BACKGROUND ART Storage systems, such as are commonly used for the storage of business files on shelves, have been developed in which densely packed storage shelf units may be accessed for use by sliding individual units or groups of units laterally over a supporting track system to create a space between selected units for personnel entry to access a desired shelf or shelves. Such a compact lateral storage system is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,417,524. These systems require permanent track installations in the floor areas upon which personnel must walk to access the files. Furthermore, such systems inherently require personnel entry space which cannot be used for storage.

It is also known to provide shelf storage systems in which densely packed storage shelf units are each mounted on its own track, the tracks disposed parallel to one another, and individual shelf storage units are rolled longitudinally past a unit positioned behind it to provide direct access via the space left by the shelf moved longitudinally. Such a slide-by system is shown, for example, in U.S. Patent 5,205,627. These systems are also unable to utilize fully the potentially available storage space because of the inherent need to provide space for personnel access as well as space to which the slide-by unit is moved.

It is also known in the prior art to provide densely packed shelving or file storage units which may be individually rolled longitudinally from the storage position on a shelf supporting frame with front supporting wheels which roll over the floor. Stationary guides, which extend from the stowed position, guide the rear of the carriage in the manner of a conventional drawer. Such a system is shown in U.S. Patent 4,123,126. This patent also discloses manually-powered drive means for the

carriage support wheels to move the storage unit out and back in. Because the supporting carriage wheels roll directly over the base surface, the storage unit being accessed is directly affected by an uneven floor surface, carpet edges or other changes in the floor surface, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus is provided for supporting and moving individual storage units over a base surface from a densely packed lateral array of such units to a longitudinal access position in which the individual unit is horizontally displaced from the stowed position. The apparatus includes a carriage to support each storage unit for movement along a linear path between the stowed and access positions, each carriage having forward and rear support wheels. A support plate which overlies the base surface and provides a first planar support surface supports the carriage wheels in the stowed position. A flexible track provides support for the carriage in the access position, the track being anchored at one end to the forward end of the support plate. Means are provided for entraining and guiding the track for movement around the forward end of the carriage in a manner wherein the track is laid on the base surface in the path of carriage movement toward the access position, and the track is picked up from the path of carriage movement toward the stowed position. In the access position, the track defines a second planar support surface, which is contiguous with the first support surface, for the carriage support wheels.

Laterally adjacent storage units are interconnected with suitable lateral connectors joining the support plates. Preferably, the carriage support wheels comprise pairs of axially spaced forward and rear support wheels, and the support plate and the track comprise pairs of longitudinally aligned plate sections and flexible track segments, each of which defines a support surface section for one of each of the forward and rear support wheels. Wheel guides are provided on the track and are positioned to engage the lateral edges of the carriage support wheels to prevent deviation of the carriage from the line, r path during movement. One or more holddown members are mounteα on the support plate and/or the track to slidably engage the moving

carriage. The holddown member which is mounted on the flexible track moves therewith to slidably engage the carriage in response to carriage movement toward the access position and track movement into the path of the carriage. The apparatus of the present invention may utilize a flexible track connection which is entrained around the rear end of the carriage and operatively connects the other end of the track to the support plate. The flexible connection comprises a band which extends between a first connector at one band end which is connected to the other track end and a second connector at the other band end which is connected to the track adjacent the attachment of the track to the support plate.

In the preferred embodiment, the track comprises a series of articulated links having contiguous support surface segments, which segments define the second planar support surface. The links include hinged joints, each joint comprising aligned cylindrical knuckles and a connecting pin. Manually adjustable base surface-engaging pads are provided on each link for adjusting the vertical position of the support surface segment above the base surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the track comprises a pair of laterally spaced interconnected track segments, each segment providing a support surface section for one of each pair of forward and rear support wheels. The flexible track connection may comprise a connector band for each track segment. The carriage includes a pair of parallel longitudinal frame members, each of which mounts a forward and rear support wheel, cross members interconnecting the track sections, and a holddown member mounted on one of the cross members and positioned to engage the longitudinal frame members in response to carriage movement toward the access position. The carriage further includes cross frame members which interconnect the longitudinal frame members and establish an axial support wheel spacing which corresponds to the lateral spacing of the track sections. - The support plate may comprise an extension of the track and be similarly constructed. Preferably, the support plate comprises a plate section for each track section and, in this embodiment, the plate sections are preferably track section extensions.

