Abstract:
A vertically retractable shelf system comprises a shelf frame and a track assembly. The shelf frame comprises a rectangular frame. The track assembly comprises a roller slide assembly, disposed on the left and right sides of the shelf frame, to allow the shelf frame to slide vertically along the tracks.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 25, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to shelving units, and in particular, to a vertically deployable and retractable shelving unit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     No matter how much storage space is provided in the typical home, there is always a need for more. The use of shelving units provides a means for storing many items along a single vertical surface; however, in many cases closets, cabinets, garages, basements, and storage sheds are still quickly filled to capacity. Any attempt to add additional storage space which is easily accessible quickly competes with living space in a typical home. 
     Any storage space created in inaccessible spaces is inconvenient to reach and often requires the use of a ladder or similar device to access. Furthermore, such inaccessible locations are a safety issue, particularly for children and older adults. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide overhead storage units. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,485,544, issued in the name of Beckerman, describes an overhead storage apparatus which swings downward from a ceiling location in order to provide access to a plurality of storage compartments. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,851,376, issued in the name of D&#39;Agostino, describes a pull down overhead storage shelf with a spring rewinding mechanism for returning the shelf to an upward location. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are difficult or dangerous to deploy or retract. Also, many such devices do not provide sufficient securement for contained objects during deployment and retraction, or may upset or damage those objects. Furthermore, many such devices are limited as to the amount of storage space they can provide. Accordingly, there exists a need for an overhead storage device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for overhead storage which provides a significant amount of usable storage space in a manner which is secure and easy to deploy or retract. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vertically retractable shelving apparatus comprising a shelf enclosure and a track system. 
     Another object of the present invention is to mount to a vertical surface such as a door or wall. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the shelf enclosure of a plurality of shelves for storing a variety of objects. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide secure retention of objects stored within the apparatus. The shelf enclosure may further comprise a plurality of guide rails located along a front portion of each shelf in order to prevent accidental falling of the stored objects. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a handle which allows a user to pull the shelf enclosure downwardly along the track system. A rear surface of the enclosure comprises a pair of upper rollers and a pair of lower rollers which engage the track system to further facilitate movement of the shelf enclosure along the track system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to allow the user to secure the shelf enclosure at a desired vertical position along the track system with a locking mechanism comprising a pivoting hook and a locking rod which the user may rotate to engage one of a plurality of catches located along an outer surface of the track system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a plurality of springs which provide stabilization of the shelf enclosure along the track system. The track system comprises a pair of track enclosures which house the plurality of springs at an internal lower portion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring an instance of the apparatus, fastening the track system to a desired vertical surface, gripping the handle and motioning the shelf enclosure along the track system, utilizing the locking rod and hook to fix the shelf enclosure at a desired vertical position, and placing a desired variety and plurality of objects on the shelves of the apparatus for storage. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       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 an environmental view of a vertically retractable shelf system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is another environmental view of the vertically retractable shelf system  10  depicting a deployed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of the shelf enclosure  20  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the shelf enclosure  20 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a track system  40  depicting an installed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective side view of the shelf enclosure  20  depicting placement within the track system  40 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of the shelf enclosure  20  and track system  40  depicting a locking mechanism  38 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 vertically retractable shelf system 
               
               
                 15 
                 vertical surface 
               
               
                 20 
                 shelf enclosure 
               
               
                 21 
                 first side panel 
               
               
                 22 
                 second side panel 
               
               
                 23 
                 rear panel 
               
               
                 24 
                 upper panel 
               
               
                 25 
                 bottom panel 
               
               
                 26 
                 shelf 
               
               
                 27 
                 handle 
               
               
                 30 
                 guide rail 
               
               
                 31 
                 adhesive 
               
               
                 32 
                 upper roller 
               
               
                 33 
                 lower roller 
               
               
                 34 
                 axle 
               
               
                 35 
                 locking rod 
               
               
                 36 
                 hook 
               
               
                 37 
                 bracket 
               
               
                 38 
                 locking mechanism 
               
               
                 40 
                 track system 
               
               
                 41 
                 first track enclosure 
               
               
                 42 
                 second track enclosure 
               
               
                 43 
                 front surface 
               
               
                 44 
                 first opening 
               
               
                 45 
                 panel 
               
               
                 46 
                 hinge 
               
               
                 47 
                 second opening 
               
               
                 48 
                 linear opening 
               
               
                 49 
                 foot 
               
               
                 50 
                 aperture 
               
               
                 51 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 52 
                 catch 
               
