Patent Application
20160135593
Home attic areas provide cost-free and nearby storage space. However access is generally difficult, even with attic ladders. Such ladders are often quite narrow and difficult to navigate, especially while carrying items to and from storage. Summer temperatures in some attics approach 65° C. (150° F.), which can be damaging to clothing, shoes, books, photographs, and other stored goods.
To take advantage of this cost-free and nearby storage space, homeowners have used closets in their attics to facilitate orderly storage. However previous arrangements using closets and other devices have various disadvantages. The following is a list and a discussion of some possibly relevant prior art that shows a variety of attic storage arrangements.
Spencer shows a “disappearing closet” that retracts into the attic but there is no enclosure in the attic. The closet can be moved by a motor system through a framed hole in the ceiling into the attic. The motor system is secured at the upper ends of studs that run between the attic floor and the roof.
Acker also shows an enclosure that is mounted in the floor above. A closet can be moved by a motor system through a hole in the ceiling into an enclosure. The retractable closets of Spencer and Acker are subject to the aforementioned attic heat and the harm that such heat can wreak on the closer's contents.
Waters et al. shows a moveable insulating block above an attic opening that is similar in function to Melesky and Verry, below.
Cooper discloses an “elevator lift system” that can retract a platform into an enclosure in the floor above. While Cooper shows an enclosure in the floor above, it would be difficult to load storable items into this closet because one must use an awkward elevator platform.
Steiner shows an insulating cover for an attic opening that is similar to Melesky and Verry, below.
McCoy also shows an enclosure that is mounted in the floor above. A closet can be moved by a motor system through a hole in the ceiling into the enclosure.
Hughes discloses another motorized lift system similar to that of Penn, below. Penn and Hughes have closets that are subject to the aforementioned attic heat and the harm that such heat can wreak on the closer's contents.
White shows an enclosure that slides over the top of a cabinet with shelves.
Wessley et al. shows an insulating cover for an attic entrance, called a scuttle hole.
Thorp shows a closet which is retractable into an enclosure in the ceiling and is suspended by pulleys.
Farnsworth shows a vertically retractable closet for an airplane so that when raised into an enclosure above, the space can be used to allow a seat to recline.
Merrell '865 and Merrell '580 show a shelf unit that pivots into an enclosure in the floor above. McCoy, Thorp, Farnsworth, White, Johannes, and Merrell again have closet that are subject to the aforementioned attic heat and the harm that such heat can wreak on the closer's contents.
Taylor shows an insulating cover for an attic opening that is similar to Melesky and Verry.
Verry shows an insulating cover for pull-down stairs. It is similar to Melesky in that the cover in the attic is more insulating that the bottom cover.
Melesky (patent and published patent application) shows in
Mascari discloses a hinged, telescoping storage container for attachment to a ceiling attic.
Waldrop discloses a drop-down shelf storage system.
Carter discloses a modular storage unit for a garage platform.
Penn et al. (patent and published patent application) shows a platform lift system that raises a platform for holding objects into the attic or floor above.
Byers discloses primarily a lift mechanism for storing objects in an attic storage. The objects are lifted up through a portal.
White shows a set of shelves that slides up on tracks into an enclosure (or vice versa).
Johannes shows a container which can be raised toward the ceiling of a garage by a motorized system.
Crawford shows an enclosure that is mounted in the floor above. A rack of shelves can be moved by a motor system through a hole in the ceiling into the enclosure in the floor above. The enclosure may be insulated. However such insulation will not eliminate all of the effects of attic heat, especially when the enclosure is exposed to the heat for a long period of time.
Bowman also shows an enclosure that is mounted in the floor above. A closet can be moved by a motor system through a hole in the ceiling into the enclosure.
Melesky discloses a manually positioned insulated cover for an access opening to a space within a building, such as an attic.
Browne shows a pressure relief valve with a flap opening actuator, coupling a compartment to an exterior environment.
Acton discloses a wardrobe 2 that retracts into attic enclosure 1.
Gessner shows a cabinet on a pedestal with ventilation openings, used for drying wet shoes and clothing apparel.
While the above-described closets are each useful for their intended purposes, each has one or more disadvantages as noted.
