Patent Description:
In the field of insect or worm rearing, crates are utilised which are specifically designed to house the insects or worms and a nutrient medium for the insect larvae or worms. In order to save space, the crates are stacked on each other to a certain height, and stored in a room having a condition climate adapted to the requirements of the insects or worms in order to provide suitable conditions for growth of the insects or worms. In general, multiple lanes of stacked crates are stored next to each other. The stacks of crates in the rearing room have to be supported by support elements, e.g. in form of pallets or rack systems as shown by <CIT>. The stacked crates have to be stacked in such a way that they may be automatically picked up or moved, e. , for control or further processing purposes such as checking growth and vital parameters or further processing of the insects or worms. This is usually done using a conveyor system, e. , on rails. <CIT> discloses a guide system for pallets as well as a transport device suitable for said guide system. <CIT> relates to an automated storage system comprising an emergency unloading of cargo. <CIT> is a document under Art. <NUM>(<NUM>) EPC and relates to a system and method for rearing invertebrates.

It may occur that larvae or worms exit the crates which may lead to a cross-contamination of different lanes. Also, debris from the storage rooms may contaminate the floor. Currently, free standing rails are used which are difficult to clean because the washing fluid e.g. water spreads over the entire floor since the water is not effectively channelled.

The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid at least partly the disadvantages of the prior art and especially to provide a storage system for storing crates which prevents cross-contamination and may be easily cleaned. Furthermore, the support elements of the storage system shall be long-lasting and configured to allow storage and transport of the crates. Further objects of the present invention are also to provide a rearing unit for rearing of insects or insect larvae or worms.

Furthermore, contamination of adjacent lanes of stacked crates should be prevented and larvae which escaped from the crates or any fluid used in cleaning should not move across the lanes. It is also desirable that the lanes may be easily cleaned when there are no crates placed upon them.

These objects may be achieved by a support element, a support system and/or a storage system and/or a rearing unit as disclosed herein. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

In particular, a support element according to the present disclosure comprising an elongate element having a cross section that is substantially formed in an U-shape, comprising a bottom section and two opposite side walls extending from the bottom section, wherein the side walls each comprise a top portion, forming two elongate supporting areas, whereby the elongate supporting areas are configured to support a crate or a column of stacked crates, wherein inner side sections of the side walls each comprise a step preferably symmetrically protruding to the inside of the U-shape forming two elongate running surfaces, whereby the elongate running surfaces are configured to support a conveyor system for moving the crate or stacked crates.

Such a support element provides a stable support for the crates, also for stacked crates and at the same time are easily cleanable. The side walls extend from the same side of the bottom section for forming the U-shape together with the bottom section.

Alternatively, the support element is substantially formed from two L-shaped elements, each comprising a bottom section and a side walls extending from this bottom section. The two L-shaped elements form together a support element that is substantially formed in a U-shape, but comprising a discontinuous (not continuous) bottom section. The contact surface of the bottom sections between the two L-shaped elements is preferably sealed, at least partly.

Various embodiments may preferably implement the following features:
Preferred the support element is formed of concrete and therefore easily producible.

Preferably the concrete is cast on metal rails that the support element is more stable and resistant also against tension.

Preferred the running surfaces of the support element are covered with a steel coating to provide a perfect surface for the conveyor system. Preferably, the running surfaces of the support element are covered with a stainless steel coating, so that the steel coating does not rust, also in a potentially aggressive environment. , the coating comprising a band material which preferably is cast-in during fabrication of the support element. Such running surfaces are advantageously, especially if the conveyor system comprising wheels or other rotational means, because they create guides and long-lasting surfaces.

Alternatively, the support element is formed of steel which allows to provide plane or even surfaces. Preferably the support element is formed of stainless steel, so that the support element does not rust, also in a potentially aggressive environment.

Preferred the support element is monolithic that an easy handling of the support member is guaranteed.

Alternatively the support element is as multi-piece element. Thereby, especially the width between the support element pieces can be adjusted according on a respective size of the crate.

The present disclosure refers also to a support system for storing crates comprising at least one support element as aforementioned and a conveyor system, wherein the conveyor system extends in size for being moveable underneath the crates supported by the supporting element without interfering with the crates.

