MOTORIZED OVERHEAD STOWAGE SYSTEM
A storage bin comprising: a receptacle for receiving items; a mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor; a mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the mounting support and guiding the receptacle downward from the mounting support to an open position and guiding the receptacle upward to the mounting support to a closed position, the mechanism comprising at least one pulley arranged to connect the receptacle to the mounting support via at least one link; a motor; a spool operable by the motor, wherein the spool is caused to move the receptacle downward when the at least one link is unwound from around the spool, and caused to move the receptacle upward when at least one link is wound around the spool.
This application is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT/CA2020/050072 with an international filing date of Jan. 23, 2020, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/809,074, filed on Feb. 22, 2019.
FIELDThe present disclosure relates to storage bins. In particular, this disclosure relates to storage in small spaces.
BACKGROUNDAs urban density continues to grow in major world centres and the access to consumer goods increases, the demand for storage is compounded. Floor and wall space are limited in housing such as condominiums and apartments.
Standalone housing provides little in the way of storage space for accumulated family items over the years. Rooms such as the family room, living room, and dining rooms are rarely outfitted with storage areas. Even in rooms which traditionally have cabinets, (such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages), lack of sufficient shelving or closets is often a common complaint from homeowners. In cases of families, there is also a desire to have storage that is not easily reached or accessed by young children for items such as prescription medications and pharmaceutical necessities.
Storage in manufacturing settings is also often limited, especially in the multi-part assembly industries such as surface mount technology manufacturers. Fixed storage racks and shelves are costly and take up valuable real estate on manufacturing plant floors.
Office space is also often at a premium with many offices now being open-concept and having minimal furniture, such as shared workspaces. Storage for personal items in such environments is rarely available.
The background herein is included solely to explain the context of the disclosure. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge as of the priority date.
SUMMARYIn accordance with an aspect, there is provided a storage bin comprising:
-
- a receptacle for receiving items;
- a mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor;
- a mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the mounting support and guiding the receptacle downward from the mounting support to an open position and guiding the receptacle upward to the mounting support to a closed position, the mechanism comprising at least one pulley arranged to connect the receptacle to the mounting support via at least one link;
- a motor;
- a spool operable by the motor, wherein the spool is caused to move the receptacle downward when the at least one link is unwound from around the spool, and caused to move the receptacle upward when at least one link is wound around the spool.
In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a storage bin comprising:
-
- a receptacle for receiving items;
- a mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor, the mounting support shaped to receive the receptacle frame; and
- a mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the mounting support and guiding the receptacle downward from the mounting support to a first position to allow placement or retrieval of the items and guiding the receptacle upward to the mounting support to a second position adjacent to the mounting support for storage of the items, the mechanism comprises pulleys arranged to connect the receptacle to the mounting support via at least one link;
- a RF-controlled motor having a receiver associated therewith for receiving controlling signals from a transmitter;
- a spool operable by the RF-controlled motor, wherein the spool is caused to move the receptacle downward when the at least one link is unwound from around the spool, and caused to move the receptacle upward when the at least one link is wound around the spool.
It is understood that one or more of the aspects described herein (and above) may be combined in any suitable manner. The novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples presented, while indicating certain aspects, are provided for illustration purposes only because various changes and modifications will become apparent to those of skill in the art from the detailed description and claims that follow.
The present disclosure will be further understood from the following description with reference to the Figures, in which:
Turning now to the figures, an exemplary storage bin 10 is shown in
Cover 12 has a top 16, side walls 18, and front portion 20. The cover may have a back wall (not shown) or may be open at the back. Receptacle 14 has side walls 22, back wall 24, bottom 26, and front portion 28 forming a bin, bucket, or deep tray shape. Front portion 28 may be shaped to have form a handle 30. Receptacle 14 is sized to fit slidably within cover 12 when in the closed position and form a completely enclosed cavity within the storage bin 10. While,
In the closed position of
In this embodiment, front portion 34 of the receptacle 14 abuts front portion 26 of the cover 12. The underside of the bottom 32 of receptacle 14 is exposed when in the closed position. If the top cover 12 does not have a back portion, then the back portion 28 of the receptacle 14 is also exposed. As the receptacle 14 moves away from the cover 12 to an open position, as depicted in
While
When operated electronically, for example, the servo motor may be hardwired to the electrical system of the building or may be battery-operated. In this example, the front portion may be pushed up or inwards to activate the connection and articulating mechanism 38. Alternatively, a remote control and sensor (not shown) may be used to control the connection and articulating mechanism 38. In another alternative, the storage bin may have a button on the outside of the top cover or receptacle to activate the connection and articulating mechanism 38. In yet another alternative embodiment, an activating button may be remotely located such as a nearby wall or within furniture that activates the connection and articulating mechanism 38.