In accordance with the presently preferred embodiment, it has been found that the flexible track connection may be completely eliminated without affecting the operation of the apparatus. This embodiment utilizes an improved track guide on the carriage to direct the ends of the track segments around the forward end of the carriage. ith elimination of the flexible track connection, the carriage is provided with a track support to hold the track in the first stowed position and to support the track for movement to the second access position. The improved apparatus is adapted to support and move any of a wide variety of loads over a base surface from a first (stowed) position to a horizontally displaced second (access) position. The apparatus includes a carriage adapted to support the load for movement along the linear path between the first and second positions, the carriage including pairs of axially spaced forward and rear support wheels. A first track portion overlies the base surface and provides a first planar support surface for the carriage support wheels when the carriage is in the first position. A flexible second track portion provides support for the carriage when the carriage is in the second position. The second track portion has one end attached to the forward end of the first track portion and is entrained around the forward end of the carriage when the carriage is in the stowed position. A track guide on the forward end of the carriage supports the second track portion for movement around the carriage forward end to facilitate laying the track on the base surface in response to carriage movement toward the second position and to facilitate picking up the track in response to reverse carriage movement toward the first position. The second track portion provides a second planar support surface for the carriage support wheels when the carriage is in the second position. The carriage also includes a track support which is adapted to receive and support the second track portion as its moves to and is retained in the first position. The improved track guide includes an arcuate outer guide surface which is positioned to be engaged by the second track portion during carriage movement. The outer guide surface includes a lower pick up edge which is positioned to engage the free end of the second track portion in response to initial

movement of the carriage from the second position to the first position. The track guide is thus operative to invert the second track portion in response to movement of the track portion around the forward end of the carriage. The track support preferably comprises a longitudinal support rail which is positioned on the carriage above and generally parallel to the first track portion when the carriage is in the first position to store the inverted second track portion.

As in the previously described embodiments, the second track portion preferably comprises a series of articulated links each of which has a support surface segment which together define a contiguous second planar support surface. Each of the links includes a forwardly disposed cam surface which is positioned to engage the guide surface during movement of the carriage to the first position. Each of the links also includes a rearwardly disposed cam surface which is positioned to engage the guide surface during opposite direction movement of the carriage to the second position. The track guide also preferably includes an arcuate inner guide surface which is positioned to cooperate with the outer guide surface to capture the second track portion therebetween and to define a path of arcuate movement of the second track portion around the forward end of the carriage.

The system of the present invention is broadly operable to support and move a load over an uneven base surface in accordance with a method comprising the steps of: supporting the load on a carriage for movement along a linear path between first and second horizontally displaced positions, the carriage including pairs of axially spaced forward and rear wheels; providing a first track portion which overlies the base surface and finds a first planar support surface for the carriage wheels in the first position; connecting one end of a flexible second track portion to the forward end of the first track portion; entraining the second track portion around the forward end of the carriage and supporting substantially all of the second track portion on the carriage in the first position; providing a track guide on the forward end of the carriage to support the second track portion for movement around the forward carriage end; laying the second track portion on the base surface by moving the

carriage toward the second position; providing the second track portion with a second planar support surface over which the carriage wheels travel and are supported in the second position; and picking up the second track portion in response to return carriage movement toward the first position. The method also preferably includes the steps of providing the track guide with an arcuate outer guide surface which is positioned to be engaged by the second track portion during carriage movement, the outer guide surface including a lower pick up edge; maintaining the end of the second track portion opposite its connection to the first track portion free and unconnected; and positioning the pick up edge to engage the free end of the second track portion in response to initial movement of the carriage from the second position. The apparatus of the present invention may utilize other rolling support means for the carriage in lieu of the spaced forward and rear support wheels. The first and second track portions also preferably include leveling means to retain in a coplanar manner the first and second planar support surfaces over an uneven base surface. The second track portion comprises a series of articulated links and the leveling means preferably comprises a manually adjustable base surface-engaging pad on each link for adjusting the vertical position of the link above the base surface. Further, each link forming the second track portion includes an extension which abuts an overlying part of the next adjacent link when the second track portion is in its second position to prevent articulation of the links beyond their planar orientation and to distribute the load.

The support for the carriage may comprise an entirely flexible track which includes flexible first and second track portions, a rear track guide on the carriage which is similar to the forward track guide and is adapted to support the first track portion for movement around the rear end of the carriage in the same manner in which the second track portion is supported for movement around the forward end of the carriage. The flexible track of this embodiment is adapted to be operated with free forward and rear ends which are adapted to be picked up by the respective forward and rear track guides in response to carriage motion. Alternately, the ends of the flexible track may be

connected to form a continuous track which is entrained around the carriage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of the file storage system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a lateral side elevation of the apparatus of the present invention in the fully stowed position.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 3 showing initial longitudinal movement of the carriage and track system toward the access position.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 3 showing the unit moved to the full access position.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are enlarged partial side elevation views showing the leveling feature of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial vertical sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged section taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 8 showing the rear carriage stop and leveling adjustment for the support plate. FIG. 11 is a detailed sectional view showing articulation of the hinged track on the track guide, taken on line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional detail taken on line 12-12 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a horizontal sectional detail taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a detail of the flexible connection for the track taken on line 14-14 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is a detail of an alternate embodiment of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged lateral side elevation of the forward end of an alternate embodiment of the carriage and track guide of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional detail taken on line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a sectional detail taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a sectional detail taken on line 19-19 of

FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a vertical section, taken longitudinally, through the carriage and supporting track showing portions of another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 21 is a generally vertical section taken on line

21-21 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a vertical section taken on line 22-22 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the fixed and flexible carriage-supporting tracks of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a sheet metal stamping from which each of the flexible track links is subsequently die formed.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a link formed from the FIG. 24 stamping.

