 and 134 with the track 120 are effective to transmit the weight of the tires 70 carried on the carriage 46 to the guide track 120, it is contemplated that it may be desired to have a portion of the weight of the tires transmitted to the floor 84 through wheels connected with a lower end portion of the carriage.

It is contemplated that it may be desired to change the distance between the tire support racks 138 of the carriage 46 to enable tires 70 of different sizes to be positioned on the support racks. To enable the distance between the tire support racks 138 to be adjusted, manually releasable connector assemblies 182 (FIGS. 9 and 10) interconnect the carriage support member 132 and tire support rack 138 of the carriage 46.

The connector assembly 182 is of the pin type and includes a housing 186 which encloses a pin member 188. A biasing spring 192 (FIG. 10) urges the pin member 188 toward an engaged position in which it extends through aligned openings in the carriage support member 132 and cross member 154. When a ring type handle 196 connected with the pin member 188 is manually pulled, the biasing spring 192 is compressed and the pin member is pulled out of the opening in the carriage support member 132. This enables the cross member 154 of the tire support rack 138 to be moved either upwardly or downwardly relative to the carriage support member 132.

When the pin member 188 has been moved into alignment with a circular opening at a desired level in the carriage support member 132, the handle 196 on the pin member 188 is released. The spring 192 then moves the pin member 188 axially toward the left (as viewed in FIG. 10). This causes the pin member 188 to engage the desired opening in the carriage support member 132.

The connector assemblies 182 enable the spacing between the tire support racks 138 for any one of the carriages 38-52 to be adjusted to accommodate tires of different sizes. For example, if relatively large diameter tires 70 are to be placed on the lowermost tire support rack 138 on the carriage 46 (FIG. 6), the tire support rack about the lowermost tire support rack would be moved upwardly along the carriage support members 132 and 134. This would be accomplished by releasing the connector assemblies 182 for the tire support rack which is to be moved upwardly. Once the tire support rack 138 has been moved upward to the desired level, the connector assemblies 182 would be actuated to lock the tire support rack in place at the desired level. Relatively small tires 70 would be positioned on the tire support rack 138 which was moved upward.

Although only the connector assemblies 164 and 182 for one end portion of the carriage 46 have been illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, it should be understood that similar connector assemblies are provided in association with the carriage support member 134 at the opposite end of the carriage 46. It should also be understood that connector assemblies having the same construction and mode of operation as the connector assemblies 164 and 182 are provided in association with the carriage support members 132 and 134 at opposite ends of each of the carriages 38-52. Connector assemblies having a construction which is different than the construction illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 may be utilized if desired.

Operation

When tires are to be stored in or removed from the tire storage unit 20 (FIGS. 1-7), the selected one of the carriages 38-52 is moved from a tire storage location to tire transfer location. This may be accomplished by manually grasping and pulling on the carriage support member 132 and/or a tire 70 at a selected one of the carriages 38-52. The selected one of the carriages 38-52 moves from one of the tire storage locations 22 or 24 to one of the tire transfer locations 26. Movement of the selected carriage to its associated transfer location is interrupted when the selected carriage reaches the transfer location. This may be accomplished by engaging the selected carriage with the carriage which is supported on the same track as the selected carriage.

For example, if the carriage 48 is the selected carriage, the carriage 48 is moved from the storage location in the right array 24 (FIG. 1) of storage locations toward the associated tire transfer location 60 (FIG. 5). The carriage 48 moves along the guide track 122 and the central axes 76 (FIG. 2) of the tires 70 on the carriage 48 as the carriage moves toward the tire transfer location 60. Since the tire support members 150 and 152 (FIG. 7) on the carriage 48 (FIG. 4) extend parallel to the guide track 122, the carriage also moves along the central axes of the tire support members as the carriage moves toward the tire transfer location 60 (FIG. 5).

At this time, the individual who manually pulls the carriage 48 from its storage location toward its tire transfer location 60 may be standing between the stationary carriages 38 and 46. This individual may apply force to the carriage 48 by manually pulling on the carriage support member 132 for the carriage 48. If desired, a handle may be connected with the carriage support member 132 to facilitate a manual application of force to the carriage.

The carriage 48 moves from its storage location (FIG. 1) through an intermediate position (FIG. 5) to the tire transfer location 60 (FIG. 7). Force may be manually applied to tires 70 on the carriage 48 to urge the carriage into the tire transfer location. The other carriages 38-46, 50 and 52 remain stationary in their respective tire storage locations while the carriage 48 is being moved. Alternatively, one or more of the carriages 38, 42, 44, 46, 50 and 52 may be moved as the carriage 48 is moved.

