CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/975,817, filed Dec. 20, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/605,322, filed Jan. 26, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 14/451,081, filed Aug. 4, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/968,229, filed Aug. 15, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/692,147, filed Aug. 22, 2012, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
BACKGROUND Home attic areas provide cost-free and nearby storage space. However access is generally difficult, even with attic ladders. Such ladders are often quite narrow and difficult to navigate, especially while carrying items to and from storage. Summer temperatures in some attics approach 65° C. (150° F.), which can be damaging to clothing, shoes, books, photographs, and other stored goods. To take advantage of this cost-free and nearby storage space, homeowners have used closets in their attics to facilitate orderly storage.
SUMMARY For use in a house or other building with first and second rooms where the second room is usually an attic or room above or below the first room, the present system enables a storage item such as a cabinet, box or article of clothing to be moved from the room below to the room above. The system, in one or more aspects, overcomes one or more of the deficiencies of prior-art attic closets. In certain examples, an insulated or uninsulated closet is installed in an attic, room or other overhead space. When insulated, a minimum insulation factor of, for example, R12 is assumed. A cabinet or a raiseable panel for storing items is suspended from the room above or closet by one or more cables. The cabinet can also be installed without a closet and the cabinet itself may be insulated. A motive source raises the cabinet or raiseable panel from the room below up into the closet for stowage and lowers the cabinet or raiseable panel to the room below for access to its contents. The system is adaptable to both rafter and truss roof homes. In one aspect, when the cabinet or raiseable panel is stowed it is flush against the ceiling of the room below. In another aspect when stowed, the items are thermally insulated from the inner closet walls by an air space. One or more vent openings in the cabinet bottom panel or raiseable panel or ducted connectors permit circulation and exchange of the air in the living space with that in the air space inside the closet. The mixing of higher temperature air from the living space and lower temperature air in the closet results in a generally higher temperature in the closet, helping to prevent freezing temperatures from occurring in the closet, helping to preserve the contents of the closet. Different aspects of various embodiments include an electrical fan for additional airflow, spring-loaded vent opening doors normally restrained with fusible fire links to prevent fire in the living space from entering the attic, insulated outer doors on a cabinet, a cabinet for storage bins, an empty cabinet for transporting objects between an attic and the living space, and an alternative manually operated support for the cabinet. Additionally, a fan can also be a component of an air treatment system such as an air conditioner, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a heater, a heat pump, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, an air handler or a heating, ventilating. and air conditioning unit to control air quality within the closet and/or the living space. An attic fan or whole house fan may be employed to circulate outdoor air through an attic or room above and around a closet to help avert attic high temperature extremes and moisture that may be damaging to stored items.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a cut-away view of an embodiment of a closet with a cabinet or box (cabinet) in the stowed position.
FIG. 2 shows an alternative aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with an optional fan.
FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with a cabinet in a lowered position and the addition of an accessory cabinet.
FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the addition of an airflow block over the top of a cabinet.
FIG. 5 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the top of the cabinet seated against the underside of the top of the closet.
FIGS. 6A through 6C show the embodiment of FIG. 1 with airflow block material adhered or fastened to a closet or cabinet sidewall, in which:
FIG. 6A shows a pair of rectangular airflow blocks.
FIG. 6B shows an elliptical airflow block which is broad vertically.
FIG. 6C shows an elliptical airflow block which is narrow vertically.
FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of an alternative aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 1 without a bottom panel.
FIG. 9 shows a front view of the alternative aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 1 without a bottom panel.
FIG. 10 shows an arrangement without a bottom panel and including telescoping slides.
FIG. 11A shows a bottom panel that covers only the bottom of the cabinet.
FIG. 11B shows a relatively thick bottom panel made of porous or semi-porous material.
FIG. 11C shows a relatively thin bottom panel made of relatively thin non-insulating material.
FIGS. 11D to 11H show plan views of coverings for vent openings in bottom panels in which
FIG. 11D has diagonal crisscrossing wires;
FIG. 11E has a mosaic with squares of alternating vertical and horizontal parallel lines;
FIG. 11F has simple parallel wires;
FIG. 11G has linked undulating members; and
FIG. 11H has a stippled array with decorative apertures.
FIGS. 12 to 15 show various alternative bottom panels in which
FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a decorative oval bottom panel;
FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of a bottom panel with open space adjacent the bordering joists;
FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of a multi-piece bottom panel that is assembled on a job site; and
FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of an open end bottom panel for increased airflow.
FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of an alternative bottom panel for blocking airflow while allowing heat conduction.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a vent opening in this bottom panel.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show a two-part bottom panel that serves as a cabinet stabilizer, in which
FIG. 18 shows the cabinet in a fully stowed position; and
FIG. 19 shows the cabinet lowered down out of the closet.
FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C show various aspects of a vented closet with a replaceable, raiseable panel from which an accessory cabinet is suspended in which
FIG. 20A is a side cut-away view of the cabinet with the storage item;
FIG. 20B shows a view of a shackle assembly that can be used in lieu of a bracket in the cabinet; and
FIG. 20C shows a side view of a fire damper door that can be used in the cabinet.
FIG. 21 shows a side view of a raiseable panel that does not seal a ceiling opening.
FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of the raiseable panel that does not seal a ceiling opening.
FIG. 23 shows a side, cut-away view of an exchangeable optional cabinet on an interchangeable raiseable panel.
FIG. 24 shows a side view of the panel with the cabinet removed and the cables disconnected.
FIG. 25 shows an optional cabinet that is suspended from its top by a plurality of cables, that has no bottom panel, and that has mated airflow blocks.
FIG. 25A is a fragmentary view of the cabinet of FIG. 25 in which airflow blocks are separated.
FIGS. 26 to 28 show an integrated cabinet and closet unit that is lowered into a room below in which
FIG. 26 shows an optional accessory cabinet hung from a bottom panel and showing various venting arrangements;
FIG. 27 shows the cabinet and closet lowered with a ducted fan attached to the assembly; and
FIG. 28 shows the assembly with a connected air-treatment unit.
FIG. 29 shows an alternative two-chamber closet design and fire door.
FIG. 30 shows an enlarged view of an alternative fire door in the arrangement of FIG. 29.
FIG. 31 shows a ducted closet with an air-treatment unit.
FIG. 32 shows the ducted closet with an alternative air-treatment unit.
FIG. 33A shows an aspect of a ducted closet connected to an air treatment unit having a raiseable panel with a storage item thereon and further including airflow blocks positioned between the storage item's outer walls and top and the inner walls and top of the closet.
FIG. 33B shows an alternative raiseable panel for the arrangement of FIG. 33A.
FIG. 33C shows a compression seal for the arrangement of FIG. 33A.
FIG. 33D shows an alternative compression seal.
FIGS. 34A and 34B show side cut-away views of a manually operated, cantilever system for raising and lowering a tiltable cabinet into and out of an attic in which
FIG. 34A shows the cabinet in a stowed position; and
FIG. 34B shows the cabinet in its lowered position.
FIG. 35A shows a stowed cross-sectional side view of a cabinet that is pivotally secured to a ceiling structure by a hinge.
FIG. 35B shows an accessible cross-sectional side view of a cabinet that is pivotally secured to a ceiling structure by a hinge.
FIGS. 36, 37A, and 37B show side cut-away views of a raiseable panel that elevates into a closet having a removable access door, in which
FIG. 36 shows the panel elevated to the bottom of the closet in the attic;
FIG. 37A shows the panel slightly lowered; and
FIG. 37B shows an access door for the assembly.
FIG. 38A is a side view of a cabinet and a closet having a removable access door and compensating springs connected between traction members.
FIG. 38B shows the removed access door.
FIG. 39 is a side view of a closet containing a cabinet, and a mechanism for stabilizing the cabinet against a wall.
FIG. 40 shows the cabinet lowered out of the closet.
FIG. 41 shows an enlarged view of area 41 of FIG. 40.
FIG. 42 is a side view of a closet containing a cabinet with a slide mechanism for stabilizing the cabinet when it is in a lowered position.
FIG. 43 shows the cabinet in its lowered position.
FIG. 44 shows a closet containing a cabinet and a guide member providing stabilization to the cabinet when it is lowered.
FIG. 44A shows a detailed view of the guide member in a channel.
FIG. 45 shows a view with the cabinet partially lowered.
FIG. 46 shows the cabinet fully lowered.
FIG. 47 shows a mounting bracket used with the arrangement of FIG. 44.
FIG. 48 shows the spatial relationships of the components of FIG. 44.
FIGS. 49 through 54 show an alternate guide member cabinet stabilization arrangement in which
FIG. 49 shows the cabinet raised;
FIG. 50 shows the cabinet lowered;
FIG. 51 shows a support member used in the system with an opening having a circular shape;
FIG. 52 shows the opening with a square shape;
FIG. 53 shows the opening with a triangular shape; and
FIG. 54 shows the opening with a rectangular shape.
FIG. 55A shows a cabinet above a ceiling with safety features that can be used in the system.
FIG. 55B shows a solenoid in a core-extended configuration that can be used in the system of FIG. 55A.
55C shows the solenoid in a core-withdrawn configuration.
FIG. 56 shows safety features in association with a raiseable panel.
FIG. 57 is a flow chart showing operation of the safety features of the storage system.
FIG. 58 shows an elevating cabinet with optional closets above a ceiling along with various ventilation means including fans and vents.
Reference Numerals
100 Closet 101 Chamber
104 Hinge 105 Cabinet or box
106 Door 107 Drawer
108 Fastener 110 Bottom panel
115 Joist 120 Framing member
125 Bracket 130 Fastener
131 Fastener 135 Ceiling
140 Connecting member 141 Plate
142 Nut 145 Traction member
146 Connecting plate 147 Hole
148 Flexible flap 150 Air space
155 Vent opening 156 Lateral section
157 Vertical section 158 Bracket
160 Fan 161 Flap
165 Conduit 200 Slide member
205 Fastener 210 Fastener
215 Skid 220 Caster
225 Stop 300 Cabinet or box
600 Baffle 400 Door
402 Airflow block 403 Adhesive
605 Membrane 610 Fastener
800 Baffle 805 Vent
810 Vent 815 Duct
816 Holes 900 Door
905 Hinge 910 Spring
915 Restraint 920 Link
925 Fastener 926 Bracket
930 Baffle 935 Baffle plate
940 Spring 945 Bracket
950 Foot 955 Bulged portion
1000 Motor 1005 Bracket
1010 Brace 1015 Brace
1025 Shaft 1030 Cable drum
1035 Conduit 1040 Speed reducer
1050 Pulley 1055 Pulley
1060 Cable 1065 Bracket
1070 Support 1072 Support
1074 Bolt 1075 Spring
1076 Nut 1100 Cabinet or box
1101 Hinge 1102 Spring
1105 Arm 1110 Pivot
1115 Counterweight 1120 Spring
1125 Cord 1200 Access door
1202 Opening 1205 Finger
1210 Clasp 1215 Handle
1300 Bin 1305 Partition
1310 Bracket 1315 Drawer pull
2000 Hinge 2100 Spring
2102 Bumper 2110 Stop
2200 Bracket 2205 Shackle
2206 Pin 2207 Bracket
2210 Duct 2215 Duct
2220 Duct 2225 Item for storage
2300 Junction plate 2320 Interlock contact
2500 Bearing 2505 Post
2510 Footing 2515 Connector
2518 Conduit 2520 Thermostat or humidistat
2521 Junction box 2522 Conductor
2523 Conductor 2524 Conductor
2525 Conductor 2600 Cubbies
2605 Bins 2700 Duct
2800 Air treatment unit 2805 Duct
3000 Closure 3100 Duct
3105 Filter 3109 Duct
3110 Louver 3200 Duct
3900 Pivoting bracket 3905 Wall
3910 Cabinet or box rear side 4100 Pivot
4102 Bracket 4103 Stop
4105 Arm 4110 Roller
4115 Spring 4120 Bracket
4200 Channel 4205 Poker
4206 Finger 4210 Sliding section
4215 Hook 4220 Pivot
4225 Spring 4230 Restraining member
4230 Catch 4232 Sloped portion
4234 Finger portion 4240 Guide member
4245 Slot 4247 Channel
4250 Mounting bracket 4255 Stud
4258 Mounting plate 4260 Backing plate
4265 Bushing 4268 Nut
4275 Raiseable panel 4280 Ceiling structure
4285 Guide member 4290 Support
4292 Clamp 4295 Extension
4296 Bracket 4300 Stop
4400 Solenoid 4402 Controller
4403 Conduit 4404 Source
4405 Bracket 4406 Switch box
4407 Upper limit switch 4408 Conduit
4409 Lower limit switch 4410 Coil
4411 Conduit 4412 Up switch
4413 Down switch 4415 Conductor
4416 Conduit 4417 Conduit
4420 Core 4425 Spring
4430 Sensor 4431 Conduit
4432 Conduit 4435 Sensor
4436 Sensor 4437 Conduit
4440 Hole 4450 Bracket
4500 Post 4505 Bracing member
4510 Compression seal 4520 Thermostat or humidistat
4530 Electric fan 4540 Whole house fan
4550 Whole house fan 4560 Shutter
4570 Solar powered fan 4580 Turbine fan
4590 Gable vent 4600 Roof vent
4605 Electric fan 4608 Air space
4610 Ridge vent 4620 Wall vent
4630 Soffit vent 4640 Joist or bottom chord
4650 Rafter or top chord 4660 Air inlet
4670 Support frame
DETAILED DESCRIPTION As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.