FIG. 26 is a sectional side elevation of the apparatus of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention in the stowed first position.

FIG. 27 is a sectional side elevation similar to FIG. 26 showing the apparatus in the second access position.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged detail of the forward end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged detail of the forward end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 26. FIG. 30 is a top plan view of FIG. 27 with portions broken away for clarity.

FIG. 31 is top plan view of the forward end of the apparatus shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 32 is a vertical section taken on line 32-32 of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in a file storage system of the type in which parallel rows of back-

to-back shelves 10 have oppositely opening faces 11 providing open access for the storage of files. The shelves 10 may also be conveniently utilized to store books, as well as a wide variety of other products. The apparatus of the present invention is adaptable particularly to handling a two-shelf unit 12, but may also be adapted to support and move a single unit 13.

An important feature of the present invention is the ability to stow all of the storage units in a manner which completely fills a rectangular storage area, thus requiring no unused storage space, except for the usual aisles required for access by the personnel utilizing the storage system. This densely packed array eliminates the need to provide additional lateral space required in so-called lateral file systems or slide-by file systems. As shown in the drawings, therefore, when the shelves 12 and/or 13 (or other generally prismatic storage units) are in their fully stowed positions, the entire rectangular storage area 14 is fully occupied. The storage units are moved longitudinally over a floor or other base surface 15 into an aisle 16 where either of the opposite faces 11 may be conveniently accessed. The system is also uniquely adapted to move longitudinally between its stowed and access positions over an uneven floor surface which may, for example, require storage unit movement from a concrete floor 17 onto a raised carpeted surface 18. Storage units which are positioned against a fully extending rear wall, such as single units 13, must be capable of being accessed by moving only a single unit, because of the inability to access one face 11 of a unit positioned against the rear wall.

Finally, another important aspect of the present invention is the ability to install an entire storage system, utilizing the supporting and moving apparatus to be described, without the need to attach or anchor any part of the system to the floor or walls. This also permits the use of a unique leveling arrangement which allows utilization of the system on an inherently rough, uneven, or sloping floor without the need to specially finish the floor to make it level.

FIGS. 3-5 show, in vertical side elevation, the general manner of operation of the apparatus of the present invention to move a conventional steel frame shelf unit 12 (or

13) from its stowed position (FIG. 3) against a rear wall 20 in a longitudinal direction to a full access position (FIG. 5) where the unit has fully cleared any lateral enclosing wall or adjacent storage unit. The storage unit 12 is supported on a carriage ₂₁ which includes pairs of axially spaced forward and rear support wheels 22 and 23, respectively. The carriage 21 is adapted to roll on its support wheels 22 and 23 over a flat contiguous surface which includes a support plate 24 overlying the base surface 15 and providing a first planar support surface 25, onto and over a second planar support surface 26 which is provided by a flexible track 27 supported for movement around the forward end of the carriage and laid on the base surface in the path of carriage movement between the stowed and access positions of FIGS. 3 and 5, respectively. Referring also to FIGS. 6-9, the support plate 24 preferably comprises a pair of parallel laterally spaced angle members 28, each having a horizontal leg 30, the upper surface of which defines the first planar support surface 25, and a vertical leg 31 which provides a lateral guide for the carriage wheels 22 and 23. The angle members 28 are interconnected by cross pieces 32 conveniently spaced longitudinally along the length of the carriage 21.

The carriage includes a pair of longitudinal frame members 33, each of which comprises an interconnected outer channel 34 and inner channel 35. The cross frame members 36 which interconnect the longitudinal frame members 33, including the channel members 34 and 35, may conveniently comprise forward and rear shafts 37 and 38, respectively. The shafts also provide rotatable support for the carriage wheels 22 and 23. As may best be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shafts 37 and 38 which provide support for the forward and rear wheels 22 and 23, respectively, as well as interconnection of the frame members 33, extend laterally between the outer channels 34 nearly the full width of the carriage 21. Each of the shafts 37 and 38 is threaded along a substantial portion of each opposite end to receive thereon suitable spacing and locking nuts 40 and washers 41. Each forward wheel 22 and rear wheel 23, in the embodiment shown, comprises a pair of axially spaced wheel segments 42. Each wheel segment may include a central hub with a suitable

