U.S. patent application number 10/542130 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Space Saver Corporation. Invention is credited to Steve S. Dingle, Steven L. Janson, James C. Muth, Brian R. Nemec, Marvin L. Runge.
Application Number | 20060232174 10/542130 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33029939 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060232174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Muth; James C. ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
Variably configurable track-type mobile shelving system
Abstract
A mobile storage system includes a series of storage units that
include wheel assemblies that move on floor-mounted rails. The
storage units, wheel assemblies and rails are produced and shipped
in disassembled, knockdown kit form, and are assembled on-site in
either a lateral high density configuration or a pull-out high
density configuration. The user is able to selectively configure
the storage units, the wheel assemblies and the rails to provide
the desired configuration of the storage system.
Inventors: |
Muth; James C.; (Oconomowoc,
WI) ; Nemec; Brian R.; (Delavan, WI) ; Janson;
Steven L.; (Deerfield, WI) ; Runge; Marvin L.;
(Edgerton, WI) ; Dingle; Steve S.; (McFarland,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ, S.C.
250 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 1030
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Space Saver Corporation
Atkinson
WI
|
Family ID: |
33029939 |
Appl. No.: |
10/542130 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 12, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/07621 |
371 Date: |
December 19, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60454999 |
Mar 14, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/198 |
International
Class: |
A47B 53/00 20060101
A47B053/00 |
Claims
1. A storage system, comprising: a storage unit; a wheel
arrangement; and a guide arrangement including at least one rail;
wherein the storage unit, the wheel arrangement and the guide
arrangement comprise a set of components that are configured to be
transported together in a disassembled state to an installation
site including a support surface, and to be assembled at the
installation site, wherein the wheel arrangement is engaged with
the storage unit and wherein the at least one rail of the guide
arrangement is adapted to be secured to the support surface of the
installation site, and wherein the storage unit when assembled is
engageable with the at least one rail via the wheel arrangement to
provide movement of the storage unit on the at least one rail
relative to the support surface.
2. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a stop
arrangement configured to be transported together with the storage
unit, the wheel arrangement and the guide arrangement, wherein the
stop arrangement is interposed between the storage unit and the
rail to control the range of movement of the storage unit relative
to the rail.
3. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a retainer
arrangement configured to be transported together with the storage
unit, the wheel arrangement and the guide arrangement, wherein the
retainer arrangement is configured to be carried by the storage
unit and to selectively engage the rail to selectively maintain the
storage unit in position relative to the support surface.
4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the rail is adapted to be
adhesively secured to the support surface of the installation
site.
5. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the rail is adapted to be
adhesively secured to the support surface by means of an adhesive
interposed between the support surface and a facing engagement
surface defined by the rail.
6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein the adhesive comprises an
adhesive member secured to the engagement surface of the rail.
7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the wheel arrangement is
configured to be secured to the storage unit in either a first
orientation providing movement of the storage unit in a first
direction or a second orientation providing movement of the storage
unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and
wherein the rail can be engaged with the support surface so as to
guide movement of the storage unit in either the first direction or
the second direction.
8. The storage system of claim 7, wherein the wheel arrangement
comprises a series of wheel modules, wherein the storage unit
defines a series of lower corners and wherein the wheel modules are
configured for engagement with selected ones of the lower corners
of the storage unit so as to selectively orient the wheels to
provide movement of the storage unit in either the first direction
or the second direction.
9. A mobile storage system, comprising: a plurality of storage
units; a guide arrangement configured for engagement with a support
surface, wherein the guide arrangement includes at least one guide
rail for each storage unit; and a series of wheeled members
interposed between each storage unit and the guide arrangement,
wherein each storage unit and its associated wheeled members
include a cooperative positioning arrangement configured to
position the wheeled members relative to the storage unit in either
a first orientation or a second orientation, and wherein the guide
rails are adapted to be engaged with the support surface such that
movement of the storage units on the guide rails provides movement
of the storage units in a first direction when the wheeled members
are in the first orientation or in a second direction transverse to
the first direction when the wheeled members are in the second
orientation.
10. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein the storage unit,
the wheeled members and the guide arrangement comprise a set of
components that are configured to be transported together in a
disassembled state to an installation site including the support
surface, and to be assembled at the installation site wherein the
at least one rail of the guide arrangement is adapted to be secured
to the support surface of the installation site, and wherein the
storage unit when assembled is engageable with the at least one
rail via the wheeled members to provide movement of the storage
unit on the at least one rail relative to the support surface.
11. The mobile storage system of claim 10, wherein the rail is
adapted to be adhesively secured to the support surface of the
installation site.
12. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein each wheeled
member comprises a wheel secured to a mounting member, wherein the
mounting member forms a part of the cooperative positioning
arrangement and is configured to be engaged with the storage unit
in so as to orient the wheel in either the first orientation or the
second orientation.
13. The mobile storage system of claim 12, wherein the wheel is
rotatably secured to the mounting member in a fixed location and
wherein the storage unit defines a series of lower corners, wherein
the mounting member is configured for engagement with a selected
one of the lower corners of the storage unit so as to selectively
orient the wheel in either the first orientation or the second
orientation.
