Modular storage system for storage containers

Abstract

A storage system is configured to adjustably suspend from a fixed point on a vertical wall, such as from a fixed tie ring that is rigidly and permanently secured to a transport container wall. The system includes a plurality of pivotable arms to which shelves or other planar panels may be attached, and the positions of the arms may be varied to provide a vertical storage panel, a flat worktop (e.g., a table top), or an upwardly inclined support column, e.g., for suspending articles such as cables, ropes, pipe segments, etc. The suspension assembly of the storage system enables the system to be suspended at any desired position in the length direction of the vertical wall even if the position of the fixing ring ultimately used for suspending the system is different.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 401,802, filed on Aug. 29, 2022, entitled "Modular Shelving System", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to storage and shelving systems, and more particularly to a modular storage system configured to be installed inside a storage container such as a metal shipping container or a modular building. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A modular storage system configured to be installed inside a space, such as inside a metal container such as a shipping container or a modular building. Such a modular storage system configured according to at least some aspects of the present disclosure may provide one or more of the following features: (i) brackets and / or hooks for engaging with the container wall such that the modular storage system can be suspended from the container wall; (ii) uprights on the modular storage system enabling quick installation, i.e., a snap-in installation; (iii) optional multi-position arms and shelves / platforms enabling the system to be configured differently to accommodate storage of different items; (iv) frame uprights and spacers having wireways for placing and routing wires such as metal-armored cables; (v) an optional arm and platform system such that, when the shelf / platform is not in use, the arm can be used as a support for hollow items such as pipes or PVC pipe sections, or as an inclined storage support for wires, electrical lines, or similar structured items, and the shelf / platform panel is configured to be selectively used as a shelf in a horizontal position or as a pegboard configured to secure items such as tools in a vertical position; (vi) if installed, the arm can be quickly set to different positions by using a threaded knob or a quick-release pin; (vii) an optional shelf, such as the lower shelf of the modular storage system, configured to be used as a table / workbench surface when in a horizontal position to create a workspace inside the container in which the modular storage system is installed; (viii) a frame spacer configuration allowing for the selective addition of additional panels for storing more items, such as a mesh panel, on which hooked items can be hung for storage; and (ix) an optional magnetized buffer / biasing device at the rear configured to prevent the uprights of the modular storage system from swaying back and forth and from side to side, and allowing transportation to a predetermined location after installation in the container.

[0004] The modular storage system described herein is particularly suitable for installation and use in a shipping or transportable storage container. The storage system can be configured to provide a variety of storage and work surfaces that can be adjusted to accommodate the specific storage and work needs of the user, while remaining easy to install and reconfigure, and the storage system can be firmly and reliably fixed when configured for use. Certain aspects of the present disclosure allow for quick snap-on installation at desired locations along the container wall.

[0005] In an exemplary configuration, the modular storage system described herein can suspend a horizontal bar on the container wall as the main suspension member, and the entire storage system can be suspended on the horizontal bar, so that the system can be laterally positioned at different locations along the container wall without considering the position of the corrugated structure or eyebolt (i.e., a rigid ring or cargo loop for tying down goods) on the container wall.

[0006] According to certain aspects of an embodiment, a storage system configured to be suspended from a plurality of fixed points on a vertical wall is provided. The system includes: a plurality of suspension hooks, each of the plurality of suspension hooks including a hook arm, a planar hook seat, and one or more retaining plates, and each of the plurality of suspension hooks being configured to detachably engage with one of the plurality of fixed points on the vertical wall; a support bar configured to be placed on the planar hook seat of each of the plurality of suspension hooks; and a plurality of vertical columns, each of the plurality of vertical columns having a support bar hook configured to vertically suspend each of the plurality of vertical columns on the support bar.

[0007] The storage system may further include a plurality of pivotable support arms connected to each vertical column at vertically spaced positions to allow each of the plurality of pivotable support arms to pivot. The plurality of pivotable support arms are configured to support a plurality of shelves. Each of the plurality of pivotable support arms may be configured to pivot to a plurality of independent lockable positions, and the plurality of independent lockable positions may include horizontal, vertical, and upwardly inclined positions.

[0008] In addition, each of the plurality of pivotable support arms may be configured to receive a connector to fix a plane to two adjacent parallel support arms of the plurality of pivotable support arms, and at least one of the plurality of shelves may be connected between two of the plurality of vertical columns and fixed to the plane.

[0009] At least one of the plurality of shelves may be composed of a hanging board configured to support articles when the at least one shelf is locked in a vertical position.

[0010] In addition, at least one of the plurality of pivotable support arms may be pivotally fixed to one of the plurality of vertical columns by a pivot pin in a fixed position, the pivot pin in the fixed position including: a head; a first ring extending outward from the head; a second ring extending outward from the first ring and having a diameter smaller than that of the first ring; and a threaded shaft extending outward from the second ring, the threaded shaft engaging a threaded member located inside the vertical column.

[0011] According to another aspect of the embodiment, each of the plurality of vertical columns may be configured to receive a tubular hanger, the tubular hanger being slidably mounted at the top of each vertical column so as to be telescopically inserted into and withdrawn from each vertical column, wherein a support rod hook is fixed to the top of the tubular hanger. The tubular hanger may be positioned independently along the support rod.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the embodiment, the storage system may further include at least one rotatable foot, the rotatable foot being adjustably mounted at the rear of one of the plurality of vertical columns and configured to support the vertical column against a vertical wall at a variable horizontal distance.

[0013] According to still another aspect of the embodiment, the storage system may further include a plurality of lateral braces, each lateral brace extending horizontally between two adjacent ones of the plurality of vertical columns and configured to keep the two adjacent vertical columns at a fixed spacing from each other. At least one of the plurality of lateral braces and each of the two adjacent vertical columns may be configured to define a path for laying lines or cables between the at least one of the plurality of lateral braces and the two adjacent vertical columns. The storage system may further include independently movable storage sections, each storage section including two of the plurality of vertical columns, at least one lateral brace of the plurality of lateral braces, the lateral brace horizontally connecting the tops of the two vertical columns, and at least a second lateral brace of the plurality of lateral braces, the second lateral brace horizontally connecting the bottoms of the two vertical columns. Section connectors may be provided and configured to keep two independently movable storage sections in a fixed position relative to each other. Further, one of the independently movable storage sections may be laterally positioned along the vertical wall at any one of a plurality of fixed points independent of the vertical wall. Still further, at least one of the plurality of lateral braces may be a stabilizing bar, the stabilizing bar including at least one magnet fixed to the stabilizing bar to fix the storage system to the outer corrugations of the metal corrugated wall of a shipping container.