This support system provides the advantages of the support element as well as a compact and a space-saving solution. A correct handling of the crates and the columns of stacked crates is given.

The measurements at the height of the conveyor system are chosen so that - in an arranged state of the conveyor system - the upper edge of the conveyor system is lower than the top portion of the side walls.

Preferably, the conveyor system is configured for being supported by the elongate running surfaces formed by the steps of the support element. More preferably, the conveyor system comprising wheels or other rotational means configured for being supported by the elongate running surfaces formed by the steps of the support element. Thereby, a reliable support system is provided.

Alternatively, the conveyor system is configured to be arranged on the floor or on the bottom section of the support element. This alternative solution is preferably used when the conveyor system comprising automated guided vehicles (AGV).

Preferred the conveyor system includes means for lifting the crates in order to move the crates or columns of stacked crates along the support element. Thereby, an easy handling of the crates is ensured.

Preferred the conveyor system is movable by a drive that the conveyor system can be moved inside of the support system.

Alternatively the conveyor system comprising a drive for moving the conveyor system along the elongation of the support element what facilitates the handling of the crates or of the columns of stacked crates.

Preferably, the conveyor system is, at least partly, autonomous moveable, whereby a respective control for controlling the conveyor system is provided.

The invention refers to a storage system for storing crates comprising a plurality of support element as aforementioned and a plurality of crates arranged on the top portions of the side walls of the support elements, wherein the crates have a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by upstanding front and rear walls and opposing side walls, wherein preferably the length of the crates between the front and rear walls substantially corresponds to the distance of the side walls of the support element. Alternatively the width of the crates between the both side walls substantially corresponds to the distance of the side walls of the support element. Preferably, at least one dimension of the crate fits with the respective dimension of the support element.

Alternatively or additionally the invention refers also to a storage system for storing crates comprising at least one support system as aforementioned and a plurality of crates arranged on the top portions of the side walls of the support element, wherein the crates have a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by upstanding front and rear walls and opposing side walls, wherein preferably the length of the crates between the front and rear walls substantially corresponds to the distance of the side walls of the support element. Alternatively the width of the crates between the both side walls substantially corresponds to the distance of the side walls of the support element. Preferably, at least one dimension of the crate fits with the respective dimension of the support element.

Such storage systems are easy to handle with the advantages as mentioned before.

Preferred the storage system the support elements are arranged consecutively in a longitudinal direction along the elongation of the support elements for a space-saving arrangement. The support elements are preferably sealed on their contact surfaces or between each other, respectively.

Preferably, the distance between at least two longitudinal spaced support elements is chosen so that provided air can circulate or pass between the crates for providing optimal conditions for the rearing. At least partly the distance between two support elements is chosen so that an operator can pass between the stacked crates, e.g., for a visual inspection.

Preferred the crates are stacked in at least one column of stacked crates what results in a space-saving arrangement.

Alternatively or additionally, the crates or columns of stacked crates are arranged adjacently on the at least one support element.

Preferred the storage system comprises a conveyor system for transportation of the crates, whereby the conveyor system is configured for being supported by the elongate running surfaces formed by the steps of the support element for moving the conveyor system along the elongation of the support element underneath the crates supported by the supporting element without interfering with the crates. The conveyor system preferably comprises wheels or other rotational means.

Preferred the conveyor system is positioned by an observation system, wherein the observation system comprising at least one laser or at least one camera. By the observation system the correct position of the conveyor system can be determined and/or controlled. This positioning of the conveyor system can be laser-based. If a camera as observation system is used, the position of the conveyor system is defined based on an analysis of the pictures made by the camera.

Preferred the crates are adapted to allow rearing of insects or insect larvae or worms. Preferably Black Soldier Flies (BSF) larvae are reared.

The invention refers also to a rearing unit for rearing of insects or insect larvae or worms comprising a rearing room and a storage system as aforementioned, whereby an easy handling of the crates especially during the rearing process of the insects or insect larvae or worms and the respective process steps is guaranteed.

The invention will be described with reference to the following drawings.

