A MOBILE STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING USE OF SAME

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a storage system and in particular, a mobile storage system for use in storing property during transportation from one premises to another, The present invention also relates to a method of managing the use of a plurality of such mobile storage systems.

Background of the Invention When moving home or office, property is removed from an old premises, loaded into a removal truck, transported to the new premises, and then unloaded from the removal truck into the new premises.

Problems tend to arise during the loading and unloading of the truck. For instance, where the removal truck is parked in a congested street, access to the truck may be obstructed if cars are parked close to the rear of the truck via -which the truck is loaded.

Another problem associated with moving premises is that quite often, property needs to be removed from the old premises before the new premises is ready to be occupied. Thus, the property in the truck has to be unloaded at an intermediary location such as a self-storage warehouse. Unfortunately, this requires an additional step of unloading the property from the removal truck into the self-storage unit and then later moving the property from the self-storage unit to the new premises. These additional steps can be an extremely laborious and time-consuming.

Therefore there is a need to alleviate at least one of the problems described above in relation to the prior art.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), oτ to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that priof publication (or information derived

from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Summary of the Invention In one broad form there is provided a canopy for a trailer having a loading platform, the canopy including: a frame adapted for mounting on the trailer, the frame including a first frame member movably adjustable relative to a second frame member; and an enclosure surface adapted for enclosing a region of space above the loading platform, the enclosure surface being operably attached to the frame whereby, when the frame is mounted on the trailer and the first and second frame members are movably adjusted relative to each other, the region of space above the loading platform that is enclosed by the enclosure surface is able to be varied.

Typically, the first frame member may include a squared U-shape configuration having a centre-portion and a pair of side portions extending substantially perpendicularly from the centre-portion on opposing ends of the centre-portion. Typically, the squared U-shaped cross-section of the first frame member may be arranged in an inverted orientation when the first frame member is mounted on the loading platform. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the first frame member may include alternative configurations such as a curved U-shaped configuration.

Typically, the first frame member may be mounted to a substantially central location along a length of the loading platform. Preferably, the centre-portion of the first frame member may substantially span a width of the loading platform.

Typically, the centre-portion and first and second arms may include substantially rectangular-shaped panels.

Typically, the second frame member may also include a rectangular-shaped panel. Typically the second frame member may include dimensions whereby when the second

frame member is moved into abutting contact with the first frame member, the second frame member may be adapted to substantially cover the squared U-shape configuration of the first frame member. More preferably, when the second frame member is slid into abutting contact with the first frame member, a periphery of the second frame member may be adapted to meet neatly with a periphery of the U-shaped configuration of the first frame member.

Typically, the enclosure surface may be coupled to the frame whereby the enclosure surface extends from the periphery of the first frame member to the periphery of the second frame member. Preferably, the enclosure surface may be attached substantially along an entire length of the periphery of the second frame member and substantially along an entire length of the periphery of the first frame member so as to allow for the region of space above the loading platform to be enclosed as much as possible.

Typically, the first and second frame members may be slidably movable relative to each other. Typically the first and second frame members may be slidably movable along a guide member.

In one embodiment, the guide member may include a track, and at least one of the first and second frame members may include bearings adapted for engaging with the track so as to allow for controlled sliding movement of the first and second frame members relative to each other along the track.

Alternatively, the guide member may include a rigid beam which may be attached to the first and second frame members and which may be telescopically extendable and retractable with movement of either the first and/or second frame members such that sliding movement between the first and second frame members may be effected in a controlled manner.

In embodiments where a guide member is employed, the guide member may be fixed to the loading platform of the trailer, or, may be removably attachable from the loading

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platform of the trailer. For instance, the guide member may be screwed into position on the loading platform.

Yet in further embodiments, no guide member may be used at all and the first and second frame members may be freely slid together or apart from each other as desired.

In certain embodiments, the first and second frame members may be manually slid together and apart. In alternative embodiments, an automated system may be used to slide the first and second frame members together and apart. The automated system may include a drive means such as an electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic motor for moving the first and/or second frame members, and, a controller for controlling the drive means.

Preferably, the first and second frame members may be movably adjusted between at least a first and a second relative arrangement. Typically, when the first and second frame members are arranged in the first relative arrangement, the second frame member may be disposed in relatively close proximity to the first frame member whereby the enclosure surface is caused to relatively compact together over the loading platform such that a relative minimum space may be enclosed by the enclosure surface above the loading platform. Conversely, when the first and second frame members are arranged in the second relative arrangement, the second frame member may be disposed in relatively remote proximity to the first frame member so as to relatively extend the enclosure surface over the loading platform whereby a relative maximum space may be enclosed by the enclosure surface above the loading platform.

Preferably, the first and second frame members may also be adjustable into at least one intermediate arrangement whereby a space enclosed above the loading platform by the enclosure surface may include a volume that falls between the relative maximum and relative minimum spaces that may be formed by adjusting the position of the first and second frame members.

Preferably, the region of space enclosed by the enclosure surface for each of the first, second and intermediate arrangements may be pre-configured such that a different number of inner compartments may be neatly accommodated therein.

A latch or locking means may be disposed along the guide member which may prevent the first and second frame members from being moved out of the first relative arrangement, the second relative arrangement or intermediate arrangement.

Typically, the enclosure surface may include at least one of: (a) a plastic material;

(b) a metallic material;

(c) a cloth material.

In certain embodiments the enclosure surface may include a relatively rigid material such as aluminium, rigid plastic or the like. Typically, if a relatively rigid enclosure surface is used, when the second frame member is slid towards the first frame member, the enclosure surface may be telescopically retractable and extendable toward or away from the first and/or second frame members, or, into and out of itself.

Alternatively, in other embodiments the enclosure surface may include a relatively flexible material such as flexible plastic, cloth, canvass and the like. Typically, if a relatively flexible enclosure surface is used, when the second frame member is slid towards the first frame member, the enclosure surface may be adapted to bunch or fold inwardly together, for instance, in concertinaed fashion.

Preferably, the enclosure surface may include a water-resistant material. Also preferably, the enclosure surface may include a heat-resistant material.

Typically, the first frame member may be adapted for mounting on the trailer such that it remains in a fixed position relative to the trailer. However, in certain embodiments both the first and second frame members may both be movably mounted relative to the trailer.

Preferably, the canopy includes a pair of second frame members which may each be slidably movable relative to the first frame member on either side of the first frame member. Preferably, the pair of second frame members may be substantially identical to each other. The enclosure surface may extend from peripheries of both second frame members to the corresponding peripheries on opposite sides of the first frame member.

Preferably, canopy includes at least one door disposed on at least one of the following: (a) the centre-portion of the first frame member; (b) at least one of the side portions of the first frame member; (c) at least one of the pair of second frame members.

