U.S. patent number 3,908,831 [Application Number 05/278,360] was granted by the patent office on 1975-09-30 for modular storage system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to American Sterilizer Company. Invention is credited to Thomas Brendgord.
United States Patent |
3,908,831 |
Brendgord |
* September 30, 1975 |
Modular storage system
Abstract
Modular concept and system for receiving, handling, storing,
transferring and distributing materials more efficiently in
establishments concerned with careful control of numerous manually
handled small items. Basic structural components include an
interconnecting unit which coacts with a slotted upright support to
provide self-seating, self-stabilizing suspension of material
carrying modules without manipulation of component parts. These
components coordinate all functions of material distribution such
as receipt, static storage and transfer; all apparatus used such as
storage/retrieval apparatus, transfer and storage vehicles, and
individual selector vehicles; and, all procedures at work station,
dispensing station, and other end use areas.
Inventors: |
Brendgord; Thomas (Erie,
PA) |
Assignee: |
American Sterilizer Company
(Erie, PA)
|
[*] Notice: |
The portion of the term of this patent
subsequent to February 12, 1991 has been disclaimed. |
Family
ID: |
23064684 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/278,360 |
Filed: |
August 7, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/88.01;
211/126.2; 312/245; 280/47.35; 280/79.3; D6/570 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B
3/04 (20130101); A47F 5/0025 (20130101); B62B
2202/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47F
5/00 (20060101); B62B 3/04 (20060101); A47F
003/14 (); A47F 005/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;211/86,88,126,122,121,113,71,72,73,135,176,133 ;108/152,108
;280/79.2,79.3,47.35 ;312/107,108,245 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Britts; Ramon S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shanley, O'Neil and Baker
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In combination, support structure means and interconnecting unit
means,
the support structure means comprising
elongated vertically-oriented support means presenting a
substantially vertical frontal interface with a substantially
vertical sidewall extending rearwardly from each lateral edge of
the frontal interface,
the frontal interface defining a plurality of elongated slots
extending in a direction across such interface between its lateral
edges and predeterminedly spaced longitudinally along such support
means,
horizontally-oriented load support means located at each such slot,
and
means for maintaining such elongated support means in an upright
position,
the interconnecting unit means comprising
rigid base means with elongated hanger means and stabilizing means
projecting in the same direction from the rigid base means,
the elongated hanger means and stabilizing means being positioned
in predetermined fixed relationship on such base means with the
hanger means horizontally-oriented at a location upwardly spaced
from the stabilizing means when the base means is in an upright
position,
the elongated hanger means having a longitudinal dimension at a
location contiguous to the rigid base means approximately equal to
the longitudinal dimension of the elongated slot means, and
the elements of the interconnecting unit, when in an upright
position, coacting with such support structure means to removably
position and stabilize the interconnecting unit on the upright
support structure with the elongated hanger means inserted into the
elongated slot means and suspended cantilever fashion on the
horizontally extending load support ledge means with lateral
contact surfaces of the stabilizing means contacting lateral
surfaces in angled relationship to the frontal interface of the
support structure means to provide lateral stability.
2. The combination of claim 1 in which
the stabilizing means comprises a pair of stabilizers,
with each of the stabilizers being positioned along a horizontal
plane and symmetrically disposed with relation to the elongated
hanger means,
the width dimension between exterior surfaces of the lateral
sidewalls of the elongated support means being substantially equal
to the distance along the horizontal plane between the lateral
contact surfaces of the pair of stabilizers at a location
contiguous to the rigid base means with each of the stabilizers
contacting a lateral sidewall.
3. The structure of claim 1 in which the elongated hanger means
comprises
a continuous hanger bar including a flange means spaced from the
base means by a horizontally-oriented load carrying surface, such
flange means depending in the direction of the stabilizing
means.
4. The structure of claim 3 in which continuous hanger bar flange
means includes a surface confronting the base means, which surface
is in angled relation to the horizontally-oriented load carrying
surface and slopes downwardly from the load carrying surface in a
direction away from the base means.
