Overhead storage device

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a mountable storage container for use on a variety of overhead surfaces. The storage container has a pair of end wall panels, and a pair of side wall panels extending between the end wall panels, and a protective tambour cover and locking system. The container is pivotally attached to the overhead surface between a stowed position, substantially parallel to the overhead surface, and an accessible position, substantially orthogonal to the overhead surface, which allows the user easy access to the contents of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed toward a mountable storage device for attachment to an overhead surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage container pivotally attached to an overhead surface by means of a mounting assembly. The storage container includes a tambour retractable cover and locking system for providing a safe enclosure while pivoting the storage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage containers are often a necessity for homeowners and industry alike. The accumulation of various objects and products give rise to a need for adequate storage of those items when not in use. Often these containers house seldom-used or seasonal items such as holiday decor, crafts, clothes, skis, and the like. Frequently, these containers are left on the ground, placed on shelves, or stacked atop each other, thus, taking up large volumes of valuable living space. Alternatively, containers are often placed in remote locations (i.e. closets, attics, cellars, etc), making ready access to them difficult. Furthermore, if left unsecured in a garage or shed, they are often subject to being stolen or damaged.

Therefore, the prior art has proposed a number of different containers that can be mounted to a various surfaces of a building that permit ready access to the contents while maximizing usable living space. For example, a typical overhead storage system involves a mounting assembly attached to a ceiling to which a storage container is pivotally secured. These containers are constructed such that the opening is along the surface adjacent the ceiling when in its “stowed” position. These containers often employ bungee cords, straps, ropes, or the like, to secure the contents to the interior surfaces of the container. Unfortunately, as these containers are pivoted from the stowed position to a position that is readily accessible to the user, the items contained therein often shift or become unsecured from their means of attachment. Consequently, these items could potentially fall onto the person and/or the floor beneath the container.

In addition, most of the prior art containers do not provide any means to lock the container opening, making the contents therein venerable to being used without permission, stolen, and/or damaged. This can be especially problematic if the items to be stored must be protected, such is the case with most hunting equipment (i.e. firearms, ammunition, etc). Furthermore, most covers used in combination with containers often require a large, unobstructed area for the cover to open adequately.

While some prior art overhead storage systems may utilize a liner to cover the opening of the container to prevent dust or infestation by pests (i.e. insects, rodents, etc) these liners are attached to the container opening with snaps or VELCO®, which are generally unable to prevent any large or heavy items contained therein from falling out should they come loose. Moreover, these liners cannot be locked. Thus, none of the known overhead container systems are equipped with a cover configured to protect the user from any falling objects inside the container during translation of the container between a generally horizontal and vertical position. Moreover, the cover should allow the user to readily open the container in the most crowded locations.

