Abstract:
A sliding storage system includes a vertical rod having upper and lower ends. Brackets attach the upper and lower ends of the rod to a wall to fix the rod in a vertical orientation. 
     A storage device in the form of a rigid cabinet slidably is mounted on the rod for free sliding movements between (i) the lower end of the rod for positioning the storage device in a lower position to provide access to a user and allow the user to place an object on or remove an object from the cabinet and (ii) the upper end for positioning the storage device in a storage position generally above the living space of the user. A locking member in the form of a clutch plate cooperates with the cabinet and the vertical rod, the clutch plate being movable between a locking position for locking the cabinet against vertical movements along said rod and a releasing position enabling the cabinet to selectively and freely move vertically upwardly and downwardly along the rod. A spring acting between the cabinet and the clutch plate normally urges the clutch plate to move to the locking position. A manual release is actuatable directly by a user or indirectly by a line extending over a sheave above the rod to move the clutch plate from a locking position to a releasing position when manually actuated by a user to overcome the action of the spring. In this way, manual activation of the manual release allows a user to selectively raise or lower the cabinet to place an object on or remove an object from the cabinet in a lowered position and to store an object in a raised position of the cabinet.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention generally relates to storage enclosures mounted for vertical movements and more specifically to a wall-mounted sliding storage enclosure with a fail-safe position fixing mechanism. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Storage cabinets and like enclosures have been known that are designed to move between a lower position providing a user with access to the enclosures for placing items into or removing items from the enclosures and an upper position closer to the ceiling that utilize space that is normally not used. As such extra storage can be used for storing seasonal items, such as winter clothing in the summer and summer clothing in the winter. Seldom used items such as books, serving pieces and the like can also be conveniently stored in such cabinets that do not take up valuable space or interfere with the movements of occupants or other objects that must be maintained at the floor level, such as tables, couches, televisions and the like. 
         [0005]    The known movable storage cabinets, however, have typically been bulky, heavy and required complicated mechanisms for raising and lowering the cabinets and to ensure that the cabinets can be used safely. Many of these known systems have utilized multiple pulleys that allowed users to pull on a line to raise the cabinets to increase the mechanical advantage, reducing the levels of forces and that users must exert to raise a given weight of cabinets and contents. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage enclosure with a fail-safe position fixing mechanism. 
         [0007]    It is another object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system that is a simple in construction and economical to manufacture. 
         [0008]    It is still another object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system that is convenient to use. 
         [0009]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system, as in the previous object that utilizes few mechanical components to render the system reliable. 
         [0010]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system as in the previous objects that includes a simple and reliable mechanism for reliably fixing the position of the cabinets at any desired height. 
         [0011]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a system as in the previous object a motion-arresting mechanism that is failsafe and automatically prevents the cabinets from dropping or freely falling even when the user inadvertently releases a movement-actuating mechanism on the cabinets. 
         [0012]    It is still a further object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system that can be used with or without a pulley for raising or lowering the cabinets. 
         [0013]    It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a wall-mounted sliding storage system of the type under discussion that is simple to assemble and install by an end-user. 