[0014] According to still another aspect of the embodiment, the storage system may further include feet connected to the bottom of at least one of the plurality of vertical columns, the feet being configured to contact the floor below the storage system.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the embodiment, each of the plurality of fixing points on the vertical wall may further include a rigid ring fixed along the top edge of the vertical wall, and the vertical wall may further include a corrugated wall of a shipping container. Additionally, each of the plurality of hanging hooks may be independently movable and configured to hang on the rigid ring.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the embodiment, one or more retaining plates may be fixed to the planar hook seat and positioned to hold the support rod on the planar hook seat and between the one or more retaining plates and the hook arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, wherein:

[0018] [[ID=z11]] Figure 1 A storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 2A A front view of a suspension bracket of a storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0020] Figure 2B A side view of a suspension bracket of a storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 2C A detailed front view of a suspension bracket bolted to a column according to some embodiments is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A side view of a storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0023] Figure 4A A rear view of a vertical column of a storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0024] Figure 4B An inner bottom view of a vertical column according to some embodiments is shown;

[0025] Figure 5A A front view of a lateral brace installed between two columns of a storage system according to some embodiments is shown;

[0026] Figure 5B A perspective view of a lateral brace according to some embodiments is shown;

[0027] Figure 5C Another front view of a lateral brace according to some embodiments is shown, with a vertical panel provided in the insertion area between the upper and lower lateral braces of the storage system and between adjacent columns;

[0028] Figure 6Shows a rear perspective view of the bottom of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 7A Shows a front view of a storage system according to some embodiments with the shelves in a vertical position;

[0030] Figure 7B Shows a rear view of a storage system according to some embodiments with the shelves in a vertical position;

[0031] Figure 8 Shows a top view of a shelf support of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 9A Shows according to some embodiments Figure 8 A side view of the shelf support shown;

[0033] Figure 9B Shows relevant aspects of a storage system according to some embodiments in which a column enables each shelf support to be pivotally connected to the column;

[0034] Figure 10A Shows a top cross-sectional view of a shelf support pivotally connected to a vertical column according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 10B Provides details of connection hardware according to some embodiments Figure 10A Shown;

[0036] Figure 10C Provides details of shelf adjustment hardware according to some embodiments;

[0037] Figure 10D Shows a shelf support connected to a vertical column by a fixed-position pivot pin according to some embodiments, the fixed-position pivot pin pivotally connecting the shelf support to the vertical column;

[0038] Figure 11 Provides a summary according to some embodiments of the relationship between the connection points of the shelf support and the column in each orientation;

[0039] Figure 12A Shows an optional foot inserted into the bottom of a column of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0040] Figure 12B Shows a front view of a foot according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 12C Shows a bottom view of a foot according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 12D Shows a rear view of a foot according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 12E Shows a bottom view of a foot assembly installed in a column of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 13 Shows an example of a hardware configuration for hanging a storage system on a wall of a shipping container according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 14A Shows a storage system hanging on a wall of a container according to some embodiments;

[0046] Figure 14B Shows an example of a rigid ring for hanging a suspension hook on a wall of a container according to some embodiments;

[0047] Figure 14C Shows an example of a support rod hanging on a suspension hook according to some embodiments;

[0048] Figure 14D Shows hardware for connecting multiple support rods to expand a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0049] Figure 15 Shows a detailed perspective view of a suspension hook according to some embodiments;

[0050] Figure 16A Shows a detailed perspective view of a tubular hanger of a column with a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0051] Figure 16B Shows the body of a tubular hanger according to some embodiments;

[0052] Figure 16C Shows a detailed view of two adjacent columns suspended on a support rod supported by a suspension hook by a tubular hanger according to some embodiments;

[0053] Figure 17A Shows a modular section of a storage system connected by a section connector according to some embodiments;

[0054] Figure 17B Shows a modular section of a storage system connected by one or more section fasteners according to some embodiments;

[0055] Figure 18A Shows a rotatable leveling bracket with an adjustable head according to some embodiments;

[0056] Figure 18BShows a static magnetic mount installed on a column of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0057] Figure 19 Shows a notched shelf of a storage system according to some embodiments;

[0058] Figure 20 Shows a friction plate between the outer surface of each shelf support and a column pivotally connected thereto according to some embodiments; and

[0059] Figure 21 Shows another configuration of a lateral brace of a storage system according to some embodiments.

[0060] In the drawings, like reference numerals generally represent like or similar elements. Additionally, the leftmost digit of a reference numeral generally identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. Detailed Description

[0061] The following description of the detailed embodiments is intended to enable people to implement one or more implementations of the present disclosure. The following description is not intended to limit the preferred embodiments, but rather to serve as specific examples thereof. Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed concepts and specific embodiments can be readily used as a basis to modify or design other methods and systems for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that such equivalent combinations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure in the broadest sense.

[0062] For clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted. The terms used herein are only for describing the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "the" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the use of terms such as "a", "the" does not denote a quantity limitation, but rather indicates that at least one of the items mentioned exists.

[0063] The use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. does not imply any particular order, but rather is used to distinguish individual elements. Additionally, the use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. does not denote an order of importance, but rather is used to distinguish one element from another. It should further be understood that when terms such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in this specification, they both indicate the presence of the stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or their combinations.

[0064] Although certain features may be described with respect to a single exemplary embodiment, aspects are not necessarily limited thereto, such that features from one or more exemplary embodiments may be combined with features from one or more other exemplary embodiments.

[0065] According to some embodiments, Figure 1 a storage system 100 is shown. The storage system 100 includes a framework defined by a plurality of vertical columns 102 and lateral braces 104 extending horizontally between adjacent vertical columns 102. A plurality of hanging brackets 106 may be secured to the inner wall of a container (e.g., a shipping container) by fasteners such as bolts, screws, or fasteners having a similar construction. Each such hanging bracket 106 includes a side hole 204 that can receive a horizontally extending bolt, pin, or rod 110, and a hook portion 108 at the bottom of the hanging bracket 106 that can receive a horizontally extending second bolt, pin, or rod 111. A bolt, pin, or rod 110 that extends horizontally and passes through the top of the vertical column 102 is configured to engage the side hole 204 to suspend each vertical column 102, and then the vertical column 102 can drop into the hook portion 108 of the hanging bracket 106. Thus, the storage system 100 can be suspended in a hanging manner on the container wall by bolts, pins, or rods 110 while being stabilized by the second bolt, pin, or rod 111 in the hanging bracket 106.

[0066] In certain configurations, adjustable feet 112 may be provided at the bottom of each column 102 and may receive bolts, screws, or other connectors to securely fasten the bottom of the storage system 100 to the floor of the container. For cases where the adjustable feet 112 are not fastened to the container floor, rotatable leveling brackets 114 may extend rearwardly from each column 102 to prevent the column 102 from swaying and possibly crashing back into the container wall. Additionally, a plurality of optional and repositionable shelves 116 may be placed on optional shelf supports 118, each of which is pivotally mounted to the column 102. For example, the shelf 116 may be placed horizontally to provide a work surface or a horizontal storage shelf (as shown in section 100-A), may be in an inclined position (as shown in section 100-B), or may be placed vertically to provide a pegboard (as shown in section 100-C). Figure 1 as shown in section 100-A, Figure 1 may be in an inclined position (as shown in section 100-B), Figure 1 or may be placed vertically to provide a pegboard (as shown in section 100-C).

