Abstract:
A selectively cascadeable storage unit allows a variable number of containers to be stored and dispensed in a first-in, first-out manner. The storage unit includes a receiving area, a storage track, a dispensing area, and a selectively engageable stop. The storage track conveys containers from the receiving area to the dispensing area, where the selectively engageable stop either holds the containers or passes the containers to a cascaded storage unit. In one embodiment, multiple storage units are substantially overlapped such that containers may be selectively passed from the dispensing area of one unit to the receiving area of the connected unit. The present invention facilitates better utilization of storage facilities and simplifies inventory management of a variety of containers such as barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cartons, casks, crates, drums, jars, kegs, packages, sacks, tins, and tubs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. The Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to the field of storage management devices, methods, and systems. Specifically, the invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for storing containers in a selectively cascadeable first-in, first-out manner. 
   2. The Relevant Art 
   Storage management of dated or perishable items such as food, part inventories, or the like is a process common to both private individuals and large organizations. Private individuals often store a supply of dated or perishable items such as food in case of an emergency. Businesses and other organizations often maintain a large inventory of parts with a limited shelf life. Since dated or perishable items may become obsolete or spoiled, individuals and organizations need storage management devices and methods for efficiently rotating inventories. 
   Dated or perishable items are commonly stored in containers such as cans or boxes. Storage management devices for containers such as cans or boxes often include a shelving system, which may further include devices that facilitate rotation of containers in a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) order, designed to prevent loss of dated or perishable items. 
   In some FIFO storage systems containers such as cans or boxes are placed onto a shelf and rolled down to a lower shelf until they are stopped at a dispensing area by a holding device. Subsequent containers inserted into the system roll down to the lower shelf until they are stopped by previous containers. FIFO storage systems allow containers to be removed from the shelves in the order that they were inserted, thereby preventing problems associated with using new containers before using old containers. 
   Some currently available FIFO storage systems include a set of shelf pairs, where the top shelf of a pair receives containers and the bottom shelf of the pair dispenses the containers. In some instances a shelf pair may be placed adjacent to or on top of another shelf pair, thereby creating a larger, modular storage unit. 
   One problem with two-shelf FIFO storage systems is that the shelf pairs have a limited capacity to store containers in a FIFO manner. When a shelf pair is full of containers containing a certain product, any new containers with that same product must be stored in another shelf pair. By storing containers holding the same products in multiple shelf pairs, the FIFO ordering of the containers is not preserved. Consequently, preventing the usage of new containers before using old containers becomes problematic. 
   Another type of currently available FIFO storage system offers a partial solution to this problem. Multiple shelves are cascaded, so that more than one shelf pair may be used to store containers holding the same products. Containers inserted into the top of a cascading shelf unit may roll down several shelves before reaching a dispensing area at the bottommost shelf. Cascaded FIFO storage systems are thus able to store greater numbers of containers than two-shelf FIFO storage systems. 
   One problem with cascading FIFO storage systems is that when a small number of containers are stored, a large amount of space is wasted. Such unused storage space cannot be used for other containers with different contents, because the other containers could not be retrieved until all of the first containers are retrieved. 
   What is needed are storage devices and methods that allow containers to be stored in a cascading, FIFO manner that also maximize storage space. Such a storage system would be selectively cascadeable, so that the amount of shelving used by a particular set of containers could be selected according to the number of containers that need to be stored. In particular, what is needed are devices and methods for selectively cascading FIFO storage containers for dated or perishable items so that a dynamically adjustable amount of space can be allocated for different sets of containers. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The various elements of the present invention have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available storage devices. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for storing and dispensing containers that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
   In a first aspect of the invention, a storage unit for dispensing containers in a selectively cascading, FIFO manner includes a receiving area that receives containers and a dispensing area that provides containers. The storage unit further includes a storage track that conveys the containers from the receiving area to the dispensing area and a selectively engageable stop that either passes containers to another storage unit or holds the containers at the dispensing area. The selectively engagable stop increases the effectiveness of the present invention over the current art. 