With the present disclosure, a support element <NUM> according to <FIG> is proposed. The support element <NUM> is formed of concrete and is monolithic. The support element <NUM> is an elongate element having a cross-section substantially formed in a U-shape. , the support element <NUM> essentially forms a vertically aligned U and is extended in a horizontal direction. When viewed in a cross-section, the support element <NUM> comprises a continuous bottom section <NUM> and two opposite side walls <NUM> extending from the bottom section13. Preferably they are formed in a symmetrical manner.

The side walls <NUM> each comprise a top portion <NUM> which form two elongate supporting areas. The sidewalls each comprise a step <NUM> which symmetrically protrudes to the inside of the U-shape. Said steps <NUM> form two elongate running surfaces. Said running surfaces are aligned in the same direction as the supporting areas <NUM>. The running surfaces of the support element <NUM> are covered with a steel coating <NUM> which is cast-in and preferably is a stainless steel coating.

Running surfaces are configured to support a conveyor system <NUM> for moving the crates <NUM>. The conveyor system <NUM> may be a so-called satellite which is an autonomous robot having wheels <NUM> or other rotational means adapted to the width of the running surfaces and having lifting means <NUM> for carrying and transporting the crates <NUM>. A drive <NUM> is provided for moving the conveyor system <NUM> along the supporting elements <NUM>. This drive <NUM> is preferably designed for driving the conveyor system <NUM> and also for driving the lifting means <NUM>.

The conveyor system <NUM> may thus drive below a single crate <NUM> or column <NUM> of stacked crates which are stored on the supporting elements <NUM> and lift them using the lifting means <NUM> until the crates <NUM> lose contact with top portion <NUM> of the supporting elements <NUM>. The conveyor system <NUM> might lift several columns of stacked crates at the same time.

The conveyor system <NUM> may then move the crates <NUM> to another place in the rearing unit (rearing facility). The lifting means <NUM> may be designed as hydraulic, electrical or mechanical means or any other means suitable for lifting and carrying crate <NUM>, e. as a scissor lift. The conveyor system <NUM> may additionally comprise side wheels to avoid direct contact of the conveyor system <NUM> with the inner side of the side walls <NUM> of the support elements <NUM>, and thus avoid friction.

The support elements <NUM> may be connected to form a line or lane. They may be mounted on the ground or floor and may be sealed in respect to each other such that no fluid and larvae can enter a lane or a space under the lanes.

Shims may be used to achieve a desired height of the support elements <NUM>, e. in case the floor is not level. In order to be cleanable the space between the support element <NUM> and the floor may be sealed.

Multiple lanes may be positioned adjacent to each other in a rearing (storage) room. The width between the lanes may be provided in such a manner that air can circulate between the crates or columns of staked crates. Preferably the width between the lanes is chosen that the staff may pass between the lanes and perform maintenance or inspection operations. The width may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> and more preferably <NUM>. The space between two spaced support elements or lanes of support elements is preferably chosen that escaping larvae or liquids are collected and cannot escape from the space between two lanes. The aforementioned space corresponds preferably to <NUM>% up to <NUM>% of the larvae stored in the crates of one lane. By this measures, cleaning is facilitated and spreading of larvae or matured insects throughout the whole system is avoid. By the U-shape as described above fluid and larvae may be prevented from crosscontaminating different lanes in the rearing room. In order to provide good cleanability of the insides of the U-shaped support elements <NUM>, the surfaces preferably not comprise holes or grooves. , the surface of the support elements <NUM> should be smooth. When viewed in a cross-section, each support element <NUM> thus has a closed circumference. This also allows that the support elements <NUM> may be easily cleaned by effective channelling of water.

According to the invention, the support elements <NUM> may be formed from concrete. It may also be advantageous to cast concrete on metal rails, in which case, however, concrete still forms the surface of the support elements <NUM>. In addition to any of the materials, the running surfaces may comprise a coating made of steel. This may reduce the point load on the concrete and provide a perfect surface for the wheels <NUM> of the conveyor system <NUM>. In another preferred embodiment the support elements <NUM> may be formed from stainless steel.

