Patent Publication Number: US-2022213711-A1

Title: Lift and storage system

Description:
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/134,692 filed on Jan. 7, 2021, the complete disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject invention pertains to a lift and storage system, and in particular, to a lift and storage system that in one embodiment, includes a single post having a diamond shaped cross-section that can be mounted next to the front wall or in a corner of a garage or other building wherein items can be stored on a platform of the lift and raised above a vehicle or other items in the garage/building for storage there above. 
     Homeowners want to reclaim their garage floor space for what it was intended . . . the parking of cars in a sheltered building. Many homeowners have seen their garages become a storage location for items other than their vehicles. They are forced to park their vehicles outside and exposed to the weather. The single post storage lift is designed to raise the “offending” stored items into the air so that the cars may be driven under the platform (if the storage unit is mounted on a side wall) . . . or stored over the front hood (if the storage unit is mounted on the front wall of the garage). 
     The unique design allows the storage lift to provide a very large storage area while occupying a very small area of valuable floor surface space. 
     The invention addresses the need for an onsite storage system in a home garage or business warehouse where available floor storage space is limited. In one embodiment, the invention creates an elevated 1750-pound capacity, 8-ft×8-ft storage area that occupies about a 12-inch×12-inch area of valuable floor space. Homeowners and businesses recognize the need for additional onsite storage space. Homeowners and businesses have plenty of cubic space (overhead air space in their garage or warehouse) that is unused and available for additional storage. The invention&#39;s features include an adjustable platform storage area and the electrical/mechanical means to safely lift, lower and support the storage platform parallel to the floor. The invention can be located either indoor or outdoor provided that the support column base is properly fastened to a concrete floor with a minimum depth of four (4) inches. The invention may be installed in multiples to increase the overall raised platform storage area. 
     Home garages and business warehouse ceiling heights are normally a minimum of 8 feet (96 inches) high and most garage ceilings are higher. The invention recognizes ceiling height limitations and offers the choice of different length (height) columns to allow the customer the choice of the maximum bottom height of the raised platform. All column lengths are interchangeable with the standard adjustable platform and/or support system and other platform configurations. The power needed is 110/120 volt electric. The increased height of a column allows for the increased raised height of the stored platform. 
     The invention may be installed in a plurality of locations because it is self-supporting (anchored to concrete) and does not require additional column support that is sometimes required by other garage storage systems, such as, a wall support or overhead ceiling beam support. 
     The invention improves upon prior single post electric/hydraulic platform storage systems. Prior art lift systems contained several features that limited their popularity with customers. These issues were addressed and resolved in this model. 
     Previous lifts are very heavy and cumbersome and difficult to install. It was realized that for a home garage storage lift to be popular, it needed to be relatively lightweight and not difficult to install. The column size and configuration were changed on the inventive lift to reduce the column weight but still provide the needed vertical strength to support a raised platform. In one embodiment, the subject invention includes an enclosed capped square column installed so that a corner angle was positioned toward the middle of the platform resulting in a far superior back brace stress reduction design compared to lifts whose columns have either the front or back of the square or rectangular column facing the middle of the platform. The addition of the unique wrap around carriage added extra support stability to the raised platform and allowed the overall weight of the lift to be substantially reduced from previous models. 
     Other single post lifting systems require the use of hydraulic cylinder(s) powered by an electric/hydraulic power unit that is remotely located or attached to the vertical column. It was realized that such an electric/hydraulic power system was not user-friendly for the average Homeowner. 
     Disadvantages of the electric/hydraulic system include: 1) Hydraulic fluid may leak from the system causing erratic operation of the lift and produce puddles of leaked fluid on the floor; 2) Installation and adjustment of an electric/hydraulic system have proven difficult for the average homeowner; and 3) an electric/hydraulic power system does not always produce a “smooth” operation of lifting and lowering. Hydraulic fluid&#39;s viscosity is affected by temperature and freezing inside/outside temperatures may prevent the smooth operation of an electric/hydraulic power system. 
     On the other hand, homeowners are very familiar and comfortable with the wireless remote operation of an overhead electric garage door. It is believed that a wireless electric motor/cable drum system mimicking the operation of an electric overhead door system is much more acceptable for the average homeowner than the electric/hydraulic power system used on the previous single post storage lift system. 