For use in a house or other building with first and second rooms where the second room, usually an attic or room above the first or below room, the present system enables a storage item such as a cabinet or box to be moved from the room below to the room above. The system, in one or more aspects, overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of prior-art attic closets. In particular, an insulated closet is installed in an attic, room or other overhead space. A cabinet or a raiseable panel for storing items is suspended from the room above or closet by one or more cables. A motive source raises the cabinet or raiseable panel from the room below up into the closet for stowage and lowers the cabinet or raiseable panel to the room below for access to its contents. In one aspect, when the cabinet or raiseable panel is stowed it is flush against the ceiling of the room below. When stowed, the items are thermally insulated from the inner closet walls by an air space. One or more vent openings in the cabinet bottom panel or raiseable panel permit circulation and exchange of the air in the living space with that in the air space inside the closet. The mixing of higher temperature air from the living space and lower temperature air in the closet results in a generally higher temperature in the closet, helping to prevent freezing temperatures from occurring in the closet, helping to preserve the contents of the closet. Different aspects of various embodiments include an electrical fan for additional airflow, spring-loaded vent opening doors normally restrained with fusible fire links to prevent fire in the living space from entering the attic, insulated outer doors on a cabinet, a cabinet for storage bins, an empty cabinet for transporting objects between an attic and the living space, and an alternative manually operated support for the cabinet. Additionally, a fan can also be a component of an air treatment system such as an air conditioner, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a heater, a heat pump, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, an air handler or a heating, ventilating. and air conditioning unit to control air quality within the closet and/or the living space.
55C shows the solenoid in a core-withdrawn configuration.
Closet 100 is mounted in the attic by securing it to roof truss bottom chords or joists 115 and framing members 120 by angle brackets 125 and fasteners 130 and 131. Closet 100 is box-shaped and has five sides and is open on its bottom side. Joists 115 and framing members 120 are covered from below by a ceiling 135 that has an opening congruent with the open bottom side of closet 100. A connecting member 140, such as an eye bolt, is secured to the top of cabinet 105. The lower end of a vertical traction member 145, such as a rope, cable, or rod, is attached to connecting member 140. Its upper end (
As shown, cabinet 105 is stowed within closet 100 but can be moved down and out of the closet or for access by a user (not shown) in the room below. In the stowed position of
Cabinet 105 is secured to at least one slide member 200 by one or more fasteners 210 (
Elevation control of cabinet 105 can also be accomplished with an electrical contact or pressure switch or the like (not shown), mounted, for example, on the top of the cabinet 105 and the ceiling area where contact is made when the cabinet 105 is in the stowed position. A control switch can also be located on the exterior cabinet surface positioned to engage when contact is made with a joist or structural member. The movement of cabinet 105 can also be controlled electronically.
Closet 100 is made of a thermally insulating material, such as fiberglass, calcium silicate (sold under the mark Mightylite by Refractory Specialties, Inc., of Sebring, Ohio), fireproof EPE (expanded polyethylene foam) sheet with aluminum film siding, magnesium oxide cementitious foam (sold under the mark Air Krete by Air Krete, Inc., of Weedsport, N.Y.), polystyrene, or other insulating material. Closet 100 optionally has exterior metal, fiberglass or plastic composite walls for structural strength, if required to support a particular insulating material. Closet 100 can be made of any other suitable materials, including wood and all-metal construction, optionally two-walled construction, with a middle layer of insulation.
In one embodiment closet 100 had exterior dimensions of 1.14 m in length, 0.85 m in width, and 0.77 m in gross height, measured from the bottom surface of ceiling 135, with the height reduced by the height of the joists 115 or truss bottom chords, not shown, and the thickness of ceiling 135. In this case the reduction is 17.8 cm, indicating a net closet height of about 0.59 m measured from the top of the joists and structural members to which it is mounted.
