Mobile storage system

Abstract

A mobile storage cabinet is provided. The mobile storage cabinet includes a chassis having base structural beams defining a base, and top structural beams defining a top section. Base support beams extend between opposite ones of the base structural beams and top support beams extend between opposite ones of the top structural beams. Uprights extend between the base and the top section to define a storage area therebetween. The cabinet also includes a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area to define storage cells. A wheel assembly is coupled to the base and has a plurality of wheels configured to contact a ground surface and maintain the base elevated relative to the ground surface to enable displacement of the mobile storage cabinet.

Description

MOBILE STORAGE SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to storage systems, and more particularly relates to mobile storage systems having a division mechanism made of fabric.BACKGROUND

[0002] Known storage systems can be configured to store stacks of components. Therefore, accessing components near the bottom of the pile can require lifting the components on top, or completely de-stacking the components. This is time consuming and includes many safety risks (e.g., the stack can fall over).

[0003] Other systems include cabinets configured to store components side-by-side. These cabinets can include notches near the top and bottom to assist in delimiting “cells” in the cabinet. However, the components from one cell can come into contact with the component in another cell, which can lead to damage to the components and / or the cabinet. In addition, having multiple components in a given cell can include the same downsides as other storage systems, such as having to remove some components to access others, among others.

[0004] It would thus be particularly useful to be able to provide an improved device or assembly which would be able to overcome or at the very least minimize some of the known drawbacks and / or deficiencies associated with conventional methods and / or devices, for example.SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a mobile storage cabinet is provided. The mobile storage cabinet includes a chassis comprising base structural beams defining a generally rectangular base and top structural beams defining a generally rectangular top section spaced from the base. The chassis also includes base support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the base structural beams, top support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the topstructural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween. The cabinet has a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein; and a wheel assembly coupled to the base and having a plurality of wheels configured to contact a ground surface and maintain the base elevated relative to the ground surface to enable displacement of the mobile storage cabinet.

[0006] According to a possible embodiment, the flexible divider includes a single continuous piece of fabric weaved through the chassis by repeatedly extending around one of the top support beams, extending through the storage area towards the base, extending around one of the base support beams, and extending through the storage area towards the top section.

[0007] According to a possible embodiment, the flexible divider comprises a plurality of pieces of fabric positioned generally vertically and connected at opposite ends thereof to the base and the top section.

[0008] According to a possible embodiment, each piece of fabric extends between respective ones of adjacent base support beams and top support beams such that each cell has a width corresponding to a width of the corresponding base and top support beams.

[0009] According to a possible embodiment, each cell comprises cell walls defined by adjacent pieces of fabric, a cell floor defined by the base support beam between the cell walls, and a cell ceiling defined by the top support beam between the cell walls.

[0010] According to a possible embodiment, the chassis further comprises intermediate structural beams extending generally horizontally between the uprights to define a substantially rectangular intermediate section between the base and the top section, the chassis further comprises intermediate support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the intermediate structural beams of the intermediate section, the intermediate section defining a first storage tier between the base and the intermediate section, and a second storage tier between the top section and the intermediate section.

[0011] According to another aspect, a mobile storage cabinet is provided and includes a chassis defining a storage area; a division mechanism coupled to the chassis and comprising a textile divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area to define a plurality of storage cells within the storage area; and a wheel assembly coupled to the chassis and comprising at least one wheel to enable displacement of the mobile storage cabinet.

[0012] According to a possible embodiment, the chassis comprises an outer frame having a plurality of structural beams connected together in a box-shaped configuration.

[0013] According to a possible embodiment, the chassis comprises an inner frame comprises support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the plurality of structural beams, and wherein the textile divider is adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent support beams.

[0014] According to a possible embodiment, each cell is defined by at least two lengths of the textile divider extending through the storage area.

[0015] According to a possible embodiment, the textile divider comprises at least one section of fabric connected at opposite ends thereof to the chassis, and wherein the at least one section of fabric has a length extending through the storage area at least one time.

[0016] According to a possible embodiment, the length of the at least one section of fabric extends through the storage area two or more times and is woven through the chassis.

[0017] According to a possible embodiment, the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending substantially vertically through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another, and wherein each cell is defined between at least two adjacent sections of fabric.

[0018] According to a possible embodiment, the wheel assembly comprises wheel support beams coupled to and extending from a base of the chassis, and further comprises wheels respectively coupled to an end of each wheel support beam.

[0019] According to a possible embodiment, the support beams of the inner frame are adapted to define at least two tiers of the mobile storage cabinet, wherein the at least two tiers are stacked one on top of the other.

[0020] According to a possible embodiment, the chassis comprises extension beams extending from the outer frame and defining an extension storage area adjacent the storage area.

