CLOSET SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a closet system with a housing that includes four adjacent sidewalls having a lower portion and an upper portion, a cap coupled to the upper portion, and an opening; a motor assembly including a motor connected to a power supply, at least two pulleys, a shaft rotatably connected to the motor, and at least one cable having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is guided by the one pulley and the second end is guided by the other pulley, and wherein the cable is retractably connected to the shaft; and a platform wherein the cable first end is connected proximate the middle of an edge of the platform and wherein the cable second end is connected proximate the middle of an opposing edge of the platform.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The closet system of the present invention is suitable for increasing storage capacity in residential and commercial structures. No matter how large the closet at the time the structure is built, it always seems that more storage space is needed at some point or another. Closets in residential structures, especially those built prior to 1990, are typically about five feet wide and deep enough for a hanger with clothes on it to fit. Typically, the older the structure the smaller the closets are. Even closets in residential structures, built in the last decade, that boast of walk-in closets can seem small in comparison with the rest of the home or are deficient to house the owners' clothing. If an individual tries to cram clothing in a closet without enough space then the clothing can get wrinkled or damaged. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system that creates additional closet space in a manner that does not damage items or wrinkle clothes.

Generally, once a structure is built, the closet size is determined and there is not much that can be done besides remodeling the structure to increase the closet size. Remodeling a structure to increase the size of the closet can be costly. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system that increases storage space without costly remodeling.

Closet systems have become increasingly popular. However, current closet systems only aid in organizing a closet. Closet systems in the current market do not create additional square footage. No matter how organized a closet is, if it is only 3 feet by 5 feet, then that is all the space that is available. If, instead of a closet organizer, a room is remodeled to add or increase the size of a closet, then the corresponding square footage of the room being remodeled is necessarily reduced. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide a system that increases the square footage of usable space for storage without decreasing the square footage of the room.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the present invention, wherein in one aspect a system is provided that increases storage space without costly remodeling and increases the square footage of usable space from storage without decreasing the square footage of a room.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a closet system comprises a housing including four adjacent sidewalls having a lower portion and an upper portion, a cap coupled to the upper portion, and an opening. The closet system also includes a motor assembly including a motor connected to a power supply, at least two pulleys, a shaft rotatably connected to the motor, and at least one cable having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is guided by one pulley and the second end is guided by the other pulley, and wherein the cable is retractably connected to the shaft. The closet system also includes a platform wherein the cable first end is connected proximate the middle of an edge of the platform and wherein the cable second end is connected proximate the middle of an opposing edge of the platform. The closet system is installed in a ceiling of a structure, such as a residential or commercial building.

The closet system further comprises a support assembly including a middle ceiling joint cut to a length suitable to receive the housing, a front ceiling joist and a back ceiling joist, wherein one sidewall lower portion is coupled to the front ceiling joist and wherein the opposing sidewall lower portion is coupled to the back ceiling joist. The support assembly comprises a first support beam and a second support beam, wherein the first support beam is perpendicular and coupled to the front ceiling joist and the back ceiling joist and the first support beam is coupled to the lower portion of the sidewall and wherein the second support beam is parallel and opposite the first support beam and is perpendicular and coupled to the front ceiling joist and the back ceiling joist, and the second support beam is coupled to the lower portion of the sidewall.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a closet system a closet system comprises a housing including four adjacent sidewalls having a lower portion and an upper portion, a cap coupled to the upper portion, and an opening. The closet system also includes a motor assembly including a motor connected to a power supply, at least two pulleys, a shaft rotatably connected to the motor, and at least one cable having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is guided by one pulley and the second end is guided by the other pulley, and wherein the cable is retractably connected to the shaft. The closet system also includes a storage system including a box wherein the first end of the cable is attached proximate the center of a top right edge of the box, and wherein the second end of the cable is attached proximate the center of a top left edge of the box. In one embodiment, the box has at least two boards perpendicular to each other in a grid pattern and is couple to the inside edges of the box, for the storage of shoes or sweaters or similar item. In another embodiment the box comprises at least one drawer coupled to the inside edges of the box.