14. A method of constructing a mobile storage system, comprising
the acts of: providing one or more storage units; providing a guide
arrangement including at least one rail member; securing the guide
arrangement to a support surface; and mounting a series of wheel
members to each storage unit, wherein at least a pair of the wheel
members are configured to engage the rail member to provide guided
movement of the storage unit relative to the support surface,
wherein the steps of securing the guide arrangement to the support
surface and mounting the wheel members to each storage unit are
carried out by selecting either a first orientation in which the
wheel members and the rail member provide movement of the storage
unit in a first direction, or a second orientation in which the
wheel members and the rail member provide movement of the storage
unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of providing one or
more storage units comprises providing a series of storage units
and at least one rail member for each storage unit, and wherein the
step of securing the guide arrangement to the support surface is
carried out by either positioning the rail members in an end-to-end
configuration in which adjacent rail members are aligned so as to
provide lateral movement of the storage units toward and away from
each other, or in a spaced apart configuration in which adjacent
rail members are parallel to each other so as to provide axial
movement of each storage unit between an extended position and a
retracted position relative to the adjacent storage units.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of securing the guide
arrangement to the support surface is carried out by adhesively
securing the rail members to the support surface.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of mounting a series
of wheel members to each storage unit is carried out so that the
wheel members face in either a first direction for the first
orientation or in a second direction for the second
orientation.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein each wheel member comprises a
wheel rotatably secured to a mounting member, and wherein the step
of mounting the series of wheel members to each storage unit is
carried out by engaging the mounting members to the storage unit to
selectively position the wheel members to face in either the first
direction or the second direction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the storage unit defines a
series of lower corners, and wherein the step of engaging the
mounting members to the storage unit is carried out by engaging the
mounting members with selected ones of the lower corners of the
storage unit so as to selectively position the wheel members to
face in either the first direction or the second direction.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of
positioning a stop arrangement between the rail members and the
storage units for controlling movement of the storage units
relative to the rail members.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of positioning a stop
arrangement between the rail members and the storage units is
carried out when the rail members are in the end-to-end
configuration by securing a stop member to each of a pair of spaced
ends defined by the end-to-end rail members, wherein each stop
member engages a wheel member of an endmost one of the storage
units to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit when the
storage unit attains a predetermined position relative to the rail
member.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of positioning a stop
arrangement between the rail members and the storage units is
carried out when the rail members are in the spaced apart
configuration by engaging a stop member between a pair of adjacent
rail members that support each storage unit, wherein the stop
member is configured to engage the storage unit when the storage
unit is moved to a predetermined extended position relative to the
rail members.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the rail members and the stop
member are configured such that a rearward pair of the wheel
members of the storage unit remain in engagement with the rail
members and a forward pair of wheel members are moved off the rail
members and onto the support surface when the storage unit is moved
to the extended position, and wherein the forward end of each rail
member includes a wheel guide for moving the forward wheel members
onto the rail members when the storage unit is moved from the
extended position to the retracted position.
24. A kit of components for constructing a mobile storage system,
comprising: a series of storage unit components adapted to be
assembled to construct a storage unit; a guide arrangement
including at least one rail member, wherein the guide arrangement
is configured to engage a support surface such as a floor; and a
series of wheel members, wherein the wheel members are configured
to be mounted to the storage unit and are adapted to engage the at
least one rail member for providing guided movement of the storage
unit relative to the support surface.
25. The kit of components of claim 24, wherein the storage unit
components, the guide arrangement and the series of wheel members
comprise a set of components that are configured to be transported
together in a disassembled state to an installation site including
the support surface, and to be assembled at the installation site,
wherein the series of wheel members are engaged with the storage
unit and wherein the at least one rail member of the guide
arrangement is adapted to be secured to the support surface of the
installation site, and wherein the storage unit when assembled is
engageable with the rail member via the series of wheel members to
provide movement of the storage unit on the rail member relative to
the support surface.
26. The kit of components of claim 25, further comprising a stop
member configured to be assembled to the rail member to control the
range of movement of the storage unit relative to the rail
member.
27. The kit of components of claim 26, further comprising a
retainer member configured to be assembled to the storage unit,
wherein the retainer member is adapted to engage the rail member
for selectively maintaining the position of the storage unit
relative to the rail member.
28. The kit of components of claim 24, wherein the rail member is
adapted to be secured to the support surface by either positioning
the rail member in an end-to-end relationship relative to rail
members of adjacent storage units, so that the adjacent rail
members are aligned to provide lateral movement of the storage
units toward and away from each other, or in a spaced apart
configuration in which adjacent rail members are parallel to each
other so as to provide axial movement of each storage unit between
an extended position and a retracted position relative to the
adjacent storage units.
29. The kit of components of claim 28, wherein the rail member is
adapted to be secured to the support surface by means of an
adhesive interposed between the support surface and a facing
engagement surface defined by the rail member.
30. The kit of components of claim 28, wherein each wheel member
comprises a wheel rotatably secured to a mounting member, and
wherein the wheel members are adapted to be mounted to the storage
unit by engaging the mounting members to the storage unit to
selectively position the wheel members to face in either a first
direction or a second direction according to the desired direction
of movement of the storage unit on the rail members.
31. The kit of components of claim 30, wherein the storage unit
defines a series of lower corners when assembled, and wherein the
mounting members are adapted to be secured to the storage unit by
engaging the mounting members with selected ones of the lower
corners of the storage unit so as to selectively position the wheel
members to face in either the first direction or the second
direction.
32. A method of constructing a mobile storage system including a
series of storage units and a rail arrangement adapted to be
secured to a support surface such as a floor for providing guided
movement of the storage units relative to the support surface,
comprising the step of selecting either a first configuration in
which the storage units move laterally toward and away from each
other to selectively create a space between adjacent storage units,
or a second configuration in which the storage units move axially
between a retracted position and an extended position, and
selectively configuring the storage units and securing the rail
arrangement to the support surface so as to provide either the
first configuration or the second configuration.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of selectively
configuring the storage units is carried out by selecting a desired
position for a series of wheel members, and securing the wheel
members to the storage unit in the desired position.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein each wheel member comprises a
wheel rotatably engaged with a mounting member, and wherein the
step of securing the wheel members to the storage unit in the
desired position is carried out by selectively orienting the
mounting member in a desired position relative to the storage unit,
and securing the mounting member to the storage unit.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the storage unit defines a
series of lower corners, and wherein the step of securing each
mounting member to the storage unit is carried out by engaging the
mounting member with a selected one of the lower corners of the
storage unit so as to selectively position the wheel members to
face in either a first direction or a second direction.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein the storage unit, the wheel
members and the rail arrangement comprise a set of components that
are configured to be transported together in a disassembled state
to an installation site including the support surface, and to be
assembled at the installation site wherein the rail arrangement is
adapted to be secured to the support surface of the installation
site, and wherein the storage unit when assembled is engageable
with the at least one rail via the wheel members to provide
movement of the storage unit on the rail arrangement relative to
the support surface.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of securing the rail
arrangement to the support surface is carried out by positioning
rail members defined by the rail arrangement in either an
end-to-end relationship to provide the first configuration, or in a
spaced apart, parallel relationship to provide the second
configuration.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the step of securing the rail
arrangement to the support surface is carried out by means of an
adhesive interposed between the rail members and the support
surface.