[0067] The column 102 may be configured to expand the storage system 100 in a modular manner by adding one section at a time. For example, as shown in Figure 1As shown, the first section 100-D of the storage system 100 is located between the leftmost upright and the middle upright 102. After the first section 100-D of the storage system 100 has been assembled and installed inside the container, a second section 100-E can be added, which has additional lateral struts 104, optional shelves 116, and the rightmost upright 102.

[0068] According to some embodiments, Figure 2A and Figure 2B show a front view and a side view, respectively, of the suspension bracket 106 of the storage system 100. The suspension bracket 106 can be mounted on a typical 2-inch structural lateral support member at the top of the container on which the storage system 100 is installed. The suspension bracket 106 can be configured to allow bolt-through mounting, or alternatively, can be welded to the container wall to fix the suspension bracket 106 in place.

[0069] As Figure 2A shown, the front holes 202, such as oblong holes, allow the suspension bracket 106 to be bolted through to the container wall. Similarly, the hook portions 108 of each suspension bracket 106 allow for quick suspension of the uprights 102 of the storage system 100.

[0070] As Figure 2B shown, the side holes 204 through the side walls of each suspension bracket 106 are aligned with the holes at the top of each upright 102 and can accommodate bolts, pins, rods, or similar elements (such as Figure 2C the bolt, pin, or rod 110 shown) passing through them to prevent accidental upward lifting of the top of the storage system 100 after it is installed on the suspension bracket 106.

[0071] According to some embodiments, Figure 2C shows a detailed front view of the suspension bracket 106 bolted to the upright 102. As Figure 2C shown, the openings in the hook portions 108 at the bottom of the suspension bracket 106 can accommodate a second bolt, pin, or rod, such as the bolt, pin, or rod 111 mounted on or within the upright 102, in order to suspend the upright 102 on the suspension bracket 106.

[0072] According to some embodiments, Figure 3 shows a side view of the storage system 100. As Figure 3As shown, at the top of each upright column 102 there is provided a bracket connection point 302 for pivotally connecting the upright column 102 to the suspension bracket 106 at least in an initial stage, and optionally subsequently accommodating bolts, pins, rods or other elements (such as bolts, pins or rods 110) to prevent the upright column 102 (along with the entire storage system 100) from swaying or pivoting. Similarly, the bottom of each upright column 102 that houses the adjustable feet 112 may optionally be provided with a foot connection point 304. Finally, for each shelf 116 (more specifically, for each shelf support 118), a porous pattern 306 (described in more detail below) is provided on the side wall of each upright column 102, and this porous pattern allows each shelf 116 of the storage system 100 to be independently adjusted in position, such as tilting, horizontal and vertical positioning.

[0073] According to some embodiments, Figure 4A and Figure 4B show the rear view and the inner view of the vertical upright column 102 of the storage system 100 respectively. In Figure 4A each upright column 102 defines a hollow U-shaped groove 402 along the back of the upright column 102. In addition, as shown in the inner view of the bottom of the vertical upright column 102 in Figure 4B , the U-shaped groove 402 of each upright column 102 defines an inner track 404 which has sufficient clearance to accommodate a metal armored cable system, so that cables (such as power, audio, video, optical, communication and other such cables) can be routed through each upright column 102. Similarly, each such upright column 102 optionally includes one or more entry points (not shown) provided along the side wall of the upright column 102 to allow such cables extending horizontally between adjacent upright columns 102 (such as along the cross brace 104) to be inserted.

[0074] Figures 5A to 5C shows a detailed view of the cross brace 104 of the storage system 100. Returning to Figure 1 , the storage system 100 preferably includes at least two cross braces 104, one along the top of the storage system 100 and one along the bottom of the storage system 100. Alternatively, the storage system 100 can be configured to have one or more intermediate cross braces 104 located between the top cross brace 104 and the bottom cross brace 104 and parallel to them. In any case, the size of the vertical panel can be set to fit between adjacent cross braces, as described below for Figure 5C .

[0075] According to some embodiments, Figure 5A shows a front view of the cross brace 104 installed between two upright columns 102 of the storage system 100. As shown in Figure 5AAs shown, each end of the horizontal strut 104 has a flat connecting piece 502 provided with holes for receiving fasteners (such as screws or bolts) to fix each horizontal strut 104 to the front sides of two adjacent uprights 102.

[0076] According to some embodiments, Figure 5B A top-down side view of the horizontal strut 104 is shown. As Figure 5B shown, in some embodiments, the connecting piece 502 configured to be fixed to the front side of the upright 102 is provided with an inclined portion that allows the horizontal strut 104 to be disposed from the front side of the upright 102 to the rear side (see the retracted area 504). Flanges 506 are respectively provided at the top and bottom of the horizontal strut 104, and the flanges 506 protrude towards the rear side of the storage system 100 for increasing the structural strength of the horizontal strut 104 in the length direction of the horizontal strut 104 between two adjacent uprights 102. In addition, the flanges 506 define a channel 508 along the back surface of the horizontal strut 104, and the channel extends between adjacent uprights 102. Similar to the U-shaped groove 402 of the upright 102, the channel 508 can be used as a channel or raceway for cables such as metal armored wires.

[0077] According to some embodiments, Figure 5C Another front view of the horizontal strut 104 is shown, in which a vertical panel 510 is inserted in the insertion area (roughly shown as 512 in the figure) between the upper horizontal strut 104(a) and the lower horizontal strut 104(b) of the storage system 100 and between adjacent uprights 102. As Figure 5C shown, Figure 5B the retracted area 504 shown in the figure thus defines an insertion area 512 in front of the horizontal strut 104, allowing the insertion of the vertical panel 510, such as a vertical mesh media panel. As Figure 5C further shown, the vertical panel 510 can be inserted into the area defined between the upper horizontal strut 104(a) and the lower horizontal strut 104(b) and between adjacent uprights 102, and the vertical panel 510 does not extend outward from the front side of each vertical upright 102. Such a retracted configuration can prevent the vertical panel 510 from interfering with the movement of the shelf support 118.

