Support bracket, storage unit, and storage system using the support bracket and the storage unit

Abstract

A support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a storage bin. The support bracket includes a first end and a second end. A structural member extends longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The structural member includes a web that separates a top flange from a bottom flange. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange. At least the top flange lies in a plane that is perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the storage bin. The support bracket further includes a plate-like projection that defines each of the first end and the second end of the structural member. A securing finger is formed in each plate-like projection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to shelving systems, shelving units, and more particularly, to support brackets for such systems and units. Background Technology

[0002] Shelving units are commonly used to store a variety of items in a space-saving manner. Such units typically include four vertical support posts arranged at the corners of a generally rectangular structure. In this configuration, horizontal front and rear shelf support beams extend from one side to the other between the two front corner support posts and between the two rear corner support posts. Shorter horizontal beams are typically positioned on opposite sides of the unit and extend from the front to the rear between the front and rear corner support posts. In a conventional arrangement, such shelving units define multiple shelves and support beams above each other, where the corner support posts and shelf support beams are metal. For example, these components are often made of sheet metal or steel and combined with the shelves, commonly referred to as steel shelves or storage units.

[0003] These storage units can store containers, including those with lids. Typically, multiple items can be stored in any single container, rather than being placed directly on the shelf. By placing multiple items in any single container, the utilization of shelf space can be maximized. This tends to maximize storage efficiency. Containers also allow for better organization of items while providing a degree of security / protection against dust / dirt, moisture, and pests that may be present inside and around the shelf unit. Storing containers on shelves allows each container to bear a heavier load individually compared to stacking containers one on top of another, thus allowing for more efficient use of storage space. That is, the shelf unit bears the weight of each individual container, rather than the bottom container bearing the load of all the containers stacked on top of it. Furthermore, storing containers on a shelving system makes the storage space appear neater. With the increasing demand for metal shelving units, improving the design of shelving for container storage is becoming increasingly desirable.

[0004] Therefore, while metal shelving units and containers are generally successful for their intended use and remain useful and popular with consumers, manufacturers and other suppliers are constantly striving to improve designs for manufacturability and ease of assembly. In this regard, there is a desire to reduce the cost required to manufacture certain components of the shelving unit without significantly sacrificing the performance of those components; this cost includes materials, processing steps, and time. Furthermore, there is a desire to simultaneously improve the assembly efficiency and performance of these components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a tote is provided. The support bracket includes a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket. A structural member extends longitudinally between the first and second ends. The structural member includes a web separating a top flange and a bottom flange, the web, the top flange, and the bottom flange collectively defining a C-shaped cross-section. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other. At least the top flange lies in a plane perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the tote. The support bracket also includes plate-like protrusions defining each of the first and second ends of the structural member. Each plate-like protrusion has retaining fingers formed therein.

[0006] In one embodiment, each of the top flange and the bottom flange lies in a respective plane perpendicular to the web, and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the storage box.

[0007] In one embodiment, the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

[0008] In one embodiment, the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support bracket consists of two fixed fingers.

[0010] In one embodiment, two fixed fingers are aligned on the centerline of the support bracket.

[0011] In one embodiment, neither the top flange nor the bottom flange extends the entire length of the support bracket to define spaced abutment edges inside the first and second ends. In a related embodiment, the web extends beyond the abutment edges by a distance to form opposing plate-like protrusions at each of the first and second ends.

[0012] In one aspect of the invention, a storage unit for storing a storage box is provided. The storage unit includes a plurality of columns and pairs of support brackets. Each of the pairs of support brackets is configured to attach to two of the plurality of columns. Each pair of support brackets is configured to support a storage box. Each of the pairs of support brackets has: a first end and a second end located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket, and a structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end. The structural member includes a web separating a top flange and a bottom flange, the web, the top flange, and the bottom flange collectively defining a C-shaped cross-section. The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width measured from the web. The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other. At least the top flange lies in a plane perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the storage box. Each of the pairs of support brackets includes a plate-like protrusion defining each of the first end and the second end of the structural member. Each plate-shaped protrusion has a fixed finger formed therein.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the top flange and the bottom flange lies in a respective plane perpendicular to the web, and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the storage box.

[0014] In one embodiment, the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

[0015] In one embodiment, the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

[0016] In one embodiment, each pair of support brackets is configured to define a sliding plane for receiving the storage box.

[0017] In one embodiment, the support bracket consists of two fixed finger-like members.

[0018] In one embodiment, two fixed fingers are aligned on the centerline of the support bracket.