As the carriage 48 moves into the transfer location 60 (FIG. 7), the carriage 48 engages the stationary carriage 40 which is axially aligned with the carriage 48. Both of the carriages 40 and 48 are suspended from the guide track 122. Bumper blocks formed of a suitable resilient polymeric material are provided on the carriages 40 and 48, as well as the other carriages. The bumper blocks absorb impact force which occurs when one carriage engages another carriage. Stop bolts are provided at opposite ends of each of the guide tracks 120-126 to prevent a carriage from being pushed off of its associated guide track. Resilient bumpers may be held in place at the ends of the guide tracks 120-126 by the stop bolts.

After the carriage 48 has been moved to the tire transfer location 60, in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, one or more tires 70 may be either removed from the carriage or positioned on the carriage. If a tire 70 is to be moved onto the carriage 48, the tread portion 158 of the tire is positioned in engagement with a tire support member 150 of a tire support rack 138 on the carriage 48. The tire is then rolled onto the rack with the tread portion 158 of the tire engaging the parallel tire support members 150 and 152 of the tire support rack 138. Similarly, if a tire 70 is to be removed from the carriage 48, the tire is manually grasped and rolled off of a tire support rack 138 onto the floor 84.

The space between carriages disposed at their storage locations, that is, the carriages 38-46 and 50-52 in FIGS. 6 and 7, is sufficient to enable a person to easily roll several tires 70 at a time along the floor in the aisle between the carriages. The aisle extends across the transfer locations 58-64 in a direction perpendicular to longitudinal central axes of the guide tracks 120-126. Card holders 204 (FIG. 6) are provided on the carriages 38-52 to enable a person moving down the aisle between carriages disposed at their storage locations, to read indicia which identifies tires disposed on the carriages.

Once a tire 70 has been removed from or positioned on a carriage, such as the carriage 48, while the carriage is at its transfer location 60 (FIG. 7), the carriage is pushed back to its storage location. This is accomplished by manually applying force to the carriage support member 132 and/or to a tire 70 disposed on the carriage 48. This force is effective to shove the carriage 48 back to its storage location. Once this has been done, the aisle formed between the carriages and extending across the transfer locations 58-64 is more than large enough to allow an individual to roll two tires 70 down the aisle. The tires 70 are moved along the aisle in a direction transverse to the paths of movement of the carriages 38-52.

It is contemplated that the size of the tire storage unit 20 will vary as a function of variations in the size of the tires 70 being stored. In one specific embodiment of the invention, the tire storage unit 20 had an overall width, as viewed in FIG. 2, of approximately fourteen feet and a vertical height of approximately eight and a half feet. The aisle formed between the left and right arrays 22 and 24 of tire storage locations, that is, the array 26 of tire transfer locations, had a width (as viewed in FIG. 2) of approximately four feet. The lower end portions of the carriages 38-52 were approximately three to six inches above the floor 84. The tire storage unit 20 had a width (as viewed in FIG. 3) of approximately twenty feet. The guide tracks 120-126 were spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately two and a half feet.

It should be understood that the foregoing dimensions for the tire storage unit 20 have been set forth herein for purposes of clarity of description and not for purposes of limitation of the invention. It is contemplated that the tire storage unit 20 may be built with any one of many different dimensions depending, in part at least, in the space available in a building and the size of the tires. For example, it is contemplated that the tire storage unit 20 may be constructed with each of the carriages 38-52 having tire support racks 138 for storing four levels or tiers of tires. Such a tire storage unit may have a height which is higher than the height of the illustrated tire storage unit 20.

In the illustrated tire storage unit 20, there are six tires 70 on each of the tire support racks 138 of any one of the carriages 38-52. It is contemplated that the carriages 38-52 may be constructed to have either a greater or lesser number of tires on each of the tire storage racks 138. Of course, this would result in the change of the dimensions of the carriages and of the tire storage unit 20.

Multiple Level

Tire Storage System

A multiple level tire storage system 210 is formed by interconnecting tire storage limits 20 in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 11. The multiple level tire storage system 210 includes a lower or ground level 212 and an upper or second level 214. The lower or ground level 212 is supported on the floor 84 of a building. The upper or second level 214 is supported on the lower or ground level 212. It is contemplated that the multiple level tire storage system 210 may be utilized in a relatively large building, such as a warehouse, and may have more than two levels. The multiple level tire storage system 210 is capable of storing a relatively large number of tires in a minimum of space.

To provide access to the tires on the lower or ground level 212, entryways 220 and 222 are provided at opposite ends of the multiple level tire storage system 210. In addition, an entryway 224 is provided in a central portion of the lower or ground level 212. Additional entryways may be provided if desired. The entryways 220, 222 and 224 are formed by omitting some of the carriages from a plurality of the interconnected tire storage units 20.