   In order to pass or hold containers, the selectively engageable stop may be pivotally attached to the storage track, providing for rapid opening or closing of the stop. In certain embodiments, the selectively engageable stop may also be removable, permitting easy replacement of worn or damaged parts. Furthermore, the selectively engageable stop may be a slat, a panel, a pin, a latch, or the like. 
   The selectively engageable stop may also be electronically actuated. Electronic actuation provides mechanization to the storage unit. Mechanization may also be accomplished in other ways, such as resistively opening the selectively engageable stop in response to contact with a container. In certain embodiments, mechanisms for resistively opening the selectively engageable stop include spring-loaded devices and counterbalancing devices. 
   In certain embodiments, the storage track includes a receptor track member for conveying containers from the receiving area and a provider track member for conveying containers to the dispensing area. In one embodiment, a redirection member redirects containers from the receptor track member to the provider track member. In addition, at least one of the track members may be nearly horizontal. Track members may include shelves, filleted shelves, conveyer belts, rollers, and the like. 
   In one embodiment, the receiving area and the dispensing area are arranged such that the dispensing area of a first stacked storage unit substantially overlaps with the receiving area of a second stacked storage unit. In the aforementioned embodiment, the selectively engageable stop may redirect containers from the dispensing area to a storage track of the second storage unit. By cascading storage units, any desired number of containers may be stored in a FIFO manner. 
   The storage unit may further include one or more track height adjustment members useful for adjusting the positions of the track members within the storage unit. Track height adjustment members allow track members to be raised or lowered, allowing the storage unit to accommodate containers of several shapes and sizes. The track height adjustment members may also hold the track members at an incline, facilitating containers rolling or sliding on the storage tracks. 
   The storage track may be further configured to convey many types of containers, including barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cartons, casks, crates, drums, jars, kegs, packages, sacks, tins, tubs, and the like. This versatility enables the storage unit to be used in a variety of applications, including home and commercial storage uses. 
   In another aspect of the present invention, a method for dispensing containers in a selectively cascading FIFO manner includes receiving a container on a storage track and selectively blocking the container with a selectively engageable stop to prevent the container from passing to a cascaded storage unit vertically aligned with the storage track. The method may also include selectively passing the container with a selectively engageable stop in order to pass the container to a lower storage track in the cascaded storage unit. The step of receiving a container on a storage track may be automated by using a mechanical device to guide placement of the container on the storage track. Automation in selectively passing or blocking a container may occur by electronic actuation of a stop, which may further include actuation of the stop in response to a button press or the like. In one embodiment, electronic actuation of the stop includes using a computer that selectively engages the stop from a central location, such as a storage management office within a warehouse. 
   The various elements and aspects of the present invention allow a more efficient use of storage space than currently available devices. In addition, the present invention reduces waste by dispensing older containers before dispensing newer containers. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the manner in which the advantages and objects of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of the scope of the invention, additional specificity and detail will be described and explained through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage system of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4   a  is a perspective front view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage unit of the present invention; 
       FIG. 4   b  is a perspective front view illustration depicting the selectively cascadeable storage unit of  FIG. 4   a , with a disengaged selectively engageable stop; 
       FIG. 5   a  is a perspective front view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage unit of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5   b  is a perspective front view illustration depicting the selectively cascadeable storage unit of  FIG. 5   a , with a disengaged selectively engageable stop; 
       FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a container dispensing method of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective side view illustration depicting selected embodiments of a storage track of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective side view illustration depicting selected embodiments of a selectively engageable stop of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective front view illustration depicting additional selected embodiments of the selectively engageable stop of the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective front view illustration depicting one embodiment of the storage track and selectively engageable stop of the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective side view illustration depicting various containers usable with the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective side view illustration depicting further embodiments of the containers of the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective side view illustration depicting embodiments of redirection members of the present invention; and 
       FIG. 14  is a side view illustration depicting one embodiment of a track height adjustment member of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIGS. 1 and 2  are perspective side view illustrations depicting certain embodiments of a selectively cascadeable storage system  100  of the present invention. The depicted embodiments of the selectively cascadeable storage system  100  include one or more hinge pins  102 , engaging pins  104 , receiving areas  110 , dispensing areas  120 , holding projections  122 , redirection members  130 , storage tracks  140 , selectively engageable stops  150 , containers  160 , track height adjustment members  170 , track support members  172 , threaded rods  174 , and adjustment holes  176 . The selectively cascadeable storage system  100  facilitates storing and dispensing a plurality of containers in a FIFO manner. 