[0019] In one embodiment, neither the top flange nor the bottom flange extends the entire length of the support bracket to define spaced-apart abutment edges inside the first and second ends. In a related embodiment, the web extends beyond the abutment edges by a distance to form opposing plate-like protrusions at each of the first and second ends.

[0020] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of columns includes a central web that separates opposing side flanges. The central web and the opposing side flanges define a C-shaped cross-section.

[0021] In one embodiment, each of the opposing plate-like protrusions is configured to be connected in the central web to one of the opposing side flanges.

[0022] In one embodiment, each of the central web and the opposing side flanges of the plurality of columns includes a plurality of keyholes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plurality of keyholes in the opposing side flanges are offset in the longitudinal direction relative to the plurality of keyholes in the central web.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a storage system is provided, comprising the storage unit described herein and one or more storage compartments. Each storage compartment includes a base and a lid and is configured to be slidably received within the storage unit.

[0025] Further features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description below, and will be apparent in part to those skilled in the art of optical connectivity. It should be understood that the foregoing general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and features of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any illustrated or described embodiment may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or understood based on this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an exemplary storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage system including storage cells.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged 3D view of the storage system.

[0029] Figure 3 It is relative to Figure 1 A perspective view of a storage box in which paired support brackets of an exemplary storage unit are positioned for insertion / removal.

[0030] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are Figure 1 The front and rear perspective views of the support bracket shown in the storage system.

[0031] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of the memory cell taken by the central section line 6-6.

[0032] Figure 7 and Figure 8 They are Figure 3 The front and rear views of the support bracket are shown.

[0033] Figure 9 and Figure 10 These are the left and right elevation views of the bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Front elevation view of the storage system.

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of the storage system.

[0036] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the storage system.

[0037] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the storage system, in which the storage box is located in an alternative position. Detailed Implementation

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a storage unit 10 supported by two storage boxes 12. The combination of storage unit 10 and storage boxes 12 is referred to herein as storage system 14. Although not shown, additional storage boxes 12 may be supported on storage unit 10. Storage unit 10 includes columns 16 arranged at corners, the corners having a generally rectangular configuration. Pairs of columns 16 are connected together by a plurality of horizontal beams 20. Horizontal beams 20 are shown attached at or near each top end of column 16, and attached at or near each bottom end of column 16. Beams 20 removably connect adjacent columns 16 in the front-to-back and side-to-side directions. In this configuration, beams 20 form outer edges at the top and bottom horizontal planes of storage unit 10. The uppermost horizontal beam 20 can extend along... Figure 1 The storage unit 10 shown supports one or more shelves 22 at its front and rear, which are shown as wire mesh shelves. Other constructions, such as solid shelves, are also possible. In one embodiment, the storage unit 10 may consist of only a single top shelf, which is shown as a pair of individual wire mesh shelves. Although not shown, items or additional storage boxes 12 may be stored on each shelf 22. In another embodiment, the storage unit 10 may lack a single shelf.

[0039] Optionally, additional horizontal beams 20 are shown connected to the rear column 16 at a midpoint height along the column 16. In the illustrated exemplary storage unit 10, six columns 16 and twelve beams 20 (i.e., six at the top of the columns 16 and six at the bottom of the columns 16) generally define a rectangular prism. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to the rectangular prism construction. As an alternative construction, the storage unit 10 may include four columns 16 and eight beams 20, which is equivalent to... Figure 1 The storage unit 10 shown is half of the storage unit 10. A minimum of four posts 16 represents the simplest arrangement of the storage unit 10. At its maximum, the storage unit 10 may also include additional posts 16 and beams 20, and thus may extend in one or more directions (e.g., laterally and / or upwards), limited only by the available space of the storage unit 10. The implementation of the storage unit 10 is not limited to a specific arrangement. In this respect, the vertical extension of the storage unit 10 can be achieved by connecting the posts 16 end-to-end using post connectors 18. Using post connectors 18, the height of the storage unit 10 can be increased. In an exemplary embodiment, the post connectors 18 secure the bottom post 16 to the top post 16. That is, the height of the storage unit 10 shown is approximately twice the length of a single post 16. Embodiments of the invention contemplate those configurations with a minimum of four posts 16 to additional posts 16 connected by additional post connectors 18.

