Modular rack design

Abstract

A transportable modular rack system is disclosed. The transportable modular rack system comprises a modular cage and a moveable insert rack that is at least partially positionable within the interior of the modular cage. Articles and/or article housings can be positioned on shelves positioned within the interior of the moveable insert rack. The transportable modular rack is suitable for use in aircraft, watercraft and/or land vehicles. A pallet-mounted transportable modular rack system comprising modular rack components and moveable insert rack components is also disclosed.

1 . A transportable modular rack system comprising:
 a modular cage securable to a surface comprising:
 a first side panel, 
 a second side panel opposite the first side panel, and 
 at least one detachable retainer bar member extending from the first side panel to the second side panel; and 
   a moveable insert rack at least partially receivable within the modular cage, the moveable insert rack comprising:
 a base, 
 a first and second insert panel detachably mounted on the base, and 
 at least one shelf removeably mounted on and extending between the first and second insert panels. 
   
   
   
       2 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the first side panel and the second side panel each comprise two vertical support members. 
   
   
       3 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the first side panel and the second side panel each comprise at least two detachable sections. 
   
   
       4 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of detachable retainer bar members extending between the first side panel and the second side panel. 
   
   
       5 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises at least one caster. 
   
   
       6 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 5 , wherein the caster is at least partially retractable toward the base to allow the caster to pass over the retainer bar member when the moveable insert rack is at least partially installed within the modular cage. 
   
   
       7 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the moveable insert rack further comprises a back insert panel detachably mounted on the base and connected to each of the first side panel and the second side panel. 
   
   
       8 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 7 , wherein the back insert panel has a top end and a bottom end and is hinged at a location between the top end and the bottom end. 
   
   
       9 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second insert panels have a top and a bottom end and are hinged at a location between the top end and the bottom end. 
   
   
       10 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one shelf is vertically adjustable along the first insert panel and second insert panel. 
   
   
       11 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one shelf is structured and arranged to receive at least one article and/or article housing. 
   
   
       12 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the detachable retainer bar member extends between a lower end of a front vertical support post of the first side panel and a lower end of a front vertical support post of the second side panel. 
   
   
       13 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 1 , wherein the surface is a floor, wall and/or ceiling. 
   
   
       14 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 13 , wherein the surface is a vehicle surface. 
   
   
       15 . The transportable modular rack system of  claim 14 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft, watercraft or land vehicle. 
   
   
       16 . A transportable pallet-mounted modular rack system comprising:
 modular cage components removeably mounted on the pallet, the modular cage components comprising:
 first and second side panels, and 
 at least one detachable retainer bar member which may be secured between the first and the second side panels; and 
   moveable insert rack components removeably mounted on the pallet, the moveable insert rack components comprising:
 a base, 
 first and second insert panels detachably mountable on the base, and 
 at least one shelf which may be removeably mountable on and extendable between the first and second insert panels. 
   
   
   
       17 . The transportable pallet-mounted system of  claim 16 , further comprising at least one article and/or article housing positioned on the pallet. 
   
   
       18 . The transportable pallet-mounted system of  claim 16 , wherein the pallet-mounted system can be assembled within an aircraft, watercraft or land vehicle. 
   
   
       19 . A method of assembling a modular rack in a vehicle comprising the steps of:
 securing a modular cage comprising a retainer bar to the vehicle;   assembling a moveable insert rack; and   inserting the moveable insert rack at least partially within the modular cage by sliding the moveable insert rack over the retainer bar at least partially into the modular cage.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising the step of installing at least one other retainer bar on the modular cage after the moveable insert rack is at least partially inserted into the modular cage.