Patent Abstract:
A concealed storage system and method for storage of valuable objects and other equipment in a subsurface location beneath the floor of a structure and also for emergency shelter in the event of a disaster such as a storm or tornado. The system includes an encased chamber below the floor of a structure with an opening in the floor, a support frame fixed in the chamber, a liftable frame within the support frame with a top and bottom deck and a mechanism for raising and lowering the liftable frame. The liftable frame may also include a safe and a storage compartment as well as space on the lower deck for storage of other equipment. The top deck may also include an escape hatch to allow egress from the system when the liftable frame is in its lowered position.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The homeowner and business owner alike often find it difficult to provide a safe and secure location for valuable possessions on site, whether it be home or business. Likewise, property owners must give up usable floor space for the storage of equipment whether it be rolling items such as lawn mowers, golf carts, bicycles, motorcycles and forklift trucks, or stationary items such as files, or office equipment. Another difficulty the property owner may face is the need for emergency shelter from disasters such as tornados.  
         [0002]     Safes or vaults are available for the storage of valuable possessions such as jewelry, and firearms but these devices are stationary and generally accessible by entrance into a structure. In addition, safes and vaults also take up floor space usable for other day-to-day activities. Thus, while a property owner may desire to safely store many items, the size and floor space necessary may be prohibitive and a vault of sufficient size would be difficult to conceal and thereby make a tempting target for a burglar. The alternative is to rent offsite storage in a bank vault with limited availability and access.  
         [0003]     In addition to the need for secure storage of valuable items, many property owners have limited space to store the many items associated with maintaining property such as rolling lawn equipment or items for recreational use such as golf carts. This is particularly true for residential communities built around a golf course. Hence there is a need for larger garages and other storage buildings. This may be impossible or impractical in existing or planned structures because of a lack of available ground space.  
         [0004]     Along with the need for secure storage of valuables and more space for storage of equipment, property owners in many parts of the country need a safe haven or shelter in the event of some catastrophic event such as a tornado which can destroy even the sturdiest of buildings.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved concealed storage system and method which will address and solve several important needs of the residential and commercial property owner in a way more convenient and economical than any solutions available to address these needs on an individual basis. It is an object of this invention to provide concealed storage below the floor of a structure for valuables and other equipment as well as a safe haven for protection from disasters such as storms and tornadoes, all in one system or method which can be readily and conveniently used by the owner. It is a further object of this invention, that the system or method be equally applicable to existing or new construction and that the system be designed to the size and with the features desired by the owner.  
         [0006]     In accordance with the foregoing and other objectives of the invention, a new concealed storage system is provided comprising; a) an encased chamber below a floor of a structure having an opening in the floor above the chamber; b) a support frame fixed in the chamber; c) a liftable frame within the support frame, said liftable frame further comprising a top deck and a bottom deck; d) a mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor. In one embodiment of the concealed storage system, the top deck further comprises an emergency exit hatch and ladder and the bottom deck comprises an access hatch. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top deck of the liftable frame is of size and shape to cover the opening in the floor when the liftable frame is vertically lowered fully in the support frame and wherein the bottom deck of the liftable frame is even with the floor when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and is of size and shape to receive rolling equipment from the floor when the bottom deck is even with the floor.  
         [0007]     In a preferred embodiment, the chamber shall be encased in suitable construction material such as reinforced concrete or steel, but it is not intended that such encasement be limited to those materials. In addition, the chamber shall be fitted with suitable ventilation piping and sump pump connection where required by the soil and ground conditions surrounding the chamber.  
         [0008]     In a further embodiment of the concealed storage system, the liftable frame further comprises a front end, a rear end, a right side and a left side and further comprises a safe with a locking door mounted between the bottom deck and the upper deck at the rear end of the liftable frame with the locking door facing the rear end of the liftable frame and accessible from the floor at the rear end of the liftable frame when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and the bottom deck is even with the floor, and further comprising a storage compartment with a hinged door mounted between the bottom deck and the upper deck at the rear end of the liftable frame with the hinged door facing the rear end of the liftable frame with the hinged door facing the rear end of the liftable frame and accessible from the floor at the rear end when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and the bottom deck is even with the floor.  
