Patent Abstract:
A motorized pull-out, drop-down, closet storage shelf system is herein disclosed. The shelf system provides a track system and a series of roller slides which propel a shelf forward and downward from its conventional stowed position to a lowered position by simply pressing a button. The access position allows comfortable access for someone sitting in a wheelchair, for a child, or for someone unable to reach the shelf without assistance. The shelf system is capable of transporting heavy loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. When shelf access is complete, the motorized mechanism returns the shelf to its original position.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a closet shelf apparatus and, more particularly, to said apparatus comprising two (2) cable drive mechanisms that allow the shelf to be pulled out and down for ease of access. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     People with physical challenges including, such as the elderly, the handicapped, people of short stature, wheelchaired individuals and those recovering from injuries or surgery know the difficulties encountered when accessing articles on a closet shelf of some height, especially a shelf situated above a clothing rod. Many of the aforementioned people find it difficult to reach important items on the shelves. For those confined to a wheelchair, obtaining anything off of a closet shelf becomes a virtually impossible task. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which physically challenged individuals, can be afforded the ability to access the contents of a closet. The development of the invention herein disclosed fulfills this need. 
     The invention is an apparatus that utilizes a novel pull-out, drop-down, spring-loaded closet storage shelf system. Although resembling a conventional closet storage shelf, the innovative system and apparatus provides for two (2) cable drive mechanisms and a plurality of supports that allows the shelf and an attached rod to pull out and down from a conventional stowed position. In the lowered position, access is comfortable for someone sitting in a wheelchair, for a child, or for someone unable to reach the shelf and/or the rod without assistance. A plurality of support rods and braces provide safe support for even the heaviest of loads. When shelf access is complete, a cable return mechanism allows the shelf to be simply returned back up to its original position. 
     Several attempts have been made in the past to provide systems for retractable storage units. U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,619, issued in the name of Welsch et al., describes a vertical retractable ceiling storage system comprising a frame and a retractable vertical lifting mechanism. However, unlike the present invention, the Welsch storage system is intended as a ceiling support structure which is retracted within and hidden behind the ceiling panel, thereby posing increased difficulties in retrofitting the system; additionally the system only provides vertical positioning to create increased floor space. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,461, issued in the name of Teufel et al., describes vertical adjustable extension drawers comprising two (2) adjustable extension rails, a plurality of horizontally-extending guide ribs for drawers, and a guide arm which mounts to a vertical surface. However, unlike the present invention, the Teufel drawers provides for a customizable drawer system with an extendable rail system for use with an outer housing which enables small vertical adjustments of the drawers. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,238, issued in the name of Jacobs, describes a shelving system comprising a plurality of support structures, shelf planks, fastening brackets, and fasteners which are mounted to a vertical wall surface and provides a modular and adjustable shelving system for closets. However, unlike the present invention, the Jacobs shelving system is merely a closet organizer and lacks the benefit of adjustable shelving space for the physically challenged. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,048, issued in the name of Heilmann, describes a storage and lift platform comprising a plurality of platforms, cables, frame members, and a drive axle which provides a means of vertically raising and lowering a single or plurality of platforms for long-term storage. However, unlike the present invention, the Heilmann lift platform only provides vertical adjustments and is intended for larger loads and longer term storage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,376, issued in the name of D&#39;Agostino, discloses a pull down shelf for overhead storage comprising a lower shelf, a pair of scissor-action stabilizers, and wind-up mechanism which enables a user to physically pull a ceiling mounted shelf down to a lower vertical position and then by releasing the wind-up mechanism raising the shelf back to its original position. However, unlike the present invention, the D&#39;Agostino pull down shelf again only provides for vertical position adjustment and lacks the benefit of facilitating to a physically challenged person or a child. 
     The prior art appears to disclose a variety of retractable storage units. However, none of the prior art particularly describes a motorized shelving unit which provides for both horizontal and vertical position adjustment further providing a means of assisting in the accessing of stored items by a physically challenged person or child. Accordingly, there exists a need for a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system that operates without the disadvantages as described above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system for providing a shelf storage system which assists in the accessing of stowed items by a physically challenged person, an elderly person, or a child. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system comprising a shelf assembly, a horizontal slide assembly, a vertical slide assembly, and a control module. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a shelf assembly comprising a vertical panel and a horizontal panel which form an “L”-shaped structure, a safety lip at the distal end of the horizontal panel, and a first and a second brace which provide a connection means all of which provide a secure storage shelf surface for a user to store items on. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a horizontal slide assembly comprising a set of horizontal frames, a first cable drive mechanism, a wall mounting plate, a first set of rollers, and a horizontal roller channel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a wall mounting plate which provides a surface for attaching the system to a wall and a first and a second horizontal frame which attach to the mounting plate parallel to one another and to the floor and extend out perpendicularly from the wall surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a first set of rollers which provide horizontal movement of the vertical slide assembly between the horizontal frames via a horizontal roller channel located on the inside of the horizontal frames which provide a linear guide to the horizontal rollers. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a first cable drive mechanism comprising a first motor attached to the first horizontal frame which provides the means of horizontal linear movement to the vertical slide assembly via mechanical interaction between the motor and a horizontal cable, a first drive pulley and a plurality of horizontal idler pulleys. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a vertical slide assembly comprising a set of vertical frames, a second cable drive mechanism, a second set of rollers, and a vertical roller channel. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a second set of rollers which provide vertical movement of the shelf assembly between the vertical frames via a vertical roller channel located on the inside of the vertical frames which provide a linear guide to the vertical rollers. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a second cable drive mechanism comprising a second motor attached to the inner surface of the first vertical frame which provides the means of vertical linear movement to the shelf assembly via mechanical interaction between the motor and a vertical cable, a second drive pulley and a plurality of vertical idler pulleys. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a first support leg and a second support leg each comprising a first foot portion and a second foot portion respectively which provide a means of attaching the system to the floor and providing a means of supporting the combined weight of the system and any stowed load. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a control module comprising software logic functions and radio frequency (RF) reception and processing which provides intelligent motion control and electrical power distribution to the horizontal and vertical slide assemblies. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a first and a second horizontal position switch located on opposite ends of the horizontal roller channel and provides horizontal position information of the vertical slide assembly to the control module. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a first and a second vertical position switch located on opposite ends of the vertical roller channel and provides vertical position information of the shelf assembly to the control module. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a wall mounted system activation switch which communicates with the control module and initiates the deployment of the system and the return to the stowed position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable remote control system activation switch which communicates with the control module via an RF signal and initiates the deployment of the system and the return to the stowed position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a shelf storage system comprising a normal stowed position and a deployed position which repositions the shelf assembly approximately sixteen (16) inches away from a wall surface in the horizontal direction and approximately thirty (30) inches in a vertical direction. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for utilizing a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system  10  in an upward or stowed orientation installed therein a conventional closet, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system  10  in the upward or stowed orientation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system  10  in a lowered access orientation, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) depicting cable drive portions of a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is an electrical block diagram of a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 pull-out, drop-down closet storage system 
               
