U.S. patent application number 12/271752 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-15 for storage system.
Invention is credited to Kurt Geffe.
Application Number | 20090255889 12/271752 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41163126 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090255889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Geffe; Kurt |
October 15, 2009 |
STORAGE SYSTEM
Abstract
A storage apparatus includes a reconfigurable mounting assembly
adapted to couple to a ceiling. The mounting assembly includes an
activatable drive system and a plurality of flexible members. The
storage system includes a platform assembly that has a platform
base and at least one post extending upwardly from the platform
base. The activatable drive system is capable of moving the
platform assembly between a raised position to fixedly couple the
at least one post to the mounting assembly and a lowered position
to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the
plurality of flexible members. The storage system can be installed
by coupling the mounting assembly to the at least one joist. The
platform assembly is connected to the mounting assembly via the
plurality of flexible members.
Inventors: |
Geffe; Kurt; (Bellevue,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE, SUITE 5400
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
41163126 |
Appl. No.: |
12/271752 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61003179 |
Nov 14, 2007 |
|
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|
61043364 |
Apr 8, 2008 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/113 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B66F 7/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/113 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/08 20060101
A47F005/08; A47F 5/00 20060101 A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A storage apparatus, comprising: a mounting assembly including a
plurality of brackets, an activatable drive system having a
rotatable shaft with a plurality of spools, and a plurality of
flexible elongate members connected to corresponding spools of the
activatable drive system; a platform assembly including a platform
base for supporting items, the plurality of elongate members
extending generally perpendicularly from the platform base and
supported by rollers connected to the brackets such that the
platform assembly is movable between a raised position to lock the
platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position
to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the
plurality of elongate members, the platform base being
substantially level as the platform assembly is moved between the
raised position and the lowered position; and a leveling mechanism
operable to adjust the orientation of the platform base with
respect to the mounting assembly while the platform assembly is
suspended under the mounting assembly.
2. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform base is a
generally rectangular base having four corners, and each elongate
member extends between one of the corners and the mounting
assembly.
3. The storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein the leveling mechanism
is carried within the platform assembly and coupled to at least one
of the flexible elongate members.
4. A storage system, comprising: a reconfigurable mounting assembly
adapted to couple to at least one joist, the mounting assembly
including an activatable drive system and a plurality of flexible
members; and a platform assembly including a base and at least one
post extending upwardly from the base, the plurality of flexible
members extend between the drive system and the platform assembly
such that the drive system is capable of moving the platform
assembly between a raised position to disengage the at least one
post from the mounting assembly and to engage the at least one post
with the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend the
platform assembly under the mounting assembly via the plurality of
flexible members.
5. The storage system of claim 4, wherein each of the flexible
members is a strap wound about a shaft of the activatable drive
system.
6. The storage system of claim 4, further comprising a leveling
mechanism operable to adjust an orientation of the base with
respect to the mounting assembly while the platform assembly is
suspended from the mounting assembly.
7. The storage system of claim 4, further comprising means for
leveling the platform assembly.
8. The storage system of claim 4, wherein an upper end of the at
least one post is spaced apart from and below at least one elongate
stabilizer of the mounting assembly when the platform assembly is
in the lowered position.
9. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the at least one post has
an adjustable longitudinal length.
10. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the mounting assembly
includes four stabilizers and the at least one post includes four
posts positioned with respect to the four stabilizers such that the
stabilizers slide into corresponding posts of the platform
assembly.
11. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the activatable drive
system includes a motor that is capable moving the platform
assembly between the raised position and the lowered position when
the base supports at least 100 lbs.
12. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the mounting assembly is
fixedly coupled to a ceiling of a garage.
13. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the base is a planar
deck.
14. The storage system of claim 4, wherein the activatable drive
system includes a motor that keeps the platform assembly in the
raised position when in an OFF state and that moves the platform
assembly when in an ON state.
15. A method comprising: coupling a mounting assembly to a ceiling
of a garage; connecting a platform assembly to the mounting
assembly via a plurality of flexible members; and moving the
platform assembly between an elevated position to fix the platform
assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered position to suspend
the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the plurality
of flexible members.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: leveling the
platform assembly using a leveling mechanism after connecting the
platform assembly to the mounting assembly.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein moving the platform assembly
includes translating a planar deck of the platform assembly between
the elevated position and the lowered position.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: loading items on a
planar deck of the platform assembly when the platform assembly is
in the lowered position; and raising the platform assembly carrying
the items to the elevated position to store the items.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the flexible members are wound
about respective spools of a drive system when the platform
assembly is moved towards the elevated position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/003,179 filed
Nov. 14, 2007 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
61/043,364 filed Apr. 8, 2008. These two provisional applications
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional stationary overhead storage racks are often
installed in garages, such as residential garages. Overhead storage
racks are used to store items above a floor to increase usable
floor space. It may be difficult to load and/or unload these
overhead storage racks, especially if the items to be stored are
bulky or heavy. A user may have difficulty lifting these types of
items onto the storage racks. Additionally, it may be difficult to
access items at the back of the rack without unloading many other
items.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to storage systems
and, more particularly, to ceiling mounted storage systems used in
commercial or residential settings.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, a storage apparatus includes a mounting
assembly and a platform assembly. The mounting assembly includes a
plurality of brackets, an activatable drive mechanism having a
rotatable shaft with a plurality of spools, and a plurality of
flexible members connected to corresponding spools of the
activatable drive system. The platform assembly includes a platform
base for supporting items and a plurality of elongate members
extending generally perpendicularly from the platform base. The
plurality of elongate members are supported by rollers connected to
the brackets such that the platform assembly is movable between a
raised position to lock the platform assembly to the mounting
assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly
under the mounting assembly by the plurality of elongate members.