         [0009]     In a further embodiment of the concealed storage system, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor further comprises a motor driving a roller chain and sprocket assembly, at least one lifting screw shaft driven by the roller chain and sprocket assembly and one ball screw nut affixed to the liftable frame for each lifting screw shaft wherein said ball screw nut is driven a vertical direction by the lifting screw shaft. In another embodiment, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor further comprises a primary drive shaft being rotated by the motor through a belt and pulley assembly, the primary drive shaft driving the roller chain and sprocket assembly. It is not intended that the motor be limited to electric power but could also be powered hydraulically or pneumatically.  
         [0010]     In an alternative embodiment of the concealed storage system, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly activated by hydraulic fluid energized by at least one motor drive pump.  
         [0011]     In an alternative embodiment of the concealed storage system, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises at least one rack and pinion elevating system with a pinion driven by at least one motor driven electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.  
         [0012]     In an alternative embodiment of the concealed storage system, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises a cable and pulley system being driven by at least one motor driven electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.  
         [0013]     It is an object of this invention that the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor have at least one control switch within the liftable frame and at least one control switch external to the liftable frame.  
         [0014]     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for creating a concealed storage system by a) excavating and encasing a chamber below a floor in a structure with an opening in said floor; b) fabricating and fixing a support frame in the chamber; c) fabricating and installing a liftable frame with a top deck and a bottom deck to travel vertically in the support frame; d) providing and installing a mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame in the support frame through the opening in the floor. A preferred embodiment of this method further comprises the step of installing an emergency exit hatch with ladder in the top deck and the step of installing an access hatch in the bottom deck. A preferred embodiment of the method further comprises the step of fabricating and installing a liftable frame wherein the top deck is of size and shape to cover the opening in the floor when the liftable frame is vertically lowered fully in the support frame and wherein the bottom deck of the liftable frame is even with the floor when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and is of size and shape to receive rolling equipment from the floor when the bottom deck is even with the floor.  
         [0015]     A preferred embodiment of this method further comprises the step of fabricating and installing the liftable frame comprising a front end, a rear end, a right side and a left side and further comprises installing a safe with a locking door mounted between the bottom deck and the upper deck at the rear end of the liftable frame with the locking door facing the rear end of the liftable frame and accessible from the floor at the rear end of the liftable frame when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and the bottom deck is even with the floor, and further comprising installing a storage compartment with a hinged door mounted between the bottom deck and the upper deck at the rear end of the liftable frame with the hinged door facing the rear end of the liftable frame with the hinged door facing the rear end of the liftable frame and accessible from the floor at the rear end when the liftable frame is vertically raised fully in the support frame and the bottom deck is even with the floor.  
         [0016]     In a further embodiment of the method, the mechanism provided and installed for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor further comprises a motor driving a roller chain and sprocket assembly, at least one lifting screw shaft driven by the roller chain and sprocket assembly and one ball screw nut affixed to the liftable frame for each lifting screw shaft wherein said ball screw nut is driven a vertical direction by the lifting screw shaft. In another embodiment, the mechanism provided and installed for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor further comprises a primary drive shaft being rotated by the motor through a belt and pulley assembly, the primary drive shaft driving the roller chain and sprocket assembly.  
         [0017]     In an alternative embodiment of the method, the mechanism provided and installed for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor further comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly activated by hydraulic fluid energized by at least one motor drive pump.  
         [0018]     In an alternative embodiment of the method, the mechanism provided and installed for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises a cable and pulley system being driven by at least one motor driven electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.  
         [0019]     In an alternative embodiment of the method, the mechanism provided and installed for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises at least one rack and pinion elevating system with a pinion driven by at least one motor driven electrically, hydraulically or pneumatically.  
         [0020]     In a further embodiment of the method, the mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor comprises at least one control switch within the liftable frame and at least one control switch external to the liftable frame. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a concealed storage system in an elevated position.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a side view of a support frame set in an encased chamber with a partially elevated liftable frame.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view as taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view as taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a sectional view as taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view as taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a sectional view as taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view as taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view as taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view as taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is a view as taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8 .  