[0021] According to a possible embodiment, the extension storage area extends along generally an entire height of the chassis.

[0022] According to another aspect, a storage cabinet is provided. The storage cabinet includes a chassis comprising base structural beams defining a generally rectangular base and top structural beams defining a generally rectangular top section spaced from the base; base support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the base structural beams; top support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the top structural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween. The storage cabinet also has a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein.

[0023] According to another aspect, a storage cabinet is provided. The storage cabinet includes a chassis comprising base structural beams defining a base; top structural beams defining a top section spaced from the base; base support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the base structural beams; top support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the top structural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween; and a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein.

[0024] According to a possible embodiment, each storage cell is defined by at least two lengths of the flexible divider extending through the storage area.

[0025] According to a possible embodiment, the flexible divider comprises at least one section of fabric connected at opposite ends thereof to the chassis, and wherein the at least one section of fabric has a length extending through the storage area at least one time.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, the length of the at least one section of fabric extends through the storage area two or more times and is woven through the chassis.

[0027] According to a possible embodiment, the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another.

[0028] According to a possible embodiment, the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending substantially vertically through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another, and wherein each cell is defined between at least two adjacent sections of fabric.

[0029] According to a possible embodiment, at least one of the top structural beams and the base structural beams include one or more pairs of notches, and wherein the flexible divider includes chassis connectors at opposite ends thereof, the chassis connectors being adapted to engage respective pairs of notches for connecting the flexible divider to the chassis.

[0030] According to a possible embodiment, the top structural beams include a plurality of pairs of notches defined along a length of opposite top structural beams, each notch of the pairs of notches having an open end opening on a top edge of the top structural beam to enable inserting the chassis connectors in respective pairs of notches from above.

[0031] According to a possible embodiment, the flexible divider includes looped sections defining pockets, and wherein the chassis connectors comprises rods insertable through respective pockets such that opposite ends of the rods extend from the pockets and are adapted to engage respective pairs of notches.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobile storage cabinet according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 is a front view of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1 , showing three tiers of the mobile storage cabinet stacked on top of each other, according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1, showing a wheel assembly coupled to a base of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 4 is another perspective view of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1 , showing secondary support beams mounted along each tier of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 4, showing a textile divider extending between the secondary support beams, according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a textile divider weaved through a structure of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the textile divider shown in Figure 5, weaved through the different tiers of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a textile divider weaved through a structure of the mobile storage cabinet, according to another embodiment.

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a plurality of the textile divider shown in Figure 7 weaved through respective tiers of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 9 is a schematic representation of individual textile dividers coupled to the support beams and extending through a structure of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the textile dividers shown in Figure 9, extending through the different tiers of the mobile storage cabinet, according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic representation of a plurality of textile dividers, according to different embodiments.

[0044] Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of a textile divider, showing a piece of fabric provided with frame connectors at opposite ends thereof, according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a top section of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1 , showing the frame connectors coupled to the top section, according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the top section shown in Figure 15, showing a plurality of textile divider removed from the chassis and showing notches defined along top beams of the top section, according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1 , showing coupling members connected to base beams for engagement with the frame connectors of the textile dividers, according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 18 is a front view of a section of the mobile storage cabinet shown in Figure 1 , showing a clip attaching a plurality of adjacent textile dividers together, according to an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 19 is another embodiment of the mobile storage cabinet, showing a handle connected to the wheel assembly.

[0050] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a storage system made from a plurality of mobile storage cabinets, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] As will be explained below in relation to various embodiments, the present disclosure describes apparatuses, systems and methods for storing a large number of components where each component is individually accessible. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mobile storage cabinet having a division mechanism configured to define individual cells within the cabinet. Components can therefore be stored individually, in respective cells, and transported together with the cabinet. The individual cells can be shaped and sized to store substantially thin components such as lumber, panels, boards, doors, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cabinet is a multi-tier cabinet have two or more levels of cells to increase storage capacity of the cabinet. The division mechanism is adapted to define individual cells across each tier (or level) of the cabinet. The division mechanism can include a flexible divider connectable to sections of the cabinet to define the cells. In some embodiments, the flexible divider is adapted to be woven through portions of the cabinet such that a plurality of cells can be defined by a common part of the flexible divider. For instance, the flexible divider can be made of material that can be substantially thin (e.g., between 0.005” to 0.04”) and resistant to various manipulations (e.g., bending, folding, stretching, etc.) and / or resistant to impacts and scratching. In some embodiments, the flexible divider is made of textile (e.g., fabric) to facilitate weaving the flexible divider through the structure of the cabinet, such as a rigid chassis, for example. The textile provides additional protection and can also prevent components from adjacent cells from contacting each other directly. Therefore, the textile protects the components by reducing the risk of damages and breakage during transport, among others.