[0040] Storage unit 10 may include additional features. For example, storage unit 10 may include one or more locking clips (not shown) configured to prevent the uppermost horizontal beam 20 from unintentionally separating from post 16. In this regard, post 16 may include one or more holes or openings located directly above the uppermost horizontal beam 20. The openings are configured to receive corresponding locking clips that prevent the uppermost horizontal beam 20 from moving upwards and potentially disengaging from post 16. Additionally, post 16 may include an end cap (not shown) at the top of post 16 to provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for storage unit 10 and reduce hook points. Furthermore, post 16 may include another end cap (not shown) at the lower end of post 16 and serve as a foot supporting storage unit 10.

[0041] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each storage box 12 is supported by a pair of opposing support brackets 24. Each support bracket 24 is connected to a pair of posts 16 and extends between the pairs of posts, for example, from the front post 26 to the rear post 30 at the same height from the ground. The support brackets 24 are intended to be connected to the pairs of front posts 26 and rear posts 30 and are generally horizontal front to back to stably and horizontally support each storage box 12.

[0042] The support bracket 24 is formed by bending a single sheet of material, such as a metal sheet. Furthermore, suitable fastening devices for selectively attaching the support bracket 24 to the corresponding column 16 are stamped in this single sheet of material. Stamping eliminates at least one secondary manufacturing operation, such as welding, required to attach the fastening devices to the column 16 and / or the support bracket 24, which would have resulted in at least one—if not several—additional manufacturing steps. In particular, it has been found that by stamping the fastening devices and rolling the support bracket 24, it can be formed from a single piece of material, thereby eliminating the need for additional manufacturing or processing steps. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the support bracket 24 is designed to be easy to manufacture and can be formed from a single piece of material with minimal manufacturing steps, while also simplifying the assembly of the storage unit 10.

[0043] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The support bracket 24 is configured to be selectively coupled to the column 16 via a releasable fastening device located at opposite ends of the support bracket 24. Typically, refer to... Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each support bracket in the support bracket 24 includes a pair of stamped fixing fingers 32, with one fixing finger 32 at each end of the support bracket 24. In one embodiment, the fixing fingers 32 are aligned with the centerline 28 of the support bracket 24. Figure 7 (Aligned). Advantageously, in the illustrated embodiment, the support bracket 24 comprises only two stamped retaining fingers 32, thereby simplifying manufacturing. The support bracket 24 may be manufactured without additional stamped penetrations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining or increasing the strength of the support bracket 24. The retaining fingers 32 are configured to be received within corresponding locking holes 34 distributed along the length of the post 16. Details of the retaining fingers 32 and the locking holes 34 are disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 11,925,258, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0044] More specifically, see reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6The column 16 has a generally C-shaped cross-section, wherein opposing side flanges 40, 42 extend from the central web 44 in one direction to form a channel 46. Each of the side flanges 40, 42 and the central web 44 includes keyholes 34 positioned at periodic intervals along the column 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the central web 44 includes multiple pairs of keyholes 34 arranged in rows, wherein each of the opposing side flanges 40, 42 includes a single row of keyholes 34. In one embodiment, the keyholes 34 in the central web 44 are offset in position along the length direction relative to the keyholes 34 within each of the side flanges 40 and 42. Thus, while the centers of the keyholes 34 in the side flanges 40 and 42 are aligned with each other on every horizontal plane, in one embodiment, the centers of the keyholes 34 in the central web 44 are not aligned with the centers of the keyholes 34 in the side flanges 40 and 42 at any height level. The support bracket 24 is connected to the post 16 within the channel 46 at a keyhole 34 in one of the side flanges 40, 42, and can move vertically relative to the post 16 between different keyholes 34. Therefore, the number of support brackets 24 and their corresponding heights on the post 16 from the ground can vary depending on the size of any particular storage box 12.

[0045] As described above, according to various aspects of the invention, the support bracket 24 is formed from individual material pieces or sheet materials—also referred to as blanks. The material can be a sheet metal, such as alloy steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, or other suitable metal. The support bracket 24 can be formed without a secondary manufacturing process, such as welding one or more components together to form the support bracket 24. Therefore, the support bracket 24 is not a multi-piece or multi-component structure. Rather, the support bracket 24 is a one-piece or monolithic structure.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9Details of a support bracket 24 according to an exemplary embodiment are shown and will now be described. The support bracket 24 includes a first end 48 and a second end 50 located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket 24, with a structural member 52 formed between the first and second ends. The structural member 52 has a generally C-shaped shape and is truncated inside each of the first end 48 and the second end 50 to define plate-shaped protrusions 54, 56. Visually, the plate-shaped protrusions 54, 56 protrude beyond the structural member 52 to define the ends 48, 50 of the support bracket 24. Each plate-shaped protrusion 54, 56 includes a stamped retaining finger 32 for securing the ends 48, 50 of the support bracket 24 to corresponding locking holes 34 in the post 16, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown.

