Material or article handling – Self-loading or unloading vehicles – Having elevating load body
Patent
1998-12-09
2000-07-04
Olszewski, Robert P.
Material or article handling
Self-loading or unloading vehicles
Having elevating load body
414498, 254 2R, A47B 5300, B62B 306
Patent
active
060829567
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a storage system and to a storage unit, for example a cabinet. The invention further relates to a system for, and a method of, transporting articles.
In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a storage system suitable for use in an of ice. For example, the storage unit may be a storage cabinet, a cupboard, a bookcase, or a drawer unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One disadvantage of most existing storage systems is that when the arrangement of the office furniture has to be changed, or a storage unit has to be moved from one place to another, it is usually necessary to empty any contents from the storage units before they can be moved. This involves considerable inconvenience and effort, as well as creating the risk of losing or mis-filing documents when they are returned to the storage units. It is, therefore, a great advantage if the storage units can be moved without being emptied, although this is not normally possible owing to the great weight of the contents.
A storage system is known that allows the storage units to be moved without first being emptied. In this system, each storage unit has engagement points on either side that can be engaged by a specialized dolly, allowing the unit to be lifted and moved to its new position.
The main disadvantage of this system is that in order to lift a storage unit, the dolly has to have access to both sides of the unit. In practice, this is often not possible either because the unit has been positioned in a corner with one of the engagement points flush against a wall, or because several units have been placed next to one another with no gaps in between. Although this problem could be avoided by leaving gaps on both sides of the units that is, of course, wasteful of space. Another disadvantage of the known system is that the engagement points are unsightly, which is a genuine consideration in a modern office environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage system that mitigates at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided a storage system including a storage unit having a base structure and a dolly for transporting the storage unit, said dolly including a lifting member engageable with the base structure, the arrangement being such that the lifting member may be brought into engagement with the base structure without requiring access to the sides of the storage unit.
Because the dolly does not require access to the sides of the storage unit, the units may be placed side-by-side with no wasted space, or flush against a dividing wall. When it becomes necessary to move a storage unit to a different position, this can be achieved easily without the need to empty the storage unit.
Advantageously, the base structure includes a forwardly-facing opening, the lifting member being brought into engagement with the base structure by insertion through said opening. Preferably, the opening is provided at ground level. This allows the dolly to be inserted underneath the storage unit so improving the stability of the unit when it is lifted and avoiding the need for a counterweight on the trolley device. The lifting mechanism can also be relatively simple and uncomplicated.
The storage unit may include a removable or movable panel adapted to cover said opening. This hides the base structure and improves the aesthetic appearance of the storage unit.
Advantageously, the width of the lifting member is less than the width of the storage unit.
The lifting member may be arranged to provide for transverse movement of the storage unit relative to the trolley device, so allowing the storage unit to be moved to a position where its center of gravity is located centrally of the dolly.
The dolly device may include a lifting mechanism for raising the lifting member. The lifting mechanism may be arranged to cause simultaneous lifting and transverse movement of the lifting member. The lifting mechanism p
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O'Connor Gerald J.
Olszewski Robert P.
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