Basic System FIGS. 1 and 2 show front, cut-away views of a basic version of an attic closet system that comprises an outer closet 100 that is mounted in an attic. A cabinet or box (hereafter “cabinet”) 105 can be lifted from a room below into closet 100. Cabinet 105 has one or more doors 106 that are swingably supported on hinges 104. It has drawers 107 and it has a bottom panel 110 that includes a plurality of vent openings 155.
Closet 100 is mounted in the attic by securing it to roof truss bottom chords or joists 115 and framing members 120 by angle brackets 125 and fasteners 130 and 131. Closet 100 is box-shaped and has five sides and is open on its bottom side. Joists 115 and framing members 120 are covered from below by a ceiling 135 that has an opening congruent with the open bottom side of closet 100. A connecting member 140, such as an eye bolt, is secured to the top of cabinet 105. The lower end of a vertical traction member 145, such as a rope, cable, or rod, is attached to connecting member 140. Its upper end (FIGS. 20A, 23, 25) is attached to a traction control member 1030, such as a cable drum. The eye bolt, traction member, the traction control member, and a motor 1000 (FIG. 23) for rotating the traction control member thus constitute means for raising and lowering the cabinet 105, which is free to be raised and lowered from the ceiling (FIG. 1) to the level below (FIG. 3). Bottom panel 110 is removably secured to the bottom of cabinet 105 (FIG. 1) by one or more fasteners 108. Fasteners 108 can be permanent or semi-permanent members, such as rivets or screws, or removable fasteners, such as magnets, for easy cleaning of the top surface of bottom panel 110.
As shown, cabinet 105 is stowed within closet 100 but can be moved down and out of the closet or for access by a user (not shown) in the room below. In the stowed position of FIG. 1, the upper surface of bottom panel 110 is urged against and slightly overlaps the surface of ceiling 135. As shown, bottom panel 110 is in a horizontal orientation parallel to ceiling 135. When stowed, cabinet 105 is spaced from the interior walls and top of closet 100 by an air space 150 which surrounds all of the sidewalls and top of the cabinet 105. I.e., the air space is between the outsides of the cabinet's sidewalls and the top and the inner sides of the walls and top of the closet 100.
Cabinet 105 is secured to at least one slide member 200 by one or more fasteners 210 (FIG. 3) that restrains cabinet 105 from moving laterally as it is raised and lowered. Slide member 200 is in turn secured to joist 120 by one or more fasteners 205.
Elevation control of cabinet 105 can also be accomplished with an electrical contact or pressure switch or the like (not shown), mounted, for example, on the top of the cabinet 105 and the ceiling area where contact is made when the cabinet 105 is in the stowed position. A control switch can also be located on the exterior cabinet surface positioned to engage when contact is made with a joist or structural member. The movement of cabinet 105 can also be controlled electronically.
Closet 100 is made of a thermally insulating material, such as fiberglass, calcium silicate (sold under the mark Mightylite by Refractory Specialties, Inc., of Sebring, Ohio), fireproof EPE (expanded polyethylene foam) sheet with aluminum film siding, magnesium oxide cementitious foam (sold under the mark Air Krete by Air Krete, Inc., of Weedsport, N.Y.), polystyrene, or other insulating material. Closet 100 optionally has exterior metal, fiberglass or plastic composite walls for structural strength, if required to support a particular insulating material. Closet 100 can be made of any other suitable materials, including wood and all-metal construction, optionally two-walled construction, with a middle layer of insulation.
In one embodiment closet 100 had exterior dimensions of 1.14 m in length, 0.85 m in width, and 0.77 m in gross height, measured from the bottom surface of ceiling 135, with the height reduced by the height of the joists 115 or truss bottom chords, not shown, and the thickness of ceiling 135. In this case the reduction is 17.8 cm, indicating a net closet height of about 0.59 m measured from the top of the joists and structural members to which it is mounted.
In the same embodiment cabinet 105 had an exterior length of 0.95 m, a width of 0.69 m, and a height of 0.66 m. The widths of closet 100 and cabinet 105 will generally be suited to the spacings of the ceiling joists or truss bottom chords in existing or new constructions. These are typically on 0.41 m and 0.61 m centers, respectively. To create a wider ceiling opening, ceiling joists 115 are typically cut and cross supported with structural members or headers 120. Other support members include a roof truss bottom chord, a framing member, a timber structured ceiling, and a concrete ceiling. Air space 150 between the sides of cabinet 105 and closet 100 is 4.32 cm and the air space above the cabinet was 5.33 cm. The bottom panel was 1.08 m in length, 0.82 m in width, and 1.78 cm in thickness. Any or all of these exemplary dimensions can be modified or adapted to suit the user's requirements and the structural specifications of the building into which the unit is to installed. With adequate roof clearance, closet 100 and cabinet 105 can be more than doubled in height to accommodate storage of longer hanging garments or other large items.
Cabinet 105 may include drawers, bins, trays, shoe cubbies, clothes hangers, book shelves and other storage accommodations. Cabinet 105 is fabricated of metal, wood, plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), hardboard, fiberglass, plastic, composite, carbon fiber, hollow core material, honeycomb material, corrugated plastic, paper, and a combination of any materials from this group. Cabinet 105, closet 100, or both, are optionally encased in a strong wall material such as steel or another substance. A key-activated control switch is optionally added to provide security protection.
Passive Circulation of Air When cabinet 105 is stowed, vent openings 155 in bottom panel 110 permit air to circulate and mix into air space 150 by convection between the volume or room beneath ceiling 135 and air space 150. The result of this mixing is a reduction of the difference in temperature between cabinet 105 and the living space below 100 (in winter, warm air from the room below ceiling 135 rises and enters air space 150, increasing the temperature around and hence within cabinet 105). Thus cabinet 105 and its contents are protected from freezing temperatures that occur in the attic space outside closet 100. Bottom panel 110 covers the ceiling opening through which the cabinet is moved. It can be finished to match the ceiling.
Active Circulation of Air FIG. 2 shows an alternative aspect of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which a fan 160 urges air to pass through one or more of vent openings 155, thereby promoting the flow of air between the room below ceiling 135 and airspace 150. Fan 160 can urge air out of or into airspace 150 via vent openings 155. A source of energy (not shown) is connected to fan 160 via a flexible conduit or cable 165. Conduit 165 rests on the top of cabinet 105 while cabinet 105 is stowed and snakes down (not shown) inside or outside of cabinet 105 to fan 160. Conduit 165 can be self-coiling. A switch for energizing fan 160 can be mounted in the room below and wired to energize line 165, or it can be a remote RF-transmitting switch that controls an RF-controllable receiving switch in line 165. Fan 160 can also be thermostatically operated so that it is energized at predetermined high and/or low temperatures. Fan 160 is shown positioned adjacent and below vent 155 but it can also be positioned adjacent and above vent 155, within vent 155, or within the closet 100.
Accessory Cabinet Below In many homes, there is limited clear height in the attic so that the attic lacks sufficient space for stowing a tall storage cabinet 105. FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment that adds an accessory cabinet 300 beneath bottom panel 110. Accessory cabinet 300 is secured to the underside of bottom panel 110, which in turn is secured to the bottom of cabinet 105. Cabinet 300, bottom panel 110, and cabinet 105 are shown in a lowered position, suspended from cable 145 via connecting member 140. When cabinet 105 is raised into the attic and stowed, cabinet 300 rises with it to move up adjacent the ceiling to remain accessible in the room below at all times. Upon lowering cabinet 105, cabinet 300 continues to be accessible to a user. As shown, in the lowered position of FIG. 3, bottom panel 110 remains in the horizontal orientation parallel to ceiling 135 and the orientation of cabinet 105 retains the upright orientation in the raised and lowered positions of the bottom panel.
Airflow Blocks FIGS. 4 and 6A to 7 show another alternative aspect where airflow blocks are used to provide selective control of the airflow around cabinet 105 when stowed in closet 100.
FIG. 4 shows a side view of cabinet 105 stowed in closet 100. In a first aspect, air is prevented from flowing over the top of cabinet 105, but is permitted to flow over the sides of cabinet 105. In this case, the top of cabinet 105 does not reach the inner top surface of closet 100 when cabinet 105 is fully stowed. A section of foam, plastic, composite, wood, metal or other material forms an airflow block 402 that is interposed between the top of cabinet 105 and the inner top surface of closet 100. The airflow blocks can also be made of any other soft, spongy, resilient, flexible and/or compressible material, in whole or in part. Airflow block 402 is secured either to the top of cabinet 105, as shown on the left side, or to the inner top surface of closet 100, as shown on the right side, using an adhesive 403. Fasteners can also be used. Airflow block 402 is either sized to match the width and depth of cabinet 105 in order to fully cover the top of cabinet 105, as shown on the right side or, alternatively, a smaller airflow block 402 as shown on the left side can be used. In either case, the thickness of airflow block 402 is equal to the height of the gap between the top of cabinet 105 and the inner top surface of closet 100 when cabinet 105 is stowed. In another aspect, airflow block 402 may be compressible so that its thickness can be greater than the gap between the top surfaces of cabinet 105 and closet 100. For example, airflow block 402 may be an inflated bag or balloon. Thus airflow block 402 will be compressed for a snug fit between the top surfaces of cabinet 105 and closet 100 when cabinet 105 is stowed. Accordingly, airflow block 402 provides a means to selectively regulate the effects of airflow over the top of a cabinet 105 when stowed as well as to permit the use of a lower capacity fan. This can make cabinet 105 less subject to the thermal effects of airflow by providing a means for modulation.
Since condensation can occur when warmer air having greater moisture content comes in contact with cold objects such as sensitive computer, camera or electronic components or other objects, slowing the effects of airflow can help reduce damaging condensation and possibly mold, resulting from rapid temperature changes as can occur when heated air is introduced from a space below into a cold attic or upper floor storage cabinet. For example, were an unheated attic area and adjoining living space with a temperature of 28.9° C. (−20° F.) quickly heated to 21.1° C. (70° F.), the rapidly rising warm air from below could form condensation on objects within an elevated cabinet within a closet. However, with airspace blocks largely positioned between the cabinet and closet, the temperature change within the cabinet can be retarded, permitting a slow temperature change within the cabinet, reducing the potential for condensation formation and possible damage.
