U.S. patent application number 10/952272 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-30 for retractable storage system.
Invention is credited to John D. Crawford.
Application Number | 20060066188 10/952272 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36098215 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060066188 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crawford; John D. |
March 30, 2006 |
Retractable storage system
Abstract
The system includes an enclosure provided upward through a hole
provided in a ceiling. The enclosure includes a motor for lifting a
set of shelves into the enclosure. The enclosure protects the set
of shelves and its contents from moisture and heat, and prevents
heat and moisture from escaping from one room to another, across
the enclosure. The system is designed to allow installation of the
entire system from the lower level, without requiring access to the
upper level.
Inventors: |
Crawford; John D.;
(Maryville, MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRETT J. TROUT, PC
516 WALNUT
DES MOINES
IA
50309
US
|
Family ID: |
36098215 |
Appl. No.: |
10/952272 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/247 ;
312/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/003 20130101;
A47B 51/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/247 ;
312/242 |
International
Class: |
A47B 67/02 20060101
A47B067/02 |
Claims
1. A retractable storage system comprising: (a) a rack comprising:
(i) a storage area; (ii) a second storage area located above said
first storage area; (b) a supportive ceiling defining an opening;
(c) means for moving at least a part of said rack from a first
position below said supportive ceiling to a second position above
said supportive ceiling.
2. The retractable storage system of claim 1, further comprising
means positioned above said supportive ceiling for insulating said
rack.
3. The retractable storage system of claim 1, further comprising an
enclosure secured to said supportive ceiling.
4. The retractable storage system of claim 3, wherein said
enclosure is coupled to said supportive ceiling over said opening
in a manner which substantially seals said opening.
5. The retractable storage system of claim 1, wherein said moving
means comprises: (a) first means coupled to a first part of said
container for lifting said rack; and (b) second means coupled to a
second part of said container for lifting said rack.
6. The retractable storage system of claim 5, wherein said first
means is secured to said container above said second storage area
and wherein said second means is secured to said container above
said second storage area.
7. The retractable storage system of claim 1, wherein said rack
further comprises a door.
8. The retractable storage system of claim 7, wherein said rack
further comprises: (a) a back provided between said first storage
area and said second storage area; (b) a first side provided
between said first storage area and said second storage area; and
(c) a second side provided between said first storage area and said
second storage area.
9. The retractable storage system of claim 1, wherein said moving
means comprises a motor provided above said supportive ceiling.
10. The retractable storage system of claim 9, further comprising
an actuator coupled to said motor, wherein said motor is provided
above said supportive ceiling.
11. The retractable storage system of claim 10, further comprising
an enclosure secured to said supportive ceiling.
12. The retractable storage system of claim 1, further comprising
means coupled to said moving means for attenuating said moving
means in response to an object being in the path of said rack.
13. The retractable storage system of claim 1, wherein said moving
means is a motorized screw coupled to said rack.
14. The retractable storage system of claim 13, further comprising
a slave screw operably coupled to said motorized screw and to said
rack.
15. The retractable storage system of claim 1, wherein said rack
comprises a set of drawers.
16. A retractable storage system for moving a rack from a first
point below a ceiling to a second point above the ceiling, the
retractable storage system comprising: (a) a rack comprising: (i) a
first storage area; (ii) a second storage area located above said
first storage area. (b) an enclosure, at least a portion of which
is located above the ceiling; and (c) means for moving at least a
portion of said rack into said enclosure.
17. The retractable storage system of claim 16, wherein the ceiling
defines an opening and wherein said enclosure is secured over said
opening in a manner which substantially seals said opening.
18. The retractable storage system of claim 16, wherein said rack
is a set of shelves.
19. A method for storing material comprising: (a) providing a
ceiling defining a lower space and an upper space; (b) providing an
opening in said ceiling; (c) providing an enclosure from said lower
space, through said opening, into said upper space; (d) securing
said enclosure to said ceiling over said opening; (e) providing a
rack comprising: (i) a first storage area; (ii) a second storage
area located above said first storage area. (f) providing material
on said first storage area; and (g) moving at least a portion of
said rack into said enclosure.
