Patent ID: 8790062

Claim:
A distribution system, comprising: a first and second column displaced from one another by a first distance; a third and fourth column displaced from one another by the first distance, and aligned with and separated from the first and second columns, respectively, by a second distance that is greater than the first distance, so as to define a rectangular containment cavity; each of said columns including an elevated support mechanism pivotally attached to the column at a first height, defining an upper cavity above the elevated support mechanisms and a lower cavity below the elevated support mechanisms, wherein the elevated support mechanisms are moveable between a support position configured to support a container, and a stowed position; each of said columns further including a moveable shelf configured for movement throughout a range of positions up and down the column between the upper cavity and the lower cavity wherein each of said moveable shelves includes a support pad configured to support a container and is adapted to receive and move a container between the lower cavity and the upper cavity for transfer to one of an overhead crane and a ground vehicle.