Access to the upper or second level 214 is obtained by way of stairs 230 and 232 disposed at opposite ends of the multiple level tire storage system 210. A deck or grating 236 is disposed between the upper level 214 and lower level 212 and provides a floor upon which an individual can walk along aisles 238 formed between tire storage locations of the upper level 214. The lower level 212 and the upper or second level 214 (FIG. 11) are formed by interconnecting a plurality of tire storage units 20.

The main frames 90 of tire storage units 20 disposed in the lower or ground level 212 are interconnected to form a unitary lower or ground level of the multiple level tire storage system 210. The tire storage units 20 on the lower level 212 have vertical posts 92-98 (FIGS. 1 and 11) which are connected to the floor 84. The posts 92-98 of each tire storage unit 20 in the lower level 212 are connected to posts of adjacent units. The guide tracks 120, 122, 124 and 126 (FIG. 12) of the lower or ground level 212 are disposed beneath the deck or grating 236 which forms the floor of the upper level 214.

The main frames 90 of the tire storage units 20 disposed in the upper or second level 214 are interconnected to form a unitary upper or second level of the multiple level storage system 210. The tire storage units 20 in the upper level 214 have vertical posts 92-98 (FIGS. 1 and 11) which are connected to the mainframes 90 of the tire storage units 20 in the lower level 212. The posts 92-98 of each tire storage unit 20 in the upper level 214 are connected to posts of adjacent units. The guide tracks 120, 122, 124, and 126 (FIG. 12) of the tire storage units 20 forming the upper or second level 214 extend parallel to and are disposed directly above the guide tracks of the tire storage units 20 which form part of the lower or ground level 212.

When a carriage, for example the carriage 38, in the lower level 212 (FIG. 12), is to be moved from a storage location to a transfer location 58 (FIG. 5), the carriage is moved along a portion of the lower guide track 120 (FIG. 12) disposed between storage locations in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214. A first portion of the lower guide track 120 is disposed between tire storage locations 22 (FIG. 1) located in the lower level 212 (FIG. 12) and tire storage locations 22 located in the upper level 214. A second portion of the lower guide track 120 is disposed between tire storage locations 24 (FIG. 1) located in the lower level 212 and the storage locations 24 located in the upper level 214. An intermediate portion of the lower guide track 120 is disposed between tire transfer locations 26 (FIG. 1) located in the lower level 212 and tire transfer locations 26 located in the upper level 214.

The guide tracks 120-126 in the upper level 214 are disposed directly above and extend parallel to the guide tracks 120-126 in the lower level 212 (FIG. 12). A first portion of the upper guide track 120 is disposed above the tire storage locations 22 (FIG. 1) located in the upper level 214 (FIG. 12). A second portion of the upper guide track 120 is disposed above tire storage locations 24 (FIG. 1) located in the upper level 214. An intermediate portion of the upper guide track is disposed above the tire transfer locations 26 (FIG. 1) located in the upper level 214.

Carriages 38-52 (FIG. 4) in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 (FIG. 12) are independently movable along the lower and upper tracks 120-126 between tire storage locations 22 and 24 (FIG. 1) and tire transfer locations 26. In the foregoing example, the carriage 38 in the lower level 212 (FIG. 12) is movable along the lower guide track 120 between one of the lower tire storage locations 22 (FIG. 1) and a lower tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 5). The carriage 46 in the lower level 212 is also movable along the lower guide track 120 between one of the tire storage locations 24 (FIG. 1) and the lower tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 5). The carriage 38 in the upper level 214 (FIG. 12) is movable along the upper guide track 120 between one of the upper tire storage locations 22 and an upper tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 5). The carriage 46 in the upper level 214 is also movable along the upper guide track 120 between one of the tire storage locations 24 (FIG. 1) and the upper tire transfer location 58 (FIG. 5). Although only the carriages 38 and 46 in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 have been mentioned in the foregoing examples, it should be understood that carriages 40-44 and 48-52 are movable between tire storage locations 22 or 24 in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 in the same manner as previously described herein in conjunction with FIGS. 1-10.

The carriages 38-52 in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 are movable between the lower and upper tire storage locations 22 and 24 and the lower and upper tire transfer locations 26 independently of each other. For example, the carriage 52 (FIG. 5) in the upper level 214 can be moved between a tire storage location 24 and the tire transfer location 64 without moving any other carriages in either the lower or upper level 212 or 214. The carriage 52 disposed in the lower level 212 can remain stationary while the carriage 52 directly above it is moved.

Tires 70 are positioned on or removed from the carriages 38-52 in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214, in the same manner as previously discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7, when the carriages are at tire transfer locations 26. The tire storage units 20 which form the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 have the construction illustrated in FIGS. 1-10. Each tire storage unit 20 in the lower and upper levels 212 and 214 (FIG. 1) is used to facilitate storing and retrieving of tires in the same manner as previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7.

