Overhead storage unit with pivoting storage containers

An overhead storage unit includes a guide member having a first horizontal segment mountable within an overhead storage area, a second vertical segment mountable below the overhead storage area, and a curved segment extending between the first and second segments. A storage assembly has storage containers each connected to at least one other storage container at common pivots. The storage containers displace along the guide member between a stored position and an accessible position. Each storage container pivots relative to an adjacent storage container on the common pivot as the storage containers are displaced between the stored and accessible positions. The storage containers are disposed within the overhead storage area and have a first orientation in the stored position. The storage containers are disposed below the overhead storage area and have a second orientation different from the first orientation in the accessible position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The application relates generally to the storage of items and, more particularly, to overhead storage units.

BACKGROUND

In many jurisdictions, interior real estate is priced per unit of available floor space (e.g. $/ft2). This pricing model encourages occupants to maximise the number of features that can comfortably be provided within a minimum area of floor space, resulting in a reduction of features and decreased comfort.

In urban residential areas, relatively high unit floor space costs incentivize the construction of smaller living units. Developers of these smaller living units still wish to offer their occupants features and accessories associated with larger living areas, in order to accommodate the occupant's lifestyle. However, providing such features and accessories is difficult because less space is available in these smaller living units.

SUMMARY

There is disclosed an overhead storage unit, comprising: a guide member having a first horizontal segment mountable within an overhead storage area, a second vertical segment mountable below the overhead storage area, and a curved segment extending between the first and second segments; and a storage assembly having a plurality of storage containers each connected to at least one other storage container at common pivots, the storage containers mounted to the guide member and displaceable therealong to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, each storage container pivoting relative to an adjacent storage container on the common pivot as the storage containers are displaced between the stored and accessible positions, the storage containers disposed within the overhead storage area and having a first orientation in the stored position, and the storage containers disposed below the overhead storage area and having a second orientation different from the first orientation in the accessible position.

There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: an overhead storage area; and an overhead storage unit, comprising: an elongated guide member having a first horizontal segment mounted within the overhead storage area, a second vertical segment mounted below the overhead storage area, and a curved segment extending between the first and second segments; and a storage assembly having a plurality of storage containers each connected to at least one other storage container at common pivots, the storage containers mounted to the guide member and displaceable therealong to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, each storage container pivoting relative to an adjacent storage container on the common pivot as the storage containers are displaced between the stored and accessible positions, the storage containers disposed within the overhead storage area and having a first orientation in the stored position, and the storage containers disposed below the overhead storage area and having a second orientation different from the first orientation in the accessible position

There is disclosed a method of storing items in an overhead storage area, comprising: loading the items in storage containers being interconnected and having an orientation beneath the overhead storage area; and raising the storage containers to be stored within the overhead storage area by upwardly displacing the storage containers along a pre-defined path, upward displacement of the storage containers changing the orientation of the storage containers to be different from the orientation when loading the storage containers, each storage container pivoting relative to an adjacent interconnected storage container about a pivot axis common to both storage containers during upward displacement thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A and1Billustrate an overhead storage unit10provided in a residential living unit12. In the depicted embodiment, the living unit12is a residential apartment. The living unit12has a floor12A defining a floor space or area of the living unit12, and a door12B. The living unit12may include other features. The living unit12can also be other types of dwellings. Some non-limiting examples of a living unit12include a flat, condo, home, room, etc. Features of the overhead storage unit10(sometimes referred to herein simply as “storage unit10”) are displaceable so that one or more items to be stored within the storage unit10can be stored away when not in use, and so that access to the items can be provided. When stored away, features of the storage unit10are positioned such that they do not occupy the floor space of the floor12A of the living unit12. This allows the valuable floor space to be liberated and used for other purposes, thereby increasing to the overall usable floor space of the living unit12. As will be described in greater detail herein, the storage unit10positions the items in an overhead storage area16.