Typically the at least one door may include at least one of:

(a) a roller-door; (b) a side-hinged door;

(c) a sliding door;

(d) a bottom or top hinged door.

Typically, the frame may include at least one of: (a) a rigid plastic material;

(b) a metallic material such as aluminium.

Preferably, the trailer includes a self-levelling mechanism for self-adjusting a planar surface of the loading platform so that it may be substantially in planar-alignment with a ground surface above which the loading platform is positioned. Typically, the self- levelling mechanism may include arms fixed beneath the trailer which may be telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the trailer such that the range of adjustment of an angle of the trailer relative to the ground surface may be around about 10 degrees.

Conveniently, the canopy provides various advantages over the prior art. For instance, by allowing the space above the loading platform to be selectively varied by a user by adjusting the relative positioning of the first and second frame members, the amount of space that is actually utilised on the back of the loading platform can be controlled to alleviate space wastage. In contrast, certain prior art storage compartments on trailers are not readily adapted for adjustment to accommodate varying load spaces in a neat and secure manner. Moreover certain prior art may not lend themselves to being adjusted in a relatively simple one-step manner - that is, by moving a first frame member towards or away from a second frame.

In a second broad form, there is provided a storage system for use with a trailer, the storage system including: a shell which is mounted on the trailer, the shell including a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side-walls and a roof which define an internal space of the shell, and, the shell including a door via which the internal space is able to be accessed; and at least one inner compartment, wherein the at least one inner compartment is able to be selectably inserted into or extracted from the internal space of the shell via the door. Typically, the shell may include at least one of the following materials:

(a) fibreglass; (b) aluminium;

(c) rigid plastic; and

(d) canvass.

Typically, the door of the shell may be disposed on at least the rear wall of the shell. Preferably, the shell also includes a door disposed on at least one of the roof, at least one of the side-walls, and, the front wall. Typically, the doors may be hingedly coupled to the shell, however, the doors may also include a sliding door or a roller-door.

Advantageously, a crane may be employed to lift the inner compartment out of a door disposed in the roof of the shell without necessarily having to use a fork-lift to remove the inner compartment outwardly of the shell in a lateral orientation. This may be particularly

convenient where the shell is to be unloaded in a crowded location where loading and/or unloading of the shell in a lateral orientation is not feasible due to obstacles being in the way.

Preferably, the shell may complement an external shape characteristic of the inner compartment so that the inner compartment may be stowed in relatively snug-fitting fashion within the shell. For instance, the inner compartment and the shell may share a substantially similar cross-sectional shape and/or substantially similar cross-sectional dimensions. Advantageously, this may alleviate inadvertent movement of the inner compartment within the shell during transport which may otherwise result in the damage of goods stored within the inner compartment. Preferably, the inner compartment includes an external shape characteristic resembling a box-shaped configuration.

Preferably, the storage system includes a plurality of inner compartments. Preferably, the plurality of inner compartments may be substantially identical. The inner compartment s may also include a base, a roof, a pair of side-walls, a rear wall and a front wall.

Advantageously, where a plurality of inner compartments are to be inserted into the shell, the inner compartments may be neatly loaded into the shell one after the other in single-file via a door disposed on a rear wall of the shell. Alternatively, the plurality of compartments may be loaded into the shell in parallel via doors disposed in the roof or walls of the shell. Conversely, when the shell is unloaded, the plurality of compartments may be unloaded via the rear door in serial fashion, or via the door in the roof or walls of the shell in parallel fashion. In contrast, when prior art removal vans and the like are loaded with items, the items are either placed directly into the van in haphazard fashion, or, are placed in boxes wherein the boxes are simply arranged in haphazard fashion within the back of the van. Furthermore, with the prior art, the absence of access into the back of the van apart from via the rear of the van means that it is necessary to remove a lot of items from the back of the van in order to access a particular item which may be stowed deep inside the back of the van.

More preferably, the dimensions of the inner compartment may substantially complement dimensions of a warehouse compartment into which one of the inner compartments may be transferred from the shell. Advantageously, by matching the dimensions of the inner compartment with those of a corresponding warehouse compartment into which it will be transferred, this may assist in alleviating undue wastage of the warehouse compartment space. The ability to transfer the inner compartment as a single unit in a single action from the shell into a corresponding warehouse compartment also alleviates the need to laboriously transfer each stored item in the inner compartment individually into the warehouse compartment.

The storage system may allow a user to select a shell from a range of different shell types, each of which may be adapted to accommodate a different maximum number of inner compartments at any given time. This is convenient for a user as not all users require the same storage capacity.

Preferably, the inner compartment may include at least one door. Typically, the at least one door may be disposed on at least one of the base, the roof, the pair of sidewalls , the rear and front wall disposed on the roof of the inner compartment. Typically, the doors may be hingedly coupled to the inner compartment, however, the doors may also include a roller-door or a sliding door.

Preferably, when the inner compartment is stowed in the shell, at least one door of the shell may be arranged in alignment with at least one door disposed on the inner compartment. Preferably, the door disposed on the roof of the shell and the door disposed on the roof of the inner compartment may be in alignment. More preferably, when the inner compartment is disposed within the internal space of the shell, all doors disposed on the inner compartment may be in alignment with at least one corresponding door disposed on the shell.

Preferably, at least one of the doors disposed on the shell may be releasably coupled to at least one of the doors disposed on the inner compartment. For instance, the doors may be

coupled together using a latching mechanism, or, may be conveniently snap-fitted together using a resiliently deformable engagement mechanism. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that any other suitable means of releasably coupling the doors together may also be employed. Advantageously, by releasably coupling a shell door and an aligned inner compartment door together, both the shell door and the inner compartment door may be conveniently opened or closed by a user in a single action.

Preferably, at least one door of the inner compartment may be selectably detachable from the inner compartment. Advantageously, by allowing the at least one door to be detachable from the inner compartment, this may allow a plurality of inner compartments arranged adjacent to one another within the shell to form a composite compartment. In certain embodiments, adjacent doors of the adjacent inner compartments need not necessarily be removed, but may instead be compactly folded away while still attached, so as to remain relatively unobtrusive whilst allowing movement between the adjacent inner compartments.

Preferably, the storage system may include at least one ramp wherein the ramp may be disposed adjacent at least one of the openings of the shell. The ramp may be selectably adjustable between at least extended and retracted positions relative to the shell, wherein when the ramp is arranged in the extended position, it may provide for wheeled access into the shell via the respective opening in the shell, and, when disposed in the retracted position, it may be adapted to be compactly stowed against the shell.

The ramp may be embodied by at least one of the doors of the shell or by at least one of the doors of the inner compartment. If this is the case, the door of the shell or the inner compartment may be hingedly coupled to the shell or inner compartment whichever the case may be so that the door, when arranged in an opened position, may be able to be rotated outwardly of the shell to enable wheeled access via the ramp/door into the shell.