In the same embodiment cabinet 105 had an exterior length of 0.95 m, a width of 0.69 m, and a height of 0.66 m. The widths of closet 100 and cabinet 105 will generally be suited to the spacings of the ceiling joists or truss bottom chords in existing or new constructions. These are typically on 0.41 m and 0.61 m centers, respectively. To create a wider ceiling opening, ceiling joists 115 are typically cut and cross supported with structural members or headers 120. Other support members include a roof truss bottom chord, a framing member, a timber structured ceiling, and a concrete ceiling. Air space 150 between the sides of cabinet 105 and closet 100 is 4.32 cm and the air space above the cabinet was 5.33 cm. The bottom panel was 1.08 m in length, 0.82 m in width, and 1.78 cm in thickness. Any or all of these exemplary dimensions can be modified or adapted to suit the user's requirements and the structural specifications of the building into which the unit is to installed. With adequate roof clearance, closet 100 and cabinet 105 can be more than doubled in height to accommodate storage of longer hanging garments or other large items.
Cabinet 105 may include drawers, bins, trays, shoe cubbies, clothes hangers, book shelves and other storage accommodations. Cabinet 105 is fabricated of metal, wood, plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), hardboard, fiberglass, plastic, composite, carbon fiber, hollow core material, honeycomb material, corrugated plastic, paper, and a combination of any materials from this group. Cabinet 105, closet 100, or both, are optionally encased in a strong wall material such as steel or another substance. A key-activated control switch is optionally added to provide security protection.
When cabinet 105 is stowed, vent openings 155 in bottom panel 110 permit air to circulate and mix into air space 150 by convection between the volume or room beneath ceiling 135 and air space 150. The result of this mixing is a reduction of the difference in temperature between cabinet 105 and the living space below 100. I.e., in winter, warm air from the room below ceiling 135 rises and enters air space 150, increasing the temperature around and hence within cabinet 105. Thus cabinet 105 and its contents are protected from freezing temperatures that occur in the attic space outside closet 100. Bottom panel 110 covers the ceiling opening through which the cabinet is moved. It can be finished to match the ceiling.
—Active Circulation of Air
In many homes, there is limited clear height in the attic so that the attic lacks sufficient space for stowing a tall storage cabinet 105.
Since condensation can occur when warmer air having greater moisture content comes in contact with cold objects such as sensitive computer, camera or electronic components or other objects, slowing the effects of airflow can help reduce damaging condensation and possibly mold, resulting from rapid temperature changes as can occur when heated air is introduced from a space below into a cold attic or upper floor storage cabinet. For example, were an unheated attic area and adjoining living space with a temperature of 28.9° C. (−20° F.) quickly heated to 21.1° C. (70° F.), the rapidly rising warm air from below could form condensation on objects within an elevated cabinet within a closet. However, with airspace blocks largely positioned between the cabinet and closet, the temperature change within the cabinet can be retarded, permitting a slow temperature change within the cabinet, reducing the potential for condensation formation and possible damage.
Airflow blocks can also be useful in providing guidance, helping to prevent the cabinet shifting or tipping and coming into contact with the closet when the cabinet is being elevated. Utilizing airflow blocks to reduce the required fan capacity can also mitigate air turbulence and sound emissions; this is especially advantageous in a bedroom application.
In both aspects, air passing through vents 155 is blocked or partially blocked from passing over the top of cabinet 105, while it is urged to pass over the sides. Fan 160 is optional in these aspects.
While
As an alternative to fan 160 located in a bottom panel 110,
In these various aspects, one or more fasteners 108 secure bottom panels 110 to the cabinet 105. Vents 155A allow airflow through bottom panels 110A to 110D. Optional fans 160 shown located in these bottom panels 110 circulate air into and out of the region above bottom panel 110 when energized.
In another aspect, one or more cables 145 are permanently fixed to raiseable panel 4275 by one or more attachment brackets 2200, as shown on the left-hand side of raiseable panel 4275. In still another aspect raiseable panel 4275 is detachable from cables 145. In this case, brackets 2200 are replaced by shackles 2205 (
In another aspect, an optional duct 2210 (
In another alternate aspect, a pair of ducts 2215 and 2220 (
A conductor 2522 is connected to an energizing source (not shown) such as a power main. Conductor 2522 is connected to a sensor that is either a thermostat or humidistat 2520 and to fans 160 and 160A via conductors 2523 and 2524, respectively. Fan 160 or 160A is optionally connected and thermostat or humidistat 2522 is connected in series with fan 160 or 160A and conductor 2522. The junctions of these connections are contained within a fan control junction box 2521. An electrical connector 2515 or 2515′ is interposed between conductor 2523 and fan 160 or between conductor 2524 and fan 160A. The circuit within thermostat or humidistat 2520 is normally open and fan 160 or 160A is not energized. When the temperature or humidity (depending on whether device 2520 is a thermostat or humidistat) exceeds a predetermined level, the circuit within thermostat or humidistat 2520 is closed, thereby activating fan 160 or 160A by connecting them to an energizing source. Connectors 2515 or 2515′ is disconnected when it is desired to service or replace fan 160 or 160A.