Although the multi-level tire storage system 210 has only two levels, that is, the lower level 212 and an upper level 214, it is contemplated that the multiple level tire storage system 210 could have three or more levels if desired. The multi-level tire storage system 210 is formed of interconnected tire storage units 20 (FIGS. 1-10). However, it is contemplated that the multiple level storage system 210 could be formed by building a unitary framework which extends between both the upper and lower levels and extends throughout the extent of the multiple level storage system. If this was done, relatively long longitudinally extending tracks could be substituted for the guide tracks 120-126 in each of the tire storage units 20.

Alternative Embodiment

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, the carriages 38-52 are suspended by carriage support members 132 and 134 (FIG. 4) at opposite ends of the carriages. It is contemplated that the carriages may be constructed in a different manner if desired. It is also contemplated that the carriages 38-52 may not be suspended from the guide tracks 120-126.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a multiple level tire storage system, similar to the tire storage system 210 of FIG. 11, is illustrated. The carriages used in the storage system of FIGS. 13 and 14 have a different construction than the carriages used in the storage system of FIGS. 1-11. In addition, the guide tracks for the carriages of FIGS. 13 and 14 have a construction which is different than the construction illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. Since components of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 are generally similar to components of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-12, similar numerals will be utilized to designate similar components, the suffix letter “a” being associated with the numerals of FIGS. 13 and 14 to avoid confusion.

A multiple level tire storage system 210a is illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. The multiple level tire storage system 210a includes a lower carriage 44a and an upper carriage 44a. Since the carriages 44a are used in a multiple level tire storage system, the upper carriage 44a is disposed directly above the carriage 44a for the lower level of the system.

The carriages 44a have rectangular frames 244. The rectangular frames 244 replace the single carriage support members 132 and 134 utilized in the carriages 38-52 of FIGS. 1-12. The lower (as viewed in FIG. 13) carriage 44a has a rectangular frame 244 which is suspended from a guide track 126a by engagement of a wheel 248 with the guide track. A second wheel 250 is connected with the frame 244 and engages a guide track 124a. The frame 244 has vertically extending support members 254 and 256 which extend downward from a horizontal cross member 258. The wheels 248 and 250 are mounted at opposite ends of the cross member 258. The support members 254 and 256 extend downward to a tire support rack having the same construction as the tire support rack 138 of FIGS. 4 and 6.

The upper carriage 44a has a frame 244 of the same general construction as the frame 244 of the lower carriage. However, in the upper frame, the tire support rack 138a is disposed adjacent to a cross member 258 connected with wheels 248 and 250 which roll along an upper side of guide tracks 124a and 126a. The manner in which the wheels 248 and 250 on adjacent carriages engage the guide track 124a is illustrated in FIG. 14. The guide track 124a is formed as an extrusion and has a lower flange 264 which is engaged by the wheels 248 and 250 on the lower carriages 42a and 44a. In addition, the guide track 124a has an upper flange 268 which is engaged by wheels 248 and 250 on the upper level carriages 42a and 44a.

CONCLUSION

The present invention relates to a new and improved method and apparatus 20 for use in storing tires 70. When a tire 70 is to be stored, it is placed on a carriage 38-52 while the carriage is at a transfer location 26. The carriage is moved from the transfer location 26 to a storage location 22 or 24 with the tire 70 disposed on the carriage.

As the carriage is moved from a transfer location 26 to a storage location 22 or 24, the carriage may be moved along a path which extends along a central axis 76 of the tire 70 disposed on the carriage. It is contemplated that the carriage may advantageously be suspended above a floor during movement of the carriage between a transfer location 26 and a storage location 22 or 24.

If desired, a first array of tire transfer locations 26 may be disposed along one side of a first array of storage locations 22. A second array of storage locations 22 may advantageously be disposed above the first array of storage locations. A second array of transfer locations 26 may be disposed along one side of the second array of storage locations 22 and disposed above the first array of transfer locations.

It should be understood that the present invention includes a number of features. These features may be utilized together as disclosed herein. Alternatively, the features may be utilized separately and/or in combination with features from the prior art. For example, carriages may be moved between transfer and storage locations without being suspended above a floor. As another example, upper and lower arrays of storage and transfer locations may be provided without suspending the carriages.

Claims

1. A method of storing tires, said method comprising the steps of moving a first carriage from a first storage location to a first transfer location, positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location, and moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location with the one tire disposed on the first carriage, said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the first carriage.

2. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location and moving the first carriage from the first transfer location are performed with the first carriage suspended above a floor.

3. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location is performed with the central axis of the one tire extending through a support member for the first carriage.

4. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of positioning a plurality of tires on the first carriage in a coaxial relationship with the one tire, said step of moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the central axis of the one tire includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the axes of all the tires on the first carriage.

5. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage includes moving the one tire along a path which extends transverse to the path along which the first carriage is moved from the first transfer location to the first storage location.

6. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of maintaining carriages disposed adjacent opposite sides of the first carriage stationary while the first carriage moves from the first transfer location to the first storage location.

7. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the step of maintaining the first carriage suspended from a track disposed above the first carriage during movement of the first carriage between the first storage and first transfer locations.

8. A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said step of moving the first carriage between the first storage and first transfer locations includes maintaining the central axis of the one tire on the first carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the track disposed above the first carriage.

9. A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the one tire in engagement with first and second support members which form part of the first carriage, said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location and from the first transfer location to the first storage location include moving the first carriage along a path which extends parallel to longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members.

10. A method as set forth in claim 9 wherein said step of moving the first carriage along a path which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members includes moving the first carriage along a track which is disposed above the first carriage and which has a central axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members.

11. A method as set forth in claim 10 further including the step of providing a second carriage, moving the second carriage from a second storage location to the first transfer location, positioning at least a second tire on the second carriage while second carriage is at the first transfer location, and moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location with the second tire disposed on the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the second tire disposed on the second carriage.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location and moving the second carriage from the second storage location are performed with the first and second carriages suspended above a floor.

13. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location is performed with the central axis of the one tire extending through a support member for the first carriage and through a support member for the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location is performed with the central axis of the second tire extending through the support member for the first carriage and through the support member for the second carriage.

14. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of positioning a plurality of tires on the first carriage in a coaxial relationship with the one tire while the first carriage is at the first transfer location and positioning a plurality of tires on the second carriage in a coaxial relationship with the second tire while the second carriage is at the first transfer location, said step of moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the central axis of the one tire on the first carriage includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the axes of all the tires on the first carriage and which extends along the axes of all the tires on the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage along a path which extends along the central axis of the second tire on the second carriage includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along the axes of all the tires on the first carriage and which extends along all the axes of all the tires on the second carriage.

15. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location includes moving the one tire along a path which extends transverse to the path along which the first carriage is moved from the first transfer location to the first storage location, said step of positioning a second tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the first transfer location includes moving the second tire along a path which extends transverse to the path along which the second carriage is moved from the first transfer location to the second storage location.

16. A method as set forth in claim 11 further including the steps of maintaining the first carriage on which the one tire is disposed suspended from a track disposed above the first and second carriages during movement of the first carriage between the first storage and first transfer locations and maintaining the second carriage on which the second tire is disposed suspended from the track which is disposed above the first and second carriages during movement of the second carriage between the second storage and first transfer locations.

17. A method as set forth in claim 16 wherein said step of moving the first carriage between the first storage and first transfer locations includes maintaining the central axis of the one tire on the first carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the track disposed above the first and second carriages, said step of moving the second carriage between the second storage and first transfer locations includes maintaining the central axis of the second tire on the second carriage parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the track disposed above the first and second carriages.

18. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the one tire in engagement with first and second support members which form part of the first carriage, said step of positioning the second tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the first transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the second tire in engagement with third and fourth support members which form part of the second carriage, said steps of moving the first and second carriages include moving the first and second carriages along a path which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members and parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the third and fourth support members.

19. A method as set forth in claim 18 wherein said steps of moving the first and second carriages along a path which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members and parallel to longitudinal central axes of the third and fourth support members includes supporting the first and second carriages with a track which is disposed above the first and second carriages and which has a central axis which extends parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members and parallel to the longitudinal central axes of the third and fourth support members.

20. A method as set forth in claim 19 wherein said step of supporting the first and second carriages with a track which is disposed above the first and second carriages includes maintaining the first and second carriages suspended from the track which is disposed above the first and second carriages during movement of the first carriage and during movement of the second carriage.

21. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first carriage is disposed in a first array of carriages which is disposed along a first edge portion of an array of transfer locations which includes the first transfer location and the second carriage is disposed in a second array of carriages which is disposed along a second edge portion of the array of transfer locations, the second edge portion of the array of transfer locations is disposed at a side of the array of transfer locations opposite from the first edge portion, said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to a first transfer location being performed without moving any carriages in the first array of carriages other than the first carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location to the first transfer location being performed without moving any carriages in the second array of carriages other than the second carriage.

22. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first carriage is disposed in a first array of carriages which is disposed along a first edge portion of an array of transfer locations which includes the first transfer location and the second carriage is disposed in a second array of carriages which is disposed along a second edge portion of the array of transfer locations, the second edge portion of the array of transfer locations is disposed at a side of the array of transfer locations opposite from the first edge portion, moving each carriage in the first array of carriages along one track of a plurality of tracks which extend across the array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the second array of carriages along one track of the plurality of tracks so that one carriage in the first array of carriages and one carriage in the second array of carriages are moved along each of the tracks of the plurality of tracks.

23. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first carriage is disposed in a first array of carriages which is disposed along a first edge portion of an array of transfer locations which includes the first transfer location and the second carriage is disposed in a second array of carriages which is disposed along a second edge portion of the array of transfer locations, the second edge portion of the array of transfer locations is disposed at a side of the array of transfer locations opposite from the first edge portion, suspending each carriage in the first array of carriages from one track of a plurality of tracks which extend across the array of transfer locations, suspending each carriage in the second array of carriage in the second array of carriages from one track of the plurality of tracks so that one carriage in the first array of carriages and one carriage in the second array of carriages are suspended from each track of the plurality of tracks.

24. A method as set forth in claim 11 wherein the first carriage is disposed in a first array of carriages which is disposed along a first edge portion of a first array of transfer locations which includes the first transfer location and the second carriage is disposed in a second array of carriages which is disposed along a second edge portion of the first array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the first array of carriages along one track of a first plurality of tracks which extend across the first array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the second array of carriage along one track of the first plurality of tracks which extend across the first array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the second array of carriages along one track of the first plurality of tracks so that one carriage in the first array of carriages and one carriage in the second array of carriages are moved along each track of the first plurality of tracks, a third array of carriages is disposed above the second array carriages and is disposed along a first edge portion of a second array of transfer locations disposed above the first array of transfer locations, a fourth array of carriages is disposed above the second array second array of carriages and is disposed along a second edge portion of the second array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the third array of carriages along one track of the second plurality of tracks which extend across the second array of transfer locations, moving each carriage in the fourth array of carriages along one track of the second plurality of tracks so that one carriage in the third array of carriages and one carriage in the fourth array of carriages are moved along each track of the second plurality of tracks.

25. A method as set forth in claim 1 further including the steps of moving a second carriage from a second storage location disposed above the first storage location to a second transfer location disposed above the first transfer location, positioning a second tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the second transfer location, and moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location with the second tire disposed on the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the second tire disposed on the second carriage, the second carriage being movable between the second transfer location and the second storage location independently of movement of the first carriage between the first transfer location and the first storage location.

26. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location and moving the first carriage from the first transfer location are performed with the first carriage suspended above a floor, said steps of moving the second carriage from the second storage location and moving the second carriage from the second transfer location are performed with the second carriage suspended above the path along which the first carriage moves.

27. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location is performed with the central axis of the one tire extending through a first support member for the first carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location is performed with the central axis of the second tire extending through a support member for the second carriage and with the second support member disposed above the path along which the first carriage moves.

28. A method as set forth in claim 25 further including the steps of positioning a plurality of tires on the first carriage in a coaxial relationship with the one tire, said step of moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the central axis of the one tire includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along the axes of all the tires on the first carriage, and positioning a plurality of tires on the second carriage in a coaxial relationship with the second tire, said step of moving the second carriage along a path which extends along the central axis of the second tire includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along the axes of all the tires on the first carriage and is disposed above the path along which the first carriage moves.

29. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage includes moving the one tire along a path which extends transverse to the path along which the first carriage is moved from the first transfer location to the first storage location while the first carriage is disposed at the first transfer location, said step of positioning a second tire on the second carriage includes moving the second tire along a path which is disposed above the first transfer location and extends transverse to the path along which the second carriage is moved from the second transfer location to the second storage location.

30. A method as set forth in claim 25 further including the steps of maintaining the first carriage on which the one tire is disposed suspended from a first track disposed above the first carriage on which the one tire is disposed during movement of the first carriage on which the one tire is disposed between the first storage and first transfer locations, maintaining the second carriage on which the second tire is disposed suspended from a second track disposed above the first track and disposed above the second carriage on which the second tire is disposed during movement of the second carriage on which the second tire is disposed between the second storage and second transfer locations.

31. A method as set forth in claim 30 wherein said step of moving the first carriage between the first storage and first transfer locations includes maintaining the central axis of the one tire on the first carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the first track, said step of moving the second carriage between the second storage and second transfer locations includes maintaining the central axis of the second tire on the second carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the second track.

32. A method as set forth in claim 25 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the one tire in engagement with first and second support members which form part of the first carriage, said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location and from the first transfer location to the first storage location include moving the first carriage along a first path which extends parallel to longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members, said of positioning a second tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the second transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the second tire in engagement with third and fourth support members which form part of the second carriage, said steps of moving the second carriage from the second storage location to the second transfer location and from the second transfer location to the second storage location include moving the second carriage along a second path which is disposed above the first path and which extends parallel to longitudinal central axes of the third and fourth support members.