     Features of the present invention, in one embodiment, include the desirable features of a single post on-site garage storage system including: 1) being relatively lightweight in total weight, and each of the component pieces being easy to handle/move/position by a minimum of two able bodied persons; 2) installation can be performed by persons that are mechanically inclined and familiar with the operation of needed power tools; 3) operation of the storage lift is easy for the average person to understand and execute, so that an operator can feel confident with the raising and lowering of the platform; 4) packaging of the lift such that the entire packaged lift may be transported in an average sized pick-up truck or similar, and wherein the lift can also be packaged (perhaps more than one crate size is needed) so that it can be delivered and offloaded by an LTL carrier at a customer&#39;s location; and 5) the lift must be able to be installed in a variety of inside garage space locations and considering garage ceiling heights, a variety of platform configurations for different locations can be provided. Maximum platform lifting heights are also a factor for consideration. 
     Prior art onsite garage storage systems require a modification of ceiling or attic space. These overhead systems do not provide the same lifting capacity, nor the larger square foot storage area as does the invention. Also, many garages do not have available attic storage areas, and most attic storage systems require a separate drop-down stair system which allows the owner to access the attic. These drop-down stairs may be unstable and are certainly inconvenient to use. 
     Other prior art garage storage systems have storage platforms attached to the ceiling and require the use of a separate ladder to access the stored items or to carry the items up to be stored. The climbing or descending of any ladder system can be dangerous even if both hands are available for support. If the person climbing or descending the ladder is carrying an item, and both hands are not available for support, then the risk for injury is greatly increased. 
     Other prior art above floor platform storage systems require wall support modifications for proper installation. Many garage owners are unable or unwilling to make these required wall modifications. 
     On the other hand, in one embodiment, the invention&#39;s column and carriage and platform are made from steel. However, because of the unique design of the vertical column and wrap around carriage, these components (as well as the platform frame) can be manufactured from aluminum or other types of metal or a variety of synthetic materials. 
     In one embodiment, the adjustable platform has an underneath slat support system made from steel, but these slats can be made from a variety of materials. The floor covering for platform can be a made from a variety of materials. The customer will can select the flooring that is placed inside the frame rails and rests on the steel slats. 
     This flooring can be (but not limited to) any type of solid wood/metal or metal mesh type flooring that can adequately support the maximum rated capacity for this lift. Examples of preferred flooring material would be 0.375 (38 inch) plywood or steel wire mesh sections that can be positioned and adequately supported by the under-platform steel slat system. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum safe (net) lifting capacity of the lift is 1750 lbs. (evenly distributed on the platform surface). The weight of any addition to the standard platform floor needs to be counted toward the 1750 lb. lifting capacity of the storage lift. 
     The platform system may also consist of moveable arms attached to the back brace. The back brace may be made in a variety of widths. 
     In one embodiment, arms extend outward from the back brake and act as a support system to which any type of platform (portable or fixed) can be attached. (or placed on top) The arms can be adjusted to different angles and lengths to support the platform. Size, configuration and weight capacity of the platform may vary but cannot exceed the safe lifting capabilities of the storage lift 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a storage system that provides an onsite off-floor adjustable storage area on a platform that can be raised/lowered to a variety of secure heights. The raised platform allows for under the platform vehicle parking and/or provides additional floor space storage underneath the platform. The device includes a vertical column with an adjustable sized platform movably connected to the vertical column. The platform actuator (electric servo-motor and cable/drum lift pulley system) is operationally connected to the platform and may be energized to move the platform into any of a plurality of parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis. The platform is securely supported in its raised position. The raised platform can be additionally supported by means of “drop down” support legs attached to the front of the platform. The invention allows for a variety of column heights that can be used with a variety of platform configurations. The combination of the correct column height (length) and appropriate platform configuration allows this lift to be configured and installed in garages or storage buildings with different ceiling heights and placement requirements. 