The platform base is substantially level or in a desired
orientation as the platform is moved between the raised position
and the lowered position.
[0005] In some embodiments, a method is provided that includes
coupling a mounting assembly to a ceiling of a garage or other
structure. For example, the mounting assembly can be coupled to
joists in the ceiling. The platform assembly is connected to the
mounting assembly via one or more flexible members. The platform
assembly is moved between an elevated position to fixedly couple
the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lower position
to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting assembly by the
one or more flexible members. In some embodiments, the platform is
reoriented using a positioning mechanism, such as a leveling
mechanism, before, during, or after connecting the platform
assembly to the mounting assembly. Items can be loaded onto a
planar deck of the platform assembly when the platform assembly is
in the lowered position. The platform assembly can then be raised
from the lowered position to the elevated position to store the
items.
[0006] At least some embodiments disclosed herein are directed to
storage systems that have a platform assembly that moves vertically
between a lowered position for loading/unloading and a raised
position for long term storage. A drive system integrated into the
storage system can have a motor for conveniently raising and
lowering the platform assembly via a plurality of flexible members,
such as cables or straps. Items, such as storage boxes, can be
placed onto a base of the platform assembly while the platform
assembly is in the lowered position. After the base is loaded, the
platform assembly is raised vertically until it is received by a
stationary mounting assembly of the storage system. The base can
remain generally level throughout this process to reduce, limit, or
substantially prevent unwanted movement (e.g., shifting, sliding,
etc.) of items carried by the base.
[0007] In some embodiments, a storage system includes a
reconfigurable mounting assembly and a movable platform assembly.
The mounting assembly is adapted to couple to a ceiling and
includes an activatable drive system, a plurality of flexible
members, and at least one elongate stabilizer fixedly coupled to
the mounting assembly. The platform assembly is suspended under the
mounting assembly by the flexible members extending between the
drive system and the platform assembly. The platform assembly is
movable relative to the mounting assembly between a raised position
and a lowered position by the drive system. The platform assembly
includes a base and at least one post extending upwardly from the
base. The post is positioned to mate with the elongate stabilizer
when the platform assembly is in the raised position.
[0008] In some embodiments, the post is sufficiently long such that
an upper end of the post is adjacent to the ceiling to which the
mounting assembly is coupled. The upper end of the post can be
spaced apart from and generally below the elongate stabilizer when
the platform assembly is in the lowered position. The post can have
an adjustable length or a fixed length. The activatable drive
system, in some embodiments, includes a motor that is capable of
vertically moving the platform assembly. The motor can quickly
raise and lower the empty or loaded platform assembly. For example,
the empty platform assembly can be lowered to its lowered position
for loading. Once loaded, the platform assembly can be raised to
its raised position. The platform assembly can then be lowered to
retrieve the stored items. The empty or partially loaded platform
assembly can then be again elevated to its raised position.
[0009] The motor can be selected to move a platform assembly
supporting a significant amount of weight. For example, the motor
can be capable of raising and lowering the platform assembly when
the base supports at least 100 lbs or 200 lbs. In some embodiments,
the motor moves the loaded platform assembly from the fully lowered
position to the raised position in less than 2 minutes, 1 minute,
or 30 seconds, or ranges encompassing such lengths of time. The
motor can be an electric motor controlled by a user. The motor can
be turned off to hold the platform assembly in the raised position.
In some embodiments, the motor that keeps the platform assembly in
the raised position when in an OFF state and that moves the
platform assembly when in an ON state
[0010] In some embodiments, the storage system includes four
stabilizers and four posts positioned with respect to the four
stabilizers such that the stabilizers slide into corresponding
posts. The posts can have passageways for receiving the elongate
stabilizers.
[0011] In some embodiments, a storage apparatus comprises a
mounting assembly, a platform assembly, and a leveling mechanism.
The mounting assembly includes a plurality of brackets, an
activatable drive mechanism having a rotatable shaft with a
plurality of spools, and a plurality of flexible members connected
to corresponding spools of the activatable drive system. The
platform assembly includes a platform base for supporting items.