Airflow blocks can also be useful in providing guidance, helping to prevent the cabinet from shifting or tipping and coming into contact with the closet when the cabinet is being elevated. Utilizing airflow blocks to reduce the required fan capacity can also mitigate air turbulence and sound emissions; this is especially advantageous in a bedroom application.
FIG. 5 shows a side view of another aspect of the present embodiment in which the height of cabinet 105 permits the top of cabinet 105 to contact or very nearly contact the top inner surface of closet 100 when cabinet 105 is fully stowed. Similar in function to the arrangement of FIG. 4, airflow block 402 provides another means for selectively regulating the effects of airflow over the top of a cabinet 105 when stowed. However the arrangement of FIG. 5 requires no additional components to accomplish this same function and is less costly to implement.
In both aspects, air passing through vents 155 is blocked or partially blocked from passing over the top of cabinet 105, while it is urged to pass over the sides. Fan 160 is optional in these aspects.
FIGS. 6A through 6C and 7 show side and bottom views of airflow blocks positioned between a cabinet and a closet. An alternative aspect in which closed-cell foam, plastic, composite, wood, metal or other material form airflow blocks 402 that are fastened or adhesively secured to the inner sidewall of closet 100, facing the front, i.e., the door or drawer-opening side, and the side of cabinet 105 is also contemplated. Alternately, airflow blocks 402 and 402′ can be removably adhered or affixed with fasteners 108a to cabinet 105.
While FIG. 6A shows a pair of rectangular airflow blocks 402, which are adhesively 403 affixed to the inner front wall of a closet 100, on the left, and affixed with fasteners 108a on the right. FIGS. 6B and 6C show an elliptical airflow block 402′ which are adhesively 403 affixed to the inner front wall of closet 100. The shape and placement of airflow blocks 402 and 402′ determines the air path over the surface of cabinet 105 and a great variety of shapes are possible. In this aspect, airflow block 402 reduces, depending on thickness, or prevents air from circulating laterally across the front side of cabinet 105. Similar in purpose to the arrangements of FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 6A through 6C and 7 also show how airflow blocks 402 can serve to secure cabinet doors and drawers in a closed position when cabinet 105 in elevated. Fan 160 is optional in these various aspects of the present embodiment.
As an alternative to fan 160 located in a bottom panel 110, FIG. 6B includes an alternative fan 160′ that is secured to the inner, upper surface of closet 100 to provide quieter operation and minimal turbulence when used in such places as bedrooms or living rooms. Whereas FIGS. 6A, 6B show a bottom panel and optional fans 160 and 160′ for circulation of air around the cabinet, FIGS. 6C and 7 show no bottom panel or fan, allowing air surrounding cabinet 105 to mix with air in a living space below.
No Bottom Panel FIGS. 8 and 9 are bottom and front views of another embodiment showing cabinet 105 in closet 100 without sliding members 200 or bottom panel 110. Cabinet 105 is manually guided to remain within air space 150 as it moves up and down past ceiling 135. This embodiment has a vent opening around the full perimeter of the cabinet bottom. In one aspect, an additional traction cable 145′ and connecting member 140′ help constrain the path of cabinet 105 as it moves into and out of closet 100. Note that the bottom surface of cabinet 105 is flush with ceiling 135.
Guides without Bottom Panel
FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of another embodiment of cabinet 105 in closet 100 without the use of a bottom panel 110 but with sliding members 200 (as in FIG. 3) shown attached to joist 115 and framing members 120. Air space 150 substantially surrounds cabinet 105.
Bottom Panels FIGS. 11A to 11C show side views of various types of arrangements that can be used for bottom panel 110 (FIG. 1). FIG. 11A shows a bottom panel 110′ sized to cover only the bottom of the cabinet (not shown), leaving a continuous rectangular vent opening 155 underlying the space all around the outer edge of the cabinet. FIG. 11B shows a relatively thick bottom panel 110″ made of open-cell foam, OSB (oriented strand board), MDF medium density fiberboard, particleboard, chipboard, or other porous or semi porous material. FIG. 11C shows a relatively thin bottom panel 110′″ made of non-insulating materials, permitting convective thermal transfer between the air space and living space below. These materials comprise a great variety of wood, metal, and plastic products.
FIGS. 11D to 11H show plan views of coverings for vent opening 155 that provide free flow of air and have various decorative appearances, such as a screen with diagonal crisscrossing wires, a mosaic with squares of alternating vertical and horizontal parallel lines, simple parallel wires, linked undulating members, and a stippled array with decorative apertures, respectively. These sheet materials include woven screening, woven fabrics, porous and non-porous materials, and various plastics, which provide thermal transfer between the air space and living space below.
Alternative Bottom Panel Constructions FIGS. 12 to 15 show alternative configurations and constructions of bottom panel 110. FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of a decorative oval bottom panel 110A. Bottom panel 110A is sized to cover the space between cabinet 105 and joists 115 and framing members 120.
FIG. 13 shows a bottom view of a bottom panel 110B that is sized and configured to leave open space between the lateral edges of bottom panel 110B and the inner, facing surfaces of joists 120. This permits air to flow freely into the space surrounding cabinet 105. Optional fans 160 increase this flow of air, when energized.
FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of a cost-reducing, multi-piece bottom panel 110C that is assembled on a job site. A pair lateral sections 156 and vertical sections 157 are arranged in a rectangle and are joined at their corner joints by a plurality of brackets 158 to form a rigid bottom panel.
FIG. 15 shows a bottom view of an open end bottom panel 110D for increased airflow and cost reduction. A pair of lateral sections 156A are rigidly secured to a cross-piece 157A by a plurality of brackets 158.
In these various aspects, one or more fasteners 108 secure bottom panels 110 to the cabinet 105. Vents 155A allow airflow through bottom panels 110A to 110D. Optional fans 160 shown located in these bottom panels 110 circulate air into and out of the region above bottom panel 110 when energized.
Alternative Bottom Panel for Blocking Airflow FIG. 16 shows a bottom view of bottom panel 110 in an alternative aspect that allows heat transfer between a living space below and an attic above while blocking airflow between the two. Rectangular vent opening 155 is covered with an impermeable membrane 605 made of a fire-retardant material such as fire-retardant polyethylene or other plastic, film, tape or even a thin metal or other membrane. All vent openings are covered by the membrane. Membrane 605 allows convective heat transfer between space above and space below bottom panel when cabinet 105 is in the elevated position. This allows some thermal transfer between the two spaces while blocking movement of insects or dust between the two spaces.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of vent opening 155 in bottom panel 110 that is covered by membrane 605 that is secured to bottom panel 110 by fasteners 610. Heat is conducted through membrane 605 and convective forces in the air on either side of membrane 605 cause some thermal transfer between the attic above and the living space below while preventing dust, moths, and the like from passing therethrough. Membrane 605 can be transparent, opaque, translucent, or colored, as desired.
Two-Part Bottom Panel Sections FIGS. 18 and 19 show side cut-away views of a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1 where the bottom panel has two parts or sections that are rotatable for enabling access and removal of the cabinet. Cabinet 105 is shown in stowed and lowered positions, respectively. In this aspect, a bottom panel 110E comprises two sections 110E-L (left) and 110E-R (right). A hinge 2000L pivots the left-hand end of section 110E-L on ceiling 135 at the left-hand end of closet 100 and a spring in this hinge (not shown) urges section 100E-L horizontally up against the ceiling as shown. Similarly, a spring loaded hinge 2000R urges the right-hand end of section 110E-R up against ceiling 135 on the right-hand end of closet 100.
FIG. 18 shows cabinet 105 fully stowed. Springs 2100-L and 2100-R urge and hold bottom panel sections 110E-L and 110E-R into their uppermost (horizontal) positions. When cabinet 105 is lowered, as shown in FIG. 19, the bottom of cabinet 105 cams both sections 110E-L and 110E-R to rotate on hinges 2000L and 2000R, respectively, to substantially vertical positions as shown, thereby opening bottom panel 110E and permitting cabinet 105 to be lowered for access. A pair of bumpers or rollers 2102 bear against cabinet 105 for smooth operation. When cabinet 105 is raised, springs 2000L and 2000R respectively urge bottom panel sections 110E-L and 110E-R to close.
Raiseable Panel FIG. 20A shows a raiseable panel 4275 which can support and elevate a storage item such as a cabinet, a box or boxes, or any other article, such as an old computer, air conditioner, etc. FIG. 20B shows a detachable cable means for the raiseable panel and FIG. 20C illustrates a fire link mounted to the raiseable panel 4275, which elevates to the bottom of a closet 100.
FIG. 20A also shows a side cut-away view of several aspects of a fourth alternative embodiment. An optional accessory cabinet 300 is secured to the underside of a raiseable panel 4275 In one aspect, an item 2225 for storage, such as a cabinet, box, container, or object rests atop raiseable panel 4275.
In another aspect, one or more cables 145 are permanently fixed to raiseable panel 4275 by one or more attachment brackets 2200, as shown on the left-hand side of raiseable panel 4275. In still another aspect raiseable panel 4275 is detachable from cables 145. In this case, brackets 2200 are replaced by shackles 2205 (FIG. 20B) and cable 145 is secured to a shackle 2205. A shackle bracket 2207 is secured to raiseable panel 4275, and shackle 2205 and shackle bracket 2207 are joined by a shackle pin 2206. Thus raiseable panel 4275 is optionally detachable from cables 145 and interchangeable with other raiseable panels 4275.
In another aspect, an optional duct 2210 (FIG. 21) extends upward from a vent 155 to a point near the top inner surface of closet 100. When energized, a fan 160 below the duct urges air from the upper portion of closet 100 to enter duct 2210 and then be expelled downward, exiting beneath raiseable panel 4275. In this case, air enters closet 100 from vent 155 near the left-hand end of raiseable panel 4275. Fan 160 may also be positioned on raiseable panel 4275, within the duct or above the duct.
In another alternate aspect, a pair of ducts 2215 and 2220 (FIG. 20A) each passes through ceiling 135 and the walls of closet 100, thereby connecting a region beneath ceiling 135 and the interior of closet 100. A fan 160A urges air to flow from the region beneath ceiling 135, through duct 2220, closet 100, and duct 2215, and back into the region beneath ceiling 135.
A conductor 2522 is connected to an energizing source (not shown) such as a power main. Conductor 2522 is connected to a sensor that is either a thermostat or humidistat 2520 and to fans 160 and 160A via conductors 2523 and 2524, respectively. Fan 160 or 160A is optionally connected and thermostat or humidistat 2522 is connected in series with fan 160 or 160A and conductor 2522. The junctions of these connections are contained within a fan control junction box 2521. An electrical connector 2515 or 2515′ is interposed between conductor 2523 and fan 160 or between conductor 2524 and fan 160A. The circuit within thermostat or humidistat 2520 is normally open and fan 160 or 160A is not energized. When the temperature or humidity (depending on whether device 2520 is a thermostat or humidistat) exceeds a predetermined level, the circuit within thermostat or humidistat 2520 is closed, thereby activating fan 160 or 160A by connecting them to an energizing source. Connectors 2515 or 2515′ is disconnected when it is desired to service or replace fan 160 or 160A.
In yet another aspect, in the event of a fire it is important to prevent flames from entering an attic from the living space below, and vice versa. FIG. 20C is a side view of a fire damper door 900 that blocks vent openings in the event of a fire. Door 900 is made of sheet metal or other fireproof or fire retardant material and is mounted on a hinge 905 and is urged to close over vent openings 155 by a spring 910. A restraint 915 is secured to a fire link 920 which in turn is secured to a bracket 926 by a fastener 925 which is secured to a raiseable panel 4275. In the absence of a fire, restraint 915 and link 920 hold door 900 in a normally open position, allowing free flow of air through vent openings 155. In the event of a fire, link 920 divides into two segments, releasing restraint 915, permitting spring 910 to urge door 900 to close, thereby blocking opening 155 and preventing fire movement between an attic and a living space below. Link 920 includes thermal, thermal electric, resettable, and other types of releasing devices used to prevent the spread of fire. These are sold by SR Products, LLC, Globe Technologies Corporation, PHL Links, LLC, and others. Additional fire safety means can include a remote fire and/or smoke detection device located in an attic or closet. In a further alternative aspect, fans 160 and 160A, vents 155, and ducts 2210, 2215, and 2220 are optional and can be singularly or collectively omitted.