     FIG. 1  depicts a particular embodiment of the selectively cascadeable storage system  100 , namely a selectively cascadeable shelving system  100   a , wherein the storage tracks  140  comprise shelves. Likewise,  FIG. 2  depicts a particular embodiment of the selectively cascadeable storage system  100 , namely a selectively cascadeable roller system  100   b , wherein the storage tracks  140  comprise rollers. 
   Rollers  142  in the selectively cascadeable roller system  100   b  facilitate moving non-cylindrical containers  160  such as boxes, sacks, and the like from higher storage tracks  140  to lower storage tracks  140 . Other embodiments not depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be easily derived by those of skill in the art to match the needs of a particular application. 
   In the depicted selectively cascadeable storage system  100 , containers  160  are inserted into the receiving area  110 , where they roll, slide, or are mechanically conveyed along the storage tracks  140 . In the depicted embodiments the storage tracks  140  include a receptor track  140   a  and a provider track  140   b.    
   A redirection member  130  directs the containers  160  from the receptor track  140   a  to the provider track  140   b . The containers  160  then roll, slide, or are mechanically conveyed to the dispensing area  120 , where the selectively engageable stop  150  either holds the containers  160  or passes the containers  160  to a lower receptor track  140   a.    
   In one embodiment, the shortest distance between receptor tracks  140   a  and redirection members  130  is selected to be sufficiently large to pass containers of many sizes. For example, the distance may be selected to be greater than the diameter of a number  10  can. Furthermore, the shortest distance between a receptor track  140   a  and a provider track  140   b  nearest to the receptor track  140   a  may be large enough to allow containers of various sizes to pass through without impediment. In one embodiment, the aforementioned distance is at least ¼ inch greater than the diameter of the largest container  160  stored in the selectively cascadeable storage system  100 . 
   If the selectively engageable stop  150  is engaged, the containers  160  are held at the dispensing area  120 . If the selectively engageable stop  150  is not engaged, the containers  160  pass down to the receiving area  110  below the selectively engageable stop  150 . The containers  160  continue to travel along the storage tracks  140  until they are held at a dispensing area  120  by an engaged selectively engageable stop  150 . 
   The selectively engageable stop  150  causes the selectively cascadeable storage system  100  to be more customizable than currently available cascadeable FIFO storage systems. This customizability is achieved by selectively engaging the selectively engageable stops  150  so that a variable number of storage tracks  140  can be cascaded to hold either a small or large number of containers  160 . By storing containers  160  in this manner, the selectively cascadeable storage system  100  achieves a high utilization of storage space. 
   As depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the selectively engageable stop  150  may pivot about a hinge pin  102  and the engagement pins  104  may be used to hold the selectively engageable stop  150  in an engaged position. A more detailed description of the functional relationship of one embodiment of the selectively engageable stop  150  with the hinge pin  102  and the engagement pins  104  will be provided in conjunction with  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b.    
   In the depicted embodiments, one or more holding projections  122  positioned at the dispensing area  120  prevent the containers  160  from falling out of the selectively cascadeable storage system  100 . The holding projections  122  may be pins, bars, blocks, rubber stops, or the like. 
   The storage track height adjustment members  170  facilitate adjusting the height of the storage tracks  140  to accommodate containers  160  of various sizes. Two embodiments of the track height adjustment members are depicted, namely track height adjustment members  170   a  shown in  FIG. 1  and track height adjustment members  170   b  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the track height adjustment members  170   a  may include track support members  172  and threaded rods  174 . A storage track  140  may rest on, or attach to, one or more track support members  172 . In one embodiment, the track support members  172  may be turned about the threaded rods  174  to achieve a desired height and incline of the storage track  140  relative to other storage tracks  140 . The track support members  172  may be metal, wooden, or plastic nuts, wing nuts, hand-tighten nuts, or the like. 
