Modular rack system and components therefor

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention may encompass a container storage system having a modular storage rack including framing elements each having a locking component of at least one end thereof and a counterpart locking component on another end; each locking element being engagable with each other; and wherein the storage rack is assembled to maximize storage capacity within the shipping container. It may also include a modular array having at least one elongated framing element with at least one key on at least one end thereof having an elongated rotatable member having at least one flange extending radially therefrom; at least one other elongated framing element having at least one opening being shaped to receive the key; wherein the framing elements are arranged to form the array and the key and the opening are used to engage the framing elements by inserting the key into the opening and rotating the key.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 794,183, filed Apr. 21, 2006.BACKGROUND [0002] The invention relates to the field of racks for shipping and storing industrial products. More particularly, the invention relates to modular shipping and storage racks and components therefor. [0003] As is well known to those working in the shipping and storage industries, there is a veritable plethora of rack systems used for the transport and / or storage of countless numbers of items ranging from fasteners, to automobiles, to heavy industrial equipment and so forth. Generally, such rack systems are designed for a particular purpose, such as the transport or storage of a particular type of item, be it tools, gears, bumpers, wheels, etc. As a rule, a rack system designed for a particular purpose is not readily adaptable for another purpose. For example, rack systems optimized for storage make poor shipping containers, as they are generally buil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] Further, a significant problem in shipping is the need, in a more security conscious world, of inspecting or testing articles in shipping containers entering or leaving a county's ports. Generally, articles are packed densely into shipping containers to maximize the return on the expense of renting the container. These articles are typically stacked box on box, without any rack or internal storage container. Consequently, it is very time consuming and expense to inspect or test articles in these containers, due to the need to remove the articles box by box for inspection. A further advantage of the invention would be its adaptation for use within existing shipping containers, allowing ease of access to merchandise for inspection or testing, without the need to unpack the container.

[0006] Embodiments of the invention may encompass a shipping container storage system having a modular storage rack that includes a plurality of framing elements, each of the framing elements having a locking component of at least one end thereof and a counterpart locking component on another end thereof, each of the locking component and the counterpart locking element being engagable with each other to connect said framing elements together; and wherein the modular storage rack is assembled in a configuration to maximize storage capacity within the shipping container.

[0007] A further embodiment of the invention may include a modular array having at least one elongated framing element; at least one key on at least one ends of the framing element, the key having an elongated rotatable member and at least one flange extending radially from the elongated rotatable member; at least one other elongated framing element; at least one opening on the other elongated framing element, the opening being shaped to receive the key; wherein the framing elements are arranged to form the array and the key and the opening are used to engage the framing elements by inserting the key into the opening and rotating the key.

Problems solved by technology

As a rule, a rack system designed for a particular purpose is not readily adaptable for another purpose.

For example, rack systems optimized for storage make poor shipping containers, as they are generally built to take primarily downward loads.

In addition, such systems ordinarily provide little protection to the merchandise from the jolts and jarring that are inherent to stevedoring operations.

On the other hand, rack systems optimized for shipment of merchandise generally make poor storage devices.

Further, a significant problem in shipping is the need, in a more security conscious world, of inspecting or testing articles in shipping containers entering or leaving a county's ports.

Consequently, it is very time consuming and expense to inspect or test articles in these containers, due to the need to remove the articles box by box for inspection.

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