Patent Publication Number: US-2023159272-A1

Title: System for handling and storage of iso containers

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application is related to Australian Patent Application No. 2019901554, filed 7 May 2019 and entitled “System for handling and storage of ISO containers”, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by way of reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure herein relates to a system for handling and storage of ISO or intermodal containers, and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. However, it will be appreciated that the system, or at least certain aspects thereof, may also find application in relation to the handling and storage of other items. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventionally, an ISO or intermodal container terminal comprises a large open area where the containers are stored during transhipment of the containers between transport vehicles, such as from a container ship to a train or truck. In the container terminal, the containers are typically stored in stacks of up to five containers high, with the containers being stacked directly one on top of another. Stacks are generally limited to five containers high for reasons of stack stability and also as common handling equipment used to convey the containers to, from, and within the container terminal, such as straddle carriers and mobile gantry cranes, can typically straddle a stack of no more five containers high. 
     As a result of the containers being stacked directly one on top of another, to gain access a container lower in the stack, e.g., for loading onto a truck, train or ship, the containers above it must first be removed. Accordingly, significant time is wasted shuffling containers around in the container terminal in order to provide access to desired containers. 
     Also, as a result of the container stack height typically being limited to five containers high, the area required for the container terminal is greater than it would be if the container stacks could be more than five containers high. 
     Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims. 
     SUMMARY 
     Throughout this specification the words “comprise”, “include”, “have”, and variations such as “comprises”, “includes”, “has”, “comprising”, “including” and “having”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. 
     Disclosed herein is a system for handling and storage of ISO or intermodal containers, the system comprising: 
     a structure having a plurality of storage cells therein, each of the storage cells being configured to store at least one ISO or intermodal container therein, a first number of the plurality of storage cells being located at a different vertical position within the structure to a second number of the plurality of storage cells, 
     a void area extending vertically through or alongside the structure, 
     a third number of the plurality of storage cells, the third number of the plurality of storage cells comprising at least some of the first number of the plurality of storage cells and at least some of the second number of the plurality of storage cells, and each of the cells of the third number of the plurality of storage cells:
         being adjacent the void area, and   having a container access opening communicating with the void area;       

     a container crane mounted relative to the structure and comprising:
         an elongate carrier located in the void area, a longitudinal dimension of the carrier defining a first axis,   a hoist assembly mounted to the structure at an upper end of the void area, the hoist assembly connected to the carrier for adjusting a vertical position of the carrier relative to the structure,   first and second container engagement assemblies releasably engaged with respective opposite longitudinal ends of the carrier, each of the container engagement assemblies comprising latching formations for engagement with openings in corner castings of an ISO or intermodal container, the container engagement assemblies being disengageable from the carrier for lateral movement away from the carrier, out of the void area, and into a target cell of the third number of the plurality of storage cells via the respective access opening,   wherein, upon movement of the container engagement assemblies into the target cell, the container engagement assemblies engage and are vertically supported by a portion of the structure associated with the target cell.       

     A distance between the first and second container engagement assemblies, measured parallel to the first axis, may be adjustable. The longitudinal dimension of the carrier may be adjustable in magnitude. In other words, the carrier is of adjustable length. 
     The container engagement assemblies may be self-propelled. The container engagement assemblies may comprise a motor, which may be an electric motor. The motor may rotate rollers of the container engagement assemblies for propelling the container engagement assemblies. Power for the electric motor may be supplied by electrical cables extending from the carrier. The electrical cables may extend from an upper region of the structure, through the void area to a central region of the carrier, and outwardly from the central region of the carrier to the container engagement assemblies. A cable extension and retraction assembly may be provided for feeding the electrical cables to and retracting the electrical cables from the container engagement assemblies as the container engagement assemblies move relative to the carrier. The cable extension and retraction assembly may be mounted to the carrier. A cable drum may be mounted to the carrier, the electrical cables being collected in the cable drum during elevation of the carrier relative to the structure and being fed out from the cable drum during lowering of the carrier relative to the structure. 
