Abstract:
An elevated tiltable storage assembly for the storage and retrieval of goods. The tiltable storage assembly includes a stationary frame structure for mounting to a wall and a tiltable frame structure pivotally connected to the bottom of the stationary frame. The tiltable frame has a storage structure for holding goods. A windable strap extends between the top of the stationary frame and the top of the tiltable frame. An activatable power assembly operates to wind and unwind the strap to rotate the tiltable frame from a storage to a retrieval position to provide access to the goods.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/520,649 having a Filing Date of Jun. 13, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/573,825 having a Filing Date of Sep. 13, 2011 which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to storage systems and particularly to wall mounted storage systems adapted to store and retrieve goods from elevated wall locations that are typically unused. Particularly, the present invention relates to a pivotable storage system having activatable power means to store and retrieve goods such as bicycles, garments and other goods, for example, from an elevated position to an accessible floor location. 
         [0003]    Storage systems have typically comprised storage shelving of varying heights and often requiring the use of ladder systems to provide access to the stored goods. These prior art storage shelves are often limited in use and difficult to access, for example, limited to the storage of boxes and to containers and products of specified dimensions. The storage of larger products, such as bicycles, have typically required the use of specialized storage racks which are relatively complex in structure and expensive to manufacture and install. 
         [0004]    Storage systems in store warehouses typically utilize storage shelving systems of specified heights, i.e. 6-8 feet, and leave unused overhead wall space above them which are not reachable even by using prior art ladder systems. 
         [0005]    The pivotable storage system of the present invention provides a use for previously unused warehouse and/or store wall spaces and overcomes the difficulties and shortcomings of prior art storage and retrieval systems such as shelving and associated ladder systems. The storage system of the invention provides a pivotable storage system that can be mounted above existing storage shelves and which when activated automatically lowers goods such as bicycles, garments, kayaks, storage racks and the like into the aisle area at ground level and adjacent the storage shelves, for example. 
         [0006]    The storage system of the present invention is easily mountable in typically unused warehouse or store spaces, is economical, efficient, safe and easily utilized to store and retrieve heretofore difficult to store and retrieve goods such as bicycles, hanging garments and other goods. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The storage and retrieval system of the invention provides a versatile, easy to use storage assembly that may be mounted to a wall above existing shelving units in a warehouse or on the retail floor, for example. 
         [0008]    The storage system of the invention is a tiltable storage assembly for mounting at an elevated position and comprises a stationary frame structure for mounting to a base structure, such as a wall. A tiltable frame structure is mounted for pivoting to the stationary frame structure and which has a storage structure for holding goods. An extendable connection means such as a strap on a spool is provided to interconnect the stationary frame structure and the tiltable frame structure. An activatable power assembly mounted to the stationary frame structure is operative on the extendable connection means to permit the storage structure of the tiltable power assembly to pivot from a storage position to thereby provide access to the goods and to pivot from a retrieval position to a storage position for the storage of goods at an elevated position. 
         [0009]    The stationary frame structure is comprised of an upper bracket, a lower bracket and connecting side members. The tiltable frame structure is comprised of a pair of pivotable arm assemblies connected for rotation to the lower bracket of the stationary frame structure. The storage structure may be a rotatable bar connected between the terminal ends of the pivotable arm assemblies. 
         [0010]    The storage assembly structure provides a tiltable frame structure which may utilize a rotatable storage bar or a rotatable storage bar from which a plurality of hooks may extend for holding various goods such as bicycles, for example. The rotatable storage bar or other storage structures may extend beyond or outside of the arm members which form the tiltable frame structure to thereby provide an effectively enlarged storage and retrieval system. 
         [0011]    The storage system utilizes a power assembly comprising an AC/DC converter to provide low voltage DC power and a drive shaft with a DC motor/gear box. Strap spools are mounted on the drive shaft and which control the movement of the tiltable frame structure with respect to the stationary frame structure. An activation switch, wiring with modular connectors, upper and lower limit switches as well as safety devices are provided with respect to the movement of the drive shaft and the movement of the tiltable frame structure with respect to the stationary frame structure. 
         [0012]    The storage system of the invention may be mounted above typical shelving structures, i.e., 6′H×4′W×2′D, may be provided in 4 ft. increments, for example, or may be ganged adjacently to provide storage systems of 8 ft., 12 ft. or other lengths to accommodate storage and retrieval requirements. Further, elongated storage bars, i.e. 6 ft, may be provided to increase storage space. 