The plurality of elongate members extend generally perpendicularly
from the platform base and are supported by rollers connected to
the brackets such that the platform assembly is movable between a
raised position to lock the platform assembly to the mounting
assembly and a lowered position to suspend the platform assembly
under the mounting assembly by the plurality of elongate members.
The platform base is substantially level as the platform assembly
is moved between the raised position and the lowered position. The
leveling mechanism is operable to adjust the orientation of the
suspended platform base with respect to the mounting assembly.
[0012] In some embodiments, a method comprises coupling a mounting
assembly to a ceiling of a garage, connecting a platform assembly
to the mounting assembly via a plurality of flexible members, and
moving the platform assembly between an elevated position to fix
the platform assembly to the mounting assembly and a lowered
position to suspend the platform assembly under the mounting
assembly by the plurality of flexible members. A storage space is
formed between the raised platform assembly and the ceiling.
[0013] The platform assembly is leveled using a leveling mechanism
after connecting the platform assembly to the mounting assembly. A
plurality of leveling mechanisms can be used to adjust the
positions of various portions, such as the corners, of the platform
assembly. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanisms are used to
controllably raise and lower portions of the platform assembly with
or without the platform assembly being loaded with items.
[0014] Items are loaded on a planar deck of the platform assembly
when the platform assembly is in the lowered position. The platform
assembly carrying the items is raised to the elevated position to
store the items for a desired length of time. The platform assembly
can be lowered at a later point in time to access or unload the
stored items.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage system having a
movable platform assembly for holding items, in accordance with one
illustrated embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the storage system of
FIG. 1, wherein the platform assembly is in a raised position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the storage system of
FIG. 1, wherein the platform assembly is in a lowered position.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the storage system of
FIG. 1 coupled to a ceiling, in accordance with one illustrated
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a top elevation view of the storage system of FIG.
1.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the storage system of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a storage system having a
movable platform assembly, in accordance with one illustrated
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the storage system of
FIG. 7.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a latching mechanism
for a storage system, in accordance with one illustrated
embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a furled platform base, in
accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the platform base of FIG. 10
ready to support items.
[0026] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a storage system having a
movable platform assembly for holding items, in accordance with one
illustrated embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of the storage system of
FIG. 12.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a detailed front elevational view of the storage
system of FIG. 12 along 14-14.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a storage system, in
accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the storage system of
FIG. 15, in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0031] FIGS. 17A-I show one method of operating a locking
mechanism.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a locking mechanism, in
accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of a storage system, in
accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the storage system of
FIG. 19.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of a portion of the storage
system of FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a front elevational view of a portion of the
storage system of FIG. 19.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of a portion of a storage system
that includes a leveling mechanism. Some components are shown
removed.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a detailed view of the leveling mechanism of FIG.
23.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a pictorial view of a post of a storage system,
in accordance with one illustrated embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a pictorial view of a level mechanism within the
post of FIG. 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] The present detailed description is generally directed to
storage systems having a loading/unloading configuration and a
storing configuration. Many specific details of certain example
embodiments are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.
1-26 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One
skilled in the art, however, will understand that the disclosed
embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the details
described in the following description. Additionally, the storage
systems are discussed in the context of installation in garages
because they have particular utility in this context. For example,
the storage systems are particularly well suited for use in storing
items above a vehicle parked in a garage. However, the storage
systems can be used in other contexts (for example, installation in
warehouses) and may be used to move, reposition, or otherwise
transport items.
[0042] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including, but
not limited to."
[0043] As used in this specification and the claims, the singular
forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the
content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to
a storage system that includes "a motor" includes a storage system
that has a single motor or a storage system that has a plurality of
motors, or both. It should also be noted that the term "or" is
generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0044] FIG. 1 shows a storage system 100 that includes a mounting
assembly 110 for coupling to a generally horizontally oriented
structure (not shown) and a vertically movable platform assembly
120. A drive system 130 is fixedly coupled to the mounting assembly
110 and is operable to vertically move the platform assembly 120
with respect to the mounting assembly 110. The illustrated drive
system 130 lowers the platform assembly 120 for loading items onto
or unloading items from a platform base 126 suspended under the
mounting assembly 110. The drive system 130 raises the platform
assembly 120 for storing items carried by the platform base
126.
[0045] The storage system 100 is coupleable to various types of
structures found in a wide range of settings, including, without
limitation, commercial settings and residential settings. The
storage system 100 can be coupled to ceilings, walls, rafters,
beams, studs, joists, and the like. Commercial settings include,
without limitation, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, machine
shops, restaurants, retailers, and the like. Exemplary residential
settings include, without limitation, dwellings (e.g., houses),
apartments, carports, storage facilities (e.g., storage sheds such
as outdoor storage sheds), and barns, as well as other structures
associated with residential structures. To keep the platform
assembly 120 properly positioned below the mounting assembly 110,
the storage system 100 can be coupled to horizontally oriented
structures such that a platform base 126 for supporting stored
items is likewise generally horizontal. If the storage system 100
is coupled to sloped surfaces, positioning mechanisms can be used
to level the platform base 126, as discussed in connection with
FIGS. 23-26.