[0053] In some embodiments, the textile divider includes a single, continuous piece of fabric woven through specific locations of the chassis to define the cells. Alternatively, the textile divider can include a plurality of pieces of fabric, such as sections of fabric connected to and / or woven through the cabinet, or individual dividers (e.g., individual sheets) separating each cell or each column of cells. Each cell can be provided with a reference number to assist in identifying the component stored therein. As will be further described below, the textile divider of the division mechanism can define a more compact, more efficient, more reliable, more adjustable, more versatile, more adaptable, moreergonomic and / or more desirable storage cabinet than what is possible or available with known or similar products and systems.

[0054] With reference to Figures 1 and 4a, a storage cabinet 10 according to an embodiment is shown. The storage cabinet 10 is configured to store components 15 therein to facilitate storage and / or transport of the stored components 15 together (e.g., as a unit). In this embodiment, the storage cabinet 10 includes a chassis 12 and a division mechanism 14 adapted to cooperate with the chassis 12 to define cells 16. The components 15 can be stored within the cells 16. More specifically, in some embodiments, the cells 16 are shaped and sized to store a single one of the components 15 such that each component is stored in respective cells 16. The components 15 are therefore separated from adjacent components by the division mechanism 14. However, it is appreciated that two or more components may be stored in a common cell.

[0055] In this embodiment, the chassis 12 includes a rigid structure made of a plurality of structural beams 20 connected to one another. In some embodiments, the structural beams 20 can include outer beams 22 (defining an outer frame) and inner beams 24 (extending within the area defined by the outer frame). The outer beams 22 are configured to define the overall shape of the storage cabinet 10, while the inner beams 24 are connected to and extend between at least two of the outer beams 22. The outer and inner beams 22, 24 can be substantially the same (e.g., structurally). For instance, each one of the structural beams 20 can include a steel beam, such as hollow structural sections (HSS) steel beams having any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular, square, elliptical, circular, etc.). However, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible, such as having the outer and inner beams be different types of beams. In some embodiments, the structural beams 20 can include any suitable combination of types of beams, such as HSS beams, angled beams (e.g., L-shaped beams), I-beams, T-beams, H-beams, channeled beams (or C-shaped or U-shaped beams), etc. The structural beams can also be hollow or full, or a combination thereof.

[0056] In this embodiment, the outer beams 22 can include base beams 25 defining a base 26 of the chassis 12, top beams 27 defining a top section 28 of the chassis 12, and uprights 29 connected to and extending between the base 26 and the top section 28. It is appreciated that, in this embodiment, the base 26 corresponds to the bottommost portionof the chassis 12, whereas the top section 28 corresponds to the topmost portion of the chassis 12. The inner beams 24 can include support beams 30 connected to and extending between at least two of the uprights 29. In this embodiment, the support beams 30 extend transversely relative to the uprights, such as at a right angle, for example. More particularly, the support beams 30 can be substantially horizontal while the uprights 29 can be substantially vertical.

[0057] As will described further below, the support beams 30 can include longitudinal support beams 32 extending along a length (L) of the chassis 12 (e.g., in a first direction) between two uprights 29 and secondary support beams 34 extending along a width (W) of the chassis 12 (e.g., in a second direction) between two uprights 29. The longitudinal support beams 32 and the secondary support beams 34 can be substantially perpendicular relative to one another. In this embodiment, the chassis 12 has a generally box-shaped configuration, having substantially straight structural elements defining six (6) faces and eight (8) corners, although other configurations are possible. In some embodiments, some faces of the chassis can be opened, such as the front and back surfaces (e.g., seen in Figure 2), or closed, such as the lateral / side surfaces, for example.

[0058] As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the chassis 12, and more specifically the structural beams 20 can define a plurality (e.g., two or more) of tiers 35 for storing components 15. In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 includes a chassis 12 having three (3) tiers 35, such as a bottom tier 35a, a middle (or intermediate) tier 35b and a top tier 35c, adapted to store substantially the same number of components 15. In other words, each tier 35 has generally the same dimensions and cooperates with the division mechanism 14 to define the same number of cells 16. Alternatively, it is appreciated that each tier of the cabinet 10 can have different shapes and / or include different numbers of cells. For instance, larger cells can be defined along the bottom tier 35a for storing larger and / or heavier components, while smaller cells can be defined along the middle and / or top tiers 35b, 35c, for storing smaller and / or lighter components. The cabinet 10 can also include more than one middle tier 35b. The overall shape of the cabinet 10 can have any other suitable configuration to enable storage of a different number of components, such as having a generally pyramidal shape to allow for a greater number of (or larger) components 15 to be stored along the bottom tier, for example.