39. The method of claim 37, further comprising the step of
interconnecting a stop arrangement with the rail arrangement to
control the movement of the storage units on the rail
arrangement.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of interconnecting a
stop arrangement with the rail arrangement is carried out in the
first configuration by securing a stop member to each of a pair of
spaced apart ends defined by the end-to-end rail members, wherein
each stop member is configured to engage at least one of the wheel
members of and endmost one of the storage units to maintain the
wheel members of the endmost storage unit on the rail member to
which the stop member is secured.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the step of interconnecting a
stop arrangement with the rail arrangement is carried out in the
second configuration by securing a stop member to an end area
defined by each of a pair of adjacent rail members to which each
storage unit is mounted, wherein the stop member is configured to
maintain a rearward set of wheel members associated with the
storage unit in engagement with the pair of adjacent rail members
and to enable a forward set of wheel members associated with the
storage unit to move off the adjacent rail members onto the
supporting surface when the storage unit is moved to the extended
position from the retracted position.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a storage system, and more
particularly to a high density storage system that can be assembled
on-site in different configurations.
[0002] High density storage systems are well known, and typically
include a series of storage units such as shelves, file cabinets or
the like that are movable so as to eliminate the presence of an
isle between adjacent storage units, thereby reducing the amount of
space occupied by the storage system. In a lateral configuration,
the storage units are movably mounted to a pair of spaced apart
rails, so that storage units can be moved laterally toward and away
from each other so as to selectively create an isle between
adjacent storage units when it is desired to gain access to the
items supported by the storage units. In a pull-out configuration,
the storage units are positioned side-by-side, and each storage
unit is mounted to a pair of rails for movement between an extended
position and a retracted position. When it is desired to gain
access to the contents of one of the storage units, the storage
unit is moved to its extended position while the adjacent storage
units remain in the retracted position, to expose the contents of
the extended storage unit.
[0003] Typically, high density lateral storage systems involve the
use of a wheeled carriage or base, which includes a frame and other
structural components to which the storage unit is mounted. The
carriage or base is then engaged with floor-mounted rails, which
typically are embedded in or otherwise permanently mounted to a
floor. In a pull-out system, the base may include wheels which
directly engage the floor so as to provide movement of the storage
unit. Alternatively, the base may include a slide-type arrangement
for providing cantilevered support of the storage unit when in the
extended position.
[0004] Various types of high density lateral and pull-out storage
systems, as described above, are available from Spacesaver
Corporation of Fort Atkinson, Wis. Representative applications of
storage systems of this type include office, institutional and
educational environments, wherein large quantities of dense objects
such as papers, files, books, etc. are contained on the storage
units. Such storage systems have a relatively heavy duty
construction, and are installed and maintained by skilled, trained
workers.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a high
density storage system which is well suited for light duty use,
e.g., in a residential application, to contain items typically
stored in a basement, garage or the like. It is a further object of
the invention to provide such a storage system which can be
produced, shipped and sold in knock-down form, and which can then
be assembled on site using a minimal number of tools. It is a
further object of the invention to provide such a storage system
which is relatively simple in its components and construction, to
provide ease of assembly and installation. Yet another object of
the invention is to provide such a storage system in which the
storage units can either be configured to move laterally toward and
away from each other, or in which the storage units can be moved
axially between extended and retracted positions.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a storage
system includes a storage unit, a wheel arrangement and a guide
arrangement including at least one rail. The storage unit, the
wheel arrangement and the guide arrangement are constructed from
components that are configured to be transported together in a
disassembled state to an installation site that includes a support
surface, and to be assembled at the installation site. Assembly of
the system involves engaging the wheel arrangement with the storage
unit and securing the rail of the guide arrangement to the support
surface. When the storage unit is assembled, the wheel engagement
is engageable with the rail to provide movement of the storage unit
relative to the support surface. The wheel arrangement can be
secured to the storage unit in either a first orientation so as to
provide movement of the storage unit in a first direction, or in a
second orientation so as to provide movement of the storage unit in
a second direction transverse to the first direction. The rail is
adapted to be engaged with the support surface so as to guide
movement of the storage unit in either the first direction or the
second direction.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a mobile storage system includes a series of storage units, a guide
arrangement configured for engagement with a support surface and
including at least one guide rail, and a series of wheeled members
that are interposed between each storage unit and the guide
arrangement. Each storage unit and its associated wheeled members
include a cooperative positioning arrangement to position the
wheeled members in either a first orientation or a second
orientation, according to the desired direction of movement of the
storage unit. The guide rails are engaged with the support surface
in a desired orientation that provides movement of the storage
units on the guide rail in either a first direction or in a second
direction, according to the orientation of the wheeled members.
[0008] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a method of constructing a mobile storage system includes the acts
of providing one or more storage units as well as a guide
arrangement including at least one rail member, and securing the
guide arrangement to a support surface. The method further involves
mounting a series of wheel members to each storage unit, with the
wheel members being configured to engage the rail members to
provide guided movement of the storage unit relative to the support
surface. The steps of securing the guide arrangement to-the support
surface and mounting the wheel members to the storage unit are
carried out by selecting either a first orientation in which the
wheel members and the rail members provide movement of the storage
unit in a first direction, or a second orientation in which the
wheel members and the rail member provide movement of the storage
unit in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
[0009] The invention further contemplates a kit of components for
constructing a mobile storage system. The kit of components
includes a series of storage unit components that are adapted to be
assembled to construct a storage unit, a guide arrangement
including at least one rail member which is configured to engage a
support surface, and a series of wheel members which are configured
to be mounted to the storage unit and to engage the rail member for
providing guided movement of the storage unit relative to the
support surface. The storage unit components, the guide arrangement
and the wheel members are in the form of a set of components that
are transported together in a disassembled state to an installation
site, and to be assembled at the installation site. The rail member
is adapted to be secured to the support surface by either
positioning the rail member in an end-to-end relationship relative
to rail members of adjacent storage units, to provide lateral
movement of the storage units toward and away from each other, or
in a spaced apart configuration in which adjacent rail members are
parallel to each other to provide axial movement of the storage
units between an extended position and a retracted position.