20. The method for storing material of claim 19, further comprising
moving said rack into said enclosure sufficiently so that a bottom
of said rack is substantially flush with said ceiling.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates in general to retractable
storage systems and, more particularly, to storage systems which
retract into a ceiling.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] It is well known in the art to provide retractable storage
systems. One such system is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,758,782 to
Rupert. The system shows a movable storage organizer which may be
provided in a closet or the like to utilize space above hanging
clothes or the like. One drawback associated with such devices,
however, is that they prevent full utilization of the area
positioned below the movable storage organizer. Unless the ceilings
are extraordinarily high or the movable storage organizer
extraordinarily small, the space below the movable storage
organizer would be too small for a person to walk below.
[0005] Additionally, Rupert teaches the utilization of a parallel
linkage system to extend the movable storage organizer outward and
downward when access is desired. Another drawback associated with
such movable storage organizers is that they require unobstructed
space both laterally and downwardly of the mobile storage
organizer. Rupert also teaches the utilization of an over center
parallel linkage to maintain the movable storage organizer in place
when not in use. Yet another drawback of such systems is that they
require additional unobstructed space above the movable storage
organizer which cannot be utilized. It would, therefore, be
desirable to provide a retractable storage system which did not
require unobstructed lateral space, and which allowed a user to
fully utilize the space below the storage system when the storage
system is in the storage orientation.
[0006] Another retractable, overhead device is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,667,035 to Hughes. Hughes teaches the use of an overhead
platform elevator for moving objects between a lower level of a
building structure to an overhead storage space. Although Hughes
has the capacity to move upward to a point where the space below
the elevation device can be utilized by a user, and does not
require an unobstructed lateral space, and may be designed to
extend all the way to the floor, the Hughes device has several
additional drawbacks. Most notably, the Hughes device is designed
for moving large objects and, therefore, does not provide any means
for storing a large number of small objects, such as files or the
like. Additionally, as the Hughes device is designed for moving
large objects, the device requires a large motor, a number of
pulleys, and additional support being added to the ceiling.
[0007] Still another drawback associated with Hughes is the
utilization of telescopic arms which require large vertical members
to extend far beyond the uppermost portion of the elevator. Still
another drawback associated with the Hughes is the inability to
control the flow of air from the top floor to the bottom floor. In
a situation, such as a home use, where the device may be desired to
be used between a living area and an attic, the Hughes device would
allow moisture and heat to flow between the two areas, and would
not insulate any material provided on the platform from damage
associated with climatic conditions in an attic. Still another
drawback associated with the Hughes device is the lack of safety
devices to warn individuals of the moving platform, or to prevent
the moving platform from contacting, and injuring or killing, a
user.
[0008] It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a system that
allowed for full utilization of the area below the system, did not
require an open lateral area for use, allowed for the storage of a
plurality of small elements, protected the material from inclement
conditions on the upper floor, prevented the egress of heat and
moisture from one floor to the other, and which provided a warning
system to prevent injury or damage during use. The difficulties
encountered in the prior art discussed hereinabove are
substantially eliminated by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In an advantage provided by this invention, a retractable
storage system is provided which is of a lightweight, low-cost
manufacture.
[0010] Advantageously, this invention provides a retractable
storage system which may be quickly and easily installed, requiring
little or no access to the area above a ceiling.
[0011] Advantageously, this invention provides a retractable
storage system with improved warning and safety systems to prevent
injury to a user.
[0012] Advantageously, this invention provides a retractable
storage system which provides a plurality of storage areas for
files and the like.
[0013] Advantageously, this invention provides a retractable
storage system which protects files and the like from temperature
and humidity fluctuations which may be present in an attic or other
unregulated storage area.
