Patent ID: 8622488

Claim:
A vertically retractable shelf system adapted to be mounted to a vertical surface for enabling a user to access items supported on said vertically retractable shelf system without use of a step stool or a ladder, said vertically retractable shelf system comprising: a track system adapted to be mounted to the vertical surface, further comprising: first and second track enclosures; and, a crossbar attached to an inner perimeter surface of each of said first and second track enclosures such that said first and second track enclosures maintain a fixed gap therebetween; a shelf enclosure engaged to said track system, further comprising: a plurality of panels configured to form an open front; a plurality of shelves attached to selected ones of said panels; a plurality of guide rails located at lower, intermediate, and upper portions of said shelf enclosure respectively, such that said shelves extend therebehind; a handle located at a bottom one of said panels; a plurality of upper and lower rollers located at a rear one of said panels; and, a plurality of axles integrally molded into said rear panel such that said upper and lower rollers rotate around said axles respectively; and, a locking mechanism attached to said shelf enclosure; wherein each of said first and second track enclosures comprises: a front surface; a first opening located at an upper location of said front surface for accepting one of said upper rollers; a second opening located at an intermediate location of said front surface for accepting one of said lower rollers; and, an enclosure panel pivotally secured to said first opening; wherein said enclosure panel rotates inwardly and prohibits one of said upper rollers from being removed from said first opening; wherein said upper and lower rollers slidably engage said track system and thereby lower and raise said shelf enclosure to a desired height; wherein said locking mechanism engages an outer surface of said track system and thereby locks said shelf enclosure at the desired height along said track system; and, wherein said shelf enclosure automatically retracts to an original position along said track system when said locking mechanism is unlocked.