     The structure may comprise a three dimensional array of interconnected spaced apart vertical members, each of the cells being defined between first and second pairs of the vertical members. Each of the cells may comprise a pair of parallel, spaced apart horizontal members at its upper end, each of the horizontal members of the pair of horizontal members having a first end adjacent, and fixedly connected relative to, a respective one of the cell&#39;s first pair of vertical members, and an opposite second end adjacent, and fixedly connected relative to, a respective one of the cell&#39;s second pair of vertical members. Said portion of the structure associated with the target cell may comprise the pair of horizontal members of the target cell. The carrier may comprise a pair of horizontal members having a cross sectional shape complementary to that of the horizontal members of the cells. The horizontal members of the carrier may be perpendicular to said first axis. When engaged with the carrier, the container engagement assemblies engage and are vertically supported by the pair of horizontal members of the carrier. Each of the container engagement assemblies may comprise a roller assembly, comprising one or more roller(s). The horizontal members of the carrier may define a first track engageable by the roller(s) of the roller assembly. The horizontal members of the cells may define a second track engageable by the roller(s) of the roller assembly. When transitioning the container engagement assemblies between the carrier and the target cell, the roller assemblies may transition between engagement with the first track and engagement with the second track. At least one bearing member may extend from the target cell, beyond the associated vertical member and outwardly into the void area. The carrier may comprise a selectively extendable and retractable bearing element, the bearing element, when in an extended configuration, being engageable with the bearing member to support the carrier at a vertical position in which the container engagement assemblies are aligned with the portion of the structure associated with the target cell. The bearing element may extend and retract in a direction that includes at least a horizontal component, the horizontal component being perpendicular to the first axis. The at least one bearing member may comprise a first end of each said horizontal member of the target cell. The first end of each said horizontal member of the target cell may extend beyond the associated vertical member and outwardly from the target cell. The at least one bearing member may be offset, in a direction parallel to the first axis, from the associated vertical member. 
     The structure may comprise a vertical third track engageable by the carrier, engagement between the carrier and the third track guiding the carrier, and thereby the first and second container engagement assemblies, during adjustment of the vertical position of the carrier relative to the structure. The third track may be provided on or in the vertical members associated with the first ends of the horizontal members of the target cell. The carrier may comprise selectively extendable and retractable guide members, the guide members, when in an extended configuration, engaging the third track. The guide members may extend and retract in a direction that includes at least a horizontal component, the horizontal component being perpendicular to the first axis. A portion of the guide members that engages the third track may comprise a roller. 
     Each of the cells may comprise at least four container bearing surfaces at its lower end on which a container may be placed for storage in the target cell. A locating projection may extend from each said bearing surface for engaging an opening in a corresponding corner casting of a container stored in the cell. A vertical distance between each of the bearing surfaces and the portion of the structure associated with the target cell may be adjustable to facilitate maintaining a constant distance between a top of a container stored in the target cell and the portion of the structure associated with the cell regardless of the height dimension of the container. For example, a bearing module of adjustable height may be associated with each of the bearing surfaces. Each of the bearing modules may be adjustable between a plurality of predetermined heights. The constant distance may be less than around 12 inches (approximately 300 mm), or less than around 8 inches (approximately 200 mm) or less than around 6 inches (approximately 150 mm), or less than around 4 inches (approximately 100 mm). The height of the bearing modules may change by a predetermined amount when adjusted between each of the predetermined heights and the next of the predetermined heights. The predetermined amount may be 6 inches (approximately 150 mm) or 12 inches (approximately 300 mm). Each of the bearing modules may comprise a said locating projection. Each of the bearing modules may comprise a plurality of stackable articulated blocks. Each of the predetermined heights may be associated with a different stacking configuration of the articulated blocks. Mechanical linkages may interconnect the articulated blocks to facilitate reconfiguring the articulated blocks in each of the stacking configurations. Each of the articulated blocks may comprise a said locating projection. 
     A fourth number of the plurality of storage cells may be located at a different horizontal position within the structure to a fifth number of the plurality of storage cells. The fourth number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise more than one of the plurality storage cells. The fifth number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise more than one of the plurality storage cells. 
     The first number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise more than one of the plurality storage cells. The second number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise more than one of the plurality storage cells. 