In order to prevent crates <NUM> from toppling and to provide easy access a transport means, the support elements <NUM> should meet certain tolerances to ensure that the lanes and tracks are straight and homogenous. The materials preferably used according to the present invention also avoid the problem of rust which occurs in the currently used systems. Due to the often humid, ammonia rich and warm climate inside a rearing room and the use of metal rails, rust may significantly decrease the lifetime of such a storage system <NUM>.

In the case the support elements <NUM> are formed of concrete, they may be cast at the respective location. This saves costs for the reinforcement of concrete because the support elements <NUM> do not need to be transported. It has to be considered though, that the tolerances may be harder to meet when the support elements <NUM> are cast on location. Furthermore, the floor has to be prepared more thoroughly.

The functions and requirements of the support elements <NUM> are now described using an example. However, other parameters such as width, height, force, weight etc. may act or be required. The support elements <NUM> of <FIG> substantially correspond. The description of similar or the same parts may thus be omitted.

According to an exemplary configuration as shown by <FIG>, the support elements <NUM> have to support stacks of up to twelve crates <NUM>. Each crate <NUM> may have a weight of <NUM>. The crates <NUM> may be rectangular having a shorter side and a longer side. The longer side (width) w may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM> long. The shorter side (length) may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably <NUM> long.

Each support element <NUM> may have height H of <NUM> to <NUM>, in the present exemplary embodiment <NUM>. The height is also defined by the required space between two lanes of support element for receiving at least <NUM>% up to <NUM>% of the reared larvae in one lane. The lower the crates <NUM> are stacked or the smaller the crates are the lower the height H of the support elements <NUM> can be chosen.

The width W of the support elements <NUM> may substantially correspond to the width w of the crates <NUM>.

For the sake of stability, the support elements <NUM> may be formed wider than the crates <NUM>. When viewed in a cross-section, the U-shaped support elements <NUM> may be divided in at least two sections. In the present example as shown in <FIG>, the support element <NUM> may be described in three sections. The three sections may roughly be of the same height and thus substantially divide the U-shape in thirds. In the present example, the bottom section A between the floor of the storage room and the bottom part <NUM> of the U-shape is <NUM> high. On the bottom section A, potential escaped larvae, debris, residuals and fluid may be collected. The middle section B is formed between the bottom section <NUM> of the U-shape and the step <NUM> which is symmetrically formed on the side walls <NUM> of the U-shape. The step <NUM> thereby forms the running surface. Preferably, the side walls <NUM> of the middle section B connecting the bottom section <NUM> and the step <NUM> are not exactly vertical. Preferably the side walls <NUM> of the middle section B are inclined in at least one segment. This allows for effectively collecting residuals, larvae and fluids and facilitates cleaning. In the present example, both side walls <NUM> are formed at an angle of <NUM>° with respect to each other and are <NUM> high. The top section C is formed between the step <NUM> or running surface, respectively, and the supporting area, i. the top portion <NUM>. In the present example, the top section C is <NUM> high. The top portion <NUM> preferably is bevelled downwards on at least one side. The inner side of the side walls <NUM> of the top section C forming the top portion <NUM> are preferably inclined in at least one section, i. not exactly vertical over the entire length.

The supporting areas (top portion <NUM>) may be between <NUM> and <NUM> wide each. In the present example, both supporting areas are around <NUM> wide each, leading to a distance of the inner side of the side walls <NUM> of the top section of <NUM>, less the bevelled portion. The running surface supporting the conveyor system <NUM> in the present example is <NUM> wide on both sides.

The conveyor system <NUM> extends in size for being moveable underneath the crates <NUM> supported by the supporting elements <NUM> without interfering with the crates <NUM>. The conveyor system <NUM> or satellite, respectively, may carry up to <NUM> columns of stacked crates <NUM> at the same time. The weight of the conveyor system <NUM> itself of ca. <NUM> must also be taken into account.

An observation system <NUM> (see <FIG>) is provided for positioning of the conveyor system <NUM> inside of the support element <NUM>. The observation system <NUM> comprises one or more laser or one or more cameras.