         [0013]    An advantage of the present invention is to provide a versatile storage system having varying storage structures which permit products of varying dimensions to be stored at elevated positions in a warehouse and/or a retail establishment. 
         [0014]    Another advantage of the invention is to provide a storage system that may be mounted at varying elevations and which is adjustable to tilt products at variable heights and to specified retrieval locations. 
         [0015]    Another advantage of the invention is to provide a versatile storage system which permits the use of a storage bar having variable lengths and product attachment means. 
         [0016]    Another advantage of the invention is to provide a storage system which utilizes power means, including a low voltage DC system and constant contact switch, that is easy and safe to operate by a user. 
         [0017]    Another advantage of the invention is to provide a storage system having various safety features which may control the movement of the drive shaft and the tiltable frame structure. 
         [0018]    These and other benefits of this invention will become clear from the following description by reference to the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective frontal view of the storage system of the invention and showing the storage system mounted on a wall and in a retrieval position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective lateral view of the storage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing the storage system of the invention mounted on a wall above a shelving unit and being in a storage position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a lateral plan view showing the storage system of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the storage system of  FIG. 3  being lowered; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a lateral plan view showing the storage system of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the storage system of  FIG. 5  being in a lowered retrieval position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a lateral plan view showing the storage system of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a lateral view of the storage system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing the stationary frame structure and pivotable frame structure of the storage assembly of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing the pivotable frame structure of the storage assembly in a tilted position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view showing the pivotable arm assemblies and rotatable storage bar of the pivotable frame structure; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view showing the drive shaft motors, gear boxes and free fall arrester assemblies of the power apparatus of the storage system of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing garments stored by the storage system; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing a kayak stored by the storage system; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view showing a storage basket mounted to the storage bar of the storage system. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    A tiltable storage assembly  10  for the storage and retrieval of a variety of goods from an overhead location. The storage assembly  10  has a stationary frame structure  16  having means for mounting to a wall at an elevated position. The stationary frame structure  16  has an upper mounting rail or bracket  11  and a lower mounting rail or bracket  12 . A tiltable frame structure  17  is connected for pivoting to the lower mounting bracket  12  of the wall mounted stationary frame structure  11 . The tiltable frame  12  has a storage structure, such as a rotatable storage bar  28 , for storing goods. A power structure having a drive shaft and windable straps connect the stationary frame structure  16  for moving the goods from an elevated position to a retrieval position at ground level. 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the storage and retrieval system  10  of the present invention is shown mounted in an elevated position on wall  13 . The storage system  10  is shown to have a stationary frame structure  16  mounted to the wall  13  and a tilting or pivoting frame structure  17  which is shown to pivot at the bottom of the stationary frame structure  16  at pivot  15 . A pair of straps  33  are utilized to hold the tilting frame structure  17  with respect to the mounted stationary frame structure  16  from an elevated storage position to a retrieval position at ground level. As shown, a rotatable storage bar  28  having hooks  29  is exemplary of the purpose of the present invention, which is to store and retrieve a variety of products, such as bicycles, garments and other products, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8  and  FIGS. 14-16 . 
         [0037]    The rotatable storage bar  28  is shown having storage bar portions  39  extending outwardly from the tiltable frame structure  17 . The outwardly extending portions  39  permit a storage system  10  having a length of four feet, for example, to provide a storage capability of six or more feet, for example, to thereby reduce the number of storage systems  10  required to provide full use of a wall length above a storage shelf system of a predetermined height and length. The end of the arm assemblies  14   a,    14   b  may each be provided with opposing apertures of different diameters, i.e., 1.0 and 1.25 inches, to thereby accommodate a storage bar as shown in  FIG. 1  (1.0 inch D) or as shown in  FIG. 2  (1.25 inch D). Fasteners, i.e., cotter keys  54 , are provided to maintain the elongated rotatable storage bar  28  with respect to the arm assemblies. End plates  44  are shown provided on the storage bar ends to provide a visual safety structure. The end plates  44  may have warning tags, i.e., yellow/black tags, for safety purposes. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show hooks  29  extending downwardly from rotatable storage bar  28  and having different lengths or configurations. The hooks  29  may also be spaced differently on storage bar  28  to thereby accommodate different sized bicycles as well as different styles of bicycles, i.e., high performance bikes, mountain bikes and standard touring bikes. The more expensive high performance bikes, for example, may be provided greater spacing so as to ensure bicycle integrity. For example, two, three, four or other hook bar structures may be provided for such use. 
