TOP SHELF BUTLER SYSTEM

Abstract

Implementations of a moveable storage unit are provided. The storage unit comprises a storage unit, a track; and a movable unit configured to move forward and backwards along the track. The storage unit is connected to the moveable unit that has an arm component that connects to the storage unit wherein the arms are configured to extend and retract to lower and raise the storage unit as the moveable unit moves forward and backwards along the track, respectively. As the moveable unit moves forward along a track, the arms are configured to extend to lower the storage unit. As the moveable unit moves backward along the track, the arms retract to raise the storage unit.

Description

BACKGROUND

The space on top of a closet or ceiling space may be used to store items in a storage unit that can be accessed or raised and lowered to store and access the items. However, it can be difficult to reach to the height of the space to access the storage unit and to handle the weight of the storage unit to raise and lower it from the space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate implementations of an example top shelf butler system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates other implementations of an example top shelf butler system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of a top shelf butler system are provided. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system comprises one or more moveable units each having one or more arms, a shelf and/or storage unit (shelf/storage unit), and one or more tracks or guide rails.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system may further comprise one or more manual operation devices and/or one or more motorized (or automatic) operation devices. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system may further comprise one or more mounting strips.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system is a moveable shelf/storage system that positions a shelf/storage unit on top of a closet (such as a walk-in style or other suitable closet) to hold blankets, towels, toiletries, etc. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system is moveable to position the shelf/storage unit in a storage position and an extended position.

In some implementations, in the storage position, the shelf/storage unit sits on top of a closet or topmost shelf. In some implementations, in the storage position, the content stored in the shelf/storage unit may not be accessible because it is too high and therefore not reachable.

In some implementations, in the extended position, the shelf/storage unit is pushed away from the closet and lowered to a position so that the content in the shelf/storage unit can be accessed.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be positioned at the top (or ceiling space) in a (e.g., traditional) closet that is integrated (e.g., built) into the wall of a building (such as a home or office).

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be positioned on top of a closet that has storage space (such as shelf or loft space) above it that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be positioned on top of a modular or stand-alone closet, cabinet, etc. that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be positioned on top of a kitchen cabinet, closet, pantry, etc. that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be positioned in any other suitable location such that the shelf/storage unit can be positioned by the top shelf butler system in the (typically high up, inaccessible, unreachable) storage position and moved by the top shelf butler system to the (typically lower down, accessible, reachable) access position.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system can be attached to any suitable wall, ceiling, or other location.

In some implementations, a method of using the top shelf butler system comprises installing the top shelf butler system at the top of or above a closet or ceiling space, operating the top shelf butler system to place it in the access configuration, accessing the storage container attached to the top shelf butler system, and operating the top shelf butler system to place it in the storage configuration.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate implementations of an example top shelf butler system 100 according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 comprises one or more moveable units 110 each having one or more arms 120, a shelf and/or storage unit (shelf/storage unit) 130, and one or more tracks or guide rails 140.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further comprise one or more manual operation devices and/or one or more motorized (or automatic) operation devices. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further comprise one or more mounting strips 170.

In some implementations, the moveable unit 110 may be any suitable mechanism, device, etc. that can moveably connect (or attach) to or otherwise engage with the track 140 such that the moveable unit 110 can move forward and backward along the track 140. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the moveable unit 110 is moveably connected to or otherwise engaged with the track 140 such that the moveable unit 110 can move forward and backward along the track 140.

In some implementations, the moveable unit 110 has one or more arms 120 that extend from and are moveably connected (e.g., at the proximal side of the arms 120) to the moveable unit 110 on opposing sides of the moveable unit 110. In some implementations, the arms 120 are further moveably connected (e.g., at the distal side of the arms 120) to the shelf/storage unit 130 on opposing sides of the shelf/storage unit 130.

In some implementations, the moveable unit 110 may comprise any suitable components that allow the moveable unit 110 to extend and retract the arms 120 to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the moveable unit 110 (and/or the arms 120) may comprise shelf elevation gear(s) 111 that moveably connects to or otherwise engages with shelf elevation gear strip(s) 141 of the track 140 to move the arms 120 and lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130. The rightmost figures of FIGS. 1-3 illustrate the top shelf butler system 100 with a counterbalance 500 added.