[0014] Advantageously, in the preferred example of this invention,
a retractable storage system is provided with a rack and means for
moving at least a part of the rack from a first position below a
supportive ceiling to a second position above the supportive
ceiling. Preferably, the supportive ceiling is provided with an
opening into which is provided an enclosure. A motor is provided on
the enclosure for extending the rack into the area below the
supportive ceiling.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will now be described by way of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front elevation in cross-section of the
retractable storage system of the present invention shown in the
extended position;
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the set of
shelves, enclosure and lift system of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom elevation of the set of shelves,
shown retracted into the enclosure;
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation in cross-section of the
retractable storage system of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a front elevation in cross-section of the
retractable storage system of FIG. 1, shown in the retracted
position.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevation in cross-section of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, utilizing a cable
and winch system;
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a front elevation in cross-section of
another alternative embodiment of the present invention, utilizing
two large front doors and a cable and pulley system; and
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the of
another alternative embodiment of the present invention, having
alternative male and female sections.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0024] A retractable storage system according to the present
invention is shown generally as (10) in FIG. 1. The retractable
storage system (10) includes a multi-tiered rack, which in the
preferred embodiment is a set of shelves (12), an enclosure (14)
and a lift system (16). As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the set of shelves
(12) is injection molded or rotomolded in a manner such as that
known in the art. In the preferred embodiment the set of shelves
(12) is injection molded of a copolymer of polypropylene and
polyethylene. Of course, the set of shelves may be injection molded
of nylon or any other desired material, or may be constructed using
wood, metal or any other material known in the art for construction
of such shelves. The set of shelves (12) is preferably molded with
a face (18), a first side (20), a second side (22) a back (24), a
bottom (26) and a top (28). Each side (20) and (22) is provided
with three tongues (36), (37), (38) and (39), (40), (41) integrally
molded as part of the sides (20) and (22). (FIGS. 1-2).
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the top (28) is provided with a first
lip (30) and second lip (32). As shown, each lip (30) and (32) is
provided with a hole (90) and (92) which passes through the center
tongue (37) and (40) of each side (20) and (22). Stainless steel
threaded nuts (886) and (88) are bolted or otherwise secured to the
lips (30) and (32) for a purpose described in more detail
below.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the set of shelves (12) is provided with
a plurality of hinged doors (44). Although the hinged doors (44)
may be of any type known in the art, in the preferred embodiment,
the hinged doors (44) are of the type known to swing outward and
upward to a substantially horizontal position, whereafter the
hinged doors (44) may be slid inward along tracks (not shown) into
the set of shelves (12) to allow access to files (46) and the like.
(FIGS. 1-2). It should be noted, however, that the set of shelves
(12) may be provided without any doors (44) whatsoever, hinged
lateral doors, a removable top drawer, additional shelves
releasably secured to the bottom of the set of shelves (12), doors
on either side, or completely open on one or more sides.
[0027] The enclosure (14) includes a female member (48) and a male
member (50), sized and configured for securement into mating
alignment with one another as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the
enclosure (14) is injection molded or rotomolded, in a manner such
as that known in the art, of the same materials utilized to
construct the set of shelves (12). As shown in FIGS. 2-3, the
female member (48) is molded with a side (52), a top (54), a front
(56) and a back (58). The top (54), front (56) and back (58) are
each provided with a curved catch (60). Similarly, the male member
(50) is provided with a side (62), a top (64), a front (66), a back
(68). The top (64), front (66) and back (68) are each provided with
a curved keeper (70). The keeper (70) and catch (60) are preferably
designed to fit into interlocking mating engagement with one
another. In the preferred embodiment, no additional fasteners or
adhesive are required to maintain the female member (48) and male
member (50) in contact with one another but, of course, it should
be known that fasteners or any other suitable connection means may
be utilized to further secure the female member (48) to the male
member (50).