         [0032]      FIG. 12  is a sectional view as taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11 .  
         [0033]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view as taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 14  is a sectional view as taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 7 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 15  is an additional sectional view as taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]     A preferred embodiment of a concealed storage system  1  in an elevated position is generally illustrated in perspective in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the concealed storage system  1  is fully elevated such the liftable frame  4  is in its highest position and the bottom deck  6  of the liftable frame  4  is even with the floor  2  of a structure which is not shown in its entirety. The liftable frame  4  is elevated through an opening  3  in the floor  2 . In the concealed position, the liftable frame  4  is lowered such the top deck  5  would cover the opening  3  and be flush with the floor  2 . The top deck is shown with an emergency exit hatch  7  which would allow persons on the bottom deck  6  to exit the storage system when the liftable frame  4  is lowered and power was unavailable to raise the liftable frame  4 . The bottom deck  6  is fitted with an access hatch  8  to allow access to the lifting mechanism which is not shown in  FIG. 1  other than by ball screw nuts  18  affixed to the liftable frame  4  and upon which the liftable frame  4  is driven in a vertical direction in this embodiment.  FIG. 1  further illustrates a support column  21  for the front end of the liftable frame  4 , as well as a safe  9  and a storage compartment  10 . The safe  9  has a locking door  11  with a recessed lock  12  and the storage compartment  10  has a hinged door  13  with a tubular key lock  14 . A preferred material for the top deck  5 , the bottom deck  6 , the safe  9  and the storage compartment  10  is steel plate. As an alternative, aluminum plate could be used.  
         [0037]     A side view of a support frame  16  for a concealed storage system  1  is shown in  FIG. 2 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a partially elevated liftable frame  4 . The support frame  16  is set in an encased chamber  15  which is sized to receive the support frame  16  through an opening  3  in the floor  2  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The floor  2  as shown in cross section in  FIG. 2  is depicted as being a slab  31 , typically of reinforced concrete and the encased chamber  15  is also depicted as being of material similar to the floor with chamber end structure  32  and chamber bottom structure  33 . Although reinforced concrete would be a preferred material for the encased chamber  15 , other materials such as structural steel plate could be used as well.  
         [0038]     The various side members of the support frame  16  depicted in  FIG. 2  comprise side columns  22 , a bottom side beam  23 , a top side beam  24 , corner columns  25 , and a side diagonal beam  35 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used.  
         [0039]     Also shown in  FIG. 2  are lifting screw shafts  17  which comprise elements of a mechanism for raising and lowering the liftable frame  4  through the opening  3  in the floor  2 . In this embodiment there are shown two (2) lifting screw shafts  17  on each side of the support frame  16  for a total of four (4) lifting screw shafts  17 . It is understood that in other embodiments there may be fewer or more than four (4) lifting screw shafts  17  depending upon the lifting capacity required. As the lifting screw shafts rotate, ball screw nuts  18  affixed to the liftable frame  4  raise or lower depending on the direction of rotation of the lifting screw shafts  17 , thereby raising or lowering the liftable frame  4  to which the ball screw nuts  18  are affixed. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ball screw nuts  18  are affixed to a bottom deck longitudinal beam  20  which partially supports the bottom deck  6 . The lifting screw shafts  17  offer the advantage of being self-locking upon disengagement of power. The inventors have discovered that the lifting screw shafts  17  work more effectively and in a smoother fashion if the lifting screw shafts  17  are supported or suspended from the top side beam  24 . Although not shown, the support frame side column  22  can serve as a guide for steadying rollers affixed to the bottom deck longitudinal beam  20 , which rollers prevent longitudinal and sideways motion in the liftable frame  4  when being raised or lowered. Likewise not shown are alternative means for guiding and steading the liftable frame  4  when being raised or lowered. Such alternative means may be at least one vertical guiding rod affixed in the support frame  16  with a bushing affixed to the liftable frame  4  and riding on the vertical guiding rod. Another alternative means may be at least one set of telescoping tubes with a vertical receiving tube affixed to either the support frame  16  or the liftable frame  4  and a vertical tube riding in the receiving tube and affixed to either the liftable frame  4  or support frame  16  depending on the fixity of the receiving tube.  