Tambour covers are known to provide an efficient use of space and enhanced durability. Tambour covers are flexible door panels comprised of a plurality of transverse ridges, strips, slates, pieces, or other structures that allow the closure to flex along the transverse axis. In one type of tambour closure, a plurality of rigid strips are arranged in parallel fashion and glued to a flexible backing material that allow the tambour closure to bend. Another type of tambour closure is made from a plurality of strips molded to each other via flex joints (i.e. living hinges). These flex joints allow for flexing of the tambour closure. Often, these tambour closures have been molded as a unitary piece. Tambour closures reciprocally travel along an opening of a container, thus, do not require an unhindered opening clearance around the container. Tambour doors may be manufactured from a variety of strong materials, e.g. wood, plastic, metal or combinations thereof.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an overhead mountable storage system that utilizes a container cover, which permits safe and easy access to the contents therein. The cover should be durable and provide unobtrusive access to the interior of the container. In addition, the mountable storage container should comprise a locking system able to prevent theft while being capable of safely retracting and “hiding-away” when not in use, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are numerous commercially available overhead storage container systems are available to accommodate various items, none of the known overhead storage containers are equipped with a locking closure constructed to prevent items contained therein from falling out of the container and injuring the individual and/or braking, especially while the container is being pivoted between the stowed and accessible position.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,550,878 to Nott et al., teaches an overhead storage device that is pivotally or rotatably mounted to an overhead surface, such as a ceiling or a plurality of rafters. The storage container is supported by, and secured to, the frame assembly. The storage container is moved by a motorized actuator assembly between a generally vertical position, (i.e. open position), in which the container may be loaded or unloaded by the user and a generally horizontal position, (i.e. closed position), in which the storage container cradles the stored items. This patent does disclose a cloth cover may be attached to the container by beads and tabs, snaps, buttons, or hook and loop fasteners or the like to prevent stored items from becoming dusty or infested with pests. The patent fails to teach any cover means that will inhibit larger or heavy items contained therein from falling onto the user and/or the floor when pivoted between the open and closed position and/or any locking mechanism.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,088,239 and 6,411,525, both to Zeiss teach an overhead storage device adapted to be flush mounted onto a variety of ceilings. The storage container is selectively moveable from a first “closed” position against the ceiling to a second “open” position away from the ceiling. The bin may also be provided a removable, decorative liner to help seal the contents of the storage bin from dust and debris. Unlike the present invention, this prior art device does not provide a cover means constructed to prevent any items that may have shifted from falling out of the container opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,410, to Noellert teaches a storage unit that is interfaced with a suspended ceiling, wherein the articles are stored above the suspended ceiling. The suspended ceiling storage unit includes an outer frame that is dimensioned to rest upon the support lips of the runners of a rectilinear opening of the suspended ceiling, and an inner frame, which is pivotally connected with the outer frame and nested therewith in a common plane. The inner frame has a lower flange for supporting a ceiling panel, and further has connected thereto a storage member for holding articles. Optionally, articles can be placed upon article holding structures and held in place by elastic straps or bungee cords. The patent fails to teach or suggest any protective cover arranged over the container opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,725,293 to Wilkening teaches a pull-down, storage unit for use in overhead areas. The unit includes a bin and a frame for attaching the bin to a ceiling. The rear of the bin is pivotally suspended from the frame and the front of the bin is releasably secured to the frame by a cable and catch system and may be moved between a raised “closed” position and a lowered “open” position. The patent fails to teach or suggest any means of cover or locking means.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,280 to Feddeler teaches a storage basket arranged for pivoted mounting to a ceiling structure such as in a garage and the like. Support flanges pivotally mount the basket with the support flanges including latch means for securing the basket in a horizontal orientation and wherein an actuation means is provided to selectively release the latch means to permit pivotal movement of the basket to a vertical orientation. The basket is formed of mesh sides as well as a mesh floor and mesh end walls. Shelf frame members are mounted within the basket structure with a partition frame movably mounted within the basket to provide for adjustment of the storage division within the basket.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,261 to Mercer teaches a storage container for attachment to the enclosed ceiling of a room. The container has an upper and lower portion with the portions being hinged together. An over-center linkage including a tension spring, connects the upper and lower portions and a pivot pin in the linkages engages a portion of the linkage to act as a physical stop to inhibit movement thereof.

All of the aforementioned prior art devices fail to teach or suggest the use of a storage container that utilizes a highly unobtrusive, cooperating cover designed to prevent any stowed items from falling onto the user and/or the floor below while the container is pivoted or at the lowered position. Also, the cooperating cover should provide security and dependable access to the contents of the container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mountable storage container for use on a variety of overhead surfaces (i.e. ceiling rafters, joists, drywall, or the like). The storage container has a pair of opposing end wall panels and a pair of opposing side wall panels that extend between the end wall panels, all of which are attached at one edge to a bottom panel. The side and end wall panel edges opposite the bottom surface define the container opening, or ingress. The container is pivotally attached to an overhead surface via a mounting assembly. The container pivots between a horizontal, or stowed position, substantially parallel to the overhead surface, and a vertical position substantially orthogonal to the overhead surface. The container opening is covered by a sturdy, flexible closure. The preferred flexible cover is of a tambour-type, as tambour covers are known to provide efficient of use of space and enhanced durability.

