Storage assembly with angled support surfaces

A storage unit including a support structure defining at least one storage area including a support surface to support at least one storable member and an opening to remove the storable member from the storage area. The support surface has an axis that is at an acute angle ø with respect to horizontal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a rack for storing storable members, such as water bottles, and more specifically to a storage assembly having angled support surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One example of a storable member typically stored and transported in racks is a generally cylindrical water bottle. These water bottles are typically handled, transported, and stored in varying quantities. For easier handling, transport, and storage, the water bottles may be loaded in carriers designed to accommodate multiple bottles. Each carrier defines one or more apertures configured to receive and support the bottles in a horizontal position. To accommodate a larger number of bottles, each aperture is typically configured to receive two bottles, one behind the other. To further accommodate the varying quantities of bottles, aluminum and plastic modular racks are available comprising carriers designed to be vertically stackable. These modular racks are formed by stacking bottle storage units or carriers to define a rack approximately six feet or more in height.

Once a rack is assembled in a delivery truck, the upper storage units or carriers are often at a height equal to the height of the delivery truck. As such, the delivery person must reach to access the storable members or bottles in the upper storage units or carriers. Such access is difficult, and potentially dangerous, particularly for the bottles that are stored rearwardly in the storage unit aperture.

To overcome the shortcomings of existing modular racks, a need exists for a storage rack that provides a reliable assembly to ease access to storable members stored in a rearward position within the rack apertures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To meet these and other needs, and in view of its purposes, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a storage unit comprising a support structure defining at least one storage area including a support surface to support at least one storable member and an opening to remove the storable member from the storage area. The support surface has an axis that is at an acute angle ø with respect to horizontal.

In another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a storage unit comprising a support structure defining at least one storage area including a support surface to support at least one storable member and an opening to remove the storable member from the storage area. The opening extends in a plane at an acute angle α with respect to an axis of the support surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout,FIG. 1shows a storage assembly10according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The storage assembly10of the present embodiment is preferably configured to store storable members in an laid down or horizontal orientation as shown in the figures. That is, the storable members are oriented with their largest dimension laid down parallel to the support surface or horizontal.

The storage assembly10is described as a modular structure comprising a plurality of storage units20. Each storage unit20holds a plurality of water bottles or other storable members (not shown), and is configured to be interlocked with an underlying storage unit20or with a frame unit50. While the present invention is described with respect to modular, stackable storage units20, the present invention may be embodied as a unitized storage rack having multiple storage apertures defined within a single frame structure or housing. The storage units20of the present embodiment of the invention enhance the accessibility to storable members within the storage apertures24.

When used herein, the following words and phrases have the meaning provided. Front shall indicate the storage assembly front surface and rear shall indicate the storage assembly rear surface. Forward shall indicate toward the front surface and rearward shall indicate toward the rear surface. Left and right shall indicate the directions when looking at the storage assembly front surface. Up, upper, upward, above, down, lower, downward, below, underlying, and the like indicate the directions relative to the front surface as shown inFIG. 1. Longitudinal indicates the axis extending from the front surface to the rear surface. Lateral and latitudinal indicates the direction between the left and right sides of the storage assembly.

Referring toFIGS. 1-6, the storage assembly10will be described in greater detail. In the present embodiment, the storage assembly10generally includes a plurality of stacked storage units20supported between upper and lower frame units50. Each storage unit20of the present exemplary embodiment includes a pair of storage tubes22configured to receive storable members. Each storage unit20may have more or fewer storage tubes22. Each storage tube22includes a front opening24configured to allow dispensing of the storable members out of the storage tube22.