[0078] According to some embodiments, Figure 6 A view of the channel 508 on the back of each horizontal strut 104 and its relationship with the U-shaped groove 402 of the upright 102 of the storage system 100 is shown. As Figure 6As shown, the end of the channel 508 on the back of the first horizontal strut 602 (similar to the horizontal strut 104) can be aligned with a hole (not shown) in the first upright 604 (similar to the upright 102) to allow the cable to pass through the channel 508 (defined by the flange 506) from the U-shaped groove 402 of the first upright 604 / 102, along the back of the first horizontal strut 602, and then into the hole 606 of the second upright 608 (similar to the upright 102). Then the cable can turn and extend vertically within the U-shaped groove 402 of the second upright 608 / 102, or extend horizontally along the second horizontal strut 610 / 104 to the third upright 612 (similar to the upright 102).

[0079] According to some embodiments, Figure 7A A front view of the shelf 116 of the storage system 100 in a vertical state is shown. In Figure 7A the exemplary configuration shown, the shelf 116 can form a plane 702 and preferably can be composed of a perforated surface, such as a pegboard configured to accommodate pins or holders for various tools. The shelf 116 can have a plurality of keyholes 704 on the side edge 706 of the plane 702, each keyhole 704 being configured to accommodate a fastener, such as a single low-profile shoulder bolt or other suitable fasteners known to those skilled in the art, so as to connect the plane 702 to an adjacent shelf support 118 at the side edge 706.

[0080] According to some embodiments, Figure 7B A rear view of the shelf 116 of the storage system 100 in a vertical state is shown. As Figure 7B shown, each shelf 116 has a side edge wall 708 and a front edge wall 710 extending backward, such that the plane 702 of the shelf 116 is separated from the opposite edges of the side edge wall 708 and the front edge wall 710, thereby defining an open space in the inner part of each shelf 116, the shape of which is suitable for accommodating the extension arm of the shelf support 118. Preferably, each shelf support 118 (discussed in more detail below) has an equal number of connection points (discussed below for Figure 8 A), which can be aligned with the keyholes 704 of the shelf 116, each keyhole being configured to accommodate a fastener, such as a single low-profile shoulder bolt as described above for Figure 7A the connection of the side edge 706 of the plane 702 to an adjacent shelf support 118 at the connection point. Such a configuration allows the shelf 116 to be easily and quickly connected to a pair of adjacent shelf supports 118 by a quick-drop and slide installation method, thereby temporarily locking the shelf 116 to the corresponding shelf support 118.

[0081] Figure 8 , Figure 9A andFigure 9B Shows various detailed views of the shelf support 118 and its connection to the shelf 116 and the upright 102. The shelf support 118 and the shelf 116 can be variably positioned to meet various user needs.

[0082] According to some embodiments, Figure 8 Shows a top view of the shelf support 118 of the storage system 100. As Figure 8 shown, each shelf support 118 has a plurality of connection points 802 for receiving fasteners, such as the single low-profile shoulder bolts discussed above with respect to Figure 7A and Figure 7B for connecting the shelf 116 to the shelf support 118. The hollow insertion structure at the bottom back of each shelf 116 allows the fasteners to engage with each shelf 116 through a quick-connect assembly step.

[0083] According to some embodiments, Figure 9A Shows Figure 8 a side view of the shelf support 118 shown in Figure 9B Shows some aspects of the upright 102 of the storage system 100 that enable the shelf support 118 to be pivotally connected to the upright 102. As Figure 9A shown, the fixed-position pivot point 902 provides a hole for pivotally connecting each shelf support 118 to the upright 102 at the upright pivot point 908 and allows the shelf support 118 to swing to one of three preset positions about the upright pivot point 908. When the shelf support 118 pivots about the upright pivot point 908 on the upright 102 at the fixed-position pivot point 902, Figure 9A Point 1 (fixed-position pivot point 902), Point 2 (lower hole 906), and Point 3 (upper hole 904) on the shelf support 118 in Figure 9B are associated with points A (upper side opening 912), point B (rear side opening 910), and point C (upright pivot point 908) on the upright 102 in Figure 11 in various combinations. These combinations are shown in

[0084] According to some embodiments, Figures 10A to 10D Shows relevant aspects of an exemplary configuration for pivotally connecting the shelf support 118 to the upright 102 that can enable the shelf support 118 to pivot easily when needed while still being able to firmly fix the shelf support 118 to the upright 102. According to some embodiments, Figure 10A Is a top cross-sectional view of the shelf support 118 pivotally connected to the upright 102. According to some embodiments, Figure 10B Provides Figure 10ADetails of the connecting hardware shown in. As Figure 10A shown, at the fixed-position pivot point 902, a fixed-position pivot pin 1004 is provided (shown in detail in Figure 10B ), which has a head 1004(a), a double-step shaft defining a first ring 1004(b) of a larger diameter and a second ring 1004(c) of a smaller diameter, and a threaded shaft 1004(d) extending outward from the smaller-diameter ring 1004(c), and the threaded shaft 1004(d) is configured to engage a mating threaded component 1006 inside the column 102. In some embodiments, the threaded component 1006 may include a conventional configuration of a rivet nut or "blind rivet nut", which is formed as an integral internally threaded tubular rivet, inserted through a hole in the column 102 forming the column pivot point 908, the head of the rivet nut being located outside the column 102 (and between the shelf support 118 and the outer wall of the column 102), and the internally threaded tubular portion extending into the interior of the column 102. The larger-diameter ring 1004(b) passes through the hole of the fixed-position pivot point 902 in the shelf support 118, while the smaller-diameter ring 1004(c) passes through the hole formed in the column 102 to form the column pivot point 908. The head 1004(a) of the fixed-position pivot pin 1004 is formed such that when it is fully inserted into the column 102 and connected to the threaded component 1006, there is a gap 1008 between the inner surface of the head 1004(a) and the outer edge of the shelf support 118 to ensure that the shelf support 118 can pivot easily.

[0085] Setting the threaded component 1006 inside the column 102 makes it difficult to manually remove the fixed-position pivot pin 1004 from the storage system without tool assistance. In addition, the double-step structure of the fixed-position pivot pin 1004 allows torque to be transferred from the larger-diameter ring 1004(b) to the outer surface of the threaded component 1006 without jamming the shelf support 118, while the insertion of the smaller-diameter ring 1004(c) (inserted into the cavity of the threaded component 1006) provides a reinforcement layer to prevent structural deformation of the wall of the threaded component 1006 when a large load is applied to the shelf connected to the shelf support 118.

