Lack of storage space is a common problem. A potential storage area that is under utilized is the space in garages and the like above vehicle level. How it is definable is to easily access this storage place to safely store and retrieve objects.
A variety of systems are known for raising objects. For example see, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,263,687; 5,897,104; 6,017,018; 6,056,274; 6,361,022; 6,959,918; 7,533,869 and U.S. Publication No. 2010/0283021.
However, there remains a need for a lifting system that can be used in locations such as garages that is inexpensive, adjustable for different sized objects, and can easily be used for raising, lowering, and storing objects.
The present invention provides a lifting system that satisfies this need. A preferred lifting system comprises a frame having a central opening. The frame is formed of first and second side bars and first and second end bars. Each side bar is adjustably attached to each end bar so that the size of the central opening can be adjusted. The lifting system also includes a first pair of swing arms pivotally attached to the first side bar at positions spaced from each other. There is also a second pair of swing arms pivotally attached to the second side bar at positions spaced from each other. There is a pivot connection for each swing bar for pivotably connecting each swing arm to a supporting structure, such as the ceiling above the frame. The swing arms allow lowering and raising of the frame while keeping the frame parallel to, for example, a floor.
A hoist system is provided for raising and lower the frame toward and away from the supporting structure, and a switch is provided for activating the hoist system. Preferably the switch is readily accessible, and placed no more than six feet above floor level.
Preferably at least one of the bars has a channel with an open face oriented to face the supporting structure. The channel can be used for placing a hook therein for supporting objects.
The lift system can comprise a motor driving a winch for pulling and releasing at least one cable, the cable being connected to multiple locations on the frame, using pulleys.
In one version of the invention, the lifting system can include a platform supported by the frame. Preferably the platform is removeable from the frame without tools. Due to the pivot connections it is possible to raise and lower the lifting system while keeping the platform substantially parallel to the floor.
In a method for raising and lowering an object, the frame is placed at a height suitable for placing the object to be supported by the frame, the object is supported with the frame, and then the switch is activated to raise the frame with the supported object thereon. Subsequently the switch can be activated to lower the frame for access to the object.
These an other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
With reference to the figures, a lifting system 10 comprises a frame 12 defining a central opening 14. The frame 12 is formed from a pair of parallel elongated side bars 16A and 16B where each side bar is adjustably attached to a pair of end bars 18A, 18B. The designation of which bars are side bars and which are end bars is arbitrary for convenience in describing the invention. Either pair of parallel bars can be considered side bars and the other pair of parallel bars can be considered the end bars.
Adjustment of the size and shape of the opening 14 is provided by, as best shown in
Generally the central opening 14 is rectangular with the end bars 18A, 18B parallel to each other and the side bars 16A, 16B parallel to each other. But as evident from the drawings, it is possible to move only one end of each end bar, while maintaining the other end stationary, so that configurations that is not rectangular is possible. However, due to the limited amount of movement at only one end of an end bar 18 by any configuration is a substantially rectangular central opening 14.
In a preferred version of the invention the frame 12 comprises a first pair of swing arms 28A pivotally attached to the first side bar 16A at positions spaced apart from each other, and a second pair of swing arms 28B pivotally attached to the second side bar 16B at positions spaced apart from each other. Each attachment is by a bracket 30 attached to the respective side bar 16, each bracket 80 having a pivot rod 32 supported by the bracket 20, with the swing arms 28 mounted to pivot on the bracket 30. This provides a pivot connection for each swing arm 28A, 28B, which also is pivotally connected to a supporting structure such as a ceiling 34. As best shown in
A hoist system used for raising and lowering the frame 12 toward and away from the supporting structure 34 above and below a floor 42. The hoist system can take many configurations. In one configuration, a motor driven winch 44 is mounted on the supporting structure 34, and uses cables 46 for raising and lowering the frame 12. The frame 12 is shown in raised position in
In a version of the invention shown in
Each version of the invention is activated by a switch 52, which in the version shown has two buttons, a button 53A for raising the frame, and a button 53B for lowering the frame. The switch 52 is shown as having an insulated control wire 54 connected to the motor. However the system can be wireless, and different types of switches than that shown in the drawings can be used. Preferably the switch 52 is no more than six feet above the floor 42 for easy access so it is reachable from the floor 42.
In an optional configuration, one or more of the bars 16A and 16B, 18A and 18B, and preferably all of the bars, are channels with an open face 62 facing towards the ceiling 34 for supporting hooks 66. The hooks 66 can be used for supporting a variety of different objects for storage purposes. For example the hooks can be used for beach chairs, toys, lawn mowers, garden tools, and the like.
As shown in
The frame preferably is made out of a strong, lightweight metal, such as aluminum, iron, or stainless steel. It can also be made of an engineering plastic.
Similarly the platform can be made out of any material, but typically wood or wood substitute, or fiber board.
This invention has significant advantages. It is easily and inexpensively constructed. It can be used for raising and lowering objects in a multitude of configurations, where the object can be slung underneath the frame, hung by hooks from the frame, or supported on a platform supported by the frame. A variety of hoist systems can be used.
Although the present invention is described in consideration detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the motor used, particularly the motor combined with a winch configuration, can be recessed into a ceiling rather than placed on the ceiling surface. Therefore the subject claims should not be limited to the preferred versions described.
All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.