The overhead storage area16is disposed above the floor12A of the living unit12. More particularly, the overhead storage area16is located about the average level of the head of an occupant of the living unit12. This position of the overhead storage area16allows the occupant to move freely about the living unit12without being obstructed by the storage unit10. The configuration of the overhead storage area16can take different forms. For example, inFIG.1A, the overhead storage area16is located above a closet18of the living unit12. The closet18has studs18A which form part of the framework of the living unit12, and walls18B which cover the studs18A. The walls18A and a door (not shown for the purposes of clarity) of the closet18delimit an enclosed space set apart from a remainder of the living unit12.

InFIGS.1A and1B, the overhead storage area16is defined by the interconnected walls of an overhead structure19positioned on top of the closet18. In alternate embodiments, the overhead storage area16is disposed adjacent to the ceiling, in a plenum area defined within a suspended ceiling and above the living unit12. In another alternate embodiment, the overhead storage area16is defined by a lowered section of the ceiling that is continuous with the remainder of the ceiling of the living unit12. It is therefore appreciated that many configurations of the overhead storage area16are within the scope of the present disclosure, provided that the overhead storage area16is raised above the floor12A of the living unit12such that the storage unit10, when stored within the overhead storage area16, does not disrupt the movement of the occupant about the living unit12. Features of the storage unit10are displaceable to raise the items into the overhead storage area16to store the items away, and to lower the items from the overhead storage area16to provide access to the items.

Referring toFIGS.1A and1B, the storage unit10includes a storage assembly17having multiple storage containers20for storing the items, and one or more guide members30for guiding displacement of the storage containers20between a stored position and an accessible position.

The storage containers20(only one shown inFIGS.1A and1B) can be any suitably shaped and sized object for holding and displacing the items. In the depicted embodiment, each storage container20includes a box-like storage structure22having an at least partially hollow interior24in which the items are stored. The storage structure22includes one or more interconnected walls26, which include at least an interconnected wall26A and outer walls26B. The walls26are depicted as being planar bodies, but may be non-planar in other embodiments. Similarly, the interconnected and outer walls26A,26B are shown as being substantially uninterrupted along their length, but in alternate embodiments, one or both of the interconnected and outer walls26A,26B may be interrupted along their length. Thus each storage container20is a volume bounded on three or more sides to define an open or closed enclosure for receiving and storing the items.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D, each storage container20has three walls26A,26B and is open along a front portion thereof to receive the items. InFIGS.2A to2D, the front portion of the storage containers20has an opening that is unobstructed by any structure, such as a door or panel. In an alternate embodiment, the front of the walls26of each storage container26has a door or drawer. The interconnected wall26A and the outer walls26B of each storage container20are interconnected along their common edges and are perpendicular with respect to one another. Suitable structures may be provided to reinforce the walls26. For example, inFIGS.2A to2D and7, the interconnected wall26A and the outer walls26B of each storage container20have straight frame members27A attached to each other and to the interconnected wall26A and the outer walls26B, and a transverse bracing member27B extending between some of the straight frame members27A.

The interconnected wall26A is the lowermost wall26of the storage structure22when each storage container20is in the stored position, as shown inFIG.2A. The interconnected wall26A has a first orientation such that it defines a bottom surface26C of the storage container20. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom surface26C is the lowermost surface of each storage container20when it is in the stored position. One of the outer walls26B is the lowermost wall26of the storage structure22when the storage container20is in the accessible position, as shown inFIG.2D. The outer walls26B can contribute to supporting the weight of the items stored within the storage structure22in the accessible position. The interconnected wall26A can also contribute to supporting the weight of the items stored within the storage container20when in the stored position. The storage container20may include hooks, brackets, ties, mounts, or other devices to secure the items therein, and to prevent their displacement during movement of the storage container20. In an embodiment, the storage container20has a door to provide access to the interior24and to the items therein. InFIGS.2A to2D, the storage container20is open along a front portion thereof to provide direct access to the interior24in the accessible position.