Referring toFIG. 4, an exemplary storage unit20will be described in more detail. Each storage unit20includes one or more support tubes22supported by support posts28,29. In the present embodiment, a pair of support tubes22are supported by respective external posts28and a common central post29at both the front and rear of the tubes22. Other numbers and configurations of posts may also be utilized. Each tube22defines a front opening24configured to receive generally cylindrical storable members, such as water bottles. As shown inFIG. 2, each storage tube22desirably has a rear opening21which minimizes weight and may facilitate rear loading of the support tube22. Each support tube22defines a support surface26upon which the storable members are supported. In the present embodiment, the support tubes22are continuous cylinders with a lower portion of each cylinder defining the support surface26. Configurations other than continuous cylinders may be utilized. For example, each tube22may have openings or the like therealong to facilitate access within the tube22and to reduce weight and increase visibility. Alternatively, each tube22may be defined by a series of interconnected rails or the like.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-6, assembly of the modular storage assembly10of the present embodiment of the invention will be described. As set forth above, while this exemplary embodiment of the invention is modular, the invention is not limited to such.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary frame unit50of the storage assembly10. In this embodiment, the lower base and top structure of the storage assembly10utilize the same frame unit50, inverted relative to one another. Such simplifies manufacturing, but is not required. The frame unit50has a base surface52extending between a rear rail56and a front rail58. A plurality of feet51extend from the base surface52and may be a continuation of either the rear or front rail56,58. The feet51are sized and positioned such that longitudinal and lateral channels53and55are defined. These channels53,55are configured to receive forklift tines or the like to facilitate lifting and positioning of the storage assembly10.

The rear rail56has a height greater than the height of the front rail58with the heights desirably a function of the intended angle ø of the support surfaces26. An angled base surface54extends between the rails56and58. Again, the angle of the angled base surface54is desirably a function of the intended angle ø of the support surfaces26. Referring toFIG. 3, the support units20are stacked on one of the frame units50with the front posts28a,29asupported on the front rail58and the rear posts28b,29bsupported on the rear rail56. A second frame unit50is inverted and connected to the upper most support unit20. With the second frame unit50, the front posts28a,29aengage the rear rail56and the rear posts28b,29bengage the front rail58.

Interconnecting mechanisms are desirably provided between the storage units20and the frame units50and between adjacent storage units20. Exemplary interconnecting mechanisms in the form of posts40are illustrated inFIG. 6. The posts40are received in corresponding bores42in the opposed structure. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, along the front surface, the posts40extend from a lower structure (i.e., frame50or storage unit20) to a bore42in the structure (i.e., frame50or storage unit20) above, while along the rear surface, the posts40extend from an upper structure (i.e., frame50or storage unit20) to a bore42in the structure (i.e., frame50or storage unit20) below. Similar posts extend between the adjacent storage units20. The invention is not limited to the number or configuration of the posts40shown. Furthermore, the interconnecting mechanisms may have various other configurations such as, but not limited to, interlocking fingers, tongues and grooves, pins, and other configurations. For example, an exemplary contoured foot44is illustrated inFIG. 7. The foot44is configured to mate with a corresponding bore or the like. The contoured foot44may be configured to guide alignment between mating structures.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 4, the support posts28and29and the frame units50of the present embodiment of the invention are configured such that the support tubes22are supported with the axis S of each support surface26at an acute angle ø with respect to horizontal. With such an angled support surface26, the force of gravity assists in moving the storable members toward the front opening24of the support tube22. It is further noted with respect toFIG. 4that the support surface axis S is also at an acute angle α with respect to the plane in which the front opening24extends. The front openings24are intended to extend vertically, such that the angle α is equal to 90°minus ø.

In the present embodiment, the lower surface of the base unit feet51and the upper surfaces of the rails56,58are substantially parallel to one another. As such, with the lower frame unit50positioned on a horizontal surface, for example, in a delivery truck, the upper surfaces of the rails56,58will also extend in horizontal planes. Referring toFIG. 4, the base surface27of each of the front support posts28aand29aextend in a first horizontal plane H1and the base surface27of each of the rear support posts28band29bextend in a second horizontal plane H2offset from the first horizontal plane H1a distance equal to the height difference between the rails56and58. As such, when the support assembly10is assembled, the support tubes22are supported at a desired angle with respect to horizontal. As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 4, the axis S of each support surface26defined by the support tubes22is at the angle ø with respect to horizontal. The angle of any of the components, i.e. the lower surface of the feet51, the upper surfaces of the rails56,58and the base surfaces27of the posts28,29, may be modified to achieve different angles or to utilized the storage assembly10in different applications. For example, if the storage assembly10is to be utilized in a truck with a non-horizontal support surface, the angle of the feet51may accordingly be modified.

