Modular rack unit

Abstract

A stackable modular unit for a storage structure for flat objects, comprises two lateral, mutually distanced, wall members (2,2 min ) to which are attached or with which are integral at least two bottom members (4,8,8 min ) and at least one top member (12,12 min ). The bottom and top members define supporting and guiding surfaces for the object (CDC). The lateral walls (2,2 min ) are provided with cut-outs (16,16 min ) in their lower portions, the upper edges of the walls and the cut-outs being so configured as to permit, in the stacked state of the units, the nesting of the upper portion of each lateral wall of each unit in the cut-out of the corresponding wall of the next-higher of the stacked units. Any one of the objects (CDC), when introduced into, and slid onto the bottom members of, the nth of the stacked units, mechanically joins the nth unit to the (nth - 1) unit. <IMAGE>

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A stackable modular unit for a storage structure for flat objects, comprising: two lateral, mutually distanced, wall members each having an upper portion and a lower portion to which members are attached or with which are integral at least two bottom members and at least one top member, at lest one of said bottom members joining, and maintaining at a distance, said lateral wall members, said bottom and top members defining supporting and guiding surfaces for said object;   said lateral wall members having cut-outs in their lower portions, the upper portions of said wall members and said cut-outs being so configured as to permit, in the stacked state of said units, the nesting of the upper portion of each lateral wall member of each unit in the cut-out in the lower portion of the corresponding wall member of the next-higher of said stacked units;   wherein any one of said objects, when introduced into, and slid onto the bottom members of, the nth of said stacked units, mechanically joins said nth unit to the (nth-1) unit.   
     
     
       2. The modular unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein in said stacked state the top member or members of the nth unit are substantially coplanar with the bottom members of the (nth+2) unit, counting from below. 
     
     
       3. The modular unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least two intermediate members attached to, or integral with, said lateral wall members. 
     
     
       4. The modular unit as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in the stacked state of said units, the intermediate members of the nth unit are substantially co-planar with the bottom members of the (nth+1) unit and with the top member or members of the (nth-1) unit. 
     
     
       5. The modular unit as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one backstop means, an upper member of which reaches above the plane containing the object-carrying surfaces of said bottom members of the next-higher unit in a stack of stacked units.