     The cells of the third number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise at least a first group (or “column”) of cells aligned on a first vertical axis. The cells of the third number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise at least a second group (or “column”) of cells aligned on a second vertical axis, the void area being between the first and second groups of cells. Each cell of the first group may be aligned with a corresponding cell of the second group on a directly opposite side of the void area. The second group may be a mirror image of the first group about a central vertical plane dividing the first and second groups. The system may comprise a plurality of the void areas, each of the void areas having an associated said at least a first group (or “column”) of cells. The system may comprise a plurality of the void areas, each of the void areas having an associated said at least a first group (or “column”) of cells and an associated said at least a second group (or “column”) of cells, each of the void areas being between the associated first and second groups of cells. The cells of the third number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise a first plurality of groups (or “columns”) of cells, each group of the first plurality of groups having a respective vertical axis on which the cells of that group are aligned. The cells of the third number of the plurality of storage cells may comprise a second plurality of groups (or “columns”) of cells, each group of the second plurality of groups having a respective vertical axis on which the cells of that group are aligned, the void area being between the first plurality of groups and the second plurality of groups. Each cell of the first plurality of groups may be aligned with a corresponding cell of the second plurality of groups on a directly opposite side of the void area. The second plurality of groups may be a mirror image of the first plurality of groups about a central vertical plane dividing the first plurality of groups and the second plurality of groups. The system may comprise a plurality of the void areas, each of the void areas having an associated said first plurality of groups (or “columns”) of cells. The system may comprise a plurality of the void areas, each of the void areas having an associated said first plurality of groups (or “columns”) of cells and an associated said second plurality of groups (or “columns”) of cells, each of the void areas being between the associated first plurality of groups and the associated second plurality of groups. At least one bearing member may extend from each of the cells of the first group of cells, the second group of cells, the first plurality of groups of cells of cells, and/or the second plurality of groups of cells, beyond the associated vertical member and outwardly into the void area. The carrier may comprise a selectively extendable and retractable bearing element, the bearing element, when in an extended configuration, being engageable with the bearing member to support the carrier at a vertical position in which the container engagement assemblies are aligned with the portion of the structure associated with the cell into which the container engagement assemblies are to be moved. In embodiments comprising a said first group of cells and a said second group of cells (or a first plurality of groups of cells and a second plurality of groups of cells), the carrier may comprise a plurality of the bearing elements, some for engaging bearing members associated with the cells of the first group (or first plurality of groups) and others for engaging bearing members associated with the cells of the second group (or second plurality of groups). The bearing element(s) may extend and retract in a direction that includes at least a horizontal component, the horizontal component being perpendicular to the first axis. A maximum fixed width of the carrier measured perpendicular to the first axis may be less than a minimum width of the void area measured perpendicular to the first axis, such that a gap is defined between the carrier and portions of the structure on opposite sides of the void area. The length of the horizontal members of the carrier may define the maximum fixed width of the carrier. The distance between ends of the horizontal members of the cells of the first group of cells (or first plurality of groups of cells) and the horizontal members of the corresponding cells of the second group of cells (or second plurality of groups of cells) may define the minimum width of the void area. When extended, the bearing element(s) may engage a portion of the structure on the opposite side of the void area to the cell into which the container assemblies are to be moved to urge the carrier toward the cell into which the container engagement assemblies are to be moved to reduce the gap between the carrier and that cell to facilitate movement of the container engagement assemblies between the carrier and that cell. When extended, the bearing element(s) may engage a portion of the structure on the opposite side of the void area to the cell into which the container assemblies are to be moved to urge the carrier toward the cell into which the container engagement assemblies are to be moved, thereby to bring the carrier at least substantially into abutment with the horizontal members of that cell to facilitate transitioning of the container engagement assemblies between the carrier and the horizontal members of that cell. The bearing members may comprise a first end of each said horizontal member of the cells of the first group (or first plurality of groups), and, in relevant embodiments, a first end of each said horizontal member of the cells of the second group (or second plurality of groups). The first ends of the horizontal members may extend beyond the associated vertical member and outwardly from the cells. The bearing members may be offset, in a direction parallel to the first axis, from the associated vertical member. Some of the first plurality of groups may be configured to receive longer containers than other of the first plurality of groups. Some of the second plurality of groups may be configured to receive longer containers than other of the second plurality of groups. 
     The hoist assembly may be moveable horizontally with respect to the structure. The hoist assembly may be self-propelled to facilitate its horizontal movement relative to the structure. The hoist assembly may comprise a motor, which may be an electric motor. The motor of the hoist assembly may rotate rollers of the hoist assembly for propelling the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly may be mounted on horizontal rails of the structure. The horizontal rails may extend parallel to the first axis. The carrier may interlock with the hoist assembly upon elevation of the carrier to the upper end of the void area. The hoist assembly may be locked against movement relative to the structure unless the carrier is interlocked with the hoist assembly. The hoist assembly may comprise at least three hoist cables, each connected to a respective anchor point the carrier. Each of the at least three cables may be independently adjustable to facilitate independent adjustment of the vertical position of the anchor points. 