The container includes a rotatable handle operatively connected to a rotor assembly by an elongated rod such that rotation of the handle in one direction extends the locking bars outwardly, both right and left, engaging and disengaging the locking rods against respective apertures in the mounting assembly, thus, precluding said container from pivoting from the stowed position. The handle and tambour door can both include a securing means to prevent rotation of the handle or opening of the tambour cover. In a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, a motorized actuator is attached to both the container and a mounting assembly and controlled by a control assembly. The control assembly can be remotely located.

In one embodiment, the tambour-type door is wound around a central spool located at one end of the container when in the open position and unwound therefrom when in the closed position, thus substantially covering the container opening. The outer side edges of the tambour-type door not attached to the spool are slidingly received within a track or channel. In an alternative embodiment, all of the side edges of the tambour door are received within a track, or channel, located along the outer perimeter of the container sidewalls.

Accordingly, it is the principle objective of the instant invention to teach a locking, overhead storage unit with a protective, space-saving closure.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a tambour door that allows the user easy access to the contents of the storage container without requiring large volumes of unobstructed space necessary for opening outwardly projecting doors.

Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an overhead mountable storage container that is aesthetically appealing to consumers.

Yet another objective of the instant invention is to teach a mountable storage container with at least one locking system able to thwart theft or unauthorized use of the contents therein.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the instant invention comprising a mounting assembly and storage container having a partially open tambour cover;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the tambour cover in the closed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container, with the tambour cover in the closed position, in a substantially vertical position relative to the mounting surface;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the storage container in a substantially horizontal position relative to the mounting surface;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the storage container with attached tambour cover spool, spindle and control mechanism used to open and close the tambour cover;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the storage container, as shown in FIG. 5, with the tambour cover wound onto and held by the winding spool;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, as seen from the first end of the storage container;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second side of the storage container illustrating the rotor assembly with operatively connected handle and locking members that extend or retract upon rotation of the handle;

FIG. 11 is bottom view of the storage container which illustrates the handle and elongated rod releasably engaged within a recessed portion fashioned on the bottom panel;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of the storage container, as seen from the second end, which illustrates an actuator means positioned within a recess located along sidewalls of the container;

FIG. 13 is perspective view of the interior surfaces of the storage container illustrating an array of channels, rails, apertures, modular shelves, drawer assemblies, racks, hooks, bungee cords and combinations thereof for securing and storing items therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed embodiments of the instant invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional and structural details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. clearer

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, wherein like elements are numbered consistently throughout, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an overhead storage device, generally referred to as 10. The storage device 10 includes a mounting assembly 12 securely attached to any mountable surface 14, for example, ceiling beams 16.

FIG. 1 illustrates the storage container 18 having two opposing side wall panels 20, 21, a first end panel 22 opposite a second end panel 23. The side wall panels 20, 21 extending between the first and second end panels 22, 23 located a first end 24 and a second end 26 of the container 18, respectively. Each of the end panels 22, 23 and side panels 20, 21 are integrally connected along one edge to a bottom panel 28, thus, defining the interior of the container 18. The edges of the side and end panels 20-23 not attached to the bottom panel 28 define the opening 58 of the container 18.

FIG. 2 illustrates the container 18 closed with a tambour cover 30 constructed from a plurality of strips 54 that are molded to each other by flexible joints 56 (i.e. living hinges). It is contemplated herein that the rigid strips 54 could be glued to a flexible backing material (not shown) to provide extra rigidity to the cover. The tambour cover 30 is constructed and arranged to substantially cover the opening 58. The interior volume of the container 18 is constructed and arranged to store at least one storage item therein (FIG. 13).