In this embodiment, a track 40 is attached to the inner of side walls 18 of cover 12. The track 40 may include a linear track formed of nested planar sheet metal lengths with ball bearings interposed between the lengths to allow smooth movement relative to each other, (not shown). The nested or telescopic slide 42 at the lower end of the track is attached to the outer of side wall 22 of receptacle 14. Thus, as the storage bin 10 opens (i.e. the receptacle moves downward) the nested slide 42 of track 40 slide freely relative to each other.
The receptacle 14 may translate forward, away from the cover 12 as the storage bin 10 is opened. This allows for large or bulky items to be placed into or removed from the receptacle 14 without obstacle. The track 40 may be inclined at an angle to allow the forward translation of the receptacle 14. Likewise, as the storage bin is closed, the receptacle 14 may translate backward toward the cover 12. In another embodiment, the receptacle 14 may translate straight downwards as the storage bin 10 is opened, and straight upward as the storage bin is closed.
In an alternative embodiment, the lift assist 46 and servo motor may be replaced with a dampener or rotary gas dampener.
In another embodiment of
The downward motion of the receptacle may be slowed by the dampener 45, one end of which is attached pivotably to the inner of side wall 18 of cover 12, and an opposite end attached pivotably to the outer of side wall 22 of the receptacle 14. Thus, when the bin is closed, the dampener 45 is substantially (or nearly) horizontal. In some embodiments the dampener 45 may have a spring-loaded or pneumatic strut (not shown).
To close the bin, force may be applied to move the dampener 45 clockwise so that the strut is no longer parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dampener 45. The strut in turn supplies a force that assists in pivoting the link dampener in a clockwise direction, i.e., assists in closing the bin. Therefore, when the storage bin is full, the strut reduces the amount of force that must be applied physically to close it.
In an alternative embodiment, the dampener 45 may be replaced with a lift assist and a motor, such as a servo motor.
In the embodiments shown in
To close the bin, force may be applied to move the dampener clockwise so that the strut is no longer parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dampener. The strut in turn supplies a force that assists in pivoting the link dampener in a clockwise direction, i.e., assists in closing the bin. Therefore, when the storage bin is full, the strut reduces the amount of force that must be applied physically to close it.
In the embodiment shown in
When the bin is activated to open, pull-type pneumatic struts 70, 71, 72, 73 are extended by the action of unlatching and pulling down the bin combined with the weight within the bin. This causes linkages 74, 75, and 76 to pivot at each end around their attachment points respectively causing the translation of the receptacle in a downward direction. Vertical travel bracket 79 guides a pin attached to the center of linkage 75 to ensure symmetrical linkage deployment. The receptacle 14 may be pulled down by the handle 30 if the front portion 28 of the receptacle 14 provides one. The opening sequence of the storage bin 10 may be dampened by additional cylinders attached to or built into the pneumatic struts.
When the bin is permitted to close, the pull-type pneumatic struts 70, 71, 72, 73 will retract. This may be done by disengaging a braking mechanism (not shown, but described below), or the user releasing their hold on the bin. Vertical travel bracket 79 follows the ascent of mechanical arm 75 as the linkages pivot at each end around their attachment points respectively causing the translation of the receptacle in an upward direction until the linkages are fully retracted. The closing sequence of the storage bin 10 may be dampened by additional cylinders attached to or built into the pneumatic struts.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10 may be made from, but is not limited to plastic or recycled plastics. The plastics may be UV resistant, fire retardant, and thermally protective. The finish on the exposed sides of the storage bin 10 may have different color finishes or may be decoratable by the user or owner.
In this embodiment, the bottom 114 may be a solid, flat, substantially rectangular segment for receiving and holding storage items. The top 113 may comprise a rectangular border 120, which connect to the sides 116 and back 118. The rectangular border 120 may have crossbars 122 within the center opening of the border 120. The crossbars 122 reduce the weight of the receptacle frame in comparison to a solid segment while also providing rigidity for the overall receptacle frame 104. The sides 116 and back 118 are substantially rectangular with a plurality of openings or cutaways. The receptacle frame 104 is open at its front to access any contents placed within the receptacle frame, but may be shaped or arranged to receive a door (not shown), a drawer (not shown) or a storage box (not shown). Alternatively, the front opening may be shaped to form a bottom lip, extending upwards from the bottom 114 to prevent items placed within the receptacle frame from falling out. The receptacle frame 104 may be made from sheet metal such as aluminum or steel or any suitable metal. In some embodiments, the receptacle frame 104 may also be made from plastic or recycled plastic.