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the female member (48) and male member
(50) are preferably provided with a plurality of steel L-brackets
(72) which are secured to the female member (48) and male member
(50) by nuts (74) and bolts (76). Alternatively, the female member
(48) and male member (50) may be molded with a fin (not shown)
along the perimeter of the bottoms (78) and (80) of the female
member (48) and male member (50). Alternatively, a fin (not shown)
constructed of aluminum or any other suitable material, may be
bolted or otherwise secured to the bottoms (78) and (80) of the
female member (48) and male member (50).
[0029] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the female member (48) and the
male member (50) are each integrally formed with keyways (79) sized
to receive the tongues (36), (37), (38), (39), (40) and (41)
provided on the sides (20) and (22) of the set of shelves (12). The
keyways (79) guide the set of shelves into and out of the enclosure
(14). Stainless steel screws (94) and (96), such as those known in
the art, extend through the threaded nuts (86) and (88) and holes
(90) and (92) associated with the center tongues (37) and (40).
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the lift system (16) comprises an
electric rotary motor (98) which may be of any suitable type known
in the art. As shown in FIG. 1, the motor (98) is electronically
coupled to a simple central processing unit (100) such as those
known in the art to control the actuation/deactuation of the motor
(98), and to process input from radio frequency remote control
devices, photoelectric eyes, limit switches and the like.
[0031] Also as shown in FIG. 1, the motor (98) is drivably coupled
to a gearbox (101) which, in turn, is drivably coupled to the screw
(96). As shown in FIG. 1, the screw (96) extends through the
threaded nut (86) of the set of shelves (12) and into the hole (92)
provided through the center tongue (37). The gearbox (101) is a
right angle gearbox, such as those known in the art, and is
provided with a first output shaft (104) coupled to the screw (96)
and a second output shaft (106) coupled to a driveshaft (108). The
driveshaft (108), in turn, is coupled to an input shaft (110) of
another gearbox (112) which is drivably coupled to the screw (94)
by an output shaft (114). On its other end, the screw (94) is
provided through the threaded nut (88) bolted to the second lip
(32) of the set of shelves (12) and into the hole (90) provided
through the center tongue (40).
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, an actuation switch (116) is provided on
the wall (118) and is hardwired or, more preferably, connected via
remote control radio frequency transmission to the central
processing unit (100) in a manner such as that known in the art.
Also preferably, a secondary actuation switch (120) is provided on
a battery-operated remote control (122) in a manner such as that
known in the art. Also coupled to the central processing unit (100)
is a lower limit switch (122) and upper limit switch (124) set to
deactuate the motor (98) when triggered by contact with the lip
(30) of the set of shelves (12). The lip (30) actuates the limit
switches (122) and (124) when the set of shelves (12) has reached
its lowermost or uppermost orientation respectively. Alternatively,
a boss (not shown) may be provided on the set of shelves (12) to
trigger the limit switches (122) and (124).
[0033] Also as shown in FIG. 1, the set of shelves (12) is provided
with warning lights (126) which are coupled to the central
processing unit (100). The central processing unit (100) triggers
the warning light to strobe whenever the motor (98) is raising or
lowering the set of shelves (12).
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, provided on the floor (128) are a pair
of reflective discs (130) and (132), which may be constructed of
Mylar, glass or any other suitable material. Provided on the bottom
(26) of the set of shelves (12) is a first photoelectric eye (134)
and a second photoelectric eye (136), such as those known in the
art. The photoelectric eyes (134) and (136) are wired to the
central processing unit (100) which, in turn, cuts power to the
motor (98) in the event that a user (not shown) or other object
moves between one of the photoelectric eyes (134) and (136), ad the
reflective discs (130) and (132), thereby obstructing photoelectric
input into the photoelectric eyes (134) and (136). This operates as
a warning system to prevent the set of shelves (12) from lowering
into contact with something and causing damage either to the set of
shelves (12) or to the object to which it comes in contact.
Alternatively, a motion detector (not shown) or similar sensor,
such as those known in the art, may be utilized.
