CONTAINER STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract: A storage and transportation system for a container (10) comprising a framework of interfittable parts whereby the erected framework is of the same general shape as the interior of the container (10) but only slightly smaller so that the container walls provide the means for retaining the erected framework in position without any part of the framework being anchored thereto, said framework being constructed to support articles such as garments. The system comprises a plurality of pairs of stanchions (18) which are disposed vertically against a longer side walls of the container (10) and at a number of positions along the length of the container (10), cross rails (16) which are connected between each pair stanchions (18) across the width of the container (10) and cant rails (20) which are connected between separate stanchions (18) along the length of the container (10) to complete the framework. The cant rails (20) and cross rails (16) may be spring loaded at their ends.

Description: Container Storage System. This invention relates to container storage system, whereby containers may be adapted for the storage and transportation of goods which particularly but not exclusively are of a type which are stored and transported whist being held in a suspended condition. Typical of such goods are garments, which are carried by garment hangers, which in turn are suspended from rails of the storage system. Although the invention has particular application to the storage and transportation of garments, and reference will be made hereinafter only to such articles in the interests of simplicity, the invention can be applied to the storage and transportation of any suitable articles which indeed need not be suspended, but could be supported on decking or shelves of the storage system. Many thousands of garments are transported daily in containers carried by vehicles . These containers are large rectilinear structures, and typically are equipped to carry the garments in suspended fashion by having a storage system provide therein and which includes cross rails on which the garment hangers are hooked. These cross rails are supported at their ends by upright stanchions which are fixed to the container sides, typically by welding. Such an arrangement does not lend itself to adjustment or variation, when for example different types of goods are to be carried or when the container is to be used for a different purpose. The present invention is a storage and transportation system for a container which renders the use of the container more adaptable for variation of use. According to the invention there is provided a storage and transportation system for a container comprises a framework of interfittable parts which are sized to the container interior so that the erected framework is of the same shape as the interior of the container, but only slightly smaller so that the container walls provide the means for retaining the erected framework in position without any part of the framework being anchored thereto, said framework being constructed to support articles such as garments. When the framework is adapted to support garments, it preferably has cross rails on which garment hangers may be hung. When non- suspension articles are to be supported, the framework may define shelves on which the articles can rest during storage and transportation. The framework may comprise side stanchions interconnected by cant rails, and the cross rails may be connectable to the cant rails and/or the stanchions in any of a multiplicity of postions . The cant rails may be connected to the stanchions by having their ends received in shoes, cups or spigots provided on the stanchions, and the cross rails may have spring loaded end plugs which are adapted to be received in socket holes in the cant rails and/or the stanchions. The design of the frame permits the erection or disassembly of the framework in or from the inside the container in a relatively short time, for example of the order of 20mins for a standard size container, and of course the invention has the advantage that there are no permanent attachments between the container walls and the frame, yet the container plays its part in the use of the invention in that if forms the confines for the framework to prevent in from moving around inside the container as the container is in transit. The container can also provide the means for keeping the framework in its erected condition, which means that the framework need not be of such robust construction (thereby keeping its cost down) compared to a framework which would not benefit of being fitted into the container. The connection of the parts of the framework one to another also is of a type such that no tools are needed and the person erecting the framework can simply interfit the parts manually. An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein;- Fig. 1 is a side view of framework of a storage and transportation system according the invention; Figs. 2 and 3, respectively are an end view and a plan of the framework shown in Fig. 1 ; Figs. 4, 5 and 6 respectively are enlarged views of the details ringed A, B and C in Fig. l ; Figs . 7, 8 and 9 are end views of the details of Figs. 4, 5 and 6 respectively; and Fig. 10 is a view showing an extension component used for taller containers . Referring to the drawings, a storage and transportation system according to the invention is shown, and comprises a framework adapted to fit inside a conventional rectilinear container 10 of the type conventionally transported by road and rail. The chain dotted line shown in Fig. 1 indicates the inner surfaces of the container in side elevation, and similarly the side surfaces are indicated in Fig. 3.. Fig. 2 shows the side, top and bottom configuration. The container shown is approximately 12 metres long, 2.4 metres high and 2.35 metres wide, but the dimensions are not limiting other than to define a space into which the framework according to the invention fits neatly so that the inner surfaces of the container 10 will provide the support structure for the framework and prevent it from moving in use, or limit such movement to an acceptable small amount. The framework is of a type which can be constructed by a number of inter-fitting parts, with no tools required for the inter-fitting, and so that there is no actual fixing to the container inner surfaces. The framework will therefore be of a rectilinear construction, and crossbars or shelves or the like will provide a means for the support of the articles to be held in the container. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1 the framework is formed by two side frame structures 12 and 14 which are interconnected by cross rails 16. The rails 16 provide the means whereby in this example articles such as garments may be suspended by hangers, the hangers in turn being engaged on the rails 16. The rails 16 can be positioned at any position within a large number of possible positions longitudinally of the framework, and also height-wise of the framework. Each of the side frame structures comprises five stanchions 18 which are vertically disposed, and the stanchions are separated in this example by three cant rails 20. Each of the stanchions 18 is provided with a foot formation 22, and the ends of the cant rails 20 fit into suitable fittings provided on the stanchions. The connections between the cant rails and stanchions are shown more clearly in Figs. 4 to 9, and referring to these figures, it will be seen that the tops of the three intermediate stanchions 18 are provided with end plugs 24 which engage in end sockets 26 of the cant rails 20. Each cant rail 20 is provided with a channel section 28 which stands proud of the stanchion 18, and is provided with receiving holes 30 for receipt of the ends of the cross rails 16 in a manner to be described. As regards the other cant rails 20 they are fitted to the stanchion 18 by the end portions 26 being received in cups or shoes 30 which are open at the top end as shown in Fig. 8 so that the end portions 26 can simply be lowered into these cups 30. The front stanchion 18, assuming the left-hand end of the container in Fig. 1 to be the front end, is positioned on the inner surface of the front end of the container when the framework is to be erected, and the first set of cant rails are then fitted. This is followed by fitting the next stanchion 18, followed by the next set of cant rails and so on until the final rear stanchion 18 is fitted as shown. Both frame structures 12 and 14 are fitted this way, and the cross rails 16 are then added. These rails have spring-loaded end plugs which can be displaced inwardly to enable the rail 16 to align with a pair of the receiving apertures 30 and then the spring-loaded plugs are released to allow the plugs to enter holes 30 and affix the rail 16. There will be suitable means for retracting the plugs when the rails are to be removed. Equally, there may be spring-loaded locks at the couplings between the stanchions 18 and the cant rails 20 so that lock members must be displaced against spring action to enable the cant rails to be released from the stanchions during disassembly. Fig. 10 shows that where a container is of a taller height than the container illustrated, extension T-pieces 34 may be provided which are plugged into the ends of the stanchions 18 to increase their effective height. These T-pieces have arms 36 which engage in the portions 26 of the cant rails. An extremely effective and efficient framework arrangement adapted to be a neat fit into a transportation container is therefore provided, and the framework will either not move during transportation of will move only to a very limited extent in that the inner surfaces of the container prevent or restrict such movement to tolerable levels. The framework is flexible as regards the positioning of the cross rails or shelves and in particular there is no anchoring connection between the framework and the container. Its construction is such that it can be easily erected or dismantled, and the arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 9 for example can be erected or dismantled in approximately 20 minutes. Instead of or in addition to the holes or recesses 30 being on the cant rails 20, they could be on the stanchions 18. The cant rails can be of any desired length and any number of stanchions may be arranged to be fitted inside the container. In order to eliminate any movement of the framework inside the container, the components may be designed to be wedged against the container inner surfaces . Because of the design of the framework, maximum use can be made of the interior space for the holding of the garments or other articles. The framework is extremely flexible in terms of fitting adjusting and removing. The framework could be used to create a second floor inside the container. Additionally, although the cups 30 are shown as being welded to the stanchions, they could be removably mounted thereto.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A storage and transportation system for a container comprising a framework of interfittable parts which are sized to the container interior so that the erected framework is of the same shape as the interior of the container, but only slightly smaller so that the container walls provide the means for retaining the erected framework in position without any part of the framework being anchored thereto. 2. A storage and transportation system according to claim 1 characterised in that the framework is provided with cross rails on which garment hangers may be hung. 3. A storage and transportation system according to claim 1 characterised in that the framework defines shelves on which the articles can rest during storage and transportation. 4. A storage and transportation system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the framework comprises side stanchions interconnected by cant rails, and cross rails between the stanchions which are connectable to the cant rails and/or the stanchions in any of a multiplicity of positions . 5. A storage and transportation system according claim 4 characterised in that the cant rails are connected to the stanchions by having their ends received in shoes, cups or spigots provided on the stanchions. 6. A storage and transportation system according to either or both of claims 4 and 5 characterised in that the cross rails have spring loaded ends which are adapted to be received in socket holes in the cant rails and/or the stanchions. 7. A storage and transportation system according to either or both of claims 4 and 5 characterised in that the cant rails have spring loaded ends which are adapted to be received in socket holes in the stanchions .

Inventors: BROWNING ANDREW, BROWNING, ANDREW
Applicants: BROWNING ANDREW, TIBBETT & BRITTEN GROUP PLC, BROWNING, ANDREW
Application year: 1999
Main classification: B65D88
IPC codes: B65D90, F16B12