     The invention is designed so that multiple storage lifts may be installed next to each other so as to create a much larger SINGLE platform storage area. The concept of multiple lifts positioned next to each other can be best described as an on-site electric powered mezzanine storage system that can be raised or lowered as a single unit. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lift and storage system in accordance with the invention in a partially raised configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  shown in a lowered position with the platform removed and showing the frame for a platform support; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  shown in a raised position with the platform removed and showing the frame for the platform support; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  shown in a lowered position with part of the platform removed and showing the frame for a platform support; 
         FIG. 4A  is another perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  shown in a raised position with both support legs and vehicle ramps extended; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the front of the platform, platform support, and wrap around carriage removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 6  is enlarged closer front view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the front of the platform, platform support, and wrap around carriage removed for clarity to show details of the lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is a top-front perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the front of the platform, platform support, and wrap around carriage removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 8  is an upper rear perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the front of the platform, platform support, and wrap around carriage removed for clarity showing rear details of the lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 9  is a rear view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing an enlarged area around the lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 10  is a top rear perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing top rear details of the support post and lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing an enlarged area of the support post and lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing the top auto stop for the lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing the bottom auto stop for the lift mechanism; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a cable safety device on the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged perspective view of a cable connection block of the cable safety device in a normal status on the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the cable safety device on the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing a cable failure; 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged perspective view of the cable safety device on the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  showing a cable failure; 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged perspective view of the cable connection block of the cable safety device in a locked engagement after a cable failure on the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the support post and lifting mechanism of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with a partial platform support frame shown; 
         FIG. 20  is a side perspective view of the support post and lifting mechanism of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the partial platform support frame including a back frame shown; 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of the support post and lifting mechanism of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 1  with the platform support frame shown in an exploded view; 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment lift and storage system configured to be mounted in a corner of a building; 
         FIG. 23  is a top perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 14 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a top perspective view of the storage and lift system of  FIG. 14 , with a platform mounted to the platform support; 
         FIG. 25  is a top perspective view of yet another alternate embodiment lift and storage system configured to be mounted in a corner of a building including pivoting platform support members; 
         FIG. 26  is another top perspective view of the lift and storage system of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a storage and lift system configured to be mounted in a corner of a building and including a platform mounted to a platform support; 
         FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of still another embodiment of a storage and lift system configured to be mounted in a corner of a building and including a platform mounted to a platform support; 
         FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a storage and lift system in a mezzanine or ganged configuration with several support posts holding an extended platform; and 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom perspective view of the storage and lift system of  FIG. 21 . 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which are described below. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. The invention includes any alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices and described methods and further applications of the principles of the invention, which would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a lift and storage system, generally indicated as  10  in a partially raised position. Lift and storage system  10  includes a single support post  20 , a platform  22 , a platform support generally indicated as  24 , and a lifting mechanism generally indicted as  26 . This embodiment also includes two adjustable (drop down) support legs  30  (on the front of the platform) folded up next to the platform in  FIG. 1  but are configured to be able to pivot down on hinges  32  and provide additional support for items stored on platform  20 . 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  show the lift and storage system  10  in a lowered position and raised position, respectively. Platform  22  has been removed in  FIGS. 2 and 3  to show further details of one embodiment of platform support  24 , including a platform support frame, generally indicted as  25 . In  FIG. 3 , one of the support legs  30  is shown pivoted down to a vertical orientation where it can be used as described above to help support items on the platform. As can be seen, support leg  30 , includes a telescoping member  34  and an adjustable foot pad  36 . The telescoping support leg can be secured at the desired length using know means such as spring-loaded pins  38  that can be used to secure the telescoping leg through apertures in the support leg at the desired height. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4 and 4A , two (storable) approach ramps  40  can be used when needed, and then stored back under the platform flooring when not needed. These ramps  40  allow for a wheeled vehicle or loading cart to easily move on and off the lowered platform. In one embodiment, the adjustable platform  22  is sized to be 8 feet wide and 6 feet extended. The ramps  40  can be attached and moved into a use and storage position using pivoting or hinged mechanisms or alternately can be configured to pull out from openings in the front of the lift and storage system frame. The ramps may ride on rollers along a track. The rollers can be attached to the track or ramps. The ramps may also be removed from a stored area and attached manually. The platform  22  is configured so that the sides of platform support frame  25  can be telescoped inward with members as indicated at  42 , which shortens the platform&#39;s outward extension from the original configuration of 8 feet to 6 feet. 