Raiseable Panels that do not Seal Ceiling Opening
FIG. 21 shows a side view of a raiseable panel 4275 that does not seal a ceiling opening according to another aspect. One or more stops 2110 of wood, plastic or other material are located at the outer periphery of raiseable panel 4275 in a position where they will prevent raiseable panel 4275 from fully closing against ceiling 135. Stops 2110 are spaced apart at the periphery of raiseable panel 4275 so that air can flow between them when raiseable panel 4275 is fully raised to ceiling 135. Stops 2110 can be secured to raiseable panel 4275 or to ceiling 135. Four stops were preferably used and each was 1.25 cm high by 1.6 cm wide and 6 cm long, but these parameters can be varied. A fan 160, connector 2515, conductors 2522, 2523, and 2525, and thermostat or humidistat 2520 are connected within a junction box 2522, as described.
FIG. 22 shows a bottom view of another raiseable panel 4275 that does not seal the ceiling opening. The length and width of raiseable panel 4275 are smaller than the length and width of the interior wall of closet 100 by a predetermined amount. An open gap is thus formed between the periphery of raiseable panel 4275 and the interior wall of closet 100, thereby allowing air to flow between the region beneath raiseable panel 4275 and the interior of closet 100.
Exchangeable Optional Cabinet FIG. 23 shows a side cut-away view of an alternative cabinet 105A that is optionally secured to a raiseable panel 4275 by one or more fasteners 108. Raiseable panel 4275 includes vents 155 that are described above; it further includes a larger vent 155A that traverses raiseable panel 4275′ adjacent the front of cabinet 105A. Raiseable panel 4275 is secured to cable 145 with shackles 2205 to permit the panel to be replaced easily.
As shown in FIG. 23, a shaft 1025 is rotatably connected to a motor 1000 at a first end and a bearing 2500 at the opposite end. Motor 1000 and bearing 2500 are supported as shown by a pair of post assemblies 2505. Post assemblies 2505 are supported by footings 2510 that rest on joists 115. A pair of cable drums 1030 is rotatably secured to shaft 1025. Drums 1030 hold cables 145 that are sufficiently long to lower cabinet 105A and raiseable panel 4275 to a desired height in the region below ceiling 135. Motor 1000 is reversible so that when it is activated and urged to rotate in a first direction, shaft 1025 and drums 1030 act to elevate raiseable panel 4275 and cabinet 105A, and to lower them when motor 1000 is rotated in the opposite direction. FIG. 23 also shows an optional brake or right angle worm gear motor 1000, which prevents the motor shaft from unintentionally turning in the reverse direction or back driving so that the cabinet will not fall in event of a motor or power failure. Typically a ratio of 30:1 or higher is used in this worm gear motor 1000 application.
Cables 145 are secured to raiseable panel 4275, as described above in connection with FIG. 22. When the user desires to replace cabinet 105A or raiseable panel 4275, raiseable panel 4275 is lowered, shackles 2205 are released from brackets 2207, thereby releasing cables 145 from raiseable panel 4275. The process is reversed when another raiseable panel is to be installed.
FIG. 24 shows a side view of raiseable panel 4275 with cabinet 105A removed and cables 145 disconnected. Fan 160 is secured to raiseable panel 4275. When raiseable panel 4275 is replaced, fan 160 is disconnected. A two-part electrical connector 2515A, 2515B is used for this purpose. This connector is inserted into electrical conductor 2523 that supplies activating energy to fan 160. If a new raiseable panel and fan are to be installed, connector portion 2515A is connected to the existing connector portion 2515B so that fan 160 can be energized. An electrical conductor 2518 is connected to an external electrical source (not shown) and to a thermostat or humidistat 2520 in series with fan 160. Thermostat or humidistat 2520 is an electrical component that allows electrical current to pass through conduit 2518 when the temperature sensed by thermostat or humidistat 2520 exceeds a predetermined threshold, thereby activating fan 160. When the temperature sensed by thermostat or humidistat 2520 is below a predetermined threshold, thermostat or humidistat 2520 opens the electrical circuit between conduit 2518 and fan 160, thereby deactivating fan 160.
Additional Features in Exchangeable Cabinet FIG. 25 is a cut-away side view of one aspect of a sixth alternative embodiment. In this embodiment cabinet 105 includes cubbies 2600, i.e., enclosed shelves, bins or tubs 2605, and drawers 107. A plurality of cables 145 are secured to the top surface of cabinet 105. Four cables 145 are shown in FIG. 25 and are raised and lowered in unison so that cabinet 105 remains in a vertical position without tipping. As in FIG. 23, FIG. 25 also shows a brake or right angle worm gear motor 1000 for preventing the motor shaft from unintentionally turning in the reverse direction or back driving so that the cabinet will not fall in the event of a motor or power failure.
In one aspect, no bottom panel is used. Since cabinet 105 is smaller than the interior of closet 100, air is able to freely flow around the sides and top of cabinet 105 when it is stowed within closet 100. An optional fan 160 and thermostat 2500, as described above, provide forced airflow within closet 100. In another aspect, airflow blocks 402 are included to urge air to flow in a predetermined pattern around cabinet 105, in a manner similar to that discussed above in connection with FIGS. 4 and 6. Optional air bocks 402 are placed between an outer surface of cabinet 105 and inner surface of closet 100, allowing control and modulation of air flow therebetween. FIGS. 25 and 25A also show mating airflow blocks 402LU, 402LL, 402LU and 402RL, which are affixed either with adhesive 403 or fasteners (not shown) to both closet 100 and cabinet 105. As shown blocks 402LU and 402LL mate together when the cabinet is in the fully raised position. FIGS. 25 and 25A thus show that airflow blocks can be affixed to either a closet, a cabinet or both.
FIG. 25 also illustrates an airflow block 402 adhesively affixed to the inside top surface of a closet, similar to that shown previously.
Fan 160 and thermostat or humidistat 2520 are optional in this aspect. Their function is described in detail above in connection with FIGS. 23 and 24.
Integrated Closet and Cabinet FIGS. 26 to 28 show an integrated alternative cabinet 105′ positioned inside a closet 100′, both of which are attached to bottom panel 110 with fasteners 108 and 108′. There is an air space between all the sides and the top of cabinet 105′ and the adjacent closet 100′ inside walls and inner top surface. The closet doors 400L and 400R are adjacent the cabinet doors 106 with an air space therebetween. The bottom of the cabinet 105′ and the bottom of the closet 100′ are substantially coplanar and the cabinet 105′, closet 100′ and bottom panel 110 descend and elevate together as an integrated unit. An optional fan or air treatment unit, as described below, circulates air through the air space.
FIG. 26 shows closet 100′ in its stowed position. An optional accessory cabinet 300 is affixed to the bottom of bottom panel 110 and extends into the room below ceiling 135 when bottom panel 110 is fully raised. An optional fan 160 is provided on bottom panel 110 to draw air from the area below through vent 155, circulate the air around cabinet 105′ and discharge the air back into the area below through vent 155.
Closet 100′ is connected to cables 145 by a connecting member 140. A plate 141 and nut 142 provide secure attachment of connecting member 140 to closet 100′. As shown in FIG. 27, closet 100′ is secured to a plurality of vertical sliding members 200. Sliding members 200, in turn, are secured to brackets 125 by a plurality of fasteners 130. Brackets 125 are secured to joists 115 and/or framing members 120 by a plurality of fasteners 131, as with the first embodiment.
Closet 100′ includes a pair of doors 400L and 400R, shown by a solid line in FIG. 26, attached to closet 100′ with hinges 2000. Doors are closed when closet 100′ is stowed, but can be opened when closet 100′ is in its lowered position. Doors 400 are made of the same insulating material as the rest of closet 100′. Cabinet 105′, shown by a dashed outer line in FIG. 26, includes a second set of hinged doors 106, shown by a dashed inner line. When closet doors 400 and cabinet doors 106 are open, a user (not shown) has access to cabinet 105′ and its contents.
FIG. 27 shows a fan 160′ that is located atop closet 100′ and connected to a duct 2700. When fan 160′ is energized, duct 2700 urges air to enter vents 155, pass through closet 100′, and exit via duct 2700. Duct 2700 conducts air into the space above closet 100′, back into the area below or outdoors.
In highly insulated homes lacking forced air heating systems, common in European countries, excessive humidity can cause hazardous mold buildup. An air treatment unit connected to a storage system provides treated air to both control the temperature and/or humidity of the air within a closet and also can supply treated air to a living space below. An air treatment unit comprises one or more of an air conditioner, a heater, a heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, a chiller, a heat exchanger, an air handler, a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) unit, or other air treatment unit.
Properly sized and located, such an arrangement can heat, cool, ventilate and/or dehumidify the air in multiple rooms or areas. Such an arrangement can reduce or eliminate the frequent need to air out a living space through the opening of windows and doors with the associated inconvenience and heat loss.
FIG. 28 shows a third aspect of the present embodiment. Here an air treatment unit 2800 comprising an air conditioner, a heater, a heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, a chiller, a heat exchanger, an air handler, a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) unit, or other air treatment unit 2800 is connected to the top end of a duct 2805 whose bottom end is connected to closet 100′. Duct 2805 conducts air from unit 2800 into air space 150 within closet 100 where the air circulates around cabinet 105′ prior to leaving closet 100′. Discharged air can be returned to the air treatment unit 2800 or ducted to outdoors via duct 2700 or sent to the area below via vents 155. Optionally a fan 160′ within duct 2700 is provided as an alternative air circulation system, venting to either a living space or outdoors.
Ducts 2700 and 2805 are flexible in order to lengthen when closet 100′ is lowered and then to retract when closet 100′ is raised. Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9, closet 100′ can also operate without sliding members 200 and is manually guided into attic space as it moves up and down past ceiling 135.
FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate an interlocking system to prevent accidental lowering of a closet or cabinet having open doors, possibly causing damage or injury. Using this system, activation of a motor to elevate a cabinet or closet requires interlock contacts 2320 to be in contact with junction plate 2300 to complete a circuit and permit movement of a cabinet and/or closet.
Dual Chamber Closet with Ducted Fan
FIG. 29 shows a cut-away end view of another embodiment using a two-chamber closet 100″ having a first chamber 101A and a second chamber 101B. Chamber 101A contains a cabinet 105 and has slides 200 that guide cabinet 105 as cabinet 105 is raised and lowered. An optional support 1072 joins chambers 101A and 101B with joist 115 and framing member 120 for added support. A support 1070 forms a wall between chambers 101A and 101B and also supports a motor 1000, a speed reducer 1040, and a cable drum 1030. A cable 1060 extends from drum 1030, around a pulley idler 1061, and is secured to a bolt 1074. Bolt 1074 is attached to a bracket 1065 that in turn is attached to bottom panel 110. A spring 1075 between a nut 1076 at the end of bolt 1074 and bracket 1064 provides cushioning as cabinet 105 is raised and lowered, and also permits motor 1000 and its associated drive train to urge bottom panel 110 firmly into contact with ceiling 135. Cable drum 1030 holds sufficient cable 1060 to permit lowering cabinet 105 to a predetermined distance below ceiling 135.
A fan 160 is installed in support 1070. When energized, fan 160 draws air into vent 155-L, through chamber 101A, optionally through duct 815, then through chamber 101B, and finally out of chamber 101B via a second vent 155-R.
