Articulatable storage organizer

Abstract

A storage device allows for the storage of items (such as garments and the like) in an upper area of a wall that is generally otherwise inaccessible without use of an access aid. The storage device features a frame having a storage support is pivotably secured to the vertical face of a wall which moves between an elevated position wherein the storage support is elevated with respect to the wall and a lowered position wherein the storage support is at a height that is easily accessible. The storage device further includes balancing means (for example, one or more gas struts or the like) that urges the frame towards the elevated and lowered positions. Optionally, the storage device further includes a torque-adjusting device that increases or decreases the torque exerted against the balancing means, thereby adjusting for various loads such that the storage device moves in a predefined manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/630,143, filed Nov. 23, 2004, which is fully incorporated hereby by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to storage units and more particularly, relates to storage units articulately mounted to a wall.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Existing products commonly found in the marketplace include clothes rods that may be affixed to a wall on either end or that are suspended underneath a shelf, usually at an elevation of approximately six feet from the floor. Some clothes rod installations may include a dual rod “stacked” arrangement with an upper and lower rod. In these “stacked” arrangements, the higher rod is typically at an elevation of approximately six feet from the floor and the lower rod is typically at an elevation of approximately three feet. The “drop” (i.e., the distance between the rod and the closest object beneath the rod) is typically approximately three feet for both the higher and lower rod.

While these known clothes rod arrangements are extremely popular, they suffer from several limitations. For example, these known clothes rod arrangements fail to utilize all the existing space. As mentioned, the upper rod is typically at an elevation of approximately six feet from the floor. However, most interior rooms are typically eight feet or taller in height. Consequently, height above the upper rod (which is typically at least two feet or more) which constitutes potential storage space is not utilized or is under utilized at best.

Placing the upper rod any higher than six feet also presents problems. For example, shorter people and those with disabilities often have difficulty reaching the upper rod even at a height of six feet. It is often necessary for these people to utilize step stools, ladders, clothing hooks, and the like (i.e., assisting devices) to facilitate access to the upper rods. Unfortunately, these assisting devices constitute a well-documented safety hazard, especially for people with disabilities.

Another disadvantage of the known clothes rod arrangements is that there is often not enough space beneath the rods to allow longer objects (such as dresses and the like) to hang freely. For example, in the stacked arrangement, the drop is typically only three feet. Many dresses, for example, are significantly longer than three feet. As a result, these garments must often be folded or stored elsewhere.

Accordingly, what is needed is an apparatus that allows efficient use of substantially all the available storage space. The device should allow for easy access to everything stored without the need of assisting devices. Additionally, the device should preferably maximize the drop between rods, thereby facilitating storing longer objects such as dresses and the like.

It is important to note that the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated objects or features of the invention. It is also important to note that the present invention is not limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present invention, which is not to be limited except by the following claims.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the present invention features a storage device for storing at least one article. The storage device features a mount adapted to be secured to a vertical face of a wall. A first end of a frame is pivotably secured to the mount such that the frame pivots about a substantially vertical axis of the wall between an elevated position and a lowered position. At least one article support member is secured to a second end of the frame. The article support member is adapted to support at least one article (such as a garment or the like) and optionally includes a support rod. The support rod is preferably disposed substantially perpendicular to the frame and is preferably adjustable in length (for example, the support rod may be telescopic). Additionally, balancing means are connected to the frame that urges the frame towards the elevated position and towards the lowered position. When the storage device is disposed in the elevated position, the article support member is disposed at a height greater than when the storage device is disposed in the lowered position.

The frame preferably includes at least two side members. The article support member is connected proximate first ends of the side members and at least two mounts are connected proximate second ends of the side members. Optionally, the frame further includes a bottom tube connected proximate the second ends of the two side members.

