Storage container assembly

An automated storage and retrieval system comprising:

• a framework structure and a plurality of storage container assemblies,
• wherein the framework structure comprises:
• upright members;
• a storage volume comprising storage columns provided between the upright members, wherein storage containers are stacked in stacks within the storage columns;
• a rail system provided on top of the upright members;
• container handling vehicles arranged for movement on the rail system;
• wherein the plurality of storage container assemblies each comprise:
• a storage container comprising a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base, thereby defining a top opening of the storage container;
• a delivery container comprising a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base;
• a holder for the delivery container being telescopically retained within the storage container and extendable from the top opening of the storage container, the holder having a side-access opening which is revealed on extension of the holder from the storage container,
• wherein the delivery container is configured to be guided into and out from the side-access opening of the holder,
• wherein the delivery container is configured to be slidably retained within the holder for storage within the storage container, and
• wherein the storage container assemblies are stacked in the stacks and handled in the same way as the storage containers by means of the container handling vehicles.

A method for unloading of a delivery container from, or for loading of the delivery container into, a storage container of an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the automated storage and retrieval system comprises a framework structure and a plurality of storage container assemblies, wherein the framework structure comprises upright members, a storage volume comprising storage columns provided between the upright members, wherein storage containers are stacked in stacks within the storage columns, a rail system provided on top of the upright members, and container handling vehicles arranged for movement on the rail system, and wherein each of the storage container assemblies comprises a storage container comprising a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base, thereby defining a top opening of the storage container, a delivery container comprising a base and four walls extending up from edges of the base, and a holder for the delivery container being telescopically retained within the storage container and extendable from the top opening of the storage container, the holder having a side-access opening which is revealed on extension of the holder from the storage container;

• wherein the delivery container is configured to be guided into and out from the side-access opening of the holder;
• wherein the delivery container is configured to be slidably retained within the holder for storage within the storage container, and wherein the storage container assemblies are stacked in the stacks and handled in the same way as the storage containers by means of the container handling vehicles;
• wherein the method comprises:
• moving the storage container from a storage position to an unloading and/or loading station;
• extending a holder through a top opening of the storage container;
• and
• guiding the delivery container into and/or out from a side-access opening of the holder.