   As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the track height adjustment members  170   b  include several adjustment holes  176  to facilitate attaching storage tracks  140 . Hooks or other similar fasteners (not shown) attach the storage tracks  140  to the track height adjustment members  170   b  by hooking into the adjustment holes  176  at selected locations to achieve a desired height and incline. 
   The relative heights of storage tracks  140  may be adjusted on the storage track height adjustment members  170  in order to fit containers  160  of various sizes onto the storage tracks  140 . In addition, the incline angle of the storage tracks  140  may be adjusted on the storage track height adjustment members  170  to facilitate rolling or sliding of the containers  160  from higher storage tracks  140  to lower storage tracks  140 . 
     FIG. 3  is a front view illustration depicting one embodiment of a selectively cascadeable storage system  100  of the present invention, specifically a selectively cascadeable shelving system  100   c . The depicted embodiment of the selectively cascadeable storage system  100  includes one or more receiving areas  110 , dispensing areas  120 , holding projections  122 , storage tracks  140 , selectively engageable stops  150 , containers  160 , track height adjustment members  170   a , track support members  172 , threaded rods  174 , and fillets  310 . 
   In the depicted embodiment, the holding projections  122  are attached to the fillets  310 . The holding projections  122  and the fillets  310  may be produced with a single injection mold. Alternatively the holding projections  122  may be pins, bars, blocks, rubber stops, or the like. In another embodiment, one or more holding projections  122  may project upwards from the storage tracks  140 . 
   The depicted fillets  310  feature a concave shape that forms a boundary for each storage track  140 . Containers  160  rolling or sliding along the storage tracks  140  exclusively contact the concave surfaces of the fillets  310 . Furthermore, the fillets may be shaped such that only the rims or outer edges of the containers  160  contact the fillets, such that the containers  160  travel on a low-friction surface. 
   As a result of the low-friction surface, fillets  310  enable the containers  160  to travel along the storage tracks quickly and easily, without impediment. Additionally, the low-friction travel of containers  160  allows the storage tracks  140  to be nearly horizontal and thereby reduces space consumed by storage tracks  140  positioned at steep incline angles. 
     FIGS. 4   a  and  5   a  are perspective front view illustrations depicting selected embodiments of a selectively cascadeable storage unit  400  of the present invention, specifically the cascadeable storage unit  400   a  and the cascadeable storage unit  400   b .  FIGS. 4   b  and  5   b  are perspective front view illustrations depicting the selectively cascadeable storage unit  400  with a disengaged selectively engageable stop. 
   The depicted selectively cascadeable storage unit  400  includes a hinge pin  102 , one or more engagement pins  104 , a receiving area  110 , a dispensing area  120 , one or more holding projections  122 , a redirection member  130 , a storage track  140 , and selected embodiments of a selectively engageable stop  150 , namely a slat shaped stop  150   a  and a counterbalanced stop  150   b . The slat stop  150   a  further includes one or more slats  152 . 
   In the depicted embodiment the receiving area  110  is the entry point for a container to be placed on the storage track  140 , which includes a receptor track  140   a  and a provider track  140   b . The container rolls, slides, or is mechanically conveyed on the receptor track  140   a  from the receiving area  110  down to the provider track  140   b  with the aid of the redirection member  130 . The container then rolls, slides, or is mechanically conveyed to the dispensing area  120 , where the selectively engageable stop  150  either holds the container or passes it to a lower receptor track  140   a.    
   At the dispensing area  120 , the holding projections  122  prevent the container from falling out of the selectively cascadeable storage unit  400 . Other pins, namely the hinge pin  102  and the engagement pins  104  hold the selectively engageable stop  150  in place. The engagement pins  104  facilitate holding the selectively engageable stop  150  in an engaged position, and the hinge pin  102  provides a pivot point about which the selectively engageable stop  150  may be turned to a disengaged position. 
   In one embodiment, the slats  152  of the slat stop  150   a  may slide towards the middle of the hinge pin  102 , thereby allowing the slat stop  150   a  to disengage from the engagement pins  104 . In another embodiment, the engagement pins  104  may be manually, mechanically, or electronically actuated to allow the selectively engageable stop  150  to disengage. When the selectively engageable stop  150  is disengaged as depicted in  FIGS. 4   b  and  5   b , the selectively engageable stop  150  may act as a ramp to facilitate passing containers to a lower storage track  140 . 