A fire door 900, similar to those shown above, is shown in vent 155-L. FIG. 30 shows an alternative fire door 900′ in vent 155-R. Instead of a flapper door and a spring, as in the case of fire door 900, the closure 3000 of fire door 900′ is a piece of spring steel that is sized to fit over vent 155-R. With no restraint, closure 3000 rests over vent 155-R, thereby closing it and preventing fire from reaching chamber 101B. A first end of a link 920 is first secured to support 1070. Then, in order to permit air to pass from chamber 101B to the space beneath bottom panel 110, closure 3000 is springably bent and joined to a second end of link 920 as shown. In the case of fire, link 920 melts and closure 3000 assumes its original shape, blocking vent 155-R.
Closet-Attached Air Treatment Units FIGS. 31 to 33B show several aspects of a ninth alternative embodiment. Through the use of a fan 160′ treated air, i.e., air that has been heated, cooled, humidified, or dehumidified, or a combination thereof, is circulated through closet 100 and optionally through the space below ceiling 135. In virtually every instance where a fan is employed to force air through the closet, the fan can be a component of an air treatment unit including an air conditioner, a heater, a heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recover ventilator, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, a chiller, a heat exchanger, an air handler, a heating, ventilating and an air conditioning unit or other air treatment unit.
FIG. 31 shows a cut-away side view of a closet 100 with a first ducting arrangement. There is no bottom panel beneath closet 100 so that air from below can circulate in space 150 between the inner walls of closet 100 and cabinet 105. An air duct 3100 is connected at a first end to an optional air filter 3105 and thence to the inside of closet 100. The opposite end of duct 3100 is connected to the return port of an air conditioner, heat recovery ventilator, energy recover ventilator, heater, heat pump, dehumidifier, evaporative cooler, air handler or HVAC unit 2800. A duct 3109 conducts air from the supply port of unit 2800 downward into the area beneath ceiling 135. Optional louvers 3110 direct the supply air away from closet 100 and into the space beneath ceiling 135 so that air is not simply recirculated through closet 100.
FIG. 32 shows a cut-away side view of a closet 100 with an alternative ducting arrangement. In this aspect, closet 100 is closed at ceiling 135 by a bottom panel 110 that has no vents. A duct 3100 connects at a first end to an optional air filter 3105 and thence to the inside of closet 100. The opposite end of duct 3100 connects to the return port of an air treatment unit 2800, as above. In this aspect, however, air leaving the supply port of unit 2800 is conveyed back into closet 100 by a second duct 3200. Thus in this aspect, air circulates only through closet 100 and unit 2800.
FIGS. 33A and 33B show a cut-away side view of a closet 100 and raiseable panel with other alternative ducting arrangements connected to an air treatment unit, such as an air conditioner, a heater, a heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, an energy recovery ventilator, a dehumidifier, an evaporative cooler, a chiller, a heat exchanger, an air handler, a HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning) unit, or other air treatment unit.
FIG. 33A shows a first aspect of these arrangements. In this aspect, closet 100 is closed at ceiling 135 by a raiseable panel 4275 that has no vents. Air treatment unit 2800 supplies treated air optionally to closet 100 through duct 3200 utilizing return duct 3100, with optional air filter 3105, or to space below ceiling 135 through duct 3109 utilizing return duct 3100A through connection to duct 3100. Optional louvers 3110 direct air away from raiseable panel 4275 and closet 100. Simultaneous supply of treated air through both duct 3200 and duct 3109 is also an operative function in this aspect.
FIG. 33B shows an alternative arrangement of the present embodiment. In this arrangement, raiseable panel 4275′ is smaller than the opening in ceiling 135 at the bottom of closet 100. Thus, even when raiseable panel 4275′ is fully raised so that the top surface of raiseable panel 4275′ is coplanar with the bottom surface of ceiling 135, air is able to flow through the interior space of closet 100 and into the area beneath ceiling 135.
FIGS. 33C and 33D show flexible compression seals 4510 and 4510′ positioned between a raiseable panel 4275 in FIG. 33A or other surface and a ceiling 135, which can compensate for uneven ceiling surfaces when fastened in a rough opening. When squeezed or compressed between two surfaces a seal is created therebetween. Fire codes may require sealing of the areas between an attic or upper area and a living space below. Such a compression seal 4510 can also provide a finished appearance to cover jagged drywall or other rough cut materials. Although shown positioned with a raiseable panel 4275, such a compression seal 4510 serves the same functions in installations where cabinet 105 is elevated, generally when used with a bottom panel 110. Preferably the compression seal 4510 is fabricated of metal or other non-flammable material. It can be readily affixed to a ceiling 135, structural member 120, a raiseable panel 4275 or suspended (not shown).
In FIGS. 31 to 33A, a thermostat or humidistat 2520 is connected to internal controls (not shown) in air treatment unit 2800 and causes unit 2800 to either activate or deactivate in well-known fashion to those familiar with the construction and operation of air treatment units.
Manually Elevated Cabinet FIGS. 34A and 34B show side cut-away views of a cabinet system with a manually operated mechanism, in this case a cantilever system for raising and lowering a tiltable cabinet (hereafter “cabinet”) 1100 that is arranged to pivot into and out of closet 100 in the attic. FIG. 34A shows cabinet 1100 in its stowed position. Cabinet 1100 is secured at its back side to bent arms 1105. Vent openings 155 are provided between arms 1105 to permit air circulation. Arms 1105 rotate about a pivot 1110 secured between two joists 115 or other structural members. A counterweight 1115 is secured to arm 1105 at the end opposite cabinet 1100 in order to urge arm 1105 to rotate clockwise, thereby urging cabinet 1100 into its stowed position. A spring 1120, such as a coil spring, hydraulic spring, or gas spring, acts to slow the descent of the cabinet when cord 1125 is pulled for access. Manually pushing the lowered bent arm 1105 so that the counterweight 1115 moves past a vertical center line causes the cabinet to elevate into the stowage position with a minimum of effort.
FIG. 34B shows the present system with cabinet 1100 in its fully lowered and accessible position. A cord 1125 is secured to the left-hand end of arm 1105. When access to cabinet 1100 is desired, a user (not shown) merely pulls on cord 1125, thereby lowering cabinet 1100. Cabinet 1100 is returned to its stowed position by lifting the same end upward until the portion of arm 1105 to the left of pivot 1110 is once again horizontal.
Although FIGS. 34A and 34B illustrate only one operational mechanism, there are many other possible variations of a counterbalanced and/or spring loaded manually operated device.
Pivoting Cabinet FIGS. 35A and 35B are cross-sectional, side views of a cabinet 105P that is pivotally secured to ceiling 135 and framing member 120 by one or more hinges 1101. FIG. 35A shows cabinet 105P in a stowed position, i.e., fully within closet 100, and FIG. 35B shows it in an accessible, i.e., pivoted downward, position.
The left-hand side of cabinet 105P is shaped as shown so that cabinet 105P will clear ceiling 135 and framing member 120 as it pivots on hinges 1101. Cabinet 105P is sized so that when it is stowed, a vent opening 155L remains between the left end of cabinet 150P and framing member 120. A vent opening 155R on the right-hand side of closet 100 allows air to enter closet 100 from beneath ceiling 135. A fan 160 is secured to an inner wall of closet 100, above the left-hand end of cabinet 105, as shown. Alternately a fan 160B can be positioned adjacent a duct 2215. When energized, fan 160 or fan 160B urges air to enter vent opening 155R or duct 2215, respectively, and flow upward on the right-hand side of closet 100, around and over the top of cabinet 105P. From there the air flows down the left-hand side of closet 100, and out through vent opening 155L. Hinges 1101 are perforated and are spaced apart at vent 155R to allow additional air flow.
A connecting member 140, here using a screw eye, is attached to a corner of cabinet 105P at a location diagonally opposite hinge 1101. A traction member 145 or cable is attached to connecting a first end of member 140. Traction member 145 passes through a hole 147 at the top of closet 100 and is attached to a motive source, such as motor 1000 (FIG. 23). A flexible flap 148, comprising a section of material such as rubber or vinyl and having a central hole, is secured to the outside, top of closet 100. The hole is located directly over hole 147. Flexible flap 148 seals hole 147 in closet 100 as traction member 145 moves from left to right as cabinet 105P moves up and down.
To access cabinet 105P, a motive source to which traction member 145 is attached is activated and causes traction member 145 to extend downward through hole 147 until cabinet 105P is in its lowered position, as shown in FIG. 35B. Tension is maintained in traction member 145 at this point so that cabinet 105P is stably held in place. To store cabinet 105P, the above-mentioned motive source is activated and urges traction member 145 upward until cabinet 105P is in its stowed position, shown in FIG. 35A.
A section of closed-cell foam or other material forms an optional airflow block 402 that is interposed between the top or sidewall of cabinet 105P and the inner top or sidewall surface of closet 100. Airflow block 402 is secured using an adhesive or fasteners. The thickness of airflow block 402 is equal to the height of the gap between the top of cabinet 105 and the inner top surface of closet 100 when cabinet 105P is stowed. Accordingly airflow block 402 provides a means to selectively regulate the effects of airflow over the top of a cabinet 105P when stowed as well as to permit the use of a lower capacity fan. This makes cabinet 105P less subject to the thermal effects of airflow by providing a means for modulation. Utilizing airflow blocks to reduce the required fan capacity can also mitigate air turbulence and sound emissions, especially advantageous in a bedroom application.
Transporting Objects to Attic FIGS. 36 to 38B show aspects of two alternative embodiments used to transport storage object 2225 on a raiseable panel 4275 or items in a cabinet 105″ between the living space below ceiling 135 and the attic space above ceiling 135 and enable users who have access to the attic to retrieve and move these objects in the attic.
FIG. 36 shows storage item 2225 resting on raiseable panel 4275. However storage item 2225 can also be a cabinet such as 105A (FIG. 23). FIG. 36 shows a front view of a raiseable panel 4275 elevated to the bottom of a closet 100″ in an attic. A removable access door 1200 is inserted into an opening 1202 in a wall of closet 100″. A handle 1215 on the exterior side of access door 1200 facilitates removal of access door 1200 from opening 1202 in closet 100″. FIG. 37A shows raiseable panel 4275 in a slightly lowered position with access door 1200 removed and shown in FIG. 37B.
Access door 1200 is secured from within closet 100″ by a plurality of tabular fingers 1205 that are secured to the inner walls of closet 100″ and spaced inwardly from the outside of closet 100″ by the thickness of access door 1200. A plurality of rotating clasps 1210 secure access door 1200 to closet 100″ so that when clasps 1210 are rotated to their closed positions, as shown in FIG. 36, access door 1200 is securely held between fingers 1205 and clasps 1210.
FIG. 37A shows a front view of closet 100″ with access door 1200 removed. To remove access door 1200 from closet 100″, a user rotates clasps 1210 to their open positions shown in FIG. 37A and removes access door 1200 from opening 1202 using handle 1215.
To use this embodiment, a user lowers raiseable panel 4275 into the living space beneath ceiling 135, and places storage item 2225, or other items, on the top surface of raiseable panel 4275 and secures access door 1200 in place. The user then elevates raiseable panel 4275 into the attic space above ceiling 135. The user then enters the attic space via stairs (not shown), removes access door 1200 from opening 1202 in closet 100″, as shown in FIG. 37B, and retrieves the object for placement elsewhere in the attic, if desired. To complete the operation, the user replaces access door 1200 into opening 1202, and rotates clasps 1210 to their closed position. A user can move objects from the attic space to the living space by reversing these steps.
FIGS. 38A and 38B show a front view of closet 100 with an access door 1200 removed. A cabinet 105″ and optional bottom panel 110 are raised and lowered by traction members 145. In this aspect, closet 100 includes a removable access door 1200 with an optional handle 1215. Access door 1200 is normally secured to closet 100 by a plurality of fasteners 205′ that are secured within a plurality of holes 4440′. Access door 1200 is removed by removing fasteners 205′ from holes 4440′ and lifting it away using handle 1215. Thus access door 1200 is installed and removed from closet 100 in the attic space above ceiling 135, thereby enabling access to cabinet 105 from within the attic. In an alternative aspect, an optional fan 160 and vents 155 are included in bottom panel 110 (FIG. 2).