[0047] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the C-shaped cross-section of structural member 52 is provided by a top flange 58 and a bottom flange 60, with a web 62 extending between the top and bottom flanges. The web 62 forms the vertical portion of structural member 52, and the flanges 58 and 60 define the contact surface of the storage box during use. In an exemplary embodiment, the top flange 58 extends perpendicular to the web 62 such that the entire top flange 58 lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the web 62. The top flange 58 is flat. This configuration requires only a single bend to define the web 62 and the top flange 58. In other words, the top flange 58 has no bend from the web 62 to its outer edge. Furthermore, since the entire top flange 58 is a single plane, the entire surface can be used to receive the storage box 12 in a slidable manner, thereby simplifying the insertion and removal of the storage box 12 from the storage unit 10. The bottom flange 60 and the web 62 have a similar configuration.

[0048] That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the bottom flange 60 extends perpendicular to the web 62, such that the entire bottom flange 60 lies in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the web 62. The bottom flange 60 is flat. This configuration requires only a single bend to define the web 62 and the bottom flange 60. In other words, the bottom flange 60 has no bend from the web 62 to its outer edge. Furthermore, since the entire bottom flange 60 is a single plane, the entire surface can be used to slidably receive the storage box 12, thereby simplifying the insertion and removal of the storage box 12 from the storage unit 10.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the top flange 58 is wider than the bottom flange 60, as measured vertically from the web 62. For example, the top flange 58 may be at least 10% wider than the bottom flange 60. By another example, the width of the top flange 58 may be at least twice the width of the bottom flange 60. As another example, the width of the top flange 58 may be up to four times the width of the bottom flange 60, and as yet another example, the width of the top flange 58 may be up to five times the width of the bottom flange 60. Although not shown, in an alternative embodiment, the bottom flange 60 may be wider than the top flange 58. The top flange 58, the bottom flange 60, and the web 62 together define a channel 64 that extends the length of the structural member 52. The top flange 58 and the bottom flange 60 are generally parallel to each other and define corresponding edges 66 and 68. The web 62 may have rounded corners at each transition point of the structural member 52 to the top flange 58 and to the bottom flange 60. Typically, the height of the web 62 (i.e., the distance between the bottom flange 60 and the top flange 58) can be greater than the corresponding dimension of the closed portion of the storage box 12, as described below.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the plate-like protrusion 54 is an extension of the web 62. Each of the top flange 58 and the bottom flange 60 defines an abutment edge 70 and 72 at each end 48, 50 of the support bracket 24, respectively. The abutment edges 70, 72 are generally perpendicular to the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the support bracket 24 and are spaced apart from each end 48, 50, defining the length dimension of the plate-like protrusions 54, 56. In the exemplary embodiment, the dimensions of the plate-like protrusions 54, 56 are related to one or more dimensions of the pillar 16 to facilitate efficient assembly of the storage unit 10. For example, the length dimension of the plate-like protrusions 54, 56 from one or both abutment edges 70, 72 to the corresponding end 48, 50 is approximately equal to the width dimension of the side flanges 40, 42. As another example, the position of the fixing finger 32 in each plate-shaped protrusion 54, 56 from the corresponding end 48, 50 and / or from one or both abutment edges 70, 72 is related to the distance of the locking hole 34 in the side flanges 40, 42 from the central web 44 of the post 16. (See reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 The top flange 58 may have one or more holes 74, which are located at or near the plate-shaped protrusion 54. The holes 74 are configured to suspend the support bracket 24 during, for example, a spraying or coating process.

