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.

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...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In an advantage provided by this invention, a retractable storage system is provided which is of a lightweight, low-cost manufacture.

[0011] Advantageously, this invention provides a retractable storage system with improved warning and safety systems to prevent injury to a user.

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Another drawback associated with such movable storage organizers is that they require unobstructed space both laterally and downwardly of the mobile storage organizer.

Yet another drawback of such systems is that they require additional unobstructed space above the movable storage organizer which cannot be utilized.

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.

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.

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