In yet another aspect, in the event of a fire it is important to prevent flames from entering an attic from the living space below, and vice versa.
As shown in
Cables 145 are secured to raiseable panel 4275, as described above in connection with
In one aspect, no bottom panel is used. Since cabinet 105 is smaller than the interior of closet 100, air is able to freely flow around the sides and top of cabinet 105 when it is stowed within closet 100. An optional fan 160 and thermostat 2500, as described above, provide forced airflow within closet 100. In another aspect, airflow blocks 402 are included to urge air to flow in a predetermined pattern around cabinet 105, in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with
Fan 160 and thermostat or humidistat 2520 are optional in this aspect. Their function is described in detail above in connection with
Closet 100′ is connected to cables 145 by a connecting member 140. A plate 141 and nut 142 provide secure attachment of connecting member 140 to closet 100′. As shown in
Closet 100′ includes a pair of doors 400L and 400R, shown by a solid line in
In highly insulated homes lacking forced air heating systems, common in European countries, excessive humidity can cause hazardous mold buildup. An air treatment unit connected to a storage system provides treated air to both control the temperature and/or humidity of the air within a closet and also can supply treated air to a living space below. An air treatment unit comprises one or more of an air conditioner, a heater, a heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, a chiller, a heat exchanger, an air handler, a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) unit, or other air treatment unit. Properly sized and located, such an arrangement can heat, cool, ventilate and/or dehumidify the air in multiple rooms or areas. Such an arrangement can reduce or eliminate the frequent need to air out a living space through the opening of windows and doors with the associated inconvenience and heat loss.
Ducts 2700 and 2805 are flexible in order to lengthen when closet 100′ is lowered and then to retract when closet 100′ is raised. Similar to the embodiment of
A fan 160 is installed in support 1070. When energized, fan 160 draws air into vent 155-L, through chamber 101A, optionally through duct 815, then through chamber 101B, and finally out of chamber 101B via a second vent 155-R.
A fire door 900, similar to those shown above, is shown in vent 155-L.
In
Although
The left-hand side of cabinet 105P is shaped as shown so that cabinet 105P will clear ceiling 135 and framing member 120 as it pivots on hinges 1101. Cabinet 105P is sized so that when it is stowed, a vent opening 155L remains between the left end of cabinet 150P and framing member 120. A vent opening 155R on the right-hand side of closet 100 allows air to enter closet 100 from beneath ceiling 135. A fan 160 is secured to an inner wall of closet 100, above the left-hand end of cabinet 105, as shown. Alternately a fan 160B can be positioned adjacent a duct 2215. When energized, fan 160 or fan 160B urges air to enter vent opening 155R or duct 2215, respectively, and flow upward on the right-hand side of closet 100, around and over the top of cabinet 105P. From there the air flows down the left-hand side of closet 100, and out through vent opening 155L. Hinges 1101 are perforated and are spaced apart at vent 155R to allow additional air flow.
A connecting member 140, here using a screw eye, is attached to a corner of cabinet 105P at a location diagonally opposite hinge 1101. A traction member 145 or cable is attached to connecting a first end of member 140. Traction member 145 passes through a hole 147 at the top of closet 100 and is attached to a motive source, such as motor 1000 (
To access cabinet 105P, a motive source to which traction member 145 is attached is activated and causes traction member 145 to extend downward through hole 147 until cabinet 105P is in its lowered position, as shown in
A section of closed-cell foam or other material forms an optional airflow block 402 that is interposed between the top or sidewall of cabinet 105P and the inner top or sidewall surface of closet 100. Airflow block 402 is secured using an adhesive or fasteners. The thickness of airflow block 402 is equal to the height of the gap between the top of cabinet 105 and the inner top surface of closet 100 when cabinet 105P is stowed. Accordingly airflow block 402 provides a means to selectively regulate the effects of airflow over the top of a cabinet 105P when stowed as well as to permit the use of a lower capacity fan. This makes cabinet 105P less subject to the thermal effects of airflow by providing a means for modulation. Utilizing airflow blocks to reduce the required fan capacity can also mitigate air turbulence and sound emissions, especially advantageous in a bedroom application.