               
                 53 
                 crossbar 
               
               
                 54 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     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 7 . 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 vertically retractable shelf system (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a retractable shelving means with enhanced features. The apparatus  10  comprises a pull-down spring-loaded feature which enables a user to access items stored on said apparatus  10  without common step stools or ladders. The apparatus  10  also comprises a shelf enclosure  20  and a track system  40 . The apparatus  10  is preferably mounted to a vertical surface  15  such as, but not limited to: a wall, a door, or the like. The apparatus  10  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: wood, plastic, steel, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 2 , another environmental view of the apparatus  10  depicting a deployed state,  FIG. 3 , a section view of the shelf enclosure  20  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 1 ), and  FIG. 4 , a rear perspective view of the shelf enclosure  20 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a shelf enclosure  20  which provides a means to secure desired items onto the apparatus  10 . The shelf enclosure  20  comprises a rectangular body comprising an open front, a first side panel  21 , a second side panel  22 , a rear panel  23 , an upper panel  24 , a bottom panel  25 , a pair of shelves  26 , and a plurality of guide rails  30 . The shelf enclosure  20  is depicted herein as comprising up to three (3) guide rails  30  located at lower, intermediate, and upper portions of said shelf enclosure  20  for illustration purposes only, it is known that fewer or more said guide rails  30  may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . Each guide rail  30  is comprised of a plurality of vertical members and a horizontal member which prohibit items from descending from the apparatus  10 . Desired items to be displayed on the apparatus  10  are positioned behind each guide rail  30  and rest upon the bottom panel  25  and shelves  26 . The guide rails  30  are positioned on a front surface of the bottom panel  25  and on each shelf  26  which is positioned perpendicularly subjacent to each said guide rail  30 . The shelf enclosure  20  measures approximately thirty-two (32) inches wide by forty-eight (48) inches long by eight (8) inches deep. Each panel  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 , shelf  26 , and guide rails  30  are attached via common adhesive  31 , yet other means of attachment such as, but not limited to: screws, welding, or the like may also be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     An underside surface of the bottom panel  25  comprises a handle  27  which provides a means to pull the shelf enclosure  20  downwardly upon a track system  40  (also see  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). The handle  27  comprises a “U”-shaped body which enables the user to grasp said handle  27  and apply a downward force to the shelf enclosure  20 , thereby positioning said shelf enclosure to a lowered position. In use, when the handle  27  is released the shelf enclosure  20  retracts to an original position via the track system  40 . The handle  27  is attached to the bottom panel  25  via fastening means such as, but not limited to: screws, welding, or the like. 
     A rear surface of the shelf enclosure&#39;s  20  rear panel  23  comprises a pair of upper rollers  32  and a pair of lower rollers  33  which provide a means for said shelf enclosure  20  to engage the track system  40  for lowering and raising at a desired height (also see  FIG. 6 ). The upper rollers  32  are located on an upper surface of the rear panel  23  and the lower rollers  33  are located on an intermediate position of the rear panel  23 . Each roller  32 ,  33  comprises an axle  34  (see  FIG. 6 ) which is integrally molded into the rear panel  23  and provides a fixed member for the rollers  32 ,  33  to rotate around. 
     A rear surface of the rear panel  23  also comprises a locking mechanism  38  which enables the shelf enclosure  20  to secure onto the track system  40  (also see  FIG. 7 ). The locking mechanism  38  comprises a locking rod  35 , a hook  36 , and a pair of brackets  37  which enable the user to manually pivot said locking mechanism  38  to engage an outer surface of the track system  40 , thereby securing the self enclosure  20  at a desired height. The locking rod  35  comprises an “L”-shape to enable the user to grasp a distal portion to rotate in a desired direction. The locking rod  35  also comprises a hook  36  on a proximal surface which comprises a hook-shape to engage a desired catch  53  located on an outer surface of a second enclosure  42  on the track system  40 . The locking rod  35  is secured to the shelf enclosure  20  via a pair of brackets  37  which are preferably an arcuate-shaped integrally molded securing feature which enables the locking rod  35  to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise and to slightly extend upwardly or downwardly which assists the user in the placement of the hook  36  into a desired catch  52 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of the track system  40  depicting an installed state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  also comprises the track system  40  which enables the shelf enclosure  20  to be vertically manipulated to a desired height. The track system  40  is fixed to a desired vertical surface  15  corresponding to the desired placement of the shelf enclosure  20 . The track system  40  comprises a first track enclosure  41 , a second track enclosure  42 , and a cross bar  53  which enable the shelf enclosure  20  to be mated and secured within said track system  40 . Each track enclosure  41 ,  42  comprises a rectangular-shape and are fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, or the like. Each track enclosure  41 ,  42  also comprises a front surface  43  which further comprises a first opening  44 , a second opening  47 , a linear opening  48  which enable the shelf enclosure  20  to travel within the track system  40 , and a spring  54  (see  FIG. 6 ). 