In order to be cleanable, larvae or any fluid should not be able to move across the lanes of support elements <NUM>. At least during production or rearing, there may be at least one empty lane which may be cleaned before new crates <NUM> are placed on it. During cleaning, the cleaning water carrying larvae, fluid or residuals should not contaminate the adjacent lane or under the lanes. This is achieved by the structure of the support elements <NUM> as presented above.

In summary, the present disclosure provides a support element <NUM> which may be used in an insect rearing unit (facility). Said support element <NUM> may be provided in multiple and connected to form lanes or lines. Thus, a modular and expandable system may be formed. Due to the simplified and robust construction it may have a lifetime of <NUM> years and more without deformation or impact of shear stress. Also, rust may be prevented since materials such as concrete and stainless steel are utilised. Furthermore, a conveyor system <NUM> for conveying the crates <NUM> may be supported by and fit into the support elements <NUM>. By having a closed structure substantially without holes and grooves, cleaning of the rearing room is facilitated and cross-contamination between different lanes may be prevented. Cleaning water may be effectively channelled along the lanes.

<FIG> shows a rearing unit <NUM> for rearing of insects or insect larvae or worms comprising a rearing room <NUM> (schematically shown) and a storage system <NUM>.

The storage system <NUM> for storing crates <NUM> comprises support elements <NUM> or support systems <NUM>, respectively, and a plurality of crates <NUM> arranged on the top portions <NUM> of the side walls <NUM> of the support elements <NUM>.

The crates <NUM> are stacked in columns <NUM> of stacked crates <NUM> and are arranged adjacently on the support elements <NUM>. The crates <NUM> have a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by upstanding front and rear walls and opposing side walls, wherein preferably the length of the crates <NUM> between the front and rear walls substantially corresponds to the distance between the side walls <NUM> of the support elements <NUM>.

The support elements <NUM> are arranged in rows, consecutively in a longitudinal direction along the elongation of the support elements <NUM>. The space <NUM> between multiple support elements <NUM> arranged in line to form lanes are preferably sealed.

In reference to <FIG> showing the storage system <NUM>, the support system <NUM> for storing crates <NUM> comprises a plurality of support elements <NUM> und <NUM> which are arranged parallel to each other. Furthermore, the support system <NUM> comprises a conveyor system <NUM>. Preferably each lane of support elements <NUM> or <NUM> is provided with one conveyor system <NUM>. Alternatively, the conveyor system <NUM> can switch from one lane to another lane.

The bottom of the space between two support elements <NUM> may be provided with a sealing. , the sealing <NUM> comprises concrete, preferably flow mortar or sealants. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing <NUM> comprising a foil or cover, e. , made of plastic, which is glued on.

The U-shaped support elements <NUM> (see example in <FIG>) described above may also be implemented by connecting two mirrored L-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> comprising the step <NUM>, i. running surface, as well as the top portion <NUM> as supporting area as set forth above. The contact area <NUM> of the two L-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> is sealed.

In the storage system <NUM> according to <FIG> two support elements <NUM> are arranged directly to each other in longitudinal direction and another support element <NUM> is arranged spaced from the support element <NUM> nearby in a width D. The width D between the two support elements <NUM> which are spaced from each other in longitudinal direction may be between <NUM> and <NUM>, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> and more preferably <NUM>. The space <NUM> between the two spaced support elements <NUM> or lanes of support elements <NUM> is preferably chosen that escaping larvae or liquids are collected and cannot escape from the space between two lanes. The aforementioned space corresponds preferably to <NUM>% up to <NUM>% of the larvae stored in the crates of one lane. By this measure, cleaning is facilitated and spreading of larvae or matured insects throughout the whole system is avoided.

<FIG> show each different alternative embodiments of the inventive support element. For levelling the existing floor <NUM> an insulation foam layer <NUM> may be provided which may be covered by a concrete layer <NUM>. Alternatively, for levelling the existing floor <NUM> the concrete layer <NUM> may also be provided directly on the existing floor <NUM>.

The support element <NUM> (see <FIG>) comprising two L-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> made from concrete. The L-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a respective distance to each other depending on the size of the crates <NUM> arranged thereon.