     Said openings in corner castings of a container may be openings in upper corner castings of the container. Said openings in corner castings of a container may be top openings in upper corner castings of the container. The latching formations may comprise twistlocks. The latching formations may be extended and retracted in a vertical direction between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The latching formations may be engaged with the openings in corner castings of a container when in the extended configuration and the retracted configuration, and when moving therebetween, such that the container may be moved vertically by the extension or retraction of the latching formations. The latching formations may be displaced vertically by less than a predetermined displacement when moving between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. The predetermined displacement may be less than around 12 inches (approximately 300 mm), or less than around 8 inches (approximately 200 mm) or less than around 6 inches (approximately 150 mm), or less than around 4 inches (approximately 100 mm). The container engagement assemblies may comprise camming mechanisms for moving the latching formations between the extended and retracted configurations. 
     A container carrier bay may be provided at a lower end of the or each void area. The container carrier bay may be oriented parallel to the first axis, such that a longitudinal axis of a container carried on a container carrier in the bay is parallel to the first axis. The container carrier bay may be adapted to receive a truck trailer and/or a train wagon. The container crane may be lowered to a trailer or wagon in the bay to: unload a container from the trailer or wagon and move the container into one of the cells; or deliver a container from one of the cells to the trailer or wagon. 
     Also disclosed herein are other inventions comprising any novel combination of features disclosed herein in words and/or in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       A system embodying principles disclosed herein will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic perspective view of the system; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross sectional view taken vertically through the system of  FIG.  1    along line  2 - 2 ; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic cross sectional view taken vertically through the structure of the system of  FIG.  1    along line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG.  4    is a more detailed schematic cross sectional view taken vertically through the system of  FIG.  1    along line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic perspective view of part of an interior of the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic side elevational view of a carrier of the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic end elevational view of the carrier of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic end elevational view of the carrier of  FIG.  6    with a container engagement assembly engaged therewith, in a configuration for raising or lowering by the hoist assembly; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic end elevational view of the carrier and container engagement assembly of  FIG.  8   , in a configuration for movement of the container engagement assembly into a storage cell; 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic end elevational view of the container engagement assembly of  FIG.  9    after it has disengaged from the carrier and moved into the storage cell; 
         FIG.  11    is schematic perspective view showing a container bearing module of the system of  FIG.  1   , shown in a first configuration for use with a 9′6″ ISO container; 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic perspective view of the container bearing module of  FIG.  11   , shown in a second configuration for use with a 9′ ISO container; 
         FIG.  13    is a schematic perspective view of the container bearing module of  FIG.  11   , shown in a third configuration for use with an 8′6″ ISO container; and 
         FIG.  14    is a schematic perspective view of the container bearing module of  FIG.  11   , shown in a fourth configuration for use with an 8′ ISO container. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings, there is provided a system  100  for handling and storage of ISO or intermodal containers  200 . The system  100  comprises a structure  102  having a plurality of storage cells  104  therein. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the storage cells  104  is configured to store one container  200  therein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, cells  104  are arranged in a rectangular prismatic array comprising sixteen, vertically oriented, parallel rectangular arrays A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16 . Each rectangular array comprises fifteen vertical columns C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  and eighteen horizontal rows R 1 , R 2  . . . R 18 . Arrays A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16  are arranged in pairs on opposite sides of void areas V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 , each of which extends vertically through the structure  102  from row R 1  to row R 18  and horizontally through the structure from column C 1  to column C 15 . As such, the cells  104  of any one of rows R 1 , R 2  . . . R 18  define a first number of the cells  104  that are located at a different vertical position within the structure  102  to a second number of the cells  104  that is defined by the cells  104  of any of the other rows R 1 , R 2  . . . R 18 . Moreover, the cells  104  of each array A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16  define a third number of the cells  104 , the third number of the cells  104  comprising at least some of the first number of the cells  104  and at least some of the second number of the cells  104 , and each of the cells  104  of each of the arrays A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16  is adjacent one of the void areas V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 . Moreover, the cells  104  of any one of columns C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  (or of any one of arrays A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16 ) define a fourth number of the cells  104  that are located at a different horizontal position within the structure  102  to a fifth number of the cells  104  that is defined by the cells  104  of any of the other rows C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  (or of any of the other arrays A 1 , A 2  . . . A 16 ). Each cell  104  has a container access opening  106  communicating with its associated void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 . 