[0086] According to some embodiments, Figure 10C Details of the shelf adjustment hardware are provided. To selectively lock the position of the shelf support 118 in a desired position, each of the rear opening 910 and the upper opening 912 of the column 102 (e.g., Figure 10A the rear opening 910 shown in the cross-sectional view of ) is provided with a threaded component 1010 similar in construction to the threaded component 1006. Each threaded component 1010 is configured to receive a shelf adjustment pin 1002 (in Figure 10C(shown in detail therein) to selectively lock the shelf support 118 in a desired position. More specifically, the shelf adjustment pin 1002 includes a head 1002(a), a single ring 1002(b) extending outwardly from the head 1002(a), and a threaded shaft 1002(c) extending outwardly from the single ring 1002(b), the threaded shaft 1002(c) being configured to engage a mating threaded component 1010 inside the column 102. The single ring 1002(b) passes through one of the selected holes (upper hole 904 and lower hole 906) in the shelf support 118 (e.g., Figure 10A the lower hole 906 as shown in the cross-sectional view of), the threaded shaft 1002(c) is connected to the threaded component 1010 to press the head 1002(a) against the outer surface of the shelf support 118, thereby firmly clamping the shelf support 118 in the desired position. Like the fixed-position pivot pin 1004, the single ring 1002(b) of the shelf adjustment pin 1002 provides a reinforcing layer to prevent deformation of the wall of the threaded component 1010 when a large load is applied to the shelf connected to the shelf support 118.

[0087] According to some embodiments, Figure 10D shown is a shelf support 118 connected to the column 102 by a fixed-position pivot pin 1004, the fixed-position pivot pin 1004 pivotally connecting the shelf support 118 to the column 102. In this example, the shelf adjustment pin 1002 temporarily locks the position of the shelf support 118 to keep it in a horizontal orientation.

[0088] Thus, in one orientation, the shelf support 118 can pivot about the fixed-position pivot point 902 to an upward orientation (e.g., as shown in Figure 1 section 100-B of), in which case the upper hole 904 ( Figure 9A point 3 in) in the shelf support 118 can be aligned with the rear opening 910 ( Figure 9B point B in) on the column 102 and can be locked in that position with the shelf adjustment pin 1002 as described above. In this configuration, even without placing the shelf 116 on the shelf support 118, the upwardly inclined shelf support 118 can be used to hold items such as PVC pipe sections, light metal conduits, or other such items that would occur to those skilled in the art. In this raised position, the shelf 116 can likewise be used (similarly being in a raised position itself) to meet the various needs of the user.

[0089] In addition, the shelf support 118 can pivot about the fixed-position pivot point 902 to a horizontal orientation (as shown in Figure 1 section 100-A of), in which case the lower hole 906 ( Figure 9AThe point 2 in ) can be aligned with the rear opening 910 on the column 102 ( Figure 9B the point B in ), and can be locked by inserting the shelf adjustment pin 1002 into the lower hole 906 on the shelf support 118 and the rear opening 910 on the column 102 to hold the shelf support 118 in Figure 1 the horizontal state shown in section 100-A of.

[0090] Furthermore, the shelf support 118 can be pivoted to a vertical orientation about the fixed-position pivot point 902 (as Figure 1 shown in section 100-C of ), in which case the lower hole 906 on the shelf support 118 ( Figure 9A the point 2 in ) can be aligned with the upper opening 912 on the column 102 ( Figure 9B the point C in ), and can be locked by inserting the shelf adjustment pin 1002 into the lower hole 906 on the shelf support 118 and the upper opening 912 on the column 102 to hold the shelf support 118 in Figure 1 the vertical state shown in section 100-C of. It should be noted that in this vertical orientation, the upper hole 904 on the shelf support 118 may not be used or may not engage with the column 102.

[0091] In the above orientation, it should be noted that the positions of the upper hole 904 and the lower hole 906 on the shelf support 118 relative to the fixed-position pivot point 902 are different from the positions of the rear opening 910 and the upper opening 912 on the column 102 relative to the column pivot point 908. According to some embodiments, Figure 11 a table is provided that summarizes the relationship between the connection points of the shelf support 118 and the connection points of the column 102 in each orientation.

[0092] According to some embodiments, Figures 12A to 12E details of an optional foot assembly 1202 for the column 102 of the storage system 100 are provided. According to some embodiments, Figure 12A a foot 1204 that can be inserted into the bottom of the column 102 of the storage system 100 is shown. According to some embodiments, Figure 12B a front view of the foot 1204 is shown. According to some embodiments, Figure 12C a bottom view of the foot 1204 is shown. According to some embodiments, Figure 12D a rear view of the foot 1204 is shown. According to some embodiments, Figure 12E a bottom view of the foot assembly 1202 installed in the column 102 of the storage system 100 is shown.

[0093] As Figure 12AAs shown, each foot 1204 has a floor fixture 1206 extending outward from its bottom such that the foot 1204 can be connected to the floor of the container by bolts, screws, or similarly configured connectors and provides floor stability for the storage system 100 when the storage system 100 is installed within the container.

[0094] In addition, as Figure 12A shown, each column 102 includes an elongated hole 1208 in its bottom sidewall that aligns with an opening 1210 in the foot 1204. As Figure 12B shown, a bolt or similar fastener can be inserted through the elongated hole to secure the foot 1204 to the column 102 while allowing the foot 1204 to slide vertically within the bottom of the column 102 for vertical leveling of the column 102. Each foot 1204 also has a threaded opening 1212 configured to receive an optional rotatable leveling bracket 114, as Figure 1 and Figure 12C shown. The rotatable leveling bracket 114 can be used to support the foot 1204 mounted in the column 102 against the container wall on a horizontal axis and can adjust the distance from the container wall.

[0095] According to some embodiments, Figure 6 and Figure 12E further shows the rotatable leveling bracket 114 mounted to the foot 1204 of the storage system 100. As Figure 6 shown, if the rotatable leveling bracket 114 is installed, it is preferable that each column 102 of the storage system 100 be equipped with an independently adjustable rotatable leveling bracket 114.

[0096] The storage system 100 is particularly suitable for installation and use in spaces such as transportation or transportable storage containers. In such an installation, the storage system 100 includes various hardware for securing it within the container. The storage system 100 can be installed within the container by means such as hanging on the container wall, fixing to the container floor, or a combination of these methods understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In certain configurations, the storage system 100 does not need to include the feet 1204, and the bottom ends of the columns 102 can be held at a distance above the floor of the container in which the storage system 100 is installed.

[0097] According to some embodiments, Figure 13 shows an example of a hardware configuration 1300 for hanging the storage system 100 on the container wall. As Figure 13As shown, the storage system 100 is preferably suspended from the support rod 1302 at a height such that when the bottommost shelf 116 is folded down into a vertical position, it does not contact the floor of the container in which the storage system 100 is installed. Similarly, the length dimension of the upright 102 is preferably such that when the bottommost shelf is placed vertically downward, the bottom of each upright 102 extends downward beyond the lower side edge of the bottommost shelf 116. This ensures that during storage, even if the shelves 116 and shelf supports 118 are placed vertically downward, the uprights 102 will rest on the ground. Each upright 102 of the storage system 100 can be suspended from the support rod 1302 by tubular hangers 1304, 1308, which will be described in further detail below and shown in Figure 16A and Figure 16B as shown. The support rod 1302 can be hung on the container wall by a hanging hook 1306, which will be described in further detail below and shown in Figure 15 as shown.