33. A method of storing tires, said method comprising the steps of moving a first carriage from a first storage location to a first transfer location while the first carriage is suspended above a floor, positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location and while the first carriage is suspended above the floor, and moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location with the one tire disposed on the first carriage while the first carriage is suspended above the floor.

34. A method as set forth in claim 33 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location is performed with a central axis of the one tire extending through a support member for the first carriage.

35. A method as set forth in claim 33 further including the step of positioning a plurality of tires on the first carriage in a coaxial relationship with the one tire while the first carriage is suspended above the floor, said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along central axes of all the tires on the first carriage.

36. A method as set forth in claim 33 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location while the first carriage is suspended above the floor includes maintaining the first carriage suspended from a track disposed above the first carriage and moving the first carriage along the track disposed above the first carriage.

37. A method as set forth in claim 36 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes maintaining a central axis of the one tire on the first carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the track disposed above the first carriage.

38. A method as set forth in claim 33 wherein said step of positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location includes positioning a tread portion of the one tire in engagement with first and second support members which form part of the first carriage, said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location and from the first transfer location to the first storage location include moving the first carriage along a path which extends parallel to longitudinal central axes of the first and second support members.

39. A method as set forth in claim 33 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the first carriage.

40. A method of storing tires, said method comprising the steps of providing a first array of storage locations and a first array of tire transfer locations disposed along one side of the first array of storage locations, providing a second array of storage locations above the first array of storage locations, providing a second array of transfer locations disposed along one side of the second array of storage locations and disposed above the first array of transfer locations, moving a first carriage from a first storage location in the first array of storage locations to a first transfer location in the first array of transfer locations, said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location includes moving the first carriage from a position beneath the second array of storage locations to a position beneath the second array of transfer locations, positioning at least one tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location, moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location with the one tire on the first carriage, said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage from a position beneath the second array of transfer locations to a position beneath the second array of storage locations, moving a second carriage from a second storage location in the second array of storage locations to a second transfer location in the second array of transfer locations, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location includes moving the second carriage from a position above the first array of storage locations to a position above the first array of transfer locations, positioning at least one tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the second transfer location, moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location with the one tire on the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage from a position above the first array of transfer locations to a position above the first array of storage locations.

41. A method as set forth in claim 40 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location includes moving the first carriage along a first track having a first portion disposed between the first and second arrays of storage locations and a second portion disposed between the first and second arrays of transfer locations, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location to the second transfer location includes moving the second carriage along a second track having a first portion disposed above the second array of storage locations and a second portion disposed above the second array of transfer locations.

42. A method as set forth in claim 41 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location is performed with the first carriage suspended from the first track, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location is performed with the second carriage suspended from the second track.

43. A method as set forth in claim 41 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes maintaining a central axis of the one tire on the first carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the first track, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location includes maintaining a central axis of the one tire on the second carriage parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the second track.

44. A method as set forth in claim 40 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the first carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the second carriage.

45. A method as set forth in claim 40 further including the step of providing a third array of storage locations disposed along a side of the first array of transfer locations opposite from the first array of storage locations, providing a fourth array of storage locations above the third array of storage locations and disposed along a side of the second array of transfer locations opposite from the second array of storage locations, moving a third carriage from a third storage location in the third array of storage locations toward the first array of storage locations to a third transfer location in the first array of transfer locations, said step of moving the third carriage from the third storage location includes moving the third carriage toward the first array of storage locations from a position beneath the fourth array of storage locations to a position beneath the second array of transfer locations, positioning at least one tire on the third carriage while the third carriage is at the third transfer location, moving the third carriage away from the first array of storage locations to the third storage location with the one tire on the third carriage, said step of moving the third carriage form the third transfer location to the third storage location includes moving the third carriage from a position beneath the second array of transfer locations to a position beneath the fourth array of storage locations, moving a fourth carriage from a fourth storage location in the fourth array of storage locations toward the second array of storage locations to a fourth transfer location in the second array of transfer locations, said step of moving the fourth carriage from the fourth storage location includes moving the fourth carriage toward the second array of storage locations from a position above the third array of storage locations to a position above the first array of transfer locations, positioning at least one tire on the fourth carriage while the fourth carriage is at the fourth transfer location, moving the fourth carriage away from the second array of storage locations to the fourth storage location with the one tire on the fourth carriage, said step of moving the fourth carriage from the fourth transfer location to the fourth storage location includes moving the fourth carriage from a position above the first array of transfer locations to a position above the third array of storage locations.