It should be understood that the various descriptions and illustrations of the present system set forth herein are exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Upon reading this disclosure, many variations and modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the art, and it is contemplated that these variations and modifications are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

In the accompanying drawings that form a part of the specification and that are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of the closet system of the present invention where the platform is shown in an extended position;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the closet system of FIG. 1 wherein the platform is shown in a retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the closet system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the closet system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a second embodiment of the closet system of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the embodiments are sometimes illustrated by graphic symbols, phantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A closet system 10 embodying various features of the present invention is shown in the drawings. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, closet system 10 is installed in an attic 14 of a residential structure 12. Closet system 10 is available in a variety of sizes to meet user demands to increase the amount of storage and/or closet space available without decreasing the square footage of a particular room. FIG. 1 illustrates closet system 10 in an extended position. FIG. 2 illustrates closet system 10 in a retracted position. Closet system 10 generally includes a housing 30, a support assembly 18, a motor assembly 48 and a platform assembly 68. Housing 30 is generally square or rectangular and corresponds in size to the square footage of the desired extra space. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, however, that housing 30 may be any shape or size suitable for use in the present invention. Housing 30 includes four adjacent sidewalls 32, a cap 34, and an opening 40. Sidewalls 32 are constructed of a single sheet of metal bent at a corner 42 of each of sidewalls 32 with the free ends meeting at corner 43 and coupled together. In one embodiment, sidewalls 32 are constructed of 22-gauge sheet metal. It will be appreciated that sidewalls 32 of the present invention may be constructed of any other appropriate material including, but not limited to, wood, composite, plastics, and the like. Sidewalls 32 include an upper portion 37 and a lower portion 38. Cap 34 is constructed of at least the same strength material as sidewalls 32. In another embodiment, cap 34 is constructed of 18-gauge sheet metal. It will be appreciated that cap 34 may also be constructed of any appropriate material suitable for use in the present invention such as wood, composite, plastics, etc. and does not necessarily have to be the same material as sidewalls 32. Cap 34 is coupled to upper portion 37 of sidewalls 32, for example, by crimping or riveting. It should be appreciated, however, that cap 34 may be coupled to sidewalls 32 using any suitable method for the materials forming cap 34 and sidewalls 32. It will also be appreciated that housing 30 can be constructed in a variety of ways as long as housing 30 includes an opening for receiving the stored items.

In another embodiment, the outside of housing 30 is surrounded by insulation (not shown). In the summer, depending on the climate of the area that the user lives in, the temperature of an attic may be high. When the temperature is high, the attic can trap hot air. If metal is used to construct housing 30, the air inside housing 30 can also get hot. The hot air may damage items stored in housing 30. When closet system 10 is extended, cool air can fill housing 30 thereby causing the metal material to sweat and ruin the stored items. Insulation creates a protective barrier so that housing 30 does not trap hot air.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, support assembly 18 includes a middle ceiling joist 20, a front ceiling joist 22 and a back ceiling joist 24. To install housing 30 in attic 14, middle ceiling joist 20 is cut to a length suitable to allow housing 30 to rest in between cut ends 44, 46 of middle ceiling joist 20. Housing 30 should fit tightly between front ceiling joist 22 and back ceiling joist 24 that have not been cut. Sidewalls 32 are coupled at lower portion 38 to front ceiling joist 22 and back ceiling joist 24. In one embodiment, at least two support beams 26, 28 are attached to front and back ceiling joists 22, 24. Lower portion 38 of sidewalls 32 is then coupled to support beams 26, 28. Support beams 26, 28 are constructed of wood, composite, plastic or other appropriate material.

Depending on the size of closet system 10, additional supports may be necessary. If, due to the size of closet system 10, additional support is needed, cables or the like may be attached to ceiling joists 22, 24 and then anchored to the roof rafters. In this embodiment, the house itself is supporting closet system 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, motor assembly 48 includes a motor 50, a gear reducer 52, a right pulley 54, a left pulley 56, a shaft 58, a cable 60, and a receiver 80 mounted on top of cap 34. It will be appreciated that motor 50 may be any type of motor suitable for use in the present invention. The size and capacity of motor 50 will depend on the size of the closet system. For a residential home, a small 110-volt motor is generally sufficient. Motor 50 is connected to a power supply (not shown). In one embodiment, motor 50 is wired directly into the power supply of the structure in which closet system 10 is being installed. Gear reducer 52 is shown coupled to motor 50; however, it will be appreciated that gear reducer 52 is not an essential element of the present invention but is useful in residential settings.