[0098] According to some embodiments, Figures 14A to 1 4E further shows an example of the hardware for suspending the storage system 100 at a position related to the wall 1400 of a shipping container. According to some embodiments, Figure 14A shows the storage system 100 suspended on the container wall 1400. As Figure 14A shown, a shipping container is typically configured to have a corrugated metal wall 1400, with a vertical channel 1402 defined between the vertical outer surfaces 1404 of the wall 1400. The support rod 1302 can be suspended on the container wall by a hanging hook 1306 by using the conventional built-in structure of the container wall 1400.

[0099] Specifically, according to some embodiments, Figure 14B shows an example of a conventional rigid ring 1406 of the container wall 1400 that can hang the hanging hook 1306. According to some embodiments, Figure 14C shows an example of the support rod 1302 hanging on a plurality of hanging hooks 1306. According to some embodiments, Figure 14AAn example is also shown where the upright posts 102 of the storage system 100 are suspended from the support rods 1302. Generally, the storage system 100 can be suspended from a plurality of rigid rings 1406 fixed to the upper cross beam 1408 along the container wall 1400. The rigid rings 1406 are typically built into the container wall 1400 and are located within the vertical channel 1402 and at the top of the vertical channel 1402, equally spaced. Such rigid rings 1406 are typically permanently fixed in their positions within the vertical channel 1402 by welding or other fixing methods known to those skilled in the art. However, between different shipping containers, such rigid rings 1406 may be located in the vertical channels 1402 at different positions along the length of the container wall 1400, which makes it challenging to use a plurality of such rigid rings 1406 to suspend a structure with a fixed configuration.

[0100] To address this challenge, as shown in the combination of Figures 14A to 14C , regardless of the specific position of the rigid rings 1406 on the wall 1400, the disclosed suspension system enables the storage system 100 to be placed at any position along the length of the container wall 1400. This variable positioning of the storage system 100 can be achieved by suspending it from the support rods 1302 supported by the suspension hooks 1306 that engage with the rigid rings 1406. In such a configuration, the back of each upright post 102 can be in front of (or optionally in contact with) the vertical outer surface 1404 of the corrugated container wall 1400, such that the entire storage system 100 is outside all surfaces of the container wall 1400 (including outside the vertical channel 1402). For example, see Figure 14A . Thus, the storage system 100 can be placed at any desired position along the length of the container wall 1400 without being interfered with by the container wall 1400.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14B and Figure 14C , regardless of the position of the rigid rings 1406, the suspension hooks 1306 can be suspended from any two or more rigid rings 1406 along the length of the container wall 1400 and are used to suspend the support rods 1302. The support rods 1302 can be hung on the suspension hooks 1306 at different positions along the support rods 1302. Similarly, as shown in Figure 14A , regardless of the position of the rigid rings 1406, the upright posts 102 of the storage system 100 can be suspended from any position on the support rods 1302 by the tubular hangers 1304.

[0102] According to some embodiments, Figure 14D shows the hardware for connecting multiple support rods 1302 to expand the storage system 100. As shown in Figure 14DAs shown, multiple support rods 1302 can be placed adjacent to each other and connected, as a non-limiting example, by inserting inner sleeves 1412 into adjacent support rods 1302. For example, inner sleeves 1412 can be inserted into adjacent ends of a pair of support rods 1302 and secured in place using screws or similarly configured fasteners that pass through the front of the adjacent ends of the two support rods 1302 and into the inner sleeves 1412 to maintain the adjacent support rods 1302 fixedly aligned with each other. Therefore, regardless of the location of the fixing point of the rigid ring 1406 on the container wall 1400, the storage system 100 can ultimately be suspended from the rigid ring 1406.

[0103] According to some embodiments, Figure 15 A detailed perspective view of one configuration of the hanging hook 1306 is shown. The hanging hook 1306 includes a generally planar hook seat 1502 and a hook arm 1504 extending upward from the rear side of the planar hook seat 1502. The planar hook seat 1502 is capable of receiving the bottom surface of the support rod 1302, and the curved hook end of the hook arm is configured to engage with the rigid ring 1406 on the container wall 1400. Specifically, the hook arm 1504 is configured to engage with the rigid ring 1406 from the rear (i.e., between the rigid ring 1406 and the vertical channel 1402). The bottom of the hook arm 1504 (proximate to the planar hook seat 1502) includes a widened hook arm base 1506, so that the front side of the hook arm base 1506 can retain the rear side of the support rod 1302. In addition, the planar hook seat 1502 further includes one or more retaining plates 1508 extending upward from the front side of the planar hook seat 1502, and the retaining plates are capable of retaining the front side of the support rod 1302. Figure 16C As shown, each retaining plate 1508 may be provided with a hole for receiving an optional fastener. Figures 14B to 14D As shown, when the support rod 1302 is retained within the suspension hook 1306 , it is located in front of (or alternatively in close proximity to) the vertical outer surface 1404 of the corrugated container wall 1400 .

[0104] like Figure 13 and Figure 14D As shown, the storage system 100 can be suspended from a support rod 1302 by a retractable tubular hanger 1304 that can extend from the top of the column 102. According to some embodiments, Figure 16A A detailed perspective view 1308 of the tubular hanger 1304 and its integration with the column 102 is shown. According to some embodiments, Figure 16B The body 1602 of the tubular hanger 1304 is shown.

[0105] like Figure 16AAs shown, the tubular hanger 1304 includes a body 1602 configured to slide within the column 102, and a flat, generally low-profile (e.g., made of sheet metal as a non-limiting example) top plate 1604 that extends toward and beyond the rear wall of the body 1602. At the rear edge of the top plate 1604, a support bar hook 1606 extends downward from the top plate 1604 and is configured to engage the rear side of the support bar 1302. Then, the portion of the top plate 1604 located between the body 1602 and the support bar hook 1606 rests on the top surface of the support bar 1302, thereby suspending the entire storage system 100 on the support bar 1302 such that each section of the storage system 100 can be easily placed and longitudinally adjusted along the length of the support bar 1302. The tubular hanger 1304 can selectively engage the support bar 1302 at the location of the suspension hook 1306 because there is a gap (caused by the different depth dimensions of the hook arm 1504 and the wider hook arm base 1506) between the front surface of the hook arm 1504 and the rear surface of the support bar 1302, and this gap can selectively accommodate the support bar hook 1606 aligned with the hook arm 1504. Even if the positions where the rigid rings 1406 are placed in multiple containers are different, the foregoing construction can enable the storage system 100 to be consistently placed at a particularly desired matching position in these containers.