FIG. 38A also shows springs 1102 attached to traction members 145, providing cushioning as cabinet 105″ is raised and lowered, and also permits a motive source and its associated drive train to urge bottom panel 110 firmly into contact with ceiling 135.
Cabinet or Box Stabilization FIGS. 39 and 40 are side, cutaway views where an optional closet 100 houses a cabinet 105 that elevates into an opening in a ceiling. FIG. 41 shows an enlarged view of area 41 of FIG. 40. Closet 100 is located near a wall 3905. This system enables the motion of cabinet 105 to be stabilized after it is lowered and is stopped at its lowest position from closet 100. This is done in order to secure cabinet 105 from moving while it is being accessed for loading or unloading of storage items and to prevent cabinet 105 from striking and possibly damaging wall 3905. In one aspect, this is accomplished by installing a pivoting bracket 3900 that is secured to a rear side 3910 of cabinet 105. FIG. 39 shows cabinet 105 and bracket 3900 in their stowed condition.
FIG. 40 shows bracket 3900 in its deployed condition, forming a rigid support between rear side 3910 of cabinet 105 and wall 3905. The sum of the length of arm 4105 plus the radius of wheel 4110 is greater than the distance between cabinet 105 and wall 3905.
FIG. 41 shows an enlarged view of area 41 of FIG. 40, specifically the components of bracket 3900 according to one aspect of the present embodiment. A pivot 4100 is attached to rear surface 3910 of cabinet 105. Pivot 4100 supports a first end of an arm 4105. Pivot 4100 is located in a rotational bracket 4102 that has a stop 4103 that limits the counter-clockwise rotational travel of arm 4105. A roller 4110 is located at a second end of arm 4105. A spring 4115 is connected between a central location on arm 4105 and a bracket 4120 that is secured to surface 3910 of cabinet 105.
Operation When (FIG. 40) cabinet 105 is in its lowered position, a user (not shown) manually pulls cabinet 105 a short distance away from wall 3905 and rotates arm 4105 (FIG. 41) counterclockwise about pivot 4100 until further rotation of arm 4105 is prevented by stop 4103. At this point, arm 4105 is tilted slightly upward. Next, the user releases their pull on cabinet 105 so that arm assembly 3900 holds cabinet 105 a fixed distance away from wall 3905. When cabinet 105 is to be raised into closet 100, the user pulls cabinet 105 a short distance away from wall 3905, thereby releasing arm 4105 and allowing spring 4115 to pull on arm 4105, thereby rotating arm 4105 about pivot 4100 to its lowest position so that bracket 3900 rests against the back surface 3910 of cabinet 105, as shown in FIG. 39.
Sliding Section Stabilization FIGS. 42 and 43 show side views of a cabinet 105 in raised and lowered positions, respectively. A pair of channels 4200A and 4200B (FIG. 42) are attached to an inverted T-shaped poker 4205 with an upward-extending leg 4206 that is securely affixed to at least one side of cabinet 105. An upright T-shaped sliding section 4210 slidably moves up and down between channels 4200A and 4200B.
A pair of spring-loaded hooks 4215A and 4215B are secured to pivots 4220A and 4220B at the top of T-section 4210. A first spring 4225A urges hook 4220A to rotate in a clockwise direction. A second spring 4225B urges hook 4220B to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. A restraining member 4230, such as a metal cable or non-metal cord or a composite of the two, is attached at a first end to hook 4215A and at a second end to hook 4215B. The length of member 4230 is predetermined to permit springs 4225A and 4225B to urge hooks 4220A and 4220B to their vertical positions shown in FIG. 43, in the absence of finger 4206 of poker 4205, i.e., when cabinet 105 is lowered.
When cabinet 105 is raised, the length of finger 4206 is predetermined to raise restraining member 4230, causing hook 4215A to rotate counter-clockwise about pivot 4220A and hook 4215B to rotate clockwise about pivot 4220B.
A pair of catches 4230L and 4230R are secured to joists or framing members 115, 120 above ceiling 135. Catches 4230 include a sloped portion 4232 and a horizontal finger portion 4234.
Lowering Cabinet As cabinet 105 is lowered from its full elevated location in FIG. 42, finger 4206 becomes disengaged from restraining member 4230 and hooks 4215 are urged by springs 4225 to their outward-most positions, as shown in FIG. 43.
As cabinet 105 is lowered, sliding section 4210 also moves downward, urged by gravity and by frictional forces between channels 4200 and sliding section 4210. As cabinet 105 is lowered further, the lower surface of hooks 4215 comes into contact with the sloped portions 4232 of catches 4230. As cabinet 105 is lowered still further, hooks 4215 will ride on the sloped portions 4232 of catches 4230 until hooks 4215 are able to move beneath finger portions 4234 of catches 4230, urged by their associated springs 4220, as shown in FIG. 43. When hooks 4215 are secured within catches 4230, sliding section 4210 is securely restrained and since sliding section 4210 is constrained to move within channels 4200 and since channels 4200 are secured to cabinet 105, cabinet 105 is therefore also restrained from moving and is stabilized.
Raising Cabinet As cabinet 105 is raised, channels 4200 slidably move upward on sliding section 4210, along with poker 4205 and finger 4206. When finger 4206 reaches restraining member 4230, finger 4206 urges restraining member 4230 upward, thereby urging hooks 4220 to move inward, against the forces exerted by springs 4225. When hooks 4220 move inward and are disengaged from catches 4230, sliding section 4210 also moves upward, finally assuming the position shown in FIG. 42 when cabinet 105 is fully raised.
Guide Member with Stabilization
FIGS. 44 through 46 show side views of a one-piece guide member 4240. In this embodiment member 4240 is longitudinal and has two elongated slots running lengthwise, for providing stability as a load such as a cabinet 105 is raised and lowered. FIGS. 47 and 48 show details of components of a guide member stabilization mechanism used adjacent to a ceiling structure 4280. Ceiling structure 4280 can be an overhead structure consisting of concrete, timber, metal, structural lumber, plaster, plastic, other materials, or a combination thereof. It can have an opening that includes structural material, such as timber or metal and may need to be reinforced to support a storage unit.
A cabinet 105 has an optional bottom panel 110. Traction members 145L and 145R are secured to cabinet 105 by connecting plates 146L and 146 R, respectively. A pair of pulleys 1050 L and 1050 R are rotatably secured to a ceiling structure 4280 by a pair of plates 4258 L and 4258 R, respectively. Plates 4258 L and R are secured to ceiling structure 4280 by fasteners such as bolts or screws (not shown). Traction members 145 L and R pass upward from connecting plates 146L and 146 R, over pulleys 1050 L and R, and from there to a motive source (not shown).
A pair of channels 4247 L and 4247 R are immovably secured to cabinet 105 by a plurality of fasteners 108. A guide member 4240 is slidably constrained to move up and down, or float, between channels 4247 L and R. Guide member 4240 includes a pair of slots 4245 L and 4245 R running parallel with the long direction thereof. FIG. 44 shows an optional human sensor 4436 mounted to the inside top area of an optional closet 100.
FIG. 47 shows a mounting bracket 4250 immovably secured to a ceiling structure 4280 by a plurality of fasteners 108. A pair of backing plates 4260 (Front) and 4260 (Back) are secured to bracket 4250 by four studs 4255. Studs 4255 extend through slots 4245 L and R of guide member 4240, as shown. Four nuts 4268 and four bushings 4265 space plates 4260 Front and 4260 Back so that guide member 4240 is free to slidably move up and down between plates 4260 Front and 4260 Back. Guide member 4240 is slidably attached to either cabinet 105 or ceiling structure 4280.
FIG. 48 shows the spatial relationships of guide member 4240, slots 4245 in guide member 4240, ceiling structure 4280, bracket 4250, studs 4255, and bushings 4265. A plurality of nuts 4268 are tightened to hold plate 4260 (Front) in place. Studs 4255 are of sufficient length to secure plate 4260 (Front) a small distance away from guide member 4240, thus permitting member 4240 to slidably move between plates 4260 (Front) and 4260 (Back).
FIGS. 44 through 46 show cabinet 105 with optional bottom panel 110 attached and the cabinet 105 in FIG. 44 in its fully-upward position. FIG. 44 also shows a partial view of optional closet 100. Tension in traction members 145 L and R holds bottom panel 110 against ceiling structure 4280. With bottom panel 110 in this position, the bottom edge of guide member 4240 rests on the upper surface of bottom panel 110 or on stops on cabinet, not shown. FIG. 44A shows a sectional view of guide member 4240 constrained within channel 4247.
FIG. 45 shows traction members 145 L and R extended so that cabinet 105 is partially lowered beneath ceiling structure 4280. With cabinet 105 partially lowered, guide member 4240 assumes an intermediate position between ceiling structure 4280 and bottom of cabinet 105. Studs 4255 and bushings 4265 allow guide member 4240 to move up and down only. Since guide member 4240 is constrained to move within channels 4247 L and R, and channels 4247 L and R are secured to cabinet 105, cabinet is constrained to move in a vertical direction only.
FIG. 46 shows traction members 145 L and R fully extended so that cabinet 105 is fully lowered for access beneath ceiling structure 4280. The tops of grooves 4245L and 4245R rest on the upper pair of bushings 4265, thereby preventing further downward travel of guide member 4240.
Cabinet Guide Members FIGS. 49 and 50 show side views of one aspect of a system for guiding and limiting the travel of cabinet 105 as it is raised and lowered.
In FIG. 49 cabinet 105 has an extension 4295 secured to its upper surface by a plurality of brackets 4296. Extension 4295 extends a first predetermined distance above the top of cabinet 105, thereby permitting cabinet 105 to be lowered a second predetermined distance beneath a ceiling structure 4280 (FIG. 50).
A pair of clamps 4292 L and 4292 R secure traction members 145 L and 145 R to points near the bottom of cabinet 105. Pulleys 1050 L and 1050 R are rotatably secured to plates 4258 L and 4258 R and plates 4258 L and 4258 R are secured to ceiling structure 4280, as described above. Traction members 145 L and R pass over pulleys 1050 L and R and are extended and withdrawn by an external motive source (not shown) to lower and raise cabinet 105, also as discussed above.
In FIG. 49, a first support 4290 is affixed at the top of extension 4295 and a second support 4290′ is affixed near the bottom, inside of ceiling structure 4280, i.e., on the side facing cabinet 105. A guide member 4285 has a circular, square, triangular, rectangular, or other cross-sectional shape. Guide member 4285 moves slidably through a circular opening in support 4290A (FIG. 51). In lieu of a circular opening, the support may have a square, a triangular, or an oblong opening, which can be provided by alternative supports 4290B (FIG. 52), 4290C (FIG. 53), or 4290D (FIG. 54), respectively. A stop 4300 is secured to the upper end of guide member 4285 and another stop 4300′ is secured to the lower end of cabinet 105. Stops 4300 and 4300′ secure guide member in position when cabinet is elevated or lowered.
Cabinet 105 is lowered by extending traction members 145 L and R. As cabinet 105 is lowered, supports 4290 restrict the movement of guide member 4285 to a vertical path.
FIG. 50 shows cabinet 105 fully lowered for access. As cabinet 105 is lowered, guide member 4285 is constrained to slidably move within supports 4290 and 4290′, thereby ensuring that cabinet 105 translates vertically only as it is lowered. As cabinet 105 is raised to its position shown in FIG. 49, guide member 4285 and supports 4290 and 4290′ will again ensure vertical-only motion of cabinet 105.
Many variations on the cabinet stabilizing means described are possible. Also, since in a rafter-roof home the maximum attic clear height is commonly found adjacent an interior load bearing wall, a wall mounted track system, similar in operation to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,086,002 to Shepard (1937) can be used.