     Container cranes  108  are mounted relative to the structure  102 , each container crane  108  being associated with a respective one of the void areas V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8  to service the cells  104  of the associated array pairs A 1 /A 2 , A 15 /A 16 . The arrays of each array pair A 1 /A 2 , . . . A 15 /A 16  are substantially mirror images of each other about a central vertical plane passing through the associated void area. For example, array A 1  is substantially a mirror image of array A 2  about a central vertical plane through void area V 1 . Cranes  108  comprise an elongate carrier  108   a  located in the void area, a longitudinal dimension of the carrier  108   a  defining a first axis A. Cranes  108  further comprise a hoist assembly  108   b  mounted to the structure at an upper end of the void area, the hoist assembly connected to the carrier  108   a  for adjusting a vertical position of the carrier relative to the structure  102 . Cranes  108  also comprise first and second container engagement assemblies  108   c  releasably engaged with respective opposite longitudinal ends of the carrier  108   a . A distance between the longitudinal ends of the carrier  108   a , and thereby between the first and second container engagement assemblies  108   c , is adjustable to configure the crane  108  for engagement with containers  200  of different lengths. Carrier  108   a  comprises a first carrier frame assembly  108   a   3  and a second carrier frame assembly  108   a   4 . Mechanical linkages  108   a   5  extend between assembly  108   a   3  and assembly  108   a   4 , linkages  108   a   5  being adjustable to facilitate slewing of assembly  108   a   4 . Each of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  comprises latching formations  108   c   1  for engagement with openings  202  in corner castings of a container  200 . The container engagement assemblies  108   c  are disengageable from the carrier  108   a  for lateral movement away from the carrier  108   a , out of the void area, and into a target cell  104  of the arrays associated with the void area via the respective access opening  106 . Upon movement of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  into the target cell  104 , the container engagement assemblies engage and are vertically supported by a portion of the structure  102  associated with the target cell, as will be described in more detail below. 
     The container engagement assemblies  108   c  are self-propelled, comprising roller assemblies  108   c   2  having rollers  108   c   3  powered by an electric motor of the container engagement assemblies. Power for the motor of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  is supplied by electrical cables  110  extending from the carrier  108   a . The electrical cables  110  extend from an upper region of the structure  102 , through the void area to a central region of the carrier  108   a , and outwardly from the central region of the carrier to the container engagement assemblies  108   c . A cable extension and retraction assembly  112  is provided for feeding the electrical cables  110  to and retracting them from the container engagement assemblies  108   c  as the container engagement assemblies move relative to the carrier  108   a . The cable extension and retraction assembly  112  may be mounted to the carrier. A cable drum  114  is mounted to the carrier  108   a , an upper portion of the electrical cables  110  being collected in the cable drum during elevation of the carrier relative to the structure  102  and being fed out from the cable drum during lowering of the carrier relative to the structure. 
     Each of the cells  104  is defined between first and second pairs of parallel, spaced apart, vertical members  102   a ,  102   b  and comprises a pair of parallel, spaced apart, horizontal members  102   c  at its upper end. Each of the horizontal members  102   c  of the pair of horizontal members has a first end adjacent, and fixedly connected relative to, a respective one of the cell&#39;s first pair of vertical members  102   a , and an opposite second end adjacent, and fixedly connected relative to, a respective one of the cell&#39;s second pair of vertical members  102   b . The horizontal members  102   c  are offset, in a direction parallel to the first axis A, from the associated vertical members  102   a ,  201   b . The pair of horizontal members  102   c  comprise the portion of the structure  102  that is engaged by and that supports the container engagement assemblies  108   c  upon their movement into a cell  104 . The carrier  108   a  comprises a pair of horizontal members  108   a   1  having a cross sectional shape complementary to that of the horizontal members  102   c  of the cells. The horizontal members  108   a   1  are perpendicular to axis A. When engaged with the carrier  108   a , the container engagement assemblies  108   c  engage and are vertically supported by the pair of horizontal members  108   a   1  of the carrier. The horizontal members  108   a   1  of the carrier define a first track engageable by the rollers  108   c   3  of the roller assembly  108   c   2 . The horizontal members  102   c  of the cells define a second track engageable by the rollers  108   c   3  of the roller assembly  108   c   2 . When transitioning the container engagement assemblies  108   c  between the carrier  108   a  and a target cell  104 , the roller assemblies  108   c   2  transition between engagement with the first track  108   a   1  and engagement with the second track  102   c.    