               
                 20 
                 horizontal slide assembly 
               
               
                 21 
                 first horizontal frame 
               
               
                 22 
                 second horizontal frame 
               
               
                 23 
                 wall mounting plate 
               
               
                 24 
                 horizontal roller channel 
               
               
                 25 
                 horizontal cable 
               
               
                 26 
                 idler pulley 
               
               
                 27 
                 horizontal cable attachment 
               
               
                 28 
                 first motor 
               
               
                 29 
                 first drive pulley 
               
               
                 30 
                 horizontal position switch 
               
               
                 31 
                 vertical position switch 
               
               
                 40 
                 vertical slide assembly 
               
               
                 41 
                 first vertical frame 
               
               
                 42 
                 second vertical frame 
               
               
                 43 
                 crossmember 
               
               
                 44 
                 vertical roller channel 
               
               
                 45 
                 roller 
               
               
                 46 
                 vertical cable attachment 
               
               
                 47 
                 vertical cable 
               
               
                 48  
                 second motor 
               
               
                 49  
                 second drive pulley 
               
               
                 60  
                 shelf assembly 
               
               
                 61 
                 shelf 
               
               
                 62 
                 vertical panel 
               
               
                 64 
                 shelf attachment bracket 
               
               
                 65 
                 brace 
               
               
                 66 
                 lip 
               
               
                 69 
                 first support leg 
               
               
                 70 
                 second support leg 
               
               
                 71 
                 first support foot 
               
               
                 72 
                 second support foot 
               
               
                 100 
                 wall surface 
               
               
                 105 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 110 
                 floor surface 
               