         [0040]     Various elements of the partially elevated liftable frame  4  as seen from a side view are also depicted in  FIG. 2 . A top deck longitudinal beam  19  is shown as partially supporting the top deck  5 . Also shown is a support column  21  for the front end  42  of the liftable frame  4  and a safe  9  at the rear end  43  of the liftable frame  4 . A preferred material for top deck longitudinal beam  19 , bottom deck longitudinal beam  20  and support column  21  is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used.  
         [0041]      FIG. 3 , a sectional view as taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2  depicts the various members of the support frame  16  at its rear end corresponding to the rear end  43  of the liftable frame  4 , which is also depicted in  FIG. 3  in a partially elevated position. Shown are corner columns  25 , rear end columns  26 , a rear top end beam  27 , rear bottom end beam  28 , motor support beams  29  and a gear reduction support beam  30 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used.  
         [0042]     The floor  2  and encased chamber  15  are also shown in section in  FIG. 3  with a floor slab  31 , chamber side structure  34  and chamber bottom structure  33 .  
         [0043]     Various elements of the partially elevated liftable frame  4  as seen from the rear end are also depicted in  FIG. 3 . Shown is a transverse beam  37  partially supporting the bottom deck  6 , the top deck  5  supported at the rear end by a safe  9  with a locking door  11  and a recessed lock  12 , as well as a storage compartment  10  with a hinged door  13  and a tubular key lock  14 .  
         [0044]      FIG. 4 , a sectional view as taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  depicts the various members of the support frame  16  at its front end corresponding to the front end  42  of the liftable frame  4 , which is also depicted in  FIG. 4  in a partially elevated position. Shown are corner columns  25 , front end column  38 , a front top end beam  40 , front bottom end beam  39 , and front end diagonal beams  41 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used.  
         [0045]     The floor  2  and encased chamber  15  are also shown in section in  FIG. 4  with a floor slab  31 , with chamber side structure  34  and chamber bottom structure  33 .  
         [0046]     Various elements of the partially elevated liftable frame  4  as seen from the front end are also depicted in  FIG. 4 . Shown is a transverse beam  37  partially supporting the bottom deck  6 , and front end support columns  21  and transverse beam  36  partially supporting the top deck  5 .  
         [0047]      FIG. 5 , a sectional view taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2 , depicts a cross sectional view of the concealed storage system  1  with the support frame  16  in place in the encased chamber  15  and the liftable frame  4  in a partially elevated position in the opening  3  of the floor  2  of a structure. This sectional view shows the side columns  22  for the support frame  16  as well as the bottom side beams  23  and the top side beams  24  for the support frame  16 .  
         [0048]     The floor  2  and encased chamber  15  are also shown in section in  FIG. 5  with a floor slab  31 , with chamber side structure  34  and chamber bottom structure  33 .  
         [0049]     Various elements of the partially elevated liftable frame  4  as seen in cross section are also depicted in  FIG. 5 . Shown is a transverse beam  37  partially supporting the bottom deck  6 , and front end support columns  21  and transverse beam  36  partially supporting the top deck  5 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used. Also shown as being supported on the bottom deck  6  is a piece of rolling equipment  46  which by example could be a golf cart, lawn tractor, motorcycle or other similar device which could be rolled onto the lower deck  6  from the floor  2  when the liftable  4  frame is raised so that the bottom deck is even with the floor  2 . It is understood that the liftable frame  4  could be designed to receive an automobile on the bottom deck  6  and the liftable frame  4  could be built to a greater or lesser size than generally depicted in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 6 , a sectional view taken upon line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 , depicts the bottom members of the support frame  16  comprising bottom side beams  23 , rear end bottom beam  28 , front end bottom beam  39 , bearing support beams  47 , lower bearing support  48 , reduction shaft bearing support  49 , rear transverse chain guide brace  49 A, front transverse guide brace  50 , right longitudinal chain guide brace  51 , left longitudinal chain guide brace  52  and spacer bars  53 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used. The location of the lifting screw shafts  17  are also depicted in  FIG. 6  without the other elements which comprise a mechanism for raising and lowering the liftable frame  4  through the opening  3  in the floor  2 .  