anti-friction bearing (not shown) for rotatable support on its respective shaft 37 or 38. Each of the shafts thus interconnects a pair of outer channels 34, a pair of wheel segments 42, a pair of inner channels 35, the latter being suitably spaced by a center spacer roll 43. Additional rigidity is provided for the frame of the carriage 21 by assemblies of elements which carry and guide the flexible track 27, as will be described hereinafter, and by frame elements of the shelf unit 12 mounted on and carried by the carriage. The flexible track 27 which supports the carriage as it rolls to and from the access position (FIG. 5) comprises a pair of laterally spaced and laterally interconnected track segments 44. Each track segment is comprised of a series of articulated links 45 having hinged joints 48, each comprising interfitting knuckles 46 connected by a connecting pin 47. The links 45 are preferably L-shaped in vertical cross section, as seen in FIGS. 9 and 12 with the vertical leg 49 of the link providing the same guiding function for the carriage wheels 22 and 23 as the vertical legs 31 of the supporting angle members 28. Each track segment 44 is preferably just slightly longer than the length of the carriage 21. Each track segment 44 is connected at one end 50 to the forward end of a support plate angle member 28 with a pinned connection to the last track link 45. Each of the track segments 44 is entrained around a guide wheel 51 mounted on the forward end of the carriage 21 and the other ends 52 of the track segments are laterally interconnected by a forward link cross connector 55 between the forward end links 56.

The anchored ends 50 of the track segments 44 are also laterally connected by a rear link cross connector 57 extending between the rear end links 54. A flexible connector band 53 is attached at its opposite ends for entrainment around the rear end of the carriage 21 between a forward connection 58 to the forward link cross connector 55 and a rear connection 60 to the rear link cross connector 57. Thus, as may be seen in FIG. 3 or FIG. 5, each track segment 44 and connector band 53 forms a continuous element allowing the track segments to be laid down in front of the advancing carriage to provide the second planar support surface 26 for the carriage wheels as the carriage

moves from the FIG. 3 stowed position to the FIG. 5 access position.

Each track segment guide wheel 51 may have a polygon shaped outer rim with each rim segment 61 having a length approximately equal to the track link pitch. The guide wheels 51 are rotatably mounted on a guide wheel shaft 62 which extends laterally between a pair of forward connector brackets 63. The connector brackets are, in turn, attached to the outer channels 34 of the carriage frame, as is best seen in FIG. 9. A forward band roller 64 is mounted coaxially with the guide wheels 51 and centered therebetween. The forward roller 64 provides rolling support for the connector band 53 as the flexible track 27 reaches its fully extended access position as shown in FIG. 5. Referring to FIG. 8, a rear band roller 65 is rotatably mounted between a pair of rear connector brackets 66 which, in turn, are connected to the inner channels 35. The rear band roller 65 provides support for the connector band 53 which is entrained around the roller over nearly its full length as the carriage moves between the two extreme positions. The connector band 53 also passes over the spacer roll 43, which is positioned directly beneath the rear band roller 65 as shown, except in the fully extended position shown in FIGS. 5-7.

As the carriage is rolled forwardly on its wheels 22 and 23 over the first support surface 25 provided by the angle members 28, the links 45 of the track segments 44 will be laid horizontally in front of the advancing carriage in the manner of a crawler-type track laying vehicle. The inner or backside surfaces 67 of the links 45 define the second planar support surface 26 for the carriage wheels 22 and 23. The links and their connecting hinged joints 48 are constructed such that the adjacent edges of interconnected links are closely spaced to provide a contiguous support surface 26 over which the carriage wheels roll smoothly. Each track link 45 includes a base plate 68 attached to the outer link surface and extending over the hinged joint 48 to overlie a portion of the outer surface of the next link. In the generally horizontal position of the track in the FIG. 5 access position, the base plate extensions 70, which underlie a portion of the surface of the next link, actually

engage that portion of the outer surface to provide link-to-link load support.

Each base plate 68 is provided with a height adjustment pad 71 which includes a stud 72 threaded into an adjusting nut 73 fixed to the inner surface 67 of the link. The assembly may also include a locking nut (not shown) threaded onto the stud above the pad and below the base plate 68, all in a manner well known in the art. Similarly, each of the angle members 28 is provided along its length with identical adjustment pads 71 extending through the horizontal legs 30 and into threaded engagement with an adjusting nut 73 secured to the upper surface of the horizontal leg. In this manner, each of the support plate members 28 and each of the track segments 44 can be adjusted along its length to accommodate variations in the level of the base surface 15 so that the surfaces over which the carriage rolls may always be maintained coplanar.

Referring once again to the sequence of positions shown in FIGS. 3-5, with the carriage 21 in the fully retracted stowed position, all links 45 of the track segments are out of contact with the base surface and the end links 54 are angled upwardly in contact with a flat outer edge of the guide wheel 51. The forward end links 56 of the track segments are disposed just forwardly of the rear band roller 65. From the forward connection 58 of the connector band to the rear link cross connector 57, the connector band extends around the rear band roller 65, spacer roll 43, forwardly around the forward spacer roll 74 to its rear connection 60 with the rear link cross connector 57. As the rearward end links 54 are laid onto the base surface 15, in response to forward movement of the carriage and relative movement of the track segments around the guide wheels 51, the adjustment pads 71 support the links in a horizontal position (as shown in FIG. 4) with the inner surfaces 67 of the links then lying coplanar with the wheel support surfaces of the plate members 28. This allows the forward wheels 22 of the carriage to roll smoothly onto the track segments which continue to be laid in laterally adjacent pairs in the path of the forwardly moving wheels.