         [0014]    In order to achieve the above objects, as wall as others that will become apparent hereinafter, a wall-mounted sliding storage enclosure is mounted for sliding movements along a vertically supported rod. The rod extends through the enclosure and through a clutch plate that is supported by the enclosure, and follows the movements thereof. The clutch plate and rod cooperate to allow unfettered movements of the cabinets in an upward direction along the rod while automatically locking and arresting the movements of the cabinets in the downward direction. The clutch plate is suitably biased to move to a blocking condition for arresting the cabinets whenever the cabinets are released by the user. The clutch plate can be manually moved, against the action of the biasing spring, to an unlocked condition either by manually deflecting the clutch plate or by attaching the clutch plate to a line that can be pulled by the user. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of movable enclosures, cabinets, or bins mounted on a wall of a living quarter in accordance with the present invention, one being shown in a lowered position to provide access to allow placement of objects into or remove objects from the enclosure, cabinet or bin, and one shown in a raised position in which it is out of the way and does not occupy or interfere with the living space normally occupied by users or inhabitants; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2   a  is an enlarged cross sectional view of the cabinets shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along a vertical cutting plane and showing the details for mounting the cabinets for vertical sliding movements between an upper storage position and a lower access position and, in an enlarged detail also showing a modified construction in which a helical compression spring is replaced by a leaf spring; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2   b  is a cross sectional view of the upper plug shown in  FIG. 2   a , taken along a horizontal cutting plane normal to the supporting rod but prior to being coupled to the rod; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 3   a - 3   d  are enlarged fragmented views of the underside of a cabinet, illustrating the manner in which the clutch plate and rod or post are assembled; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  are similar to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , but showing an alternate embodiment in which the clutch plate is arranged along a direction substantially parallel to the mounting surface while in  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  the mounting plate is arranged along a direction generally normal to the mounting surface; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 5   a - 5   c  are fragmented views of a section of a mounting surface, in the form of a wall, showing upper and lower supporting mounting brackets for supporting the rod or post on which the cabinets are slidingly mounted; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6   a  is a perspective view of a movable cabinets of the type illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in which the cabinet has an access opening and movable doors at the front of thereof; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6   b  is similar to  FIG. 6   a  but showing a further embodiment provided with an upper or top opening while the front wall is a closed panel; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of the cabinet shown in  FIG. 6   a , illustrating a further detail on the cabinet for accommodating a mounting bracket when stationed at the upper position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8   a  is a top plan view of a modified clutch plate provided with lateral lips or ridges to assure retention of a elongate force-applying rod maintains contact with the plate while the plate is actuated to release the plate from the rod to slide the cabinet along the rod; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8   b  is a side elevation view of the clutch plate shown in  FIG. 8   a;    
           [0027]      FIG. 9   a  is a fragmented view of an alternate embodiment of the invention in which the moving cabinet is suspended and its height adjusted by means of a line and pulley mechanism, the clutch plate being arranged in a position that allows free vertical movements of the cabinet; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9   b  is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement is shown in  FIG. 9   a , taken along line  9   b - 9   b;    
           [0029]      FIG. 10   a  illustrates additional details of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9   a , with the clutch plate arranged in a position to prevent movement of the cabinet on the supporting rod and thereby arresting the downward movements of the cabinet; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10   b  is similar to  FIG. 9   b , but for the condition shown in  FIG. 10   a , taken along line  10   b - 10   b;    
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is similar to  FIG. 7 , illustrating additional details and modifications of the cabinet when used with the pulley system shown in  FIG. 10   a;    
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of a plurality or system of sliding cabinets in accordance with the invention, similar to those shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13   a  is a side elevation view, partially in cross section, of a combination handle/spool in for rolling up excess or slack line after the cabinet has been pulled up to the ceiling or uppermost position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13   b  the is a top elevational view of the handle/spool shown in  FIG. 13   a;    
           [0035]      FIG. 14   a  is a side elevational view of the handle/spool shown in  FIG. 13   a  on which excess line has been wound; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 14   b  is similar to  FIG. 14   a , showing the position that the handle assumes after the line has been wound about it. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    Referring now specifically to the Figures, in which identical or similar parts will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout, and first referring to  FIG. 1 , the cabinets, in accordance with the present invention are generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . 