46. A method as set forth in claim 45 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location includes moving the first carriage along a first track having a first portion disposed between the first and second arrays of storage locations and a second portion disposed between the third and fourth arrays storage locations, said step of moving the first carriage along the first track is performed with the first carriage suspended from the first track, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location to the second transfer location includes moving the second carriage along a second track having a first portion disposed above the second array of storage locations and a second portion disposed above the fourth array of storage locations, said step of moving the second carriage along the second track is performed with the second carriage suspended from the second track, said step of moving the third carriage from the third storage location to the third transfer location includes moving the third carriage along a third track having a first portion disposed between said first and second arrays of storage locations and a second portion disposed between the third and fourth arrays of storage locations, said step of moving the third carriage along the third track is performed with the third carriage suspended from the third track, said step of moving the fourth carriage from the fourth storage location to the fourth transfer location includes moving the fourth carriage along a fourth track having a first portion disposed above said second array of storage locations and a second portion disposed above the fourth array of storage locations, said step of moving the fourth carriage along the fourth track is performed with the fourth carriage suspended from the fourth track.

47. A method as set forth in claim 46 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the first carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the second transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the second carriage, said step of moving the third carriage from the third transfer location to the third storage location includes moving the third carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the third carriage, said step of moving the fourth carriage from the fourth transfer location to the fourth storage location includes moving the fourth carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the one tire disposed on the fourth carriage.

48. A method of storing tires, said method comprising the steps of providing a first plurality of carriages which are movable between storage locations in a first array of storage locations and transfer locations in an array of transfer locations, providing a second plurality of carriages which are movable between storage locations in a second array of storage locations and the transfer locations in the array of transfer locations, the array of transfer locations being disposed between the first and second arrays of storage locations, moving a first carriage in the first plurality of carriages from a first storage location in the first array of storage locations to a first transfer location in the array of transfer locations while other carriages in the first plurality of carriages remain at storage locations in the first array of storage locations, said step of moving the first carriage from the first storage location in the first array of storage locations to the first transfer location includes moving the first carriage along a first track in a direction toward a second carriage in the second plurality of carriages while the second carriage is disposed at a second storage location in the second array of storage locations, positioning a first tire on the first carriage while the first carriage is at the first transfer location, moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location with the first tire disposed on the first carriage, said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along the first track in a direction away from the second carriage disposed at the second storage location in the second array of storage locations, thereafter, moving the second carriage in the second plurality of carriages from the second storage location in the second array of storage locations to the first transfer location in the array of transfer locations while other carriages in the second plurality of carriages remain at storage locations in the second array of storage locations, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location in the second array of storage locations to the first transfer location includes moving the second carriage along the first track in a direction toward the first carriage in the first plurality of carriages while the first carriage is disposed at the first storage location in the first array of storage locations, positioning a second tire on the second carriage while the second carriage is at the first transfer location, and moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location with the second tire disposed on the second carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along the first track in a direction away from the first carriage disposed at the first storage location in the first array of storage locations.

49. A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location includes moving the first carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the first tire disposed on the first carriage, said step of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location includes moving the second carriage along a path which extends along a central axis of the second tire disposed on the second carriage.

50. A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said steps of moving the first carriage from the first storage location to the first transfer location and of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location are performed with the first carriage suspended from the first track, said step of moving the second carriage from the second storage location to the first transfer location and of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location are performed with the second carriage suspended from the first track.

51. A method as set forth in claim 48 wherein said step of moving the first carriage from the first transfer location to the first storage location with the first tire disposed on the first carriage includes maintaining a central axis of the first tire parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the first track, said step of moving the second carriage from the first transfer location to the second storage location with the second tire disposed on the second carriage includes maintaining a central axis of the second tire parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the first track.

52. An apparatus for use in storing tires, said apparatus comprising a main frame, a plurality of spaced apart parallel tracks connected to said main frame, and a first plurality of carriages each of which is connected with one of said tracks and is movable along said one of said tracks, each of said carriages of said first plurality of carriages includes first and second tire support members which engage tread portions of tires to support the tires with central axes of the tires extending parallel to longitudinal central axes of said tracks.

53. An apparatus as set forth in claim 52 wherein each of said tire support members has a longitudinal central axis which extends parallel to longitudinal central axes of said tracks.

54. An apparatus as set forth in claim 52 wherein each of said carriages of said first plurality of carriages is suspended from one of said tracks of said plurality of tracks with lower portions of each of said carriages of said first plurality of carriages disposed above and spaced from a floor, said main frame being connected with and at least partially supported by the floor.

55. An apparatus as set forth in claim 52 further including a second plurality of carriages each of which is connected with one of said tracks and is movable along said one of said tracks, and a plurality of transfer locations disposed between said first plurality of carriages and said second plurality of carriages, each of said tracks extends across one of said transfer locations of said plurality of transfer locations.