5. The structure of claim 4 in which the continuous hanger bar has
lateral end faces of substantially planar configuration, such
lateral end faces converging toward each other in extending
rearwardly from the base means to provide a shorter longitudinal
dimension for the continuous hanger bar at a location spaced from
the rigid base means than the longitudinal dimension of the
continuous hanger bar at the location continguous to the rigid base
means.
6. The structure of claim 2 in which the lateral contact surfaces
of the pair of stabilizers projecting from the rigid base means
comprise confronting faces which diverge from each other in
projecting outwardly away from the rigid base means.
7. The structure of claim 1 in which the means for maintaining such
elongated support means in an upright position comprises
hanger means located contiguous to one longitudinal end of the
elongated support means,
such hanger means being unitary with the elongated support means
and depending from a rear wall of the elongated support means.
8. The structure of claim 1 in combination with
pole mounting means, and
bracket means for securing the elongated support means to the pole
mounting means.
9. The structure of claim 1 in which the support means further
includes
cover means extending between rearward edges of the lateral side
walls.
10. The structure of claim 1 including a plurality of support means
positioned in back-to-back relationship presenting
horizontally-oriented slots on opposed external surfaces of such
combined support means.
Description
This invention relates to a modular system for use in the handling
and transfer of materials from storage/retrieval areas, to work
areas, to use areas, to post-use disposal or treatment areas, to
supply areas and back to storage/retrieval areas for re-use.
Part of the inventive concept resides in the analysis of procedures
in establishments such as hospitals and development of basic
methods for improving economy and efficiency of such procedures.
Container modules developed for receiving, carrying, storing,
distributing, returning, and post-use disposal of the numerous
items which must be carefully handled are an elemental part of the
embodiment of the concept. Also basic to the concept is the system
devised for ease of support, transfer, storage, and use of such
container modules.
Important aspects of the inventive concept include an
interconnecting support arrangement for easy-access support and
removal of suspendible articles such as container modules or
cabinets on an upright support and a coordinated storage,
retrieval, and handling system for such articles.
In the inventive system a unique support structure cohesively
interrelates components used for storage, retrieval, and handling
of materials in a hospital, or like institution. A novel
interconnecting unit coacts with such support structure to provide
stable, cantilever-suspended support of such components without
requiring manipulation of any securing or fastening means in any
stage of such operations.
One representative embodiment of the invention is a modern modular
system providing for easy handling, speed, convenience, and economy
in distributing the numerous materials which must be carefully
handled in providing personal services such as patient care.
The coordinated modular system of the present invention provides
standard component parts for storage and retrieval areas, for
mobile carriers, for transfer and work stations, and for ultimate
use locations, e.g. in patient care areas. Handling of modular
components is standardized yet flexible enough to adapt to changing
needs at any use area of the installation. Support of such
components during storage, transfer, or treatment is dependable
during and between any of these functions.
In this modular system an upright support coacts with an
interconnecting unit forming part of a module to be supported. The
upright support and interconnecting unit provide stabilized secure
positioning through a unique cantilever arrangement which relies
only on gravity while precluding the danger of inadvertent
dislodgment from the support or lateral tilting of the module.
Further such advantages are obtained while maintaining ease of
access to and removal of a module from the system. A further
distinct advantage is that such access and removal can take place
with the container module in a level position, i.e. without need
for tilting.
This novel upright support of the invention can be mounted on a
wall, form part of a rotatable storage/retrieval rack, can be
mounted on mobile carriers, in elevators, at work stations, or
located at any use areas as dictated by needs, and can also be pole
mounted.
To describe more specifically aspects of the inventive system, the
accompanying drawings depict embodiments in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage'retrieval area forming
part of the system embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile storage unit at a work
station forming part of the system embodying the invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of wall mounted upright support means
and supported articles forming part of the system embodying the
invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of interconnecting means embodying the
invention;
FIGS. 5-7 are perspective rear views of cabinets or container
modules, such as those of FIG. 3, showing the location of
interconnecting means on such articles;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a novel container module with
unitary interconnecting means;
FIG. 9 is a front view of an upright support means embodying the
invention;
FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial view in section taken along line
10--10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG.