     Ends of the horizontal member  102   c  extend beyond the vertical members  102   a ,  102   b  and outwardly into the associated void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8  to define bearing members  102   c   1  at the base of each cell  104 . The carrier  108   a  comprises selectively extendable and retractable bearing elements  108   d . In an extended configuration, bearing elements  108   d  are engageable with the bearing members  102   c   1  to support the carrier  108   a  at a vertical position in which the rollers  108   c   3  of container engagement assemblies  108   c  are aligned with the horizontal members  102   c  of a target cell  104 . The bearing elements  108   d  extend and retract in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first axis A. 
     The structure  102  comprises a vertical third track  102   d  engageable by the carrier  108   a  to guide the carrier, and thereby the first and second container engagement assemblies  108   c , during adjustment of the vertical position of the carrier  108   a  relative to the structure  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, the third track  102   d  takes the form of a substantially V-shaped flange extending along the vertical members  102   a ,  102   b . The carrier  108   a  comprises selectively extendable and retractable guide members  116  that, when in an extended configuration, engage the third track  102   d . In the illustrated embodiment, the guide members  116  take the form of a roller assembly comprising rollers  116   a  that extend and retract in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the first axis A. The rollers  116   a  comprise a V-shaped groove extending circumferentially therearound, the groove being of complimentary shape to the V-shaped flange of the third track  102   d  so as to positively engage therewith. 
     Each of the cells  104  comprises four container bearings, each defining a bearing surface  117 , at its lower end. Each bearing is located adjacent, and fixedly connected relative to, a respective vertical member  102   a ,  102   b  and/or horizontal member  102   c . Each of the bearings comprises a locating projection  117   a ,  118   a , extending from bearing surface  117 , for engaging an opening  202  in a corresponding corner casting at the base of a container  200  stored in the cell  104 . A resilient stop member  119  is provided in the horizontal members  102   c , engagement of which by the container engagement assemblies  108   c  defines a correct position of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  for lowering a container  200  onto or raising a container from the bearing surface  117 . A vertical distance between each of the bearing surfaces  117  of a cell  104  and the horizontal members  102   c  of that cell is adjustable to facilitate maintaining a constant distance, which in the illustrated embodiment is less than around 4 inches (approximately 100 mm), between the top of a container  200  stored in the cell and the horizontal members  102   c  regardless of the height dimension of the container  200 . In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by each of the bearings comprising a bearing module  118  of adjustable height. Since ISO or intermodal containers  200  typically have a height of eight feet, eight feet and six inches, nine feet, or nine feet and six inches, bearing modules  118  facilitate adjustment of the height of bearing surface  117 , in six inch (approximately 150 mm) increments, each associated with one of a plurality of predetermined heights of the bearing modules  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, the height adjustability is facilitated by each module  118  comprising a plurality of stackable articulated blocks  118   b   1 ,  118   b   2 ,  118   b   3 , each of the predetermined heights being associated with a different stacking configuration of the blocks. Mechanical linkages interconnect the articulated blocks  118   b   1 ,  118   b   2 ,  118   b   3  to facilitate reconfiguring the articulated blocks in each of the stacking configurations. The different stacking configurations of blocks  118   b   1 ,  118   b   2 ,  118   b   3  are shown in  FIGS.  11 - 14   , wherein the configuration shown in  FIG.  11    is for use with 9′ 6″ high containers, that shown in  FIG.  12    is for use with 9′ high containers, that shown in  FIG.  13    is for use with 8′6″ high containers and that shown in  FIG.  14    is for use with 8′ high containers. 