The brackets 108, 110 of the mounting support 102 and the frame-like nature of the receptacle frame 104 allow for the attachment and interchangeability of decorative housing or paneling (not shown) by a user to the outside of the mounting support and receptacle frame 104. The housing or paneling may allow for the storage bin 100 to be any color or texture the user may prefer.
The receptacle frame 204 is substantially cuboid shaped, and includes an open top 208, a bottom 210, opposed sides 212, 214 and 216, 218. The bottom 210 may be a solid, flat, substantially rectangular segment for receiving and holding storage items. The receptacle frame 204 may be made from sheet metal such as aluminum or steel or any suitable metal. In some embodiments, the receptacle frame 204 may also be made from plastic or recycled plastic, composite materials.
The receptacle frame 204 is movably attached to the mounting support 202 via the mechanism 206. In one example, the mechanism 206 comprises a pulley system 219 with a link, such as straps 220 coupled to a rotating spool 221 operable by a motorized system 222. While
Now turning to
For embodiments of the storage bin 10, 100 and 200 that are controlled electronically, for example by a servo motor, the storage bin may have the appropriate electronic circuitry to allow it to be hard-wired into the buildings electrical system or so that the storage bin may be operated wirelessly through remote control. In the case where the storage bin 10, 100, 200 is operated wirelessly, the servo motor may be powered by battery. In the example where the storage bin 10, 100, 200 is controlled by remotely, via an app on a mobile device that utilizes radio frequency signals, such as Bluetooth™ signals between the mobile device and a Bluetooth™ sensor on the storage bin 10, 100, 200. Alternatively, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may be controlled by remote control, such that the remote control may utilize radio frequency between the remote control and a receiver on the storage bin 10. Alternatively, the mobile device may operate the storage bin through a Wi-Fi network that both the mobile device and storage bin are connected to. In this case, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 comprises a suitable Wi-Fi network connection.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 comprises a locking mechanism. When the locking mechanism is engaged, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 cannot be opened. The storage bin 10, 100, 200 will not be openable until the locking mechanism is disengaged. The locking mechanism may be engaged manually through a device, button or other actuating mechanism on the storage bin 10, 100, 200. The locking mechanism may be engaged electronically by remote control or a mobile device application. The locking mechanism may be disengaged by a code entered either remotely by remote control, mobile application, or manually via a keypad affixed to the surface of the storage bin 10, 100, 200. Such locking mechanisms are useful for the protection of personal items from theft or to keep dangerous items from becoming accessible. In addition to a locking mechanism, some embodiments of the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may provide armored cover 12 and receptacle 14 for the storage of items such as firearms or to ensure protection from destruction by fire.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may offer a braking mechanism. The braking mechanism may be used to halt the travel of the storage bin 10, 100, 200 as it moves up or down. The braking system may be engaged and disengaged manually using a device, button or other actuating mechanism on the storage bin 10, 100, 200. The braking mechanism may be engaged and disengaged electronically by remote control or a mobile device application. The braking system may be set to halt the vertical travel at a custom height each time it is used to avoid a collision between the receptacle 14 and surrounding equipment or furniture. Such braking mechanisms are useful for accessing bin contents at a desired height or simply to pause the movement.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may offer lighting systems. This lighting system may be installed within the underside of the bottom 26 of the receptacle 14 to illuminate areas directly below the storage bin 10, 100, 200. A lighting system may also be installed on the underside of top panel 16 to illuminate the contents of storage bin 10 or along the top frame of the receptacle frame 104 of storage bin 100, 200. The lighting system may be LED lighting and offer the ability to change color or adjust the brightness. The lighting system may be controlled manually on the storage bin 10, 100, 200 or through a remote control or mobile device application. In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may offer a sound system.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may offer a display. The display may be part of an entertainment system such as a television or remote screen or monitor. The display may show a log of the items contained within the storage bin 10, 100.