The balancing means preferably includes at least one gas strut, and optionally includes at least two gas struts arranged such that they are substantially opposed to each other. The storage device may include an adjustable torque mechanism that adjusts a torque exerted by the frame against the balancing means. The adjustable torque mechanism preferably features at least one weight moveably connected along the frame. A torque sensing mechanism preferably automatically adjusts the torque against the balancing means such that the storage device moves in a predetermined manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings herein:

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the storage device in a raised position according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the storage device in a raised position according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of one embodiment of the storage device in a lowered position according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the storage device in a lowered position according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the storage device having a torque adjusting mechanism in a raised position according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the storage device having a torque adjusting mechanism in a lower position according to the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of another embodiment of the storage device having a torque adjusting mechanism according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to one embodiment, the present invention features a storage device 10, FIG. 1, adapted to be secured to a wall 12 that includes an articulable storage rod 14 moveable between a lifted or upper position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a lowered position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The storage device 10 allows items (such as, but not limited to, clothing and the like) to be stored in the area of the wall 12 that is generally too high for most people to easily access and which is often wasted space or at best under utilized. The storage device 10 achieves this by storing the items on the wall near the ceiling in a lifted or upper position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and then lowering the items to a height that is easily accessible when in the lowered position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The storage rod 14 may have a fixed length, or alternatively has an adjustable length. In the preferred embodiment, ends 15 of the storage rod 14 are telescopic such that the overall length of the storage rod 14 may be adjusted. It is important to note that the storage rod 14 may also include other devices storing or holding objects such as, but not limited to, storage containers or bins (which may be either permanently or removably mounted to the storage device 10), shelves, and the like.

The storage device 10 also features a frame 13 that is secured to the wall 12 with at least one mount 18 such as, but not limited to, a bushing (for example a ball-bearing bushing or the like) disposed within housing. The storage rod 14 is secured proximate a distal end 54 of the frame 13, preferably substantially parallel to the wall 12.

The frame 13 optionally includes a bottom tube 16 that is pivotably mounted to the wall 12 by the mounts 18 and at least one side bar 20 (preferably two or more). In the exemplary embodiment, the side bars 20 secure the storage rod 14 to the bottom tube 16 such that the storage rod 14 and side bars 20 pivot with the bottom bar 16 about a longitudinal axis A of the bottom bar 16. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the side bars 20 may be pivotably secured to the wall 12 using the mount 18 without the use of the bottom tube 16.

At least one dampener 22 and biasing device 24 (for example, but not limited to a strut, shock, or the like) is secured to the bottom tube 16 and to the wall 12. Alternatively, the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 may be secured directly to the side bar 20. In practice, the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 impart a force against the rotation of bottom tube 16, and consequently against the movement of the side bars 20 and ultimately against the storage rod 14 which provide control of the storage device 10 and aid the user while raising or lowering the storage rod 14. The dampening and biasing forces provided by the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 will vary depending on the dimensions of the storage device 10 as well as the load of the storage items, and is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art.

While the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 are shown as separate devices, the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 may also be combined into a single device. Additionally, automatically adjustable dampeners and biasing devices may be utilized. The storage device 10 may optionally feature a handle or the like 17 to aid in moving the storage device 10 between the lifted position and the lowered position.

According to another embodiment, the present invention features a storage device 10, FIGS. 5-7, having an adjustable torque biasing mechanism 50 to aid in controlling the movement of the storage rod 14 and the storage items contained thereon. In practice, the torque biasing mechanism 50 works by adding or reducing the torque T exerted against the dampener 22 and biasing device 24. By adjusting the torque T, the force exerted by the user to move the storage rod 14 can be adjusted for different storage loads.

According to the preferred embodiment, the torque biasing mechanism 50 preferably includes at least one weight 52, FIGS. 5 and 6, which is moveably disposed along at least one of the side members 20. If the storage rod 14 is difficult to move from the lifted position to the lowered position or returns from the lowered position to the lifted position too quickly (e.g., the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 are exerting too much force), the weight 52 is moved towards the distal end 54 (i.e., the end of the side members 20 furthest away from the pivot point 60). The addition of more weight further from the pivot point 60 increases the torque T exerted against the dampener 22 and biasing device 24, thereby causing the storage rod 14 to move towards the lowered position more easily or towards the lifted position more slowly. In contrast, should the storage rod 14 move from the lifted position to the lowered position too fast or if too much force is required by the user to return the storage device 10 from the lowered position to the lifted position (e.g., the force exerted by the dampener 22 and biasing device 24 is too small), the weight 52 can be moved toward the proximate end 56 of the side members 20 (i.e., closer to the pivot point 60), thereby reducing the torque T. Alternatively, the torque biasing mechanism 50, FIG. 7, may include an electric or pneumatically operated device 70 such as, but not limited to, a motor or piston.

