Grid levelling mechanism
A grid framework structure configured to support one or more load handling devices includes a grid structure including a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members running transversely to the first set of grid members in a substantially horizontal plane in a grid pattern containing plural grid cells; plural vertical uprights supporting the grid structure; and an adjustable grid levelling mechanism for adjusting the level of the grid structure.
1 . A grid framework structure configured to support one or more load handling devices thereupon, said grid framework structure comprising:
i) a grid structure including a first set of grid members extending in a first direction and a second set of grid members extending in a second direction, the second set of grid members running transversely to the first set of grid members in a substantially horizontal plane in a grid pattern containing a plurality of grid cells, each of the plurality of grid cells has an opening to enable a load handling device to lift a container or storage bin through the grid cell;
ii) a plurality of vertical uprights for supporting the grid structure; the plurality of vertical uprights are configured and arranged to form a plurality of vertical storage locations for one or more containers to be stacked between the vertical uprights, each of the vertical uprights comprises a plurality of corners and one or more guides mounted to or formed at each corner, the one or more guides extending along a longitudinal length of each vertical upright for guiding movement of the containers or storage bins along a respective vertical storage location, wherein the plurality of vertical uprights are interconnected at upper ends thereof by the first set of grid members and the second set of grid members; and
iii) an adjustable grid levelling mechanism for adjusting a level of the grid structure, wherein the grid structure is mounted to the adjustable grid levelling mechanism at one or more of the interconnections of the plurality of vertical uprights such that the adjustable grid levelling mechanism is interposed between at least one of the plurality of vertical uprights and the grid structure for adjusting a vertical distance between the at least one of the plurality of vertical uprights and the grid structure;
wherein the adjustable grid levelling mechanism comprises:
a base supported or received by the at least one vertical upright;
a mounting head supporting the grid structure; and
an extendible section interposed between the base and the mounting head and configured to selectively vary a vertical distance between the base and the mounting head such that the level of the grid structure relative to the at least one vertical upright is adjustable.
2 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the base comprises:
an insert receivable in an upper end of a vertical upright.
3 . The grid framework structure of claim 2 , wherein the extendible section comprises:
a threaded shaft configured to be extended or retracted relative to the base.
4 . The grid framework structure of claim 3 , wherein the mounting head is mounted to the threaded shaft that threadingly engages with the base such that the threaded shaft is configured to be extended or retracted relative to the base.
5 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the extendible section comprises:
a pair of mating washers having opposing or mating faces, the opposing or mating faces of each of the pair of mating washers having a profile or contour with a variable height extending in a circumferential direction such that rotation of the at least one of the pair of mating washers relative to the other will cause a height of the pair of the mating washers to be adjusted.
6 . The grid framework structure of claim 5 , wherein the at least one of the pair of mating washers is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the vertical upright.
7 . The grid framework structure of claim 5 , wherein the profile or contour of the mating face of each of the pair of mating washers comprises:
at least one wedge shaped face.
8 . The grid framework structure of claim 5 , wherein the mating faces of the pair of mating washers comprise:
indexing means or an indexing mechanism configured to cause rotation of at least one mating washer relative to the other mating washer to be indexed.
9 . The grid framework structure of claim 8 , wherein the indexing means or an indexing mechanism comprises:
a plurality of teeth configured such that rotation of at least one mating washer relative to the other mating washer will be locked at a desired rotational angle.
10 . The grid framework structure of claim 5 , wherein the base comprises:
a seat configured for seating the pair of mating washers.
11 . The grid framework structure of claim 10 , wherein the seat comprises:
a post configured and arranged to receive the pair of mating washers.
12 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the mounting head comprises:
a spigot receivable in a seat.
13 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the mounting head comprises:
at least two perpendicular ends, each of the two perpendicular ends being configured for connecting to at least one of the first set of grid members extending in the first direction and at least one of the second set of grid members extending in the second direction.
14 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein a lower end of each of the plurality of vertical uprights is anchored to a concrete foundation by an anchor foot.
15 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the first set of grid members comprises:
a first set of tracks; and the second set of grid members comprises:
a second set of tracks.
16 . The grid framework structure of claim 15 , wherein the first set of grid members comprises:
a first set of track supports; and the second set of grid members comprises:
a second set of track supports.
17 . The grid framework structure of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical uprights comprise a hollow section, and wherein the hollow section is configured to receive the base of the adjustable grid levelling mechanism.