         [0039]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the storage system  10  is shown to have an upper mounting bracket  11 , a lower mounting bracket  12 , and vertical supports  41   a  and  41   b  which are shown mounted against wall  13 , the latter forming the frame stationary structure  16  and which may be a welded steel one piece assembly. The pivoting or tilting frame structure  17  is shown to comprise pivotable arm assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  which are connected at pivots  15  to end brackets  24   b,    25   b  affixed at the lower mounting bracket  12 . A support plate  31  is shown mounted between the pivotable arm assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.    
         [0040]    Straps  33  are shown connecting the top of the stationary frame structure  16  to the top of the tilting frame structure  17  at strap securement hooks  36 . Straps  33  may be 2 inch wide nylon strapping, for example, similar to automotive seat belt strapping and rated to hold 1,750 lbs. for example. Straps  33  are wound onto and unwound from spools  38  within housing  34  as further discussed below with respect to  FIG. 13 . Although straps may be preferred, other strong, flexible and windable materials may be used within the purview of the invention. An activation button or toggle switch  30  is provided to operate the storage system  10 . For safety purposes, a user pushes and maintains pressure on button  30  to activate the motor/gearbox  26  of the assembly  10  so as to lower and raise the pivotable arm assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  of the tiltable frame structure  17  and, thus, the storage bar  28 . Upper and lower limit switches  46 ,  47  are provided to thereby limit the travel of the storage bar  28  between approximately 0° and 90° with respect to the vertical wall  13 . The limit switches  46  and  47  are contacted and activated by the rotating tiltable frame structure  17  and the lower limit switch  47  may be adjustable with respect to the contact point of the frame structure  17 . A beeping sound source and/or visual alarm signal may be provided so as to provide a warning signal when the storage system  10  is in use. 
         [0041]    Upper mounting bracket  11  is shown covered by housing structure  34 , the latter housing the power means of the storage assembly  10 , further discussed below, and which is shown powered by converter  35 , i.e., AC/DC 24 V, although other power means may be utilized. The low voltage DC electrical system, is utilized to drive the motor/gearbox  26  mounted to the driveshaft  23  of the storage assembly  10 , as further discussed below. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 3-8  show the movement of the storage system  10  when mounted on wall  13  above shelving  21  and having a bicycle  20  hanging from hook  29  attached to rotatable storage bar  28 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the storage system  10  in a storage configuration, or where the arm member  19   a  of the pivotable arm assembly  14   a  is directed approximately 90° with respect to wall  13  or at a first position A. In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pivotable arm assemblies  14   a  and  14   b  are shown pivoted with respect to pivot  15  and held by straps  33  at an angle of approximately 45°. The rotatable storage bar  28  maintains the bicycle  20  in a vertical position. In  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the arm member  19   a  of the pivotable arm assembly  14   a  is shown to be at approximately 0° or perpendicular to floor  22  at a second position B. At this position, the bicycle  20  may be removed from hook  29 , for example, and another bicycle placed thereon for subsequent storage above shelving  21 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIGS. 9-11  show the lower end bracket  25   a  and the upper end bracket  24   a,  respectively, mounted to lower mounting bracket  12 . The lower end bracket  25   a  has aligned apertures  27  which receive pivot pins  15 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . A pair of upper and lower end brackets,  24   a,    24   b  and  25   a,    25   b  are utilized in each assembly  10 .  FIG. 11  further shows the connection of the lower end bracket  25   a  to the lower mounting bracket  12  and the pivotable connection of the lower portion of the pivotable arm  14   a  to the lower end bracket  25   a  via pivot pin  15 . 
         [0044]    The storage assembly  10  may be mounted at a specified elevated position depending upon the size of the goods as well as the dimension of the shelving unit(s). Further, the length of the arm members  19   a  and  19   b  may be varied to accommodate the elevated height of the assembly  10 , as well as the size of the products being stored and retrieved. For example, telescoping arm members  19   a,    19   b  may be provided for easy adjustment purposes. Further, the length of the arm member  18   a  and  18   b  may also be varied depending upon the position of the aisle, depth of the shelving and storage structure or product size. Arm members  19   a,    19   b  may also be provided with a stub member for securement into the ends of arm member  18   a,    18   b  for ease of the packaging and shipment of the parts of storage assembly  10 . In summary, the storage system  10  of the invention provides a versatile storage and retrieval system for warehouse and retail floor use, for example. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 10-13 , exemplary power means of the storage system,  10  are shown. A rotatable drive shaft  23  is shown having a motor/gearbox  26  and strap spools  38  on which the straps  33  are wound. The rotatable shaft  23  is mounted on sealed bearings and held by upper rail  11 . Free fall arrester assemblies  37  and  40  are provided for safety purposes, one for the drive shaft  23  and the other for the strap controlled tiltable structure  17 . In  FIG. 11 , housing  34  is shown covering the elements of the power means and having apertures  42  through which straps  33  extend to be fastened to strap hooks  36  on support member  31  which extends between pivotable arm assemblies  14   a  and  14   b.  Aperture  45  is shown provided for wire  43  of the freefall arrester  37 .  FIG. 11  is also shown to have a tiltable frame structure which may have more than one storage bar  28 . The latter may be utilized, for example, to store rolls of wire, rope, etc. which would allow a merchant to raise and lower the roll stock when required. 