Various mechanisms may be utilized to minimize the likelihood that a storable member may inadvertently move out of its storage tube22. For example, as shown inFIG. 2, storage unit20′ includes one or more retaining buttons46similar to those shown inFIG. 8. Each retaining button46includes a retaining portion43which extends into a hole in the storage tube22spaced a desired distance from the opening24of the tube22and an engaging portion45configured to engage the storable member. As shown inFIG. 2, various number and configurations of buttons46may be provided. An operator maneuvers the storable member over the buttons44to remove a storable member when desired. Each storage tube22of storage unit20″ is shown with a retaining ridge48, as shown inFIG. 9, provided along the support surface26adjacent to the front opening24. Each retaining ridge48has a latitudinally extending body47with a plurality of retaining portions43extending therefrom and configured to be received in corresponding holes in the storage tube22. The latitudinally extending body47desirably has a contour configuration which complements the shape of the support surface26. The retaining ridges48contact the storable member and block inadvertent forward movement. An operator maneuvers the storable member over the ridge48to remove a storable member when desired.

Referring toFIG. 6, each of the storage units20is shown with a pair of stop bars32, each configured to extend across a respective front opening24. In the closed position, as illustrated in the right side tubes26, the stop bar32extends across all or a portion of the opening24to prevent forward movement of the storable member. To remove a storable member, a respective stop bar32is pivoted about pivot point34to provide unobstructed access to the opening24, as illustrated in the left side tubes26. The stop bars32may be configured to extend completely across the opening24and latch or otherwise hood thereon.

Referring toFIGS. 10-15, an alternative stop mechanism60for retaining the storable members will be described. The stop mechanism60is provided adjacent to the front opening24of a respective storage tube22. While a single stop mechanism60is illustrated with respect to the tube22, more than one may be utilized. The stop mechanism60generally comprises a support body61with a stop block80moveably retained relative thereto.

With reference toFIGS. 10-12, the support body61includes opposed side walls62and64joined by a top wall66, a rear wall68and a front wall70. In the present embodiment, the side opposite the top wall66is generally open. The support body61is configured to be received and retained in a slot110formed along the inner surface26of the storage tube22adjacent to the front opening24. The slot110has an end wall118preferably positioned such that when the support body61is positioned in the slot110, the support body front wall70is generally flush with the front surface of the storage unit20(seeFIG. 14), although such is not required. Additionally, the ends of the side walls62and64are preferably generally flush with the inner surface26of the storage tube22, although such is not required. In the preferred embodiment, a support rail63,65extends from the outside surface of each side wall62,64and is received in a corresponding groove113,115adjacent the slot110to radially support the support body61. An opening117is provided along the top of the slot110and is configured to receive a projection67extending from the top wall66of the support body61. Receipt of the projection67in the opening117axially fixes the support body61relative to the storage unit20. Other means for radially and axially fixing the support body61may alternatively be utilized.

Referring toFIGS. 10 and 12, the inside surfaces of the side walls62and64include inwardly extending ramps73and75. Each of the ramps73,75extends at an angle rearward and upward into the support body61. Each ramp73,75is configured to be received in a corresponding groove93,95in the side walls83,85, respectively, of the stop block80. The slide block80thereby is supported and guided between a stop position (seeFIG. 14) wherein the slide block80extends from the support body61and a retracted positioned (seeFIG. 15) wherein the slide block80is retracted substantially within the support body61. A spring99or other biasing means extends between a support69on the rear wall68of the support body61and a slot89in the rear surface88of the stop block80. The spring99biases the stop block80to the stop position.