         [0038]    The cabinets  10  are shown mounted on a wall  12  with a door  14 . The ceiling is designated by the reference  16 . If the frame of the door  14  has a height corresponding to a standard height for such openings the movable cabinets  10  are intended to be a slidably movable, as to be more fully described below, between an upper position against or proximate to the ceiling  16  to a lowered position generally coextensive with the height upper end of the frame of the door. However, the cabinets can to be mounted for movements to a position below upper horizontal portion of the doorframe, with different degrees of advantage. It will be appreciated that one of the cabinet  10  is shown in its uppermost position where it is out of the way and does not interfere with the living space for those people that occupy the living quarters. In such position, the cabinets  10  may be used to store items, temporarily or over a longer term, such as seasonal items. Thus, for example, the cabinet  10 U could be used to store winter coats in the summer, ski boots, toys and the like. In the lowered position, the cabinet  10 L is brought down sufficiently to provide ready access for placement of items within the cabinets or removal of such items from the cabinets. The cabinets  10  are slidingly mounted for vertical movements along the rod  18 , as to be described. 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 2   a  each cabinet, in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an enclosure  20  having a top wall  20   a , a lower wall  20   b , a rear wall  20   c  and an open slide or end  20   d . The lower wall  20   b  is provided with a boss or enlarged portion  20   e . Within the boss  20   e  there is provided a bore  20   f . Extending slightly below the lowermost part of the boss  20   d  is a limit stop  22  spaced from the bottom wall  20   b  to create a space or gap  20   g . A helical compression spring  26  is received within and extends beyond the bore  20   f  as shown. In place of the helical compression spring  26  a leaf spring  26 ′ may be used as shown in the enlarged detail of  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0040]    Inserted into the or gap  20   g  is a generally flat clutch plate  24  having a first portion  24   a  extending forwardly of the rod  28  and a portion  24   b  extending rearwardly of the rod  28 , with the rod extending through a hole  24   c  with some clearance, the hole being dimensioned such that the clutch plate can move freely upwardly and generally along the rod  28  when the clutch plate is arranged in a generally horizontal orientation or substantially normal to the rod  28  and a create a frictional engagement with the rod when the clutch plate assumes an offset angle from the horizontal, as shown. The compression spring  26  is seated within the bore  20   f  and makes contact with the front portion  24   a  of the clutch plate  24  to normally bias it in a clockwise direction, as viewed in  FIG. 2   a , causing the clutch plate to pivot about the free edge of the limit stop  22  and move the rear portion  24   b  into a frictional engagement mode, arresting downward movements of the clutch plate relative to the rod  28  and, therefore, also stopping or arresting the enclosure  20  and preventing its free fall to the lowermost portion of the rod. 
         [0041]    The arrangement of the rod  28 , the clutch plate  24  and the spring  26  together form a wall known sliding clutch plate arrangement of the type of frequently used on caulk gun dispensers, and disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,595,327 and 6,155,463. The specific details of such a sliding clutch mechanism is not, therefore, required as these are well known to those skilled in the art. It is sufficient to state that the spring  26  normally biases the clutch plate  24  to a locking position since the spring causes the plate to move to a position offset from a normal position relative to the rod or post  28 . However, when the clutch plate  24  is forced or returned to its normal orientation, as shown in the lower cabinet in  FIG. 2   a  the clutch plate is moved from its locking or braking position to a position that allows the clutch plate and the enclosure  20  to freely move upwardly or downwardly. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 2   a  and  5   a - 5   c , the cabinets are supported on a vertical rod  28  by means of an upper U-shaped bracket  30  and a lower U-shaped bracket  32 . The upper bracket  30  has an upper plate  30   a  and a lower plate  30   b  and a side connecting plate  30   c . The upper plate  30   a  has a hole  30   d  and the lower plate  30   b  has a hole  30   e . The upper plate  32   a  has a hole  32   d  substantially vertically aligned with the holes  30   d  and  30   e . The holes  30   d ,  30   e  and  32   d  are generally aligned along a vertical axis A. ( FIG. 5   a ). The holes  30   f  and  32   e  allow the brackets to be connected to a wall  42  by means of fasteners in the form of screws  54 . The wall  42  maybe sheet-rock, plaster or the like, secured to wooden beams within a wall, such as vertical beam  40  in  FIG. 5   a . The cabinets may also be mounted on any other suitable surface capable of supporting the loads of the cabinets and anticipated or specified weights of contents. 
         [0043]    Once the brackets  30 ,  32  are mounted on the wall  42  the rod  28  can be inserted into the brackets by initially lowering the rod  28  through the upper bracket holes  30   d ,  30   e  and then inserting it into the bracket  32  by means of the hole  32   d . The holes in the brackets have diameters substantially equal to the diameter of the rod or post  28 , although sufficient clearance is provided to allow the rod to be freely inserted through the holes, as suggested in  FIG. 5   b . Once the rod  28  is fully lowered into the lower bracket  32  and engages the solid lower plate  32   b , the bracket supports the rod and prevents it from moving downwardly thereby assuring that the rod  28  continues to be secured and maintained within the upper bracket  30 . 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIGS. 2   a ,  5   b  and  5   c , an upper plug  50  is provided for enclosing the interior of the upper bracket  30  after the post  28  has been positioned as shown, and similarly a lower plug  52  is used for covering the interior of the bracket  32 . As best as shown in  FIG. 2   b  each plug  50  has a solid front surface  50   b  and side surfaces  50   d ,  50   e , while a generally U-shaped channel  50   g  is arranged within each plug and secured by means of ribs  50   f  to position the channel  50   g  in a position and orientation to snap-fit unto the rod  28  when the respective plug is forced into an associated bracket, the fingers  50   c  being configured to act as a snap clip for releasably engaging the rod to cover the bracket and provide a finished decorative appearance. Additionally, the upper plug  50  has a top plate  50   a  and a front plate  50   b , the top plate blocking the hole  30   d  after the post or rod  28  has been inserted to prevent upward movements of the rod and locking the rod in place between the two brackets. The lower plug  52  is essentially decorative and matches the upper plug  50  in terms of appearance. 