The walls26of the storage container20may be interconnected so as to define a hermetically-sealed interior24. The sealed interior24prevents liquids and debris from exiting the storage container20during displacement thereof. Similarly, the storage container20may be made from any suitable material to confer impermeability, amongst other desired properties. The storage container20may be used to store any type of item.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D, each storage container20is mounted to the one or more guide members30. Each guide member30extends along a length to guide the displacement of the storage containers20along said length. More particularly, each guide member30has a first horizontal segment32mounted within the overhead storage area16. In the depicted embodiment, the first segment32is mounted to an upper extremity of the closet18at a lower end of the overhead storage area16. Each guide member30also has a second vertical segment34mounted below the overhead storage area16. In the depicted embodiment, the second segment34is mounted to a lower extremity of the closet18, such as to one of the walls18B of the closet18. The second segment34extends downwardly from the overhead storage area16to about the level of the floor12A. Referring toFIGS.2A-2D and6, each guide member30also has a curved segment36extending between the first and second segments32,34. In the depicted embodiment, the curved segment36is downwardly curved to guide displacement of the storage containers20from the raised stored position to the lowered accessible position. Each segment32,34,36defines a portion of a pre-defined displacement path along which the storage containers20are guided when being displaced. The storage containers20are displaceable along each of the first, second and curved segments32,34,36, along a direction of displacement or axis defined by the first, second and curved segments32,34,36. The first, second, and curved segments32,34,36may be fixedly mounted to the studs18A of the closet18. In an alternate embodiment, the segments32,34,36are not mounted directly to a structure, but are free standing.

It will be appreciated that each guide member30can take any suitable form to accomplish the above-described functionality. For example, in the depicted embodiment, each guide member30includes a guide rail38.FIGS.2A and2Bshow two laterally-spaced apart guide rails38mounted to opposed lateral sides or studs18A of the closet18. The storage containers20have rotatable guide bodies28, which in the depicted embodiment are guide wheels28A, mounted to an underside or rear of the storage containers20. Each guide wheel28A engages a corresponding one of the guide rails38to be displaced along the guide rail38. The cooperation of the guide wheels28A with the guide rails38allows the storage containers20to be displaced.

Other configurations for the guide member30are within the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternate embodiment, each guide member30includes an elongated rack and the storage containers20have a rotatable guide body that includes a gear, such as a pinion. Each guide body pinion engages a corresponding one of the racks to be displaced therealong. In another alternate embodiment, each guide member30includes a groove in a surface of the closet18, for example, and the storage containers20have a rotatable guide body that includes a wheel. Each guide body wheel engages a corresponding one of the grooves to be displaced therealong. In another alternate embodiment, each guide member30includes a gliding surface, and the storage containers20have one or more skis that slide along the gliding surface. In another embodiment, each guide member30is an telescopic cylinder. In another embodiment, each guide member30includes a linear actuator. In another embodiment, each guide member30includes a pneumatic piston. Instead of multiple guide members30, the storage containers20may be displaceable along only one guide member30.

The displacement of the storage containers20along the guide member30changes the orientation of the storage containers20. The storage containers20are displaceable to be raised to a stored position, and lowered to an accessible position.

In the stored position, and as shown inFIG.2A, the storage containers20and the items are stored away. The storage containers20have a first orientation, which is vertical or facing upward. The interconnected walls26A have a first orientation. In the depicted embodiment, the interconnected walls26A lie horizontally within the overhead storage area16in the stored position. The storage container20and the items are therefore raised above the floor12A of the living unit12to be stored away, thereby freeing up the floor space of the living unit12. In the depicted embodiment, the storage containers20are on their “backs”, such that the interconnected walls26A of the storage containers20have a horizontal orientation and the outer walls26B have an upright orientation. The storage containers20are shown resting on, and supported by, the first horizontal segment32of the guide members30.