Alternatively, the at least one ramp may be independent of the shell or inner compartment door and may include a stand-alone ramp which may be selectably extendable and

retractable from the shell as required. When retracted, the ramp may be stowed beneath the base of the shell, or, beneath the trailer upon which the shell is mounted.

Typically, at least one of the roof, the front wall, rear wall and the pair of side walls of the inner compartment may include at least one of the following:

(a) a wire mesh panel;

(b) a fastening bar to allow objects to be securely strapped thereon.

Preferably, the base includes a heavy duty plate floor.

Also preferably, the inner compartment may include an outer skin which at least partially covers an outward-facing surface of the inner compartment. Typically the outer skin may include at least one of the following:

(a) mesh plastic sheeting; (b) plastic mesh;

(C) ply;

(d) canvass;

(e) webbing.

Advantageously, the use of the above materials as the outer skin of the inner compartment may alleviate manufacturing costs. The relatively light-weight nature of the above materials may also reduce transportation costs as the load of the inner compartment may be comparatively less than the weight of certain prior art storage compartments which may typically be made predominantly from metal or other relatively heavy materials.

Typically, in either of the forms of the canopy or the storage system, the doors may be automatically controlled. Typically, a door disposed on the roof of the shell and/or on the roof of the canopy may be automated as it may be dangerous and/or inconvenient for certain persons to get on top of the shell or canopy in order to open the roof door. Typically, the door may be automatically opened using an electric, electric, hydraulic

and/or pneumatic motor as the driving means. Preferably, operation of the motor may be controlled wirelessly via a remote control.

Preferably, the storage system includes a means of presenting advertising indicia including a logo or other advertising signage. The advertising indicia may be displayable on the canopy. The advertising indicia may typically be displayable on an outer surface of the shell.

In another broad from there is provided a storage system for use with a trailer, the storage system including: a shell which is mountable on the trailer, the shell including a front wall, a rear wall, a base, a roof and a pair of sidewalls which define an internal space of the shell, the shell including at least one door; and an inner compartment including at least one door wherein the at least one door of the inner compartment is sized to substantially match the at least one door of the shell, and when the inner compartment is inserted in to the shell, the inner compartment door is substantially aligned with the at least one door of the shell.

In one form the shell includes a first door disposed on the roof and a second door disposed on at least one of the front wall, rear wall and one of the pair of side-walls.

In another form the inner compartment includes a plurality of doors.

In one embodiment the shell includes a means of releasably coupling at least one of the doors of the inner compartment to at least one of the first and second doors of the shell when the inner compartment is inserted in to the shell, whereby when coupled, the at least one door of the inner compartment is able to be operable simultaneously with at least one of the first and second doors of the shell.

In another embodiment the shell is adapted to accommodate a plurality of inner compartments.

In an optional form, when the plurality of inner compartments are inserted into the internal space of the shell, the plurality of inner compartments are arranged in a single row within the shell.

In another optional form, when the plurality of inner compartments are inserted into the internal space of the shell, at least one door of each of the internal compartments are sized to match and are aligned with at least one door of the shell.

In one form, the shell includes a shape-characteristic that substantially complements a cross-sectional shape characteristic of the inner compartment whereby when the inner compartment is inserted in the shell, the cross-sectional-shape characteristic of the inner compartment is snugly accommodated by the shape-characteristic of the shell.

In another form, when the plurality of inner compartments are inserted into the internal space of the shell, the plurality of inner compartments substantially are adapted to neatly fill the internal space of the shell.

In one embodiment the inner compartment includes at least one of: (a) a wire mesh panel;

(b) a fastening bar to allow objects to be securely strapped thereon; and (a) a heavy duty plate floor.

In another embodiment the inner compartment includes an outer skin including at least one of:

(a) mesh plastic sheeting;

(b) canvass; and

(c) webbing.

In an optional form, the shell includes a means of automatically opening and closing at least one of the first and second doors of the shell.

In another optional form, the shell includes a means of displaying advertising indicia on the shell.

Optionally, the shell includes at least one of:

(a) fibreglass;

(b) aluminium;

(c) rigid plastic; and

(d) canvass.

In one form, the shell includes a ramp being selectably adjustable between at least extended and retracted positions relative to the shell, wherein when the ramp is arranged in the extended position, it provides for wheeled access into the shell via at least one door of the shell, and, when disposed in the retracted position, it is adapted to be compactly stowed against the shell.

In another broad form there is provided a method of managing the use of a plurality of storage systems, the method being operable via a computerised system, and including the steps of: (i) presenting a plurality of available mobile storage systems for potential use by a customer; and

(ii) thereafter, receiving in the computerised system a customer request to use one of the mobile storage systems; and

(iii) thereafter, in response to the received customer request, the computerised system selectively authorising use of a mobile storage system by the customer if an authorisation criteria is met, wherein if the authorisation criteria is met, the customer is able to collect the mobile storage system from one of a plurality of available collection stations and load the storage system with property at a customer premises; and

(iv) thereafter, receiving in the computerised system a customer request to collect and transport the loaded storage system from a customer premises to the warehouse for storage; and

(v) thereafter, the computerised system automatically instructing a courier to transport the loaded storage system from the customer premises to the warehouse where the loaded storage system is thereafter stored directly into a warehouse bay.

Typically, the computerised system includes a central server including a memory store containing a program executable by the central server to perform at least some of the method steps. The central server may also include a database for storing information available for use by the central server in performing at least some of the method steps. For instance, the database may receive and store information in real-time relating to at least one of the following :

(a) a location and/or availability status of warehouse spaces at any given time;

(b) a location and/or availability status of a courier at any given time;

(c) locations of collection stations;

(d) the number and availability of mobile storage systems at each of the collection stations at any given time;

(e) customer information including the location of a customer premises from where the loaded storage system is to be collected and transported to a warehouse;

(f) the storage location of customer property in a warehouse and/or the duration of time the customer property is to be stored in the warehouse space;

(g) statistical information relating to the revenue generated from various collection stations, revenue generated in various geographic regions, and so on.

The information contained within the database may be updated in real-time by receiving messages from couriers, warehouses, customers, and/or collection stations periodically, or, whenever an operating status changes so as to ensure that the information contained within the database is kept relevant. For instance, when a courier is selected to transport customer property from a given location, and accepts the assignment, the courier may instruct the central server that it is temporarily engaged.

Typically, the method includes the step of at least some of the couriers, the warehouses, customers, and third-party collection stations being provided with client terminals. A client terminal may include a PC, a mobile phone, PDA or the like which may include a processor, display means, and input means adapted to communicate with the central server via a signalling network. The signalling network may include means for communicating across a wired and/or wireless communication link and may typically use at least one of the following messaging formats:

(a) e-mail;

(b) Short Message Service; (c) facsimile;

(d) voice communication;

The computerised system may also include a Web server for hosting a Web site that is accessible via the signalling network using a Web browser application running on at least one of the client terminals.