In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 will have an interior cavity shaped with fittings to accept storage accessories such as shoe racks, hooks, and shelving to keep items within organized and separated. In some embodiments, the storage bin 10, 100, 200 may be outfitted with a refrigeration unit to keep chilled or frozen food storage. In this case where the contents are refrigerated, storage bin 100 would have a door or other such cover to cover the opening.
In some embodiments, the pulley system 219 includes a any one of a chain, a cord, a belt, a cable, and a rope.
Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice for testing, the typical materials and methods are described herein.
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Patent applications, patents, and publications are cited herein to assist in understanding the aspects described. All such references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.
In understanding the scope of the present application, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Additionally, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives.
It will be understood that any aspects described as “comprising” certain components may also “consist of” or “consist essentially of,” wherein “consisting of” has a closed-ended or restrictive meaning and “consisting essentially of” means including the components specified but excluding other components except for materials present as impurities, unavoidable materials present as a result of processes used to provide the components, and components added for a purpose other than achieving the technical effect as disclosed. For example, a composition defined using the phrase “consisting essentially of” encompasses any known acceptable additive, excipient, diluent, carrier, and the like.
It will be understood that any component defined herein as being included may be explicitly excluded by way of proviso or negative limitation.
In addition, all ranges given herein include the end of the ranges and also any intermediate range points, whether explicitly stated or not.
Terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree should be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
The abbreviation, “e.g.” is derived from the Latin exempli gratia, and is used herein to indicate a non-limiting example. Thus, the abbreviation “e.g.” is synonymous with the term “for example.” The word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
It is further to be understood that all molecular weight or molecular mass values, are approximate and are provided for description. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below.
Claims
1. A storage bin comprising:
- a receptacle for receiving items;
- a mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor;
- a mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the mounting support and guiding the receptacle downward from the mounting support to an open position and guiding the receptacle upward to the mounting support to a closed position, the mechanism comprising at least one pulley arranged to connect the receptacle to the mounting support via at least one link;
- a motor;
- a spool operable by the motor, wherein the spool is caused to move the receptacle downward when the at least one link is unwound from around the spool, and caused to move the receptacle upward when at least one link is wound around the spool.
2. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the motor is a servo motor.
3. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the downward motion is slowed by a dampener.
4. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the mechanism is electronically activated.
5. The storage bin of claim 4, wherein the mechanism is activated by a remote control.
6. The storage bin of claim 5, wherein the remote control is a mobile application on a mobile device, the mobile application communicating with a sensor on the storage bin to activate the mechanism.
7. The storage bin of claim 5, wherein the remote control is a radio frequency transmitter able to communicate with a receiver on the storage bin to activate the mechanism.
8. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the structure is a ceiling.
9. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the structure is a wall.
10. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the structure is a ceiling and a wall.
11. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the cover and the receptacle are made from plastic, recycled plastic, sheet metal or a combination thereof.
12. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the storage bin is refrigerated.
13. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the receptacle frame comprises a top frame, a bottom frame, a back frame, and two side frames arranged to form a cuboid with a top opening.
14. The storage bin of claim 13, wherein the top frame, bottom frame, back frame, and the two side frames accommodate paneling, forming a receptacle interior.
15. The storage bin of claim 1, wherein the mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor.
16. The storage bin of claim 13, wherein the at least one link is one of a chain, a cable, a cord, a belt, strap and a rope.
17. A storage bin comprising:
- a receptacle for receiving items;
- a mounting support fixedly attached to a structure substantially above a floor, the mounting support shaped to receive the receptacle frame; and
- a mechanism for connecting the receptacle to the mounting support and guiding the receptacle downward from the mounting support to a first position to allow placement or retrieval of the items and guiding the receptacle upward to the mounting support to a second position adjacent to the mounting support for storage of the items, the mechanism comprises pulleys arranged to connect the receptacle to the mounting support via at least one link;
- a RF-controlled motor having a receiver associated therewith for receiving controlling signals from a transmitter;
- a spool operable by the RF-controlled motor, wherein the spool is caused to move the receptacle downward when the at least one link is unwound from around the spool, and caused to move the receptacle upward when the at least one link is wound around the spool.
18. The storage bin of claim 17, wherein the at least one link is one of a chain, a cord, a cable, a belt, strap and a rope.
19. The storage bin of claim 17, further comprising a braking mechanism.
20. The storage bin of claim 17, wherein the braking mechanism is actuable remotely via at least one a remote control or a mobile device application.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2022
Inventor: John Aghaei (North York)
Application Number: 17/407,830