     In one embodiment, support post  20  is configured as a square tubed vertical column and lift and storage system  10  is manufactured so that one corner  50  of the four corners (angles) is facing forward toward the middle of the platform  22 . Lifting mechanism  26  includes a wraparound carriage, generally indicated as  52 , and a wire cable pulley system, generally indicated as  54  are shown next to the column (on the platform). The wire cable pulley system  54  is controlled/operated by a servo motor  55 . Lifting mechanism  26  also includes a cable drum  56 , a top pulley  58 , and a cable  92 . Cable  92  is threaded around top pulley  58  and wound around cable drum  56 . When servo motor  55  is activated, cable drum  56  turns and platform  22  is raised by turning cable drum  56  in a direction that winds more of cable  92  around drum  56 . Alternately, to lower platform  22 , the servo motor is activated to turn cable drum  56  in the opposite direction unwinding cable  92  from around the drum  56 . 
     A back brace, generally indicated as  60 , has two stress support systems that attach to the platform support frame  25 . The back brace  60  will require a plurality of different adjustable length support rods  64  and braces  62  to accommodate the different sized platforms  22 . 
     The rod support system  64  attached to the front of the platform frame assembly  25  is adjustable so that the loaded platform  22  remains level (parallel to the floor) when either raised or lowered and then in final stored position. 
     A column base extension  70  (See  FIGS. 1 and 3 ), which can be lagged into a concrete floor, provides additional support for the column base  72  of support post  20  to help ensure that the vertical column support post  20  remains rigid when the loaded platform  22  is either raised or lowered. 
       FIG. 5-13  show additional details of the support post  20  and lifting mechanism  26 . In particular, the lifting mechanism  26  includes a pair rollers  80  riding on front corner  50  of support post  20  and a pair of rollers  82  riding along a rear corner  84  of support post  20 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , lift system  26  may also include side rollers  86   a, b  riding alongside corners  88   a, b , respectively. The rollers allow smooth travel of the lifting mechanism/carriage  26  as it moves up and down the column/support post  20 . A spring load is applied to these rollers ensure that all rollers maintain contact with the column  20  as the platform  22  and carriage  26  are raised or lowered. This roller system also helps to equally transfer the stress force of the extended platform  22  to all sides of the vertical column  20 . Plastic or synthetic material slide (glide) blocks can be used in place of the spring-loaded roller system. Spring loaded rollers are used in the embodiment shown though, as the roller system requires less force to move vertically than the synthetic slide blocks. Synthetic slide blocks inside of wrap around carriages are used in four post above ground vehicle lift systems. 
     In the embodiment shown, lift and storage system  10  also includes an automatic locking system inside the wrap around carriage  26 . This spring-loaded carriage lock system engages automatically as the platform is rested on the top lock ladder position shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 14-18 , lift and storage system  10  also includes a cable safety system, generally indicated as  90 . In case of a cable  92  failure the platform/carriage will descend only as far as the next lock  94  on the lock ladder  96  mounted to the column  20 . Cable safety system  90  includes a safety wire  98  and a lock engagement, generally indicated as  100 . The lock engagement includes a spring  101 , that pulls a lock member  104  into the closest/next lock  94  on lock ladder  96  if cable  92  ruptures, thereby preventing the platform  22  from falling if cable  92  breaks.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show the angled column  20  with the lock ladder  96  system mounted on the side. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  shows the moveable auto stop feature (located on the side of the column), including a top auto stop  102 , which controls the maximum height that the platform  22  can be raised. This important feature is needed to ensure that a “loaded” platform raised height is automatically controlled so that items stored on the moving platform do not contact the ceiling causing damage to the items or the ceiling. The operator/user will determine the maximum height the platform can be safely raised with the loaded platform. The user will then install the auto stop device  102  in the correct position so that the electric power to the servo motor will automatically become disconnected when the platform reaches that installation point, even if the operator continues to engage the remote. 