9;
FIG. 12 is a partial view in section showing the interaction of the
interconnecting means and upright support means taken along the
line 12--12 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 13 is a partial rear view of the interconnecting and support
arrangement embodying the invention;
FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14--14 of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial view in section showing a stacking
feature for a container module of this invention;
FIG. 16 is a side view in elevation of a pole mounted upright
support arrangement embodying the invention;
FIG. 17 is a front view in elevation of a pole mounted arrangement
embodying the invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a combination frame means and
upright support arrangement embodying the invention;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a mobile carrier embodying the
invention;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a mobile carrier with overhead
support rail embodying the invention;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a cart embodying the invention,
and
FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective partial view of a continuous
conveyor rotary storage/retrieval unit and upright support
arrangement embodying the invention.
Two important areas for modular handling in a hospital are a
storage/retrieval area (FIG. 1) and a work station area (FIG. 2).
These perspective views embody major portions of the invention and
the concept of its unique modular system. At the storage/retrieval
area of FIG. 1, a mobile carrier 30 for delivery of modules about a
hospital is loaded and/or unloaded at a continuous-conveyor type
rotary storage-retrieval apparatus 32. The upright support means of
the invention, both with and without container modules, are shown
in the transfer cart and rotary storage-retrieval unit.
In the FIG. 2 environment, such upright supports on
transfer/storage vehicle 34 and work station 36 support
standardized container modules which embody the invention.
FIG. 3 also presents a general arrangement view of a wall mounted
array of modules. Upright supports 41, 42 and 43 are mounted on
wall 44 supporting vertically elongated cabinet 45, horizontally
elongated cabinet 46, drawer cabinet 47, and container module 48.
Each of the supported articles 45-48 is mounted on one or more of
the upright supports by one or more interconnecting units of a type
shown in detail in FIG. 4.
Interconnecting unit 50 of FIG. 4 includes a rigid base portion 51
with interface surface 52. Projecting from interface surface 52 is
a horizontally elongated hanger bar 53 having a downwardly
depending lip 54 in spaced relationship from surface 52.
Load-bearing surface 55 is between surface 52 and lip 54.
Stabilizing means which coact with the elongated hanger bar 53 in
providing lateral stability are spaced below that element.
Preferably a pair of stabilizing projections 56, 57 are provided;
they extend from surface 52 in the same direction as hanger 53. The
stabilizing projections 56 and 57 have respective confronting faces
58 and 59 which diverge relative to each other in projecting from
surface 52. The coaction of hanger bar 53 and spaced projections
56, 57 contributes to both the ease of handling and the stability
characteristics of the invention without requiring manipulative
fastening means.
The stabilizing projections 56 and 57 extend downwardly below a
bottom edge 60 of base 51. This provides an inverted U-shaped
recess 61 in the bottom edge of each of the stabilizing projections
which is utilized in stacking container modules.
The confronting surfaces 58, 59 of the stabilizing projections are
spaced apart a distance greater than the length of the hanger bar
53. The spacing between these confronting surfaces, at a location
contiguous to surface 52, is essentially the same as the distance
between side walls of the upright support means on which container
modules are supported. These confronting faces diverge so as to
guide a module, when suspended, to a centralized position on an
upright support. By dimensioning the elongated hanger bar such that
its length, contiguous to surface 52, approximates the distance
between the side edges of slot openings in an upright support
shifting of the hanger bar within the opening is prevented. In
addition, the engagement of the confronting surfaces 58, 59 with
sidewalls of the upright support prevents shifting or tilting of
the supported article.
For stable suspension of the vertically elongated cabinet 45 of
FIG. 5 on an upright support, two interconnecting units 63, 64 are
secured to rear wall 65 of the cabinet. Interconnecting units as
shown in FIG. 4 can be unitary with an article, or can be cemented
or otherwise bonded to a rear wall of an article to be supported;
such interconnecting units can be formed from plastic material or
fabricated from metal sheet material of suitable gage.
