Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02579462 2007-02-22
Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
MODULAR STORAGE SYSTEM FOR LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT
OF OPERATIONAL UNITS
PRIORITY CLAIM
This application is a continuation-in-part of Application No. 10/990,766,
entitled
"MODULAR STORAGE STRUCTURE FOR LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF
OPERATIONAL UNITS" filed November 17, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 60/523,044, entitled "LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT
FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS" filed November 17, 2003, U.S. Provisional Application
No.
60/543,047, entitled "LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR
OPERATIONAL UNITS" filed February 9, 2004, U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/599,227,
entitled "LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL
UNITS" filed August 5, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/616,538,
entitled
"LOGISTICAL MANAGEMENT OF FIELD EQUIPMENT FOR OPERATIONAL UNITS" filed
October 6, 2004. The disclosures of the aforementioned applications are hereby
incorporated by
reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to movable storage cabinets. More
particularly, the
present invention relates to a modular storage system for the logistical
management of operational
units.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Those involved in field operational units often possess or require a large
amount of
uniforms, supplies, and other equipment. Examples of such operational units
are athletic teams,
construction industries, medical and hospital organizations, military and
paramilitary organizations,
theatre companies, and marching and concert bands. There is currently a need
within these groups
for better equipment storage and handling solutions. Specifically, there is a
need for a storage
system that can be used to effectively store equipment at storage sites and
cycle and transport the
equipment between the storage sites and areas in which the equipment is used.
CA 02579462 2007-02-22
Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
As an example, space is always at a premium in schools and athletic
facilities. There is
rarely enough room allocated for athletic equipment storage. The storage space
that is made
available for athletic equipment is often located in storage facilities that
are inconvenient for
coaches, equipment managers, and players. These storage facilities are often
small, cramped
rooms, closets or portions of rooms or similar sites or spaces. Storage
facilities often overflow into
areas that are not intended for storage purposes, such as locker rooms,
gymnasiums, and coaches'
offices. Equipment storage facilities are frequently messy with athletic
equipment strewn about the
floor. If there are storage shelves and bins, they usually do not have labels
or enable the equipment
managers to visually inspect or manage the gear. Equipping players at the
beginning of the season
is usually disorganized and characterized by piles of gear spread out over the
storage facility or
locker room for weeks.
Mobility is also an essential part of the storage of items for field
operational units. While a
permanent storage facility enables certain efficiencies to be gained by having
a central location of
the stored items, in many instances some of these items need to be transported
to another site
quickly, inexpensively, and with minimal planning. For instance, in athletic
endeavors, planning
and managing the practice, game, and travel logistics of teams is a
complicated task and usually not
the primary focus of the athletic or activities director, coaches, players,
and trainers. Athletic
equipment is constantly being moved through a usage cycle between "off-season"
storage and "in-
season" use and management. During the season, equipment constantly needs to
be moved to and
from storage areas, practice fields, and game sites.
Safety is also a very important aspect of equipment management. Player safety
and
avoidance of program and personal liability can be accomplished by effectively
managing gear
through regular inspections and record keeping. Regular gear inventory and
inspection is critical to
identify and replace expired, damaged, and lost equipment. By taking care of
their equipment and
knowing what equipment is on hand and "game ready," schools can also extend
equipment life and
can assure purchases only as necessary. Safety also encompasses the sanitary
aspects of storage.
With adequate ventilation, well-designed storage can mitigate the growth and
spread of mold and
odor associated with locker rooms. Also, by effectively managing and
organizing equipment,
schools can inhibit and control loss and theft.
Moreover, in the field of athletics, equipment storage systems must reflect
the pride,
excellence, and the winning attitude of the schools' athletic programs. Pride
and excellence are
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Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
rarely reflected in current equipment management areas or processes. Messy,
disorganized
equipment areas do not reflect discipline, pride, or excellence. Disorganized
equipment distribution
to players does not support the desired tone of the program. If the storage
areas are poorly kept,
they do not reflect well on a school's excellence to parents, alumni, fellow
educators, and recruits.
The makeshift storage areas are usually in a state of disarray and can be a
source of embarrassment
for the schools. As a result, the areas are often shut or closed during
recruiting trips to inhibit such
embarrassment.
There are not any commercially available organizational storage systems
meeting the
current needs or addressing the current problems discussed above. As an
illustration, high schools,
colleges, and universities usually use storage systems ranging from makeshift
and make-do systems
to generic, mass-marketed products modified for use as athletic equipment
storage systems. The
makeshift or make-do solutions often comprise homemade wooden shelves or
generic shelving
available from local hardware stores. Carts are also often homemade and
storage containers are
usually corrugated boxes, gear bags, garbage bags, laundry hampers, or generic
plastic bins. Any
labeling is usually done with a marker and tape on the equipment, shelves, and
boxes.
Some universities/colleges and professional sports organizations currently use
expensive,
high-density storage solutions such as those manufactured by Spacesaver
Corporation. Such high-
density storage solutions have movable shelving units can ied on a rail system
typically installed in
a raised floor such that the shelving units can be slide together and apart to
provide for more space
efficient storage as shown, for example, in U.S. Patents Nos. 6,688,708,
6,669,314, 6,644,213,
6,371,031, 6,231,138, 6,161,485, 4,557,534, 4,432,589, and 3,829,189. Because
these systems are
fixed on dual tracks, those using the system are not enabled to bring the
storage system to an off-
site area. Those wishing to access the storage must come to the storage
facility and cannot bring the
storage system with them. In addition, solid panels enclose the shelves and/or
bins in the storage
system, which inhibits any airflow within the arrangement. Moreover, the bin
and shelving
arrangement within the systems are also fixed so those using the systems do
not have the flexibility
of being able to arrange the shelves and/or bins in appropriate dimensions for
different sized
articles. Also, although the storage solutions manufactured by Spacesaver
Corporation have been
modified to accommodate athletic equipment, the solutions are generally
designed for document
storage and therefore cannot fulfill all of the aforementioned equipment
storage needs of logistical
management units.
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Attorney Docket No. 108 8.173 CA02
Other similar movable storage systems have been developed for storage units
that are fixed
onto and movable along dual tracks. Some exemplary systems can be seen in U.S.
Patents Nos.
6,644,213, 6,371,031, 6,112,917, 6,027,190, 5,160,189, 4,597,615, 4,467,924,
4,307,922,
4,256,355, and 6,161,485. The storage units in these storage systems are
movable along the dual
tracks and the contents can be accessed when two adjacent units are separated
by a space.
However, the units in these storage systems cannot be removed from the dual
tracks and taken out
of the storage site. As a result, those desiring to transport equipment to an
off-site area will not be
able to do so using the units in the storage systems described in these
patents.
There have also been systems developed in which the units are fixed relative
to a wall but
that can be pulled outwardly away from the wall to access the contents. U.S.
Patent No. 6,688,708
describes a space saving storage system in which the storage modules move
along a bracket
mounted on the wall. The storage modules are movable along the bracket and can
be pulled
outwardly from the wall to access the contents. However, as with the patents
listed above, the units
cannot be removed from the bracket and taken out of the storage facility. U.S.
Patents Nos.
6,231,138, 6,027,190, and 5,683,155 describe additional fixed storage systems.
The storage units
described in these patents can be pulled outwardly from the wall to access the
contents, but cannot
be removed from the tracks and taken out of the storage facility. As a result,
those desiring to
transport equipment to an off-site area will not be able to do so using the
units in the storage
systems described in these patents.
While the vast majority of storage systems are fixed within a given facility,
there have been
a few attempts to provide storage units that can be removed from the storage
facility. U.S. Patent
No. 4,807,765 describes a space saving system in which the storage units are
movable on casters
along adjacent dual track arrangements within a storage facility to provide
front-to-rear movement
of adjacent carts that are stored in a side-by-side relation in their storage
position. While these carts
could be removed from the track and taken out of the storage facility, the
carts are not designed to
accommodate equipment that is used by field operational units. In addition,
the carts or shelves can
only be removed off the end of the tracks. U.S. Patent No. 6,241,106 is
directed to a space saving
system in which the storage units are shelf main bodies that are provided with
pivotable casters and
are movable along a dual set of overhead rails within a storage facility.
While these shelf main
bodies can be removed from the overhead rails so as to function as conveyer
wagons, as with the
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CA 02579462 2007-02-22
Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
above-listed patents, neither the shelf main bodies nor the overhead rails are
not designed to
accommodate equipment that is used by field operational units.
A patent that is directed towards an athletic equipment carrier rack can be
seen in U.S.
Patent No. 2,904,383. The patent describes an athletic equipment carrier rack
to be used for the
care and handling of various articles of athletic equipment. However, the cart
described by this
patent is an isolated unit and is not designed to be incorporated into a
modular storage system.
Because the deficiencies discussed above have not been addressed by
conventional modular
storage systems and carts, there is a current need for a modular storage cart
addressing the problems
and deficiencies inherent with conventional designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The organization system and cart according to the present invention solve the
deficiencies of
conventional equipment storage systems by providing a system that can be used
to effectively store
uniforms and equipment at a storage facility and transport the equipment
between the facility and
remote areas in which the equipment is to be used. Unlike conventional
systems, the carts
according to the present invention can be selectively reconfigurable to
present storage spaces of
varying sizes, shapes, and configurations for accommodating uniforms and
equipment of different
field operational units. The organization system generally includes a
plurality of reconfigurable
carts positionable in the storage site in a generally side-by-side
configuration. At least one of the
carts can be movable from the storage site to the remote site independent of
the other cart or carts.
Each of the carts can include a track follower mechanism attached to the base
and a track
operably positioned on the floor and extending along a track axis that is
generally transverse to the
cart length. The track follower mechanism is engageable with the track at the
storage site such that
the carts are movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track axis
when the at least one
track follower is selectively engaged with the track. The track can include
track supports extending
therebelow into a groove that is defined in the floor to inhibit deformation
to the track.
An aspect of various embodiments of the present invention is that the carts
can include
partitions selectively positionable in the storage space, such that the
storage space is adjustably
dividable into a number of defined reconfigurable modules for separable
storage of the equipment.
The partitions can include shelves, panels, and adjustable dividers.
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Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
A shelf can be disposed intermediate the base and cart top and selectively
vertically
positionable in the storage space to present a first reconfigurable module
above the shelf and a
second reconfigurable module below the shelf. The shelf can include shelf
hangers for coupling the
shelf to the end panels of the cart and wall portions configured to retain
contents on the shelf when
the cart is moved from a storage facility. The wall portions can be ridge
members or generally
flexible members, such as netting.
A further aspect of various embodiments of the present invention is that the
partitions can
include a panel disposed intermediate the sides or ends of the cart. The
panels can be removable
from the cart sides and positionable in the storage space to present a first
reconfigurable module and
a second reconfigurable module along the cart length or width.
