Patent ID: 8468745

Claim:
A lifting and storage mechanism comprising: a powered garage door opening system comprising a motor contained within a housing, a rail coupled to the housing, and a door lifting bracket coupled to an upper region of a garage door at one end and to the rail at an opposing end to the rail; a pulley system in operational communication with the powered garage door opening system and having a plurality of pulley wheels, at least one cable, and a sliding channel bracket assembly; a spring latch coupled to the rail and selectively coupled to the sliding channel bracket assembly for securing the pulley system in a storage position; and, a lifting arm assembly secured to the pulley system and having at least one J-shaped hook; wherein the sliding channel bracket assembly is positioned adjacent the door lifting bracket of the powered garage door opening system such that the sliding channel bracket assembly generally travels with the door lifting bracket so as to control movement of the pulley system, thereby regulating a vertical height of the at least one J-shaped hook of the pulley system.