In step (I), by way of example only, the collection stations may include the shop-front premises of third-party organisations, including at least one of:

(a) a service station; (b) a hardware store;

(c) a supermarket; or

(d) a convenience store;

(e) a hire company;

(f) a shopping centre; (g) a car wash; and

(h) a car yard.

For instance, at any one time, at least two or three storage systems may typically be provided for collection by customers from various service stations within an established network of service stations such as "BP"™, "Shell"™ or the like. Advantageously, by utilising the premises of an established network of vendors as collection stations, this may

reduce the costs which would otherwise be incurred in setting up a new network of shop- fronts.

In step (i), the Web site of the computerised system may be used to display a listing of available mobile storage systems. The listing may be searchable by reference to such as factors as the location of the customer premises where the storage system is to be used, the time/date when the storage system is required by the customer, and so on. Therefore, it is conceivable that a customer may conveniently access the Web site listing via a WAP- enabled mobile phone, via the Internet using a PC, or, via a client terminal located at a collection station.

In accordance with step (ii) of the method, the customer request is preferably sent to the central server for processing via the Web site. For instance, the Web site may typically include a form which is to be completed online by the customer and submitted via the signalling network to the central server for processing. The form may prompt the customer to enter information such as:

(a) the customer's personal details including his/her name and contact details;

(b) a specific location of the collection station from where the customer seeks to collect a storage system for use; and/or (c) a location of the customer premises from where the storage system will be loaded; and/or

(d) a time/date when the storage system is required by the customer; and/or

(e) an indication as to whether the mobile storage system is intended for purchase or for lease, and if for lease, the duration of the requested lease; and/or

(f) a location of a specific warehouse nominated by the customer where the customer wishes to have the property stored, or, and indication that the computerised system should automatically allocate a warehouse based on customer preferences; (g) an estimated time duration in which the customer is seeking to store the storage system in the warehouse;

(h) billing account details of the customer to enable automatic debiting of the account whenever a fee is payable by the customer;

Upon receiving of the customer request, the computerised system may store this information in the database for future reference.

In step (iii) of the method, the mobile storage system may be delivered to the customer's premises instead of the customer having to collect the mobile storage system from the collection station. This may be convenient for customers that do not have a tow bar attached to their vehicle, or, who may lack confidence in driving a trailer from the collection station to the customer premises.

Preferably, in step (iii), the authorisation criteria which may be met before the customer receives authorisation to use the mobile storage system includes the customer having to pay a fee. Typically, payment of the fee by the customer may result in the customer obtaining a lease for the storage system. The fee payable for the lease may vary depending upon the duration requested by the customer for leasing the storage system. Alternatively, the fee that is payable by the customer may result in the outright purchase of the storage system.

Typically, payment of the fee may be effected at the same time that the customer request is submitted for processing. For instance, the Web site may allow the customer to submit credit card details on the online customer request form. The credit card details may be processed by the central server upon receipt. Typically, a suitable security protocol may be implemented across the signalling to alleviate the risk of unauthorised access to customer credit card details. Alternatively, payment of the customer fee may be manually effected using an electronic payment system such as EFTPOS available at any participating collection station. Typically, a portion of the fee payable by the customer may be allocated to the participating third-party as a kick-back. Advantageously, third-party shop-fronts may, in many instances, be readily able to accommodate a number of storage systems at any given time at little or no cost to the third-party, and, the opportunity to receive a kick-

back for each storage system used by a customer may therefore serve as a compelling incentive for the third-party to participate in the scheme.

Typically, after payment has been successfully processed, a confirmation message may be automatically sent to the customer from the central server so that the customer is aware that he/she is now free to collect the storage system for use. Typically, for convenience, if the customer submits the payment via the online Web site, the confirmation message may be displayed on the Web site. Alternatively, the confirmation message may be conveniently sent to the customer via an SMS or e-mail message. The confirmation message may also, for the customer's reference, include information such as the time and place where the storage system is to be collected by the customer, details of the location of the customer premises from where the loaded storage system is to be collected from, and so on.

Thereafter, when the customer has been authorised to collect a given mobile storage system from a collection station, the central server may be programmed to automatically instruct a supplier to deliver a replacement mobile storage unit to the collection station. Replacement mobile storage system may for instance be dispatched from a factory to a given collection station whenever the central server detects that a mobile storage system has been leased or purchased from the collection station.

Thereafter, when the customer has paid for use of the storage system, the customer may be able to tow the storage system to its customer premises from the specified collection station for loading using the customer's standard vehicle if desired. In contrast to certain prior art systems, the storage system tends to provide greater flexibility for the customer in that the customer need not require a truck with specialised towing equipment to tow the storage system to the customer's premises which can be time-consuming. Also, the relative lightweight nature of the storage compartment tends to make it easier for a standard vehicle to tow.

In step (iv) of the method, the customer request to collect and transport the loaded storage

system may typically be sent via an SMS and/or verbal communication. Whilst other forms of communication may be utilised, the customer may find that the use of a SMS in this instance is particularly convenient. Preferably, the computerised system may, upon receiving and processing the customer request, send a confirmation message to the customer. The confirmation may also be sent to the customer via SMS for convenience.

Step (v) typically includes the step of providing a plurality of couriers, any one of which may be selected to tow the customer's loaded storage system to the warehouse from the customer premises. Preferably, step (v) includes the customer server automatically determining in real-time, a relative proximity and/or availability status of each of the couriers to the customer premises where the loaded storage system is intended to be collected from. This step may be carried out by reference to the updated information contained in the database. Typically, the relative proximities of each courier may be determined by reference to a Global Positioning System (GPS) where for instance, each courier may be equipped with a portable GPS tracking device to enable a determination of its position. The position of each courier as determined by reference to the GPS system may be periodically monitored by the central server via the communication system.

Alternatively, in step (V), the computerised system may be adapted to automatically select a courier from amongst a plurality of couriers to tow the customer's loaded storage system, by conducting an auction in which couriers are able to bid for the job of towing the customer's storage system. Preferably, in bidding for the job, couriers may be required to submit their cost estimate for towing the customer's loaded storage system. Typically, the auction may be concluded after a predefined time period and the courier which has submitted the lowest cost estimate is automatically selected to tow the customer's loaded storage system. The winning courier may be automatically advised as to its winning bid via an SMS, e-mail or the like that is generated and transmitted by the computerised system.

The computerised system may be programmed to automate the implementation of the auction. By way of example only, whenever a customer request is received by the

computerised system for a courier to collect a loaded storage system from the customer premises, the computerised system may perform the following steps:

(a) initiating the auction by advertising details of the customer request (eg. location of customer premises, and location of destination warehouse, time of pick-up and so on), a deadline by which bids for the job from couriers should be received in order to be processed, and a maximum cost that will be payable for the job; and

(b) thereafter, receiving bids from couriers in response to the auction advertisement; and

(c) thereafter, when the predetermined deadline has elapsed, processing received bids having cost estimates below the maximum cost and determining a winner based on the lowest cost estimate submitted; and

(d) alerting the winning courier of its winning status via e-mail, SMS or the like.