[0106] As Figure 16B shown, the tubular hanger 1304 preferably includes at least a set of upper tubular hanger connector receivers 1608 and a set of lower tubular hanger connector receivers 1610, although additional sets of tubular hanger connector receivers can also be provided to achieve more vertical positioning options. In combination Figure 16A shown, each of the upper tubular hanger connector receivers 1608 and the lower tubular hanger connector receivers 1610 is configured to align with a set of column connector receivers 1612, whereby a connector 1614 (e.g., a fastening component such as a screw, bolt, pin, etc. as a non-limiting example) can pass through the column connector receivers 1612 and be inserted into the upper tubular hanger connector receivers 1608 or the lower tubular hanger connector receivers 1610 to hold the position of the column 102 relative to the tubular hanger 1304 in a desired vertical position, thereby adjusting the overall vertical position of the storage system 100 on the container wall 1400.

[0107] According to some embodiments, Figure 16C A detailed view of two adjacent columns 102 suspended by the tubular hanger 1304 on the support bar 1302 supported by the suspension hook 1306 is shown. In a preferred embodiment, as Figure 16CAs shown, on a single hanging hook 1306, the retaining plates 1508 are horizontally spaced apart a distance sufficient to accommodate the width of the top plates 1604 of two adjacently placed tubular hangers 1304. This spacing allows for variable positioning of the hanging elements by the installer of the system and the variability of the corrugated configuration on the container wall, allowing for a continuous arrangement of shelves from multiple adjacent shelving units regardless of these variations. Figure 16C As further shown, the retaining plate 1508 can receive an optional fastener 1616, such as a threaded bolt or screw, which can be used to secure the retaining plate 1508 of the suspension hook 1306 to the support rod 1302, thereby preventing relative movement between the retaining plate 1508 and the suspension hook 1306 after the fastener 1616 is tightened.

[0108] Because the storage system 100 can be expanded as needed by adding one vertical segment at a time, in some configurations it may be desirable to at least temporarily connect adjacent segments at adjacent columns 102, for example, to maintain the entire storage system 100 in a generally planar alignment.

[0109] According to some embodiments, Figure 17A Modular sections of the storage system 100 are shown connected by section connectors 1702. Figure 17A In one embodiment shown, a segment connector 1702 can connect immediately adjacent columns 102. The segment connector 1702 can be in the form of a plastic insert having two connected rectangular pieces that can be inserted into the hollow bottoms of two adjacent columns 102 to hold the bottoms of those adjacent columns 102 in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0110] Additionally, or alternatively, according to some embodiments, Figure 17B Modular sections of the storage system 100 are shown connected by one or more section fasteners 1704. The section fasteners 1704, such as threaded screws, bolts, or rods, may be inserted through the bottom of a first column 102(a) and into a second column 102(b) to hold the bottoms of those adjacent columns 102(a) and 102(b) in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0111] Whether the storage system 100 is supported by the foot assembly 1202 (e.g. Figure 6 ), or is suspended on the container wall 1400 by a support rod 1302 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 13As shown, the section connectors 1702 and / or the section fasteners 1704 can be used. As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, some of the upright columns 102 can include the feet 1204, and some adjacent upright columns can be connected by the section connectors 1702 or the section fasteners 1704. In addition, some of the upright columns 102 can also be optionally supported on the section connectors 1702 instead of the feet 1204.

[0112] In some embodiments of the storage system 100, if the feet 1204 are not used and it is desired to use the rotatable leveling brackets 114 to support the suspension structure of the storage system 100 against the container wall 1400, a variant of the upright column 102 can be used so as to install the rotatable leveling brackets 114 in the upright columns 102 without the feet 1204. For example, refer to Figure 13 , which shows the rotatable leveling brackets 114 screwed into the closed back of the upright column 102. In some embodiments, the length of the rotatable leveling brackets 114 can be adjusted, for example, by screwing each rotatable leveling bracket 114 into or out of the upright column 102 to a desired length to achieve a preferred distance between each rotatable leveling bracket and the container wall. Variants or alternatives of the rotatable leveling brackets 114 can also be installed on the upright column 102, as shown in Figure 18A and Figure 18B shown.

[0113] According to some embodiments, Figure 18A shows a rotatable leveling bracket 114 with an adjustable head 1802. The adjustable head 1802 can be magnetically engaged with the container wall 1400 to prevent the storage system 100 from accidentally moving or swaying after it is suspended on the support rod 1302 inside the container. As shown in Figure 18A , the adjustable head 1802 of the rotatable leveling bracket 114 can include a rubber pad with a neodymium magnet inside, fixed to the end of the rotatable leg 1804, and the rotatable leg 1804 can be installed on the adjustment knob 1806. The adjustment knob 1806 can also be rotatably installed on the threaded rod 1808 rigidly fixed to the upright column 102, such that the rotation of the adjustment knob 1806 can change the position of the adjustable head 1802 as needed to maintain a desired distance between the upright column 102 and the container wall 1400.

[0114] In certain configurations, such rotatable leveling brackets 114 can be provided in the top and bottom regions on the back of the upright column 102. For example, further refer to Figure 17B , the rotatable leveling brackets 114 (including as shown in Figure 18AThe arrangement of the rotatable leveling bracket with the adjustable head 1802 as shown can be set at staggered positions (i.e., not side by side) on the backs of two adjacent uprights 102(a) and 102(b) so that each rotatable leveling bracket can be easily accessed and adjusted without interference from the rotatable leveling bracket 114 on the adjacent upright 102.

[0115] As an alternative to the rotatable leveling bracket 114, according to some embodiments, Figure 18B a static magnetic mount 1810 mounted on the upright 102 of the storage system 100 is shown. As Figure 18B shown, the static magnetic mount 1810 can include a neodymium magnet 1812 coated with rubber, which is mounted on a mounting block 1814 on the back of the upright 102.

[0116] As another alternative or complementary solution to the rotatable leveling bracket 114 and / or the static magnetic mount 1810, referring again to Figure 13 and Figure 14A , the lowermost stabilizing bar 1414 can be selectively provided (as a supplement or alternative to the lateral brace 2102), and one or more magnets 1416 are fixed to the back of the stabilizing bar 1414. As a non-limiting example, the one or more magnets 1416 are preferably made of neodymium and are preferably wrapped with a rubber cover and positioned on the vertical outer surface 1404 of the corrugated wall of the container, thereby adding a stability function to the storage system 100. In at least one embodiment, the one or more magnets 1416 are located on the stabilizing bar 1414 such that when the upright 102 with the tubular hanger 1304 is placed in the vertical channel 1402 of the corrugated wall of the container, it can ensure that the magnet contacts the vertical outer surface 1404.

[0117] For example, as previously referred to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figures 10A to 10D and Figure 11 discussed, some embodiments of the storage system 100 can mount the shelf 116 on top of the shelf support 118 such that the shelf 116 is mounted in front of the upright 102 (specifically see the area 120 in Figure 1 ). In another embodiment, the shelf support 118 can be selectively positioned inside the perimeter of the shelf 116 such that the shelf 116 is mounted further back, inside the upright 102, and has a cutout (as shown in Figure 19 ) to accommodate the upright 102 (specifically compare the area 1902 in Figure 13 ).