As also shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the moveable unit 110 may further comprise a torsion spring 112 and/or an attached anchored cable 113 that assists the movement (e.g., manually, as described below) of the moveable unit 110 forward and backwards along the track 140. For example, the torsion spring 112 may be attached to the moveable unit 110 and the cable 113 may be attached (e.g., in a wound extend/retract configuration) to the torsion spring 112 and attached/anchored to a suitable adjacent wall or other location.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further or alternately comprise a motorized operation device that moves (e.g., automatically, as described below) of the moveable unit 110 forward and backwards along the track 140. For example, the motorized operation device may be attached to the moveable unit 110 and the cable 113 may be attached (e.g., in a wound extend/retract configuration) to the motorized operation device and attached/anchored to a suitable adjacent wall or other location.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the moveable unit 110 is configured such that the arms 120 extend and retract to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively, such as by the components described above.

As introduced above, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise more than one moveable unit 110. For example, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise two moveable units 110 that position on opposite sides of the top shelf butler system 100.

In some implementations, the arms 120 may be any suitable mechanism, device, etc. that can movably (e.g., rotatably) connect to the moveable unit 110 and to the shelf/storage unit 130 and can extend and retract (e.g., telescopingly) to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the arms 120 are movably (e.g., rotatably) connected to the moveable unit 110 and to the shelf/storage unit 130 and can extend and retract (e.g., telescopingly) to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130.

In some implementations, the arms 120 may comprise any suitable components that allow the arms 120 to extend and retract to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the arms 120 may comprise shelf elevation gear(s) 111 that moveably connects to or otherwise engages with shelf elevation gear strip(s) 141 of the track 140 to move the arms 120 and lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the arms 120 are configured to extend and retract (e.g., while moving, rotating) to lower and raise the shelf/storage unit 130 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively, such as by the components described above.

In some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 may be any suitable shelf and/or storage unit that can be lowered and raised by the arms 120 extending and retracting as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 is movably (e.g., rotatably) connected to the arms 120 such that the shelf/storage unit 130 is lowered and raised by the arms 120 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively. In this way, in some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 can be moved between a storage position on top of a closet (such as a walk-in style or other suitable closet) or ceiling space and an access position below the top of a closet or ceiling space.

In some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 may comprise any suitable components that allow the shelf/storage unit 130 to store items and to be lowered and raised by the arms 120 extending and retracting as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 may comprise a shelf 131A or other suitable component that can movably connect to the arms 120 and can receive and hold a storage container such that the storage container can be raised to a storage position above or at the top of a closet and lowered to an access position adjacent to (e.g., in front of or beside) the closet.

Alternately, in some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 may comprise any suitable storage container or other suitable component that can receive and store items (e.g., clothing, household items, office supplies, etc.) and can movably connect to the arms 120 such that the storage container can be raised to a storage position above or at the top of a closet and lowered to an access position adjacent to (e.g., in front of or beside) the closet.

In some implementations, the storage container of the shelf/storage unit 130 (“storage container 130”) may be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 the storage container 130 (130A) may be generally rectangular shaped and accessible from a top or side opening when the top shelf butler system 100 (200) is in the access position.

In some implementations, the storage container 130 (130A) may comprise any suitable components. For example, in some implementations, the storage container 130 (130A) may comprise a cover, lid, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the shelf/storage unit 130 is configured to movably (e.g., rotatably) connect to the arms 120 such that the shelf/storage unit 130 is lowered to an access position and raised to a storage position by the arms 120 as the moveable unit 110 moves forward and backwards along the track 140, respectively, such as by the components described above.

In some implementations, the one or more tracks or guide rails 140 may be any suitable tracks, guide rails, or other suitable component that can be attached on top of a closet or ceiling space and to which the moveable unit 110 can be movably attached such that the moveable unit 110 can move forward (e.g., towards the front or one side of the closet) and backwards (e.g., towards the back or other side of the closet) along the track 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the track 140 may comprise one or components that are attached (e.g., to a suitable adjacent wall or other location) adjacent to the top of a closet or ceiling space and extend, for example, between the front and back sides, left and right sides, etc. of the closet or ceiling space.

In some implementations, the track 140 may comprise any suitable components. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the track 140 may comprise one or more rails, tubing, etc.