Because of the geometry of the continuous connection provided by the track and connecting band, the carriage, in

effect, overruns the track and moves toward the full access position at a rate twice the rate of horizontal movement of the track. Eventually, the laterally adjacent pair of forward end links 56 pass around their respective guide wheels 51 as the corresponding end of the connector band 53 rides over the forward end band roller 64 (FIG. 5) . Simultaneously, the rear wheels 23 of the carriage roll from the support surface 26 of the angle members 28 onto the rear end links 54 of the track segments 44. At this point, the rear end of the carriage and the attached storage unit 12 has cleared the forward end of the laterally adjacent storage units (which, of course, are still in their stowed positions) .

The endless connection of the track segments, provided by the fixed connection to the track members 28 and to the connector band 53, causes a precise reversal of track movement when the carriage is pushed in the reverse direction back into its stowed position. It is important to note that the adjustment pads 71 on each of the track segments 44 are laid in the same positions on the base surface 15 whenever the carriage and storage unit are moved to the access position. In this manner, the adjustment pads 71 need only be initially set to accommodate variations in the base surface and, thereafter, need not be readjusted. Furthermore, the adjustment pads may be utilized to accommodate movement of the carriage from a lower base surface to a raised surface, such as a carpet 18, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, selective vertical positioning of the adjustment pads 71 can be utilized to maintain a perfectly horizontal track for the carriage over a sloping base surface. To provide stability against lateral tipping, particularly when the carriage and attached storage unit 12 are moved to the full access position, the rear track link cross connector 57, as well as similar cross connectors spaced along the length of the track (but not shown) , are each provided with a holddown bracket 75 which moves into engaging relationship with the lower flanges of the inner channels 35 as the track is laid in front of the advancing carriage. The holddown bracket 75 is shown in the sectional view of FIG. 9 and the manner in which it functions may be seen in the sequence of FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG.

3, the holddown bracket 75 is shown attached to the rear link cross connection 57 and, in FIG. 4, the holddown bracket has been laid into the path of the advancing carriage such that the upper flanges 76 on opposite lateral ends of the bracket are slidingly engaged by the lower flanges of the channels 35 as the carriage moves forwardly. As indicated, similar holddown brackets may be attached between the track segments 44 along the lengths thereof. As shown in FIG. 8 and at the rear end of the FIG. 3 view, a similar fixed position holddown bracket 77 may be attached to the cross piece 32 interconnecting the angle members 28. Similar fixed position holddown brackets may be attached to other cross pieces extending forwardly along the length of the angle members 28.

As is also best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9 and in the sectional view of FIG. 12 as well, by using laterally spaced wheel segments 42 for all of the forward and rear wheels 22 and 23 of the carriage, the wheel segments readily straddle the hinged joints 48 of the track and the studs 72 and adjusting nuts 73 of the adjustment pads 71. Referring also to FIG. 10, a vertical stop pin 79 extends vertically upward from the horizontal leg 30 of the fixed track section 28 to engage the rear axle shaft 38 and prevent carriage overrun in movement back to the stowed position.

The connector band 53 is preferably made of a strong, flexible, but inextensible strap, such as a woven nylon cargo strap or the like. Because the connector strap tracks along a slightly different path than the flexible track 27, the positioning of the spacer rolls 43 and 74 and band rollers 64 and 65 must be carefully chosen in order to maintain the continuous track connections in fairly uniform tension. The presently preferred connections 58 and 60 for the band ends to the forward and rear link cross connectors 55 and 57, respectively, is shown by way of example in FIG. 9 and the sectional view of FIG. 14. Thus, the rear connection 60 utilizes a clamping plate 78 to clamp the end of the band 53 to the upper surface of the holddown bracket 75. Conveniently, the same connecting bolts 80 may simultaneously connect the clamping plate to the holddown bracket and the latter to the rear link cross connector 57. In order to accommodate possible variations in the respective travel paths of

the connector band and the flexible track, the band may be connected to the clamping plate 78 with an extensible connection, such as the coil spring 81 shown in FIG. 15. Similarly, the entire connector band may be made of an inherently extensible material, such as a rubber band or a bungee cord.

As indicated previously, the apparatus of the present invention is not anchored to the base surface 15. However, the support plates 24 of adjacent units are preferably interconnected by providing tie bars 82 between the angle members 28 of adjacent storage units, as shown in FIG. 8. The tie bars are preferably spaced longitudinally along the lengths of the interconnected angle members of adjacent units and are preferably rigid because adjacent storage units always remain aligned with any vertical positioning needed to accommodate an uneven base surface being accomplished by adjustment pad positioning. Suitable demountable connectors (not shown) are preferably utilized to accommodate assembly and disassembly of the tie bars.