Shaft 58 is controlled by motor 50 such that motor 50 engages and causes rotation of shaft 58. Cable 60 is coupled to shaft 58 proximate the middle of shaft 58 so that shaft 58 rotates to release or retract cable 60. Cable 60 includes cable ends 62, 64. Cable end 62 is guided by pulley 54 and threaded through cap 34 proximate the center of a right edge 35 of cap 34. Cable end 62 is attached proximate the center of a right edge 74 of a platform 70 (shown in FIG. 1). Cable end 64 is guided by pulley 56 and threaded through cap 34 proximate the center of a left edge 36 of cap 34. Cable end 64 is attached proximate the center of a left edge 76 of platform 70 (shown in FIG. 1). As shaft 58 is rotated by motor 50, cable 60 is released thereby lowering platform 70 or is retracted thereby raising platform 70. Platform 70 is constructed of wood, composite or other appropriate material. Platform 70 is configured to be received within opening 40 of housing 30.

In one embodiment, motor 50 is controlled by a receiver 80 that is located on cap 34, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Referring to FIG. 1, receiver 80 receives signals from a transmitter 82 located on the wall of the closet or room above which closet system 10 is installed. Transmitter 82 and receiver 80 work in much the same as a garage door opener transmitter and receiver. The user pushes a button or a designated down button and motor 50 will rotatably engage shaft 58 thereby releasing cable 60 and lowering platform 70. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, a rope 90 is pulled by a user to lower platform 70 into the room. In addition, it will be appreciated that other mechanisms, either electronic (using transmitters and receivers) or manual, may be utilized to achieve the lowering and retracting of platform 70 without departing from the spirit and scope of the instant invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, when cable 60 is fully extended, platform 70 is lowered into the room or closet over which closet system 10 is installed. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when cable 60 is fully retracted, platform 70 is retracted and rests against ceiling 16.

Platform 70 and frame 78 are available in a variety of finishes and colors such that the user can coordinate with the color of their ceiling or with personal decorative tastes. For example, if unfinished wood is used for platform 70 and frame 78 then the user can paint platform 70 and frame 78 to match the ceiling of the room over which installing closet system 10.

Platform 70 may be used to store items such as boxes or shoes thereon. Platform 70 extends into the room as far as the length of the cable used allows. In one embodiment, platform 70 may rest on the floor of the room in which closet system 10 is installed. When platform 70 is retracted the stored items are received in opening 40 of housing 30. Housing 30 also serves to protect the items from possible bugs or rodents that could be in attic 12.

In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, each end of cable 60 is threaded through a bar 66 that is then lowered and retracted along with platform 70. Bar 66 is an option for the user so that the user may hang clothes or other items on bar 66. The height of bar 66 can be adjusted so that a variety of items can be hung and stored in closet system 10.

In another embodiment, closet system 10 also comprises a storage system having a box (not shown). In one embodiment, the box has boards that create a grid pattern for the storage of items such as shoes or sweaters. In another embodiment, the box has drawers for the storage of items. Cable end 62 is attached proximate the center of a top right edge of the box. Cable end 64 is attached proximate the center of a top left edge of the box. The bottom of the box is coupled to platform 70. The box is configured to be received within opening 40 of housing 30. In another embodiment, the box has two separate cables coupled to the bottom of the box. In this embodiment, each cable is then coupled to platform 70. One cable is attached proximate the center of right edge 74 of platform 70 and the other cable is attached proximate the center of left edge 76 of platform 70. In this embodiment, platform 70 is configured to be received within opening 40 of housing 30.

Frame 78 is coupled (through the use of screws or other fasteners) to ceiling 16 and inner edges 79 of frame 78 correspond in size and shape to opening 40 which also corresponds to the size and shape of platform 70. As platform 70 is retracted, outer edges 72 of platform 70 will fit within inner edges 79 of frame 78. In another embodiment, outer edges 72 of platform 70 and inner edges of frame 78 are beveled such that frame inner edges 79 and platform outer edges 72 form supplementary angles. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, frame 78 and platform 70 have the same thickness such that, when platform 70 is retracted, the bottom of frame 78 and the bottom of platform 70 are flush. It will be appreciated that frame 78 is for aesthetic purposes so that when platform 70 is retracted closet system 10 is barely noticeable in the room above which closet system 10 is installed.

In another embodiment, a spring (not shown) is added around each end of cable 60 where cable ends 62, 64 are attached to platform 70. When platform 70 is retracted the springs will aid in guiding platform 70 into frame 78. Additionally, the springs act as a cushion thereby reducing the risk of damage to platform 70 as it is retracted into frame 78.