     A maximum fixed width of the carrier  108   a  measured perpendicular to the first axis A is less than a minimum width of the associated void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8  measured perpendicular to the first axis A, such that a gap  120  is defined between the carrier  108   a  and portions of the structure  102  on opposite sides of the void area. In the illustrated embodiment, the maximum fixed width of the carrier  108   a  is defined by the length of the horizontal members  108   a   1 . The distance between the projecting ends of the horizontal members  102   c  on opposite sides of the void area define the minimum width of the void area. In the illustrated embodiment, the difference between the minimum width of the void area and the maximum fixed width of the carrier  108   a , both measured perpendicular to axis A, is less than around 4 inches (approximately 100 mm). The gap  120  reduces the risk of the carrier  108   a  snagging on the projecting ends of the horizontal members  102   c  when the carrier is elevated or lowered by the hoist assembly  108   b . When extended, the bearing element  108   d  on the opposite side of the void area to the cell  104  into which the container assemblies  108   c  are to be moved engages a portion of the structure  102  on the opposite side of the void area to the cell  104  into which the container assemblies  108   c  to urge the carrier  108   a  toward the cell into which the container engagement assemblies are to be moved to reduce or eliminate the gap  120  between the carrier and that cell to facilitate movement of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  between the carrier and that cell. More specifically, the gap  120  is reduced or eliminated by the horizontal members  108   a   1  of the carrier  108   a  being brought at least substantially into abutment with the horizontal members  102   c  of the cell  104  to facilitate transitioning of the container engagement assemblies  108   c  between the carrier and the horizontal members of that cell. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  2   , some of the columns of cells  104  are configured to receive longer containers  200  than others. Some of cells  104  are configured to receive 40 foot long containers  200 , others to receive 30 foot long containers  200  and yet others to receive 40 foot long containers. 
     The hoist assemblies  108   b  are moveable horizontally with respect to the structure  102 . In the illustrated embodiment, each hoist assembly  108   b  is self-propelled and mounted on rails  122  at the top of the structure  102 , the rails extending horizontally between opposite ends of the structure, parallel to axis A, along either side of the associated void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 . The hoist assembly  108   b  comprises an electric motor for rotating rollers of the hoist assembly to propel the hoist assembly along the rails  122 . The hoist assembly  108   b  comprises at least four hoist cables  108   b   1 , each connected to a respective anchor point  108   a   2 , in the form of a pulley wheel, on the carrier  108   a . Each of the cables  108   b   1  is independently adjustable to facilitate independent adjustment of the vertical position of the anchor points  108   a   2 . 
     The carrier  108   a  interlocks with the hoist assembly  108   b  upon elevation of the carrier to the upper end of the associated void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 . The hoist assembly  108   b  is locked against movement relative to the structure, including against movement along rails  122 , unless the carrier  108   a  is interlocked with the hoist assembly. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the latching formations  108   c   1  comprise twistlocks configured to engage top openings  202  in upper corner castings of a container  200 . The latching formations  108   c   1  comprise a cam mechanism for extending and retracting the twistlocks in a vertical direction between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The latching formations  108   c   1  are engageable with the openings  202 , and interlocked with the container  200 , in both the extended configuration and the retracted configuration, and when moving therebetween, such that the container  200  may be moved vertically by the extension or retraction of the latching formations. The container engagement assemblies  108   c  may be prevented from traversing rails  102   c  or  108   a   1 , for example by locking rollers  108   c   3  and/or deactivating the motor of the container engagement assemblies  108   c , unless the latching formations  108   c   1  are in the retracted configuration. The latching formations  108   c   1  are displaced vertically by less than a predetermined displacement when moving between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined displacement is less than around 4 inches (approximately 100 mm). In other embodiments, the predetermined displacement may be greater than around 4 inches but: less than around 12 inches (approximately 300 mm), or less than around 8 inches (approximately 200 mm) or less than around 6 inches (approximately 150 mm). The height adjustable bearing modules  118  facilitate the latching formations  108   c   1  only needing to be displaced vertically by a relatively small amount when a container  200  is inserted in or removed from a cell  104 . 
     A container carrier bay  124  is provided at a lower end of each void area V 1 , V 2  . . . V 8 . In the illustrated embodiment, the bays  124  extend completely through the structure  102  between its opposite ends. The bays  124  are oriented parallel to the first axis A. Accordingly, a longitudinal axis of a container  200  carried on a container carrier  300 , such as a truck trailer or train wagon, in the bay  124  is parallel to the first axis A. As shown in  FIG.  4   , the carrier  108   a  of container crane  108  is lowered to a container carrier  300  in bay  124  to: unload a container  200  from the container carrier and move the container into one of the cells  104 ; or deliver a container  200  from one of the cells  104  to the container carrier  300 . As the carrier  108   a  enters the top of the bay  124 , its position and orientation over the container carrier  300  can be adjusted by actuating linkages  108   a   5  and/or by independent adjustment of hoist cables  108   b   1 . 