Typically, for each auction that is active, information relating to the status of the auction may be displayed on the Web site. For instance, the information may include at least one of the following:

(a) job details including the location of the customer premises, warehouse destination details, and requested time of pick-up of the storage system from the customer premises; and/or

(b) a maximum price that will be paid to a customer for performing the job; and/or (c) the current total number of bids received in the auction to date;

(d) a listing of at least some of the bids received by the computerised system to date and/or with an indication of the time at which each bid was submitted;

(e) the best bid received in the auction to date;

(f) the deadline for completion of the auction, and/or, an indication of the time remaining before the auction will end.

In certain embodiments, details of each auction may be advertised to couriers via an SMS, e-mail or the like as they arise. Similarly, interested couriers may thereafter be able to submit their bids for the job to the computerised system for processing via SMS, e-mail or the like. The computerised system may send the couriers message updates which outline the current status of any given auction. The message update may for instance include similar information as is described above in points (a) to (f).

Preferably, the method also includes the step of providing a plurality of geographically dispersed warehouses, any one of which may be selected for stowing the customer's loaded storage system. Preferably, step (v) also includes the step of automatically determining a relative proximity of each of the warehouse locations to the customer premises where the loaded storage system is intended to be collected from, and/or, and/an availability status of each warehouse. Thereafter, the selected courier may be instructed to transport the loaded storage system to the warehouse which may be closest to the customer's premises. For convenience, the selected courier may be contacted by the computerised system automatically via an SMS message. When the courier accepts the assignment, he/she may send a confirmation message back to the central server again - preferably by way of an SMS or the like for convenience. Thereafter, the computerised system may update the information contained in the database - for instance, to indicate that the selected courier is no longer available. In some cases, the courier may not be automatically instructed to transport the loaded storage system to the nearest available warehouse to the customer's premises, but may instead direct the courier to transport the loaded storage system to a warehouse specifically selected by the customer. The customer may for instance be able to nominate a specific warehouse for storage of its property at the time the initial customer request for a storage system is submitted online via the Web site.

Preferably, once delivered to a warehouse by a courier, the storage compartment of the storage system may be lifted from the trailer by a forklift and loaded directly into a storage bay of the warehouse in a single step. This conveniently allows for an efficient one-step approach to storing the customer's property in the warehouse which alleviates the need to unload each individual item in the storage compartment and then transfer the items of

property into the storage bay of the warehouse. Once stored, the warehouse may automatically instruct the central server as to the precise storage location of the customer's property within the warehouse.

Preferably, the method may also include the step of selectively displaying advertising indicia on the storage systems, wherein the advertising indicia may be representative of a logo, brand, or trade mark, associated with the third-party which is being used as a collection station for the storage system in question. The opportunity for the third-party to receive, what is in effect, free advertising may provide yet a further incentive for the third- party to participate in the scheme. It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the advertising which is selectively displayed on the storage systems need not necessarily be associated with the third-party vendor from which the storage system is collected.

Preferably, the method may also include the step of providing an automated quoting system which may assist customers in ascertaining an estimate of costs involved in for instance having a leased or purchased storage system towed to the customer premises. The storage system which is sought to be delivered to the customer premises may already be loaded with customer property and may need to be transported from a warehouse to the customer premises so that the customer may retrieve a particular item from the storage system. Alternatively, the storage system may be newly leased or purchased and has yet to be loaded with the customer's property.

In either case, in order to generate a quote, the customer may be required to submit details of the requested delivery into the computerised system including:

(a) the requested time of the delivery;

(b) the duration of time the storage system is required at the customer premises;

(c) the location of the customer premises where the storage system is to be delivered;

(d) an indication as to whether the storage system is currently being held at a warehouse (and if so, the warehouse location), or, whether the storage system has been recently leased or purchased as new and is to be delivered from a specified

collection station to the customer premises (and if so, the location of the collection station from where the storage system is to be collected from).

The above details may be submitted to the computerised system via the Web site interface, or alternatively, may be submitted to the computerised system via an SMS or e-mail message for convenience. Typically, the computerised system may process the received customer delivery query in order to generate a quote, and, may return the quote to the customer via the Web, SMS or e-mail. In some cases, the quote may be generated in general terms by comparing the details of the customer query to a look-up table, or, the quote may be relatively specific and involve applying a more formula using the specific details of the customer query as inputs.

The method further provide a step of allowing customers to track the movement of storage systems that they have leased or purchased as they are being transported by a courier. For instance, as described above, real-time information may be maintained in the database relating to the location of couriers using a GPS tracking system. Therefore, a customer may be able to submit a tracking request to the computerised system typically via SMS, e- mail, WAP, or the Web site interface, wherein the request may identify the courier that is transporting the customer's property. Typically, couriers may be assigned a unique ID number in order to make it easier for customer's to identify them. Upon receiving the customer's tracking query, the database may be queried in order to determine the most recent GPS co-ordinates of the courier in question, and thereafter, these details may be sent to the customer via a suitable messaging format such as e-mail, SMS or the like. The messaging format may include a text message indicating the location of the storage system being towed, or alternatively, the message may include a graphical representation of the location of the storage system in transit. The graphical representation may for instance include a map having a pointer displayed thereon to indicate the location of the storage system by reference to the map coordinates.

Preferably, the method may also provide the step of recording in the computerised system an inventory list of items that have been stored in a loaded storage system. Typically, the

inventory list may be recorded into the computerised system by a customer that has leased or purchased the storage system in question. For instance, during or after loading of the storage system, the customer may submit the inventory list into the computerised system via the Web site interface whereby the inventory list may be stored in the database of the central server with other personal account information of the customer.

Typically, the Web site interface may allow the customer to enter details identifying each stored item using at least one of: (a) a written description of each stored item; and/or (b) an image of each stored item.

Each storage compartment of each storage system may be assigned a unique identification number. The unique identification number may also be associated with the inventory list before being submitted so that the computerised system is able to correctly track the location of customer property for each customer.

In regard to (b), the customer may attach a digital thumbnail photograph of each item that is loaded into the storage system. After the form has been submitted and the inventory list has been stored in the database of the central server, the customer may later retrieve and view the inventory list via the Web site or via a WAP browser running on the customer's mobile phone.

Typically, the customer may be required to log into the Web site using a designated username and password in order to ensure that the customer's privacy is maintained.