In use, closet system 10 is an inexpensive way to increase closet space and storage room in an existing structure. Remodeling a room to add a closet or increase closet space is expensive and reduces the square footage of the remodeled room. Closet system 10 may be sold as a kit at the local hardware store for self-installation. Depending on the material that is used to construct housing 30 (consisting of sidewalls 32 and cap 34), closet system 10 can be substantially preassembled. A user may thereby increase the storage of a home or commercial building without a costly remodeling job and without reducing the square footage of the room or closet in which closet system 10 is installed.

For the purposes of illustration, closet system 10 is shown as if installed in a residential home. It will be appreciated that closet system 10 of the present invention may also be installed in a room of a commercial building or other structure to increase the storage and/or closet space of a building.

From the foregoing, it may be seen that the closet system of the present invention is particularly well suited for the proposed usages thereof. Furthermore, since certain changes may be made in the above invention without departing from the scope hereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawing be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.

Claims

1. A closet system comprising:

a housing including four adjacent sidewalls having a lower portion and an upper portion, a cap coupled to said upper portion, and an opening;

a motor assembly including a motor connected to a power supply, at least two pulleys, a shaft rotatably connected to said motor, and at least one cable having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is guided by said one pulley and said second end is guided by said other pulley, and wherein said cable is retractably connected to said shaft; and

a platform wherein said cable first end is connected proximate the middle of an edge of said platform and wherein said cable second end is connected proximate the middle of an opposing edge of said platform.

2. The closet system of claim 1 wherein said closet system is installed in a ceiling of a structure.

3. The closet system of claim 1 further comprising a support assembly including a middle ceiling joist cut to a length suitable to receive said housing, a front ceiling joist and a back ceiling joist, wherein one said sidewall lower portion is coupled to said front ceiling joist and wherein opposing said sidewall lower portion is coupled to said back ceiling joist.

4. The support assembly of claim 3 further comprising a first support beam and a second support beam, wherein said first support beam is perpendicular and coupled to said front ceiling joist and said back ceiling joist, and said first support beam is coupled to said sidewall lower portion, and wherein said second support beam is parallel and opposite said first support beam and is perpendicular and coupled to said front ceiling joist and said back ceiling joist, and said second support beam is coupled to said sidewall lower portion.

5. The closet system of claim 1 further comprising a receiver for receiving information about lowering and retracting said platform from a transmitter wherein said receiver directs said motor to either lower or retract said platform.

6. The closet system of claim 1 wherein a rope is attached to the bottom of said platform to manually lower and retract said platform.

7. The closet system of claim 1 where said first end of said cable is threaded through a first end of a cylindrical bar and wherein said second end of said cable is threaded through a second opposing end of said bar.

8. The closet system of claim 1 further comprising a frame having an upper edge wherein said upper edge is coupled to a ceiling.

9. The closet system of claim 8 wherein said frame has beveled edges and wherein said platform has beveled edges such that said frame beveled edges and said platform beveled edges form supplementary angles.

10. The closet system of claim 1 wherein said motor is a 110-volt motor.

11. The closet system of claim 1 wherein said frame and said platform each have a uniform thickness.

12. The closet system of claim 1 wherein said four sidewalls are constructed from one sheet of 22-gauge sheet metal bent at a corner three times wherein a first sidewall and a fourth sidewall are coupled together at a corner.

13. The closet system of claim 12 wherein said cap is constructed from 18-gauge sheet metal.

14. The closet system of claim 4 wherein at least one cable is secured to said first support beam and to a rafter of said structure and further wherein at least one cable is secured to said second support beam and to a different rafter of said structure.

15. The closet system of claim 1 wherein said platform is constructed to be received within said opening of said housing.

16. A closet system comprising:

a housing including four adjacent sidewalls having a lower portion and an upper portion, a cap coupled to said upper portion of said sidewalls, and an opening;

a motor assembly having a motor connected to a power supply, at least two pulleys, a shaft rotatably connected to said motor, and at least one cable having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is guided by said one pulley and said second end is guided by said other pulley, and wherein said cable is retractably connected to said shaft; and

a storage system including a box wherein said cable first end is attached proximate the center of a top right edge of said box, and wherein said second cable end is attached proximate the center of a top left edge of said box.

17. The closet system of claim 16 wherein said box has at least two boards perpendicular to each other in a grid pattern and coupled to inside edges of said box.

18. The closet system of claim 16 wherein said box further comprises at least one drawer coupled to inside edges of said box.

19. The storage system of claim 16 wherein a bottom of said box is coupled to a platform.

20. The storage system of claim 19 wherein at least two cables are coupled to the bottom of said box, and wherein said one cable is attached proximate the center of a right edge of said platform and said other cable is attached proximate the center of a right edge of said platform.