[0035] Additionally, the first shelf (138), second shelf (140),
third shelf (142) and fourth shelf (144) are each provided with a
door sensor (146) to detect whether the hinged doors (44) (FIGS.
1-2) are closed. The door sensors (146) are coupled to the central
processing unit (100) which prevents actuation of the motor (98) if
one or more of the hinged doors (44) are not closed. The central
processing unit (100) is also provided with a current sensor (148),
such as those known in the art, preset to detect an overload
condition to stop actuation of the motor (98) in the event
something prevents the set of shelves (12) from retracting, or in
the event the set of shelves (12) become overloaded. In the event
where the current sensor (148) detects the predetermined overload
condition associated with the motor (98) trying to lift the set of
shelves (12) against an overloaded capacity, the central processing
unit (100) signals warning lights (126) to flash to indicate the
jammed or overloaded conditions. The screws (94) and (96) also hold
the set of shelves (12) in position during a power outage or
malfunction of the motor (98) to prevent the set of shelves (12)
from moving quickly downward.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the female member (48) and male
member (50) are provided with a plurality of hinged panels (150),
to allow the L-brackets (72) to be secured to a ceiling (152) from
inside the enclosure (14) without requiring access to the second
floor. An additional hinged panel (154) is provided on the top (64)
of the male member (50) to allow access to the motor (98), central
processing unit (100) and current sensor (148), to make any
necessary adjustments, conduct any necessary maintenance and to
make any required replacements without requiring access to the
second floor. Preferably, all of the hinged panels (150) and (154)
are sufficiently insulated to prevent a substantial amount of
moisture or heat passing across the hinged panels (150) and (154)
when they are in their closed positions.
[0037] When it is desired to utilize the retractable storage system
(10) of the present invention, a hole (156) is cut into the ceiling
(152) as shown in FIG. 4. As shown, the hole (156) is preferably
cut parallel to the ceiling joists (158) and (160). Alternatively,
the male member (50) and female member (48) may be installed from
the second floor, whereafter additional insulation, such as
batting, may be applied to the outside of the male member (50) and
female member (48). The hole (156) is preferably cut close enough
to the joist (158) and (160) to maximize the area available for the
set of shelves (12), allowing the utilization of the joists (158)
and (160) for support of the enclosure (14). Once the hole (156)
has been cut into the ceiling, the female member (48) and male
member (50) are provided through the hole (156) in the ceiling
(152). The female member (48) and male member (50) may be slightly
compressed to pass them by the joists (158) and (160). Once the
female member (48) and male member (50) are past the joists (158)
and (160), they are positioned on top of the joists (158) and (160)
as shown in FIG. 4. If desired, the L-brackets (72) associated with
the male member (50) may secured to the male member (50) and the
joists (158) and (160). Thereafter, the female member (48) may be
secured to the male member (50), utilizing the keeper (70) and
catch (60) described above. The hinged panel (150) may then be
utilized to reach through the enclosure and secure the female
member (48) to the joist (158), utilizing the L-brackets (72).
Thereafter, the screws (94) and (96) are coupled to the output
shafts (104) and (114).
[0038] The set of shelves (12) is thereafter lifted into the
enclosure (14) and hinged panels (162) may be utilized to route the
screws (94) and (96) through the collars (36) provided in the lips
(30) and (32) of the top (28) of the set of shelves (12) and into
the bushings (90) and (92). Thereafter, the motor (98) may be
hardwired or otherwise coupled to an electrical power outlet (164)
which, in the preferred embodiment, is a 120-volt alternating
current source. The actuation switch (116) may be provided on a
wall plate (166) and secured to the wall (118) in a manner such as
that known in the art.
[0039] Thereafter, when it is desired to lower the set of shelves
(12), the actuation switch (116) or secondary actuation switch
(120) is actuated in a first direction to cause the motor (98) to
rotate the screws (94) and (96) and lower the set of shelves (12).