The side, end, and bottom panels 20-23, 28 may be formed from a single or variety of durable materials known to those skilled in the art (i.e. plastic, metal, etc). However, in a particularly preferred embodiment at least a portion of the panels 20-23, 28 is constructed from wood (i.e. oak, cedar) for their inherent desiccant properties, or cheaper woods (i.e. plywood, particle board, fiber board, etc), as they are more cost effective. The exterior or interior surfaces of side 20, 21, end panels 22, 23, and bottom panels 28 may include excess material, i.e. ribs (not shown), which are known to those skilled in the art to increase the overall strength and rigidity of the container 18. Moreover, the exterior and/or interior surfaces of the panels 20-23, 28 may include decorative treatments, water-proofing treatments, colors, designs, and the like, known to those having skill in the art.

In alternative embodiment, portions of container panels 20-23, 28 and/or tambour-type cover 30 could be constructed from a transparent material (i.e. plastic, glass, etc) or provided with apertures therein, such that the user could readily identify the items contained therein without having to open the cover 30. This can alert the user to any items that have become unsecured and could potentially fall out of the container 18 prior to opening the cover 30. Additionally, the transparent material or apertures could function to permit transmission of electromagnetic signals (IR, LASER, etc) should the container 18 house remotely controlled mechanisms. These apertures could be constructed and sized to provide electrical cords or cables to supply power to any electronic components (light, stereo, etc) housed within the container 18.

The container 18 is pivotable between a generally vertical position, shown in FIG. 3, relative to the mounting surface in which the ingress of container is available to the user, to a generally horizontal (i.e. stowed) position, shown in FIG. 4, whereby the covered ingress is inaccessible to the user. The overhead storage device 10 can be of any desired length, width or height depending on the items to be stored. For example, the interior of the container 18 could be 5 ft to 14 ft in length to accommodate longer items such as, fishing rods, skis, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the overhead storage device 10 is of such a height as to allow most motor vehicles to fit below the stowed storage container 18 in an average 10 ft high garage.

As will be apparent from the drawings, side panels 20,21 and end panels 22,23 and the tambour cover 30 fully enclose the items contained therein, such that they are not accessible from outside of the enclosure when the container 18 is the lowered position and cover 30 is fully closed. Those skilled in the art will recognize this arrangement precludes any items not properly attached to interior of the container 18 from falling out of the opening 58 of the container 18 when it is moved between the stowed and accessible position. Additionally, the tambour cover 30 allows the user to fully open the container 18 without needing any clearance surrounding the container 18 when in its lowered position.

In one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tambour cover 30, (not shown in FIG. 5 for clarity), can be disposed and arranged to be wound around at least one spool 32 when in the open position. The spool 32 is located at the first end 24 of the container 18 and is mounted for rotation about a spindle 34 coupled to the opposing side panels 20 the container 18. The spindle 34 is constructed to support the tambour door 30 in its fully rolled up, or open, configuration. The spool 32 includes a control mechanism 36, (i.e. spring) helically wound about the surface of the spindle 34, with one end of the spring 36 being secured to the surface of the spindle 34 and the other end of the spring 36 coupled to a spring adjustment means 42. The spring tension adjustment means 42 has a housing component and is utilized for adjusting the necessary tension of the spring 36 at the time assembly of the container 18. The spring 36 provides the rotary tension through stored potential energy to create a balance for the tambour door 30.

At least one end of the tambour door 30 is affixed to the spindle 34 through at least spool 32 and the tambour door edges not affixed to the spindle 34 are configured to slide within a receiving track 44, or channel, formed along the outer perimeter of the side walls 20, 21 of the container 18 to its partially extended position (FIG. 6). The tambour door 30 will travel along the receiving track 44 to close the opening 58 of the container 18 when in its extended position, when moved in the direction indicated by arrow A.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 1 which illustrates a tambour cover 30 without a spindle arrangement, the tambour cover 30 is constructed such that when in the closed position the tambour door edges slide within substantially straight tracks 46, or channels, located along the longitudinal length of the upper and bottom surfaces of the opposing sidewalls 20, 21 of the container. At the first end 24 of the container, the straight portions of track 46 are integrally connected to unshaped rails 46a, or channels, at the outer edges of the side panels 20, 21 located at the first end 24 of the container 18, such that the tambour door edges slide along the first end 24, parallel to the bottom panel 28, as indicated by arrow B when opening the cover 30 and as indicated by B′when closing cover.