               
                 120 
                 clothes 
               
               
                 130 
                 load/stored item 
               
               
                 150 
                 control module 
               
               
                 155 
                 110-volt power source 
               
               
                 160 
                 wiring 
               
               
                 165 
                 wall mounted switch 
               
               
                 180 
                 remote controller 
               
               
                 181 
                 radio frequency (RF) signal 
               
               
                 182 
                 antenna 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a pull-out, drop-down closet storage system (herein described as the “system”)  10  and associated method of use, comprising a motorized means of lowering a closet shelf  61  therefrom a conventional upper location above hung clothing  120 , thereto an easily accessed lower position activated by a wall mounted switch  165  or a hand-held remote controller  180 . The system  10  utilizes two (2) cable drive mechanisms to smoothly extend and lower a loaded shelf  61  to a convenient height approximately thirty (30) inches above a floor surface  110 . In the lowered position, access is comfortable for a seated user, someone sitting in a wheelchair, a child, or for someone unable to reach a high shelf without assistance. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the system  10  in the upward or stowed orientation installed therein a conventional closet, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a horizontal slide assembly  20 , a vertical slide assembly  40 , a shelf assembly  60 , a first support leg  69 , a second support leg  70 , and a control module  150 . The system  10  is illustrated here installed therein a normal or walk-in closet being affixed thereto at an upper distal wall surface  100  and a proximal floor surface  110 , thereby providing a rigid faming means thereto the system  10 . The system  10  provides automatic positioning of a shelf  61  using side mounted motorized horizontal and vertical motion devices to conveniently present said shelf  61  thereto a user. 
     The horizontal slide assembly  20  provides an initial transportation of a loaded shelf  61  in a horizontal direction away from the wall surface  100  thereto a position forward of any existing shelves, hanging rods, and clothing  120 . The vertical slide assembly  40  then provides a secondary vertical motion to lower said shelf  61  thereto a convenient access height (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). The horizontal slide assembly  20  provides an attachment and motorized transport means thereto affixed vertical slide  40  and shelf  60  assembly portions by propelling said assemblies  40 ,  60  therefrom an upper distal position to an upward proximal position. The horizontal slide assembly  20  comprises a rugged structure being capable of supporting a weight of the attached assemblies  40 ,  60  as well as an expected load  130  of fifty (50) pounds thereupon the shelf assembly  60 . The horizontal slide assembly  20  provides a “U”-shaped structure being formed or welded and further comprising a first horizontal frame  21 , a second horizontal frame  22 , and a wall mounting plate  23 . The mounting plate  23  and horizontal frame portions  21 ,  22  preferably comprise heavy-duty extruded or stamped steel members. The wall mounting plate  23  a width of the system  10  being approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches high providing an attachment means thereto the wall surface  100  using a plurality of common fasteners  105  such as wall anchors, lag screws, or the like being securely mounted to wooden framing members within the wall surface  100 . The wall mounting plate  23  provides a formed or welded attachment thereto the horizontal frame portions  21 ,  22  which extend perpendicularly therefrom, being arranged in a parallel fashion thereto one another and parallel to a closet floor surface  110 . The horizontal frame portions  21 ,  22  provide a guided transport thereto affixed vertical slide  40  and shelf  60  assemblies using respective pairs of rollers  45  supporting a central load  130  in a parallel manner. The horizontal frame portions  21 ,  22  provide a parallel load bearing function envisioned being similar thereto common drawer roller-slide hardware. The horizontal slide assembly  20  comprises a single-sided horizontal cable  25  (see  FIG. 4 ) driven means via a motor  28  and associated drive components affixed thereto an inner surface of the first horizontal frame portion  21  while the second horizontal frame  22  provides a non-motorized guiding means thereto the horizontal slide assembly  20  when in motion. The rollers  45  and cable drive portions  25  of the horizontal slide assembly  20  provide an attachment means thereto the vertical slide assembly  40 . The horizontal slide assembly  20  provides an attachment means thereto