FIGS. 16-19 show a track guide arrangement of an alternate embodiment showing means for guiding the flexible track segments 44 in lieu of the guide wheels 51 of the preferred embodiment. The modified track links 85 of this embodiment are, in all respects, virtually the same as the links 45 of the previously described embodiment, except for the use of extended length connecting pins 87. Thus, the modified links 85 include interfitting knuckles 86 which, with the connecting pins, provide hinged joints 88. To guide the modified track segments 84 around the forward end of the carriage (which is not shown in FIGS. 16- 19) , an arcuate guide chute 90 is provided for each modified track segment 84. The guide chute 90 may be attached to the forward end of the carriage 21, as with threaded attachments 92 connecting the guide chute directly to the outside face of the inner channel 35 or suitable vertical extensions thereof. The guide chute defines an arcuate or semicircular slot 93 in which one extended end 94 of each connecting pin 87 slides to guide the track in either direction. The lower end of the pin slot 93 includes a converging lead-in surface 95 to help guide the pin ends into the slot as the track links are picked up from the surface in response to movement of the carriage back to its stowed position. The other extended pin ends 96 may be supported

on a semicircular arcuate surface 97 attached to the forward end of the outer channel 34 or forward connector bracket 63. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, provision must be made to prevent interfering contact between the carriage wheels (22 or 23 in the preceding drawings, but not shown in FIGS. 16-19) and the extended pin ends 94 and 96. As the carriage wheels roll over the wheel support surfaces 89 of the track links 85, the rims of the wheels will engage the extended pin ends unless appropriate clearance is provided. One manner of providing such clearance would be to provide arcuate notches in the peripheries of the carriage wheels, large enough to receive the extended pin ends therein, and to make the carriage wheel pitch diameter correspond to the track link pitch (or some multiple thereof) . In another embodiment, both the stationary track members and the flexible track segments are provided by die- formed elements having identical and more rigid box-like cross sections. In this embodiment, the track segment guide wheels are also modified to accommodate a separate connector band for each track segment. Thus, referring to FIGS. 20-25, a modified carriage 100 includes the same basic longitudinal frame members 33 as in the previously described embodiments. Thus, the carriage frame includes laterally spaced pairs of parallel outer channels 34 and inner channels 35. Each lateral side of the carriage includes an interconnected outer channel and inner channel, between which are mounted the forward wheels 101 and rear wheels 102. Each of the wheels, in turn, comprises a pair of laterally spaced wheel segments 103. The forward and rear wheels on each side of the carriage are supported and run along a fixed track section 104, generally defining the stowed position of the storage unit, and an attached flexible track segment 105 which is laid on the base surface in the path of carriage movement and supports the carriage in the extended access position. In this regard, the carriage and supporting fixed track sections 104 and flexible track segments 105 are functionally the same as in the previously described embodiments.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 21 and 22, the vertical lateral cross sections of the fixed track section 104 (FIG. 22) and flexible track segment 105 (FIG. 21) are virtually identical. Both of these components are preferably die formed

from relatively light steel strip, for example 12 gauge, but the box-shaped cross section imparts good rigidity and bending strength to these elements. The cross section is defined by two generally U-shaped channels 106 interconnected by a central upper web 107. As seen in FIG. 23, each of the fixed track sections 104 is constructed of a single piece. Each flexible track segment 105, on the other hand, is made of a series of interconnected links 108, each formed of an individual stamping, but to generally the same cross section as the fixed track sections 104. FIG. 24 shows one form of a planar stamping 109 from which the links may be die formed, to the desired cross section on the bend lines 110. Referring also to FIG. 25, each of the links 108 formed from a stamping 109 includes a pair of apertured ears 111 extending from one edge. The ears ill are offset in the forming process so that, in the final formed link 108, the ears will overlap and the apertures therein align with holes in the opposite ends of the inner walls 112 for receipt of a link connecting pin 113.

The fixed track sections 104 are provided with adjustment pads positioned in spaced relation along the length thereof. Preferably, an elongate stiffening base plate 115 is attached to the bottom of and runs the length of each fixed track section 104. The base plate is interposed between the adjustment pad and the track section itself and, most preferably, the adjusting stud 116 for the pad 114 is threadably attached to the base plate.

As indicated, and referring also to FIG. 21, each of the flexible track segments 105 of this embodiment, when laid upon the base surface in response to forward movement of the carriage 100, provides a horizontal surface substantially continuous with the respective fixed track section 104 for the carriage wheels 101 and 102. As with the U-shaped channels 106 in the fixed track section, the wheel segments 103 of each wheel 101 or 102 are caused to track within the same U-shaped channels as the carriage rolls over it. Each track link 108 includes a separate base plate 117 attached by bolted connections to the upper web 107 of the link 108. Each base plate includes a surface extension 118 which overlies and makes supporting contact with a part of the surface of the adjacent interconnected link

108 (in generally the same manner previously described with respect to the other embodiments) .