     The first openings  44  located on each track enclosure  41 ,  42  are located at an upper location of the front surface  43  and comprise a rectangular-shape. Each first opening  44  accepts an upper roller  32 . Each first opening  44  also comprises a panel  45  secured to said first opening  44  via a hinge  46  which is mounted to an upper perimeter surface of said first opening  44 . Each panel  45  rotates inwardly and prohibits the upper roller  32  from being removed from the first opening  44  while in use via blocking said first opening  44  subsequent to insertion of the upper roller  32  into said first opening  44 . Each first opening  44  is integrally molded into the front surface  43  and is further molded into each linear opening  48  (see herein below). 
     Each track enclosure  41 ,  42  also comprise a rectangular second opening  47  which provides an engaging mean to each lower roller  33 . The upper rollers  32  and lower rollers  33  are inserted into the first opening  44  and second opening  47 , respectively, in a simultaneous manner. Each second opening  47  is integrally molded into the linear opening  48  which is located on an intermediate surface of the front surface  43 . The linear opening  48  enables each axle  34  to travel within and secures each roller  32 ,  33  within each track enclosure  41 ,  42 . 
     Each track enclosure  41 ,  42  comprise support via a cross bar  53 . The crossbar  53  is integrally molded to each inner perimeter surface of each track enclosure  41 ,  42  and provides structural stability to the apparatus  10  and enables the track enclosures  41 ,  42  to maintain approximately a sixteen (16) inch gap. The crossbar  53  is depicted as comprising an “X”-shape for illustration purposes only it is known that other structural stability members with various shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     Each outer perimeter edge of the track enclosures  41 ,  42  comprise a plurality of feet  49  which provide a securing means to the vertical surface  15 . Each foot  49  comprises an arcuate shape which further comprises an aperture  50 . The apertures  50  enable the insertion of a conventional fastener such as a screw which is further inserted into the vertical surface  15 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a perspective side view of the shelf enclosure  20  depicting placement within the track system  40  and  FIG. 7 , a rear view of the shelf enclosure  20  and track system  40  depicting the locking mechanism  38 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 6  depicts the insertion of the rollers  32 ,  33  into the openings  44 ,  47 . The track system  40  is preferably mounted to the desired vertical surface  15  prior to engaging the shelf enclosure  20  to said track system  40 . Each roller  32 ,  33  engages the internal portion of each track enclosure  41 ,  42  via the openings  44 ,  47  which enables the rollers  32 ,  33  to be enclosed and further enabling each axle  34  to ride within the linear opening  48 . An internal lower portion of each track enclosure  41 ,  42  comprises a spring  54  which is preferable a common compression spring, yet other elastic devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The springs  54  are located below each second opening  47  and enable each lower roller  33  to rest upon said spring  54 , thereby carrying the load of the apparatus  10  and added items which further prevents the shelf enclosure from unintentionally descending. Once each roller  32 ,  33  has been engaged within the track system  40  the locking mechanism  38  is engaged via rotating the locking rod  35  to engage the hook  36  into a desired catch  52 . The second enclosure  42  comprises a pair of catches  52  which enables the shelf enclosure  20  to be secure in two (2) positions. Each catch  52  comprises a cup-shaped body which accepts the hook  36 , yet other shapes may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . Each catch  52  is integrally molded into an outer side surface of the second track enclosure  42 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . It is known that a catch  52  should be positioned slightly above an intermediate location to prohibit the upper rollers  32  from an inadvertent removal out of the second openings  47 . 
     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 apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; fastening the track system  40  onto a desired vertical surface  15  via inserting fasteners  51  into each aperture  50  on each foot  49 ; inserting each roller  32 ,  33  into each opening  44 ,  47 , respectively and enabling each axle  34  to engage each linear opening  48 ; utilizing the handle  27  to deploy the shelf enclosure  20  downwardly via applying a force against each spring  54  which is located in each track enclosure  41 ,  42 ; grasping the locked rod  35  to engage the hook  36  into a desired catch  52 , thereby locking the shelf enclosure  20  in a desired position; positioning desired items onto the bottom panel  25  or each shelf  26  behind the guide rails  30  as desired; utilizing the apparatus  10  as desired to store items; and, providing a unique solution to inaccessible storage space in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective. 
     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.