In some implementations, the track 140 (240) may be any suitable size, shape, and/or configuration, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the track 140 may comprise one or more rails, tubing, etc. in a U-shaped configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in some implementations, the track 140 is configured to attach on top of a closet or ceiling space and to movably attach to the moveable unit 110 such that the moveable unit 110 can move forward (e.g., towards the front or one side of the closet) and backwards (e.g., towards the back or other side of the closet) along the track 140.

As introduced above, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise more than one track or guide rail 140. For example, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise a track or guide rail 140 for each moveable unit 110 that the top shelf butler system 100 comprises, such as positioned on opposite sides of the top shelf butler system 100.

As introduced above, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further comprise one or more manual operation devices. For example, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise a manual operation device for each moveable unit 110 that the top shelf butler system 100 comprises.

In some implementations, the manual operation device may comprise any suitable mechanism, device, components, etc. that can assist the movement of the moveable unit 110 forward and backwards along the track 140 to use the top shelf butler system 100 to move the shelf/storage unit 130 between a storage position on top of a closet or ceiling space and an access position below the top of the closet or ceiling space. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in some implementations, the manual operation device comprises a pull-strap, rope, handle, etc. 151 that can be used to assist to move the moveable unit 110 and thereby the shelf/storage unit 130 to use the top shelf butler system 100.

In some implementations, the manual operation device may further be configured to operate in conjunction with the above-described torsion spring 112 and/or anchored cable 113 to further assist in the manual operation of the top shelf butler system 100. In some implementations, the manual operation device may alternately also comprise the above-described torsion spring 112 and/or anchored cable 113 instead of being comprised by the moveable unit 110.

As introduced above, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further or alternately comprise one or more motorized (or automatic) operation devices. For example, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may comprise a motorized operation device for each moveable unit 110 that the top shelf butler system 100 comprises.

In some implementations, the automatic operation device may comprise any suitable mechanism, device, components, etc. that can automatically (e.g., electro-mechanically) move the moveable unit 110 forward and backwards along the track 140 to use the top shelf butler system 100 to move the shelf/storage unit 130 between a storage position on top of a closet or ceiling space and an access position below the top of the closet or ceiling space. For example, in some implementations, the automatic operation device may comprise one or more motors, power supplies, and controllers such that the automatic operation device can be used to move the moveable unit 110 and thereby the shelf/storage unit 130 to use the top shelf butler system 100.

In some implementations, the automatic operation device may further be configured to operate in conjunction with the above-described torsion spring 112 and/or anchored cable 113 to further assist in the automatic operation of the top shelf butler system 100. In some implementations, the automatic operation device may alternately also comprise the above-described torsion spring 112 and/or anchored cable 113 instead of being comprised by the moveable unit 110.

As introduced above, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may further comprise one or more mounting strips 170. In some implementations, the mounting strip 170 may comprise any suitable mechanism, components, etc. that allows the top shelf butler system 100 to be installed (e.g., attached, mounted, etc.) at the top of or above a closet or ceiling space, such as to any suitable wall, ceiling, or other location. For example, in some implementations, the mounting strip 170 may comprise any suitable mechanism, components, etc. that allows the top shelf butler system 100 to installed using fasteners, adhesive, or any other suitable way of attachment.

In some implementations, the mounting strip 170 may also comprise a wiring path (raceway, etc.) that can be used, for example, to route power, control, etc. to the automatic operation device or any other suitable component of the top shelf butler system 100.

In some implementations, the mounting strip 170 may be any other suitable shape, size, and/or configuration.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 is a moveable shelf/storage system that positions a shelf/storage unit 130 on top of a closet to hold blankets, towels, toiletries, etc. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 is moveable to position the shelf/storage unit 130 in a storage position and an extended position.

In some implementations, in the storage position, the shelf/storage unit 130 sits on top of a closet (such as a walk-in style or other suitable closet) or topmost shelf. In some implementations, in the storage position, the content stored in the shelf/storage unit 130 may not be accessible because it is too high and therefore not reachable.

In some implementations, in the extended position, the shelf/storage unit 130 is pushed away from the closet and lowered to a position so that the content in the shelf/storage unit 130 can be accessed.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be positioned at the top (or ceiling space) in a (e.g., traditional) closet that is integrated (e.g., built) into the wall of a building (such as a home or office).