         [0051]      FIG. 7 , A sectional view is taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6  depicts several elements which comprise a mechanism for raising and lowering the liftable frame  4  through the opening  3  in the floor  2 . Various elements of the rear end of the support frame  16  are seen in  FIG. 7 . Shown are a rear end column  26 , a rear end bottom beam  28 , a bearing support beam  47 , and rear transfer chain guide brace  49 A.  
         [0052]     Shown as elements which partially comprise a mechanism for raising and lowering the liftable frame  4  are a motor  55  set on a support bracket  58  and driving a v-belt pulley  56  which in turn is driving an upper v-belt pulley  57  on the primary drive shaft  54 . For purposes of simplicity, v-belts are not shown in the figure. The primary drive shaft  54  supported by an upper bearing  61 , a center bearing  62 , and a lower bearing  63 . The upper bearing  61  is supported by a support bracket  69 . The center bearing  62  is supported by a support bracket  59 , the lower bearing  63  is supported by lower bearing support  48  shown in  FIG. 6 , which support  48  is in turn supported by bearing support beams  47 . A lower chain drive sprocket  66  mounted on the primary drive shaft  54  drives a driven chain drive sprocket  67  mounted on a reduction shaft  65  supported at its upper end by a support bracket  60  and on its lower end by a bearing  64  which is in turn supported by bearing support  49  supported by bearing support beams  47 . The reduction shaft  65  is fitted with a driving chain drive sprocket  68 . For purposes of simplicity, roller chain is not depicted in this figure.  
         [0053]      FIG. 8 , a sectional view as taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 5  depicts a longitudinal cross section of the liftable frame  4 . Shown are the top deck  5 , a top deck longitudinal beam  19 , top deck transverse beams  36 , a front end support column  21 , the bottom deck  6 , a bottom deck longitudinal beam  20  and a safe  9 . Also shown is an emergency exit hatch  7  with an emergency hatch door  70  in a lowered position on hinge  73 . Also shown is a ladder  71  in an extended position on support brace  72  and pivot  74 . It is intended that the ladder  71  can be swung on its pivot  74  and retracted to hang flush with the rear wall of the safe  9 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 9 , a sectional view is taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8  depicts the various members which provide support for the bottom deck  6 . Shown are bottom deck longitudinal beams  20 , bottom deck transverse beams  37 , a longitudinal support beam  78  for a safe  9 , a longitudinal support beam  80  for a storage compartment  10 , a transverse support beam  77  for a safe  9  and a transverse support beam  79  for a storage compartment  10 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used. Also shown are support plates  76  for ball screw nuts  18 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the ball screw nuts  18  are driver vertically on the lifting screw shaft  17 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the bottom deck  6  and its framework shown in  FIG. 9  are designed to support rolling equipment  46  as well as a safe  9  and a storage compartment  10  with contents.  
         [0055]      FIG. 10 , a sectional view is taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 8  shows the top deck frame  81  comprising top deck longitudinal beams  19  and top deck transverse beams  36 . A preferred material for these members is structural steel tubing of square or rectangular cross section or other structural steel shapes such as angles or channel. As an alternative, structural aluminum members could be used. In this embodiment it is intended that the top deck frame  81  and the top deck  7  be designed to support normal floor loads for the structure in which the concealed storage system  1  is installed. By way of example, if the concealed storage system  1  were installed on the floor  2  of a garage structure then the top deck  5 , its support frame  81 , in connection with support columns  21  and other structures such as a safe  9  in the storage compartment  10  should support normal garage floor loads such as an automobile.  
         [0056]      FIG. 11 , a view as taken along a line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 8  depicts a view of the liftable frame  4  from its rear end  43 . Shown at the top deck  5  is a top deck transverse beam  36 . Also shown is a safe  9  with a locking door  11  and recess lock  12 . Shown also is a storage compartment  10  with a hinge door  13  and a tubular key lock  14 . The hinge door  13  swings on a piano hinge  82 . Although not shown it is intended that the locking mechanism for the safe  9  have multiple pin engagement at the top and bottom and both sides of the locking door.  