a first vertical support leg  69  and a second support leg  70  affixed along outward surfaces of the first  21  and second  22  horizontal frame portions using common fasteners  105  and located approximately two (2) feet from the wall surface  100  extending vertically downward to a floor surface  110 . The support legs  69 ,  70  preferably comprise sturdy rectangular tubing capable of supporting a combined weight of the system  10  and an applied load  130  placed thereupon when in use. The legs  69 ,  70  further comprise a first foot portion  71  and a second foot portion  72  comprising welded or fastened rectangular structures extending along the floor surface  110  therefrom said legs  69 ,  70  in a perpendicular fashion being approximately three (3) inches square being affixed thereto said floor surface  110  using common fasteners  105 . 
     The vertical slide assembly  40  further comprises a first vertical frame  41 , a second vertical frame  42 , and a crossmember  43 . The vertical slide assembly  40  extends downwardly therefrom the horizontal slide assembly  20  providing a vertical transport means thereto the affixed shelf assembly  60 . The vertical slide assembly  40  provides a roller  45  guided, single-sided motor  48  driven assembly in a similar fashion as the aforementioned horizontal slide assembly  20  using similar materials and methods of construction. The crossmember  43  provides a lateral strengthening and stiffening means therebetween the first vertical frame  41  and second vertical frame portions  42 . The crossmember  43  comprises a rectangular structural member extending therebetween said first vertical frame  41  and second vertical frame  42  along a rearward vertical edge being fastened thereto using a welding process or common fasteners  105 . The shelf assembly  60  provides a stable horizontal surface on which a user may store garments, clothing, shoes, or other personal stored items  130  in an expected manner. The shelf assembly  60  is illustrated here being in a retracted and stowed state directly above an existing closet shelf; however, it is understood that the shelf assembly  60  may be installed in such a way as to replace all or a section of said existing closet shelf with equal benefit. 
     The control module  150  is located centrally along a front surface of the wall mounting plate  23  comprising a rectangular plastic housing providing a protective enclosure thereto internal electrical and electronic equipment (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The horizontal  20  and vertical  40  slide assembly portions of the system  10  are envisioned being preferably made using extruded or stamped steel members; however other materials may be provided such as plastics, aluminum, synthetic material, and/or any other sturdy lightweight materials. 
     The system  10  is envisioned being utilized therein closet areas but may also be utilized to allow items to be stored within an inside room of households, hotels, schools, hospitals, industrial areas and the like. Further, the system  10  may be utilized using an attachment thereto overhead joists of a closet, basement, garage, and/or other areas which have limited or inaccessible spaces. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , side views of the system  10  depicting stowed and lowered access orientations, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a first horizontal frame  21 , a first vertical frame  41 , and a shelf  61 . During use, an operator activates the system  10  via a wall mounted switch  165 , or via a remote control  180 , which in turn begins a sequential motion, thereby repositioning the shelf  61  from a stowed orientation (see  FIG. 2 ) thereto an extended and lowered access orientation (see  FIG. 3 ). An initial horizontal motion moves the shelf  61  forward approximately sixteen (16) inches being powered by a first motor  28 . Subsequently, a downward vertical movement powered by a second motor  48  positions said shelf  61  approximately thirty (30) inches above a floor surface  110  as shown in  FIG. 3 , thereby allowing easy access thereto a contained load  130  by a child or seated adult. 
       FIG. 4  is a section view taken along section A-A (see  FIG. 1 ) depicting cable drive portions of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is illustrated here showing a single motorized side only for clarity. The system  10  comprises a first horizontal frame  21  and a first vertical frame  41  being designed to work in conjunction therewith the corresponding non-driven mirror-image second horizontal frame  22  and second vertical frame  41  portions, respectively, being located along an opposing side of the system  10  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     The first horizontal frame  21  further comprises a horizontal roller channel  24 , a horizontal cable  25 , a plurality of idler pulleys  26 , a horizontal cable attachment  27 , a first motor  28 , a first drive pulley  29 , and a pair of horizontal position switches  30 . The horizontal roller channel  24  provides a captivating linear guide thereto a pair of rollers  45  