As shown inFIGS. 10,12and14, the front wall70of the support body61includes an opening72such that the wall70defines as shoulder71about the opening. The shoulder71is configured to contact the front wall90of the stop block80to retain the stop block80in the support body61. A raised button91on the front wall90is aligned with the opening72such that a user may push the stop block80to the retracted position as will be described hereinafter. The raised button91is not required, but instead a user could simply push on the front wall90or the like.

Referring toFIG. 12, the lower wall92of the stop block80defines one or more apertures94, three in the illustrated embodiment, configured to receive the retaining portions43of respective retaining buttons46. The top wall86of the stop block80has an opening87aligned with the apertures94to simplify manufacturing and allow access to the retaining portions43if necessary. The engaging portion45of each retaining button46is configured to engage the storable member. While retaining buttons46as shown inFIG. 8are utilized in the present embodiment, other contacting elements may be utilized. During storage and transport, the spring99biases the stop block80to the stop position wherein the retaining buttons46contact the storable member. To remove a storable member, an operator pushes the stop block80to the retracted position such that the retaining buttons46are clear of the storable member and the storable member may be removed from the storage tube22.

Referring toFIGS. 16-18, a storage assembly210in accordance with another embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail. The storage assembly210of the present embodiment is preferably configured to store storable members in an upright or vertical orientation as shown in the figures. That is, the storable members are oriented with their largest dimension upright, perpendicular to the support surface or vertical. The storage assembly210generally includes a plurality of stacked storage units220supported between upper and lower frame units250(only the lower frame unit shown). Each storage unit220of the present exemplary embodiment includes a generally planar support surface222enclosed by opposed side walls224and226, a rear wall225and a front wall227. The rear wall225may be omitted or lower than the other walls to facilitate loading. The support surface222, rear wall225and front wall227extend latitudinally between opposed front posts234and rear posts236. A support rail229may be provided between the front posts234to provide extra support to the front wall227. The side wall224extends between one pair of front and rear posts234, and236and the other side wall226extends between the other pair of front and rear posts234and236. The platform and walls224and226are attached to the posts234,236such that they are at angle ø relative to the horizontal, sloping downward from the rear to the front.

The support surface222is divided by one or more dividing walls230extending between the rear wall225and the front wall227into storage areas232. In the illustrated embodiment, there are three dividing walls230defining four storage areas232. Each storage area232has an opening or open area231adjacent to the front wall227. Based on the slope of the support surface222, the opening231is at an angle α relative to the support surface222. The angle α preferably equals 90°−ø. Each storage area232has a width preferably slightly wider than the intended storable members. The dividing walls230may be adjustable to adjust the widths or change the number of storage areas232.

The frame units250are illustrated with a pair of planar platforms252and254with a plurality of posts256therebetween. The lowest storage unit220sits on the upper platform252. The posts234and236of adjacent storage units220preferably have interconnecting members, for example, tongues235, for stacking the storage units220on top of one another. As shown in the figures, a stop mechanism may be provided on the storage units220to prevent the storable members from sliding out of the storage areas232. In the illustrated embodiment, a stop member240is supported by brackets242,244attached to the front wall227′ of the storage unit220stacked above. In the locked position shown inFIG. 17, the stop member240contacts the storable member (shown in phantom) such that the storable member is retained by the front wall227and the stop member240. To remove a storable member, the stop member240is moved to an unlocked position as shown inFIG. 18. such that a portion of the storable member is clear thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the front wall227is preferably at an obtuse angle β relative to the support surface222such that upon movement of the stop member240to the unlocked position, the storable member (shown in phantom) may tilt forward out the opening231as shown inFIG. 18, thereby easing removal of the storable member.