As shown in the cross sectional view in FIG. 7, as seen from the first end 24 of the container 18, the lower surface of the container 18 could comprise at least one protector panel 48, along the first side 24 and bottom panel 28 which serves to protect the tracks 46, 46a located at the first end 24 of the container 18 from damage during assembly and use of the storage container 18. Additionally, the protector panel 48 prevents an individual from inadvertently contacting tracks 46, 46a and becoming injured during operation of the tambour cover 30.

Either of the aforementioned embodiments of tambour covers 30 can include an integrally formed handle 53, illustrated in FIG. 2, that will aid in opening and closing. Additionally, the handle 53 can be sized such that it serves to limit the amount of cover 30 able to be withdrawn into the spindle 34 and/or along track 46a when in the fully opened position. In an alternate embodiment, not illustrated herein, the tambour cover 30 could be arranged such that the tracks 46, or channels, are arranged substantially parallel to the end panels 22, 23, thus, the tambour cover 30 translates in a generally horizontal direction between sidewalls 20, 21 when opened and closed.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, at the upper surface of the first end 24 of the storage container 18 there can be integrally formed at least one securing member shown as, albeit not limited to a plurality of vertical container brackets 51, pivotally attached by a hinge arrangement 52 to the underside of mounting assembly 12. The mounting assembly 12 is depicted herein as having at least one mounting bracket 70 located at first end 60 of the mounting assembly 12. The mounting assembly 12 can be manufactured from any variety materials desired, such as, plastic, metal, wood, or combinations thereof. The mounting assembly 12 can be secured to the overhead structure 14 by any fastening means 140 (FIG. 1) known in the art, such as bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, lag bolts, or combinations thereof. The hinge arrangement 52 permits pivoting or rotating the storage container 18 between the accessible position shown in FIG. 3 and the stowed position illustrated in FIG. 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the hinge arrangement 52 comprises a single pin or hinge rod 68 that extends simultaneously though corresponding apertures 72 in the container brackets 70 and apertures 74 formed in mounting brackets 70, thus, pivotally attaching the securing mounting assembly 12 and securing member 50 together. In a preferred embodiment, the outer ends of the rod 68 are constructed and arranged to extend further than the width of the container for receipt of at least one cotter pin 82 (FIG. 1), or other means of attachment. This arrangement prevents the rod 68 from sliding through the apertures 72, 74.

It should be noted that the hinge arrangement could include a plurality of individual rods and coddle pins that extend through the apertures of the container brackets and apertures in mounting brackets, without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the mounting assembly 12 comprises a mounting plate 78 substantially the same width and length of container 18 and of an adequate thickness that is particularly suitable for use with larger and/or heavier storage containers 18. The mounting plate 78 includes a plurality of pre-drilled holes 80 at distances of 16 inches or 24 inches for standard on-center installation onto the rafters 16, thereby, increasing the structural strength by distributing the weight of the container 18 along the longitudinal length of the mounting plate 78.

In one embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the mounting assembly 12 could comprise a plurality of individual mounting strips 86 that engage the first end 24 and second end 26 of the container 18. The strips 86 including a plurality of pre-drilled holes 80 formed therein for attachment to the mounting surface 14.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the mounting assembly 12 comprises at least two separate pieces for attachment to the first and second end 24, 26 of the container 18. The first piece comprising at least one first mounting bracket 70, substantially orthogonal to the mounting surface, attached by the hinge arrangement 52 to said container bracket at said first end 24 of said container 18. The second piece 100 comprising at least two orthogonal extending locking members 88 attached to the mounting surface 14 at an appropriate distance for attachment to the second end 26 of the container 18. Each of the orthogonal extending locking members 88 includes apertures 90 located at the distal end thereof for receipt of actuating locking bars 94,95 located anywhere on the second end panel 23 of said container 18, as shown in FIG. 10. Such a disparate construction of the mounting assembly 12 in FIG. 9. can facilitate packaging and shipping.