being arranged approximately four (4) inches apart. The rollers  45  provide a guided attachment therebetween the first horizontal frame  21  and the first vertical frame  41 . The rollers  45  comprise common ball-bearing roller devices approximately one (1) to two (2) inch in diameter with integral threaded axles, each being threadingly affixed thereto the first vertical frame  41  via drilled holes and common fasteners  105 . The horizontal roller channel  24  also comprises a pair of horizontal position switches  30  being located thereat each extreme end portion. The horizontal position switches  30  provide information thereto the control module  150  pertaining to a position of the first vertical frame  41  during deployment or stowage of the system  10 . The horizontal position switches  30  are located exclusively thereupon the motor driven first horizontal frame  21 . The horizontal position switches  30  preferably comprise lever type micro-switches being common in the industry. The first motor  28  comprises a common sealed 110-volt AC reversing motor with integral gear reduction and single output shaft being similar to those found in common drill motors. The first motor  28  provides a two-directional drive means thereto the cable  25  via a first drive pulley  29  mounted thereto the output shaft portion of the motor  28 . The cable  25  provides a driving attachment means therebetween the first horizontal frame  21  and the first vertical frame  41 . The cable  25  comprises a length of common stainless steel wire rope forming a continuous loop having a lower taught length positioned parallel thereto the aforementioned horizontal roller channel  24 . The cable  25  is envisioned being a durable braided wire rope preferably, but not essentially comprising a plastic friction sleeve and having a diameter of approximately one-sixteenth ( 1/16) to one-eighth (⅛) inch. The cable loop  25  is routed therearound a plurality of free-spinning idler pulleys  26  providing a positioning and tensioning means thereto. The cable  25  provides transmission of a linear force thereto the first vertical frame  41  via a horizontal cable attachment  27 . The horizontal cable attachment  27  comprises preferably, but not essentially a common cable holding bolt device similar to those used on bicycle braking systems. 
     The rollers  45  and the horizontal cable attachment  27  provide a means of guided and driven attachment therebetween the first horizontal frame  21  and the first vertical frame  41 . The first vertical frame  41  is in mechanical cooperation therewith the shelf assembly  60  in a similar manner as the aforementioned first horizontal frame  21  and first vertical frame  41 . The first vertical frame  41  provides a vertical guiding and driving means thereto the shelf assembly  60  comprising a vertical roller channel  44 , a pair of vertical position switches  31 , a vertical cable attachment  46 , a vertical cable  47 , a second motor  48 , a plurality of idler pulleys  26 , and a second drive pulley  49 . Attachment therebetween the first vertical frame  41  and the shelf assembly  60  is accomplished by the second cable attachment  46  and a pair of rollers  45  as shown. The rollers  45  are arranged approximately four (4) inches apart being captivated therein the vertical roller channel  44 , thereby providing secure vertical travel of the shelf assembly  60  regardless of offset forces resulting from a load  130  applied thereto the shelf  61 . The second cable attachment  46  provides an attachment means thereto a shelf attachment bracket portion  64  of the shelf assembly  60  in a similar manner as the aforementioned horizontal cable attachment  27 . 
     The shelf assembly  60  further comprises a shelf  61 , a vertical panel  62 , a pair of braces  65  (only one shown here), and a safety lip  66 . The shelf assembly  60  is envisioned being made of sturdy wood or metal components capable of supporting a load of fifty (50) pounds being applied thereto the shelf portion  61 . The shelf attachment bracket  64  comprises a “T”-shaped stamped or machined metal fixture being mounted securely thereto a forward surface of the vertical panel  62  along opposite side edges using common fasteners  105 . The shelf assembly  60  provides a storage surface thereto a load  130  comprising shoes, boxes, personal items, and the like. The shelf  61  and vertical panel  62  comprise rectangular flat panels approximately one (1) inch thick being joined along a rear lower edge forming an “L”-shaped structure. The shelf  61  also comprises a safety lip  66  approximately one (1) inch high extending across a forward edge region to avoid possible shifting of said load  130  therefrom the shelf  61  during movement. The braces  65  provide a common angular connection therebetween the shelf  61  and vertical panel  62  being in a state of tension and providing a strengthening means thereto the shelf assembly  60 . The shelf assembly  60  is assembled using common fasteners  105  such as screws, bolts, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an electrical block diagram of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a