Modular storage structures

Abstract

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to modular storage structures. In one non-limiting embodiment, a modular structure includes a plurality of stackable, inter-engaging blocks. Two or more of the blocks include at least two openings, and the blocks are configured to be removably coupled to one another with an opening of a first block aligned with an opening of a second block. The modular structure also includes at least two elongate members positionable through aligned hinge openings of at least two of the plurality of blocks positioned adjacent to one another. The modular structure also includes at least one reinforcing member structured to extend between and engage the at least two elongate members between stacked layers of the blocks. Other embodiments, forms, aspects and features are disclosed herein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modular structure, comprising:
 at least two components each including a body extending along an axis and including oppositely positioned sidewalls, a first opening positioned between the sidewalls and extending transversely to the axis, and a second opening positioned between the sidewalls and extending transversely to the axis, wherein the components are configured to be removably coupled to one another with the first opening of a first component aligned with the second opening of a second component when the first and second components are positioned adjacent to one another;   at least two elongate members, wherein at least one of the elongate members is positionable through the aligned first and second openings of the first and second components when the first and second components are positioned adjacent to one another; and   one or more reinforcing members positionable along exterior surfaces of the first and second components when the first and second components are positioned adjacent to one another and into engagement with the at least two elongate members.   
     
     
         2 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two components are further configured to be placed on top of one another with the first openings of the first and second components aligned and the second openings of the first and second components aligned, and the at least one elongate member is further configured to be inserted through the aligned first openings or the aligned second openings when the at least two components are placed on top of one another. 
     
     
         3 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two components are configured to be pivotably coupled to one another. 
     
     
         4 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the at least two components further comprises a reinforcing band extending around the first and second openings. 
     
     
         5 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the reinforcing members is a reinforcing band configured to structurally connect the two or more elongate members. 
     
     
         6 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the reinforcing members is configured to be positioned over the first component after the at least one elongate member is positioned through the aligned first and second openings of the first and second components. 
     
     
         7 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the reinforcing members is configured to be positioned in a recess defined in an upper surface of the body of the first component. 
     
     
         8 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sleeve members, wherein at least one of the sleeve members is engageable with another sleeve member and the at least one elongate member is positionable through one or more sleeve members into engagement with the base component. 
     
     
         9 . The modular structure of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one elongate member is configured to removably engage with a second elongate member. 
     
     
         10 . A modular structure, comprising:
 a plurality of stackable, inter-engaging blocks, at least two of the plurality of blocks including at least two hinge openings;   at least two elongate members, each of the elongate members positionable through aligned hinge openings of at least two of the plurality of blocks positioned adjacent to one another; and   at least one reinforcing member structured to extend between and engage the at least two elongate members between stacked layers of adjacent ones of the plurality of blocks.   
     
     
         11 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , wherein the reinforcing member is configured to be positioned in a recess defined in an upper surface of the body of at least one of the plurality of blocks. 
     
     
         12 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the reinforcing members is a structural cable configured to connect the at least two elongate members. 
     
     
         13 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the blocks includes:
 an offset base portion extending from a first sidewall of the block between a first end portion and a second end portion, the base portion including a surface aligned with a lower surface of the block and a tapered portion extending between the first sidewall and the lower surface.   
     
     
         14 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of blocks are inter-engaged to define an enclosed space. 
     
     
         15 . The modular structure of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of blocks are arranged in multiple layers with at least one reinforcing member positioned between each of the multiple layers. 
     
     
         16 . The modular structure of  claim 14 , further comprising a liner positioned in the enclosed space and defining a reservoir for holding a liquid. 
     
     
         17 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , further comprising a center connector and a cable connecting the center connector to a base member. 
     
     
         18 . The modular structure of  claim 17 , wherein the cable includes a connecting member configured to be received in an opening of the base member. 
     
     
         19 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one elongate member is configured to rotatably engage with a base member. 
     
     
         20 . The modular structure of  claim 10 , further comprising at least one top member configured to rotatably engage with the at least one elongate member. 
     
     
         21 . The modular structure of  claim 20 , further comprising a support element and a cable connecting the support element to the at least one top member. 
     
     
         22 . A method for assembling a modular structure, comprising:
 positioning a first stackable block relative to a second stackable block, the first and second blocks being configured to inter-engage with one another and each including two or more openings;   inserting a first elongate member through a first opening of the first block and a second opening of the second block aligned with the first opening of the first block;   inserting a second elongate member through a second opening of the first block; and   positioning a reinforcing member over the first block with a first portion thereof extending around the first elongate member and a second portion thereof extending around the second elongate member.   
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising engaging the elongate member with a base member positioned below the first and second blocks. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein engaging the elongate member with the base member includes rotating the elongate member relative to the base member. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising connecting a cable from a center connector to the base member. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 23 , further comprising engaging the elongate member with the reinforcing member opposite the base member. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 23 , wherein the reinforcing member is placed between the first and second blocks. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising placing reinforcing cables around at least one of the first and second blocks. 
     
     
         29 . A modular structure, comprising:
 a plurality of stackable, inter-engaging blocks each extending along a longitudinal axis and at least two of the plurality of blocks including at least two hinge openings;   a plurality of elongate members, at least two of the elongate members being configured to be positioned through aligned hinge openings of the at least two blocks; and   at least one reinforcing member positionable in line with the longitudinal axis of at least one of the blocks and into engagement with the two elongate members.   
     
     
         30 . The modular structure of  claim 29 , wherein the reinforcing member is configured to be positioned in a recess defined in an upper surface of the body of at least one of the plurality of blocks.