Because the carts according to the present invention can be selectively
reconfigurable to
present storage spaces of varying sizes, shapes, and configurations, the carts
can be used to
accommodate uniforms and equipment of many different field operational units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. I is a front perspective view of a modular storage system, depicting a
plurality of carts
selectively engaged with a track at a storage site;
Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a modular storage system, depicting a
cart having a
wire-grille panel and equipment disposed therein;
Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of a modular storage system, depicting a
cart having
equipment disposed therein and being manually moved along a track;
Fig. 4 is a top front perspective view of a retained cart;
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of a base of the retained cart of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6 is a top front perspective view of the base of Fig. 5, depicting a
wheel mechanism,
track follower mechanism, and logo plate in exploded view;
Fig. 7 is a bottom front perspective view of the base of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a top front perspective view of the base of Fig. 5, depicting
bumpers prior to being
placed on respective frame posts;
Fig. 9 is a top front fragmentary perspective view of the frame post of the
base of Fig. 8,
depicting bumpers placed on respective frame posts;
Fig. 10 is a top front perspective view of the bumper of Fig. 9;
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Fig. 11 is a top front perspective view of a retained cart, depicting end
frames coupled to the
base;
Fig. 12 is a top front fragmentary perspective view of the frame post of the
base, depicting
bumpers and end frames being coupled to the base;
Fig. 13 is a top front perspective view of the end frame of Fig. 11 and wire-
grille panel prior
to being coupled to the end frame;
Fig. 14 is a top front perspective view of a bracket prior to being coupled to
an end frame;
Fig. 15 is a top front perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 14 being
coupled to an end
frame;
Fig. 16 is a top front perspective view of the bracket of Fig. 14 coupled to
an end frame and
wire-grille panel;
Fig. 17 is a top front perspective view of a locking bracket coupled to an end
frame and
wire-grille panel;
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of an outside portion of the bracket of Fig. 14;
Fig. 19 is an end view of the outside portion of the bracket of Fig. 18;
Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an outside portion of the locking bracket of
Fig. 17;
Fig. 21 is an end view of the outside portion of Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an inside portion of the bracket of Fig. 14
and locking
bracket of Fig. 17;
Fig. 23 is an end view of the inside portion of Fig. 22;
Fig. 24 is a top front perspective view of a handle bracket prior to being
coupled to an end
frame;
Fig. 25 is a top front perspective view of the handle bracket of Fig. 24 and a
handle,
depicting the handle bracket and handle being coupled to the end frame;
Fig. 26 is a perspective view of an inside handle bracket portion of the
handle bracket of
Fig. 24;
Fig. 27 is an end view of the inside handle bracket portion of Fig. 26;
Fig. 28 is a perspective view of an outside handle bracket portion of the
bracket of Fig. 24;
Fig. 29 is an end view of the outside handle bracket portion of Fig. 28;
Fig. 30 is a top front perspective view of the retained cart of Fig. 11,
depicting a wire-grille
panel coupled to the end frame;
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Fig. 31 is a top front perspective view of a cart top of the cart of Fig. 4,
depicting a top panel
being coupled to a pair of top panel extrusions;
Fig. 32 is a top front perspective view of the cart top of Fig. 31 being
operably coupled to an
end frame;
Fig. 33 is a top elevational view of the top panel extrusion of Fig. 31;
Fig. 34 is an end view of the top panel extrusion of Fig. 3 l;
Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the top panel extrusion of Fig. 31, depicting
a roof cap being
coupled to the top panel extrusion;
Fig. 36 is a top front perspective view of the end frame and wire-grille panel
of Fig. 13,
depicting a solid panel being coupled to the end frame and wire-grille panel;
Fig. 37 is a top front perspective view of a track;
Fig. 38 is an end view of the track of Fig. 37;
Fig. 39 is a perspective view of the track of Fig. 37, depicting spring pins
prior to being
coupled to the track;
Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the track of Fig. 37, depicting the track
prior to being
coupled to a second track member;
Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the track of Fig. 37, depicting an end cap
being coupled to
the track;
Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a track follower;
Fig. 43a is a top elevational view of a plunger of the track follower of Fig.
42;
Fig. 43b is a side elevational view of the plunger of Fig. 43a;
Fig. 44a is a side elevational view of a roller of the track follower of Fig.
42;
Fig. 44b is a top elevational view of the roller of Fig. 44a;
Fig. 44c is a cross-sectional view of the roller of Fig. 44a;
Fig. 45 is an elevational view of the shoulder bolt of a track follower;
Fig. 46 is a perspective view of the=plunger guide of a track follower
mechanism;
Fig. 47 is a top front perspective view of a modular cart;
Fig. 48 is an exploded view of a base of the cart of Fig. 47;
Fig. 49 is a top front perspective view of the base of Fig. 48;
Fig. 50a is a perspective view of a wheel mechanism of the cart of Fig. 47,
depicting the
wheel mechanism being coupled to the base of Fig. 47;
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Fig. 50b is a side view of the wheel mechanism of Fig. 50a;
Fig. 50c is a front view of the wheel mechanism of Fig. 50a;
Fig. 51 is an exploded view of a track follower mechanism;
Fig. 52 is a perspective view of a plunger clip of the track follower
mechanism of Fig. 51;
Fig. 53 is a perspective view of a backer of the track follower mechanism of
Fig. 51;
Fig. 54 is a perspective view of the track follower mechanism of Fig. 51;
Fig. 55 is a top front perspective view of a modular cart, depicting bypass
doors in a closed
configuration;
Fig. 56 is a top front perspective view of the cart of Fig. 55, depicting the
bypass doors in an
open configuration and equipment disposed therein;
Fig. 57a is a cross-sectional view of a bypass door track;
Fig. 57b is a side elevational view of the bypass door track of Fig. 57a;
Fig. 57c is a top elevational view of the bypass door track of Fig. 57a;
Fig. 58 is a side elevational view of a bypass door glide;
Fig. 59 is a cross sectional view of the bypass door glide of Fig. 58;
Fig. 60a is a front elevational view of a bypass door;
Fig. 60b is a side elevational view of the bypass door of Fig. 60a;
Fig. 60c is a front elevational view of the bypass door of Fig. 60a;
Fig. 61 is an exploded view of a bypass door latch being coupled to the bypass
door of Fig.
60a;
Fig. 62 is an exploded view of a bypass door latch being coupled to the bypass
door of Fig.
60a;
Fig. 63 is an exploded view of a bypass door roller being coupled to the
bypass door of Fig.
60a;
Fig. 64a is an exploded view of a bypass door glide of the bypass door of Fig.
60a;
Fig. 64b is an exploded view of a bypass door of Fig. 64a without a glide;
Fig. 65 is a perspective view of a first bypass door according to a second
embodiment;
Fig. 66 is a fragmentary perspective view of the bypass door of Fig. 65;
Fig. 67 is a perspective view of a second bypass door according to a second
embodiment;
Fig. 68 is a perspective view of a bypass door roller of the bypass door of
Fig. 65;
Fig. 69 is a fragmentary perspective view of a wire-grille panel and truss
system;
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Fig. 70 is a side elevational view of a double truss;
Fig. 71a is a rear perspective view of a truss hanger;
Fig. 71 b is a front perspective view of the truss hanger of Fig. 71 a;
Fig. 72 is a front perspective view of a shelf hanger;
Fig. 73 is a fragmentary perspective view of a truss, depicted with equipment
disposed
thereon;
Fig. 74 is a perspective view of a helmet hanger;
Fig. 75 is a perspective view of a cart having a plurality of helmet hangers
disposed therein,
depicting fully populated helmet hangers;
Fig. 76 is a perspective view of a long pad hanger;
Fig. 77 is a perspective view of a short pad hanger;
Fig. 78 is a perspective view of a retained cart, depicting fully populated
pad hangers;
Fig. 79 is a perspective view of a pad hanger according to a second
embodiment;
Fig. 80 is a perspective view of a hanger according to a third embodiment;
Fig. 81 is a perspective view of a cart having fully populated pad stackers;
Fig. 82 is a perspective view of a cart having an unpopulated pad stacker;
Fig. 83 is a perspective view of a pad stacker;
Fig. 84a is an elevational view of a pad tower of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 84b is bottom elevational view of a pad tower of the pad stacker of Fig.
83;
Fig. 84c is an elevational view of a pad tower of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 84d is a perspective view of a pad tower of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 85a is a side elevational view of a base of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 85b is a top elevational view of a base of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 85c is a side elevational view of a base of the pad stacker of Fig. 83;
Fig. 86a is a side elevational view of a pad support of the pad stacker of
Fig. 83;
Fig. 86b is a side elevational view of a pad support of the pad stacker of
Fig. 83;
Fig. 86c is a top elevational view of a pad support of the pad stacker of Fig.
83;
Fig. 87a is a perspective view of a support channel of the pad stacker of Fig.
83;
Fig. 87b is a side elevational view of a support channel of the pad stacker of
Fig. 83;
Fig. 87c is a top elevational view of a support channel of the pad stacker of
Fig. 83;
Fig. 88 is a perspective view of a modular cart;
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Fig. 89 is a perspective view of the track follower of a cart and a track,
depicting the track
follower in an engaged configuration;
Fig. 90 is a perspective view of the track follower track of Fig. 89,
depicting the track
follower in an engaged position prior to being disengaged using a foot;
Fig. 91 is a perspective view of the track follower track of Fig. 89,
depicting the track
follower in an disengaged position after being disengaged using a foot;
Fig. 92 is a perspective view of a modular cart, depicting the cart partially
outside of the
storage site;
Fig. 93a is a perspective view of the track follower of a modular cart and a
track, depicting
the track follower in a locked position by a plunger lock bracket;
Fig. 93b is a perspective view of the plunger lock bracket of Fig. 93a;
Fig. 94 is a perspective view of a modular cart, track, and island stop;
Fig. 95 is a perspective view of an island stop base of the island stop of
Fig. 94;
Fig. 96 is a perspective view of a retained cart having an attic;
Fig. 97 is a perspective view of the attic of Fig. 96;
Fig. 98a is a perspective view of an attic frame of the attic of Fig. 96;
Fig. 98b is a side elevational view of the attic frame of Fig. 98a;
Fig. 98c is a side elevational view of an attic frame;
Fig. 99 is a cross-sectional view of a cart having a video system in an
employed position;
Fig. 100 is a cross-sectional view of the cart of Fig. 99 depicting the video
system in an
unemployed position;
Fig. 101 is a side elevational view of the cart of Fig. 98;
Fig. 102 is a perspective view of a cart having two shelves in a side-by-side
configuration
depicting the shelves extending substantially along the length of the cart
between front and rear end
panels;
Fig. 103 is a perspective view of a shelf having two shelf channels operably
coupled to an
underside thereof;
Fig. 104 is a perspective view of a shelf hanger having engagement members
operably
coupled to a wire-grille end panel;
Fig. 105 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shelf prior to being operably
coupled to a
shelf hanger;
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Fig. 106 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shelf of Fig. 105 after being
operably
coupled to a shelf hanger depicting the shelf channel-pin operably positioned
in the shelf hanger;
Fig. 107 is a perspective view of a cart having two shelves in a side-by-side
configuration
depicting the shelves extending only partially along the length of the cart;
Fig. 108 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf and an adjustable
divider selectively
position and operably coupled to the shelf;
Fig. 109 is a perspective view of a shelf and an adjustable divider prior to
being operably
coupled to the shelf,
Fig. 110 is a perspective view of the adjustable divider of Fig. 109 being
operably coupled
to the shelf;
Fig. l l la- l l le are perspective views of an adjustable divider being
adjusted in height.
Fig. 112 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf extending
substantially along the
length of the cart between front and rear end panels and a pair of shelf lips
operably coupled to the
shelf;
Fig. 113 is a perspective view of a shelf lip;
Fig. 114 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shelf and a shelf lip prior to
being operably
coupled to the shelf, with arrows indicating the position of the shelf lip
relative to the shelf;
Fig. 115 is a fragmentary perspective view of the shelf lip of Fig. 114 being
operably
coupled to the shelf, with arrows indicating the position of the shelf lip
relative to the shelf;
Fig. 116 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf configuration
depicting the shelf
extending only partially along the length of the cart and a pair of shelf lips
operably coupled to the
shelf;
Fig. 117 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf and a cart divider
operably coupled to
the shelf;
Fig. 118 is a side elevational view of a cart divider;
Fig. 119 is a fragmentary view of a wire-grille end panel depicting the eyelet
of the cart
divider operably coupled to the wire-grille end panel with a tie;
Fig. 120 is a perspective view of a cart having a configuration depicting the
card divider
extending only partially along the length of the cart;
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Fig. 121 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf extending
substantially along the
length of the cart between front and rear end panels and a pair of shelf nets
operably coupled to the
shelf;
Fig. 122 is a perspective view of a shelf net;
Fig. 123 is a fragmentary perspective view of a shelf and end panel and a
shelf net operably
coupled to the end panel proximate the shelf;
Fig. 124 is a perspective view of a cart having a shelf configuration
depicting the shelf
extending only partially along the length of the cart and a shelf net operably
coupled to the end
panel and a grill divider proximate the shelf;
Fig. 125 is a perspective view of a bat/racquet holder;
Fig. 126 is a side elevational view of a bat/racquet holder;
Fig. 127 is a perspective view of a bat/racquet holder with its engagement
member operably
coupled to a wire-grille end panel and a plurality of bat operably hung on
recesses formed on the
bat/racquet holder;
Fig. 128 is a fragmentary perspective view of a track operably coupled in a
groove defined
on the floor; and
Fig. 129 is an end view of the track depicted in Fig. 128.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As depicted in Figs. 1-3, a modular storage system 110 according to an
embodiment of the
present invention generally comprises a track 114 and one or more carts 112,
212. The carts 112
are arranged in a storage facility along a single track 114. The storage
facility can be a retrofitted
area of an already existing facility or the storage facility can be designed
and implemented into a
newly constructed facility. In an already existing facility, the track 114 can
be positioned onto and
connected to a pre-selected portion of a floor. In a newly constructed
facility, the track 114 can be
integrated directly into or onto a newly formed floor.
The modular storage system as depicted in Figs. I and 2 includes a mixture of
retained carts
112 (as shown in Fig. 3) and modular carts 212 (as shown in Fig. 55). As can
be seen in Fig. 3, the
retained carts 112 populated with uniforms and equipment are preferably
movable by manual force
in a direction that is generally parallel to and along the track 114.
Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the
modular carts 212 are also preferably movable along the track 114. In addition
to being movable
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along the track 114, the modular carts 212 can also be removed from the
storage site 11 and taken
to an off-site location.
It will be understood that the mixture of retained carts 112 and modular carts
212 can be of
any number and mix, depending upon the length of the track 114 installed at
the storage facility and
the width of each cart 112, 212. It will also be appreciated that any number
of tracks 114 could be
installed in a variety of floor plan configurations at a given storage
facility given the dimensions of
the floor plan of the storage facility. As shown in Fig. 1, some of the
retained carts 112 are full
width (112a) and others are half width (112b). Preferably, all of the carts
112, 212 have a similar
length, although this is not required. For purposes of describing the various
embodiments of the
present invention, the carts 112, 212 will be referred to as having a width in
a direction generally
parallel to the track 114 and a length in a direction generally perpendicular
to the track 114.
Similarly, the carts 112, 212 will have sides oriented along the length of the
carts and ends oriented
along the width of the carts.
The carts 112, 212 generally comprise a reconfigurable storage structure that
includes a
number of different means for storing uniforms, equipment, and other items
used by field
operational units. The modular storage system 110 as depicted in the figures
is designed to
accommodate high school athletic equipment. As such, the following description
of different
means for storing uniforms, equipment, and other items is generally directed
to athletic equipment
storage. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
storage structures and
means could be easily used to accommodate a number of different operational
units, including, but
not limited to, construction industries, medical and hospital organizations,
military and paramilitary
organizations, theatre companies, and marching and concert bands.
In addition, the arrangement of the track 114 and carts 112, 212 enable users
to come to the
storage facility, quickly find their equipment in a particular cart, move the
carts along the track to
access the appropriate cart, remove their equipment from the cart, and move on
to an off-storage-
site location with the necessary equipment. Because the uniforms and equipment
are organized and
arranged within the carts, those persons who monitor and track the equipment
to be stored in the
modular storage system 110 are able to determine what equipment remains within
the storage
facility and what equipment is being used at an offsite location. When users
return to the storage
facility to return their uniforms or equipment, they can give the uniforms and
equipment to the
persons responsible for monitoring and tracking the equipment, who can then
return the equipment
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to the proper cart within the storage facility. Alternatively, users can
return their own equipment to
the proper cart within the storage facility.
Because the modular carts 212 can be taken out of the confines of the storage
facility and
transported to an off-site location, the modular storage system 110 of the
present invention permits
operational units that require large amounts of uniforms and various pieces of
equipment to
transport the uniforms and equipment in an organized manner. By doing so, the
units are much less
likely to forget or lose track of the uniforms and equipment. For example,
military units often
travel with large amounts of gear including uniforms, weapons, first aid kits,
tents, cots,
ammunition, and other equipment. When the military unit must travel, the
logistics of transporting
the members and equipment can create pose significant logistical problems.
However, by using a
modular storage system 110 according to the various embodiments of the present
invention, the
military unit can travel in an organized manner. Each uniform and piece of
equipment can have a
position within the carts 112, 212 when leaving a storage facility and when
arriving at a destination.
Because the equipment does not need to be removed from the cart during
transportation, much time
and effort can be saved by not having to load and unload any containers.
Also, when inventory is taken prior to leaving a storage facility,
inventorying is not required
when arriving at a destination as there is no need to remove anything from the
cart. These same
benefits occur with other operational units such as athletic teams,
construction industries, medical
and hospital organizations, theatre companies, marching and concert bands,
police and fire
departments, and medical rescue teams.
Description of the Retained Carts
Referring to Figs 3-12, embodiments of the retained cart will be described. It
will be noted
that reference numerals in the 100's are generally used to denote the base
features and components
of the retained carts 112. The retained carts 112 are preferably retained
within the storage facility
during normal use and not designed to be removable from the storage facility.
In order to be
removed from the storage facility, the retained carts 112 generally would need
to be lifted out of the
track 114 by selectively releasing them from the confines of the track 114 and
then carried out of
the storage facility (i.e., to a location other than the location of the track
114). Alternatively, the
track 114 may be removed in order to permit the retained carts 114 to be
removed from the storage
facility.
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As depicted in Fig. 4, a retained cart 112 according to an embodiment of the
present
invention preferably comprises a cart base 116, a cart top 122, a front end
118, and a rear end 120
opposed the front end 18. The cart base 116, cart top 122, front end 118, and
rear end 120 generally
define a reconfigurable storage structure. The front end 118, rear end 120,
and cart top 122
preferably have substantially similar structure on both the retained cart 112
and modular cart 212.
As such, the discussion of the front end 118, rear end 120, and cart top 122
with respect to the
retained cart 112 is therefore relevant and incorporated by reference to the
later discussion with
respect to the modular cart 212. For purposes of this description, front is
used to reference the end
of the cart base that, when in position on the track 114, is closest to the
track 114. Rear is used to
reference the end of the cart base 116 that is furthest from the track 114.
The cart base 116 of the retained cart 112 according to an embodiment of the
present
invention, as depicted in Figs. 5-8, preferably comprises a bottom 124, a pair
of opposed base sides
130a, 130b connected to the bottom 124, a front plate 126, and an opposed rear
plate 128. The front
plate 126 and rear plate 128 are operably connected to a bottom front 132 and
a bottom rear 134,
respectively, wherein the bottom front 132 and bottom rear 134 are preferably
substantially
perpendicular to the opposed sides 130a, 130b. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the
bottom 124, front plate
126, rear plate 128, and base sides 130a, 130b generally define a storage
basement 117 that can be
used to store various equipment or articles below a horizontal level of a top
surface of base sides
130a, 130b. The bottom 124, front plate 126, rear plate 128, and base sides
130a, 130b are
preferably constructed of sheet steel, although other materials such as
aluminum, alloys, graphite or
composites materials or various plastics could be used without departing from
the spirit and scope
of the invention.
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a plurality of preferably
cylindrical frame
posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d disposed on the base sides 130a, 130b where the
base sides 130a,
130b intersect the front plate 126 and rear plate 128. The frame posts 168a,
168b, 168c, 168d
preferably include a post slot 171 such that the base sides 130a, 130b and
frame posts 168a, 168b,
168c, 168d can be connected by sliding the post slots 171 onto the base sides
130a, 130b. Although
the frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d are depicted as being cylindrical in
shape, it is contemplated
that they may be square, rectangular, or any other geometric shape. The frame
posts 168a, 168b,
168c, 168d are preferably constructed of tubular steel, although other
materials such as aluminum,
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alloys or graphite or composite materials could be used without departing from
the spirit and scope
of the invention.
As depicted in Fig. 5, the front plate 126 and rear plate 128 are preferably
"C" or channel
shaped and comprise concave-shaped plate ends 146 so that the plates 126, 128
substantially abut
the cylindrical frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d when the cart base 116 is
assembled. The front
plate 126 and rear plate 128 are preferably connected to the bottom 124 using
fasteners 800. The
terms "fastener" as used in this application includes screw, bolt, nut, rivet,
snap, or other generally
known mechanical fasteners. Although the plates 126, 128 are depicted as being
"C" or channel
shaped, it is contemplated that they be curved or flat. As depicted in Fig. 6,
the front plate
preferably includes a logo plate 144.
While the preferred embodiment of the present invention describes the operable
connection
of various members and elements of the carts 112, 212 with the use of
mechanical fasteners 800, the
various components of the carts 112, 212 could be assembled by welding or
gluing in an alternative
embodiment. It will be understood, however, that this alternate embodiment of
assembling the carts
112, 212 does not facilitate easily on-site assembly of the carts 112, 212 as
is provided for by the
preferred embodiment.
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a pair of opposed beams 164a,
164b disposed
on and extending along the base sides 130a, 130b between the frame posts 168a,
168b, 168c, 168d.
The beams 164a, 164b are preferably tubular in shape and comprise concave
shaped beam ends 166
so that the beams 164a, 164b substantially abut the cylindrical frame posts
168a, 168b, 168c, 168d.
While the beam cross-sections as depicted are tubular in shape, it is
contemplated that the beams
have a different shaped cross-section, such as square, rectangular, flat, or
other various geometric
shapes. The beams 164a, 164b are preferably constructed of tubular steel,
although other materials
such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or various
plastics could be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The bottom 124 preferably comprises a top surface 136, an underside 138
opposed the top
surface 136, and a plurality of wheel slots 140 extending from the top surface
136 through the
underside 138. The wheel slots 140 are preferably located proximate the frame
posts 168a, 168b,
168c, and 168d. The bottom 124 further comprises a support bar 142 that is
disposed on the
underside 138 extending substantially between the opposed base sides 130a,
130b. The support bar
142 as depicted has a square-shaped cross-section although it is contemplated
that the support bar
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142 be flat or tubular in shape. The support bar 142 can be constructed of
steel, although other
materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or
plastics could be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Each wheel slot
140 preferably
comprises an axle plate 150 having an axle pin aperture 158 and a plurality of
axle plate tabs 160.
The cart base 116 further preferably comprises a plurality of wheels covers
148, each wheel
cover 148 having a plurality of axle pin apertures 152, a plurality of wheel
cover tabs 154, and a
plurality of axle plate tab slots 156. When the wheel cover 148 is placed onto
the bottom 124 of the
cart base 116, the wheel cover 148 preferably extends between the opposed
sides 130a, 130b. In
this position, the wheel cover tabs 154 are inserted into a plurality of wheel
cover tab slots 162
included on the bottom 124 of the cart base 116 and the axle plate tabs 160 on
the axle plates 150
are inserted into the axle plate tab slots 156 on the wheel covers 148. The
wheel cover tabs 154 and
axle plate tabs 160 assist in holding the axle plates 150 and wheel covers 148
in place. The wheel
covers 148 and axle plates 150 are preferably constructed of sheet steel,
although other materials
such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials or plastics could
be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The components of the above-described cart base 116 are preferably selected,
configured,
and assembled so that the base 116 has a structural integrity and strength
sufficient so that when the
carts 112 are moved along the track 114, the carts 112 will not canter, flex,
or bend by more than 5
degrees from normal to the track 114, and preferably by no more than 2-3
degrees from normal. By
having such a structural integrity, when the carts 112 are moved along the
track 114, the cart will
not bind on the track 114, thus enabling easy manual movement of the carts 112
along the preferred
embodiment of a single track 114. As a result of this preferred structural
integrity, the present
invention is able to dispense with the need for dual track arrangements as is
generally taught in the
modular storage systems of the prior art.
With continuing reference to Fig. 6, the cart base 116 preferably comprises at
least three
wheel mechanisms 172. The wheel mechanisms 172 on the retained cart 112 are
generally axle-
type wheels and generally comprise a wheel 174 having a wheel aperture 176, an
axle pin 178
extending through the wheel aperture 176, and a plurality of washers 180. To
connect each wheel
174 to the cart base 116, prior to placing the wheel covers 148 onto the cart
base 116, the axle pin
178 is first inserted through the axle pin aperture 152 in the wheel cover
148. The axle pin 178 is
then preferably inserted through a washer 180, the wheel aperture 176, through
more washers 180,
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and then through the axle pin aperture 158 in the axle plate 150. The axle pin
178 is then connected
to the wheel cover 148 by inserting a fastener 800 through a portion of the
axle pin 178 into the
wheel cover 148. The axle pins 178 and washers 180 are preferably constructed
of steel, although
other materials such as aluminum, alloys or graphite or composite materials
could be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. When the wheel
mechanisms 172 are installed
on the cart base 116, at least a portion of the wheels 174 extends below the
underside 138 of the
bottom 124. The wheels 174 are preferably constructed of nylon or polyolefin,
such as part number
PB0820112WS02 from Tricker Caster & Wheel Sales in Fairbault, Minnesota,
although other
equivalent polymer materials could be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of the
invention. In an embodiment, a total of four wheel mechanisms 172 are
utilized, with one pair of
wheel mechanisms 172 on each end of the cart base 116. It will be understood
that any number of
wheel mechanism 172 greater than two could be incorporated into the design of
the cart base 116 to
decrease the weight load per wheel mechanism 172, for example, by providing
additional wheel
mechanisms 172 positioned at different points along the length of the cart
base 116. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the wheel 174 could be a caster wheel or
ball wheel.
The cart base 116 further comprises at least one track follower mechanism 182.