   In certain embodiments, the slat stop  150   a , hinge pin  102 , and engagement pins  104  may be manufactured by injection molding, using plastic material or the like. In one embodiment, the hinge pin  102  is divided into two distinct sections, and each section is attached by molding into an injection molded provider track  140   b . During disengagement of the slat stop  152 , each slat  152  slides along a section of the hinge pin  102  until the slat  152  disengages from the hinge pin  102  and the engagement pin  104 . Each slat  152  may then reattach to the hinge pin  102  to place the slat stop  150   a  in a disengaged position. 
   In one embodiment, the receptor track  140   a  and the provider track  140   b  are also manufactured by injection molding, using plastic material or the like. Injection molding provides lightweight storage tracks  140  that are easily coupled to form a modular unit. For example, in one embodiment the injection molded receptor track  140   a  may be stacked substantially on top of the injection molded provider track  140   b , forming a selectively cascadeable storage unit  400 . Moreover, the selectively cascadeable storage unit  400  may also be stacked upon another selectively cascadeable storage unit  400 . 
   The selectively cascadeable storage unit  400  provides for oldest stored containers to be held at the dispensing area  120 , allowing the oldest stored containers to be accessed before accessing newer stored containers. Storing containers in selectively cascadeable storage units  400  prevents waste that often occurs when storing containers on currently available shelving. 
     FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a container dispensing method  600  of the present invention. The depicted container dispensing method  600  includes a receive containers step  610 , a convey containers step  620 , a stop engaged test  630 , a pass containers step  640 , and a hold containers step  650 , and an end step  660 . The container dispensing method may be conducted in conjunction with, or independent of, selectively cascadeable storage system  100 . The container dispensing method  600  facilitates dispensing containers in a selectively cascading FIFO manner and is particular suited for automated storage management. 
   The receive containers step  610  receives one or more containers from a user or a mechanical device. The method then proceeds to the convey containers step  620  where the containers are conveyed along the storage tracks. At the stop engaged test  630 , the container dispensing method  600  determines whether to hold a container at the dispensing area or pass the container on to another receiving area. 
   If the stop is not engaged, the method proceeds to the pass container step  640 . From there the method loops back to the receive containers step  610 . However, if the stop is engaged, the method then continues to the hold container step  650  where the container is held on the current storage track. The method ends at the end step  660 . 
     FIG. 7  is a perspective side view illustration depicting certain embodiments of the storage track  700  of the present invention. The depicted storage track  700  embodiments include a shelf storage track  710 , a roller storage track  720 , a roller storage track  730 , a conveyer storage track  740 , and a filleted storage track  750 . The present invention is thus compatible with multiple types of storage tracks  700 , permitting storage of a wide variety of containers. 
   The shelf storage track  710  is useful for storing cylindrical or nearly cylindrical containers. Roller shelf storage tracks  720  and  730  are useful for storing boxes and the like in addition to cylindrical or nearly cylindrical containers. The rollers on the roller storage tracks  720  and  730  facilitate rolling boxes, sacks, and the like from storage track  700  to storage track  700 . The conveyer storage track  740  facilitates rolling boxes, sacks and the like from track to track. 
   The filleted storage track  750  provides a low-friction surface for efficient rolling of cylindrical containers. Containers rolling on the filleted storage track  750  may contact the filleted storage track  750  exclusively on the fillets. By rolling exclusively on the fillets, the containers encounter minimal friction and thus roll efficiently along the filleted storage track  750 . 
     FIG. 8  is a perspective front view illustration depicting two embodiments of the selectively engageable stop  800  of the present invention, namely, the slat stop  150   a  and the spring-loaded stop  150   b . The slat stop  150   a  includes one or more slats  152 , a hinge pin  102 , and one or more engagement pins  104 . 
   The spring-loaded stop  150   c  includes a hinge pin  102 , one or more engagement pins  104 , and one or more springs  802  that enables gentle lowering of containers to a storage track below them. The slat stop  150   a  may also be configured to include one or more springs  802 , so that the slat stop  150   a  can also gently lower containers to a lower storage track. 
