Track system for modular storage

Abstract

A track system for a modular storage system has a single track positioned on a floor and extending along a track path. The modular storage system includes plurality of carts, each cart having a track follower mechanism that preferably is movable between a retained position and an engaged position and at least three wheels that are operably attached to and support the cart relative to the floor. The cart is retained by the track and manually movable on the wheels along the track path when the at least one track follower is selectively engaged with the track.

1 . A modular storage system comprising: 
 a single track operably positioned on a floor and extending along a track path; and 
 a plurality of carts, each cart including:  
 a frame having a pair of ends separated by a length, the frame having a defined structural integrity between the pair of ends and including structure defining at least one storage space that is carried by the cart and having a defined maximum gross weight when the at least one storage space is occupied;  
 a track follower mechanism operably attached to one of the pair of ends of the cart; and  
 at least three wheels operably attached to and supporting the cart relative to the floor, the at least three wheels having a defined coefficient of rolling friction relative to the floor,  
   such that a cart is operably retained by the track and manually movable only in a direction generally parallel to the track path when the at least one track follower is engaged with the track,    wherein a structural integrity of the frame is sufficient to permit manual movement of the cart in the direction generally parallel to the track path by a manual force greater than the coefficient of a rolling friction of the wheels times the maximum gross weight exerted on one of the ends of the cart while preventing binding of the frame along the length of the cart.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the wheels comprise a generally convex profile selected to minimize the rolling friction with the floor.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track is installed in relation to a floor that is selected from the set consisting of: the floor of a vehicle, the floor of a trailer, the floor of a storage system than includes a plurality of movable floors, an existing floor, or a newly formed floor surface.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track is selected from the set consisting of a unitary track or a track having a plurality of sections.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the track follower mechanism of at least one of the carts is selectively disengagable with the track and wherein the track comprises ramped surfaces perpendicular to the track length, such the cart is removable from the track and moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the track path when the track follower mechanism is selectively disengaged with the track.  
   
   
       6 . A rail system for use with a modular storage system having a plurality of carts, the rail system comprising: 
 a single rail disposed on a floor and extending along a rail path, the rail comprising a channel extending along the rail generally parallel to the rail path;    a rail follower mechanism operably attached to a cart, the rail follower mechanism having at least a movable portion of which is movable between a retained position and an engaged position, the movable portion comprising an elongate member and a roller disposed proximate a lower end of the elongate member,    such that when the at least one rail follower is in the engaged position the roller is selectively engageable with the channel and movable along the rail path within the channel, the roller having a defined coefficient of sliding friction and a defined coefficient of rolling friction relative to the channel such the defined coefficient of sliding friction and the defined coefficient of rolling friction permit the cart to be manually moved along the rail in a direction generally parallel to the rail path with a minimal amount of effort.    
   
   
       7 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein when the rail follower mechanism is in the engaged position at least a portion of the rail follower mechanism is floatable in the vertical direction allowing the rail system to be used on an uneven floor.  
   
   
       8 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the wheels comprise a material having a coefficient of rolling friction selected to minimize the rolling friction with the floor.  
   
   
       9 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one roller comprises a material having a coefficient of rolling friction selected to minimize the rolling friction with the channel.  
   
   
       10 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one roller comprises a material having a coefficient of sliding friction selected to minimize the sliding friction with the channel.  
   
   
       11 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the roller is selected from the set consisting of: 
 nylon, metal, or plastic.    
   
   
       12 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the at least a portion of which is movable between a retained position and an engaged position comprises a rail follower.  
   
   
       13 . The rail system of  claim 12 , wherein the rail follower mechanism comprises a lever selectively securing the rail follower in a retained position.  
   
   
       14 . The rail system of  claim 12 , wherein the rail follower mechanism comprises means for securing the rail follower in a retained position.  
   
   
       15 . The rail system of  claim 6 , wherein the rail follower mechanism comprises a bracket that secures the rail follower mechanism in an engaged position.