Access door 1200 is secured from within closet 100″ by a plurality of tabular fingers 1205 that are secured to the inner walls of closet 100″ and spaced inwardly from the outside of closet 100″ by the thickness of access door 1200. A plurality of rotating clasps 1210 secure access door 1200 to closet 100″ so that when clasps 1210 are rotated to their closed positions, as shown in
To use this embodiment, a user lowers raiseable panel 4275 into the living space beneath ceiling 135, and places storage item 2225, or other items, on the top surface of raiseable panel 4275 and secures access door 1200 in place. The user then elevates raiseable panel 4275 into the attic space above ceiling 135. The user then enters the attic space via stairs (not shown), removes access door 1200 from opening 1202 in closet 100″, as shown in
—Operation
When (
A pair of spring-loaded hooks 4215A and 4215B are secured to pivots 4220A and 4220B at the top of T-section 4210. A first spring 4225A urges hook 4220A to rotate in a clockwise direction. A second spring 4225B urges hook 4220B to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. A restraining member 4230, such as a metal cable or non-metal cord or a composite of the two, is attached at a first end to hook 4215A and at a second end to hook 4215B. The length of member 4230 is predetermined to permit springs 4225A and 4225B to urge hooks 4220A and 4220B to their vertical positions shown in
When cabinet 105 is raised, the length of finger 4206 is predetermined to raise restraining member 4230, causing hook 4215A to rotate counter-clockwise about pivot 4220A and hook 4215B to rotate clockwise about pivot 4220B.
A pair of catches 4230L and 4230R are secured to joists or framing members 115, 120 above ceiling 135. Catches 4230 include a sloped portion 4232 and a horizontal finger portion 4234.
—Lowering Cabinet 105.
As cabinet 105 is lowered from its full elevated location in
As cabinet 105 is lowered, sliding section 4210 also moves downward, urged by gravity and by frictional forces between channels 4200 and sliding section 4210e 4210. As cabinet 105 is lowered further, the lower surface of hooks 4215 comes into contact with the sloped portions 4232 of catches 4230. As cabinet 105 is lowered still further hooks 4215 will ride on the sloped portions 4232 of catches 4230 until hooks 4215 are able to move beneath finger portions 4234 of catches 4230, urged by their associated springs 4220, as shown in
—Raising Cabinet 105.
As cabinet 105 is raised, channels 4200 slidably move upward on sliding section 4210, along with poker 4205 and finger 4206. When finger 4206 reaches restraining member 4230, finger 4206 urges restraining member 4230 upward, thereby urging hooks 4220 to move inward, against the forces exerted by springs 4225. When hooks 4220 move inward and are disengaged from catches 4230, sliding section 4210 also moves upward, finally assuming the position shown in
A cabinet 105 has an optional bottom panel 110. Traction members 145L and 145R are secured to cabinet 105 by connecting plates 146L and 146 R, respectively. A pair of pulleys 1050 L and 1050 R are rotatably secured to a ceiling structure 4280 by a pair of plates 4258 L and 4258 R, respectively. Plates 4258 L and R are secured to ceiling structure 4280 by fasteners such as bolts or screws (not shown). Traction members 145 L and R pass upward from connecting plates 146L and 146 R, over pulleys 1050 L and R, and from there to a motive source (not shown).
A pair of channels 4247 L and 4247 R are immovably secured to cabinet 105 by a plurality of fasteners 108. A guide member 4240 is slidably constrained to move up and down, or float, between channels 4247 L and R. Guide member 4240 includes a pair of slots 4245 L and 4245 R running parallel with the long direction thereof.
In
A pair of clamps 4292 L and 4292 R secure traction members 145 L and 145 R to points near the bottom of cabinet 105. Pulleys 1050 L and 1050 R are rotatably secured to plates 4258 L and 4258 R and plates 4258 L and 4258 R are secured to ceiling structure 4280, as described above. Traction members 145 L and R pass over pulleys 1050 L and R and are extended and withdrawn by an external motive source (not shown) to lower and raise cabinet 105, also as discussed above.