[0010] The present invention further contemplates a method of
constructing a mobile storage system including a series of storage
units and a rail arrangement, by selecting either a first
configuration in which the storage units move laterally toward and
away from each other to selectively create a space between adjacent
storage units, or a second configuration in which the storage units
move axially between a retracted position and an extended position.
The method involves selectively configuring the storage units and
securing the rail arrangement to the support surface so as to
provide either the first configuration or the second
configuration.
[0011] The various aspects of the invention can be carried out
separately and independently, and each provides an improved
feature, construction or installation of a mobile storage system.
The aspects of the invention may also be used in various
sub-combinations or altogether, to provide the desired set of
features or advantages for a mobile storage system.
[0012] Various other features, objects and advantages of the
invention will be made apparent from the following description
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated
of carrying out the invention.
[0014] In the drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of storage system in accordance
with the present invention, in which the storage units are
laterally movable so as to selectively create a space between
adjacent storage units;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of one of the storage units
incorporated in the storage system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial isometric view showing a
portion of the lower end of the storage unit of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view showing a lower portion
of the storage unit of FIG. 2 and a pair of guide rails for guiding
movement of the storage unit;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the components of
the storage unit of FIG. 2 and its associated guide rails as shown
in FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a partial isometric view showing corner post
members, a splice member and support members incorporated in the
storage unit of FIG. 4;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference
to line 8-8 of FIG. 5;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial isometric view with reference
to line 9-9 of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded isometric view showing a rail member
as in FIG. 4 and an adhesive strip for mounting the rail member to
a support surface;
[0025] FIG. 11 is an end elevation view of the rail member,
adhesive strip and support surface of FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a partial section view with reference to line
12-12 of FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the rail member of FIG.
10;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a series of rail members
placed in an end-to-end relationship for guiding movement of the
storage units of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view showing a splice
arrangement for securing adjacent rail members together, as shown
in FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 15, showing the adjacent
rail members secured together;
[0031] FIG. 17 is an exploded partial isometric view showing a stop
member adapted for engagement with an end area of an endmost one of
the rail members as in FIG. 14, for controlling the range of
movement of the storage units relative to the rail members;
[0032] FIG. 18 is an isometric view showing the stop member and
rail member of FIG. 17 assembled together;
[0033] FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the stop member and rail
member end portion as in FIG. 18, from an opposite angle;
[0034] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the stop member of FIGS.
17-19;
[0035] FIG. 21 is an elevation view of the stop member of FIGS.
17-20;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a partial exploded isometric view showing a lower
portion of one of the storage units as in FIG. 1, together with
wheel members adapted to be secured to the lower corners of the
storage unit for engagement with the rail members as in FIG. 14 to
provide movement of the storage unit on the rail members;
[0037] FIG. 23 is an exploded isometric view showing the components
of one of the wheel members of FIG. 22, with reference to line
23-23 of FIG. 22;
[0038] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an assembled one of the
wheel members of FIG. 22, with reference to line 24-24 of FIG.
22;
[0039] FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a mounting member incorporated
in one of the wheel members shown in FIGS. 22-24;
[0040] FIG. 26 is an elevation view of a bumper member incorporated
into the wheel member of FIGS. 22-24;
[0041] FIG. 27 is a transverse section view through the wheel
member of FIG. 24;
[0042] FIG. 28 is a partial isometric view illustrating a retainer
arrangement incorporated in each storage unit as in FIG. 1 for
selectively maintaining the storage unit in a predetermined
position along the length of the rail members, and showing the
retainer arrangement in a raised, disengaged position;
[0043] FIG. 29 is a view simile to FIG. 28, showing the retainer
arrangement in a lowered, engaged position;
[0044] FIG. 30 is a partial section view taken along line 30-30 of
FIG. 29;
[0045] FIG. 31 is an exploded isometric view illustrating the
components of the retainer arrangement of FIGS. 28 and 29;
[0046] FIG. 32 is a rear elevation view of a handle member
incorporated in the retainer arrangement of FIGS. 28 and 29;
[0047] FIG. 33 is an end elevation view of the handle member of
FIG. 32;
[0048] FIG. 34 is a plan view illustrating one of the wheel members
as in FIG. 24 and the location of a latch member incorporated in
the retainer arrangement of FIGS. 28 and 29 relative to the wheel
member;
[0049] FIG. 35 is a partial elevation view showing the wheel
member, rail member and latch member of FIG. 34;
[0050] FIG. 36 is an isometric view of a storage system in
accordance with the present invention, in which the storage units
are axially movable between an extended position and a retracted
position;
[0051] FIG. 37 is an isometric view of one of the storage units
incorporated in the storage system of FIG. 36;
[0052] FIG. 38 is an exploded isometric view showing a storage unit
as in FIGS. 36 and 37, together with the associated guide rails for
guiding movement of the storage unit between the extended and
retracted positions;
[0053] FIG. 39 is an exploded isometric view showing the components
of the storage unit and the guide rails of FIG. 38;
[0054] FIG. 40 is an exploded isometric view of one of the wheel
members illustrated in FIG. 39, with reference to line 40-40 of
FIG. 39;
[0055] FIG. 41 is a partial isometric view of an outer end guide
member adapted to be secured to one of the guide rails as shown in
FIGS. 38 and 39;
[0056] FIG. 42 is an isometric view of the outer end guide member
of FIG. 41 from an opposite angle;
[0057] FIG. 43 is a top plan view of the outer end guide member of
FIGS. 41 and 42;
[0058] FIG. 44 is an elevation view of an outer end guide member of
FIGS. 41-43;
[0059] FIG. 45 is a partial isometric view showing guide rails for
adjacent storage units as in FIG. 36, with a stop member for
selectively preventing movement of the storage unit beyond its
extended positions;
[0060] FIG. 46 is a partial isometric view showing outer end
portions of a pair of adjacent guide rails as in FIG. 45, with the
stop member extending therebetween;
[0061] FIG. 47 is an elevation view of the stop member illustrated
in FIG. 46; and
[0062] FIG. 48 is a partial section view taken along line 48-48 of
FIG. 46.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, a mobile storage system 50 generally
includes a series of storage units, representatively illustrated at
52a, 52b and 52c, that are movable on rails, shown at 54. FIG. 1
shows storage system 50 in a first configuration, in which storage
units 52a, 52b and 52c are laterally movable toward and away from
each other, in the direction of arrow 56, to selectively create an
aisle or space A between adjacent storage units so as to provide
access to items contained on the storage units.