Instead of utilizing a single connector band 53, as in the above described embodiments, in this embodiment a separate connector band 120 is provided for each flexible track segment 105. The band interconnects the opposite ends of each track segment, in generally the same manner previously described, and each track segment 105 is also attached to the forward end of its respective fixed track section 104. A modified guide wheel 121 is pivotally mounted between and at the forward end of each pair of channels 34 and 35. Each guide wheel is formed of back-to- back wheel halves 122 which may be stamped and formed of sheet metal and connected, as by spot welding, along their abutting central webs 123. The central webs form, at their peripheries, a dished surface 124 and integral end flange 125, which together form a peripheral slot 126 which is deep enough to accommodate the raised central portion of the links 108 including any stud or bolt ends and connecting nuts for the various parts attached thereto. The peripheral slot 126 also acts as a pulley for receipt of the connector band 120 which travels thereover as the carriage reaches its outermost access position and the flexible track segments have been nearly fully laid on the base surface. Each connector band 120 extends rearwardly from its connection to the track segment, over an upper guide pulley 127 at the rear of the carriage and downwardly and around a bushing 128 journaled on a hub between the wheel segments 103 of the rear wheel 102. From there, the connector band extends forwardly to an appropriate attachment to the other end of the flexible track segment 105, all in a manner previously described with respect to the other embodiments.

Both the pairs of parallel fixed track sections 104 and the linearly attached flexible track segments 105 are laterally interconnected and maintained in parallel spaced relation by similar channel members 130 spaced along the lengths of each respective pair and attached by opposite ends thereto. Thus, referring also to FIG. 23, the channel members 130 may be secured to the undersides of the fixed track section base plates 115, and to the undersides of the flexible track segment base plates 117, in both instances utilizing the same mounting bolts

and nuts used for the base plates 115,117 themselves. As shown in FIG. 20, the opposite pairs of carriage channels 35 are interconnected at the forward end with a forward angle member 13l interconnecting the ends of the two inner channels 35. At the rear of the carriage, a rear angle member 132 interconnects the ends of both pairs of outer and inner channels 34 and 35.

Referring now FIGS. 26-19, there are shown details of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention. This embodiment includes a substantially simplified construction as compared to the previously described embodiments. It has been found that by providing an improved and simplified guide for the track as it travels around the forward end of the carriage, the guide wheels 62 and 121 of two of the previously described embodiments may be eliminated. Further, the track guide arrangement of the embodiment of FIGS. 16-19 may be simplified considerably. Also, the track end connector bands 53 or 120 may be completely eliminated.

In accordance with the presently preferred embodiment, a generally rectangular carriage 135 is utilized and may be basically the same as the carriage 100 previously described in the embodiment of FIGS. 20-23. The carriage is adapted to operate with modified full length track segments 134 (to be described in greater detail) , but may optionally utilize fixed track sections of the same type as track sections 104 used with the previously described embodiment. Preferably, however, this embodiment utilizes flexible trade segments 134 which extend over the full length of the path of carriage movement.

The carriage 135 has a generally rectangular frame including a pair of longitudinal frame members 136 which are interconnected by a forward cross frame member 138 and a rear cross frame member 140. The carriage also includes a longitudinal inner frame member 141 for each of the outer longitudinal frame members 136. Pairs of forward and rear wheels 142 and 143 are mounted between each main longitudinal frame member 136 and its respective inner frame member 141, all in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 20-23. The forward and rear wheels 142,143 on each side of the carriage 135 are supported and run along the track segment 134 between the stowed

first position and the second access position of the storage unit or other load supported by the carriage.

The modified flexible track segments 134 of this embodiment utilize the same interconnected links 108 of the previously described embodiment, but the links are provided with modified base plates 144. Each of the flexible track segments 134, when laid upon the base surface in response to forward movement of the carriage 135, provides a horizontal surface which is substantially continuous for the carriage wheels 142 and 143. In this regard, the construction and operation of the carriage and flexible track segments are essentially the same as in the previously described embodiments.

The forward end of the carriage 135 is provided with a modified track guide 145 which, in a general sense, functions somewhat like the track guide arrangement of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18 and previously described. In this embodiment, however, the links 108 of the track segments 134 do not have to be specially modified (as with extended length pins 94) nor do the wheels of the carriage have to be modified in any way. The track guide 145 includes a pair of outer guides 146, each of which has an identical arcuate outer guide surface 147 against which the outer surface of the link base plates 144 engage as the track segments 134 travel around the forward end of the carriage during movement between the first and second carriage positions. The modified base plates 144 (one of which is attached to each track link 108) include guide portions 148 which extend laterally inwardly from each track segment 134. Each guide portion 148 includes a forward cam surface 150 and a rear cam surface 151, both of which are formed integrally with the guide portion but displaced out of the plane thereof.