In
Cabinet 105 is lowered by extending traction members 145 L and R. As cabinet 105 is lowered, supports 4290 restrict the movement of guide member 4285 to a vertical path.
Many variations on the cabinet stabilizing means described are possible. Also, since in a rafter-roof home the maximum attic clear height is commonly found adjacent an interior load bearing wall, a wall mounted track system, similar in operation to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,086,002 to Shepard (1937) can be used.
In one aspect, a safety system comprises a controller 4402, a switch box 4406, a pair of solenoids 4400L and 4400R, a plurality of human sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436, a controller 4402 and two limit switches 4407 and 4409. Solenoids 4400L and 4400R connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4403L and 4403R, respectively. Limit switches 4407 and 4409 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4408 and 4411, respectively. Sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4431, 4432, and 4437, respectively. Motor 1000 is connected to controller 4402 via a conduit 4417.
Limit switch 4409 is arranged to close, or be transmissive, when cabinet 105 is at a predetermined level beneath ceiling 135. The switch can employ a turns counter that is affixed to a shaft 1025, or other means that is activated when a predetermined length of traction member 145 has been deployed to lower cabinet 105.
Motor 1000 and shafts 1025 are supported by two posts 4500L and 4500R. A bracing member 4505 securely connects posts 4500L and 4500R for rigidity. An alternative limit switch 4407 is secured to member 4505. Limit switch 4407 is a simple momentary action switch positioned to be activated by contact with the top surface of cabinet 105.
Sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 are well-known infrared, ultrasonic, and motion detectors and other sensors that detect the presence and/or motion of humans. Such sensors can be the Human Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor Module, sold by Amazon.com and Glolab Corporation, the DigiKey Temperature Sensor Module, the Omron D6T thermal sensor, or the Pyroelectric (“Passive”) InfraRed Motion Detection Sensor from Adafruit, as well as other sensors well-known in the art. Such sensors generally also detect non-human animals, which can help prevent pets being accidentally trapped in a cabinet or on a raiseable panel. In this aspect, sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 are “activated” when they detect an animal within a predetermined distance of cabinet 105. Through electronic motor controls they inhibit the movement of cabinet 105 in response thereto. Human sensors are located within a predetermined distance of a cabinet or raiseable panel's upward and downward movement paths. They can be placed on a ceiling or ceiling structure, upon, within or adjacent to a closet or cabinet, upon a bottom panel or raiseable panel or elsewhere within the predetermined range of operation of the human sensor. The human sensor is arranged to detect and emit a predetermined output when a human is present within the predetermined distance. Means (not shown) are provided for inhibiting movement of a cabinet or raiseable panel in response to the predetermined output. The sensor can be deactivated for servicing by qualified personnel.
Controller 4402 is arranged to receive activation signals from sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436, to detect switch closures in switch box 4406, to detect closures of limit switches 4407 and 4409, and to energize motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R under predetermined conditions. An energizing source 4404, such as a battery or power mains, provides operating energy to controller 4402.
As shown in
Switch box 4406 contains an “up” switch 4412 and a “down” switch 4413. Pressing either of these switches initiates a series of events that are shown below in the flow chart of
In one aspect, a safety system comprises a controller 4402, a switch box 4406, a pair of solenoids 4400L and 4400R, a plurality of human sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436, a controller 4402 and two limit switches 4407′ and 4409. Solenoids 4400L and 4400R connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4403L and 4403R, respectively. Limit switches 4407′ and 4409 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4408′ and 4411, respectively. Sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4431′, 4432, and 4437, respectively. Motor 1000 is connected to controller 4402 via a conduit 4417.
Limit switch 4409 is arranged to close, or be activated, when raiseable panel 4275 is at a predetermined level beneath ceiling 135. It can incorporate a turns counter switch that is affixed to a shaft 1025, or other means that is activated when a predetermined length of traction member 145 has been deployed to lower raiseable panel 4275.
Motor 1000 and shafts 1025 are supported by two posts 4500L and 4500R. A bracing member 4505 securely connects posts 4500L and 4500R for rigidity. Limit switch 4407 is secured to member 4705. Limit switch 4407′ is a simple momentary action switch positioned to be activated by contact with the top surface raiseable panel 4275.
Sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 are well-known infrared, ultrasonic, and motion detectors that detect the presence and/or motion of humans. In this aspect, sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 are “activated” when they detect a human within a predetermined distance of raiseable panel 4275 and inhibit the movement of cabinet 2105 or raiseable panel 4275 in response thereto.
Controller 4402 is arranged to receive activation signals from sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436, to detect switch closures in switch box 4406, to detect closures of limit switches 4407′ and 4409, and to energize motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R under predetermined conditions. An energizing source 4404, such as a battery or power mains, provides operating energy to controller 4402.
As described above,
As shown in
Switch box 4406 contains an “up” switch 4412 and a “down” switch 4413. Pressing either of these switches initiates a series of events that are shown below in the flow chart of
Next, sensor 4435 is tested (block 5020). If sensor 4435 is activated, the sequence of events returns to node “A” and no further action occurs. If neither switch 4409 nor sensor 4435 are activated, nothing is in the way of lowering cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 and solenoids 4400 and motor 1000 are activated (block 5025). As cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 is lowered, sensor 4435 is tested (block 5030). If sensor 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), motor 1000 and solenoids 4400 are deactivated, and control returns to node “A”. If sensor 4430 or 4430′ is not activated, lower limit switch 4409 is tested (block 5040). If switch 4409 is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R are deactivated, and control returns to node “A”. If lower limit switch 4409 is not activated, control returns directly to node “A” and lowering of cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 continues.
A similar series of events occurs when “up” switch 4412 is pressed (block 5005). Upper limit switch 4407 is tested (block 5045). If switch 4407 or 4407′ is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035) and finally node “A”. If switch 4407 or 4407′ is not activated, sensors 4430 and 4436 are tested. If they are activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and then node “A”. If none of switch 4407 or 4407′, sensor 4430 or 4430′, (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated, solenoids 4400L and 4400R and motor 1000 are activated and cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 is raised (block 5055). If either of sensors 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated (block 5060), then control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and finally node “A”. If neither of sensors 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated, upper limit switch 4407 is tested (block 5065). If switch 4407 is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and finally node “A”. If switch 4407 is not activated (block 5065), then control passes to node “A” and the process of raising and testing continues.
Further safety measures can be implemented through electronic motor controls, some of which are commonly used in garage door openers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,198, Feb. 13, 2001 to Gunton. For example, if an obstruction such as a chair, dresser, nightstand or bed is encountered by a cabinet or raiseable panel being lowered, resulting in a change in the load on the motor, movement of the cabinet or raiseable panel would immediately stop or reverse to avoid damage or injury. Likewise, in the event an elevating load has an increase in the load on the motor in ascent, indicating a possible obstruction of an open cabinet or box door or an item extending from the cabinet or raiseable panel encountering an obstruction, perhaps near ceiling level, the drive would immediately stop or reverse, to avoid damage or injury. Such a change in load on a motor could also be caused by a child hanging onto an ascending unit. If there is a bumping or swaying of a predetermined magnitude of an elevating or descending load, electronic controls would also cause the motor to stop until the load is stabilized and can then be started again. An additional safety feature is a spring loaded idler pulley to prevent lifting cables from disengaging from sheaves or pulleys.
I have provided an improved attic storage system that uses a closet and a cabinet or raiseable panel to retrievably store items in an attic or above a ceiling area. When desired, the cabinet or raiseable panel is lowered into the living space below for access to stored items. While it is raised, the raiseable panel forms the floor of the closet.
In another aspect, when the cabinet is stowed, air circulation between the air space in the closet and the room below is enhanced by an electric fan.
Vent openings in the bottom panel or raiseable panel permit air to flow between the living space beneath and the space in the closet to help prevent freezing temperatures in the closet. A fan circulating air between the closet and the living space below reduces temperature swings that would otherwise occur in the closet, and protecting the contents of the closet from damage due to temperature and humidity extremes. In several aspects, air from air treatment units is recirculated within the closet, ducted so that it is shared with the air in the living space below the closet, or discharged from the closet to the out-of-doors. In one aspect of a first embodiment, a cabinet rests upon a panel. The cabinet and the panel are raised and lowered vertically by a motive force, which can be manual, a spring motor, or electrical means, optionally guided by one or more vertical stabilizing members. In another aspect, a second cabinet is affixed to the bottom side of a panel and the second cabinet remains exposed in the room below the panel when the panel is raised to the ceiling.