control module  150 , a pair of horizontal position switches  30 , a pair of vertical position switches  31 , a first motor  28 , a second motor  48 , a wall-mounted switch  165 , a remote controller  180 , an antenna  182 , and interconnecting wiring  160 . Electrical power is provided thereto the system  10  via a 110-volt power source  155  is hard-wired thereto the control module  150 . The control module  150  provides intelligent motion control, electrical power distribution, radio frequency (RF) signal reception/processing, and software logic functions thereto the system  10 . The control module  150  comprises a rectangular plastic housing providing a protective enclosure thereto internal electrical and electronic components and equipment such as circuit boards, relays, microprocessors, embedded software, an RF receiver, and the like. The control module  150  receives and processes commands therefrom the wall mounted switch  165  and the remote controller  180  to initiate upward and downward movements of the shelf assembly  60 . The wall mounted switch  165  comprises a common self-contained panel-mounted device with included three (3) position rocker-type switch having a spring return center position. The remote controller  180  is envisioned being similar to common hand-held garage door opener units providing standard features such as a rectangular plastic housing, a battery compartment, batteries, an RF transmitter, and “UP” and “DOWN” digit operated buttons. The control module  150  further comprises a top mounted RF antenna  182  for receiving RF signals  181  emitted therefrom the remote controller  180 . The control module  150  provides logic processing of received signals via embedded software and in turn energizes internal relays in a conventional manner, thereby sequentially directing a current thereto the first motor  28  and second motor  48  resulting in horizontal and vertical motions of the slide assemblies  20 ,  40 , respectively. Motion control signals are also conducted thereto the control module  150  via common copper conductors  160  therefrom the position switches  30 ,  31  which detect a travel limit for the horizontal  20  and vertical  40  slide assemblies, respectively. Upon obtaining a travel limit signal therefrom a position switch  30 , the control module  150  halts an appropriate motor  28 ,  48 , thereby preventing over-current damage from occurring. 
     In operation, a user presses either an “UP” or “DOWN” button portion of the wall-mounted switch  165  or remote controller  180 ; a continuous current is then conducted thereto the motors  28 ,  48  in a sequential fashion; an input signal is conducted therefrom a position switch  30 ,  31  indicating that a limit of travel has occurred and an appropriate motor  28 ,  48  is halted; the user releases the “UP” or “DOWN” button portion of the wall-mounted switch  165  or remote controller  180 , thereby halting the system  10  in its current position. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1  and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: assembling the horizontal and vertical slide assemblies  20 ,  40  into a single unit, if not previously assembled; assembling the shelf assembly  60  thereto the vertical slide assembly  40  using provided common fasteners  105 , if not previously assembled; assembling the first  69  and second  70  support legs thereto the first  21  and second  22  horizontal frames such that the first  71  and second  72  support feet rest thereupon a floor surface  110 ; fastening the system  10  to a rearward wall surface  100  using provided fasteners  105 ; fastening the system  10  to a floor surface  110  using provided fasteners  105 ; installing a fresh set of batteries therewithin the remote controller  180 ; installing the wall-mounted switch  165  along a wall surface  100  at a safe distance therefrom the system  10 ; routing wiring  160  within a wall  100  or discreetly along exterior surfaces of said wall  100  thereto the wall-mounted switch  165 ; connecting an existing 110-volt power source  155  thereto the control module  150 ; energizing the 110-volt power source  155 ; moving the shelf assembly  60  thereto the access position by pressing and holding the “DOWN” button on either the remote controller  180  or the wall-mounted switch  165  until a forward horizontal position switch  30  and subsequent lower vertical position switch  31  is activated causing a motion of the shelf  61  to cease in an access orientation; placing a load  130  of personal items such as shoes, boxes, or the like thereupon the shelf  61  as desired; pressing and holding the “UP” button either on the remote controller  180  or the wall-mounted switch  165  until an upper vertical position switch  31  is activated and a vertical motion ceases; allowing the shelf assembly  60  to proceed in a rearward direction until a rearward horizontal switch  30  is activated and motion ceases; releasing said “UP” button; and benefiting from increased safety, improved access, and effortless storage of personal items  130  using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0