         [0057]      FIG. 12 , a sectional view is taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 11  provides a horizontal cross section of the liftable frame  4  and shows the bottom deck  6 , the front end support columns  21  in cross section and the safe  9  and the storage compartment  10  in cross section. The hinged door  13  of the storage compartment  10  is shown as well as the locking door  11  of the safe. In this embodiment it is also intended that the safe be fitted with a double wall  83 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 13 , a sectional view is taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 6  generally depicts those elements which directly raise and lower the liftable frame  4 .  FIG. 13  generally depicts elements pertaining to one lifting screw shaft  17  but it is intended that the elements shown would be identical at each lifting screw shaft  17 . In the embodiment as shown, the lifting screw shaft  17  is suspended from a top side beam  24  of the support frame  16 , a two piece collar  89  supports the lifting screw shaft  17  over an upper bearing  85  mounted in an upper bearing holder  88  affixed to the top side beam  24 . Although for simplicity a snap ring is not shown, a snap ring groove  101  is created in the upper bearing holder  81  for the engagement of a snap ring. At its lower end the lifting screw shaft  17  rides in a lower bearing  84  set in a lower bearing holder  86  affixed to a bottom side beam  83  of the support frame  16 . The lifting screw shaft  17  is turned by a chain drive sprocket  87 . When turned, the lifting screw shaft activates a ball screw nut  18  which is permanently affixed to a support plate  76  which is part of the bottom deck frame  75  of the liftable frame  4 . Hence, rotation of the lifting screw shaft  17  causes the ball screw nut  18  to move vertically along the longitudinal axis of the lifting screw shaft  17  thereby causing vertical motion of the liftable frame  4 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 14 , a sectional view is taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 7  generally depicts the path of the roller chain  92  being moved by the driving chain drive sprocket  68  on the reduction shaft  65  and ultimately driving the lifting screw shafts  17  through the chain drive sprocket  87  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The path of roller chain  92  as shown in  FIG. 14  is shown in relation to the bottom members of support frame  16  comprising front and bottom beam  39 , rear end bottom beam  28 , and bottom side beams  23 . The roller chain  92  rides over idler sprockets  90  and is kept in tension with a tensioner sprocket  91 . Chain rides through longitudinal guides  94  and a transverse guide  93 .  
         [0060]      FIG. 15  is an additional sectional view as taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2  showing a general cross section of he concealed storage system  1  in a lowered position with the top deck  5  flush with the floor  2  in addition to a floor slab  31 , a chamber side structure  34  and chamber bottom structure  33 . Other elements which might be incorporated in the encased chamber  15  comprise of vent pipe and/or sump pump connection  100  to provide ventilation and drainage to the encased chamber and needed and depending upon the conditions in the soil  95  surrounding the encased chamber  15 . Also shown is a power supply conduit  99  running to a power supply panel  97  set on an interior wall  101  of a structure. Also shown for illustrative purposes are exterior walls  96  and a footing  98 .  
         [0061]     The embodiment of a concealed storage system and a mechanism for vertically raising and lowering the liftable frame through the opening in the floor as generally depicted in the figures, is representative of full scale experimentation by the inventors. Through this experimentation, the inventors have discovered that a 3 horsepower electric motor  55  powering a drive train as configured and illustrated in  FIG. 7 , driving size No. 50 roller chain  92  in the path illustrated in  FIG. 14 , in turn rotating four (4) lifting screw shafts  17  of one inch nominal diameter by chain drive sprockets  87  as depicted in  FIG. 13 , a liftable frame  4  with a bottom deck  6  capacity of 2000 pounds could be lifted a distance of approximately six (6) feet in 70 seconds. It is understood that the invention is not limited to these details and that the various elements, dimensions and materials may be changed to suit a specific application.  
         [0062]     Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details described thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have been suggested in the foregoing description, and others will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, all such substitutions and modifications are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4