The track
follower mechanism 182 can be seen in Fig. 5 and in greater detail in Figs. 42-
46. As depicted in
the figures, the retained cart 112 according to an embodiment of the present
invention includes two
track follower mechanisms 182 positioned at opposite sides of the front end
118, although it is
contemplated that the carts 112 could include one or more track follower
mechanisms 182
positioned to engage the track 114 wherever the track 114 is positioned
relative to the length of the
carts 112, 212. For example, in an alternate embodiment, the track 114 and
corresponding track
follower mechanisms 182 could be positioned proximate the rear end 120 of the
carts 112 or the
track followers 182 could be positioned at any position along the length of
the cart 112, for
example, in the middle of the length of the cart 112. It will be understood,
however, that the
advantage of the positioning of the track follower mechanisms 182 on the front
end of the carts 112
permits for easy following of a single track with the ability to manually move
the carts 112 with a
minimum amount of effort.
The track follower mechanism 182 comprises a track follower 184 having a
plunger 186 that
can be cylindrical in shape and a roller 192 connected to the plunger 186
using a shoulder bolt 194.
The frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d preferably include a plunger guide 190,
such that when the
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track follower mechanism 182 is inserted into the frame post 168, the plunger
186 of the track
follower mechanism 182 rests within the plunger guide 190. Once the plunger
186 rests within the
plunger guide 190, the roller 192 can be connected to the plunger 186 using
the shoulder bolt 194.
In this position, the track follower mechanism 182 is vertically movable and
rotatable about the
plunger 186 within the frame post 168 in the plunger guide 190. When the track
follower
mechanism 182 is inserted into the frame posts 168a, 168d, the track follower
roller 192 extends
below the frame posts 168a, 168d. A plunger cap 188 on the plunger 186
opposite the shoulder bolt
194 inhibits the track follower mechanism 182 from falling out of the frame
post 168. The roller
192 can be constructed of glass-filled nylon, although other materials such as
steel, aluminum,
bronze, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be
used without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. The plunger 186, shoulder bolt
194, and plunger guide
190 are preferably constructed of steel or aluminum, although other materials
could be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The cart base 116 further preferably includes a plurality of bumpers 196. As
depicted in
Figs. 8-12, the bumpers 196 are preferably cylindrical or donut-shaped and
preferably comprise a
bumper clearance aperture 198 and a bumper flat surface 199. The bumpers 196
are placed onto the
frame posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d so that the bumper clearance apertures 198
are substantially
aligned with post clearance apertures 170 that are included on the frame posts
168a, 168b, 168c,
168d. In this position the bumper flat surfaces 199 on the bumpers 196
proximate the rear plate 128
substantially face one another and the bumper flat surfaces 199 on the bumpers
196 proximate the
front plate 126 substantially face one another. This flat surface 199 extends
laterally beyond
vertical members 304 of frames 302 to provide clearance for any panels that
are placed onto the
carts 112. The bumpers 196 are preferably constructed of nylon, although other
materials such as
rubber or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
invention.
The bumpers 196 protect adjacent carts 112, 212 when the carts 112, 212 are
moved along
the track 114 within the storage facility. If a first cart 112 is moved
towards a second cart 112, such
that the carts 112 contact one another, the bumpers 196 on the first cart 112
will contact the
bumpers 196 of a second cart 112 rather than other parts of the carts 112
coming into contact with
one another. As the bumpers 196 are constructed of nylon or other similar
resilient materials, they
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will absorb the forces exerted when adjacent carts 12 are moved into an
abutting relation along the
track 14.
The cart as depicted in Fig. 4 also preferably comprises a front end 118 and a
rear end 120,
each end 118, 120 preferably comprising a frame 302 and a wire-grille panel
300 connected to the
frame 302 using a plurality of brackets 310. It will be noted that reference
numerals in the 300's
are generally used to denote the features and components of frame, ends and
top of the retained
carts 112. The frame 302 comprises a pair of generally opposed vertical
members 304 connected
by a substantially horizontal member 306. As depicted in Figs. 11-12, to
connect the frames 302 to
the cart base 116, the lower portion 305 of the vertical members 304 are
inserted into the frame
posts 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d. Once the frame 302 is inserted into the frame
posts 168a, 168b,
168c, 168d, a fastener 800 is inserted through the bumper clearance aperture
94, through the frame
post aperture 170, and into the aperture in the frame. While the frames as
depicted are tubular in
shape, it is contemplated that the frames have a different shaped cross-
section, such as square,
rectangular, flat, or other various geometric shapes. The frames 302 are
preferably constructed of
tubular steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or
composite materials
could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The wire-grille panel
300 can be constructed of wire steel, although other materials such as mesh or
plastic wire could be
used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
In an embodiment, the wire-grille panel 300 enables air to move within the
cart 112. When
uniforms or wearable equipment are placed into the cart 112, the air movement
will enable the
uniforms and wearable equipment to dry out, inhibiting any mold, fungus, or
bacteria from forming
and spreading on the uniforms and wearable equipment. Preferably, the wire-
grille panels 300 have
an at least 25% opening in the panel and optionally an at least 50% and up to
95% opening.
Although the panels 300 are preferably constructed as wire-grilles, solid
panels with equivalent cut
out apertures could also be utilized to achieve the desired airflow.
The brackets 310 are generally used to connect the wire-grille panel 300, or a
solid panel
326 as depicted in Fig. 36, to the frames 302. As depicted in Figs. 14-22, the
brackets 310 comprise
an inside bracket portion 312 and an outside bracket portion 314. In order to
connect the wire-grille
panel 300 to the frame 302, the wire-grille panel 300 is placed into the frame
302 and the inside
bracket portion 312 and outside bracket portion 314 are placed together so
that they capture the
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frame 302 and wire-grille panel 300. The inside bracket portion 312 and
outside bracket portion
314 are then connected using a plurality of fasteners 800.
As depicted in Fig. 17, the bracket 310 can also include a lock portion 316.
When one
desires to connect adjacent carts 12 in a modular storage system 10, brackets
310 comprising lock
portions 316 are included. To lock adjacent carts 112 together, adjacent carts
112 including lock
portions 316 are placed together. A lock is then inserted into the lock
portions 316 of each bracket
310 and then secured. The brackets 310 are preferably constructed of steel,
although other
materials such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various
plastics could be
used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Once the frames 302 and wire-grille panels 300 or solid panels 326 have been
installed on
the cart base 116, the cart base 116, and panels on the front end 118 and rear
end 120 generally
define a storage structure. As discussed below, the storage structure can be
reconfigurable and can
be used to store uniforms, wearable equipment, equipment, gear and other
various articles for
equipping field operational units.
As depicted in Figs. 4 and 30, the front end 118 further preferably comprises
a handle 324
connected to the frame 302 with a handle bracket 318 having an inside handle
bracket portion 320
and outside handle bracket portion 322. Once the wire-grille panel 300 has
been positioned in the
frame 302, the inside handle bracket portion 320 and outside handle bracket
portion 322 are placed
together so that they capture the frame 302 and wire-grille panel 300.
Fasteners 800 are then
inserted through the inside handle bracket portion 320 and outside handle
bracket portion 322 and
into the handles 324. The handles 324 are preferably constructed of steel,
although other materials
such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics
could be used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The ends of the carts 112 can also preferably include labeling panels that can
be attached to
the wire-grille panels 300 or solid panels 326. By including a labeling panel,
those using the carts
112 can determine what the cart 112 contains without needing to look within
the cart, but by merely
looking at the labeling panel.
As stated above, and as depicted in Fig. 36, the front end 118 and rear end
120 can also
include a solid panel 326. Once the wire-grille panel 300 has been positioned
in the frame 302, the
solid panel 326 is then positioned in the frame 302. The inside bracket
portion 312 and outside
bracket portion 314 are then placed together so that they capture the frame
302 and wire-grille panel
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300. Fasteners 800 are then inserted through the inside bracket portion 312
and outside bracket
portion 314. In an embodiment of the present invention, the solid panel 326 is
substantially the
same size as the wire-grille panel 300.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the solid panel 326 comprises
a plurality of
solid panel 326 sections selectively positioned on the wire-grille panel 300.
In another embodiment
of the present invention, the carts 112 could comprise a solid panel 326
without using a wire-grille
panel 300. In an embodiment, the solid panels 326 are preferably constructed
of 5/8" veneer core
plywood with a laminate overlay, although other materials such as aluminum,
graphite or composite
materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of the
invention.
As depicted in Fig. 4, the cart 112 also preferably comprises a top 122, which
can be seen in
greater detail in Figs. 31-35. The cart top 122 generally comprises a top
panel 328 extending from
the front frame 302a to the rear frame 302b and a plurality of top panel
extrusions 330a, 330b
positioned on opposing sides of the top panel 328 and extending substantially
along the length of
the top panel 328. The top panel extrusions 330a, 330b are preferably
connected to top panel 328
using a plurality of fasteners 800. As can be seen in the figures, the top
panel extrusions preferably
have a profile that matches the profile of the end frames 302 where the
vertical members 304
intersect the horizontal member 306. The top panel 328 is positioned on
support brackets 308
disposed on the horizontal member 306 of the frames 302. Once the top panel
328 is positioned on
support brackets 308, it is then preferably connected to the support brackets
308 using fasteners
800.
Once the top panel 328 is connected to the frames 302a, 302b, the top panel
extrusions 330a,
330b are connected to the top panel 328 using fasteners 800. Roof caps 332 are
then connected to
the top panel extrusions 330a, 330b using fasteners 800. The roof caps 332
protect the top panel
extrusions 330a, 330b and provide a more aesthetically appealing appearance.
The top panels 328
are preferably constructed of 5/8" veneer core plywood with a laminate
overlay, although other
materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various
plastics could be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The roof caps
332 are preferably
constructed of 14-gauge steel, although other materials such as aluminum,
alloys, graphite or
composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of
the invention.
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As depicted in Figs. 96-98, the cart 112, in an embodiment of the present
invention, an attic
334 is disposed on the cart top 122 of the cart 112. The attic 334 comprises a
pair of generally
opposed attic frames 336a, 336b separated by and connected to an attic top
338. The attic 334
further preferably comprises attic wire-grille panels 340 connected to the
attic frames 336a, 336b
using brackets 342 that are substantially similar to brackets 310 described
above. The attic top 338
can be the same length as the cart top 122. The attic 334 is assembled
substantially as described
with reference to earlier discussion of the construction and materials of the
cart 112, the earlier
discussion being incorporated with reference to the attic 334.
As depicted in Figs. 55-56, the retained cart 112 and modular cart 212 can
further comprise
a bypass door mechanism 344. The bypass door mechanism 344 comprises at least
one bypass door
350, a bottom door track 348, and a top door track 346. The at least one
bypass door 350 can be
constructed of 5/8" veneer core plywood with a laminate overlay, although
other materials such as
aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be used
without departing from
the spirit and scope of this invention. The door tracks 346, 348 are
preferably constructed of
extruded aluminum, although other materials such as alloys, graphite or
composite materials or
various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bypass doors 350
comprise a
bottom door glide 354 and a top door glide 352 connected to the bottom 353 and
top 351 of the
bypass door 350, respectively. As depicted in Fig. 64a, the glides 354, 352
are connected to the
bypass door 350 using fasteners 800. The bypass door 350 also preferably
comprises a latch
mechanism 360 connected to the bypass door 350 using fasteners 800, as can be
seen in Fig. 61-62.
The bottom door glide 354 preferably comprises a plurality of door rollers
356. As depicted in Fig.
63, the door rollers 356 are connected to the bottom door glide 354 using
fasteners 800 and door
roller plate 358. The door glides 354, 352 are preferably constructed of
extruded aluminum,
although other materials such as steel, alloys, graphite or composite
materials or various plastics
could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
The latch mechanisms
360 are preferably constructed of steel, although other materials such as
aluminum, alloys, graphite
or composite materials or various plastics could be used without departing
from the spirit and scope
of this invention. The door rollers 356 are preferably constructed of sintered
bronze, although other
materials such as nylon, urethane, or various polymer materials could be used
without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention.
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An alternative embodiment of the bypass door 350b can be seen in Figs. 65-68.
The door
350b of this embodiment comprises a plurality of door rollers 356b disposed on
the bottom of the
door 350b and a plurality of door claws 362 disposed at the top 351b of the
door 350b. When the
doors 350b are assembled on the cart 12, the claws 362 slide along the top
door track 346b disposed
on the top 351b of the door 350b.
The Track
The modular storage system 110 preferably comprises a single track 114. It
will be noted
that reference numerals in the 400's are generally used to denote the features
and components of the
track 114. Although a single track 114 can be utilized, it will be understood
that for certain aspects
of the present invention, a plurality of tracks 114 may be provided and
utilized within the scope of
those aspects of the present invention.