[0046] The mounting assembly 110 of FIG. 1 can be coupled to a wide
range of structures, including joists that are parallel,
perpendicular, or at any other orientation with respect to
components of the mounting assembly 110. The mounting assembly 110
includes a first pair of mated brackets 140a, 140b and a second
pair of mated brackets 140c, 140d. The illustrated brackets 140a,
140b are spaced apart from and generally parallel to the brackets
140c, 140d. The brackets 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d (collectively 140)
can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the
following description of one of the brackets applies equally to the
others, unless indicated otherwise.
[0047] The mounting assembly 110 is reconfigurable for coupling to
different types of structures. The mounting assembly 110 has the
illustrated configuration for coupling to one type of structure and
second configuration (see, e.g., FIG. 7) for coupling to another
type of structure. This provides flexibility in determining an
appropriate position for installation because the mounting assembly
110 is reconfigurable to couple to, for example, two joists that
are substantially perpendicular or substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis 128 (shown in FIG. 1) of the storage system 100
or three or more joists that are substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis 128. For example, the storage system 100 of FIG.
1 can be mounted to and span between three joists that are
generally perpendicular to the mounting assembly 110. A storage
system 300 of FIG. 7 can be mounted to two joists that are
generally perpendicular to brackets 340a-c.
[0048] Referring again to FIG. 1, each bracket 140 has two arrays
of apertures 142 extending along its longitudinal length. Fasteners
can be inserted and passed through the apertures 142 to install the
respective brackets 140. As used herein, the term "fastener" is
broadly construed to include, without limitation, a fastener
assembly (e.g., a nut and bolt assembly, cotter pin and bolt, or
the like), screw, nail, rivet, or other type of fastener known in
the art. The number, types, configurations, and sizes of the
fasteners may be selected based the desired weight capacity of the
storage system 100, installation location, or the like.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the platform assembly 120 is
vertically movable between a raised position (FIG. 2) and a lowered
position (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the distance of travel DT
is equal to or greater than the distance between the platform
assembly 120 and a support surface on which the user stands. The
platform assembly 120 can thus be lowered so as to rest on the
support surface (e.g., a garage floor) before, during, and/or after
loading/unloading, if needed or desired. For example, after loading
the lowered platform assembly 120 resting on the floor, the loaded
platform assembly 120 is moved upwardly and received by the
stationary mounting assembly 110, thereby locking the platform
assembly 120 to the mounting assembly 110. The raised platform
assembly 120 can provide a desired amount of clearance under the
storage system 100.
[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates the platform base 126 that includes a
generally rigid outer frame 196 and a plurality of panels 197a
197b, 197c (collectively 197) illustrated as wire panels, each
extending between opposing sides of the frame 196. As used herein,
the term "platform base" is broadly construed to include, but is
not limited to, a structure that has one or more surfaces (e.g., a
generally horizontal surface) that can be raised above or below the
level of a surrounding surface. The platform base can also be
dimensioned to provide a desired loading capacity. For example, the
platform base 126 can have a storage area defined by the panels 197
equal to or greater than about 10 ft.sup.2, 20 ft.sup.2, and 30
ft.sup.2, as well as ranges encompassing such storage areas.
[0051] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the drive system 130
includes a motor 160 that rotates a drive shaft 170 fixedly coupled
to a plurality of spools 180. In some embodiments, the spools 180
are integrated with the shaft 170. Flexible members 212 (see FIG.
3) extend between the platform assembly 120 and corresponding
spools 180. The motor 160 can conveniently raise and lower the
platform assembly 120 via flexible members 212. The motor 160 can
be an electrical motor capable of raising and lowering the platform
assembly 120 carrying at least about 50 lbs, 200 lbs, 300 lbs, 400
lbs, or 500 lbs. In some embodiments, the motor 160 is a 1/2 hp
motor, 1 hp motor, 2 hp motor, or a 10 hp motor. Other weight
capacities and types of motors are also possible.
[0052] The flexible members 212 can be straps that can be easily
wound and unwound from the spools 180. Straps can be narrow strips
of flexible material capable of withstanding significant tensile
loads. In some embodiments, the flexible members 212 can be thin
flat members made, in whole or in part, of metal (e.g., metal
strands or wires), polymers (e.g., nylon), rubber, or the like. The
width of the straps can be equal to or greater than about 2 times
the thickness of the straps to minimize, limit, or substantially
prevent unwanted twisting during winding and/or unwinding. Each
spool 180 has a channel with a width that is slightly greater than
the width of the respective strap. Each strap can therefore be
uniformly wound about one of the spools 180. In other embodiments,
the flexible members 212 are cables. The term "cable" is broadly
construed to include, without limitation, a belt, wire, rope
(including a rope made of strands of fiber or wire), or band of
material suitable for withstanding significant tensile loads. The
lengths of the cables and types of cables can be selected to
achieve the desired distance of travel of the platform
assembly.