     Crane  108  comprises a weighing scale for determining the weight carried by the hoist mechanism  108   b . An electronic crane controller adjusts operation of the crane  108 , such as the speed at which the hoist mechanism  108   b  is operated, based on the weight determined by the weighing scale. For example, the controller may cause the crane  108  to raise, lower or traverse more slowly if the weight is higher, such as when the crane is carrying a full container  200 , and may cause the crane to raise, lower or traverse more quickly if the weight is lower, such as when the crane is carrying an empty container or not carrying a container. When the crane  108  is moved between columns C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  of different lengths, parallel to axis A, the electronic crane controller also adjusts the length of the carrier  108   a  to match that of the column in which the crane  108  is to be operated. 
     System  100  comprises a container allocation system  130  for determining a preferred cell  104  in which to store an incoming container  200 . Container allocation system  130  may allocate an incoming container  200  to a cell  104  based on a number of parameters, such as the dimensions and/or weight of the incoming container  200  and/or the weight distribution of containers  200  already stored in the structure  102 . For incoming containers  200 , container allocation system  130  may send a signal to an operator of an incoming container carrier  300 , the signal directing the operator to: 
     move the container carrier  300  into the bay  124  associated with the preferred cell  104 ; and 
     stop the container carrier  300  in the bay  124  at a position in which the container carrier is aligned with the column C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  containing the preferred cell  104 . 
     Similarly, for outgoing containers  200 , the container allocation system  130  may send a signal to an operator of an outgoing container carrier  300 , the signal directing the operator to: 
     move the container carrier  300  into the bay  124  associated with the cell  104  in which the outgoing container  200  is stored; and 
     stop the container carrier  300  in the bay  124  at a position in which the container carrier is aligned with the column C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  containing the outgoing container  200 . 
     System  130  may also communicate with the electronic crane controller to cause the electronic crane controller to traverse the crane  108  of the relevant bay  124  to: in the case of an incoming container  200 , the column C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  containing the preferred cell  104 ; or, in the case of an outgoing container  200 , the column C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15  containing the outgoing container  200 . System  130  may also communicate with the electronic crane controller to cause the electronic crane controller to direct a crane  108  to move a container  200  between from one cell  104  to another, for example to improve the weight distribution of containers  200  stored in the structure  102  or to position certain containers  200  bound for the same onward destination closer together within the structure. 
     It will be appreciated that system  100  provides numerous advantages over prior art systems for handling and storage of ISO or intermodal containers, some of which are apparent from the description provided above. Examples of advantages of system  100  include structure  102  of system  100  facilitating stable storage of containers  200  irrespective of the number of cells  104  in each column C 1 , C 2  . . . C 15 . In other words, structure  102  facilitates stable storage of containers  200  in tall columns/stacks. Moreover, system  100  allows any container  200  stored in a cell  104  of structure  102  to be removed from the cell without shuffling, even if there are containers  200  present in the cells above and below. Similarly, system  100  allows a container  200  to be installed in any empty cell  104  of structure  102 . In contrast, in prior art systems, a container can only be installed on the top of an existing container stack or on the ground. Accordingly, system  100  facilitates efficient storage and retrieval of containers  200  and also facilitates large numbers of containers  200  being stored on a smaller footprint than is possible with prior art systems in which containers are stacked directly one on top of another. Another advantage of system  100  is that it facilitates stability of container stacks, even in environments with high winds. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Examples of possible variations/modifications, include, but are not limited to:
         some or all of the cells  104  being configured to store two or more containers  200  therein, such as two or more containers stacked on top of one another;   the void area may be alongside one group of cells  104 , rather than being between two groups of cells  104 ;   carrier  108   a  may have a fixed length, and cranes  108  with carriers  108   a  of various fixed lengths may be provided to handle containers  200  of different lengths; and/or   there may be three hoist cables  108   b   1  and three associated anchor points  108   a   2  or there may be more than four hoist cables  108   b   1  and a corresponding number of associated anchor points  108   a   2 .