[0118] According to some embodiments, Figure 19Shows the notched shelf 116 of the storage system 100. As Figure 19 shown, a notch 1904 can be provided along the side wall 1906 of each shelf 116 toward its rear end. When the shelf 116 is placed horizontally, the notch 1904 allows the rear portion of the shelf 116 to extend between the pair of uprights 102, while the remaining front portion of the shelf 116 can have a wider dimension to at least overlap a portion of the front surface of each upright 102. Regardless of the notch configuration, the shelf 116 and the shelf support 118 can operate in other respects in the same manner as previously referred to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 8 , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figures 10A to 10D and Figure 11 discussed.

[0119] According to some embodiments, Figure 20 shows a friction plate 2002 (made of nylon as a non-limiting example), which can be selectively disposed between the outer surface of each shelf support 118 and the upright 102 to which it is pivotally connected. The friction plate 2002 provides a generally flat surface on which the shelf support 118 can slide when pivoting. The friction plate 2002 can be fixed by fasteners such as blind rivet nuts 2004.

[0120] According to some embodiments, Figure 21 shows another configuration of the lateral brace 2102 of the storage system 100 as shown in Figure 13 (as an alternative to the lateral brace 104). As Figure 13 shown, the lateral brace 2102 can extend between the inward-facing side edges of the pair of uprights 102. Similar to Figure 6The transverse struts 104 therein, the transverse strut 2102 may include an open channel 2104 having flanges 2106 so as to be able to contact any wires, cables or other articles extending through the open channel 2104. However, in such a configuration, for example when the system is suspended against the container wall 1400, wire management can be performed on the channel 2104 from the front of the storage system 100. Additionally, each transverse strut 2102 preferably includes a connecting tab 2108 for fixing the ends of each transverse strut 2102 to the back of each upright 102 while positioning the channel 2104 to extend between the inward-facing sides of the opposing uprights 102. Preferably, a removable elongated plastic cover 2110 can be placed on the open channel 2104 of the transverse strut 2102 to contain any wires, cables or other articles within the channel 2104 such that the space becomes an enclosed channel 2112. Similarly, the transverse strut 2102 may include wire cutouts 2114 such that cables such as power cables can enter its open channel 2104 from the rear of the transverse strut 2102 at one or more intermediate positions in the longitudinal direction of the transverse strut 2102. As with the construction discussed previously with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 13 the uprights 102 may have openings such that wires and the like can enter an adjacent channel 2104 between a second pair of opposing uprights 102 from a channel 2104 between a first pair of opposing uprights 102.

[0121] Now that the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and certain modifications based on the disclosed basic concepts have been fully set forth, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, upon becoming familiar with said basic concepts, that various other embodiments and certain variations and modifications of the embodiments shown and described herein will occur to them. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in other ways not specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A storage system configured to be suspended from a plurality of fixed points on a vertical wall, the storage system comprising: A plurality of hanging hooks, wherein each of the plurality of hanging hooks includes a hook arm, a planar hook base, and one or more retaining plates, and wherein each of the plurality of hanging hooks is configured to detachably engage with one of the plurality of fixed points on the vertical wall; A support rod configured to be placed on the planar hook base of each of the plurality of hanging hooks; And A plurality of vertical columns, each of the plurality of vertical columns having a support rod hook configured to vertically suspend each of the plurality of vertical columns on the support rod.

2. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pivotable support arms connected to each of the vertical columns at vertically spaced positions to allow each of the plurality of pivotable support arms to pivot, the plurality of pivotable support arms being configured to support a plurality of shelves.

3. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of pivotable support arms is configured to pivot to a plurality of independent lockable positions.

4. The storage system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of independent lockable positions include horizontal, vertical, and upwardly inclined positions.

5. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of pivotable support arms is configured to receive a connector to secure a plane to two adjacent parallel support arms of the plurality of pivotable support arms.

6. The storage system according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the plurality of shelves is connected between two of the plurality of vertical columns and secured as the plane.

7. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of shelves consists of a hanging board configured to support items when the at least one shelf is locked in a vertical position.

8. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of vertical columns is configured to receive a tubular hanger slidably mounted on the top of each vertical column for telescoping in and out of each vertical column, wherein the support rod hook is fixed to the top of the tubular hanger.

9. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one rotatable foot adjustably mounted on the back of one of the plurality of vertical columns and configured to abut against the vertical wall to support the vertical column at a variable horizontal distance.

10. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of lateral braces, each lateral brace extending horizontally between two adjacent vertical columns of the plurality of vertical columns and configured to keep the two adjacent vertical columns at a fixed spacing from each other.

11. The storage system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of horizontal struts and each of the two adjacent vertical columns are configured to define a path for routing a line or cable between at least one of the plurality of horizontal struts and the two adjacent vertical columns.

12. The storage system according to claim 1, further comprising feet that are connected to the bottom of at least one of the plurality of vertical columns, the feet being configured to contact the floor below the storage system.

13. The storage system according to claim 10, further comprising independently movable storage sections, each storage section including two of the plurality of vertical columns, at least one horizontal strut of the plurality of horizontal struts that horizontally connects the tops of the two vertical columns, and at least a second horizontal strut of the plurality of horizontal struts that horizontally connects the bottoms of the two vertical columns.

14. The storage system according to claim 13, further comprising section connectors that are configured to hold two of the independently movable storage sections in a fixed position relative to each other.

15. The storage system according to claim 13, wherein one of the independently movable storage sections is positioned horizontally along the vertical wall at a location independent of any of the plurality of fixed points on the vertical wall.

16. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of fixed points on the vertical wall further comprises a rigid ring fixed along the top edge of the vertical wall.

17. The storage system according to claim 16, wherein the vertical wall further comprises a corrugated wall of a shipping container.

18. The storage system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more retaining plates are fixed to the planar hook seat and are positioned to hold the support rod on the planar hook seat between the one or more retaining plates and the hook arm.

19. The storage system according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of hanging hooks is independently movable and is configured to hang from the rigid ring.

20. The storage system according to claim 8, wherein the tubular hanger can be independently positioned along the support rod.

21. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the plurality of pivotable support arms is pivotally fixed to one of the plurality of vertical columns by a fixed-position pivot pin, the fixed-position pivot pin comprising: a head; a first ring extending outwardly from the head; a second ring extending outwardly from the first ring and having a diameter smaller than the first ring; and a threaded shaft extending outwardly from the second ring, the threaded shaft engaging a threaded component inside the one of the plurality of vertical columns.

22. The storage system according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the plurality of lateral struts is a stabilizing bar, the stabilizing bar including at least one magnet fixed to the stabilizing bar to fix the storage system to an outer corrugation of a metal corrugated wall of a shipping container.

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