For hanging cabinet 47 on an upright support, a single
interconnecting unit 66 is used on rear wall 67 of the cabinet.
As shown in FIG. 7, horizontally elongated cabinet 46 utilizes two
interconnecting units 68, 69 secured to or unitary with rear wall
70, in horizontally spaced relationship. The spacing between the
vertical center lines of interconnecting units 68, 69 equals the
spacing between the vertical center lines of supports 42 and 43 of
FIG. 3 to provide for horizontal, stable mounting of cabinet 46 on
such upright supports.
Handling ease is one of the important benefits of the modular
system of the present invention. This aspect is exemplified by the
container module of FIG. 8. Container module 48 embodies a unitary
interconnecting unit. For this unitary construction the container
module 48 is molded with its rear wall 75 presenting coacting
elements of the interconnecting means. The arrangement of elements
is functionally identical to that of FIG. 4. However the base
surface for this unitary interconnecting unit is the surface of a
pair of ribs 76 and 77 which project slightly rearwardly from rear
wall 75 of container module 48 and provide a bearing surface for
contact with an upright support. These hold the container module in
a disposition such that the interior floor of the container module
has a downwardly inclined slope of about 21/2.degree. in
approaching the rear wall. This maintains materials in the
container module during movement, e.g. about a rotary
storage/retrieval unit. Bearing surfaces 76, 77 also space
container modules, when in opposed relationship on back-to-back
upright supports, to prevent contact between stabilizing
projections of the opposed modules. Applicant's copending
application entitled "Enclosure Structure for Modular System",
filed Aug. 7, 1972, Ser. No. 278,362, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,791,528,
describes specifics of a container module for use in the present
system.
Details of an upright support, such as the wall mounted support 41
from FIG. 3, are shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11. An upright support
of the present invention is advantageously fabricated from a single
sheet of material, typically sheet metal. Upright support 41 has a
front, or "interface", wall 80. Connected to front wall 80 at
corner junctions 82 and 83 (FIG. 11) are sidewalls 84 and 85,
respectively.
Top wall 86 (FIG. 10) is connected to front wall 80 at juncture 87.
Hook means for bracket mounting of the upper end of support 41
depend from such top wall. For maximum stability, the hook means
extend across the full width of support 41. The hook means depends
downwardly from juncture 88 and comprises rear wall portion 89 and
rounded juncture 90. The latter juncture is formed by bending the
rear wall inwardly toward front wall 80 and then upwardly through
an angle greater than 90.degree.. Interfitting this hook structure
as shown with bracket leg 91 provides secure attachment of the
upper end of an upright support to a wall. Bracket 92 is secured to
wall 44 by wall lugs such as 94.
The peripheral walls of the upright support, i.e. top wall 86 and
sidewalls 84, 85, are each of the same depth so that the rear edges
of the sidewalls and the rear face of back wall 89 engage wall 44
to lend stability to the mounting. A securing means is applied
through aperture 98 (FIG. 9) for the purpose of preventing swinging
movement.
Bracket 92 is horizontally elongated to provide an extended bearing
surface at least equal to the width of the juncture 90; and it can
be of extended length, e.g. circumscribing a room, for hanging a
plurality of upright supports in predeterminedly spaced
relationship. The lower end of upright support 41 need only be
stabilized against swinging by inserting a suitable fastening means
through opening 93 (FIG. 9). The installation ease provided by this
structure is an important contribution of the invention and can be
used for other installations, e.g. pole mountings.
A plurality of slots 95-103 (FIG. 9) are formed in front wall 80.
Each such opening is horizontally elongated, vertically aligned,
and predeterminedly spaced from each other by the same distance.
This spacing is preferred and part of the teachings of the
standardized modular system being described. Other spacing
arrangements can be utilized.
Referring to slot 98 of FIG. 9, each such opening has spaced apart
side edges 104 and 105, a top edge 106 and a bottom edge 107. The
openings are generally rectangular in configuration and the side
edges 104 and 105 are spaced the same distance from the respective
sidewalls 84 and 85 for centralized mounting of articles on an
upright support.