In other aspects, air is urged to flow over predetermined surfaces of the cabinet. In another aspect of the first embodiment, a two-piece panel is secured to the ceiling at the perimeter of the closet so that when a cabinet is lowered from the closet, the two halves of the panel springably open and guide the cabinet as it moves up or down. In one aspect of a second embodiment, the cabinet and panel are rotatably raised and lowered on a pivoted cantilever mechanism. The cantilevered mechanism includes a weighted portion opposite the end that supports the cabinet. A weight on the weighted portion moves to the same side of the pivot so that the cabinet will stay in its lowered position. When the cabinet is raised part-way toward the attic, the weight moves to the opposite side of the pivot, urging the cabinet into the ceiling.
In another aspect, a closet and panel are lowered from an attic space into the room below. An optional additional storage cabinet is affixed to the bottom side of the panel for access when the panel and closet are fully raised. In another aspect, spring-loaded doors are arranged to block the vent openings in the panel in case of a fire. The fire doors are normally held open by fusible fire links. When heat from a fire melts the links, they release the doors and airflow between the closet and the room below is blocked, preventing fire from entering the attic. An openable closet permits use of the cabinet for transporting objects between an attic and a living space. Storage bins can be carried within the cabinet. A human sensor and solenoid locking means can help prevent injury to children and objects. Brake motors and worm gear motors are well known to help prevent motor reversal or back driving resulting in unintentional lowering of a cabinet or raiseable panel, possibly causing injury or damage.
While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but as exemplifications of some present embodiments. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings. Additional features can be added, such as decorative graphics, a light fixture, or a television facing into the room below the cabinet. Additional cables can be used to raise and lower a cabinet. An electrical key lock can be used to control the motor that hoists and lowers the cabinet from the attic into the living space. A simple lock mechanism can keep the cantilever embodiment in its stowed position. Such locks are useful when condominium owners wish to securely store their valuables when renting the living space to others, for example. An over-current sensor or a torque-limiting clutch can be added to the hoist motor. This will protect against accidental injury when the cabinet is moving up or down, and also prevent damage to the ceiling structure when the cabinet is overloaded. Limit switches can be employed to prevent excessive up and down movement as can electrical door contact switches, to prevent raising of a cabinet when doors are open. A jacking crank for manual lowering in event of motor or power failure can be integrated into the drive mechanism. Also, the materials and sizes can be changed, as can the shapes of the components. The vertical slides or casters and skids that guide the cabinet into the closet can be eliminated, if desired. In that case, the user would manually guide the cabinet as it is raised. Although the sliding section is T shaped in the illustrations, this floating member can take many shapes, including rectangular, and can have a great variety of means for securing the sliding section to structural members. A remote smoke detector, such as that sold by Flinn Scientific, Inc., Batavia, Ill., can be placed in a closet and/or attic space with the alarm affixed to a panel, ceiling or other location in the living space, so that in the event of smoke or fire above, the alarm is audible below. As indicated, in lieu of the cabinets that are shown and stored in the attic closet, a box or boxes can be stored instead.
Thus the scope should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than the examples and particulars given.
This application (CIP #3) is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 14/605,322, Filed 2015 Jan. 26, now Pat. No. ______, Granted ______. The '322 application (CIP #2) is a CIP of application Ser. No. 14/451,081, Filed 2014 Aug. 4, now abandoned. The '081 application (CIP #1) is a CIP of Parent application Ser. No. 13/968,229, Filed 2013 Aug. 15, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,003, Granted 2014 Sep. 2. The '229 application (Parent) claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/692,147, Filed 2012 Aug. 22.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61692147 | Aug 2012 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14605322 | Jan 2015 | US |
| Child | 14975817 | US | |
| Parent | 14451081 | Aug 2014 | US |
| Child | 14605322 | US | |
| Parent | 13968229 | Aug 2013 | US |
| Child | 14451081 | US |
