Storage retrieval system with pivoted holder frames

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved article retrieval and storage system.
Another object is to further the principles in the above-discussed copending applications.
Yet another object is to provide an improved storage system which can be adapted to floor spaces of virtually any desired configuration.
These objects are attained according to the instant invention in an article storage and retrieval system wherein each of a plurality of annular and generally concentric tracks has a respective train of holder frames.
Each of these trains of frames is displaceable around the respective track and each has a pair of ends spaced apart by a gap as described above with reference to my previous applications.
Each of these frames holds a set of vertically spaced holders which are removably supported in each of the holder frames and can be manually removed therefrom draw-fashion, or slipped out by automatic means displaceable in the aisle formed when all of the gaps of all of the trains are aligned.
According to the instant invention each of the holder frames is secured to each of the adjacent frames by means of a respective pivot fixed relative to the respective frame so that the trains are flexible and can follow a non-circular track.
Thus in accordance with the present invention the system can be fit into a rectangular floor plan, only rounding the track slightly at the corners.
It is possible to follow an even less regular shape, as for example a shape having a concave side, or even a crescent shape.
All that is necessary is that the innermost track have no bend that is too sharp or has too small a radius of curvature for the respective train to pass around it.
The system according to the present invention can therefore be adapted to virtually any floor plan and can be custom-made for virtually any available space.
In accordance with yet another feature of this invention each of the tracks is provided with a respective siding that extends laterally or tangentially away from the respective track so that, if desired, an entire train or a portion thereof can be displaced off the respective track for servicing, replacement, or the like