[0059] In this embodiment, and as seen in Figures 4 and 4A, each tier 35 is formed by at least two (2) longitudinal support beams 32 and two (2) secondary support beams 34 extending between respective pairs of uprights along an outer perimeter of the chassis 12, thereby defining the outer perimeter of the corresponding tier. In some embodiments, each tier 35 can include additional secondary support beams 34’ extending parallel to each other between the two longitudinal support beams 32. The additional secondary support beams 34’ are provided side-by-side and spaced from one another by about 0.1 to 2 inches to facilitate cooperation with the division mechanism 14, as will be described below. In this embodiment, each additional secondary support beam 34’ can define a support surface for one of the cells 16. In other words, the components stored in any one of the cells can contact and rest on the additional secondary support beams 34’ defining that cell. It is appreciated that protection, such as padding (e.g., foam, carpet, etc.) can be installed along the additional secondary support beams 34’ to provide additional protection to the components stored thereon.

[0060] In some embodiments, the additional secondary support beams 34’ are removably and / or slidably coupled to the longitudinal support beams 32, thereby enabling adjustment of their relative positions with other (e.g., adjacent) additional secondary support beams 34’. For instance, the longitudinal support beams 32 can have a generally L-shaped configuration for defining a shelf on an inner side thereof for receiving the additional secondary support beams 34’. Particularly, the pair of opposite longitudinal support beams 32 provide respective shelves such that each end of the additional secondary support beams 34’ is supported. In this embodiment, the longitudinal support beams 32 are adapted to support a predetermined number of additional secondary support beams 34’. As such, upon providing the predetermined number of additional secondary support beams 34’, the shelves are substantially “filled” to generally prevent displacement of the additional secondary support beams relative to one another and / or the chassis.

[0061] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, the cabinet 10 can be a mobile storage system configured to be displaced, thereby enabling transportation of the components stored therein. In this embodiment, the cabinet 10 can be provided with a wheel assembly 40 coupled to the base 26 of the chassis 12. The wheel assembly 40 illustratively includes a plurality of wheels 42 coupled to the chassis 12 for facilitatingdisplacement thereof and transportation of the stored components. The wheels 42 can be any suitable type of wheel coupled at any suitable location. For instance, in this embodiment, the cabinet 10 includes four (4) wheels 42 coupled to the chassis 12 proximate respective corners of the base 26. Each wheel 42 being adapted to contact a ground surface to lift the chassis 12 and prevent the base 26 from contacting the ground.

[0062] In some embodiments, the wheel assembly 40 includes wheel support beams 44 coupled to the base 26 of the chassis 12, with the wheels 42 being connected to the wheel support beams 44. In this embodiment, the wheel assembly 40 can include a pair of wheel support beams 44 extending along opposite sides of the chassis 12. Each wheel support beam 44 can have two wheels 42 connected thereto, such as one wheel at each end, although other configurations are possible. It should be noted that other mechanisms can be implemented as an alternative, or in addition to the wheel assembly. For example, tracks, tracked treads, a rolling assembly comprising ball bearings and / or a combination of multiple assemblies can be used to facilitate displacement of the cabinet 10. In other possible embodiments, the cabinets 10 can be incorporated as part of a storage facility provided with tracks, and where a plurality of cabinets can be coupled to the tracks via any suitable mechanism. The tracks can be provided below (e.g., along the ground) or above (e.g., overhanging the cabinets and / or along the ceiling) or both.

[0063] Now referring to Figures 4 to 12, in addition to Figures 1 to 3, the division mechanism 14 is configured to cooperate with the structural beams 20 of the chassis 12 to define the cells 16 to store the components. In this embodiment, the division mechanism 14 includes a separator, such as a textile divider 50 connected to sections of the chassis 12 to define the cells 16. The textile divider defines the wall of each cell and is adapted to provide some form of protection to the components by at least partially preventing the components from contacting or impacting each other. In other words, the textile divider 50 can protect the components by reducing the risks of damaging and breaking the components during transport, among others. It should therefore be noted that, in this embodiment, each cell is defined laterally by the textile divider (e.g., the “walls” of the cell) and is further defined by the additional secondary support beams 34’ above (e.g., the ceiling of the cell) and below (e.g., the floor of the cell). It is further noted that the width of each cell can be defined at least by the thickness of the additional secondary support beams 34’, and that the height is defined by the distance between the tiers of the cabinet10. In some embodiments, each cell is open-ended in the front, in the back, or both. Components can thus be inserted (e.g., slid) into the cells from the front, the back or both.