In the depicted embodiment, the overhead storage area16is concealed from view by the outer wall26B of the forward-most storage container20when it is in the stored position, as shown inFIG.2A. In an alternate embodiment, a part of the forward-most storage container20protrudes out of the overhead storage area16when the storage container20is in the stored position. Each storage container20is fully accessible in the accessible position, as shown inFIG.2D. The change in orientation experienced by the outer walls26B when pivoting to the accessible position allows the storage containers20to remain free of a door or other similar barrier that controls access to the storage container interior24. Instead, access to the storage container interior24is provided by the simple change in orientation experienced by the outer walls26B. The occupant is thus not required to open or close a door to hide/contain the items in the storage containers20or to obtain access thereto. The occupant is also not required to remember to close a door when placing the items in the storage containers20because the changing orientation of the outer walls26B as they pivot toward the stored position will function to maintain the items within the storage container interiors24.

In the accessible position, and as shown inFIG.2D, the storage containers20and the items are accessible to the occupant. The storage containers20and/or the interconnected walls26A have a second orientation that is different from the first orientation shown inFIG.2A. In the depicted embodiment, the second orientation is offset from the first orientation by about 90°. The interconnected walls26A are disposed upright below the overhead storage area16so that the occupant can access the items in the storage containers20. The storage containers20and the items are therefore suspended in proximity to the floor12A of the living unit12. In the depicted embodiment, the interconnected walls26A of the storage containers20have an upright orientation and the outer walls26B have a horizontal orientation. The storage containers20are engaged with the second vertical segment34of the guide members30. The storage containers20have a horizontal orientation.

It is thus appreciated that the interconnected and outer walls26A,26B, and indeed other walls26of the storage containers20, undergo a change in orientation when the storage containers20are displaced between the stored and accessible positions. This change in the orientation of the storage containers20may be better appreciated by considering the dimensions of each storage structure22as it is displaced between the stored and accessible positions. Each storage structure22has a height, a length, and a width. In the stored position, the width of each storage structure22is measured in a horizontal plane and the height is measured along the outer walls26B in a vertical plane. In the accessible position, the width of each storage structure22is measured in a horizontal plane and the height is measured along the interconnected wall26A in a vertical plane.

This change in the orientation of the storage containers20between the stored and accessible positions allows the storage containers20to occupy a minimum volume of the overhead storage area16without compromising the interior24storage space for the items. More particularly, the storage containers20in the stored position have a substantially upright orientation, and are stacked next to one another in a direction parallel to the floor12A. This may allow for a smaller overhead storage area16to be used, which may be particularly desirable in living units12which have low ceilings. Similarly, the horizontal orientation of the storage containers20in the accessible position allows full access to their interiors24by the occupant, at a lowered position that is comfortable for the occupant to load and unload the items from the storage containers20.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D, the storage containers20are each connected together to be raised and lowered together along the guide member30. Each storage container20is connected to one or more of the other storage containers20. This interconnection of the storage containers20may take different forms. For example, referring toFIG.2C, the storage unit10has three storage containers20: an inner storage container20A and two outer storage containers20B. The inner storage container20A is connected to each of the outer storage containers20B, and each of the outer storage containers20B is connected to the inner storage container20A. The outer storage containers20B are not directly connected to each other.

The storage containers20are joined or connected at common pivots40. Each pivot40is shared by the adjacent and connected storage containers20, and defines a pivot axis42about which each of the connected storage containers20pivots or rotates. InFIGS.2A to2D, each of the outer storage containers20B is joined to the inner storage container20A with a common pivot40. InFIGS.2A to2D, the storage assembly17includes two common pivots40. The common pivots40and the pivot axes42move with the storage containers20as they are displaced between the stored and accessible positions. Other brackets, fasteners, joints or connectors may also connect two adjacent storage containers20, such as additional bracing between adjacent storage containers20.