It is noted that any of the aforementioned embodiments of the mounting assemblies 12 shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 8 include at least two orthogonal extending locking members 88 integrally formed at the second end 62 of the mounting assembly 12 for locking attachment to the second end 26 of said container 18.

FIG. 10 illustrates a handle 102 with attached elongated rod 104 operatively received in corresponding sized opening in the rotor assembly 96, such that rotation of the handle by the user in one direction extends the locking bars 94 outwardly, both right and left, engaging the locking bars 94 within their respective apertures 90, thereby precluding said container 18 from pivoting about the hinge arrangement 52. Similarly, rotation in the opposite direction retracts the locking bars 94 from their respective apertures 90, or apertures, and the storage container 18 is free to pivot about the hinge arrangement 52.

As shown from the side view of FIG. 4 and bottom view of FIG. 11 of the container 18, the handle 102 and elongated rod 104 can be releasably engaged within a recessed portion 106 fashioned on the bottom panel 28 or second side panel 23 for storage. Moreover, the handle 102 and rod 104 can be attached to any pull means 108 known in the art, (i.e. chain, string, cable, etc) which the user is able pull in order to release the handle 102 from the recessed portion 106 to a position substantially orthogonal to the surface of the bottom panel 28, when the container 18 is in the stowed position (FIG. 4). The handle 102 and rod 104 can then be rotated to disengage the locking bars 94 and/or used to manually control the rate at which the container 18 is pivoted between the stowed and lowered position. The user can use the handle/rod 102, 104 combination to provide an upward resistance to counterbalance the weight of the container 18 and slowly lower the container 18 to the vertical position. Similarly, the handle/rod 102, 104 combination can be used to push the container 18 into the stowed position.

To prevent access to stored contents within the container 18, a securing means 110 (i.e. lock, latch, bolt or the like) can be associated with the handle 102, or along the elongated rod 104, that will prevent rotation of the rotor assembly 96 when container 18 is in the stowed position (FIG. 10). An additional securing means 112 (FIG. 2) can also be utilized to prohibit translation of the tambour cover 30 along the sidewalls of the container 18, as well known in the art. This enables the safe storage of items such as firearms, hazardous chemicals, and dangerous tools therein.

With reference to FIG. 3, the storage assembly 10 can include an actuator means 114 capable of controlling the pivot motion of the storage container 18 between a generally horizontal and vertical position. The actuator means 114 can comprise at least one telescoping cylinder 116 (gas or spring operated) or scissor hinge (not shown), or combinations thereof, pivotally attached at one end to the mounting assembly 12 and the other end to the storage container 18, preferably along sidewalls 20, 21. The relationship between the hinge assembly 52 and the actuator means 114 will control the rate at which the container 18 is lowered from the stowed and accessible position.

In an especially preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 12 which shown a cross section of the container 18, as seen from the second end 26, the actuator means 114 is positioned within an appropriately configured recess 115 created by lip 117 located along sidewalls 20, 21. The recess 115 could include a track 134 (FIG. 3) attached thereto for sliding attachment to one end of the actuator means 114, (i.e. roller) . One of ordinary skill would recognize that with such an arrangement that the container 18 slides smoothly from the stowed position to the accessible position. Additionally, such a configuration would maximize the space beneath the container and create a pleasing appearance when the container is in the stowed position.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the actuator means 114 comprises a motor 122 controlled by a control assembly 118 constructed and arranged to operatively connect and disconnect at least one power source 120 to and from an actuator means 114. The control assembly 118 connects the power source 120 to the actuator means 114 to cause pivotal movement of the container 18 in relation to the mounting assembly 12 for powered movement of the container 18 between the generally vertical and generally horizontal positions. Conversely, the control assembly 118 disconnects the power source 120 from the actuator 114 to prevent pivotal movement of the container 18 in relation to the mounting plate 12. This can be accomplished during any point during translation of the container as desired by the user. Preferably, operation of said control assembly 118 can be remotely controlled by an electromagnetic signal or manual switch, or other means known to those skilled in the art.