Referring toFIGS. 19-28, a storage assembly310in accordance with another embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail. The storage assembly310of the present embodiment is preferably configured to store storable members in an upright or vertical orientation as shown in the figures. That is, the storable members are oriented with their largest dimension upright, perpendicular to the support surface or vertical. The storage assembly310generally includes a plurality of stacked storage units320. Each storage unit320of the present exemplary embodiment includes a generally planar support surface322enclosed by opposed side walls324and326and a front wall327. The support surface322and front wall327extend latitudinally between opposed front posts334, mid posts335and rear posts336. A rear rail325preferably extends between the rear posts336to support a rear portion of the support surface322. A stop member319may be positioned along the rail325aligned with each storage area332to reduce the likelihood that a storable member may inadvertently exit through the rear of the storage unit320. The side wall324extends between one pair of front and rear posts334, and336with the mid post335therealong and the other side wall326extends between the other pair of front and rear posts334and336with the mid post335therealong. The platform and walls324and326are attached to the posts334,335,336such that they are at angle ø relative to the horizontal, sloping downward from the rear to the front.

A mid wall329may extend from front to back between the side walls324and326. The side walls324and326and the mid wall329support a top structure350. Front, mid and rear posts334′,335′ and336′ may depend below the mid wall329to provide support for the support surface322. As illustrated, the walls324,326,327,329, posts334,334′,335,335′,336,336′, rails325and top structure350may be manufactured as ribbed structures to provide a light weight, rigid structure. Additional ribs321, seeFIG. 24, may be provided below the support surface322for added strength. Various through holes323may also be provided to reduce weight, increase visibility and/or facilitate clean out. The structures may be formed as continuous members, as interconnected individual components and/or as interconnected subassemblies.

Referring toFIGS. 19,20,23and27, the top surface352of the top structure350preferably defines shoulders354and356and a recess358extending from front to back. The shoulders354and356are each configured to receive a respective set of front, mid and rear posts334,335,336and the recess358is configured to receive the front, mid and rear posts334′,335′,336′ from a storage unit320positioned thereon. Interlocking ribs360,362or the like are preferably provided between the posts334,334′,335,335′,336,336′ and the shoulders354,356and the recess358to longitudinally lock the adjacent storage units320.

Referring toFIGS. 19-21and25-27, the support surface322is divided into storage areas322by the mid wall329and one or more dividing walls330extending from the front wall327toward the rear rail325. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two dividing walls330whereby four storage areas332are defined. The support surface322may be formed as a continuous surface with the walls329,330extending up therefrom or the support surface322may only extend within each storage area322and be formed integral with the walls329,330as illustrated inFIG. 27.

As shown inFIGS. 19-21,23and27, the top structure350preferably defines alignment grooves363configured to engage a top portion of the storable members. Each alignment groove363is aligned with a respective storage area332. In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment grooves363are defined by a plurality of rails366,366′,367extending from the front toward the rear of the storage unit320. The rails366,366′,367are attached by bridge portions368. Outside rails367each extend along respective side walls324,326and define a contoured surface364which forms a portion of the outside grooves363. The rails366have a substantially v-shape such that the rails366define two contoured surfaces365, each one defining a portion of a respective groove363. The central rail366′ defines two contoured surfaces365and interconnects with the mid wall329. The configuration of the contoured surfaces364,365and the grooves363preferably complements the shape of the upper portion of the storable member. As shown inFIG. 23, the rear portion of each rail366,366′,367defines tapered surfaces361which funnel toward the grooves363.

Each storage area332has an opening or open area331adjacent to the front wall327. Based on the slope of the support surface322, the opening331is at an angle α relative to the support surface322. The angle α preferably equals 90°−ø. Each storage area332has a width preferably slightly wider than the intended storable members. In the preferred embodiment, the front wall327is preferably at an angle β of 90 degrees or more relative to the support surface322such that the storable members are supported in a position wherein the storable member tilts forward toward the opening331as shown inFIG. 26, thereby easing removal of the storable member.

The storage assemblies described herein may be manufactured from various materials, including but not limited to plastics, metals and composite materials.