Grid framework structure

A storage system comprising:

• a) an anti-seismic grid framework system comprising:
• a grid framework structure configured for supporting a load handling device operative to move one or more containers in a stack;
• a series of intersecting grid members arranged to form a grid including a plurality of substantially rectangular frames in a horizontal plane, each of the substantially rectangular frames constituting a grid cell, said grid being supported by a plurality of upright columns at each of the intersections of the series of grid members to form a plurality of vertical storage locations for containers to be stacked between the upright columns and be guided by the upright columns in a vertical direction through the plurality of substantially rectangular frames;
• and
• a seismic isolation system for reducing seismic forces acting on the grid framework structure, wherein the grid framework structure is supported by the seismic isolation system, the seismic isolation system including a superstructure and a substructure, and at least one base isolation device disposed between the superstructure and the substructure such that the at least one base isolation device suppresses movement of the superstructure relative to the substructure in a seismic event;
• b) said one or more containers, each of the one or more containers positioned in the stack;
• and
• c) one or more said load handling devices remotely operated to move the one or more containers stored in the grid framework structure, each of the one or more load handling devices including:
• i) a wheel assembly for guiding the load handling device on the grid framework structure;
• ii) a container-receiving space located above the grid framework structure;
• and
• iii) a lifting device arranged to lift a single container of the one or more containers from the stack into the container-receiving space.