With reference to FIG. 13 which illustrate the interior surfaces of the side, end and bottom panels 20-23, 28 of the container 18 may include an array of channels 122, rails 124, apertures 126, or combinations thereof, for attachment of commercially available units which include, albeit not limited to, modular shelves 128, drawer assemblies 130, racks 132, hooks 134, bungee cords 136, ropes 142 and combinations thereof, which can be removed and reconfigured as desired by the user to store different sized items (fishing rods, rifles, etc.) therein. This allows substantial flexibility of the storage container 18 such that the items contained therein can be mounted in different orientations as desired.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A mountable storage device for attachment to an overhead structure comprising:

a mounting assembly having a first end and a second end constructed and arranged for secure attachment to said overhead structure;

a storage container having two opposing side wall panels, two opposing end panels at a first end and a second end of said container, respectively, and extending between said side wall panels, each of said end panels and said wall panels attached to a bottom panel, and a tambour cover defining an interior of said container, said interior being constructed and arranged for receipt of at least one storage item, said tambour cover being constructed and arranged to reciprocally transverse about the perimeter of said opposing side wall panels to provide access to said interior of said container when said cover is in an open position;

at least one securing member integrally formed at said first end of said container and in pivotal engagement with said mounting assembly to enable pivotal movement of said storage container between a first generally horizontal position, substantially parallel to said overhead structure, and a second generally vertical position; whereby access to the interior of said container by an individual is provided.

2. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said second end of said container comprises a handle constructed and arranged to pivot said container between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.

3. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second end further includes a recessed portion for receipt of said handle.

4. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one securing member comprises at least one container bracket at said first end of said container and said mounting assembly comprises at least one mounting bracket at said first end of said mounting assembly, whereby said at least one container bracket is pivotally engaged with said at least one mounting bracket.

5. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 4, wherein said at least one container bracket and said at least one mounting bracket are constructed and arranged for receipt of a hinge pin therethrough for pivotal engagement of said first end of said container to said at least one mounting bracket.

6. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly comprises further comprises a mounting plate comprising a first end and a second end, said mounting plate including a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures located between said first and said second end for attachment to said overhead structure.

7. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said mounting plate further comprises a pair of orthogonal extending locking members integrally formed at said second end of said mounting plate for locking attachment to said second end of said container.

8. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said orthogonal extending locking members comprise an aperture at the distal end for receipt of an actuating locking bar constructed and arranged at said second end of said container when container is in said generally horizontal position, said locking bar is adapted to cooperate with a rotating handle, whereby rotation of said handle in one direction moves said locking bar into registration with said aperture thereby precluding said container from pivotal movement.

9. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 8, wherein handle comprises a securing means that selectively prevents rotation of said handle.

10. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said rotating handle is pivotally connected to said container at said second end.

11. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 10, wherein said second end includes a recessed portion for receipt of said handle.

12. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said tambour cover comprises a securing means that precludes movement of said tambour cover into said open position.

13. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 1, comprising an actuator means capable of controllably pivoting the storage container between said first generally horizontal and said second vertical position.

14. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 13, wherein said actuator means comprises at least one telescoping gas cylinder.

15. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 13, wherein at least one power source is constructed and arranged to cooperate with said actuator means to provide selective power assisted pivotal movement of said container in relation to said mounting assembly;

a control assembly constructed and arranged to operatively connect and disconnect said at least one power source to and from an actuator means, wherein operation of said control assembly connects said power source to said actuator to cause pivotal movement of said container in relation to said mounting assembly for powered movement of said container between said first generally horizontal position and said second generally vertical position, wherein operation of said control assembly in a second mode disconnects said electrical power source from said at least one power source.

16. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 15, wherein said control assembly is remotely located from said power source and said actuator means.

17. The mountable storage device as set forth in claim 13, wherein said actuator is a gas cylinder or spring cylinder.