While being displaced between the stored and accessible positions, each storage container20pivots relative to the adjacent connected storage container20on the common pivot40between the two storage containers20and about the common or shared pivot axis42. By relatively pivoting, it is understood that each storage container20pivots about the common pivot axis42away from, or toward, the adjacent connected storage container20. The distance separating the outer walls26B of the adjacent and connected storage containers20therefore increases or decreases as a result of the relative pivoting motion. For example, and as shown inFIG.2B, as the inner storage container20A is displaced from the stored position toward the accessible position, it pivots relative to both of the outer storage containers20B on the pivots40and about the pivot axes42that it shares with each of the outer storage containers20B. Similarly, and referring toFIG.2C, as the topmost outer storage container20B is displaced from the stored position toward the accessible position, it pivots relative to the inner storage container20A on the pivot40and about the pivot axis42that it shares with the inner storage container20A. The storage containers20therefore articulate relative to each other as they are displaced between the stored and accessible positions.

Each storage container20is attached to one or more other storage containers20. As the storage containers20are raised from the accessible position to the stored position (i.e. from the configuration shown inFIG.2Dto that shown inFIG.2A), each of the storage containers20rotates from a horizontal to an upright position. As the storage containers20are lowered from the stored position to the accessible position (i.e. from the configuration shown inFIG.2Ato that shown inFIG.2D), each of the storage containers20rotates from an upright to a horizontal position.

The overhead storage unit10thus has interconnected storage containers20which pivot relative to one another as they are raised or lowered together into the overhead storage area16, and whose orientations change as they are moved. The interconnected storage containers20articulate relative to one another between a horizontal orientation and an upright orientation as they are raised into the overhead storage area16.

Having interconnected and articulating storage containers20reduces the distance that the storage containers20extend outwardly from the closet18and overhead storage area16as they are raised into the overhead storage area16and descended out of it. This is better shown inFIG.8. InFIG.8, the upper image shows a single overhead storage container SC having a storage volume and occupying an area of the overhead storage area16. The lower image shows three interconnected and articulating storage containers20which collectively have the same storage volume and occupy the same area of the overhead storage area16as the overhead storage container SC. Referring to the upper image, as the storage container SC is lowered from the overhead storage area16, and moves from position1, to position2and then to position3, one of its walls will extend outwardly from the closet18a maximum distance D1from a wall of the closet18. Referring to the lower image, as the storage containers20are lowered from the overhead storage area16, and move from position1to position2, one the outer walls26B of each storage container20will extend outwardly from the closet18a maximum distance D2from a wall of the closet18. As can be seen, the distance D2is less than the distance D1. Thus, the interconnected and articulating storage containers20extend or “jut” out less than a comparable one-compartment storage unit having the same storage volume and occupying the same area of the overhead storage area16. The moment arm for the interconnected and articulating storage containers20, measured from the motor or drive mechanism, is also shorter than it is for the overhead storage container SC, such that the motor or drive mechanism will need less energy to raise the interconnected and articulating storage containers20over the curved segment36of the guide member30.

Since the interconnected and articulating storage containers20are separate from each other, each one of them can be lifted separately over the curved segment36of the guide member30, which may require less energy than lifting the entire overhead storage container SC. Since the motor or drive mechanism is often sized based on the weight to lift over the curved segment36, this may allow the interconnected and articulating storage containers20to support items having multiples of the weight of the items supported by the single overhead storage container SC. The interconnected and articulating storage containers20may also require less vertical clearance to enter the overhead storage area16when being raised compared to when the single overhead storage container SC is raised into the overhead storage area16.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D and6, the curved segment36of each guide member30helps to change the orientation of at least the interconnected walls26A. The curved segment36extends between the horizontal first segment32and the vertical second segment34. From the stored position in which the interconnected walls26A have the first orientation, they and the storage containers20are first displaced along the first segment32in a horizontal plane and then downwardly over the curved segment36. The curved segment36changes the orientation of the interconnected walls26A to the second orientation as it is being displaced such that the interconnected walls26A are upright after having been displaced past the curved segment36and along the vertical second segment34. The second orientation of the interconnected walls26A is therefore offset from the first orientation by about 90°.