The bottom edge 107 of each opening is defined by a horizontal
ledge 108 (FIG. 10) joined to front wall 80 at bend 110. A
downwardly depending lip 112 extends from the horizontal ledge 108
at juncture 114. Horizontal ledge 108 provides an extended surface
of stable load support. These elements of an upright support are
advantageously formed by fabricating a single sheet of metal
providing a unitary structure.
The interaction of hanger bar 116 with upright support 41 provides
suspension-support of a container module as shown in FIG. 12.
Flange 118 of the hanger bar 116 extends behind the leg 120
depending from horizontal ledge 122. The downwardly facing surface
124 of the hanger bar, between the flange and base surface, comes
to rest on the top surface of the horizontal ledge 122 to support
container module 48. Note however that surface 126, between flange
118 and horizontal surface 124, slopes downwardly away from surface
124. This sloping surface 126 facilitates easy mounting of an
article on a support since the hanger 116 can merely be inserted
through an opening until the bottom of the flange 118 just clears
the rear edge of horizontal ledge 122 formed at bend 128. From
there on, the weight of the article being suspended causes surface
110 to ride against bend 128 and pull the module rearwardly.
The rear elevational view of FIG. 13 shows the manner in which the
hanger bar 116 and the stabilizing projections 132 and 134
cooperated with the upright support to provide stable suspension.
Hanger 116 carries the weight of the container unit, cabinet, or
other article, and projections 132, 134 prevent tilting or twisting
of such modules. An easy-access, suspended, stable support is
provided without manipulating fasteners. The article can be readily
removed by lifting slightly and movement away from the upright
support. Note that such movement can be solely in a horizontal
plane and that no tilting of the container module is required for
either suspension or removal.
Note also in FIG. 13 that the confronting diverging surfaces 136
and 138 of the respective stabilizing projections are spaced apart
at their outer ends a greater distance than at their ends
contiguous to the base surface of the interconnecting unit. At the
juncture of the stabilizing projections with the base surface of
the interconnecting unit, the distance between the
confronting-diverging surfaces 136, 138 is substantially exactly
the same as the distance between the outside surfaces of support
side walls 84 and 85. These surfaces 136 and 138 therefore act to
prevent any lateral movement, tilting or dislodgement of the
article due to lateral forces or off center forces applied to the
top of the article being supported. They also provide a
self-seating feature resulting from the described divergence.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, hanger bar 116 has a length which, at
its outer extremity is less than the distance between the side
edges of the opening. The side ends 140 and 142 of the hanger bar
116 are generally planar and vertical but converge slightly toward
each other in projecting from the base means which facilitates
insertion into a slot means.
Contiguous to the base surface, side ends 140, 142 are spaced so as
to contact the slot side edges to help provide lateral stability.
By these measures, combining the hanger bar and stabilizing
projection features described, an article equipped with the
interconnecting unit of the present invention is readily suspended
and secured in stable position by its own weight. Four stability
points prevent lateral shifting of the container on the support,
two of these points are formed by the confronting surfaces 136, 138
of the stabilizing projections contacting respective sidewalls 84,
85 and two additional points are formed by the end surfaces 140 and
142 of the hanger bar 116 contacting the respective side edges 144,
146 slot opening 148.
FIG. 15 highlights another contribution of the interconnecting
unit. Recess 149 in the bottom of each stabilizing projection
provides for stable stacking of a plurality of the container
modules when free of an upright support. Tapering top edge 150 of a
lower container module extends into the recess 148 of the
stabilizing projections. Conforming configurations of rim 150 and
recess 148 facilitate easy stacking as well as providing
stability.
Adaptability of the coacting interconnecting unit and upright
support to various locations is an important contribution of the
present invention. Pole mounting of an upright support or supports
is shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The poles can be rigidly mounted, or
spring loaded, between the ceiling and floor. The slotted upright
supports can be mounted singly with a back surface cover or, as
shown in FIG. 16, a pair of the upright supports can be mounted in
back to back relationship to receive container modules from
opposite sides of the mounting. A pair of poles 152, 154, as best
seen in FIG. 17, are secured together in spaced relation by a
hanger bracket 156. The latter is bolted, or otherwise secured, to
the respective poles.