[0064] In some embodiments, the textile divider 50 can be connected to one or more of the additional secondary support beams 34’ extending across the various tiers 35 of the cabinet 10. The textile divider 50 can include a piece of fabric 52 woven through the chassis 12 at various locations. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the textile divider 50 can include a single, continuous piece of fabric 52 woven through each tier 35 of the cabinet, between the base 26 and the top section 28. This configuration is schematically represented in Figures 5 and 6. The single piece of fabric 52 is connected to one of the structural beams 20 of the chassis 12, such as proximate the top section 28, runs along substantially the entire height of the cabinet towards the base 26, passes around one of the secondary support beams 34 of the base 26, and runs back along the height of the cabinet towards the top section 28. The piece of fabric 52 then surrounds one of the secondary support beams 34 of the top section 28 and extends back towards the base, and so on. It is noted that the piece of fabric runs through the space defined between adjacent pairs of secondary support beams 34. Therefore, it should be understood that the space between adjacent pairs of secondary support beams 34 can be sized to allow the piece of fabric to extend therethrough. In other words, the space can be equal or slightly greater than the thickness of the piece of fabric, for example.

[0065] It is thus noted that the single piece of fabric is therefore “woven” into the structure of the cabinet, thereby defining the walls of the cells 16. It is also noted that the weaved configuration of textile divider 50 enables the creation of cells using both sides of the piece of fabric 52. For example, and with reference to Figure 6, the single piece of fabric 52 has a top surface 54 and a bottom surface 56. In this exemplary embodiment, cell 16a is defined between two portions of the single piece of fabric on the side of the top surface 54, whereas cell 16b is defined between two portions of the single piece of fabric on the side of the bottom surface 56. The textile divider can be secured to the chassis 12 at various locations, such as at opposite ends of the piece of fabric 52, for example. The single piece of fabric 52 can be further secured to the chassis at one or more locations along its length, for instance, to any one of the secondary support beams 34.

[0066] Alternatively, and as schematically shown in Figures 7 and 8, the textile divider 50 can include multiple pieces of fabric 52, such as one piece of fabric for each tier of the cabinet. In this embodiment, each piece of fabric 52 is woven through the structure of the cabinet but is contained to a single tier 35. Therefore, in this embodiment, the textile divider can include a bottom piece of fabric 52a woven through the chassis along the bottom tier 35a. The bottom piece of fabric 52a is adapted to be woven between secondary support beams 34 of the base 26 and additional secondary support beams 34’ (e.g., above the base). The textile divider similarly includes a top piece of fabric 52c woven through the chassis along the top tier 35c. The top piece of fabric 52c is adapted to be woven between secondary support beams 34 of the top section 28 and additional secondary support beams 34’ (e.g., below the top section). It is thus appreciated that the textile divider can include a middle or intermediate piece of fabric 52b woven through the chassis along the one or more middle tiers 35b. The middle piece of fabric 52b is adapted to be woven between additional secondary support beams 34’ above, and additional secondary support beams 34’ below.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the textile divider 50 can include a plurality of pieces of fabric 52, such as sections or sheets of fabric, extending vertically and in a side-by-side configuration. Each vertical piece of fabric can be connected at opposite ends thereof to one of the secondary support beams 34 of the base 26 and to one of the secondary support beams 34 of the top section 28, respectively. As shown in Figure 11 , the vertical pieces of fabric can alternatively extend along a single tier of the chassis, extending between corresponding secondary support beams 34 and / or additional secondary support beams 34’. It is appreciated that other configurations of the textile divider are possible and may be implemented to define the cells of the cabinet, such as having a combination of woven sections of fabric and vertical pieces of fabric, or vertical pieces of fabric defining cells for multiple tiers of the cabinet, but not for the full height, for example. In yet another possible embodiment, as seen in Figure 12, the textile divider 50 can include a plurality of pieces of fabric woven between and / or through portions of the chassis. In the illustrated embodiment, a single piece of fabric can be coupled to adjacent additional secondary support beams 34’ (e.g., at opposite ends of the piece of fabric) and woven about a single secondary support beams 34. It is appreciated that otherconfigurations are possible, such as a combination of any of the configurations discussed herein, for instance.

[0068] With reference to Figures 13 and 14, a possible embodiment of the textile divider 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the textile divider 50 includes a single piece of fabric 52 adapted to be woven through the chassis (e.g., as seen in Figures 5, 7 and 12) or coupled thereto substantially vertically (e.g. as seen in Figures 9 and 11). The textile divider 50 includes frame connectors (or chassis connectors) 58 at opposite ends thereof configured for connection with the chassis 12 of the cabinet 10. In this embodiment, the frame connectors 58 can include rods 60, and the piece of fabric 52 can include looped sections 62 defining pockets 64 adapted to receive the rods 60. The rods can then be connected to the chassis 12 for connecting the textile divider 50 thereto.