         [0045]    Assembly of the movable cabinets is simple and convenient and can be performed by an average consumer essentially with only a screwdriver. An enclosure  20  is arranged, as shown in  FIG. 2   a , so that the holes  28   a ′,  28   b ′ at the top and bottom walls  28   a ,  20   b  are generally aligned with the axis A. The holes  28   a ′,  28   b ′ have dimensions selected to receive the rod  28  with clearance, gap or space * to insure that the rod can be freely moved through the holes especially when the upper and lower walls  20   a ,  20   b  are maintained in horizontal planes to insure that the angle θ maintained at substantially 90°. This insures that the rod  28  continues to freely pass through the holes without engaging inner edges of the holes. The desired angle can be maintained or promoted by using more rigid materials for the cabinet, reinforcing the cabinet with ribs, posts, etc., adding lateral or end walls to the cabinet, and/or increasing the vertical spacing between the upper and lower walls  20   a ,  20   b . However, any suitable means may be used individually or in combination to rigidify or enhance the special integrity of the cabinet. 
         [0046]    The rod  28  is first inserted through the holes  30   d ,  30   e  in the upper bracket  30  and then extended through the cabinet enclosure itself, including through the hole  24   c  of the clutch plate  24 , and subsequently through the hole  32   d.    
         [0047]    When the cabinet is in the lowered position the interior of the enclosure becomes accessible and items may be placed therein or removed there from. After items are placed within a cabinet the enclosure weight and the weight of the contents W ( FIG. 2   a ) act through a center of mass C to create a moment that tends to rotate the cabinet in a clockwise direction, as suggested by the arrow R. The weight or load serves to urge the clutch plate  24  to the braking position, ensuring that adequate braking force is provided to prevent the cabinets from moving downwardly. However, when it is necessary to move the cabinets upwardly or downwardly along direction M a suitable upward force F is applied to the clutch plate, as shown in  FIG. 2   a , by leveling the clutch plate or moving it to a horizontal position perpendicular to the axis A. This releases the clutch plate from the rod and allows the cabinet to be urged upwardly when the force F is sufficiently high to overcome the weight or load W of the cabinet and its contents the cabinet will slide upwardly. However, as soon as the force F is removed the compression spring  26  returns the clutch plate  24  to its braking position and arrests further movements, especially downward movements of the cabinets. 
         [0048]    The sequence of steps during assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d , where the spring  26  is initially inserted into the bore  20   f . The clutch plate  24  is subsequently inserted within the gap or space  20   g  to align the hole  24   c  with the axis A of the rod  28 . Once the post or rod  28  has been inserted, the clutch plate  24  may be released and the compression spring  26  urges it to the deflected or inclined to an offset position where it will provide braking for the cabinet until the clutch plate  24  is manually pushed upwardly. In this connection, the clutch plate  24  may be pushed upwardly to the releasing position in any suitable manner, including manually or with a long pole that can be used not only to release the clutch plate but also to apply the force F to raise the cabinet to an upper storage position. For this purpose, the clutch plate  24  may be provided with side or lateral lips  24   d ,  24   e  and a front lip  24   f  to secure a pusher rod or post engaged within the free end of the clutch plate to prevent it from slipping off the plate during actuations of the plate or application of the force F. 
         [0049]    In  FIGS. 4   a - 4   d  a similar assembly procedure is illustrated in which the clutch plate  24  is oriented along a direction generally parallel to the supporting surface or wall as opposed to being oriented normal or perpendicular to the wall, as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   d.    