As depicted in Figs. 37-41, the track 114 of the modular storage system 110
generally
comprises a track length 400, a track width 402, a channel 404 extending along
the track length
400, and a pair of generally opposed ramped surfaces 406, the ramped surfaces
406 being
perpendicular to the track length 400. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the track length
400 comprises a unitary, integral track section. In another embodiment of the
present invention, the
track 114 comprises separate track sections connected using a plurality of
spring pins 408. As
depicted in Figs. 39-40, to connect separate track portions, the spring pins
408 are inserted into a
cross-section of the track 114 and the portions are then placed together.
For cross-sections of the track 114 that end in the middle of a room, i.e.,
not at a wall, a
track cap 410 having dimensions that are substantially the same as the exposed
cross-section can be
connected to the track 114 using fasteners 800 to inhibit the carts 112, 212
from moving beyond the
track length 400. The track cap 410 also protects the exposed cross-section
and provides a pleasing
appearance. The track 14 can be constructed of extruded aluminum, although
other materials such
as steel could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. The spring pins
408 are preferably constructed of steel, although other materials such as
aluminum, bronze, or
various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. The
track caps 410 are preferably constructed of 16-gauge steel, although other
materials such as
aluminum, alloys, graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be
used without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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In an embodiment of the present invention, the track 114 can be installed into
a newly
formed surface. In this embodiment, the ramped surfaces 406 would not be
required, as the channel
404 would be incorporated below the surface of a floor.
Referring to Fig. 128, an in-ground track 800 can comprise a pair of generally
opposed and
planar flanges 802 that rest upon the floor. A portion of the track 800 can
extend into the groove
that is defined below the surface of the floor. The portion of the track 800
extending below the
surface of the floor generally comprises a pair of side walls 806 for guiding
a track follower along
the length of the track 800. The in-ground track 800 can also comprise one or
more T-shaped track
supports 808 extending below the track 800. The track 800 supports can inhibit
deformation of the
track 800 into the groove if a great and/or non-uniform downward force is
place on the track 800.
The track can be operably coupled to the floor using fasteners 810, such as
screws. Alternatively,
the track 800 can rest in the groove with gravity or can be operably coupled
to the groove with an
adhesive, such as glue or epoxy.
The track 114 could also be installed on the floor of a vehicle, the floor of
a trailer, or the
floor of a storage system than includes a plurality of movable floors.
As described above, an "in-ground" track can be used in conjunction with the
modular
storage system for selectively and engageably tracking modular or retained
carts thereto. Such a
track can be incorporated into or operably coupled in a groove defined on a
floor in a new or
existing facility. The floor and groove defined therein are described in
greater detail below. By
incorporating or coupling the track in a groove defined in the floor, as
opposed to on the surface of
the floor, the overall height of the track can be minimized. This can enable a
user to move a cart
over a track with minimal force and gravitational resistance. This
configuration can also inhibit any
structure protruding from the floor, thus providing numerous aesthetic and
operational benefits.
Referring to Figs. 128 and 129, an in-ground track 800 generally comprises a
first generally
planar elongate track flange 802 and a second generally opposed and generally
planar elongate
track flange 804. As will be described in greater detail below, the track
flanges 802, 804 can
provide structure for a track 800 to rest upon when the track 800 is disposed
in a groove that is
incorporated into the floor.
The track 800 further generally comprises a first elongate track channel wall
806 and a
second generally opposed elongate track channel wall 808, the track channel
walls 806, 808
operably depending from the first and second track flanges 802, 804,
respectively. The track
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channel walls 806, 808 can depend from a flange edge 816 included on the
respective track flanges
802, 804, as generally depicted in Figs. 128 and 129. Alternatively, the track
channel walls 806,
808 can depend from a portion intermediately positioned on the track flanges
802, 804. The track
channel walls 806, 808 can be integrally formed with or operably coupled to
the track flanges 802,
804.
Referring to Fig. 129, the track 800 also generally comprises a generally
planar elongate
track base 810 operably coupled to the wall lower end 838 of the first and
second track channel
walls 806, 808. The track base 810 can be generally parallel the track flanges
802, 804. In addition
the track base 810 can be integrally formed with or operably coupled to the
track channel walls 806,
808.
The track channel walls 806, 808 and track base 810 generally define a track
channel 812
therein that is configured to guide a track follower mechanism (not depicted
in Figs. 128 and 129)
when the track follower mechanism is operably selectively engaged with the
track 800. As
generally depicted in Figs. 128 and 129, the track channel 812 comprises a
cross section that is
generally rectangular in shape. The track channel 812 alternatively can
comprise a cross section of
any number of shapes or configurations, such as square, triangle, or other
polyhedron. In general,
the track channel 812 comprises a shape defined such that it can correspond
with the general shape
of a track follower on a track follower mechanism.
Referring to Fig. 129, as described above, each of the elongate track flanges
802, 804 is
generally operably coupled to a respective track channel walls 806, 808 with a
flange edge 816 on
an upper end 838 of the track channel walls 806, 808 that is defined between
the track flanges 802,
804 and the respective track channel walls 806, 808. The flange edge 816 can
be generally
curvilinear (as depicted in Figs. 128 and 129) or generally linear. The flange
edge 816 can provide
the junction between the track flanges 802, 804 and respective track channel
walls 806, 808 with
additional stability and support. When the track 808 is disposed in a groove
defined on the floor,
the track flanges 802, 804 can support the track 800 on the floor. Such
configuration can place
additional stress at the junction between the track flanges 802, 804 and
respective track channel
walls 806, 808 when weight is placed on the track 800 or when a cart is
operably coupled with the
track 800. The weight or stress can be countered with the additional material
defined at the flange
edge 816.
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Referring to Fig. 129, each of the track flanges 802, 804 also generally
comprises a
generally planar upper flange surface 818 and a generally opposed lower flange
surface 820. The
track flanges 802, 804 also comprise an outer track edge 814 intermediate the
upper and lower
flange surfaces 818, 820 on the outside portions thereof. The track edge 814
can be generally
rounded or angled to minimize the overall height of the track edge 814.
Each of the flanges 802, 804 can also comprise a track lip 822 generally
opposed the outer
track edge 814, the track lip 822 being defined proximate the track channel
812 and positioned
proximate the intersection of either of the track flanges 802, 804 and
respective track channel walls
806, 808. The track lip 822 can extend inwardly with respect to the track
channel 812 and can
provide structure for operable engagement with a track follower on a track
follower mechanism
when the track follower mechanism is operably engaged with the track 800.
Each of the track lips 822 can comprise an inner lip surface 824, a lower lip
surface 826, and
a lip radius surface 828 intermediate the track lip 822 and respective inner
track channel wall
surface. The lip radius surface 828 can provide sufficient structure to
inhibit any stress
concentration or crack formations intermediate the track lips 822 and track
channel wall 806, 808.
In addition, the lip radius surface 828 can be used to place spring pins to
connect separate sections
of the track 800. The spring pins can be substantially the same as the spring
pins 408 depicted and
described with respect to the above-ground track in Figs. 39 and 40. The upper
and bottom flange
surfaces 818, 820, track edge 814, and track lip 822 can generally define each
of the track flanges
802, 804. The relatively short height of the track lip inner surface 824
compared to the track
channel wall inner surfaces 836 can minimize and surface friction between a
track follower (not
depicted in Figs. 128 and 129) and the track when the track follower mechanism
is operably
engaged with the track 800. The track channel wall inner surfaces 836 are
described in greater
detail below with respect to the elongate track channel walls 806, 808.
The track flanges 802, 804 each comprise a flange thickness 830. The flange
thickness 830a
proximate the track edge 814 can be less than the thickness 830b proximate the
track lip 822. This
can provide a generally slightly ramped upper flange surface 818 (ramped
upwardly from the track
edge 814 towards the track channel 812) and can enable a cart being moved over
the track 800 to
easily traverse the track. This can also minimize the height of the track edge
814 yet retain a
thickness 830 of the track flanges 802, 804 generally sufficient to inhibit
damage to the track 800
when weight is placed on the track 800 or when a cart is operably coupled to
the track 800.
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Referring to Fig. 129, each of the elongate track channel walls 806, 808
generally comprises
an outer track channel wall surface 834 and an inner track channel wall
surface 836. The inner
track channel wall surface 836 on first and second generally opposed track
channel walls 806, 808
generally partially define the track channel 812. Each of the track channel
walls 806, 808 also
generally terminate on a wall upper end 838 at the respective track flanges
816 proximate the track
lip 822 described above with respect to the track flange portions 802, 804.
The track channel walls
806, 808 can be generally uniform in thickness, but can be greater in
thickness proximate the upper
and lower ends of the walls to provide additional strength and support to the
track 800. The
thickness of the track channel walls 806, 808 is generally sufficient to
inhibit damage to the track
800 when weight is placed on the track 800 or when a cart is operably coupled
to the track 800.
Referring to Fig. 129, the elongate track base 810 generally comprises an
upper track base
surface 842 and a generally opposed track bottom surface 844. The track base
810 can also
comprise a pair of base edges 852 intermediate the track base 810 and
respective track channel
walls 806, 808. The thickness of the track base 810 is generally sufficient to
inhibit damage to the
track 800 when weight is placed on the track 800 or when a cart is operably
coupled to the track
800.
The track base 810 can further include a first track support 848 and a second
track support
850 operably coupled to and extending below the track base bottom surface 842.
In other
embodiments, the track base 810 can include more than two supports. Each of
the track supports
848, 850 generally comprises a support column 854 operably coupled to the
track bottom surface
854 at a first column end 853 and a support base 856 operably coupled to the
support column 854 at
a second column end 855. Each of the support bases 856 can comprise a first
support flange 858
and a second support flange 860. The track supports 848, 850 in this
configuration can be generally
T-shaped, as depicted in Figs. 128 and 129. The track supports 848, 850 can
inhibit deformation of
the track 800 into the groove defined on a floor if a great and/or non-uniform
downward force is
place on the track 800.
Referring to Figs. 128 and 129, the in-ground track 800 can generally be used
in conjunction
with a groove 866 defined on a floor 862 below a floor surface 864. The groove
866 can generally
comprise a groove base 868 and first and second base walls 870, 872 extending
upwardly from the
groove base 868 to the floor surface 864. While the groove 866 is generally
depicted as comprising
a rectangular cross-section, the groove 866 can comprise a cross-section of
other geometric
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Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
configurations without departing from the scope and sprit of the present
invention, such as square,
triangle, or other polyhedron. In addition, while edges 874 defined at the
intersection of the groove
base 868 and respective groove walls 870, 872 is depicted as being generally
angular, the edge 874
can be defined to be generally curvilinear.
The groove 866 can be formed into a newly-formed surface. For example, in a
concrete or
cement floor, a mold or other structure can be used to form the groove 866
into the floor 862.
Alternatively, the groove 866 can be cut out or otherwise formed into an
already-existing floor 862.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that a number of methods can be used
to define the groove
866 in a floor 862. The floor 862 can be formed of concrete, cement, wood,
various polymers,
various metals, or any other materials known to those skilled in the relevant
arts.
Once a floor 862 has a groove 866 defined therein, the track 800 can be placed
into the
groove 866. To do this, the base 810 and track channel walls 806, 808 are
placed such that they
operably rest in the groove 866. The track supports 848, 850 can operably rest
upon the groove
base 868 of the groove 866 and inhibit any further downward displacement of
the track 800.
Alternatively, as generally depicted in Fig. 129, the lower flange surfaces
820 of the track flanges
802, 804 can operably rest upon the floor surface and inhibit any further
downward displacement of
the track 800. In this embodiment, the track supports 848, 850 are operably
retained at a distance
from the groove base 868. However, in the event that anything could displace
the track base 810
downwardly, the first and second track supports 848, 850 can inhibit any
excessive deformation of
the track 800.
The track 800 can be operably coupled to the floor 862 using any type of
fastener 876, such
as screws as depicted in Figs. 128 and 129. Alternatively, the track 800 can
rest in the groove 866
with gravity or can be operably coupled to the groove 866 with an adhesive,
such as glue or epoxy.
The in-ground tack 800 can be constructed of extruded aluminum. However, those
skilled
in the art will recognize that the track 800 can be constructed of other
materials, such as extruded
polymers, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
invention. In addition, some of
the features described above and included in the track 800 can be machined
into the track 800 after
initial formation.
Features of the above-ground track 114 depicted and described above can also
be included
in the in-ground track 800. As such, such depictions and descriptions with
respect to the above-
ground track 114 are hereby incorporated by reference with respect to the in-
ground track 800.