In FIG. 16 hanger brackets 158, 160 are secured to each side of the
poles for back to back mounting of upright supports. These hanger
brackets receive a rear wall ledge of an upright support in the
manner described in relation to FIG. 10. The lower end of each
upright support is secured to the spaced poles, e.g. by bolts 162,
163 as shown in FIG. 17. This attachment and the fixed hanger
bracket or brackets secured to the poles above function to maintain
the poles in properly spaced relationship. Such pole mounting can
be utilized in storage areas, work areas, patient's rooms,
elevators, and the like.
Considering again the structures of FIGS. 5 and 9, it should be
understood that the spacing between the hanger bars of
interconnecting units at the rear of cabinet 45, or similar
elongated articles, will be the same as the spacing between
selected openings of upright support 41. For example, openings 97
and 101 can be used to provide stable mounting for vertically
elongated cabinet 45.
To facilitate mounting large cabinets of the type shown in FIGS. 5
and 7, lift openings, such as the openings 164 and 166, shown on
the cabinets of FIGS. 5 and 7, respectively, are provided. These
openings provide for either hand lifting the cabinets, or
alternatively, with heavy articles, provide a recess for the
insertion of a lifting hook of a suitable lifting mechanism.
Considering the container module of FIG. 8, handgrips, such as 168,
are provided on each side to facilitate lifting, mounting, and
removal of the container module, as well as to provide access when
such modules are in stacked relationship.
An important component of the modular system of the present
invention is the frame structure with upright supports of FIG. 18.
In this embodiment, two upright supports 170, 171 are secured to
frame means 174. Upright supports 170, 171 are predeterminedly
spaced to accommodate two rows of container modules in side-by-side
relationship. The frame structure, with varying numbers of upright
supports, can be used with various portable or fixed units. The
upright supports and frame structure individually and in
combination are fabricated to avoid any pockets for collection of
water during washing, e.g. upright supports 170, 171 are
channel-shaped in cross section and are open from top to bottom,
even when a cover plate is added to the open side of the channel.
The channel members are secured to upright legs, such as 174, 175
leaving the channel open vertically.
The frame structure of FIG. 18 is secured to the unique conveyance
structure of FIG. 19 forming part of the modular system of the
invention. Mobile carrier 178 provides full-open side access for
addition or removal of container modules. The chassis for carrier
178 is, preferably, a metal tubular structure and substantially
symmetrical in configuration so that elements are
interchangeable.
Viewed in side elevation the chassis has a substantially U-shaped
configuration. Viewed from leading or trailing ends, the movable
carrier chassis presents an inverted U-shaped configuration.
The tubular structure of the chassis is continuous and can be made
of like configuration elements which are joined together
telescopically or otherwise secured. Upper portions of the leading
and trailing ends include transverse members 180 and 181. From the
lateral ends of these transverse members, the tubular structure is
formed into handle means 182, 183, 184, and 185. These handle means
have a predetermined angular relationship to the transverse
members. An angled relationship of 15.degree. from the vertical for
such handle means has been determined to best facilitate movement
and manipulation of the carrier while materially reducing wrist
fatigue for the operator.
From these angled handle means, downwardly depending leg members
186, 187, and 188 extend substantially vertically to meet with
horizontally extending members 190 and 191 along the lower
extremity of the chassis.
The maximum width of the movable carrier is determined by the lower
extremity of the handle means from which the legs 186, 187, and 188
depend. Bumper pads 192, 193, and 194 are secured to these
downwardly depending legs below the handle means.
Substantially identical brace plates located at the leading and
trailing ends and along the lower portion of the chassis add
stability. These include brace plates 196 and 197 at the leading
and trailing ends and brace plates 198 and 199 along the lower
portion of the movable carrier. These brace plates are
substantially rectangular in configuration with planar surfaces
confronting the interior of the carrier.