In the depicted embodiment, the rotatable guide bodies28of the storage container20include leading guide bodies28B displaceable along corresponding guide members30. The leading guide bodies28B, shown in the depicted embodiment as leading guide wheels, engage two laterally-spaced apart guide members30so as to form a pair of leading guide bodies28B. The leading guide bodies28B are disposed adjacent to an upper end of the curved segment36of each guide member30when the storage containers20are in the stored position. By positioning the leading guide bodies28B in proximity to the upper end of the curved segment36, the effort required to lower the storage containers20from the stored position is reduced. Indeed, the close proximity of the leading guide bodies28B to the upper end of the curved segment36means that the leading outer storage container20B only has to travel a relatively short distance along the first segment32before the leading guide bodies28B enter the curved segment36, at which point gravity acting on the storage containers20will assist in lowering them from the stored position. This reduced effort is particularly useful if the storage containers20are manually displaced, as discussed in greater detail below.

The proximity of the leading guide bodies28B to the upper end of the downwardly curved segment36can vary, depending on the desired effort required to lower the storage container20, amongst other factors. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the leading guide bodies28B have a default location within a downwardly curved portion of the curved segment36when the storage containers20are in the stored position. This positioning of the leading guide bodies28B helps to bias the storage containers20downward, and thus helps to reduce the effort required to lower the storage containers20. In such a configuration, tension may be applied to the storage containers20to hold them back and reduce the likelihood of it accidentally lowering. This tension can be provided by a cable, spring, or other mechanical device such as idling arms which remove slack in cables, or a pneumatic cylinder.

In an alternate embodiment, the leading guide bodies28B are disposed at the onset of the downwardly curved portion of the curved segment36when the storage containers20are in the stored position. This positioning of the leading guide bodies28B also helps to bias the storage containers20downward, and thus helps to reduce the effort required to lower the storage containers20. In another alternate embodiment, the leading guide bodies28B are disposed on the first segment32just before the junction of the first segment32and the curved segment36. This positioning of the leading guide bodies28B still facilitates lowering the storage containers20, but more effort may be required than in the configuration where the leading guide bodies28B are within the downwardly curved portion. Although the curved segment36has two downwardly curved portions, in an alternate embodiment, the curved segment36has only one downwardly curved portion along which the leading guide bodies28B are displaced.

Referring toFIGS.3A to3C, the storage assembly17includes one or more brackets44which interconnect two adjacent storage containers20. Each bracket44has a first arm46A and a second arm46B. The first arm46A is mounted to one of the storage containers20, such as to a rear surface of the interconnecting wall26A of one of the storage containers20. The second arm46B is mounted to an adjacent storage container20, such as to a rear surface of the interconnecting wall26A of the adjacent and connected storage container20. The first and second arms46A,46B are mounted to one of the common pivots40. The first and second arms46A,46B are rotatable about the pivot axis42defined by the common pivot40, thereby allowing the connected and adjacent storage containers20to also pivot about the common pivot axis42. The storage containers20thus rotate or articulate about a common pivot40that is part of, or cooperates with, a bracket44that joins one storage container20to an adjacent storage container20. The bracket44may take any suitable form, and interface in any suitable way with the common pivot40, to achieve the above-described functionality. For example, The first and second arms46A,46B may have a common housing which is mounted on bearings supported by a pivot rod42A which defines the pivot axis42. The common pivots40or brackets44also have guide wheels28A displaceable along the first, second, and curved segments32,34,36of the guide member30. Referring toFIGS.3A to3C, a cable144A is attached to one or more of the storage containers20or brackets44thereof. The cable144A may be attached to other non-pivoting brackets48mounted to the storage containers20to guide their displacement. The cable144A may be attached to a lowermost or uppermost storage container20or its bracket44,48.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the displacement of the storage containers20along the guide member30may be performed manually by the occupant, or with the assistance of motive power. Referring toFIG.4, the storage unit10includes a motive power source. More particularly, the storage unit10has a motor assembly140. The motor assembly140provides motive power to the storage containers20to displace them between the stored and accessible positions. In the depicted embodiment, and to optimise available space, the motor assembly140is mounted above the closet18in the overhead storage area16. Acoustic tiles may be mounted below the motor assembly140, and may be removed to service the motor assembly140from below. An acoustic or other concealing panel may be mounted in front of the motor assembly140, which is positioned vertically between a top of the closet18and the interconnected walls26A of the storage containers20. The acoustic or other concealing panel may be removed to service the motor assembly140from the front. The motor assembly140includes a motor142. Suitable brackets or mountings can be provided to secure the motor142in place. The motor142drivingly engages one or more displacement members, such as the cable144A. The displacement members144A are mounted to one or more of the storage containers20to displace them between the stored and accessible positions. The motor142may be controlled manually with a switch, or from a distance with a remote in communication with the motor142to control actuation thereof. The motor142may have a gearbox. The motor142may have a crank to be manually operated.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the displacement members144A include motor cables144A. The motor cables144A are wound about a pulley146shown inFIG.5, such that rotation of the pulley146causes the motor cables144A to spool and unspool. An end of each motor cable144A is attached to one or more of the storage containers20so that the spooling and unspooling of the motor cables144A will cause the storage containers20to displace.