[0053] A plurality of posts 192a, 192b, 192c, 192d (collectively
192) of the platform assembly 120 extend outwardly from the
platform base 126. Each post 192 can be an adjustable post (e.g., a
telescoping post) or a fixed length post. The illustrated posts 192
are adjustable and include pins 200 (FIG. 2) used to adjust the
axial length of the posts 192. The axial lengths of the posts 192
can be increased or decreased to increase or decrease,
respectively, a storage space 202 (FIG. 2) above the platform base
126. In some embodiments, the axial lengths of the posts 192 are
generally equal to the height H of most of the storage space 202.
The ratio of the axial length of at least one of the posts 192 to
the height H of a substantial portion of the storage space 202 is
greater than or equal to 0.5, 0.75, or 0.9, or ranges encompassing
such ratios.
[0054] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, upper ends 193a, 193b,
193c, 193d (collectively 193) of the respective posts 192a, 192b,
192c, 192d can be adjacent to the ceiling when the platform
assembly 120 is raised. FIG. 4 shows the upper ends 193 adjacent to
a ceiling 199 to which the bracket assembly 110 is coupled. In some
embodiments, the ends 193 are separated from the ceiling by a
distance DE (see FIG. 2) equal to or less than about 7 inches, 5
inches, or 3 inches, or ranges encompassing such lengths. Other
distances are also possible, if needed or desired.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 3, alignment members 210 can be inserted
into the upper ends 193 of corresponding posts 192 to inhibit,
limit, or substantially prevent side-to-side movement of the raised
platform assembly 120. The mounting assembly 110 and the platform
assembly 120 can thus be effectively locked together to
substantially prevent lateral movement of the platform assembly 120
relative to the stationary mounting assembly 110. Exemplary
alignment members include, without limitation, elongate stabilizers
(illustrated in FIG. 3 in the form of rods), elongated members, and
the like, as well as alignment features that can extend over and
around the ends 193 of the posts 192.
[0056] The upper ends 193 of the posts 192 can be spaced from and
below the alignment members 210 when the platform assembly 120 is
in the lowered position, as shown in FIG. 3. The distance D.sub.AP
between the alignment members 210 and the platform assembly 120 can
be greater than about 2 ft, 4 ft, 8 ft, or 10 ft when the platform
assembly 120 is in the fully lowered position.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, pulleys 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d
(collectively 250) are coupled to the brackets 140a, 140b, 140c,
140d, respectively. The flexible members 212 extending between the
platform assembly 120 and the spools 180 and extend over
corresponding pulleys 250. Each pulley 250 can have a roller for
supporting one of the members 212.
[0058] The storage system 100 can include one or more sensors to
facilitate proper operation. Referring again to FIG. 1, for
example, a sensor 261 communicates directly or indirectly with the
drive system 130 and, in some embodiments, can detect and transmit
(or send) one or more signals indicative of at least one operating
condition, such as a pressure, relative position, and the like. For
example, the sensor 261 can be a contact sensor, pressure sensor,
or limit switch used to determine, for example, when the platform
assembly 120 is properly positioned with respect to the mounting
assembly 110. Any number of sensors can be positioned along the
storage system 100 to ensure proper functioning of mechanical
components.
[0059] FIG. 7 shows a storage system 300 including brackets 340a,
340b, 340d (collectively 340) positioned for alignment with two or
three spaced apart joists (not shown). Flexible members are shown
removed. The brackets 340 are generally perpendicular to a midplane
342 (FIG. 8) of the storage system 300. Each bracket 340 can span
between and be coupled to a pair of joists that are, substantially
perpendicular to the midplane 342. Fasteners can be passed through
the apertures of the brackets 340 to couple the brackets to joists
similar to the brackets 140 discussed in connection with FIG. 1.
Alternatively, the brackets 340 can be coupled to three
substantially parallel joints. Each of the brackets 340 can be
aligned with and coupled to a corresponding joint.
[0060] The brackets 340a, 340c of FIG. 7 are positioned at opposing
ends of the storage system 300. A drive system 330 is coupled to
and beneath the bracket 340b. In the illustrated embodiment, the
bracket 340b and drive system 330 are positioned generally midway
between the brackets 340a, 340c, although the bracket 340b and
drive system 330 can also be at other locations.