[0051] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2During the assembly of the storage unit 10 shown, after the beam 20 and column 16 are assembled, according to the embodiment and reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The plate-shaped protrusions 54 and 56 are inserted into the channel 46 of the post 16 so that the fixing fingers 32 are laterally aligned with the locking holes 34 in the corresponding side flanges 40 and 42. The support bracket 24 is moved vertically downward relative to the side flanges 40 and 42 so that the fixing fingers 32 engage with the locking holes 34 at each end 48 and 50. According to the embodiment, the relative dimensions of the support bracket 24 and the post 16 facilitate efficient assembly of the support bracket 24 on the post 16. For example, the length of the plate-shaped protrusions 54 and 56 may be equal to or greater than the depth of the channel 46 defined by the side flanges 40 and 42 and the central web 44. The plate-shaped protrusions 54 and 56 are inserted into the channel 46 of the post 16 so that the corresponding ends 48 and 50 abut against the central web 44, thereby laterally aligning the fixing fingers 32 with the locking holes 34. In this way, visual alignment of the fixing finger 32 with the keyhole 34 is not required, as alignment is achieved through contact between the corresponding ends 48, 50 and the central web 44. Alternatively, the plate-shaped protrusions 54, 56 may be shorter than the depth of the channel 46. In this case, the abutting edges 70 and / or 72 of the structural member 52 may abut against the edges of the side flanges 40, 42. Abutting edges 70 and / or 72 against the side flanges 40, 42 allows alignment of the fixing finger 32 with the keyhole 34. In other words, embodiments of the invention envision the presence of physical stops (e.g., corresponding ends 48, 50 abutting against the central web 44, or edges 70, 72 abutting against the side flanges 40, 42) between the support bracket 24 and the column 16 during assembly to ensure lateral alignment of the fixing finger 32 with the keyhole 34. The engagement between the plate-shaped protrusions 54 and 56 and the corresponding post 16 is maintained by the engagement between each fixed finger 32 and the corresponding lock hole 34.

[0052] After the storage unit 10 is assembled, and referenced Figure 3 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 —A pair of support brackets 24 are connected to the posts 16, with the top flange 58 and bottom flange 60 of one support bracket 24 connected to the post 16 respectively facing the top flange 58 and bottom flange 60 of the opposite support bracket 24 connected to the opposite post 16. That is, when the pair of support brackets 24 are connected to the posts 16, the opposite top flange 58 and the opposite bottom flange 60 extend toward each other. Each pair of flanges 58, 60 defines a plane for slidably receiving the storage box 12, such as… Figure 3As indicated by arrow 76. Additionally, in this respect, edges 66 and / or 68 on the opposing support brackets 24 respectively form an upper receiving gap 78 and a lower receiving gap 80. When the storage box 12 is inserted between the opposing support brackets 24 for storage in the storage unit 10, gaps 78 and 80 (…) Figure 3 A portion of the receiving compartment 12 is received. Each receiving gap 78 and 80 is a narrow space between the support brackets 24, and its size is smaller than at least one dimension of the storage compartment 12, for example, smaller than the width dimension of the storage compartment. After the storage compartment 12 is received in the receiving gaps 78, 80, there is an interference fit between the storage compartment 12 and the receiving gaps 78, 80 in the direction of gravity. Then, a portion of the storage compartment 12 engages with each of the paired support brackets 24 under the action of gravity. Specifically, the storage compartment 12 directly contacts each of the flanges 58 and is supported on or formed on each of the flanges 58.

[0053] For example, in Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 12 is shown supported on the top flange 58 of an opposing support bracket 24. The exemplary storage compartment 12 is received in each of the receiving gaps 78 and 80. The storage compartment 12 is configured for storing items and has a lid 82 that is releasably attached to the body or base 84. Reference Figure 13 The exemplary base 84 has wedge-shaped sidewalls that define an edge 86 through which items can be loaded into the storage compartment 12 when the lid 82 is not in place. The edge 86 is then closed by the lid 82 to prevent any combination of dust, dirt, and moisture from entering. At the edge 86, the base 84 includes an outwardly and downwardly extending lip 90. In the example shown, the lid 82 includes a corresponding lip 92 configured to engage with the lip 90 of the base 84 when the lid 82 is properly positioned on the base 84.

[0054] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13 In this embodiment, storage unit 10 receives storage box 12 in receiving gaps 78 and 80 at a position below cover 82. In an exemplary embodiment, storage box 12 rests on support bracket 24 at edge 86—particularly on the lip 90 of base 84. While a particular storage box configuration has been shown and described for storage system 14, other storage boxes 12 may also be used for storage unit 10. For example, for a wedge-shaped storage box, base 84 may be supported at a position below lip 90, for example, at a position where the width of base 84 is equal to the receiving gap 78. Advantageously, regarding Figure 13In the embodiment shown, a person can remove the cover 82 and add / remove items from the storage box 12 without removing the storage box 12 from the storage unit 10.