The displacement of the storage containers20with the motor assembly140occurs as follows. To lower the storage containers20from the stored position where they has the first orientation, the motor142performs a controlled unspool of the motor cables144A by rotating the pulley146to unwind the motor cables144A. This provides slack in the motor cables144A allowing the storage containers20to descend based on gravity. To raise the storage containers20from the accessible position, the motor142draws in the motor cables144A by rotating to spool them about the pulley146. This removes slack from the motor cables144A and applies tension thereto, causing the storage containers20to be raised along the guide member30.

Other techniques are within the scope of the present disclosure for displacing the storage containers20. In an alternate embodiment, the motive power is supplied by any other suitable type of drive, including, but not limited to, a crank with a manual mechanism and/or a spring balance. In an embodiment, the storage unit10includes a sensor to monitor displacement of the storage containers20, and to prevent the storage containers20from being lowered too far. Similarly, the storage unit10may include a stop member to limit the downward displacement of the storage containers20.

Referring toFIGS.2A to2D, there is also disclosed a method of storing items in the overhead storage area16. The method includes loading the items in the storage containers20having an orientation beneath the overhead storage area16. The method includes raising the storage containers20to be stored within the overhead storage area16by upwardly displacing the storage containers20along a pre-defined path. The upward displacement of the storage containers20changes their orientation to be different from their orientation when loading the storage containers20. Each storage container20pivots relative to an adjacent interconnected storage container20about a pivot axis42common to both storage containers20during upward displacement thereof.

In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the storage unit10has storage containers20that are storable in an overhead position, which can be lowered and raised, and whose movements transforms the orientation of the storage containers20between the stored and accessible positions. When used in a relatively small living unit12, the storage unit10helps to minimise the space occupied by items that need to be stored. In the accessible position, the storage containers20can be lowered to a convenient height to facilitate loading and unloading, thereby eliminating the necessity and inconvenience of a step ladder and potential injuries that may result should the occupant fall off the step ladder. By facilitating the storage and easy retrieval of items, the storage unit10helps to increase the available living space of the relatively small living unit12. The storage unit10may also allow the occupant to store heavy items overhead that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to store overhead using only a step ladder.

The above description is meant to be exemplary only, and one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed. For example, the descriptive terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, and “upright” used herein do not limit the feature to being perfectly level or perfectly normal to a level plane. These features can deviate from the level and from the vertical provided that they remain substantially horizontal or vertical. Similarly, the storage assembly17is described herein and shown with its components assembled, but it will be appreciated that storage assembly17may be provided as a kit with its components disassembled, where the components are to be assembled in the residential living unit12. Similarly, although the storage unit10is disclosed herein as being part of a residential living unit12, it will be appreciated that the storage unit10may be used in other types of building units, such as commercial or industrial units. Still other modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of a review of this disclosure, and such modifications are intended to fall within the appended claims.