[0061] Locking mechanisms can be incorporated into the storage
systems to limit or prevent unwanted lowering of the platform
assembly. FIG. 9 shows one type of locking mechanism for reducing
or limiting tensioning of the cable. The locking mechanism 400
includes a swing arm 402 movable between an inward position 410
(illustrated in solid line) and an outward position 412
(illustrated in phantom). The swing arm 402 holds the platform
assembly 414 in the fully raised position. The illustrated swing
arm 402 includes a holder 416 and a movable extender 417 used to
adjust the height of the fully raised platform assembly. The
illustrated swing arm 402 is adjacent to an alignment member 417
(e.g., a hollow tubular section) that receives an upper end 424 of
a post 426. The upper end 424 includes a plurality of vertically
spaced protrusions dimensioned and configured to mate with the
swing arm 402. The locking mechanism 400 can be incorporated into
the mounting assembly 110 of FIG. 1 and/or a mounting assembly 310
of FIG. 7. Other types of locking mechanisms can also be employed
to achieve the desired interaction between the platform assemblies
and the mounting assemblies, if needed or desired.
[0062] Various types of platform bases can be used alone or in
combination with a frame, such as the frame 196 illustrated in FIG.
1, to define a generally rigid, continuous support structure.
Platform bases can include, without limitation, one or more panels
(e.g., solid panels, wire panels, and the like), frames, beams,
elongated support members, ties, clips, and the like. Additionally,
the platform bases can have a single configuration or a plurality
of configurations.
[0063] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10, for example, a
platform base 500 has a rolled-up configuration. The platform base
500 can be unfurled to assume a second configuration, illustrated
as a generally flat planar configuration in FIG. 11. The platform
base 500 includes a plurality of sections (e.g., planks, boards,
planar members, or the like) that may or may not be coupled
together. In some embodiments, the platform base 500 of FIG. 11 can
be a rigid panel made of a plurality of planks that are fixed to
one another. Other types of one-piece or multi-piece decks can also
be used.
[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates a storage system 600 including a
platform base 610 having a plurality of spaced apart elongate
support members 612a-j (collectively 612). The illustrated support
members 612 extend between opposing sides 616, 618 of a frame 620
(see FIG. 13). The illustrated corrugated support members 612
provide relatively high bonding strength to weight ratio. Each of
the members 612 can be coupled to the frame 620 via couplers,
welds, and the like.
[0065] The support members 612 can be generally similar to each
other and, accordingly, the following description of one of the
members applies equally to the others, unless indicated otherwise.
The illustrated member 612a of FIG. 14 has a somewhat M-shaped
cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the members 612 can
have other cross-sectional profiles based on the desired load
capacity of the platform base 610.
[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates a storage system 700 having locking
mechanisms 702a, 702b, 702c, 702d (collectively 702) for keeping a
platform assembly 704 in a raised position. The locking mechanisms
702 can be generally similar to each other and, accordingly, the
description of one locking mechanism applies equally to the others,
unless indicated otherwise.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 15, the locking mechanism 702b includes a
swing arm 710b, a stop 712b, and a biasing mechanism 714b for
moving the swing arm 710b. The locking mechanism 702b can be
vertically oriented. The swing arm 710b operates to automatically
latch the platform assembly 704 to a downwardly extending alignment
member 720b. The biasing mechanism 714b and the stop 712b engage
corresponding receiving regions 722b, 724b of the alignment member
720b to keep the platform assembly 704 properly locked to the
alignment member 720d. As detailed below in connection with FIGS.
16-17I, a user can move the locking mechanism 702b to a locked
configuration in order to hold the platform assembly 704 in the
raised position.
[0068] FIG. 16 illustrates the locking mechanism 702d when the
platform assembly 704 is being raised vertically, indicated by the
arrows 730. The swing arm 710d can strike and slide along a holder
740d of an alignment member 720d. The upper end of the swing arm
710d can slide along a path 731d (indicated by the arrows in FIG.
17A) about the holder 740d until an upper end of the swing arm 710d
is captured within a pocket 750d of the holder 740d. When the swing
arm 710d is retained in the pocket 750d, the holder 710d can hold
the platform assembly 704 in the raised position. To lower the
raised platform assembly 704, the platform assembly 704 can be
raised vertically such that the swing arm 710d is lifted out of the
pocket 750d. The upper end of the swing arm 710d moves away from
the pocket 750d such that the upper end slides downwardly alongside
the holder 710d. Thus, the swing arm 710d engages opposing sides of
the holder 740d when raised and lowered. This process is described
in detail with respect to FIGS. 17A-I.