[0064] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates the construction of
storage units 52a, 52b and 52c. As shown in FIG. 2, storage unit
52a includes a series of corner members or posts 58, in combination
with side support members 60 and end support members 62 that extend
between and interconnect corner members 58. Side support members 60
and end support members 62 cooperate to support a series of shelves
64, which are adapted to support articles and items to be stored,
in a manner as is known.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a pair of wheel assemblies 66 are
mounted to opposite corners of storage 52a, and a pair of wheel
assemblies 68 are mounted to the other opposite corners of storage
unit 52a. Wheel assemblies 66 and 68 include wheels that engage
rails 54, to provide guided movement of storage unit 52a on rails
54.
[0066] Each of storage units 52a, 52b and 52c is manufactured and
shipped in knock-down, disassembled kit form, including the
components illustrated in FIG. 5. The dissembled components, shown
in FIG. 5 are packaged together and are assembled on site where the
storage unit is to be installed. In this manner, the storage units
such as 52a, 52b and 52c are adapted produced and sold through
retail outlets, and to be purchased by individual consumers for
residential or other light duty applications.
[0067] The kit of disassembled components illustrated in FIG. 5,
which are adapted to be assembled together to construct a storage
unit such as 52a, 52b or 52c, include corner member sections 72 and
74, which are connected together in end-to-end fashion using splice
members 76, to form corner members 58. The components of FIG. 5
further include side support members 60 and end support members 62,
as well as shelves 64 and wheel assemblies 66 and 68. The
components of FIG. 5 further include a pair of rail members, shown
at 54a, as well as a pair of end stops 78 and a series of splice
plates 80. In addition, the kit of dissembled components includes a
latch handle 82 and a latch member 84, the assembly and operation
of which will later be explained.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, corner member 58 of each storage
unit, such as 52a, is formed by securing corner member sections 72
and 74 together using splice member 76. In accordance with
conventional construction, corner member sections 72 and 74 have a
cross section defining a pair of legs orientated perpendicular to
each other. Rectangular mounting apertures 86 are formed in the
legs of corner member sections 72 and 74 at predetermined
increments along the length of each leg. An opening 88 is located
adjacent each aperture 86.
[0069] Splice member 76 has a cross section that corresponds to the
cross section of corner member sections 72 and 74. To construct a
corner member 58, corner member sections 72 and 74 are positioned
such that the lower end of upper section 72 abuts the upper end of
lower section 74. Splice member 76 is then placed over the joint
between corner member sections 72 and 74, and is secured in place
using conventional threaded fasteners that extend through selected
openings 88 adjacent the joint between corner member sections 72
and 74.
[0070] Side support members 60 and end support members 62 have a
generally channel-shaped construction, wherein each defines an
upper flange, a lower flange and a vertical web extending
therebetween. The vertical web of each of side and end support
members 60, 62, respectively, includes an extension that is
engageable with one of corner members 58 via a pair of vertically
aligned tabs 90 that are shaped so as to allow the tab 90 to pass
through one of apertures 86. Apertures 86 have a downward taper,
and each aperture 86 is configured to receive one of tabs 90.
Application of a downward force to the support member 60, 62 then
results in an interference or wedge fit between the upper area of
the tab 90 and the lower edge of the opening 86 through which the
tab 90 extends. With this arrangement, the side and end support
members 60, 62, respectively, may be secured to a corner member 58
in any desired vertical position, according to the desired
elevation of the shelf 64 to be supported by the support members
60, 62. An opening 91 is formed in the end of each support member
60, 62 between tabs 90. If desired, a fastener may be inserted
through opening 91 and the aligned opening 88 in corner member
section 72 or 74, to maintain the support member in position.
[0071] Shelves 64 are configured to be received within the internal
area defined by corner members 58, and to engage the upper surfaces
of the upper flanges of side and end support members 60, 62,
respectively. The upper pair of shelves 64 each have corners
defined by perpendicular edges, as shown in FIG. 8. The lower pair
of shelves 64 each include a bevel 92 (FIG. 9) at one corner, to
provide clearance for latch member 82 when assembled to a selected
one of corner members 58.
[0072] It can thus be appreciated that a storage unit, such as 52a,
can be constructed from components shipped in disassembled kit form
and assembled on site in the location at which the storage unit is
being installed. Assembly of the storage unit can be accomplished
by following a simple set of directions provided with the kit of
components, using a minimal number of tools.
[0073] Each of rails 54 is constructed from a series of identically
constructed rail members, such as 54a as shown in FIGS. 10-13. Each
rail member 54a is adapted for engagement with a support surface S
such as a floor, and includes a central channel 96 defined by a
bottom wall 98 and a pair of sidewalls 100. A top wall 102 extends
outwardly from each sidewall 100 and is orientated generally
parallel to bottom wall 98. An angled outer wall 104 extends
outwardly and downwardly from the outer end of each top wall 102.