     FIG. 9  is a perspective side view illustration depicting further embodiments of the selectively engageable stop  800  of the present invention. The depicted embodiments of the selectively engageable stop  800  include the counterbalanced stop  150   c , the hollow panel stop  150   d , the open-ended stop  150   e , and the panel stop  150   f . Though not shown, all of the selectively engageable stops  800  may also include one or more springs  702  for gently lowering containers to lower storage tracks. 
   The counterbalanced stop  150   c , hollow panel stop  150   d , open-ended stop  510   e , and the panel stop  150   f  each may include a hinge pin  102  and one or more engagement pins  104 . The engagement pins  104  may be actuated by manual, electronic, or mechanical devices. The hollow panel stop  150   d  may engage or disengage by sliding along the hinge pin  102  through the cavity of the hollow panel. Similarly, the open-ended stop  150   e  may slide along the hinge pin to disengage from the engagement pin  104 . 
     FIG. 10  is a perspective front view illustration depicting one embodiment of a integrated storage track and stop  900  of the present invention. The depicted integrated storage track and stop  900  include a hinge pin  102 , one or more engagement pins  104 , a storage track  140 , a slat stop  150   a , and one or more slats  152 . The depicted storage track  140  may also include fillets (not shown) for passing containers on a low-friction surface. 
   In the depicted embodiment, the hinge pin  102  is attached to the storage track  140 , coupling the slat stop  150   a  to the storage track  140 . The aforementioned coupling facilitates attaching the storage track  140  and the slat stop  150   a  to the track height adjustment members  170   a  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
   Arrows in the illustration indicate directions of travel of the slat  152  in order to disengage the slat stop  150   a  from the engagement pin  104 . From an engaged position, the slat  152  first moves towards the center of the storage track  140 . Once in the center, the slat  152  falls off the engagement pin  104 . The slat may then be moved from the center of the storage track  140  to the side of the storage track, where it acts as a ramp for passing containers to a lower storage track  140 . 
     FIGS. 11 and 12  are perspective side view illustrations depicting embodiments of containers  160  in accordance with the present invention. The containers  1000  include a can  160   a , a box  160   b , a barrel  160   c , a jar  160   d , a drum  160   e , and a bottle  160   f . Not shown but also included as containers  1000  are cartons, casks, crates, kegs, packages, sacks, tins, tubs, and the like. By storing various embodiments of containers  160 , the selectively cascadeable storage system  100  is useful for a variety of applications, including part inventory management and food inventory management. 
     FIG. 13  is a set of perspective view illustrations depicting various embodiments of redirection members  1100  of the present invention. The redirection members  1100  include a curved redirection member  130   a , a spring-loaded redirection member  130   b , and a counterbalanced redirection member  130   c . Redirection members  1100  enable containers to pass smoothly from one storage track to the next. The spring-loaded redirection members  130   b  and the counterbalanced redirection members  130   c  facilitate gently lowering containers from a higher storage track to a lower storage track, preventing damage to the containers. 
   In addition to spring-loading and counterbalancing mechanisms, both the selectively engageable stops  800  and the redirection members  1100  may include damping mechanisms, such as hydraulic or pneumatic devices. These damping mechanisms may operate independently of, or complementary to the spring-loaded and counterbalance mechanisms. 
     FIG. 14  is a side view illustration depicting one embodiment of the track height adjustment member  170   a  of the present invention. The depicted track height adjustment member  170   a  includes a track support member  172   a , a track support member  172   b , and a threaded rod  174 . In the illustration a storage track  140  is attached to the track height adjustment member  170   a.    
   In the depicted embodiment, the track height adjustment member  170   a  holds the storage track  140  at a desired height and incline. Track support members  172   a  and  172   b fasten the storage track  140  to the track height adjustment member  170   a  by turning about the threaded rod  174  until tightened against the storage track  140 . In the illustration, the track support members are hand-tighten nuts, permitting quick and easy adjustment of the storage track  140  height. 
   The present invention increases the usage of storage systems by facilitating dynamic adjustment of the amount of storage dedicated to a particular inventory item. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.