As the set of shelves (12) is being lowered, the central processing
unit (100) actuates the warning lights (126) to strobe and warn of
the descent of the set of shelves (12). Once the set of shelves
(12) has been fully lowered, the lip (30) contacts the lower limit
switch (122), causing the central processing unit (100) to cut
power to the motor (98). The hinged doors (44) may then be opened
and the set of shelves (12) accessed and filled with material. When
it is desired to retract the set of shelves (12), the actuation
switch (116), or secondary actuation switch (120) is actuated in
the opposite direction. If an overload condition exists, the
current sensor (148) causes the central processing unit (100) to
cut power to the motor (98) and flash the warning lights (126). If
no overload condition is present, the central processing unit (100)
causes the motor (98) to turn the screws (94) and (96) in the
opposite direction and lift the set of shelves (12) into the
enclosure (14). If the motor (98) encounters an overload condition
during the lifting process, again the current sensor (148) causes
the central processing unit (100) to cut power to the motor (98)
until the overload condition can be corrected. Once the set of
shelves (12) has fully retracted into the enclosure (14) to the
point where the bottom (26) of the set of shelves (12) is flush
with the ceiling (152), the lift (30) contacts the upper limit
switch (124), causing the central processing unit (100) to cut
power to the motor (98), as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4.
[0040] Shown in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, utilizing a motor (168) coupled to a shaft (170) which,
in turn, is journaled to a bushing (172) provided on the interior
of the enclosure (174). A support bushing (176) may also be coupled
to the enclosure (174) to prevent bowing of the shaft (170) and
allowing for the utilization of a smaller diameter shaft. Coupled
to the shaft (170) are a pair of cables (178) and (180), or webbing
straps such as those known in the art, which, in turn, are coupled
to the top (182) of the set of shelves (184). As the central
processing unit (186) causes the motor (168) to rotate in a first
direction, the cables (178) and (180) wind around the shaft (170),
thereby lifting the set of shelves (184) into the enclosure (174).
Conversely, when the central processing unit (186) actuates the
motor (168) to reverse the motion of the shaft (170), the cables
(178) and (180) unwind from the shaft (170) and lower the set of
shelves (184) out of the enclosure (174).
[0041] Yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention
is shown in FIG. 7, which utilizes a rotary motor (188), drivably
coupled to a drive shaft (190) which, in turn, is drivably coupled
to a pulley (192). The pulley (192) is coupled to a pair of cables
(194) and (196), or webbing straps such as those known in the art,
which, in turn, are coupled to the top (198) of the set of shelves
(200). The cables (194) and (196) pass through the top (202) of the
enclosure (204) and are directed around pulleys (206) and (208),
coupled to the top (202) of the enclosure (204) by brackets (210)
and (212) in a manner such as that known in the art. Accordingly,
as the central processing unit (214) causes the rotary motor (188)
to actuate, the cables (194) and (196) move around the pulleys
(206) and (208) to wind on the pulley (192), thereby lifting the
set of shelves (200) into the enclosure (204). Conversely, when the
central processing unit (214) causes the rotary motor (128) to
reverse, the cables (194) and (196) to unwind from the pulley
(192), thereby lowering the set of shelves (200) out of the
enclosure (204).
[0042] Still another alternative embodiment of the present
invention is shown generally as (216) in FIG. 8. In this
embodiment, the male member (218) and female member (220) divide
the enclosure (222) along an alternative axis.
[0043] Although the invention has been described with respect to a
preferred embodiment thereof it is also to be understood that it is
not to be so limited, since changes and modifications can be made
therein which are within the full, intended scope of this invention
as defined by the appended claims. As an example, the motor (98)
may be located in any desired position, including, but not limited
to, either side of the interior of the enclosure or on the
underside of the ceiling, with cables, pulleys or the like,
directing the power of the motor upward to the top of the
enclosure. It is additionally anticipated that the enclosure may be
provided with additional openings to allow egress to maintain the
exterior of the enclosure, or to route cabling or the like from the
exterior of the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure, and/or
to a point below the ceiling.
* * * * *