Each top wall 102 includes a series of spaced apart apertures 106
along its length. Apertures 106 are positioned at equally spaced
intervals along the length of rail member 54a, and are located in
top walls 102 such that each set of apertures 106 in top walls 102
is aligned. In addition, outer walls 104 include a pair of openings
108 adjacent each end of rail member 54a.
[0074] Rail member 54a may be secured to support surface S in any
satisfactory manner. In the illustrated embodiment, rail member 54a
is secured to support surface S via an adhesive member, in the form
of an adhesive strip 110, which is interposed between the underside
of channel bottom wall 98 and support surface S. Adhesive strip 110
includes a carrier 112 and upper and lower adhesive layers 114,
116, respectively, in a manner as is known. Adhesive strip 110 has
a length that corresponds to the length of rail member 54a, and may
either be shipped separately and applied to bottom wall 98 on site,
or may be pre-applied to bottom wall 98 during manufacture.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 14, a series of rail members 54a, 54b and
54c may be assembled in end-to-end relationship, to form rails 54.
The adjacent rail members are connected together via splice members
118, and an end stop 78 is secured to the end of each end most rail
member, such as rail members 54a and 54c.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the adjacent rail members,
such as rail members 54a and 54b, are adapted to be placed in
alignment with each other and in an end-to-end relationship, so
that the ends of rail members 54a, 54b abut each other. Splice
members 118 are positioned so as to overlap the end areas of outer
walls 104, and include a series of aligned openings 122 that are
positioned so as to be in alignment with outer wall openings 108
when rail members 54a, 54b are in aligned, abutting relationship.
Fasteners 124, which may be in the form of self-tapping screws,
extend through splice member openings 122 and into outer wall
openings 108, for securing rail members 54a, 54b together. Splice
members 118 and outer walls 104 are configured to secure rail
members 54a, 54b together without interfering with the rail member
channels 96 or top walls 102 and the top wall apertures 106.
[0077] Referring to FIGS. 17-21, each end stop 78 includes an upper
wall 126 and a pair of outer walls 128, which have an angular
relationship similar to that of rail member top walls 102 and 104.
End stop upper wall 126 includes a pair of laterally aligned
openings 130 configured similarly to rail member openings 106, as
well as a central recess 132 within which a depending tab 134 is
located. Each outer wall 128 includes a pair of spaced apart
openings 136.
[0078] End stop 78 is engaged with the rail member end by
positioning end stop 78 over the rail member end such that upper
wall 126 overlies rail member top walls 102 and outer walls 128
overlie rail member outer walls 104. Tab 134 is configured to
extend into channel 96, and end stop 78 is positioned so that
openings 130 are aligned with the endmost set of rail member
openings 106 and outer wall openings 136 are aligned with outer
wall openings 108 of rail member 54a. Fasteners, such as
self-tapping screws 138, extend through openings 136 and into
openings 108 for securing end stop 78 to rail 54a.
[0079] FIGS. 22-25 illustrate the construction of wheel assemblies
66, two of which are mounted to opposite lower corners of each
storage unit, such as 52a. Wheel assembly 66 includes a mounting
bracket 142, which includes a bottom wall 144 and a pair of
generally perpendicular upstanding sidewalls 146, 148 that include
respective openings 150, 152. Bottom wall 144 includes a wheel
opening 154, and a pair of mounting ears 156 extend upwardly from
bottom wall 144 at wheel opening 154. Ears 156 define aligned axial
openings 158.
[0080] A wheel 160 is adapted to be positioned within wheel opening
154 and rotatably mounted to and between ears 156. Wheel 160
includes an outer annular rim 162 engaged with a bearing assembly
164. A pair of bushings 166 define reduced diameter inner portions
that are received within and engaged with the inner race of bearing
assembly 164, such that rim 162, bearing assembly 164 and bushings
166 define a wheel subassembly adapted for engagement with mounting
bracket 142. Bushings 166 define aligned passages 168, and are
configured to be positioned between ears 156 so that passages 168
are in alignment with axial openings 158 defined by ears 156. An
axle 170 extends through openings 158 and bushing passages 168, to
rotatably mount wheel 160 to mounting bracket 142. Axle 170
includes a head 172 which engages one of ears 156. The opposite end
of axle 170 includes a transverse passage 174. Axle 170 has a
length sufficient to locate passage 174 outwardly of the opposite
ear 156, and a pin 176 extends through axial passage 174 to retain
axle 170 and wheel 160 in engagement with ears 156,and thereby with
mounting bracket 142. Wheel 160 may be secured to mounting bracket
142 during manufacture, or alternatively may be assembled on site
by the end user.
[0081] Wheel assembly 66 is mounted to one of a pair of opposite
corners defined by the lower end of storage unit 52a by placing
wheel assembly 66 such that its sidewalls 146, 148 engage the end
area of one of side support members 60 and one of end support
members 62 at the lower end of storage unit 52a, as well as the
lower end of corner member section 74. A fastener, such as a screw
178, extends through opening 152 in bracket sidewall 148, and
through an aligned one of end support member openings 91 and an
aligned one of openings 88 in corner member section 74. A nut 180
is engaged with the threads of screw 178. Similarly, a fastener
such as a screw 182 extends through opening 150 in bracket sidewall
146, and through an aligned opening 91 in the end of side support
member 60 and in the other leg of corner member section 74, for
engagement with a nut 184. Screw 182 extends through a passage in a
bumper 186, to mount bumper 186 to mounting bracket sidewall 146.
As shown in FIG. 26, bumper 186 includes a passage 188 through
which the shank of screw 182 extends, as well as a recess 190
within which the head of screw 182 is received,
[0082] Each wheel assembly 68 is constructed similarly to wheel
assembly 66, and is mounted to one of the corners of storage unit
52a opposite a wheel assembly 66 in the same manner as described
with respect to wheel assembly 66. The mounting bracket of each
wheel assembly 68 is constructed similarly to the mounting bracket
of wheel assembly 66, which enables the wheel assembly 68 to be
mounted to a corner at the same side as one of wheel assemblies 66.