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The Modular Cart
Referring now to Fig. 47, a modular cart 212 in accordance with the present
invention will
be described. It will be noted that reference numerals in the 200's are
generally used to denote the
features and components of the modular cart 212. As shown in the embodiment
depicted in Fig. 47,
the modular cart 212 generally comprises a base 216, a top 222, a front end
218, and a rear end 220
generally opposed the front end 218, wherein the cart base 216, top 222, front
end 218, and rear end
220 generally define a storage structure. The modular cart 212 according to
this embodiment is
designed to be selectively removable from the track 114 in the storage
facility for purposes of
transporting equipment and articles within the modular cart 212 to an off-site
location. Once the
logistical purposes of equipping a field unit at a location off-site and
remote from the storage
facility have been accomplished, the modular cart 212 can be reloaded with the
equipment, gear and
articles and returned to the storage facility where it can then be selectively
re-engaged with the
track 114 as part of the modular storage system 110.
As can be seen in Fig. 47, the ends 218, 220 and top 222 of this embodiment of
the cart 212
are substantially similar to those as described in relation to the cart 112
according the first
embodiment as described above. The above discussion of the ends 118, 120 and
top 122 for the
retained cart 112 is hereby incorporated with respect to the ends 218, 220 and
222 of the modular
cart 212 according to this embodiment.
The cart base 216 of the modular cart, as depicted in Figs. 48-49, comprises a
bottom 224, a
front plate 226 and a rear plate 228 connected to the bottom 224 using
fasteners 800, and a pair of
generally opposed sides 230a, 230b. The cart base 216 further preferably
comprises a plurality of
cylindrical frame posts 268 disposed on the sides 230a, 230b. The frame posts
268 preferably
include a side slot 271 such that the sides 230a, 230b can be connected to the
frame posts 268 by
sliding the sides 230a, 230b into the slots 271. The cart base 216 also
preferably comprises beams
264 connected to the sides 230a, 230b and extending substantially from the
frame posts 268
proximate the front plate 226 to the frame posts 268 proximate the rear plate
228.
Referring to Figs. 50b and 50c, the bottom 224 generally includes a plurality
of wheel
mechanisms 272, each wheel mechanism 270 comprising a caster 275 and a wheel
274. As
depicted in Fig. 50a, the casters 275 are connected to the bottom 224 using
fasteners 800. It is
contemplated that the casters 275 be pivotable or static. Wheel mechanisms 272
according to the
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various embodiments of the present invention are preferably exemplified by
part number 16-XA-
06201-S from Tricker Caster & Wheel Sales in Fairbault, Minnesota. Again, any
number of wheel
mechanisms 272 greater than two could be provided on the cart base 216. The
casters 275 are
preferably constructed of steel, although other materials such as aluminum,
alloys, graphite or
composite materials could be used without departing from the spirit and scope
of the invention.
Wheels 274 according to this embodiment are preferably constructed of
urethane, although other
materials such as nylon or other similar polymer materials could be used
without departing from the
spirit and scope of this invention. In another embodiment of the present
invention, the wheel 274
could be an axled wheel or ball wheel. The wheel mechanisms 227 are preferably
6" to 9" high,
optimally 7.5" high, and the wheels 274 preferably have a diameter of
approximately 4" to 8",
optimally 6.0" and a width of approximately 1.5" to 3", optimally 2.0". The
wheels 274 each have
a load rating of at least 500-100 pounds, optimally 850 pounds. As can be seen
in Fig. 50a, the
wheels 274 preferably comprise a concave cross-section in which the diameter
at the center of the
wheel is slightly larger than the diameter at the edges of the width of the
wheel.
The cart base 216 also preferably comprises a plurality of track follower
mechanisms 282.
The track follower mechanisms 282 are substantially the same as the track
follower mechanisms
182 described above. However, track follower mechanisms 282 further comprise a
locking
mechanism 293 as depicted in Figs. 51-54. The locking mechanism 293 enables a
user to lock the
track follower 284 up in a retained position when the modular cart 212 is
removed from the track
114 in the storage facility. As depicted in Figs. 51-54, the locking mechanism
293 preferably
comprises a lever arrangement with a plunger clip 295 and a backer 297, the
plunger clip 295 and
backer 297 preferably being L-shaped, the plunger clip 295 and backer 297
being connected to the
underside 238 using fasteners 800. The plunger clip 295 and backer 297 are
preferably constructed
of steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys, graphite or
composite materials or
various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention.
Although the locking mechanism 293 is described in terms of the lever
arrangement as described, it
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous other locking
mechanisms could be
implemented to secure the track follower mechanism 282 in a retained position,
such as a pin and
aperture arrangement, a friction fit or wedge arrangement, a screw
arrangement, a slot and ledge
arrangement or the like.
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Although the track follower mechanism 282 and locking mechanism 293 are
preferably
disposed on the front end 218 of the modular cart 220, it will be recognized
that alternate
embodiments are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, in an
alternate
embodiment, the track 114 and corresponding track follower mechanisms 282
could be positioned
proximate the rear end 220 of the carts 212 with appropriate coupling and
linkages could be
provided for mechanical triggering the track follower mechanism 282 and
locking mechanism 293
from the front end 218 of the cart 212. In another embodiment, the track
followers 282 could be
positioned at any position along the length of the cart 212, for example, in
the middle of the length
of the cart 112 corresponding to placement of the track 114, and electronic
powered controls, such
as battery operated solenoids, could be used to remotely operated the track
follower mechanism 282
and locking mechanism 293.
Trusses, Hangers Stackers and Shelves
Referring now to Figs. 69-73, the carts 112, 212 preferably include a truss
system 364
having a truss or rod 366 and a truss hanger 376. The truss 366 comprises a
truss hanger 376 and
preferably comprises a first truss member 370 and a second truss member 372.
The second truss
member 372 can be shorter in length than the first truss member 370. The truss
366 can be
selectively positioned on the wire-grille panel 300 using a plurality of truss
hangers 376. The truss
hangers 376 have a body 378 and a plurality of engagement members 380 disposed
perpendicular to
the body 378. The distance between each of the engagement members 380
generally corresponds to
the spacing in the wire members on the wire-grille panel 300. Once a user has
selected a position
for the truss hanger 376, the hanger 376 can be positioned on, and engaged
with, the wire-grille
panel 300. A truss hanger 376 positioned on, and engaged with, a wire-grille
panel 300 can be seen
in Fig. 69.
Once a pair of truss hangers 376a, 376b are engaged with opposed front and end
wire-grille
panels 300a, 300b, the truss 366 can be placed onto the truss hangers 376. The
body 378 of the
truss hanger 376 preferably comprises a first truss member slot 382 and a
second member slot 384,
which the first truss member 370 and second truss member 372 fit,
respectively. Including a first
truss member 370 and second truss member 372 provides many benefits. For
example, when
helmet hangers 502 or pad hangers 504 populated with equipment and hung on the
truss 366, the
populated hangers will have a center of gravity that is below the second truss
member. When a cart
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12 having these populated hangers is moved along the track 14, the hangers are
likely to swing back
and forth in a pendulum motion that is parallel to the movement of the cart.
The swinging hangers
will make it more difficult to move the cart 12 as the momentum of the cart
will be constantly
changing due to the swinging hangers. By providing a first truss member 370
and second truss
member 372, the populated hanger will be inhibited from excessive swinging as
the combined
height of the truss members 370, 372 gives more height and surface area for
the hangers to contact
and thus more height and surface area to inhibit swinging of the hangers.
Alternatively, a single
truss member could be used if the height was sufficient to provide the same
height and surface area.
The truss members 370, 372 are preferably constructed of tubular steel,
although other materials
such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials could be used without
departing from the spirit
and scope of this invention. The hangers 376 are preferably constructed of
steel, although other
materials such as aluminum, graphite or composite materials or various
plastics could be used
without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
The present invention includes a number of means for hanging equipment, such
as football
helmets and football shoulder pads. It will be noted that reference numerals
in the 500's are
generally used to denote the features and components of hangers and stackers
adapted for use in the
modular storage system 110 of the present invention. A helmet hanger 502 can
be seen in Fig. 74.
The helmet hanger 502 comprises a plurality of truss hooks 508 and a pair of
generally opposed
helmet hanger members 509. The helmet hanger 502 further comprises a plurality
of helmet hooks
510 disposed vertically along the pair of generally opposed hanger members
509. As depicted in
Fig. 75, the helmet hanger 502 is hung on the truss 366 and the helmet hanger
502 can then be
populated with helmets. The helmet hanger 502 can be constructed of wire
steel, although other
materials such as graphite or composite materials or various plastics could be
used without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
Another means for hanging equipment includes a pad hanger 504. Long and short
pad
hangers 504a, 504b can be seen in Figs. 76-77. The pad hangers 504a, 504b
comprise a truss hook
512 connected to a pad hanger member 513. The pad hangers also comprise a pad
hook 514
generally opposed the truss hook 512. As depicted in Fig. 78, the pad hanger
504 is hung on the
truss 366 and the pad hanger 504 can then be populated with pads. The pad
hanger 504 can be
constructed of wire steel, although other materials such as graphite or
composite materials or
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various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of
this invention.
Alternative pad and helmet hangers 503 can be seen in Figs. 79-80.
In one embodiment, the present invention preferably includes means for
stacking equipment
within the storage space of the carts 112, 212. A pad stacker 506 can be seen
in Figs. 81-87. The
pad stacker 506 preferably comprises a stacker base 516, a stacking tower 518,
a pad support 520,
and a support channel 522. The stacker base 516 comprises a pair of generally
opposed stacker
frames 524a, 524b connected to a stacker frame cross tube 526. The stacker
base 516 further
comprises a pair of stacker handles 528a, 528b connected to the pair of
generally opposed stacker
frames 524. The stacker base 516, stacking tower 518, and support channel 522
are preferably
constructed of steel, although other materials such as aluminum, alloys,
graphite or composite
materials or various plastics could be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of this
invention. The pad support 520 can be constructed of vacuum formed ABS, .125"
thick, with a
haircell finish, although other materials could be used without departing from
the spirit and scope of
this invention.
The stacking tower 518 comprises a short tube loop 530 and a long tube loop
536, the tube
loops 530, 536 connected at a bottom end 532 to a tower channel 531. At least
one of the tube
loops 530, 536 comprises a plurality of pin apertures 534. The pad support 520
comprises a pad
support base 538 and a pad support member 540. The support channel 522
comprises a support
plate 542 and a support channel member 544 connected to the support plate 542.
The pad support
520 is then connected to the support plate 542 of the support channel 522.
To assemble the pad stacker 506, the stacking tower channel 531 is connected
to the stacker
frame cross tube 526 using fasteners 800. A pin is then inserted into one of
the pin apertures 534
and the support channel 522 and pad support 520 are then placed onto the
stacking tower 518 and
lowered down until it rests upon the pin.
Once the pad stacker 506 has been assembled, the pad stacker 506 can be placed
onto the
cart base 116 or 216 of a cart. As can be seen in Figs. 82, the pad stacker
506 is depicted in a cart
112. The stacker frames 524 are supported by the sides 130a, 130b of the cart
base 116. A pad
stacker 506 populated with pads can be seen in Fig. 81. In an embodiment of
the present invention,
the pad stacker 506 comprises wheels. When the pad stackers 506 are fully
populated with pads,
the pad stackers 506 will very likely be extremely heavy. Those involved with
athletics will
appreciate that a pad stacker 506 according to this embodiment can be moved
along a surface
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without the need of lifting the pad stacker 506 off of the ground. When the
pad stackers 506 have
been populated and placed into the cart 12, each of the carts 12 can
preferably hold more than
eighty sets of shoulder pads.
As depicted in Fig. 3, the cart 112 according to an embodiment of the present
invention also
includes a shelf system 386. A shelf 388 can be selectively positioned on the
wire-grille panel 300
using a plurality of shelf hangers 390. The shelf hangers 390 have a body 392
and a plurality of
engagement members 394 disposed perpendicular to the body 392. The distance
between each of
the engagement member 394 generally corresponds to the spacing in the wire
members on the wire-
grille panel 300. Once a user has selected a position for the shelf hanger
390, the shelf hanger 390
can be positioned on, and engaged with, the wire-grille panel 300. Once a pair
of shelf hangers 390
is engaged with opposed front and end wire-grille panels 300, the shelf 388
can be placed onto the
shelf hangers 390. The shelf 388 can be constructed of sheet or wire steel,
although other materials
such as aluminum or plastic could be used without departing from the spirit
and scope of this
invention.
Installation
When the track is installed in a room not near the wall, an island stop 354
may be needed to
create the bounds of the storage facility. In this type of embodiment, the
storage facility will be
generally defined by the track length 342 and the overall length of the carts
as they are moved along
the track 114. When the track is installed in an area not near a wall, track
end caps 350 should be
used to inhibit damage to the exposed cross section of the track 14 and also
to provide a more
pleasing appearance.