[0069] FIG. 17A shows the swing arm 710d including a protruding
guide 770d (see FIG. 15) that can slide along both sides of the
holder 740d during the raising and lowering process. The
illustrated guide 770d can move upwardly towards a downwardly
facing section 780d of the holder 740d. The guide 770d can engage a
striking section 782d of the holder 740d and slide upwardly along
the section 780d, as indicated by the arrow 784d of FIG. 17B. The
biasing mechanism can bias the guide 770d against the section 780d
as the 710D rotates about the axis 800. The swing arm 710d rotates
about an axis 800, indicated by the arrow 802d as the guide 770d
proceeds along the section 780d until the guide 770d reaches a
vertical side 810 of the holder 740d.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 17C, the guide 770d then slides vertically
along the side 810d and around a corner 830d, as indicated by the
arrow 832d. The biasing mechanism moves the guide 770d above the
pocket 750d. The guide 770d then slides downwardly into a pocket
750d, as illustrated in FIG. 17D, as the platform assembly 704 is
lowered. As such, the holder 740d causes the swing arm 710d to
swing open and then swing into a locked position.
[0071] The holder 740d of FIG. 17D retains and supports the swing
arm 710d and the platform 704. The pocket 750d can be a recess or
other structure suitable for receiving the guide 770d. In some
embodiments, the pocket 750d and the guide 770d can have a somewhat
similar shape so as to minimize, limit, or substantially prevent
relative movement between the guide 770d and the pocket 750d. To
raise the platform assembly 704 from the raised position in which
the swing arm 710 is positioned in the pocket 750d (see FIG. 17D),
the swing arm 710d can be displaced vertically by raising the
platform 704, as indicated by the arrow 850d of FIG. 17E. As the
guide 770d is raised, it is biased against a side 852d (FIG. 17D)
of the pocket 750d by the biasing member 714d. As the guide 770d
passes over a tip 860d of the holder 740d, the guide 770d slides
along a side 862 sloping downwardly. The guide 770d continues to
move downwardly along the side 862d, as indicated by the arrow
870d, until the guide 770d moves past a lower tip 880d of the
holder 740d. As shown in FIGS. 17H and 17I, the swing arm 710d
swings back to its original position after passing below the lower
tip 880d of the holder 740d. In this manner, the swing arm 710d can
lock the platform assembly 704 to the holder 740d automatically
when the platform assembly 704 is raised and lowered.
[0072] In some embodiments, including the illustrated embodiment of
FIGS. 17A-I, the storage assembly further includes a swing arm
fence 900 (see FIG. 17A) that facilitates movement of the guide
770d with respect to the holder 740d. For example, when the guide
770d is lifted upwardly out of the pocket 750d, the guide 770d can
be positioned between the arm 900 and the holder 740d to prevent
unwanted movement of the swing arm 710d away from the holder 740d.
Thus, the fence 900 keeps the guide 770d proximate to the tip 860d
(see FIG. 17F) of the holder 740.
[0073] Various types of fences can be used to provide the desired
path of travel of the guide 770d. The fence 900 can be in the form
of an outwardly extending strip (illustrated in FIG. 15),
protruding member, or the like. With respect to FIG. 18, the guide
770d can include a main body 920d and an enlarged head 922. The
enlarged head 922d can be configured to be received within slots or
grooves 923d of the holder 740d. The interaction between the
enlarged head 922d and the slots 923d can help further reduce
unwanted movement between the platform assembly 904 and the holder
740d. For example, when the platform assembly 704 is in a raised
position, the enlarged head 922d can rest in the upper slot 923d of
the pocket 750d. As the platform assembly 704 is raised, the
enlarged head 922d can slide easily out of the pocket 750d along
the slot 923d and along the side of the fence 900.
[0074] FIG. 19 shows a storage system 1000 that includes alignment
members 1010a, 1010b, 1010c, 1010d (collectively 1010) and flexible
elongate members 1012a, 1012b, 1012c, 1012d (collectively 1012) in
the form of straps passing through the respective alignment members
1010. See FIG. 20. The alignment members 1010 and the straps 1012
are received by posts 1020a, 1020b, 1020c, 1020d (collectively
1020). The illustrated straps 1012 extend downwardly through the
alignment members 1010 and passageways in the posts 1020.
[0075] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the alignment member 1010 is
configured to align the strap 1012 with the post 1020 beneath the
member 1010. The strap 1012 extends around a spool or pulley 1050
and downwardly through the alignment member 1010 to the post 1020.
The alignment member 1010 can include a housing 1034 and a cover
1030 movable between a closed position 1031 (shown in FIG. 22) and
an open position 1032 (shown in phantom line in FIG. 22). The
housing 1034 surrounds and protects the strap 1012 and is in the
form of a generally U-shaped unitary member.
[0076] The cover 1030 can be moved to the open position 1032 to
access the portion of the strap 1012 within the alignment member
1010, to thread the strap 1012 through the member 1020, or the
like. The cover 130 extends across an opening of the housing 1034
when in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cover 1030 is
rotatably coupled to the fixed bracket 1040 by a pin 1042. The
cover 1030 can swing outwardly away from the main body 1034, as
indicated by the arrow 1051 of FIG. 22. In other embodiments, the
cover 1030 can be completely removed from the alignment member 1010
to access the strap or other internal components of the alignment
member 1010.