[0069] Now referring to Figures 15 to 17, in addition to Figures 13 and 14, the textile divider 50 can be coupled to any suitable location of the frame to enable the fabric 52 to define the desired configuration of cells. In this embodiment, opposite ends of the textile divider 50 are coupled to the base 26 and top section 28, respectively. Particularly, and as seen in Figure 16, the top beams 27 can have notches 64 or recesses defined along a length thereof for receiving an end of any given rod 60. It is thus noted that, with opposite top beams 27 having a matching set of notches 64, opposite ends of the rod 60 can be inserted in respective notches 64 (e.g., opposing notches) for connecting the rod to the top section 28. In this embodiment, the rod 60 can be held in the notches 64 via gravity. For example, the rods 60 can be deposited in respective pairs of notches, with the fabric 52 hanging therefrom. However, it is appreciated that other configurations are possible. For instance, the geometry of the rod and / or the notches can enable the ends of the rod to “clip” into the notches. Alternatively, the ends of the rod can define a press-fit connection with respective notches, among other possibilities. It should also be noted that that the size of the cells defined by the different pieces of fabric 52 can be adjusted, for example, by moving a given pair of rods 60 from one set of notches to another and / or by omitting one or more piece of fabric (e.g., by removing corresponding rods 60).

[0070] In some embodiments, while a first rod 60 of a given textile divider 50 is coupled to the top section 28, a second rod (e.g., at the opposite end of the textile divider) is coupled to the base 26. More specifically, in this embodiment, the rods 60 can be adaptedto connect with the base beams 25 and / or a component secured thereto. As seen in Figure 17, the base 26 can include coupling members 66 secured to respective base beams 25 and having an overhang 68 extending therefrom. In this embodiment, the base beams 25 extend opposite one another such that the overhangs 68 of each coupling member 66 extend towards one another. The rods 60 coupled to the base 26 can be positioned below the opposing overhangs 68, between the base beams 25. As such, it is noted that the fabric 52 extends between a top rod coupled to the top beams 27 (e.g., in the notches 64) and a bottom rod coupled to the base beams 25 (e.g., below the overhangs 68). The distance between the base beams 25 and the top beams 27 can be similar to a length of the fabric 52. Therefore, the sheet of fabric 52 is stretched and / or tensed upon connecting each rod 60 to the base and the top section, respectively. Each textile divider 50 can be installed in this manner adjacent one another and spaced to define cells 16 therebetween.

[0071] It is noted that other configurations for installing the sheets of fabric 52 are possible. For instance, the top section can be provided with overhangs similar to the coupling members 66 shown in Figure 17. In some embodiments, the base beams 25 can alternatively be provided with notches, similarly to the top beams shown in Figure 16.

[0072] As described above, the textile divider 50 is adapted to define cells 16 within the confines of the chassis 12, such as between the top section and the base, and between the four (4) uprights 29. In some embodiments, the cabinet 10 can further include an extension section 70 providing storage space outside the area defined be the four (4) uprights 29. As see in Figures 1 to 4, the extension section 70 can be defined by portions of the structural beams 20 defining the base 26 and the top section 28 which extend past the uprights 29. In this embodiment, additional secondary support beams 34’ can be installed to extend between the structural beam portions of the extension section 70, as seen in Figure 3. Alternatively, or additionally, the top beams 27 can include notches 64 on the sections extending past the uprights, as seen in Figure 16.

[0073] It is noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, the cells 16 defined along the extension section 70 are side-by-side (similar to the cells 16 within the chassis 12) and extend between the base and the top section. In other words, the cells of the extension section 70 extend along generally the entire height (H) of the cabinet and are therefore adapted to store larger, longer and / or taller components when compared to the cells 16 ofeach tier 35 of the cabinet 10. As seen in Figure 18, the cabinet 10 can include clamping devices 72 configured to clamp multiple layers of adjacent fabric 52 together. It should be noted that clamping multiple layers of adjacent fabric together can assist in securing the components within respective cells 16. More specifically, the clamping device 72 can cause the tension of the fabric to increase, thereby squeezing the components together. It is appreciated that the clamping device 72 can enable components of any size (which fit into the cells) to be stored and transported securely.

[0074] As described herein, it is appreciated that the cells 16 of the cabinet 10 are thin (e.g., have a greater height than width). In the context of the present disclosure, the cells 16 are configured to store correspondingly thin components 15, such as lumber, panels, boards, doors, etc. However, it is appreciated that other configurations and different sizes of cells can be defined using a system as the on disclosed herein. In some embodiments, each cell 16 can be labelled and / or provided with a reference number to assist in identifying the component stored therein. For example, a reference number can be printed on the structural beams 20 of the chassis, etched thereon, and / or provided on a sticker, among other possibilities to facilitate identification of each cell.