     There is also another (second one) electrical auto stop  104  that automatically stops the cable drum  56  turning when the platform reaches the bottom. This is needed to make sure that the cable  92  on the drum  56  does not unspool and keeps tension on the cable  92 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , the assembly of platform support frame  25  is shown. The middle portion of platform support frame  25  includes two front to back facing members  130 , which are attached to wrap around carriage  52  toward the back end of the platform support frame  25 . The middle portion also includes cross members  132  in the embodiment show, which may be attached to members  130  using welding techniques or the use of know fasteners. In  FIG. 20 , back brace  60  is shown being added to the platform support frame. The remaining members of the embodiment shown of platform support frame  25  are shown in  FIG. 21 . This includes two middle telescoping frame members  134 , which are telescopingly received middle front to back members  130  and side frame members  136 , which telescopingly receive members  42 . Support platform frame  25  also includes a front member  138  which is attached to telescoping members  42  and  134  using fasteners or other means, such as permanent attachment by welding. Movable and storable approach ramps  40  are hingedly connected to front member  138 . Platform support frame  25  also includes cross frame members  140 , which are attached to and extend between side frame members  136  and middle front to back frame members  130 . In one embodiment, the adjustable platform design allows telescoping members  42  and  134  to be adjusted (in and out) to create an extended platform size that is less than 8 feet. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 22-24 , an alternate embodiment lift and storage system, generally indicated as  210 , is shown. Lift and storage system  210  is particularly suited for, but not limited to, being installed in a corner of a garage  212  or other building as is shown. Lift and storage system  210  includes a support post  220 , a platform  222  (see  FIG. 24 ), a platform support  224 , and a lifting mechanism generally indicated as  226 . Support column or post  220  uses a column base extension  270  for additional securing and includes and is anchored with a base  272 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 25 and 26 , an yet another alternate embodiment lift and storage system, generally indicated as  310 , is shown. Lift and storage system  310  is also particularly suited for, but not limited to, being installed in a corner of a garage  312  or other building as is shown. Lift and storage system  310  includes a support post  320 , a platform support  324 , and a lifting mechanism generally indicated as  326 . A platform is not shown on the platform support  324 , but of course is designed to be used to hold a platform. Platform support  324  includes telescoping members  342 , which can be used to extend or shorten the length of the platform support. In addition, platform support  342  includes pivoting connections  344  so that the support arms can be swung out wider or mor narrowed depending upon the configuration of platform preferred. Support column or post  320  uses a column base extension  370  for additional securing and includes and is anchored with a base  372 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 27-28 , two more alternate embodiment lift and storage systems, generally indicated as  410  and  510 , respectively, are shown. Lift and storage systems  410  and  510  are particularly suited for, but not limited to, being installed in a corner of a garage  412  or  512  or other building as is shown. Lift and storage systems  410  and  510  include support posts  420 ,  520 ; platforms  422  and  522 , platform supports  424 ,  524 ; and lifting mechanisms generally indicated as  426 , 526 , all respectively. Support column or posts  420  and  520  use column base extensions  470  and  570  for additional securing and include and are anchored with bases  472  and  572 , respectively. In the embodiments shown, the only difference between lift and storage systems  410  and  510 , is that systems  510  have a front corner  546  squared off platform  522  and platform support  524 , so that it does not stick out as far. Whereas the platform  422  and platform support  424  of lift and storage system  410  is square or rectangular. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 29-30 , an alternate embodiment lift and storage system, generally indicated as  610 , is shown. Lift and storage system  610  is a mezzanine or ganged system and is shown installed in a garage  212  or other building. In the embodiment shown, lift and storage system  610  includes three ganged support posts  620   a ,  620   b , or  620   c , a platform  622 , a platform support  624 , and a lifting mechanism generally indicated as  226  mounted on each support post. Support column or posts  620   a ,  620   b , and  620   c  each use a column base extension  670  for additional securing and includes and is anchored with a base  272 . Lifting mechanisms  626  are designed to be operated with a single control so that all three lifting mechanisms, along with platform  622  and platform support  624  raise or lower together. As should be appreciated lift and storage system  610  can lift and store more weight and bulk than a single post lift and storage system. 
     While the invention has been taught with specific reference to these embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although the application shows a servo motor operating a cable drum to raise and lower the lift and storage system, it should be appreciated that the other types of know lifting mechanisms can be substituted for the embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as has come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims or equivalents thereof.