[0077] In some embodiments, the alignment member 1010 has a
one-piece construction. For example, the alignment member 1010 can
be a unitary tubular member having a passageway sized to receive
the elongate member 1012. Thus, the alignment member 1010 can have
a one-piece construction or multi-piece construction.
[0078] The storage systems disclosed herein can include one or more
positioning mechanisms, such as leveling mechanisms, to adjust the
orientation of the platform assemblies. Leveling mechanisms can be
used to keep the platform assemblies generally level to minimize,
limit, or substantially prevent items on platforms from shifting,
falling, or sliding as the platform assembly is lowered and raised.
In some embodiments, the leveling mechanism can independently raise
and lower corners of the platform assembly, even when the platform
assembly is suspended under the mounting assembly. In some
embodiments, the leveling mechanism can be used to incrementally
adjust the position the platform assembly. The leveling
mechanism(s), in some embodiments, can be proximate to the platform
assemblies. In some embodiments, the leveling mechanism(s) are
contained within the platform assemblies or integrated into the
platform assemblies.
[0079] FIGS. 23 and 24 show a leveling mechanism 1100 that includes
a retainer 1102 for coupling to an end of an elongate member 1110.
The retainer 1102 can be in the form of a buckle, cam member,
open-piece or multi-piece clamp, or the like. The elongate member
1110 extends about a pin 1112 to form a loop 1114.
[0080] The retainer 1102 of FIGS. 23 and 24 can be slid upwardly or
downwardly as indicated by the arrows 1116, 1118. For example, to
increase a length of a portion of the elongate member 1110
extending between the platform assembly and the mounting assembly,
the retainer 1102 can be slid towards a base 1122 to shorten the
loop 1114. To decrease the length of the portion of the elongate
member 1110 extending between the platform assembly and the
mounting assembly, the retainer 1102 can be slid away from the base
1122. In this manner, the retainer 1102 can be moved upwardly or
downwardly to raise or lower, respectively, the corner of the base
1122 beneath the retainer 1102.
[0081] One or more of the leveling mechanisms can be operated to
position the platform assembly during installation. If the base
1122 becomes incorrectly positioned (e.g., the base 1122 is at a
significant angle of inclination), the user can use one or more of
the retainers 1102 to reposition the platform assembly. A
carpenter's leveler can be used to ensure that the platform
assembly is within a desired angle of inclination, such that the
base 1122 is generally level.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, a post 1224 surrounds a
leveling mechanism 1225. The leveling mechanism 1225 generally
includes a retainer 1202, a rod 1204, and a base 1210. A user can
rotate an accessible head 1214 of the rod 1204 to move the retainer
1202 upwardly or downwardly along a passageway in the hollow post
1224. A flexible elongate member can be temporarily or permanently
coupled to the retainer 1202 such that a corner of the platform
assembly is raised or lowered by operation of the leveling
mechanism 1200.
[0083] The rod 1204 can be a threaded rod with external threads
that mate with internal threads of the retainer 1202. The rod 1204
is rotatable with respect to the base 1210, which can be fixedly
coupled to a tubular outer body 1213 of the post 1224. The rod 1204
extends through the retainer 1202 and translates axially along the
outer body 1213 as the rod 1204 is rotated. The illustrated
retainer 1202 is in the form of a clamp that has a jaw capable of
compressing the flexible member to fixedly couple the retainer 1202
to the flexible elongate member.
[0084] The storage systems can have a wide range of different types
of controllers for operating the activatable drive systems or other
components. Controllers can generally include, without limitation,
one or more central processing units, processing devices,
microprocessors, digital signal processors, central processing
units, processing devices, microprocessors, digital signal
processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC),
readers, and the like. To store information (e.g., a drying
program), the controller can also include, without limitation, one
or more storage elements, such as volatile memory, non-volatile
memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and the
like. A controller can be programmed based on the desired speed for
raising and/or lowering the platform assemblies, positioning of the
platform assemblies, or the like. The controller can store one or
more programs for controlling the operation of the activatable
drive systems and can be connected to the activatable drive systems
via a cord. In other embodiments, the controller can communicate
wirelessly with the activatable drive system.
[0085] All patents and publications mentioned herein are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entireties. Except as described
herein, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials,
methods and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments,
be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features,
systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105; 6,715,427; and 7,152,535. For example,
the elongate members 612 of FIGS. 12-14 can be incorporated into
the stationary suspended storage shelves of U.S. Pat. Nos.
6,435,105; 6,715,427; and 7,152,535. In addition, the embodiments,
features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques
described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used
in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features,
systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques disclosed in
the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105; 6,715,427; and
7,152,535.
[0086] A skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of
various features from different embodiments disclosed herein.
Components can be mixed and matched, or even omitted, to form the
desired storage systems. Similarly, the various features and acts
discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such
feature or act, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill
in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles
described herein.
[0087] Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof.
Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the
specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein.
* * * * *