The mounting bracket of each wheel assembly 68 is configured such
that its associated wheel is oriented perpendicular to the wheel
160 of wheel assembly 66, so that the wheels of wheel assemblies
66, 68 are positioned in alignment with each other when wheel
assemblies 66, 68 are mounted to the storage unit.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 27, the wheel rim 162 of each wheel 160 is
configured to be received within the channel 96 of each track 54,
so as to provide guided movement of the storage units along the
length of tracks 54.
[0084] FIGS. 28-33 illustrate a retainer or latch arrangement
associated with the each of storage units 52a-52c for selectively
maintaining the position of the storage unit on rails 54. The
retainer or latch arrangement generally includes latch handle 82,
which controls movement of latch rod 84, the lower end of which is
selectively engaged within one of the rail openings 106 to
selectively prevent movement of the storage unit relative to the
rail.
[0085] Latch handle 82 includes an inner mounting section 198 and
an outer hand grip section 200 including a hand hole 202. Mounting
section 198 is movably mounted to one of splice members 76, for
movement between a lowered, engaged position as shown in FIG. 28
and a raised, disengaged position as shown in FIG. 29. Referring to
FIG. 31, mounting section 198 of latch handle 82 includes a pair of
vertically aligned slots 204, which are in alignment with the
openings in one of the legs of splice member 76. A pair of shoulder
bolts 206 are inserted into openings 204, such that the threaded
shank of each shoulder bolt 206 extends through the splice member
opening and the aligned corner member opening, for engagement with
a nut 208. The shoulder section of each shoulder bolt 206 is
positioned within the slot 204, so as to provide the dual function
of securing splice member 76 in position and mounting latch handle
82 to splice member 76 for movement between the raised, disengaged
position and the lowered engaged position. A latch mounting tab 210
extends from the inner edge of mounting section 198. When latch
handle 82 is secured in position on splice member 76, latch
mounting tab 210 extends inwardly from the inner surface of the
corner member legs to which splice member 76 is mounted.
[0086] Latch mounting tab 210 includes an opening 212. Latch rod 84
defines an inverted L-shape, including an upper mounting section
214 that extends laterally relative to the remainder of the length
of latch rod 84. Mounting section 214 extends through opening 212
in latch mounting tab 210. The remainder of the length of latch
member 84 extends vertically, and is positioned adjacent the inside
corner defined by corner member 58. The bevels 92 at the corners of
the bottom shelves 64 provide clearance for latch rod 84.
[0087] With this construction, latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 are
subjected to a gravity bias that tends to place latch handle 82 and
latch rod 84 in the lowered, operative position of FIG. 29. When
latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 are in this position, the lower
end of latch rod 84 extends through one of openings 106 in rail 54,
to prevent movement of the storage unit 52 relative to the rail 54.
When it is desired to move the storage unit 52, the user grasps
hand grip section 200 of latch handle 82, and applies a vertical
upward force as shown in FIG. 28 so as to move latch handle 82 and
latch rod 84 to the raised, inoperative position in which the lower
end of latch rod 84 is disengaged from opening 106 in rail 54. The
user maintains latch handle 82 and latch rod 84 in the raised,
disengaged position during movement of the storage unit 52.
Thereafter, the user releases latch handle 82 so as to allow latch
handle 82 and latch rod 84 to be moved to the lowered, engaged
position under the influence of the gravity bias, to allow the
lower end of latch rod 84 to be engaged within one of openings 106.
This functions to maintain the storage unit 52 in the desired
position.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 34 and 35, the mounting bracket of each
wheel assembly, such as mounting bracket 142' of wheel assembly 68,
includes an aperture 216 through which the lower end of latch rod
84 extends. Aperture 216 acts as a guide for the lower end of latch
rod 84 during movement of latch rod 84 between the lowered, engaged
position as shown in solid lines of FIG. 35, and the raised,
disengaged position as shown in phantom in FIG. 35.
[0089] FIG. 36 illustrates an alternative configuration for storage
system 50, in which the storage units such as 52a, 52b and 52c are
configured for axial pull-out movement between an extended position
and a retracted position, to provide selective access to the
contents of each storage unit. In this configuration, the rail
sections of each storage unit are positioned in a spaced apart,
parallel relationship corresponding to the spacing between the
storage unit wheel assemblies. In addition, the storage unit wheel
assemblies are secured to the lower end of each storage unit so as
to provide axial movement of the storage unit rather than
transverse movement as shown in FIG. 1.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, rail sections 54a are secured
to support surface S as described previously, using adhesive strips
110. An end stop 78 is secured to the inner end of each rail
section 54a, also as described previously. An end guide 220 is
secured to the outer end of each rail member 54a. In addition, an
outer stop member 222 is engaged with end guides 220 at the outer
ends of rail members 54a.
[0091] In this configuration, the positions of wheel assemblies 66
and 68 are switched relative to the configuration of wheel
assemblies 66 and 68 as shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 40 illustrates the
construction of wheel assembly 68 which, as noted previously, is
similar to that of wheel assembly 66 with the exception that the
wheel 160 is in a position perpendicular to that of wheel of 160 of
wheel assembly 66. For clarity, the components of wheel assembly 68
analogous to those of wheel assembly 66 are denoted with primed
reference characters.
[0092] FIGS. 41-44 illustrate the construction of end guide 220 and
its interconnection with the end of one of the rail members, such
as 54a. End guide 220 includes a pair of top wall sections 224,
each of which includes an opening 226. A channel section 228 is
located between wall sections 224, and includes a bottom wall 230
and sidewalls 232 that are convergent in an outward-to-inward
direction. In addition, end guide 220 includes a pair of angled
outer walls 234 that extend outwardly and downwardly from the outer
edges of top wall sections 224. Each outer wall 234 includes a pair
of openings 236.