The customer may request, via the Web site, that any one of the displayed items in the inventory may be automatically placed for sale via an online trading site such as www.ebay.com or www.amazon.com. For instance, this may be automated by the computerised system in accordance with the following sub-steps:

(a) receiving a customer instruction which may specify an item in the inventory

list that is to be placed for sale via the online trading site, and/or, a minimum price that the item should be sold at; and

(b) thereafter, automatically interfacing with the online trading site so as to enable the item to be advertised for sale on the online trading site in accordance with the customer's instructions - this may also involve the computerised system automatically providing the online trading site the relevant written description of the item for sale and/or image of the item contained in the inventory list; and

(c) thereafter, upon completion of sale of the item via the online trading site, the computerised system may be programmed to automatically notify the relevant warehouse that the purchaser may be allowed to access the sold item from the customer's storage system.

In some cases, the computerised system may also be responsible for receiving funds generated by the sale of the customer's item. For instance the funds may be paid from the online trading site into a bank account administered by the computerised system. If this is the case, then typically, the funds may forwarded by the computerised system to the a bank account of the relevant customer. A portion of the funds may be retained as a commission fee for effecting automated sale of the item online.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a slidably adjustable canopy in accordance with a first embodiment - the sliding canopy being shown adjusted into a relatively expanded configuration.

Figure 2 shows a slidably adjustable canopy in accordance with the first embodiment - the sliding canopy being shown adjusted into a relatively compacted configuration.

Figure 3 shows an exploded side view of the sliding canopy in accordance with the first embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a partially transparent side view of the sliding canopy in accordance with the first embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a partially transparent perspective view of a second embodiment in which a plurality of storage compartments are stowed within a shell on a trailer.

Figure 6 shows a partially transparent perspective view of the second embodiment in which the plurality of storage compartments are being lifted outwardly of the internal space of the shell via a roof door disposed in a roof of the shell.

Figure 7 shows a partially transparent perspective view of the second embodiment in which the plurality of storage compartments are being removed laterally form the internal space of the shell via a door disposed in the rear- wall of the shell.

Figure 8 shows a partially transparent perspective view of the second embodiment in which a side-door of the shell is opened and a ramp is deployed to allowed wheeled access into the internal space of the shell.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment in which the doors of the shell are closed, and advertising indicia is displayed on an outer surface of the shell.

Figure 10 shows a flow diagram indicative of a sequence of method steps performed in accordance with a third embodiment.

Figure 11 depicts a functional overview of a computerised system used in accordance with the third embodiment.

Modes for Carrying out the Invention

A first embodiment canopy (1) which is adapted for removable mounting to a loading platform (4a) of a trailer (4) will now be described herein by reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

The canopy (1) includes an aluminium frame having a first frame member (2) and a pair of substantially identical second frame members (3a,3b).

The first frame member (2) includes a squared U-shape configuration having a centre- portion (2a) and a pair of side portions (2b,2c) extending substantially perpendicularly from the centre-portion (2a) on opposing ends of the centre-portion (2a). The squared U- shaped cross-section of the first frame member (2) is arranged in an inverted orientation when the first frame member (2) is mounted on the loading platform (4a).

The first frame member (2) is mounted on the loading platform (4a) at a substantially central location along a length of the loading platform (4a) and the centre-portion (2a) of the first frame member (2) spans a width of the loading platform (4a). The first frame

member (2) is removably mounted to the loading platform (4a) by using screws to fasten the first frame member (2) to the loading platform (4a).

The centre-portion (2a) and first and second side portions (2b,2c) include substantially rectangular-shaped panels. The second frame members (3a,3b) also include rectangular- shaped panels each of which are disposed on opposite sides of the first frame member (2) on the loading platform (4a) of the trailer (4).

Whilst the first frame member (2) remains fixed in place relative to the loading platform (4a) of the trailer (4), the pair of second frame members (3a,3b) are slidably movable relative to the first frame member (2) along respective tracks (not shown). The tracks are screwed into place along the sides of the loading platform (4a) of the trailer (4) in parallel.

The second frame members (3a,3b) each include bearings which are adapted to engage with the tracks such that the second frame members (3a,3b) are able to be either slid towards or away from the first frame member (2) in a controlled manner.

The second frame members (3a,3b) include dimensions whereby, when the second frame members (3a,3b) are slid into contact with the first frame member (2), the second frame members (3a,3b) are able to neatly cover the squared U-shape configuration of the first frame member (2) on opposite sides of the first frame member (2).

The canopy (1) also includes an enclosure surface (6a, 6b) adapted for enclosing a variable region of space above the loading platform (4a). The enclosure surface (6a,6b) is made form a canvass sheet. In this embodiment, because two second frame members (3a,3b) are employed, two separate canvass sheets are used. Each of the canvass sheets extend from a periphery (X ₅ X') of the first frame member (2) to corresponding peripheries (Y ₉ Y') disposed on the second frame members (3a,3b) as shown in Fig. 1.

The second frame members (3a,3b) are movably adjustable relative to the first frame member (2) between at least a first and a second relative arrangement as shown in Fig. 1

and 2 respectively. When the first frame member (2) and at least one of the second frame member (3a,3b) are arranged in the first relative arrangement, the at least one second frame members (3a,3b) is disposed in relatively remote proximity to the first frame member (2) so as to cause the enclosure surface (6a,6b) to extend outwardly over the loading platform (4a) whereby a relative maximum space is enclosed by the enclosure surface (6a,6b) above the loading platform (4a). This is depicted in Fig. 1.

Conversely, when the first (2) and a second frame members (3a,3b) are arranged in the second relative arrangement, the second frame members (3a,3b) are disposed in relatively close proximity to the first frame member (2) whereby the enclosure surface (6a, 6b) is caused to compactly fold in concertinaed fashion over the loading platform (4a) such that a relative minimum space is enclosed by the enclosure surface (6a,6b) above the loading platform (4a). This is depicted in Fig. 2.

The first and second frame members (3a,3b) are also adjustable into at least one intermediate arrangement whereby a space enclosed above the loading platform (4a) by the enclosure surface (6a,6b) includes a volume that falls between the relative maximum and relative minimum spaces that are formed by adjusting the position of the first and second frame members (3a,3b).

The first and second frame members (3a,3b) are able to be releasably secured in at least the first, second and intermediate arrangements. A latch or locking means (not shown) is disposed along the tracks which enables a user to selectably lock the first and second frame members (3a,3b) into any one of the first relative arrangement, the second relative arrangement or the intermediate arrangement.

The canopy (1) includes a plurality of doors (7) to allow for instance, modular storage compartments, to be inserted or removed from within the canopy (1). Each of the doors (7) are hingedly coupled to the frame (2,3a,3b).

Figure 3 shows an exploded side-view of the first embodiment wherein the canopy is shown being lowered over the top of a storage compartment (5) and on to the loading platform (4a) of the trailer (4). The enclosure surface (6a,6b) is shown in compacted form. Figure 4 shows a partial-transparent side view of the first embodiment wherein the enclosure surface (6a,6b) is spread out over the loading platform (4a) to fully enclose the storage compartment (5).