Once the modular storage system 110 of the present invention has been
installed in a storage
facility, the carts 112, 212 can be placed into the storage facility. In an
embodiment, a plurality of
carts 112, 212 will be used, the plurality of carts comprising both retained
carts 112 and modular
carts 212. To place the retained carts 112 into the storage site, they
generally would have to be
lifted into the storage facility and positioned such that the track followers
184 are directly above the
channel 404 of the track 114. Once the retained carts have been positioned,
the track followers 184
should be enabled to engage with the channel 404 of the track 114. Once the
track followers 184
engage with the channel 404 of the track 114, the retained carts can then be
manually moved within
the storage facility in a direction along the track 114.
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To place modular carts 212 in the storage facility, the modular carts 212 can
be manually
moved over the track 14. By manually providing the modular cart 212 with
enough momentum, the
wheels 274 will roll over the ramped surfaces 406 of the track. The modular
cart can then be placed
so that the track followers 284 are directly above the channel 404 of the
track 114. Once the
modular carts 212 have been positioned, the track followers 284 should be
enabled to engage with
the channel 404 of the track 114. To do this, the plunger clip 295 and backer
297 should be pulled
away from the track follower 284 so that the track follower can move freely.
Once this is done, the
track follower 284 will engage with the channel 404 of the track 114. The
modular carts 212 can
then be manually moved within the storage facility in a direction along the
track 114.
In an embodiment, there can be at least a portion of the track 114 that does
not include a cart
112, 212. By having such a space, the carts 112, 212 can be moved along the
track 114 and
different carts 112, 212 can then be accessed proximate the portion not
including a cart 112, 212.
In an embodiment of the present invention, comprising modular carts 212 and
retained carts
112, the modular carts 212 could contain uniforms and equipment in off-season
use or uniforms and
equipment that is not need to be taken out of the storage facility in the
cart. This type of uniforms
and equipment could be retrieved by individuals or taken to the individuals.
The retained carts 112
could contain equipment that is needed out of the storage site 11 and easier
to transport in a cart 12.
Such equipment could include game uniforms and equipment. A modular cart 212
such as this
could be simply loaded onto a trailer or into a vehicle and transported to a
game site.
When the at least one track follower mechanism 282 on modular carts 212 is
selectively
engaged with the track 114, these carts 212 are operably retained by and
movable only in a
direction generally parallel to the track 114 permitting the cart to be
selectively positioned within a
storage position that is generally side-by-side with an adjacent cart 112, 212
along the track. In this
position, the contents of the carts 112, 212 are accessible position as the
carts 112, 212 are generally
spaced apart with adjacent carts along the track.
As depicted in Fig. 88-89, when it is desired that the cart 212 remain in the
storage facility,
the rollers 292 of the track followers 284 are engaged with the channel 404 of
the track 114. In this
position, the cart 212 is movable in a direction along the track 114. However,
as can be seen in
Figs. 91-92, the modular cart 212 is removable from the track 114 and movable
in a direction
generally perpendicular to the track 114 when the at least one track follower
284 is selectively
disengaged from the track 114. Fig. 90 depicts a track follower 284 in an
engaged position with
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respect to the track 114. By using a foot, as depicted in Fig. 91, the track
follower 284 can be lifted
so that the plunger clip 295 and backer 297 on the locking mechanism 293
retains the track follower
284 in a retained position. As depicted in Fig. 92, once the track follower
284 is in a retained
position, the modular cart 212 is removable from the track 114 and movable in
a direction generally
perpendicular to the track 114.
If those using modular carts 212 desire to inhibit the cart 212 from being
removed from the
storage facility, the plunger lock bracket 602 can be used to keep the track
follower 284 in an
engaged position. The plunger lock bracket 602 comprises a lock slot 604 that
can be placed onto
the locking portion 316 of a bracket 310 and a channel portion 606 that
inhibits the track follower
284 from being placed in a retained position. The plunger lock bracket 602 can
be seen in Fig. 93.
The storage facility for the modular storage system 110 of the present
invention can be
located in any area of the room, facility or even a storage area in vehicle
such as a truck or trailer.
While it is preferred that the storage facility be located near a wall and in
the corner of a room, it is
contemplated that the storage facility be located in the center of a room. In
this type of
arrangement, there will likely be a need to place an island stop 608, as
depicted in Figs. 94-95,
within the room. The island stop 608 comprises an island stop frame 610 and an
island stop base
612 located on ends 614a, 614b of the island stop frame 610. The island stop
base 612 comprises a
substantially flat island stop plate 620 and an island stop bracket 618
connected to the island stop
plate 620. The island stop bracket 618 preferably comprises an island stop
glide 616 to inhibit
damage to the underside of the cart base 116. When the modular storage system
110 is used with
an island stop 608, the island stop 608 is placed near the termination of a
track 114. When a cart
112 is moved along the track 114 towards the island stop 608, the island stop
608 inhibits the cart
112 from running out of track 114. This type of arrangement enables a user to
place the modular
storage system 110 in any location within a room or storage area.
The cart base 116/216, cart top 122/222, front end 118/118, and rear end
120/220 of the
retained cart 112 and the modular cart 212 according to the various
embodiments of the present
invention provides the carts 112, 212 with a defined structural integrity that
is sufficient to permit
the manual movement of the carts 12 in the direction that is generally
parallel to the track 14 by a
manual force greater than the coefficient of a rolling friction of the wheels
172/272 times the
maximum gross weight exerted on one of the ends 18, 20 of the cart 12 and
inhibit binding along
the length of the cart 12.
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Instructional and AV Accessories
As depicted in Fig. 1, a modular cart 212 according to an embodiment of the
present
invention can be provided with a drawing panel or white board 622. In the
embodiment shown in
Fig. 1, the white board 622 is mounted on a front end 218 of the modular cart
212, although it will
be understood that white board 622 could be mounted on either a side or end of
the modular cart
212 or even the front end of a retained cart 112.
As depicted in Figs 99-101, a cart 212 according to an embodiment of the
present invention
comprises a video system 624. The video system 624 preferably includes a
camera 626 and
monitor 628 operably connected to a processor 630. The video system 624 is
connected a power
source 632 such as a battery or may be plugged into an electricity outlet.
Storage Shelf Accessories
Referring to Figs. 102 and 107, the retained and modular carts as described
above can
include one or more storage shelves 700 to enable a user to further organize
the contents that are
stored and transported within the storage structure that is defined in the
retained and modular carts.
Referring to Fig. 102, the storage shelf can be positioned in a retained cart
212 (as depicted) or in a
modular cart. As will be described in greater detail below, the storage shelf
700 is placed onto a
plurality of shelf hangers 718 that are operably coupled to wire-grille panels
300 included on the
end panels 218 of the retained cart 212. The end panels 218, 220 and wire-
grille panels 300 are
depicted and described in greater detail above.
Referring to Fig. 103, the storage shelf 700 generally includes a shelf
portion 702 that can
be constructed of sheet or wire steel and one or more shelf channels 704 that
are operably coupled
to an underside of the shelf portion 702. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that the shelf
portion can be constructed of other materials, including but not limited to
various metals, plastics,
and fibrous materials.
Referring to Fig. 103, when the shelf portion 702 is constructed of wire
steel, the shelf
portion 702 can comprise a plurality of generally parallel elongate primary
wire members 706
operably coupled to generally parallel elongate secondary wire members 708
that can be generally
perpendicular to the primary wire members 706. A wire frame member 710 can
frame the primary
and secondary wire members 706, 708 and can include rounded portions 709 and
any corners
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thereof. The wire members 706, 708 can be circular in cross-section, as
depicted generally in the
figures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the wire members 706,
708 and wire frame
member 710 can comprise differently shaped cross sections.
The network of primary and secondary wire members 706, 708 can be welded or
otherwise
coupled at some or all of the intersections of the primary and secondary wire
members 706, 708. In
addition, the primary and secondary wire members 706, 708 can be welded or
otherwise coupled at
their ends to the wire frame member 710. The network of wire members 706, 708
and the wire
frame 710 can provide strength and stability to the storage shelf 700 and can
also enable air
movement through the air spaces defined between the wire members. The shelf
700 can be
constructed of other materials known to those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and
scope of this invention, such as aluminum or various plastics. In addition,
the wire members 706,
708 and the wire frame 710 can be painted or coated with variously colored
paint or polymer
coatings to inhibit corrosion of the shelf portion 702, provide an appealing
aesthetic appearance,
and inhibit damage to contents placed upon the shelf 700.
Each of the shelf channels 704 that are operably coupled to the shelf portion
702, such as on
an underside of the shelf portion 702, can comprise an elongated channel
member 712 and a pair of
shelf channel pins 714 disposed at the ends of the channel member 712.
Referring to Fig. 105, the elongated channel member 712 can comprise a C-
shaped cross
section. Those skilled in the art would recognize that other channel member
shapes and
configurations can be used, such as a hollow or solid cylindrical or other
various shaped
configurations. The shelf channel member can comprise first and second
elongate generally
opposed wall portions and an elongate base portion. In this embodiment, the
shelf channel
comprises a generally C-shaped cross section. The shelf channel can be welded
or otherwise
coupled to the wire members 706, 708 and/or the wire frame 710 and can provide
strength and
stability to the storage shelf 700. The channel member 712 can be constructed
of steel, although
those skilled in the art would recognize that other materials, such as
aluminum or various plastics,
could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.
The shelf channel pins 714 can be circular in cross-section, as depicted
generally in the
figures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shelf channel pins
714 can comprise
differently shaped cross sections. The shelf channel pins 714 can be welded or
otherwise coupled
to the shelf channel base 713 proximate the ends of the shelf channels 704.
Referring to Figs. 105-
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106, the shelf channel pins 714 can operably couple a portion of a shelf
hanger 718 to retain the
shelf 700 in its position within the storage space of a retained or cart 112,
212. The shelf hangers
718 are described in greater detail herein.
Referring to Fig. 102, the shelves 700 can extend substantially along the
length of the cart
212 between the front and rear end panels 218, 220. Alternatively, the shelves
can extend only
partially along the length of the cart 212. For example, as depicted in Fig.
107, a grill divider 716 is
included on the cart. The grill divider 716 can include substantially the same
structure as the wire-
grille panels 300, which are depicted and described in greater detail above.
In this embodiment, the
shelves 700 extend between the rear end panel 220 of the cart 212 and the cart
divider 716. The
cart 212 can include any number of full or partial shelves. The cart can
comprise single-spaced
shelves or side-by-side shelves (depicted in Figs. 102 and 107).
Referring to Figs. 104-106, the shelf hangers 718 can be operably coupled to
the wire-grille
panels 300 included on the end panels 218, 220 of the cart 212 and provide a
top portion for the
shelves 700 to rest upon to retain the shelves 700 in their position within
the storage structure. As
previously described herein with respect to the storage shelf and also as
previously described herein
with respect to truss hangers 376 for the truss system (Figs. 71 a and 71 b),
the shelf hangers 718
generally comprise a body 720 and a plurality of engagement members 722
disposed generally
perpendicular to the body 720 on a pair of generally parallel extensions 724
extending from the
shelf hanger body 720.
The engagement members 722 are generally hook-shaped and the distance between
each of
the engagement members 722 generally corresponds to the spacing in the wire
members on the
wire-grille panel 300. The hanger body 720 can also include one or more
cutouts 726 defined
thereon in which, for example, the channel member 712 can operably couple when
the shelves 700
are placed onto the shelf hanger 718. In addition, the shelf hanger can
include a hanger tab 725 on
a lower end thereof that can couple with a portion of the wire-grille panel
300 to securely retain the
shelf hanger 718 with respect to the wire-grille panel 300.
Referring again to Figs. 104-106, once a user has selected a position for the
shelf hanger
718, the shelf hanger 718 can be positioned on and engaged with the wire-
grille panel 300. Once a
pair of shelf hangers 718 are engaged with opposed front and end wire-grille
panels 218, 220, the
shelf 700 can be placed onto the shelf hangers 718 such that the shelf channel
pins 714 operably
couple the body 720 of the shelf hangers 718. In this position, the channel
member 712 can be
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positioned in the cutout 726 included on the body 720 of the shelf hanger 718.
The pin 714 can
inhibit side-to-side movement of the shelf 700 by operably engaging the
extensions 724 of the
hanger. In addition, the channel member 712 can inhibit side-to-side movement
of the shelf 700 by
operably engaging the cutout 726 in the shelf hanger body 720.
There can be an aperture 727 formed on the body 720 of the shelf hanger 718
through which
a nylon tie (not depicted) can be inserted. The nylon tie can then be inserted
through a portion of
the wire-grille panel 300 and tied off, such that the nylon tie can retain the
shelf hanger 718 with
respect to the wire-grille panel 300.