The L-shaped element <NUM> comprising a bottom section <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>. The running surface <NUM> is formed by the upper surface of the bottom section <NUM>. The L-shaped element <NUM> comprising a bottom section <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>. The other running surface <NUM> is formed by the upper surface of the bottom section <NUM>.

For arrangement of the support element <NUM> openings <NUM> are provided in the concrete layer <NUM> for receiving anchorage elements <NUM> extending from the bottom section <NUM> or <NUM> of the elements <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>). The anchorage elements <NUM> are made of metal and may be casted-in when the elements <NUM> and <NUM> are casted. The anchorage elements <NUM> may have a longitudinal shape (then the openings <NUM> are preferably formed as slits) or are bar-shaped (then the openings <NUM> are preferably formed as holes).

The openings <NUM> are filled with a gluing compound, e. a synthetic glue or flow mortar, before the elements <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted (<FIG>). For supporting the elements <NUM> and <NUM> against shearing forces formwork elements <NUM> are provided on both sides of the elements <NUM> and <NUM> which run in longitudinal direction.

The space between the formwork elements <NUM> and the respective elements <NUM> or <NUM> is then filled with a gluing compound, e. a synthetic glue or flow mortar (<FIG>).

The support element <NUM> (see <FIG>) comprising two Z-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> made from metal, preferably made from stainless steel. The Z-shaped elements <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a respective distance to each other depending on the size of the crates <NUM> arranged thereon.

The Z-shaped element <NUM> comprising a box-shaped bottom section <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>. The running surface <NUM> is formed by the upper surface of the bottom section <NUM>. A horizontal section <NUM> extending from the upper end of the side wall <NUM> for forming a top portion by which the crates <NUM> are supported. The Z-shaped element <NUM> comprising a box-shaped bottom section <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>. The other running surface <NUM> is formed by the upper surface of the bottom section <NUM>. A horizontal section <NUM> extending from the upper end of the side wall <NUM> for forming a top portion by which the crates <NUM> are supported.

The support element <NUM> (see <FIG>) comprising two elements <NUM> and <NUM> made from concrete. The elements <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged in a respective distance to each other depending on the size of the crates <NUM> arranged thereon.

The element <NUM> comprising a stepped section which forms the running surface <NUM>. The element <NUM> comprising a stepped section which forms the other running surface <NUM>.

The element <NUM> comprising a flat extension <NUM> which forms the running surface <NUM>. The element <NUM> comprising a flat extension <NUM> which forms the other running surface <NUM>. The extensions <NUM> and <NUM> are made of metal, preferably made of stainless steel.

The element <NUM> comprising a console <NUM> which forms the running surface <NUM>. The element <NUM> comprising a console <NUM> which forms the other running surface <NUM>. The consoles <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of metal, preferably made of stainless steel, or may be made of concrete, preferably formed when the element <NUM> or <NUM> is casted.

It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims.

Claim 1:
Storage system for storing crates comprising:
a plurality of support elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) for storing crates (<NUM>), wherein
the support elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) are elongate elements having a cross section that is substantially formed in an U-shape, comprising a continuous bottom section (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and two opposite side walls (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) extending from the bottom section (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the side walls (<NUM>) each comprise a top portion (<NUM>), forming two elongate supporting areas, whereby the elongate supporting areas are configured to support a crate (<NUM>) or a column (<NUM>) of stacked crates (<NUM>),
wherein inner side sections of the side walls (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) each comprise a step (<NUM>) protruding, preferably symmetrically, to the inside of the U-shape forming two elongate running surfaces, whereby the elongate running surfaces are configured to support a conveyor system (<NUM>) for transporting the crate (<NUM>);
wherein each of the plurality of support elements (<NUM>) is monolithic, and
wherein each of the plurality of support elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is formed of concrete or steel;
wherein the storage system further comprises:
a plurality of crates (<NUM>) arranged on the top portions of the side walls (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the support elements (<NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>),
wherein the crates (<NUM>) have a substantially rectangular perimeter defined by upstanding front and rear walls and opposing side walls, wherein preferably the length of the crates (<NUM>) between the front and rear walls substantially corresponds to the distance between the side walls (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the support element (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>).