The trailer (4) includes a self-levelling mechanism (8) for self-adjusting a planar surface of the loading platform (4a) so that it is in planar-alignment with a ground surface above which the loading platform (4a) is positioned. The self-levelling mechanism (8) includes arms fixed beneath the trailer (4) which are telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the trailer (4) such that the range of adjustment of an angle of the trailer (4) relative to the ground surface is at least around about 10 degrees.

A further embodiment will now be discussed with reference to Figs. 5 to 9. The further embodiment includes a storage system (10) for use with a trailer (11).

Referring firstly to Fig. 5, the storage system (10) includes a shell (12) which is permanently mounted on the trailer (11). The shell (12) includes a base, a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side-walls and a roof which define an internal space of the shell (12). The walls, roof and base of the shell are made from aluminium. As shown in Fig. 9, the outside of the shell (12) includes an advertising display (12b). The advertising display (12b) is printed on a panel of the shell (12) and is removable so that different advertising is able to be interchangeably displayed on the shell (12) as required for marketing purposes.

The shell (12) also includes doors (13) disposed on the roof, in the rear wall and in both side walls via which the internal space of the shell (12) is able to be accessed.

The storage system (10) also includes a plurality of substantially identical inner compartments (14) which are able to be inserted into the internal space via the shell doors

(13) for stowing. Conveniently, the inner compartments (14) are able to be lifted out of the

shell (12) by crane via doors in the roof of the shell (12) as depicted in Fig. 6, or laterally removed, for instance, via the rear door in the shell (12) as shown in Fig. 7. Yet still, an inner compartment (14) is able to be removed laterally outward from the inner space of the shell (12) via a door (13) disposed in the side-wall of the shell as shown in Fig. 8.

The inner compartments (14) each include a base, a roof, a rear wall, a pair of side-walls and a front wall. The roof, the front wall, rear wall and the pair of side walls of the inner compartment (14) are made from a wire mesh panel which conveniently allows objects to be securely strapped thereon. The base of each of the inner compartments (14) includes a heavy duty plate floor. Mesh plastic outer skins cover outward-facing surfaces of the inner compartments (14).

The dimensions of the inner compartments (14) are adapted to substantially complement dimensions of corresponding warehouse compartments into which the inner compartments (14) are to be transferred from the shell (12).

The internal space of the shell (12) complements an external shape characteristic of the inner compartments (14) so that the inner compartments (14) are able to be stowed in relatively snug-fitting fashion within the shell (12).

The inner compartments (14) each include doors disposed on the roof, on at least one of the side-walls, and on the rear wall. Each of the doors (15) are hingedly coupled to the inner compartment (14).

When an inner compartment (14) is stowed in the shell (12), the doors disposed on the inner compartment (14) are adapted to align with corresponding doors disposed on the shell (12). This is shown more clearly for instance in Fig. 8. In this embodiment, at least the door disposed on the roof of the shell (12) and the door disposed on the roof of the inner compartment (14) are in alignment.

The door of the inner compartment (14) and the door of the shell (12) which are aligned are also able to be releasably coupled together so that both the shell door and the inner compartment door can be conveniently opened or closed by a user in a single action. In this embodiment, the aligned doors are coupled together using any latching mechanism deemed suitable by a person skilled in the art.

The inner compartments (14) are modular - that is, a plurality of inner compartments (14) arranged adjacent to one another within the shell (12) are able to be adapted to form a larger composite compartment. For instance, this may involve either selectively detaching doors on the inner compartments (14) which form a boundary between two inner compartments (14), or otherwise compactly folding the doors away so as to allow a free flow of movement between the adjacent inner compartments (14). Advantageously, this modular may provide a user with greater flexibility in being able to structure the allocation of storage space within the shell (12).

A ramp (16) is disposed adjacent each of the shell doors (13). The ramps (16) are selectably adjustable between at least extended and retracted positions relative to the shell (12), wherein when the ramps (16) are arranged in the extended position, they provide for wheeled access into the shell (12) via the respective doors (13) in the shell (12), and, when disposed in the retracted position, they are adapted to be compactly stowed against the shell (12).

In alternative embodiments, the ramp (16) is embodied by at least one of the doors of the shell (12). If this is the case, a door of the shell (12) would be hingedly coupled to the shell (12) so that the door, when arranged in an opened position, would be able to be rotated outwardly of the shell to enable wheeled access via the ramp/door into the shell (12).

Figure 10 shows a flow-chart which broadly outlines a series of method steps in accordance with another embodiment.

More specifically, the third embodiment provides a method of managing the use of a plurality of mobile storage units to generate revenue, wherein the method is operable via a computerised system, and includes the steps of:

(i) presenting a plurality of available mobile storage units for potential use by a customer. This step is indicated at block 100 in Fig. 10; and

(ii) thereafter, receiving in the computerised system a customer request to use one of the mobile storage units; This step is indicated at block 200 in Fig. 10; and

(iii) thereafter, in response to the received customer request, the computerised system selectively authorising use of a mobile storage unit by the customer if an authorisation criteria is met, wherein if the authorisation criteria is met, the customer is able to collect the mobile storage system from one of a plurality of available collection stations and load the storage compartment of the unit with property at a customer premises; This step is indicated at block 300 in Fig. 10; and

(iv) thereafter, receiving in the computerised system a customer request to collect and transport the loaded storage system from a customer premises to the warehouse for storage; This step is indicated at block 400 in Fig. 10; and

(v) thereafter, the computerised system automatically instructing a courier to transport the loaded storage system from the customer premises to the warehouse where the loaded storage system is thereafter stored directly into a warehouse bay. This step is indicated at block 500 in Fig. 10;

The mobile storage units discussed above can be used in accordance with the method.

Referring now to Fig. 11, the computerised system includes a central server (15) including a memory store containing a program executable by the central server (15) to perform the method steps in accordance with the third embodiment. The central server (15) also includes a database (16) for storing information available for use by the central server (15) in performing the method steps of the third embodiment. Specifically, the database (16) is adapted to receive and store information in real-time relating to at least the following: (a) the location and/or availability status of warehouse spaces at any given time;

(b) the location and/or availability status of each courier at any given time;

(c) the locations of collection stations;

(d) the number and availability of mobile storage units at each of the collection stations at any given time; (e) customer information including the location of a customer premises from where the loaded storage system is to be collected and transported to a warehouse; (f) the storage location of customer property in a warehouse and/or the duration of time the customer property is to be stored in the warehouse space; (g) statistical information relating to the revenue generated from various collection stations, revenue generated in various geographic regions and so on.