The brace plates can be interchangeable and are secured to the
tubular structure by bolting or other securing means. Welded-on
brace members can be substituted for selected brace plates and this
practice is especially suitable for bottom brace members 198, 199
for supporting casters. The frame means 200 for upright supports
201, 202 is secured to the brace plates at the leading and trailing
ends of the chassis of the movable carrier and to brace members
along the bottom surface. The framed upright support structure is
positioned contiguous to one lateral side of the mobile carrier for
carrying container modules on one surface only.
In the mobile storage unit of the present invention, which is
ordinarily used in work areas where passage through narrow doorways
is not required, the frame means can be centrally located
longitudinally to permit carrying container modules on both sides
of the longitudinal axis of the carrier on upright supports mounted
back-to-back within the frame means 174. Side overhang of modules
can be acceptable with such storage units.
Caster means are secured to the lower portion of the movable
carrier and ordinarily the movable carrier 178 is moved manually
along a floor surface. However, the present system concept includes
an addition to such a carrier to be used when the entire carrier is
to be lifted and conveyed from overhead. Overhead lift bar 201 is
supported by and connected through side members 202, 203 to brace
plates along the leading and trailing ends and along the bottom of
the mobile carrier as shown in FIG. 20. The lift bar is centrally
located longitudinally to approximate the center of gravity of the
structure with any tilting of the carrier upon lifting being due to
the frame means 200. Any such tilting would tend to maintain
materials within the container modules.
A cart for selection and conveyance of two or three container
modules is shown in FIG. 21. The chassis of this smaller cart is
tubular and, in side view, has a generally L-shaped configuration.
An upper transverse member 210 meets with angled handle means 211,
212 which join downwardly depending members 213, 214. Such handle
means are angled laterally and rearwardly as shown. Brace plate 215
is joined to the chassis by connector means 216 through 219. Joined
to this brace plate means is the upright support 220 with slotted
apertures 222 and 224. At the upper end of upright support 220
cutaway portion 226 permits addition of a third container module in
stacked relationship to the module carried by slotted aperture 222.
Cover means 227 for the lower leg portion 228 of the selector cart
includes nylon bumper pads along leading and side edges. Casters
are provided for the selector cart.
An added benefit of the modular handling system of the present
invention stems from adaptation of the upright supports to
continuous-conveyor types of structures. In rotary
storage-retrieval means 230 of FIG. 22 upright supports 231 and 232
are connected to a continuous conveyor system 234. At the lower end
of upright supports 231, 232, guide wheel support legs 235, 236,
237, and 238 extend outwardly from such supports. These leg support
guide wheels shown for guiding the lower end of such supports
around guide track 242.
At the upper end the upright supports are caster connected to
continuous rail 250. Angle members such as 252 over upright support
232 are substantially the same width as a container module and
provide protective shielding to prevent foreign matter from falling
in the modules. An angle member ordinarily positioned over upright
support 231 is not shown for purposes of better view of the
structure. The upper ends of upright supports are secured to
continuous conveyor links. As shown, upright support 231 is
connected to link 234 by legs 236, 238. The links of the continuous
conveyor are pivotally connected together.
The interconnecting unit of FIG. 4 and the container module of FIG.
11 can be formed from a thermoplastic material by known molding or
casting techniques. High strength plastic materials such as high
density polyethylene, high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, or
similar structural plastics are suitable. NORYL type structural
foams available from General Electric Company, Selkirk, N.Y., such
as FN 215 and SE 100 have desirable molding properties, with NORYL
FN 215 being preferred for fire safety reasons.
The upright supports described can be fabricated from sheet metal
of suitable gage, e.g. 18 gage aluminum sheet. The tubular
structure of the carrier chassis and the brace plates are
preferably fabricated from metal. Suitable materials for the
various components will be within the skill of the art based on the
present disclosure. Also changes or additions to structural details
can be made without departing from the inventive concepts
disclosed. Therefore the scope of the present invention is to be
determined from the appended claims.
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