Referring initially to FIGS. 27 and 28, which show the carriage 135 in the second or access position with the carriage wheels 142,143 supported on the extended track segments 134, the unconnected free end 152 of the track lies beneath the forward wheels 142 of the carriage and just to the rear of the forward carriage cross frame member 138. The outer guides 146 are attached to the inside of the forward cross frame member such that the outer guide surfaces 147 face rearwardly between a lower pick up edge 153 and an opposite upper edge 154. Each of the

outer guides 146 extends downwardly below the bottom of the carriage frame such that the pick up edges 153 are positioned to engage the forward cam surfaces 150 at the free ends 152 of the track segments 134. As a result, when the carriage 135 is moved from the extended second position in a rearward direction toward the stowed first position, the pick up edges 153 each engage its respective forward cam surface 150 on the link of the track segment 134 defining the free end. Continued rearward movement of the carriage causes the track segments to ride upwardly around the arcuate guide surfaces 147, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 29.

The guide track 145 also includes a pair of inner guides 155, each of which has an inner guide surface 156 which faces and is complimentary to the outer guide surface 147 of an outer guide. However, the inner guides 155 are attached to the inside wall of the longitudinal frame members 136 and, therefore, offset laterally from the outer guides. However, when viewed horizontally from the side, as in FIGS. 28 and 29, the outer guide surfaces 147 and complimentary inner guide surfaces 156 define an arcuate track 157 in which the track segments 134 are captured and guided during movement around the forward end of the carriage. Specifically, the outer guide surfaces 147 are engaged by the outer surfaces of the guide portions 148 of the base plates (including the cam surfaces 150 and 151) , and the inner guide surfaces 156 are engaged by the outer U-shaped channels 106 in the track links 108 (see FIG. 30) . The flexible track segments 134 are laterally interconnected with cross members 158 spaced along the length thereof.

As the flexible track segments 134 move around the arcuate track 157 defined by the track guide 145, the free end 152 of the track must be supported as it is inverted and begins to move in a rearward direction as it exits the upper end of the arcuate track 157. A support rail 160 is attached centrally to the top of the carriage between a pair of rail support members 162 extending between the longitudinal inner frame members 141. The support rail extends rearwardly from the upper end of the arcuate track 157. The cross member 158 at the free end 152 of the track segments moves directly onto the support rail, rides therealong as the track segments continue to move rearwardly relative to the carriage, with the subsequently spaced cross

members 158 also engaging and sliding along the support rail. Preferably, a low friction bearing pad 161 is attached to the center of each cross member 158 where sliding contact is made with the support rail 160. Both the outer guides 146 and the inner guides 155 are also made of a low friction bearing material, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or a similar low friction, high wear resistant plastic material. It has been found that the modified flexible track segments 134 of this embodiment will move smoothly through the track guide 145 and along the support rail 160 without the necessity of having the free end 152 tied to the rear portion of fixed track sections 104 of the embodiment of FIGS. 20-23, as with a connector band or bands 120. This modification also eliminates the guide pulleys and bushings needed for the connector bands as well as the large guide wheels 121 (all as described in the embodiment of FIGS. 20- 23) .

As in the flexible track segments 44 and 105 of the earlier embodiments, the flexible track segments 134 of this embodiment utilize identical links 108, but modified base plates 144 as previously described. A feature common with the previously described track segments is the provision on the base plate 144 of this embodiment of a base plate extension 149 which extends in a forward direction and underlies a portion of the next link 108 to establish rigid support for the load when the track is in the active horizontal position. Referring particularly to FIGS. 28 and 29, as the track segment 134 is laid on the base surface in response to forward movement of the carriage 135, the underside 159 of the rear portion of the link 108 (as it approaches a horizontal position) comes into contact with the base plate extension 149 of the link to which it is connected and is supported by it. This support prevents back flexing of the links forming the track segment and, therefore, a rigid planar support surface for the carriage wheels and the load supported thereon. Also as previously described with respect to the other embodiments, the base plate extension 149 includes a leveling or adjustment pad 71, attached to the base plate extension with a threaded stud 72, the position of which is maintained by a jam nut 73.

In any of the foregoing embodiments, the fixed track members (either the angle section track members 28 or the fixed track sections 104) may be eliminated and replaced by simply extending the respective flexible track segments 44, 105 or 134 over the full lengths of the replaced fixed track sections. Full functionality of the system is otherwise retained. Although the use of full length flexible track segments to support the carriage in the stowed as well as the access position would likely be somewhat more costly, the total number of different parts used in the system would be reduced.

The use of a full length flexible track segments 134 (by eliminating, for example, the fixed track sections 104 of FIG. 23) would also provide the ability to utilize the carriage to pick up and store both ends of the flexible track. In such a modified embodiment, a rear track guide identical to forward track guide 145 would be attached to the rear of the carriage 135. In this manner, initial movement of the carriage 135 forwardly from its first position would cause the free rear ends of the full length flexible track segments 134 to be picked up and carried along the rear track guide and onto the support rail 160, as the forward portion of track segments 134 are pulled off of the support rail and pass around the forward track guide 145 to be laid in the path of the carriage moving toward its second position. With little additional modification, the free ends of the full length flexible track segments 134 could be connected in the same manner as the other interconnected links 108 so that a continuous flexible track is entrained on the carriage. Full functionality of the system in its ability to travel between its first and second positions over an uneven base surface, while maintaining horizontal orientation and full load support, is retained.