The information contained within the database (16) is updated in real-time by periodically receiving messages from a plurality of geographically dispersed couriers (17A- 17C) warehouses (2OA, 20B) and collection stations (18A,18B) so as to ensure that the information within the database (16) is kept relevant. For instance, when a courier (17A-

17C) is selected to transport customer property from a customer premises, and it accepts the task, the courier instructs the central server (15) that it is temporarily unavailable to perform other services. In Fig. 11, a customer is represented by the customer's mobile phone (19).

The method also includes the step of each of the couriers (17A- 17C), the warehouses (20A-20B), the customer (19), and third-party collection stations (18A,18B) being provided with client terminals. The client terminals include PCs, mobile phones, PDAs and the like which have a processor, display means, and input means adapted for communication with the central server via a signalling network. Referring to Fig. 11, and by way of example only, the client terminals include PC terminals located at each of the collection stations (18A,18B) which are free to use by the customer to communicate with the central server (15). The customer mobile phone (19) also serves as a client terminal which allows the customer to communicate with the central server (15) either via an SMS

based protocol, or using voice communication.

The signalling network is adapted to facilitate communication utilising all of the following communication protocols: (e) e-mail;

(f) Short Message Service;

(g) facsimile;

(h) voice communication.

One aspect of the signalling network in this embodiment includes a mobile phone network (22) which enables the couriers (17A- 17C) and the customer mobile phone (19) to interface with the central server (15) via mobile phone devices. The customer for instance is able to use both the WAP -enabled mobile phone (19) to submit customer requests to the central server (15) in addition to using any one of the client terminals located at the third- party collection stations (18A,18B). The warehouses (20A,20B) and collection stations (18A,18B) are able to interface with the central server (15) via another aspect of the signalling network - that is, via ISDN lines (21) linking the collection stations (18A,18B) to a local phone exchange (23) which in turn is connected to the central server (15)

The central server (15) also includes a Web server for hosting a Web site that is accessible via the signalling network using Web browser applications running on each of the client terminals. A customer can conveniently access the Web site listing via the WAP-enabled mobile phone (19), via the Internet using a PC, or, via any one of the client terminals located at the third-party collection stations (18A,18B).

In step (I), the collection stations (18A,18B) include the shop-front premises of third-party organisations, such as service stations and hardware stores. At any one time, a minimum of four storage systems are provided for collection by customers from each of the collection stations (18A,18B). Each storage unit parked at a given third-party collection station (18A,18B) is provided with advertising indicia indicative of a logo of the third- party.

The Web site provides a listing of available mobile storage units at each of the collection stations (18A,18B) at any given time. The listing is searchable by reference to, amongst other things, the location of the customer premises where the storage system is to be used, and, the time/date when the storage system is required by the customer.

In accordance with step (ii) of the third embodiment, the customer request is sent to the central server (15) for processing via the Web site. The Web site includes the step of presenting a form which is to be completed online by the customer and submitted electronically for processing. The form prompts the customer to enter information including the following:

(a) a specific location of the collection station from where the customer seeks to collect a storage system for use; and/or

(b) a location of the customer premises from where the storage system will be loaded;

(c) a time/date when the storage system is required by the customer;

(d) an indication as to whether the mobile storage system is intended for purchase or for lease, and if for lease, the duration of the requested lease;

(e) a location of a specific warehouse nominated by the customer where the customer wishes to have the property stored, or, and indication that the computerised system should automatically allocate a warehouse based on customer preferences;

(f) a location of where to pick up the loaded storage system;

(g) a time at which the loaded storage system is to be picked up.

Upon receiving of the customer request, the central server (15) stores this information in the database (16) for future reference.

In step (iii), the authorisation criteria includes the customer having to pay a fee to lease the requested mobile storage unit. The fee payable for the lease will vary depending upon the lease duration requested by the customer. Payment of the fee is effected at the same time

that the customer request is submitted for processing. This involves the customer including his/her credit card details on the online customer request form when a request to use a mobile storage unit is first submitted. The credit card details are processed by the computerised system upon receipt and if accepted, a confirmation message is displayed on the client terminal so that the customer is notified that he/she is now free to collect the storage system for use. The confirmation includes details of the time and place where the storage system is to be collected by the customer, details of the location of the customer premises from where the loaded storage system is to be collected from, and so on.

A portion of the fee paid by the customer is allocated to the third-party collection stations (18A,18B) from where the mobile storage unit is collected. The collection stations (18A,18B) are readily able to accommodate a number of storage systems at any given time at little or no cost to the third-party, and, the opportunity to receive a kick-back for each storage system used by a customer may therefore serve as a compelling incentive for the third-party to participate in the scheme. The allocation of kick-backs to the third-party collection stations is generally effected at the end of each calendar month for simplicity and will generally involve a direct electronic transfer of the third-party's allocated funds to a nominated bank account. The amount of the kick-backs which are payable to the various collection stations (18A,18B) can be determined by reference to information which has been periodically stored in the database (16) of the central server (15).

Thereafter, when the customer has paid for use of the storage system, the customer tows the storage system to its customer premises from the specified collection station for loading using the customer's standard vehicle if desired. After loading the mobile storage unit, the customer send a further request via an SMS to collect and transport the loaded storage unit. The customer will indicate the location of a specific warehouse where the storage unit is to be transported to, or alternatively, will request that the computerised system automatically allocate a warehouse for storage.

In the third embodiment, step (v) also includes the step of providing a plurality of couriers, any one of which is able to be selected, if available, to tow the customer's loaded storage

system to the nominated warehouse from the customer premises. Step (v) involves the computerised system, upon receiving the customer request, automatically determining a relative proximity and/or availability status of each of the couriers to the customer premises where the loaded storage system is intended to be collected from. The relative proximities of each courier is determined by reference to a Global Positioning System (GPS) where for instance, each courier is equipped with a portable GPS tracking device to enable a determination of its position. The position of each courier as determined by reference to the GPS system is periodically monitored by the computerised system and stored in the database for future reference.

The third embodiment further includes the step of providing a plurality of geographically dispersed warehouses, any one of which is able to selected for stowing the customer's loaded storage unit. Step (v) also includes the step of automatically determining a relative proximity of each of the warehouse locations to the customer premises where the loaded storage system is intended to be collected from, and/or, and/an availability status of each warehouse. The courier is instructed to transport the loaded storage unit to the warehouse which may be closest to the customer's premises. For convenience, the selected courier is contacted by the computerised system automatically via an SMS message. When the courier accepts the assignment, he/she send a confirmation message back to the central server again via an SMS for convenience. Thereafter, the computerised system update the database to indicate that the selected courier is no longer available.

Once delivered to a warehouse by a courier, the storage compartment of the storage system is lifted from the trailer by a forklift and loaded directly into a storage bay of the warehouse in a single step. Thereafter, the warehouse sends a message to the computerised indicating the storage location of the customer's property within the warehouse. This information is stored in the database for future reference.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to

persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.