The torque biasing mechanism 50 may also include a torque adjusting mechanism 60. The torque adjusting mechanism senses the loads exerted on the storage device 10 including, but not limited to, the loads exerted by the dampener 22 and biasing device 24, the storage items, as well as the torque biasing mechanism 50, and adjusts the torque T of the torque biasing mechanism 50 such that the storage device 10 moves in a predetermined manner. Alternatively, the torque biasing mechanism 50 may be manually adjusted.

As mentioned above, the present invention is not intended to be limited to a system or method which must satisfy one or more of any stated or implied object or feature of the invention and should not be limited to the preferred, exemplary, or primary embodiment(s) described herein. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as is suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims when interpreted in accordance with breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

Claims

1. A storage device for storing at least one article, said storage device comprising:

a mount adapted to be secured to a vertical face of a wall;

a frame having a first end pivotably secured to said mount such that said frame pivots about a substantially vertical axis of said wall between an elevated position and a lowered position;

at least one article support member secured to a second end of said frame, said article support member adapted to support said at least one article; and

balancing means connected to said frame for urging said frame towards said elevated position and towards said lowered position, whereby when said storage device is disposed in said elevated position, said article support member is disposed at a height greater than when said storage device is disposed in said lowered position.

2. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one article support member includes a support rod.

3. The storage device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said support rod is disposed substantially perpendicular to said frame.

4. The storage device as claimed in claim 3 wherein a length of said support rod is adjustable.

5. The storage device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said support rod is telescopic.

6. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said frame include at least two side members, wherein said article support member is connected proximate first ends of said at least two side members and at least two mounts are connected proximate second ends of said side members.

7. The storage device as claimed in claim 6 further including a bottom tube connected proximate said second ends of said at least two side members.

8. The storage device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said at least two mounts are secured to said bottom tube such that said bottom tube rotates within at least two mounts.

9. The storage device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said at least two mounts include ball-bearings mounts.

10. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said balancing means includes at least one gas strut.

11. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said balancing means includes at least two gas struts, wherein said gas struts are arranged such that they are substantially opposed to each other.

12. The storage device as claimed in claim 1 further including an adjustable torque mechanism, said adjustable torque mechanism adjusts a torque exerted by said frame against said balancing means.

13. The storage device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said adjustable torque mechanism includes at least one weight moveably connected along said frame.

14. The storage device as claimed in claim 13 further including a torque sensing mechanism, said torque sensing mechanism automatically adjusting said torque against said balancing means such that said storage device moves in a predetermined manner.

15. A storage organizer comprising:

a first and at least a second mount adapted to be secured to a vertical face of a wall;

a moveable frame including: a rod support; and a first and a second side support member each having a first end disposed substantially perpendicular to said rod support and a second end pivotably secured to said first and said second mounts, respectively, wherein said frame extends generally outwardly from said vertical face of said wall and pivots about a substantially vertical axis of said wall between an elevated position wherein said rod support is disposed at a first height and a lowered position wherein said rod support is disposed in a second height, said second height being less than said first height; and

balancing means connected to frame for urging frame towards said elevated position and towards said lowered position.

16. The storage organizer as claimed in claim 15 wherein a length of said rod support is adjustable.

17. The storage organizer as claimed in claim 15 wherein said balancing means includes at least two gas struts, wherein said gas struts are arranged such that they are substantially opposed to each other.

18. The storage organizer as claimed in claim 17 further including an adjustable torque mechanism, said adjustable torque mechanism adjusts a torque exerted by said frame against said balancing means.

19. The storage organizer as claimed in claim 18 wherein said adjustable torque mechanism includes at least one weight moveably connected along at least one of said side support members.

20. The storage organizer as claimed in claim 19 further including a torque sensing mechanism, said torque sensing mechanism automatically adjusting said torque against said balancing means such that said storage device moves in a predetermined manner.