Safety Features FIGS. 55A through 56 show aspects of safety features that can protect users, children, pets or live animals (hereinafter “animals”) and objects in the proximity of an attic storage system.
FIG. 55A is a side view showing a cabinet 105, joists 115, and framing members 120 above a ceiling 135. Traction members 145 and a motor 1000 raise or lower cabinet 105 when motor 1000 is activated. The following measures will prevent cabinet 105 from causing issues as it is lowered or raised.
In one aspect, a safety system comprises a controller 4402, a switch box 4406, a pair of solenoids 4400L and 4400R, a plurality of human sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436, a controller 4402 and two limit switches 4407 and 4409. Solenoids 4400L and 4400R connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4403L and 4403R, respectively. Limit switches 4407 and 4409 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4408 and 4411, respectively. Sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4431, 4432, and 4437, respectively. Motor 1000 is connected to controller 4402 via a conduit 4417.
Limit switch 4409 is arranged to close, or be transmissive, when cabinet 105 is at a predetermined level beneath ceiling 135. The switch can employ a turns counter that is affixed to a shaft 1025, or other means that is activated when a predetermined length of traction member 145 has been deployed to lower cabinet 105.
Motor 1000 and shafts 1025 are supported by two posts 4500L and 4500R. A bracing member 4505 securely connects posts 4500L and 4500R for rigidity. An alternative limit switch 4407 is secured to member 4505. Limit switch 4407 is a simple momentary action switch positioned to be activated by contact with the top surface of cabinet 105.
Sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 are well-known infrared, ultrasonic, and motion detectors and other sensors that detect the presence and/or motion of humans. Such sensors can be the Human Pyroelectric Infrared Sensor Module, sold by Amazon.com and Glolab Corporation, the DigiKey Temperature Sensor Module, the Omron D6T thermal sensor, or the Pyroelectric (“Passive”) InfraRed Motion Detection Sensor from Adafruit, as well as other sensors well-known in the art. Such sensors generally also detect non-human animals. In this aspect, sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436 are “activated” when they detect an animal within a predetermined distance of cabinet 105. Through electronic motor controls they inhibit the movement of cabinet 105 in response thereto. Human sensors are located within a predetermined distance of a cabinet or raiseable panel's upward and downward movement paths. They can be placed on a ceiling or ceiling structure, upon, within or adjacent to a closet or cabinet, upon a bottom panel or raiseable panel or elsewhere within the predetermined range of operation of the human sensor. The human sensor is arranged to detect and emit a predetermined output when a human is present within the predetermined distance. Means (not shown) are provided for inhibiting movement of a cabinet or raiseable panel in response to the predetermined output. The sensor can be deactivated for servicing by qualified personnel.
Controller 4402 is arranged to receive activation signals from sensors 4430, 4435, and 4436, to detect switch closures in switch box 4406, to detect closures of limit switches 4407 and 4409, and to energize motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R under predetermined conditions. An energizing source 4404, such as a battery or power mains, provides operating energy to controller 4402.
FIGS. 55B and 55C: FIGS. 55B and 55C show details of well-known electromagnetic solenoids 4400. In this aspect, a solenoid comprises a bracket 4405 that is rigidly secured to a coil 4410. A core 4420 moves slidably in and out of the center of coil 4410. A pair of conductors 4415 are at the terminus of coil 4415. When electrical current passes through coil 4410, solenoid 4400 is energized and core 4420 is urged to enter coil 4410, as indicated in FIG. 57B. When no electrical current passes through coil 4410, solenoid 4400 is de-energized and core 4420 is free to move in or out of coil 4410. A compression spring 4425 is used to hold core 4420 in an extended position when there is no electrical current in coil 4410.
As shown in FIG. 55A, solenoids 4400 L and 4400 R are secured to framing members 120 and are arranged to prevent cabinet 105 from being lowered when storage system is not in operation or when power is switched off. In this case, cabinet 105 includes a pair of holes 4440 L and 4440 R. Cores 4420 of solenoids 4400 L and R normally project into holes 4440 L and 4440 R, respectively, when cabinet 105 is stowed at its upper position.
Switch box 4406 contains an “up” switch 4412 and a “down” switch 4413. Pressing either of these switches initiates a series of events that are shown below in the flow chart of FIG. 57. Switch 4412 is arranged to urge motor 1000 to turn in a direction that lifts cabinet 105 and switch 4413 is arranged to urge motor 1000 to turn in a direction that lowers cabinet 105. This is easily done in the case of a direct-current motor with a controller providing a first polarity of voltage to motor 1000 for raising cabinet 105 and a second polarity of voltage to motor 1000 for lowering cabinet 105.
FIG. 56 illustrates safety provisions for a raiseable panel, similar to those of FIGS. 55A through 55C provided for the cabinet. FIG. 56 is a side view showing a raiseable panel 4275, joists 115, and framing members 120 above a ceiling 135. Traction members 145 and a motor 1000 raise or lower raiseable panel 4275 when motor 1000 is activated.
In one aspect, a safety system comprises a controller 4402, a switch box 4406, a pair of solenoids 4400L and 4400R, a plurality of human sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436, a controller 4402 and two limit switches 4407′ and 4409. Solenoids 4400L and 4400R connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4403L and 4403R, respectively. Limit switches 4407′ and 4409 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4408′ and 4411, respectively. Sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 connect to controller 4402 via conduits 4431′, 4432, and 4437, respectively. Motor 1000 is connected to controller 4402 via a conduit 4417.
Limit switch 4409 is arranged to close, or be activated, when raiseable panel 4275 is at a predetermined level beneath ceiling 135. It can incorporate a turns counter switch that is affixed to a shaft 1025, or other means that is activated when a predetermined length of traction member 145 has been deployed to lower raiseable panel 4275.
Motor 1000 and shafts 1025 are supported by two posts 4500L and 4500R. A bracing member 4505 securely connects posts 4500L and 4500R for rigidity. Limit switch 4407 is secured to member 4705. Limit switch 4407′ is a simple momentary action switch positioned to be activated by contact with the top surface raiseable panel 4275.
Sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 are well-known infrared, ultrasonic, and motion detectors that detect the presence and/or motion of humans. In this aspect, sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436 are “activated” when they detect a human within a predetermined distance of raiseable panel 4275 and inhibit the movement of cabinet 2105 or raiseable panel 4275 in response thereto.
Controller 4402 is arranged to receive activation signals from sensors 4430′, 4435, and 4436, to detect switch closures in switch box 4406, to detect closures of limit switches 4407′ and 4409, and to energize motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R under predetermined conditions. An energizing source 4404, such as a battery or power mains, provides operating energy to controller 4402.
As described above, FIGS. 55B and C show details of well-known electromagnetic solenoids 4400. In this aspect, a solenoid comprises a bracket 4405 that is rigidly secured to a coil 4410. A core 4420 moves slidably in and out of the center of coil 4410. A pair of conductors 4415 are at the terminus of coil 4415. When electrical current passes through coil 4410, solenoid 4400 is energized and core 4420 is urged to enter coil 4410, as indicated in FIG. 57B. When no electrical current passes through coil 4410, solenoid 4400 is de-energized and core 4420 is free to move in or out of coil 4410. A compression spring 4425 is used to hold core 4420 in an extended position when there is no electrical current in coil 4410.
As shown in FIG. 56, solenoids 4400 L and 4400 R are secured to framing members 120 and are arranged to prevent raiseable panel 4275 from being lowered when storage system is not in operation or when power is switched off. In this case, raiseable panel 4275 includes a pair of brackets 4450L and 4450 R with holes 4440 L and 4440 R. Cores 4420 of solenoids 4400 L and R normally project into holes 4440 L and 4440 R, respectively, when raiseable panel 4275 is stowed at its upper position.
Switch box 4406 contains an “up” switch 4412 and a “down” switch 4413. Pressing either of these switches initiates a series of events that are shown below in the flow chart of FIG. 57. Switch 4412 is arranged to urge motor 1000 to turn in a direction that lifts raiseable panel 4275 and switch 4413 is arranged to urge motor 1000 to turn in a direction that lowers raiseable panel 4275. This is easily done in the case of a direct-current motor by a controller providing a first polarity of voltage to motor 1000 for elevating raiseable panel 4275 and a second polarity of voltage to motor 1000 for lowering raiseable panel 4275.
FIG. 57 is a flow chart showing operation of the above-described safety system. At the start (block 5000) controller 4402 is energized. The states of switches 4412 and 4413 are tested (blocks 5005 and 5010). If “up” switch 4412 is not pressed, and “down” switch 4413 is not pressed, the sequence of events returns to node “A”. When it is desired to lower cabinet 105 (FIG. 55A) or raiseable panel 4275 (FIG. 56), switch 4413 is pressed (block 5010) and lower limit switch 4409 is tested (block 5015). If cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 is at its predetermined lowest position, switch 4409 is activated, the sequence of events returns to node “A”, and no further action occurs.
Next, sensor 4435 is tested (block 5020). If sensor 4435 is activated, the sequence of events returns to node “A” and no further action occurs. If neither switch 4409 nor sensor 4435 are activated, nothing is in the way of lowering cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 and solenoids 4400 and motor 1000 are activated (block 5025). As cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 is lowered, sensor 4435 is tested (block 5030). If sensor 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), motor 1000 and solenoids 4400 are deactivated, and control returns to node “A”. If sensor 4430 or 4430′ is not activated, lower limit switch 4409 is tested (block 5040). If switch 4409 is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), motor 1000 and solenoids 4400L and 4400R are deactivated, and control returns to node “A”. If lower limit switch 4409 is not activated, control returns directly to node “A” and lowering of cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 continues.
A similar series of events occurs when “up” switch 4412 is pressed (block 5005). Upper limit switch 4407 is tested (block 5045). If switch 4407 or 4407′ is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035) and finally node “A”. If switch 4407 or 4407′ is not activated, sensors 4430 and 4436 are tested. If they are activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and then node “A”. If none of switch 4407 or 4407′, sensor 4430 or 4430′, (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated, solenoids 4400L and 4400R and motor 1000 are activated and cabinet 105 or raiseable panel 4275 is raised (block 5055). If either of sensors 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated (block 5060), then control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and finally node “A”. If neither of sensors 4430 or 4430′ (or alternately 4435 or 4436) are activated, upper limit switch 4407 is tested (block 5065). If switch 4407 is activated, control passes to node “B” (block 5035), and finally node “A”. If switch 4407 is not activated (block 5065), then control passes to node “A” and the process of raising and testing continues.
Further safety measures can be implemented through electronic motor controls, some of which are commonly used in garage door openers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,198, Gunton (2001). For example, if an obstruction such as a chair, dresser, nightstand or bed is encountered by a cabinet or raiseable panel being lowered, resulting in a change in the load on the motor, movement of the cabinet or raiseable panel would immediately stop or reverse. Likewise, in the event an elevating load has an increase in the load on the motor in ascent, indicating a possible obstruction of an open cabinet or box door or an item extending from the cabinet or raiseable panel encountering an obstruction, perhaps near ceiling level, the drive would immediately stop or reverse. If there is a bumping or swaying of a predetermined magnitude of an elevating or descending load, electronic controls would also cause the motor to stop until the load is stabilized and can then be started again. An additional safety feature is a spring loaded idler pulley to prevent lifting cables from disengaging from sheaves or pulleys.
Attic Ventilation FIGS. 58 and 26 illustrate various means for circulating outdoor air through an attic space or upper room into which a closet 100″ has a cabinet 105′ elevated to its bottom to store goods. As noted, extreme heat in an attic space or upper room can be destructive to many items in such storage. Although cooler air from a living space below can be circulated through a closet 100 located in an attic, as in FIG. 1, there are situations where a cooler in-closet air supply is not available, as in a home without air conditioning or one vacated for an extended period, such as during a vacation when an air conditioning system may be inactivate. In these situations a whole house fan or attic fan that circulates outdoor air, drawn through windows, doorways or other openings below, can circulate cooler outdoor air through an attic space or upper room, around the outside of a closet and thus maintain a lower temperature in the attic or upper room and within the closet along with its contents.