The shelves 700 can be various widths, for example, 24 inches and 32 inches,
and can be
vertically adjustable in various increments, for example, one-inch increments.
The shelves 700 can
also include a shelf liner, such as a plastic, metal, or paper liner, that can
be placed on the shelf 700
and enable a user to more easily slide items in and out of the carts. The
shelves 700 can enable
adjustable storage space a variety of contents, including water jugs, duffel
bags, ball bags, storage
bins, helmets, and various uniforms.
Referring to Figs. 108-127, the retained and modular carts 112, 212 and
storage shelf 700
can also comprise various shelf accessories to enable a user to organize
additional contents,
equipment, and uniforms within the storage structure. Such accessories can
include grill dividers,
adjustable storage space dividers, shelf lips, panel dividers, and cargo nets.
The retained and
modular carts can also include an equipment holder, for example, a bat/racquet
holder, that can be
used to hang bats, racquets, and other equipment thereon.
Referring to Fig. 108, an adjustable shelf divider 728 can be positioned on
and operably
coupled to a shelf 700. In this position, the adjustable shelf divider 728 can
be used to divide space
along the length of the cart 112 on the shelf 700. Such division can enable
various contents to be
organized and stored in separate storage space portions or "cubbies" on the
shelf 700. While the
shelf 700 is depicted as including one adjustable shelf divider 728 creating
two separate storage
space portions, those skilled in the art will recognize that two or more
adjustable shelf dividers 728
can be placed on the shelf 700 or in other locations in the cart 112 to create
three or more separate
storage space portions on the shelf 700 or in other locations in the cart 112.
Referring to Fig. 109, an adjustable shelf divider 728 can comprise a lower
panel 730 and an
upper panel 732 operably coupleable with the lower panel 728. The lower panel
730 can comprise
a divider portion 738 comprising a plurality of tab slots 740 and a knob 742.
The lower panel 730
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can also comprise a base flange 734 operably coupled to or integrally formed
with the divider
portion 738 of the lower panel 730. The base flange 734 can be generally
perpendicular to the
divider portion 738 and can comprise a plurality of apertures 736 thereon.
The upper panel 732 can comprise a plurality of knob slots 744 between a top
edge 743 and
a bottom edge 745 thereof and one or more tabs 746 defined on the bottom edge
745. The upper
and lower panels 73, 732 of the shelf divider 728 can be constructed of sheet
steel, although those
of skill in the art will recognize that other materials can be used.
Referring to Figs. 109-111, to assembly and install the shelf divider 728, the
shelf divider
728 is selectively placed at a desired location on a shelf 700. The shelf
divider 728 can then be
coupled to the shelf 700 using a fastener assembly 748, such a bolt 750 and a
wing nut 752, by
coupling the base flange 734 of the lower panel 730 to one or more of shelf
channels 704 such that
the shelf portion 702 is intermediate the base flange 734 and shelf channel
704. Referring to Fig.
111, once the divider 728 is operably installed on the shelf 700, the height
of the divider 728 can be
adjusted. First, the knob 742 can be twisted to unlock the top panel 732.
Next, the top panel 732
can be lowered and the top panel 732 can be removed. The tabs 746 on the top
panel 732 can then
be inserted into the selected slots 740 on the lower panel 730 at a desired
height. The top panel 732
can then be raised and the knob 742 can be twisted such that the top panel 732
is locked into place.
The shelf divider 728 can enable a user to divide the storage space on, above,
or below a
storage shelf 700 into smaller organized storage spaces. This can enable the
available storage space
on one shelf 700 to be used for storing distinct items in separate areas, such
as clothing or
equipment for different sports.
Referring to Fig. 112, a shelf lip 754 can be placed on a shelf to enable
items to be placed on
the shelves 700 without rolling or sliding off of the shelf 700. Referring to
Fig. 113, a shelf lip 754
comprises an L-shaped elongated portion having two generally perpendicular
sections, an upper
portion 756 and a lower portion 758. As depicted, the two sections 756, 758
comprise a relatively
short upper section 756 and a relatively long lower section 758. In another
embodiment, the two
sections 756, 758 can be generally equal in length. In another embodiment, the
two sections 756,
758 comprise a relatively short lower section 758 and a relatively long upper
section 758. Referring
to Fig. 113, the upper and lower portions 756, 758 can include shelf lip
overlaps 755, 759,
respectively that can provide the shelf lip 754 with further stability and
support.
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The shelf lip 754 can be constructed of sheet steel, although those of skill
in the art will
recognize that other materials, such as aluminum and various plastics, can be
used without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The sections
756, 758 can include a
plurality of apertures 760 defined therein such that a number of fasteners
748, such as a bolt 750
and wing nut 752, can be used to attach the lip 754 to the shelf 700.
Referring to Figs. 114-115, to assembly and install the shelf lip 754, the
shelf lip 754 is
selectively placed at a desired location on a shelf 700. Referring to Fig.
115, the shelf lip 754 can
then be coupled to the shelf 700 using a fasteners 748, such as a bolt 750 and
wing nut 752, by
coupling the lower portion 758 to one or more of shelf channels 700 such that
the shelf portion 702
is intermediate the lower portion 758 of the shelf lip 754 and shelf channel
704.
The shelf lip 754 can enable items to be placed on the shelves 700 without
rolling or sliding
off of the shelf 700. For example, balls can be placed on the shelf 700 and
retained on the shelf 700
by the shelf lip 754. When the retained or carts 112, 212 are moved along a
track 114 in a storage
site 111 or moved to in any direction off of a track, the balls can be
inhibited from rolling off of the
shelf 700 by the shelf lip 754. Various other equipment and clothing, such as
jerseys or uniforms,
can be placed on a shelf 700 having a shelf lip 754 and can be inhibited from
falling off of the shelf
700 by the shelf lip 754.
The shelf lip 754 can extend substantially along the length of retained or
cart 112, 212 or
can extend partially along the length of the retained or carts 112, 212. For
example, on the full-
length shelf 700 as depicted in Fig. 112, the shelf lip 754 extends
substantially between the end
panels 118, 120 of a cart. In Fig. 116, on the partial-length shelf 700,
wherein a grill divider 716 is
included on the cart 112, the shelf lip 754 extends between the front end 118
of the cart 112 and the
cart divider 116. The cart 112 can include any number of full or partial
shelves 700, each of these
can optionally include a shelf lip 754.
Referring to Fig. 117, the cart 112 can also include a storage space divider
panel 762 to
enable a user to divide the storage space into smaller organized storage
spaces along the width of
the cart. Such division can enable various contents to be organized and stored
in separate storage
space portions or "cubbies" within the cart 212. While the cart 212 is
depicted as including one
storage space divider panel 762 creating two separate storage space portions,
those skilled in the art
will recognize that two or more storage space divider panels 762 can be placed
in the cart 212 to
create three or more separate storage space portions in the cart 112.
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Referring to Fig. 118, the storage space divider panel 762 generally includes
a panel 763 and
a plurality of eyelets 764 for connection with the end panels 118, 120. The
divider pane1762 can be
coupled to the end panels 118, 120 using nylon or wire ties 765. The divider
panel 762 can be
constructed of a flexible polymer sheet, although those of skill in the art
will recognize that other
flexible or rigid materials can be used. The divider panel 762 can be
positioned at a desired
position within the storage structure and the nylon ties 765 can then be used
to tie the divider panel
762 to the wire-grille panels 300 included on the end panels 118, 120.
The divider panel 762 can enable a user to divide the storage space into
smaller organized
storage spaces. This can enable a first space to be used for storing distinct
items from a second
space, such as clothing or equipment for the same or different sports. By
being flexible, the divider
panel 762 can enable a storage space to flex as needed with the contents of in
the storage spaces. In
addition, the divider can act as a visual barrier from one side of a cart to
the other.
Referring to Figs. 121, the cart 112 can also include a net, such as a cargo
net 766 to enable
items to be placed on the shelves without rolling or sliding off of the shelf.
Referring to Fig. 122,
the cargo net 766 can comprise a border 770 and netting 768 defined therein.
The cargo net 766
can be connected to the wire shelving 700 or the end panels 118, 120 using s-
hooks 774 that are
operably coupled to loops 772 that are included on the border 770 or the
netting 768 or border 770
at selected positions.
The netting 768 can be constructed of synthetic fiber, although those of skill
in the art will
recognize that other materials, such as natural fibers, can be used. The
netting 768 and border 770
include some elasticity such that the cargo net 766 can flex as items are
placed in or move within
the storage space on the shelf 700. The elasticity also can enable items
generally larger than the
width of the shelf 700 to be placed on and retained within the storage space
on the shelf 700.
Referring to Fig. 123, the s-hooks 774 on the cargo net 766 can be operably
coupled to the wire-
grille panels 300 to operably retain the cargo net 766 with respect to the
shelf 700.
The cargo net can enable items to be placed on the shelves without rolling or
sliding off of
the shelf. For example, balls can be placed on the shelf and retained on the
shelf by the cargo net.
When the cart is moved along a track in a storage site or moved to in any
direction off of a track,
the balls will be inhibited from rolling off of the shelf by the cargo net.
Various other equipment
and clothing, such as jerseys or uniforms, can be placed on a shelf having a
cargo net and inhibited
from falling off of the shelf by the cargo net.
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The cargo net 766 can extend substantially along the length of the cart 112 or
can extend
partially along the length of the cart 112. For example, on the full-length
shelf 700 as depicted in
Fig. 121, the cargo net 766 extends substantially between the end panels 118,
120 of a cart 112. In
Fig. 124, on the partial-length shelf 700, wherein a grill divider 716 is
included on the cart 112, the
cargo net 766 extends between the front end 118 of the cart 112 and the cart
divider 716. The cart
112 can include any number of full or partial shelves 700, each of these can
optionally include a
cargo net 766.
Referring to Figs. 125 and 126, an equipment holder 776 or bat/racquet holder
generally
includes an elongated portion 778 and a plurality of extensions 780 extending
from a front side of
the elongated portion 778 and coupled at a bend 779 therebetween. There are a
number of bat or
racquet handle recesses 782 that are defined between the extensions 780 that
are selectively sized to
hang bats or racquets within. An upturned lip portion 784 located on the end
of the extensions 780
can inhibit any bats and/or racquets from sliding off of the holder 776 once
positioned within the
recesses 782 formed on the bat/racquet holder 776. The bat/racquet holder 776
can be constructed
of formed sheet steel, although those of skill in the art will recognize that
other materials can be
used.
The equipment holders 776 or bat/racquet holders are generally retained in
position by one
or more bat/racquet holder hooks 786 that are integrally formed with or
operably coupled to a rear
portion of the elongated portion 778. The bat/racquet holder hooks 786 each
have a body 788 and a
plurality of engagement members 792 disposed on an extension 790 extending
generally
perpendicularly from the body 788.
The distance between each of the engagement members 792 generally corresponds
to the
spacing in the wire members on the wire-grille panel 300. Once a user has
selected a position for
the bat/racquet holder 776, the bat/racquet holder hooks 774 can be positioned
on, and engaged
with, the wire-grille panel 300, as depicted in Fig. 127. The engagement
members 792 can create a
"hook" 793 at a bend thereof that can rest upon the wire members on the wire-
grille panel 300. The
bat/racquet holders 776 can further be retained in position on the wire-grille
panel 300 using a
nylon tie (not depicted). There can be an aperture 794 formed on the body 788
of the bat/racquet
holder hooks 786 through which the nylon tie can be inserted. The nylon tie
can then be inserted
through a portion of the wire-grille panel 300 and tied off, such that the
nylon tie retains the
bat/racquet holder 776 with respect to the wire-grille panel 300. In addition,
the bat/racquet holder
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CA 02579462 2007-02-22
Attorney Docket No. 1088.173CA02
776 can include a hanger tab 795 on a lower end thereof that can couple with a
portion of the wire-
grille panel 300 to securely retain the bat/racquet holder 776 with respect to
the wire-grille panel
300.
The bat/racquet holders 776 can be used for various types of equipment. In
athletics, such
equipment can include baseball or softball bats, tennis or racquetball
racquets, gloves, or many
other types of sports equipment that those skilled in the art would recognize.
In military
organizations, such equipment can include weapons, helmets, scopes, or many
other types of
military equipment that those skilled in the art would recognize. In marching
or concert bands,
such equipment could include instruments, uniforms, or other equipment that
those skilled in the art
would recognize.
The embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative and not
limiting.
Additional embodiments are described within the claims. Although the present
invention has been
described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art
will recognize that
changes may be made to the embodiments in form and detail without departing
from the spirit and
the scope of the invention.
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