[0093] End guide 220 is secured to the rail section outer end by
positioning top wall sections 224 over the rail section top wall
102. End guide outer walls 234 overlie rail outer walls 104, and
end guide openings 236 are positioned in alignment with rail outer
wall openings 108. Fasteners, such as screws 238, extend through
outer wall openings 236 and end guide 220 and into rail outer wall
openings 108, to secure end guide 220 to the outer end of rail
member 54a. End guide 220 is configured such that bottom wall 230
of channel 228 rests on support surface S, and the inner end of
channel 228 has a configuration matching that of rail channel 96.
With this construction, each end guide channel 228 provides a mouth
or funnel extending from rail channel 96 at the outer end of the
rail member.
[0094] FIG. 45 illustrates the positioning of a pair of rail
members 54a on support surface S, as well as the manner in which
adjacent rail members, such as 54b, are interconnected with support
surface S for positioning adjacent storage units.
[0095] As shown in FIGS. 45-47, outer stop member 222 is in the
form of an L-shaped member having a bottom wall 240 and an
upstanding stop wall 242. A pair of angled mounting walls 244
extend from the ends of bottom wall 240, and have an angle
complementary to that of end guide outer wall 234. Each mounting
wall 244 includes a pair of openings having the same spacing as
openings 236 in end guide outer walls 234. With this construction,
outer stop member 222 is positioned so that the openings in
mounting walls 244 are in alignment with openings 236 in end guide
outer walls 234, which in turn, are in alignment with rail of outer
wall openings 108. Screws 238 then extend through the aligned
openings into engagement with rail outer wall openings 108 to
secure both outer stop member 222 and end guides 220 in position at
the rail outer ends.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 48, stop wall 242 of outer stop member 222
has a height sufficient to position the upper end of stop wall 242
above the lower extent of the inner end support member 62 of the
storage unit. In this manner, as the storage unit is pulled
outwardly to the extended position from the retracted position, the
lower end of end support member 62 engages stop wall 242, to
maintain the rear wheels in engagement with the rails.
[0097] In operation, the user moves the selected one of storage
units 52a, 52b and 52c away from the retracted position to the
extended position by first disengaging latch member 84 from within
end guide opening 226, by application of an upward force to latch
handle 82 as described previously. The user then pulls the storage
unit outwardly to the extended position, as shown in FIG. 36 with
respect to storage unit 52b. During such movement of the storage
unit, the front wheels, such as 160, of wheel assemblies 66 and 68
move off the rails 54 and onto support surface S. Outer stop member
222 maintains the rear wheels 160 in engagement with the rails 54,
as noted previously. In order to return the storage unit to the
retracted position, the user applies an inward force to the storage
unit so as to advance the storage unit wheels 160 inwardly. As the
forward wheels 160 approach the rails, the wheels 160 come into
engagement with bottom wall 230 of end guide channel 228, and
sidewalls 232 then direct the wheels 160 into rail channels 96. The
user then places the storage unit in the retracted position, and
releases latch handle 82 such that the lower end of latch rod 84 is
moved into end guide opening 226, to maintain the storage unit in
the retracted position.
[0098] It can thus be appreciate that all of the components of each
storage unit, including the associated rails, wheel assemblies and
stop components, are produced and packaged together for shipment
and transportation to an installation site, which representatively
may be a garage, basement or other storage area of a residence or
other relatively light duty environment. The user is able to
assemble each storage unit, and to then mount the wheels to the
storage unit and to secure the rails to the floor so as to provide
the desired storage system configuration, e.g., a lateral high
density configuration or a pull-out, high density configuration.
When the user selects a lateral configuration as in FIG. 1, the
components unique to the pull-out application, namely, end guides
220 and outer stop member 222, are not used and may be kept in the
event the user later desires to alter the storage system
configuration. Similarly, when the user selects a pull-out
configuration as in FIG. 36, the components unique to the lateral
configuration, namely, splice plate 80 and bumpers 186, are not
used and may be stored for use in the event the user later decides
to change the configuration of the storage system.
[0099] While the components, construction and assembly of the
storage system of the present invention have been shown in
described with respect to a specific embodiment, it is understood
that variations and alterations are possible and are contemplated
as being within the scope of the present invention. For example,
and without limitation, while the storage unit components have been
shown and described as being manufactured, sold and shipped
together in knock-down form, it is also contemplated that the wheel
assemblies and rail members may be sold separately from the storage
unit for installation in a retrofit manner. In addition, it is
understood that the wheel and rail mobilization system of the
present invention may be used in connection with any type of
storage unit or the like, and is not limited to a shelf-type
storage unit as shown and described. It is also contemplated that
the mobilization system of the present invention may be used in
connection with a worksurface, work bench or the like. In addition,
it is also contemplated that various accessories may be provided
for the storage units, such as doors, drawers, worksurfaces, end
panels, and back panels (either solid or pegboard), etc. Such
accessories may be incorporated in the kit of components, or may be
offered separately to enable a user to customize the storage system
according to the user's requirements. Further, while the present
invention shows a latch mechanism that utilizes holes in the rails
to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit relative to the
rails, it is understood that numerous other types of latch
mechanisms may be employed, e.g., a brake or other member that
directly engages the support surface as opposed to the rail, or a
latch and rail configuration that uses any other type of mating
structure to selectively prevent movement of the storage unit
relative to the rail. The illustrated embodiment provides a simple,
inexpensive and reliable latch mechanism that has been found to
function satisfactorily in the storage system of the present
invention. Further, it is understood that the illustrated stop
arrangements may take any other form then those shown and
described. In addition, while the drawings and description disclose
use of two rails in both the lateral and pull-out configurations,
it is also understood that guided movement of the storage units may
also be provided by a single rail. In this embodiment, one set of
wheels of the storage unit is engaged with and moves on the singe
rail, and the other set of wheels is engaged with and moves on the
support surface such as the floor.
[0100] S Various alternatives and embodiments are contemplated as
being within the scope of the following claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as
the invention.
* * * * *