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 6   a  the cabinet  10  or enclosure  20  is shown mounted on a rod or post  28  and provided with front doors  55 ,  56  for accessing the interior of the cabinet from the front when it is lowered. In  FIG. 6   b  a different embodiment of the enclosure is shown that is provided with a top opening  58 , in which case a solid front wall or panel of  59  is provided that may be painted, wallpapered, or otherwise imported with a decorative finish. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 7 , a detail is shown at the back of the enclosure  20  that includes a recess  60  along the upper corner formed by the top and rear walls. The recess  60  is configured and dimensioned to receive the upper bracket  30  so that the cabinet or enclosure may be raised to the full limit proximate to the ceiling without interference from the bracket, which is received within the recess  60 . 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b , an alternate embodiment  62  is illustrated in which the cabinet is  64  is provided with an upper wall  66  formed with a wall  68  including a lower wall portion  70  having an opening  72  therein. A feature of this embodiment is the provision of a pulley or block enclosure  74  mounted on the wall  42  and includes a pulley wheel or block  79  over which extends a line  80  having an end  80   a  extending from the opening  72  and secured to the clutch plate  24  by means of an enlargement, such as a knot or bead  80   c . The end of the line  80   a  extends along the wall within a channel  82  formed at the rear of the cabinet or enclosure, as best shown in  FIG. 11 . A suitable fastener  78  is provided for attaching the pulley wheel or block  79  to the wall  42 . The rod or post  28  is arranged between the two line portion is  80   a ,  80   b  and extends up to the block enclosure  74 , as shown. The fastener  78  includes a first portion  78   a  that has a smooth cylindrical surface and a threaded portion  78   b  suitable for being is screwed into the wall. 
         [0053]    Details at the rear of the cabinet  64  are shown, in  FIG. 11 , including the upper wall  66   a  in the recess  60  and a transverse wall or membrane  66   b  at a lower recess  60 ′, holes H 1 , H 2  being provided in the upper wall  66   a  for accommodating the line portion  80   a  and the line portion  80   b , respectively. This ensures that the line portions are maintained on the pulley or block  79  and prevents pulling of the line portion  80   b  at an extreme or excessive angle from the vertical direction so that the line portions are maintained in the vertical direction in the region of the pulley or block and prevents inadvertent removal of the line from the pulley or block. 
         [0054]    As will be evident from the  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b , when a tension T is applied to the free end portion  80   b  of the line  80   a  and pulled upwardly, the clutch plate  24  is raised against the action of the spring  26 , to the extent permitted by stop or boss S. The size of the boss S is selected to limit rotation of the clutch plate  24  beyond the horizontal, thereby maintaining the clutch plate in a horizontal position perpendicular to the rod or post to  28 . This allows the line  80  to be pulled by a user to unlock to raise the cabinets. When the line portion  80   b  is released and the tension is significantly reduced to zero, the clutch plate  24  is urged to rotate in a clockwise direction as a result of the spring  26 . This locks the clutch plate within the cabinet when the clutch plate frictionally engages the rod. Therefore, as soon as the line is released the sliding clutch plate mechanism provides a failsafe braking action that prevents inadvertent or accidental release of the cabinets that might result in its freefall. 
         [0055]    With the embodiment  62 , that uses a line for raising and lowering the cabinets, the free end  80   b  of the line could typically hang down to a point sufficiently low that it can be grasped by young children. To avoid a potential safety hazard, the present invention contemplates a method of winding the long free end of the line to maintain the lower end of the line out of reach of children. Referring to  FIGS. 13   a ,  13   b ,  14   a  and  14   b , the free end of the line  80   b  may extend through the opening  89  in a handle  90 ; a bulbous portion in the form of a knot  80   c  may be used to secure the line portion  80   b  to the handle. The handle is formed of two diametrically opposite wings  90   a ,  90   b , with a groove or recess  90   c  being provided in at least one of the wings as shown. When the line  80   b  has been pulled down sufficiently to bring the cabinet to its uppermost position, the excess line is preferably wound about the wings  90   a ,  90   b  by placing the line within the U-shaped recess  90   d . A portion of the line that is proximate to but not a wound upon the spool handle may be press-fit within a locking groove or recess  90   c  to prevent the handle or spool from unwinding the line. This ensures that the line will be out of reach when the cabinet is at its uppermost position. 
         [0056]    It will be clear that the embodiment  10  that does not utilize a pulley wheel or block  79  is simpler in construction, avoids a hanging line and may be more aesthetically pleasing. An advantage of the embodiment  62  that utilizes the pulley wheel is that the pulley wheel provides mechanical advantage and a user only needs to pull on a line with a tension that is approximately equal to one half of the weight or load of the cabinet, whereas the fill weight or load must be compensated by the upwardly-directed force F applied to the pressure plate, as shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0057]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.