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be positioned on top of a closet that has storage space (such as shelf or loft space) above it that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be positioned on top of a modular or stand-alone closet, cabinet, etc. that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be positioned on top of a kitchen cabinet, closet, pantry, etc. that is positioned in a room or other suitable location of a building.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be positioned in any other suitable location such that the shelf/storage unit 130 can be positioned by the top shelf butler system 100 in the (typically high up, inaccessible, unreachable) storage position and moved by the top shelf butler system 100 to the (typically lower down, accessible, reachable) access position.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can be attached to any suitable wall, ceiling, or other location.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may be movable forward and backward in any other suitable way than described herein, such as by any other suitable device mechanism, device, configuration, etc.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may be extendable to raise and lower a storage container in any other suitable way than described herein, such as by any other suitable device mechanism, device, configuration, etc.

FIG. 4 illustrates other implementations of an example top shelf butler system 100A (collectively referred to below as the “top shelf butler system 100”) according to the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100A is the same or similar to the top shelf butler system 100 described herein for FIGS. 1-3. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100A comprises one or more moveable units 110A each having one or more arms 120A, a shelf and/or storage unit (shelf/storage unit) 130A, and one or more tracks or guide rails 140A that are the same or similar respectively to the one or more moveable units 110 each having one or more arms 120, the shelf/storage unit 130, and one or more tracks or guide rails 140 of the top shelf butler system 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

Furthermore, in some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100A of FIG. 4 that are the same or similar respectively to the one or more manual operation devices and/or one or more motorized (or automatic) operation devices of the top shelf butler system 100 of FIGS. 1-3.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 comprises any suitable dimensions.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 is composed of any suitable materials, such as plastic, metal, wood, etc.

In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 can have any suitable appearance, such as shown in the above-described figures.

In some implementations, an example method of using the top shelf butler system 100, with respect to the above-described figures, comprises installing (e.g., attaching, mounting, etc.) the top shelf butler system 100 at the top of or above a closet or ceiling space. In some implementations, the top shelf butler system 100 may be installed using one or more mounting strips 170.

In some implementations, the method further comprises manually or automatically operating the top shelf butler system 100 (such as described above) to cause the moveable unit 110 to move forward along the track 140 and the arms 120 to extend to thereby move and lower the shelf/storage unit 130 for access.

In some implementations, the method further comprises accessing the shelf/storage unit 130. For example, in some implementations, items are inserted, removed, or otherwise accessed from the storage container component of the shelf/storage unit 130 for storage.

In some implementations, the method further comprises manually or automatically operating the top shelf butler system 100 (such as described above) to cause the moveable unit 110 to move backward along the track 140 and the arms 120 to retract to thereby raise and move the shelf/storage unit 130 for storage at the top of or above the closet or ceiling space.

I claim a top shelf butler system comprising one or more moveable units each having one or more arms, a shelf and/or storage unit (shelf/storage unit), and one or more tracks or guide rails, and further comprising one or more manual operation devices, one or more motorized (or automatic) operation devices, and/or one or more mounting strips.

I claim a method of using the top shelf butler system comprising installing the top shelf butler system at the top of or above a closet or ceiling space, operating the top shelf butler system to place it in the access configuration, accessing the storage container attached to the top shelf butler system, and operating the top shelf butler system to place it in the storage configuration.

The figures, including photographs and drawings, comprised herewith may represent one or more implementations of the top shelf butler system.

Details shown in the figures, such as dimensions, descriptions, etc., are exemplary, and there may be implementations of other suitable details according to the present disclosure.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is comprised in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.

While operations may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results.

Claims

1. A movable storage unit comprising: storage unit;a track; anda movable unit configured to move forward and backwards along the track, whereinthe storage unit is connected to the moveable unit that has an arm component that connects to the storage unit wherein the arms are configured to extend and retract to lower and raise the storage unit as the moveable unit moves forward and backwards along the track, respectively; andas the moveable unit moves forward along a track, the arms are configured to extend to lower the storage unit; andas the moveable unit moves backward along the track, the arms retract to raise the storage unit.

2. The movable storage unit of claim 1 further comprising a counterweight attached to the storage unit.