[0055] As another example, in Figure 14 In the illustrated embodiment, the storage compartment 12 is supported on the opposing bottom flange 60. Specifically, the lip 90 of the base 84 rests on the bottom flange 60. In this embodiment, the distance between the top flange 58 and the bottom flange 60 is greater than the height of the lip 90. This allows the storage compartment 12 to slide into the storage compartment receiving gap 78. Since the storage compartment 12 is supported by the bottom flange 60, the top flange 58 extends outward over the lid 82, thereby preventing the lid 82 from being removed when the storage compartment 12 is stored. Figure 14 The storage box 12 in the middle can be compared to Figure 13 As shown in the figure. Therefore, storage unit 10 can accommodate storage boxes 12 of different sizes within the same storage unit, which provides additional flexibility and functionality to storage unit 10.

[0056] While the invention has been illustrated by way of description of various embodiments thereof, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended that the scope of the appended claims be limited to such details or in any way. Therefore, the various features discussed herein can be used alone or in any combination. Further advantages and modifications will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus, the invention is not limited in its broader aspects to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Therefore, deviations from these details may be made without departing from the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A support bracket for use in a storage unit to support a storage box, the support bracket comprising: The first end and the second end are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket; A structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein (i) The structural member includes a web separating a top flange and a bottom flange, the web, the top flange, and the bottom flange together defining a C-shaped cross-section. (ii) The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width measured from the web, wherein the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange, and (iii) At least the top flange is located in a plane perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the storage box; as well as A plate-shaped protrusion defines each of the first end and the second end of the structural member, and a fixing finger is formed in each plate-shaped protrusion.

2. The support bracket according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the top flange and the bottom flange lies in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the web, and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the storage box.

3. The support bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

4. The support bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

5. The support bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The support bracket includes two fixed finger-like components.

6. The support bracket according to claim 5, wherein, The two fixed fingers are aligned on the center line of the support bracket.

7. The support bracket according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the top flange and the bottom flange does not extend the entire length of the support bracket to define spaced abutment edges inside the first end and the second end.

8. The support bracket according to claim 7, wherein, The web extends beyond the abutting edge by a distance to form opposing plate-shaped protrusions at each of the first and second ends.

9. A storage unit for storing a storage box, the storage unit comprising: Multiple columns; as well as Pairs of support brackets, each of which is configured to attach to two of the plurality of columns, each pair of support brackets being configured to support a storage box. Each of the paired support brackets includes: The first end and the second end are located at opposite longitudinal ends of the support bracket; A structural member extending longitudinally between the first end and the second end, wherein (i) The structural member includes a web separating a top flange and a bottom flange, the web, the top flange, and the bottom flange together defining a C-shaped cross-section. (ii) The top flange and the bottom flange each have a width measured from the web, wherein the width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is greater than the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange, and (iii) At least the top flange lies in a plane perpendicular to the web and is configured to support the storage box; and A plate-shaped protrusion defines each of the first end and the second end of the structural member, and a fixing finger is formed in each plate-shaped protrusion.

10. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, Each of the top flange and the bottom flange lies in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the web, and each of the top flange and the bottom flange is configured to support the storage box.

11. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least twice the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

12. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, The width of one of the top flange and the bottom flange is at least four times the width of the other of the top flange and the bottom flange.

13. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, Each pair of support brackets in the support frame is configured to define a sliding plane for receiving the storage box.

14. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, The support bracket includes two fixed finger-like components.

15. The storage unit according to claim 14, wherein, The two fixed fingers are aligned on the center line of the support bracket.

16. The storage unit according to claim 9, wherein, Neither the top flange nor the bottom flange extends the entire length of the support bracket to define spaced abutment edges on the inner sides of the first end and the second end.

17. The storage unit according to claim 16, wherein, The web extends beyond the abutting edge by a distance to form opposing plate-like protrusions at each of the first and second ends.

18. The storage unit according to claim 17, wherein, Each of the plurality of columns includes a central web that separates two opposing side flanges, and wherein the central web and the two opposing side flanges define a C-shaped cross section.

19. The storage unit according to claim 18, wherein, Conversely, each of the plate-shaped protrusions is configured to be connected in the central web to one of the two opposing side flanges.

20. The storage unit according to claim 18, wherein, Each of the central web and the two opposing side flanges of the plurality of columns includes a plurality of keyholes.

21. The storage unit according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of keyholes in the two opposing side flanges are offset in the longitudinal direction relative to the plurality of keyholes in the central web.

22. A storage system comprising a storage unit according to claim 9 and one or more storage boxes, each storage box comprising a base and a lid, and the storage boxes being configured to be slidably received within the storage unit.

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