[0075] With reference to Figure 20, the cabinet 10 can be part of a storage system 100 comprised of multiple cabinets 10 positioned relative to one another to form rows or aisles of stored components. In some embodiments, the cabinets can be positioned adjacent, face-to-face and / or simply spaced from one another in any suitable direction. The wheels can be provided with locking devices to secure each cabinet 10 in place in order to form the storage system 100. In some embodiments, the cabinet 10 can be modular and configured to be connected to another cabinet 10, thereby increasing its storage capacity. For instance, the chassis 12 of one cabinet 10 can be coupled to the chassis of another cabinet. The coupling can be accomplished via an additional part, such as an additional beam configured to be fastened between the structural beams of adjacent cabinets. Alternatively, the structural beams of the cabinets can be configured to be directly connectable to the structural beams of another cabinet (e.g., without the need for extra parts). Once coupled together, the modular cabinets can be displaced as a single unit.

[0076] In other embodiments, the modular cabinets can include removable tiers 35. For instance, a cabinet 10 can be initially made up of a single tier 35, upon which additionaltiers 35 can be added and connected, thus increasing the storage capacity, e.g., vertically. The uprights 29 of each tier 35 can be shaped and configured to engage the corresponding uprights 29 of another tier to enable removably connecting the tiers together.

[0077] With reference to Figure 19, various additional features can be implemented in the storage cabinet 10. For instance, in one embodiment, the storage cabinet 10 can include a handle 80 connected to any suitable part of the chassis. The handle can be pivotally and removably connected to the wheel support beams 44, although other configurations are possible. It should be noted that the handle can be included as part of the wheel assembly, and is adapted to facilitate moving the storage cabinet (e.g., rolling the cabinet on its wheels). The cabinet 10 can also include complementary accessories, such as a space to take notes, such as a chalk board and / or dry erase board 82, a clip 84 to hold notepads or papers, etc. The cabinet 10 can also be assigned a predetermined reference number, which can be indicated in a specific location.

[0078] It will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that there is provided a mobile storage system having a solid support structure and a flexible division / separation mechanism for defining cells across the support structure. The division mechanism can be made of fabric adapted to at least partially protect the components stored within each individual cell. The fabric can include a plurality of sections of fabric connected at various locations to the support structure of the cabinet, a single continuous piece of fabric woven through the support structure, or a combination thereof. The mobile storage system provides an improved storage density configured to increase space management efficiency of a given floor plan, such as in a storage facility or factory. The expression “storage density” can refer to the amount of space provided by the storage system for storing components therein relative to the size of the components being stored. It should therefore be understood that the textile divider can provide a balance between protective characteristics for protecting the stored components (e.g., by separating each component from one another), and an improved storage density by being adequately secured to the chassis to define cells having predetermined dimensions.

[0079] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. For example,although the above disclosure describes the flexible divider as being made of fabric, it is appreciated that any other suitable material can be used, such as plastic (e.g., plastic film), paper, paperboard, etc. Moreover, the components of the chassis can be secured together, such as via welding, to form a single unit. Alternatively, each component of the chassis can be removably connectable to one another to enable assembly / disassembly of the chassis. For instance, the structural beams can be adapted to be inserted into each other, and secured together using a mechanical fastener (e.g., a pin or bolt). This configuration can enable disassembly of the chassis to facilitate storage and / or shipping thereof.

[0080] In the present disclosure, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the storage system. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the storage system may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily in all embodiments.

[0081] As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, ’’connected” or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

[0082] Similarly, positional descriptions such as “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “under”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “transverse”, “inner”,“outer”, “internal”, “external”, and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0083] In the above description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The implementations, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0084] In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the storage system as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the storage system, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A mobile storage cabinet, comprising : a chassis comprising : base structural beams defining a generally rectangular base and top structural beams defining a generally rectangular top section spaced from the base; base support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the base structural beams; top support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the top structural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, where the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween; a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein; and a wheel assembly coupled to the base and having a plurality of wheels configured to contact a ground surface and maintain the base elevated relative to the ground surface to enable displacement of the mobile storage cabinet.

2. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the flexible divider includes a single continuous piece of fabric weaved through the chassis by : extending around at least one of the top support beams; extending through the storage area towards the base;extending around at least one of the base support beams; and extending through the storage area towards the top section.

3. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 1 , wherein the flexible divider comprises a plurality of pieces of fabric positioned generally vertically and connected at opposite ends thereof to the base and the top section.

4. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 3, wherein each piece of fabric extends between respective ones of adjacent base support beams and top support beams such that each cell has a width corresponding to a width of the corresponding base and top support beams.

5. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 3 or 4, wherein each cell comprises cell walls defined by adjacent pieces of fabric, a cell floor defined by the base support beam between the cell walls, and a cell ceiling defined by the top support beam between the cell walls.

6. The mobile storage cabinet of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the chassis further comprises intermediate structural beams extending generally horizontally between the uprights to define a substantially rectangular intermediate section between the base and the top section, the chassis further comprises intermediate support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the intermediate structural beams of the intermediate section, the intermediate section defining a first storage tier between the base and the intermediate section, and a second storage tier between the top section and the intermediate section.

7. A mobile storage cabinet, comprising : a chassis defining a storage area; a division mechanism coupled to the chassis and comprising : a textile divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area to define a plurality of storage cells within the storage area; anda wheel assembly coupled to the chassis and comprising at least one wheel to enable displacement of the mobile storage cabinet.

8. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 7, wherein the chassis comprises an outer frame having a plurality of structural beams connected together in a box-shaped configuration.

9. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 8, wherein the chassis comprises an inner frame comprising support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the plurality of structural beams, and wherein the textile divider is adapted to extend between a pair of adjacent support beams.

10. The mobile storage cabinet of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each cell is defined by at least two lengths of the textile divider extending through the storage area.

11. The mobile storage cabinet of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the textile divider comprises at least one section of fabric connected at opposite ends thereof to the chassis, and wherein the at least one section of fabric has a length extending through the storage area at least one time.

12. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 11 , wherein the length of the at least one section of fabric extends through the storage area two or more times and is woven through the chassis.

13. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 11 , wherein the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending substantially vertically through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another, and wherein each cell is defined between at least two adjacent sections of fabric.

14. The mobile storage cabinet of any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the wheel assembly comprises wheel support beams coupled to and extending from a base of the chassis, and further comprises wheels respectively coupled to an end of each wheel support beam.

15. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 9, wherein the support beams of the inner frame are adapted to define at least two tiers of the mobile storage cabinet, wherein the at least two tiers are stacked one on top of the other.

16. The mobile storage cabinet of any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein the chassis comprises extension beams extending from the outer frame and defining an extension storage area adjacent the storage area.

17. The mobile storage cabinet of claim 16, wherein the extension storage area extends along generally an entire height of the chassis.

18. A storage cabinet, comprising : a chassis comprising : base structural beams defining a generally rectangular base and top structural beams defining a generally rectangular top section spaced from the base; base support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the base structural beams; top support beams connected to and extending between opposite ones of the top structural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween; and a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein.

19. A storage cabinet, comprising : a chassis comprising :base structural beams defining a base; top structural beams defining a top section spaced from the base; base support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the base structural beams; top support beams connected to and extending between at least two of the top structural beams; and uprights connected to and extending between the base and the top section, the base structural beams, top structural beams, base support beams, top support beams and uprights defining a storage area therebetween; and a division mechanism comprising a flexible divider connected to the chassis and extending through the storage area between the base and the top section to define storage cells configured for storing components therein.

20. The storage cabinet of claim 19, wherein each storage cell is defined by at least two lengths of the flexible divider extending through the storage area.

21. The storage cabinet of claim 19 or 20, wherein the flexible divider comprises at least one section of fabric connected at opposite ends thereof to the chassis, and wherein the at least one section of fabric has a length extending through the storage area at least one time.

22. The storage cabinet of claim 21 , wherein the length of the at least one section of fabric extends through the storage area two or more times and is woven through the chassis.

23. The storage cabinet of claim 21 , wherein the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another.

24. The storage cabinet of claim 21 , wherein the textile divider comprises a plurality of sections of fabric extending substantially vertically through the storage area and positioned adjacent one another, and wherein each cell is defined between at least two adjacent sections of fabric.

25. The storage cabinet of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein at least one of the top structural beams and the base structural beams include one or more pairs of notches, and wherein the flexible divider includes chassis connectors at opposite ends thereof, the chassis connectors being adapted to engage respective pairs of notches for connecting the flexible divider to the chassis.

26. The storage cabinet of claim 25, wherein the top structural beams include a plurality of pairs of notches defined along a length of opposite top structural beams, each notch of the pairs of notches having an open end opening on a top edge of the top structural beam to enable inserting the chassis connectors in respective pairs of notches from above.

27. The storage cabinet of claim 25 or 26, wherein the flexible divider includes looped sections defining pockets, and wherein the chassis connectors comprises rods insertable through respective pockets such that opposite ends of the rods extend from the pockets and are adapted to engage respective pairs of notches.

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