As shown in FIG. 58, a well-known whole house fan, 4540 or 4550 is located adjacent to, or above the ceiling 135 of a living space below. When a thermostat or humidistat sensor 4520′ or 4520″, respectively, activates a fan 4540 or 4550 with a predetermined setting, outdoor air is drawn through a shutter 4560 or air inlet 4660 from windows, doorways or other exterior openings in the living space below, and circulated through an attic space or upper room and exhausted to the outdoors through one or more of gable vent 4590, roof vent 4600, ridge vent 4610, wall vent 4620 or soffit vent 4630.
Alternately an electrically powered gable fan 4530, solar powered fan 4570, wind powered turbine fan 4580 or other fan can be used to circulate outdoor air through an attic space or upper room. A whole house fan 4540 or 4550 serves as an active ventilation system, requiring exterior openings in the living space below, whereas an attic fan 4530, 4570, 4580 or 4605 present passive means to accomplish attic or upper room outdoor air circulation.
When a whole house fan 4540 or 4550 or attic fan 4530, 4570, 4605, 4580 or 4605 is used in combination with a cabinet 105′ enclosed in a closet 100″ additional and important benefits are provided by an air space 4608 between the cabinet 105′ and closet 100″ acting as a buffer or thermal barrier to help suppress rapid changes in temperature. This air space 4608′ is also shown in FIG. 6C and FIG. 7 with optional air space blocks 402′. This thermal barrier is similar in one respect to thermal pane windows having an air space between two layers of glass to provide insulating properties between the two areas on opposite sides of the glass median. Because substantial changes in temperature in such an air space can take a few hours or more, high temperature extremes can be avoided. One or more airflow blocks 402, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 7 provide means for modulating the effects of the flow of outdoor air through the attic or upper floor area and thus the closet and cabinet. As shown in FIG. 55A, a brake motor or right angle worm gear motor 1000 can be used to prevent back driving or reverse turning and possible falling of the cabinet. Human sensors 4430 or 4436 may also be employed.
FIG. 58 also shows other means for circulating cooler outdoor air through an attic space by providing soffit vents 4630 mated with a ridge vent 4610. Presenting a passive means for attic cooling, the combination of these vents with an air space 4608 between the cabinet 105′ and closet 100″ acting as a buffer or thermal barrier substantially help suppress rapid changes in temperature, mitigating potentially damaging consequences.
FIG. 26 shows an airspace 150 in an integrated closet 100′ and cabinet 105′ performing essentially the same function as in FIG. 58 in having an airspace substantially surrounding the outer side walls of a cabinet within a closet. Optional air space blocks 402′ are shown. Again, as shown in FIG. 55A, a brake motor or right angle worm gear motor 1000 can be used to prevent back driving or reverse turning and possible falling of the integrated closet cabinet.
The closet 100″ can be formed of any of the aforementioned materials or it can be made of a wide variety of flexible sheet material, such as woven fabric or of a variety of plastic materials. A frame 4670, fabricated of metal, plastic or other material, supports flexible closet material 100′″. The closet 100″ can be partially or fully formed of insulation material.
In homes not having air conditioning or those vacated for an extended period, as during a vacation, and without the provision of cooler air from a living space below flowing through a closet above, an attic fan or whole house fan can be employed to circulate outdoor air through an attic or room above and around the closet. Such outdoor air can help avert high temperature extremes that may be damaging to goods stored in a cabinet or on an elevated panel. In some geographical areas, attic temperatures exceeding 150° F., 34° C., are common and thermal protection becomes very important. Items such as photographs, leather articles, delicate fabrics, important papers and many other items are susceptible to damage in extreme heat. 39 of the 50 United States have had temperatures of 110° F., 43.3° C., or greater and 10 states have reached or exceeded 120° F., 48.9° C. Attic temperatures with these outdoor temperatures can be extreme.
Additionally, it may be important that goods stored in an attic closet be protected from fungus growth, such as mildew and mold. Mold growth can occur within a day's time and can spread quickly. Fungus commonly requires moisture to grow. Once the relative humidity at any given temperature reaches 100 percent, a dew point is reached and condensation can occur as the vapor in the air turns to water. Air temperature determines how much water vapor air can hold. The warmer the air, the more water vapor it can hold. Relative humidity is a measure that describes the amount of moisture the air holds relative to the most it could hold at a given temperature. For example, if the air temperature is 70° Fahrenheit (F), a relative humidity of 40 percent means that air at that temperature contains only 40 percent of the moisture it could hold. If the air temperature then drops from 70° F. to 55° F., the relative humidity will climb nearly 70 percent—even though the amount of moisture in the air remains unchanged. This happens because colder air cannot hold as much moisture as warmer air. If air temperature drops still further, from 55° F. to 44° F., the relative humidity will be 100 percent. At this point, some water vapor in the air will begin to condense to liquid water because the air can no longer contain it. The dew point is the temperature to which air with a given humidity level must cool for water vapor to condense to liquid. In this case 44° F. is the dew point.
Very high daytime temperatures typically recede in the night hours and the cycling of high to much lower temperatures can occur within a relatively short period of several hours. In some areas day to night temperatures vary as much as 40° F. As noted above, an outdoor high temperature with elevated relative humidity in a closet that drops to a much lower temperature can, upon reaching a dew point, release moisture creating mold or mildew. To avert such high temperature extremes and potentially damaging temperature cycling, a combination of a cabinet that elevates into a closet in an attic is provided with an air space substantially around all the sidewalls of the cabinet and the inner side walls of the closet, along with a whole house fan or an attic fan circulating outdoor air through the attic. This combination acts to both reduce attic and closet high temperature extremes and mitigate rapid temperature cycling or changes within a closet, reducing the possibility of mold or mildew damage. It is an insulating air wall between the side walls of a closet and cabinet.
In essence, the air space between the side walls of the cabinet and closet provide a thermal barrier therebetween, similar in some respects to a storm window placed adjacent a fixed window pane or like a double glazed thermo pane window having an air space between two glass panes. With air having poor thermal conductivity, this air space acts as an insulating buffer, mitigating attic heat transfer from outside a closet to a cabinet inside a closet. The storm window air spaces in tens of millions of homes attest to the efficacy of such air space buffering. This innovation, however, defines a major improvement over the “storm window” principle inasmuch as the air space insulating buffer extends not just in two dimensions, but the “peripheral insulating air space” provides a temperature harmonizing or equalizing effect throughout the entire peripheral air space and substantially around the entire outside of a cabinet. In effect all peripheral side cabinet air space surfaces thermally contribute to the insulating envelope, avoiding possible hot spots that could otherwise occur. Thermal stratification passively promotes a harmonizing or mixing of thermal influences to maintain a generally uniform temperature all around the cabinet, automatically mitigating or eliminating any peripheral cold spots or areas, such as might exist in a two dimensional storm window type of application. Instead of the thermal influence of a two dimensional surface, as in a window pane, there is the substantially surrounding thermal influence, more like that of a cabinet situated in a refrigerated environment, with a thermal influence on all the cabinet sidewall exteriors. The net effect is to maintain an internal closet temperature range generally in between the high and low of the outdoor day and night temperatures respectively, reducing the possibility of damage from extreme heat as well as mold or mildew contamination in higher humidity environments. Insulation of the closet may be required under local building codes.
Inasmuch as an integrated closet and cabinet that elevates and descends as a unit, when in the raised storage position, performs virtually identically to the above unit, the integrated unit afforded as the cabinet that elevates into a closet when used in combination with a whole house fan or an attic fan, activated by a thermostat and/or humidistat, may perform better.
An improved attic storage system that uses a closet and a cabinet or raiseable panel to retrievably store items in an attic or above a ceiling area has been described. When desired, the cabinet or raiseable panel is lowered into the living space below for access to stored items. While it is raised, the raiseable panel forms the floor of the closet. When the cabinet is stowed, air circulation between the air space in the closet and the room below is enhanced by an electric fan.
Vent openings in the bottom panel or raiseable panel permit air to flow between the living space beneath and the space in the closet to help prevent freezing temperatures in the closet. A fan circulating air between the closet and the living space below reduces temperature swings that would otherwise occur in the closet, and protects the contents of the closet from damage due to temperature and humidity extremes. In several aspects, air from air treatment units is recirculated within the closet, ducted so that it is shared with the air in the living space below the closet, or discharged from the closet to the outdoors. In one aspect of a first embodiment, a cabinet rests upon a panel. The cabinet and the panel are raised and lowered vertically by a motive force, which can be manual, a spring motor, or electrical means, optionally guided by one or more vertical stabilizing members. In another aspect, a second cabinet is affixed to the bottom side of a panel and the second cabinet remains exposed in the room below the panel when the panel is raised to the ceiling.
In other aspects, air is urged to flow over predetermined surfaces of the cabinet. In another aspect of the first embodiment, a two-piece panel is secured to the ceiling at the perimeter of the closet so that when a cabinet is lowered from the closet, the two halves of the panel springably open and guide the cabinet as it moves up or down. In one aspect of a second embodiment, the cabinet and panel are rotatably raised and lowered on a pivoted cantilever mechanism. The cantilevered mechanism includes a weighted portion opposite the end that supports the cabinet. A weight on the weighted portion moves to the same side of the pivot so that the cabinet will stay in its lowered position. When the cabinet is raised part-way toward the attic, the weight moves to the opposite side of the pivot, urging the cabinet into the ceiling.
In another aspect, a closet and panel are lowered from an attic space into the room below. An optional additional storage cabinet is affixed to the bottom side of the panel for access when the panel and closet are fully raised. In another aspect, spring-loaded doors are arranged to block the vent openings in the panel in case of a fire. The fire doors are normally held open by fusible fire links. When heat from a fire melts the links, they release the doors and airflow between the closet and the room below is blocked, preventing fire from entering the attic. An openable closet permits use of the cabinet for transporting objects between an attic and a living space. Storage bins can be carried within the cabinet. A human sensor and solenoid locking means can help prevent issues. Brake motors and worm gear motors are well known to help prevent motor reversal or back driving resulting in unintentional lowering of a cabinet or raiseable panel.
While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but as exemplifications of some present embodiments. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings. Additional features can be added, such as decorative graphics, a light fixture, or a television facing into the room below the cabinet. Additional cables can be used to raise and lower a cabinet. An electrical key lock can be used to control the motor that hoists and lowers the cabinet from the attic into the living space. A simple lock mechanism can keep the cantilever embodiment in its stowed position. Such locks are useful when condominium owners wish to securely store their valuables when renting the living space to others, for example. An over-current sensor or a torque-limiting clutch can be added to the hoist motor. This will protect against accidental injury when the cabinet is moving up or down, and also prevent damage to the ceiling structure when the cabinet is overloaded. Limit switches can be employed to prevent excessive up and down movement as can electrical door contact switches, to prevent raising of a cabinet when doors are open. A jacking crank for manual lowering in event of motor or power failure can be integrated into the drive mechanism. Also, the materials and sizes can be changed, as can the shapes of the components. The vertical slides or casters and skids that guide the cabinet into the closet can be eliminated, if desired. In that case, the user would manually guide the cabinet as it is raised. Although the sliding section is T shaped in the illustrations, this floating member can take many shapes, including rectangular, and can have a great variety of means for securing the sliding section to structural members. A remote smoke detector, such as that sold by Flinn Scientific, Inc., Batavia, Ill., can be placed in a closet and/or attic space with the alarm affixed to a panel, ceiling or other location in the living space, so that in the event of smoke or fire above, the alarm is audible below. As indicated, in lieu of the cabinets that are shown and stored in the attic closet, a box or boxes can be stored instead.