         [0046]      FIG. 12  shows the tiltable frame structure  17  and  FIG. 13  shows the power means of the storage system  10  which is preferably a DC low voltage, i.e., 24 volt system. The DC motor /gearbox structure  26  may be provided to accommodate the storage loads. For example, a 60 rpm, 24V DC motor provides the torque that may be utilized to store and retrieve 175 lb loads. The gear reduction box, motor size, whether AC or DC powered, may all be varied to accommodate desired storage loads. The DC power source  35  may be a 110 AC volt to 24 DC volt converter which provides electrical current to DC motor  26  mounted at the upper mounting bracket  11  to operate drive shaft  23 . The converter  35  may be utilized to power a plurality of storage systems  10 , i.e., five such assemblies  10 . Upper limit switch  46  and lower limit switch  47  are shown positioned at the upper mounting bracket  11  and at the lower mounting bracket  12 , respectively. The activation switch  30  is also shown, as is the placement of switch  30  in a storage location in  FIG. 9 . The switch  30  may be a toggle type switch for up/down movement and requiring the constant pressure for operation to provide a safety feature. The switch  30  is shown to be connected to wiring  53  having a modular connector so that it may be easily removed if desired. The wiring of the assembly  10  preferably uses the latter wiring configuration for easy assembly, use and maintenance. 
         [0047]      FIG. 13  shows drive shaft  23  mounted to the upper mounting bracket  11  of the stationary frame structure  16 . The drive shaft  23 , i.e., a ⅝ inch diameter steel shaft, is shown driven by motor/gearbox  26  and has spools  38  for winding straps  33 . A pair of free fall arrester structures  37  and  40  are shown as safety devices. Free fall arrester  37  is associated with windable wire  43 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , and which is adapted to control the pivoting of the tiltable frame structure  17  should strapping  33  fail and which utilizes a torsion spring wound about and secured to drive shaft  23 . The windable wire  43  is preferably a ⅛ inch stainless steel wire having a tensile strength of 1,750 lbs, for example. Free fall arrester  40  is associated with drive shaft  23  and adapted to stop the pivotable frame structure  17  should the drive shaft  23  be caused to rotate freely due to motor/gearbox connection or key connector failure, for example, and may utilize a cam structure which kicks outwardly due to centrifugal force and then stopped by a catch mechanism mounted to upper rail  12 . The latter or similar prior art devices may be used for this safety application. 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 14-16 , the storage system  10  may utilize storage structures other than a rotatable bar  28  having hooks  29 . Other products or goods may also be stored and retrieved utilizing the storage system  10  of the invention. For example, large products such as kayaks or canoes may be stored in a lengthwise elevated position along a wall and hanging from the storage bar  28 . For example, a bar  28  may be used for hanging garments, other product fasteners, may be used instead of hooks, and storage structures, such as baskets or the like may be utilized with respect to the tilting frame structure to lower goods to the floor of a warehouse or retail establishment and to store goods in an elevated position above existing shelving, for example. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 14-16  further show the versatility and uses of the storage system  10  of the invention. For example,  FIG. 14  shows a plurality of garments  48  stored via hangers on storage bar  28 .  FIG. 15  shows a kayak  50  held by storage frames  49  and  51  attached to storage bar  28 .  FIG. 16  shows a storage basket or cage  52  attached to storage bar  28  and which has a plurality of shelves which may be utilized to store items such as jewelry, DVDs and the like, the latter being storable at a safe upper warehouse location, for example. Because the power activation may be configured having quick disconnect modular electrical components, the stored goods may only be accessible by authorized personnel and at predetermined times during the day, for example. 
         [0050]    As many changes are possible to the storage system embodiments of this invention utilizing the teachings thereof, the descriptions above, and the accompanying drawing should be interpreted in the illustrative and not in the limited sense.