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  Storage system with storage container and supporting frameworkUSPTO Application #: 20070176524Title: Storage system with storage container and supporting framework Abstract: A storage system for storing items along a ceiling, having a container and supporting framework mounted to the ceiling. The container has a flange. The supporting framework has four frame members each including an elongated track, including two top frame members which extend downwardly from the ceiling and two bottom frame members. The flange is selectively supported by the bottom frame members with a pair of L-shaped mounting supports attached to the bottom frame members. A pair of scizzor assemblies, each having two scizzor members hingedly connected, couples to the top and bottom frame members and easily raises and lowers the bottom frame members to lift and lower the container. (end of abstract)
Agent: Goldstein Law Offices, P.C. - Staten Island, NY, US Inventors: Anders I. Plano, Richard Mancuso USPTO Applicaton #: 20070176524 - Class: 312247000 (USPTO) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070176524. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCES AND RELATED SUBJECT MATTER [0001] This application is a continuation of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/749,434, filed in the United States Patent Office on Dec. 12, 2005. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to storage systems, and more particularly, to a storage system having a storage container and supporting framework that is mounted on a ceiling or attached to rafters for providing space in areas that afford ample, unused space, the framework is motorized to lower the container to provide access thereto, and raises the container for storage. [0003] Even in households with few people, there never seems to be enough storage space. Available closet space always seems insufficient. Even the seemingly unlimited garage and basement spaces eventually fill up. Shelving systems that are constructed within overhead rafters are difficult to reach and make getting things in and out inconvenient. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,405 to Milsem discloses a device for moving overhead shelves or cupboards to a lower position. U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,846 to Duane discloses a storage rack and support framework capable of vertical motion using hydraulic power. U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,702 to Campbell discloses a motorized system for lifting a bicycle for storage. [0005] While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] It is an object of the invention to produce a means for efficiently and safely storing items utilizing overhead rafters. Accordingly, the invention is a storage system including a supporting framework that attaches to ceiling rafters, and container. The supporting framework attaches to overhead rafters or a ceiling and provides a support cradle for the container to thereby efficiently and safely stored items in underutilized space near a ceiling. [0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a means for conveniently accessing items within the storage system. Accordingly, the supporting framework of the invention is motorized so that it is easily raised or lowered to offer convenient access to the container cradled by the supporting framework. [0008] It is another object to provide a method of getting things in an out of their container without having to reach up and manually pull the supporting framework down, and push the supporting framework up after use. Accordingly, the motor is in communication with a remote control for allowing a user to raise and lower the container at will. [0009] This invention is a storage system for storing items along a ceiling, having a container and supporting framework mounted to the ceiling. The container has a flange. The supporting framework has four frame members each including an elongated track, including two top frame members which extend downwardly from the ceiling and two bottom frame members. The flange is selectively supported by the bottom frame members with a pair of L-shaped mounting supports attached to the bottom frame members. A pair of scizzor assemblies, each having two scizzor members hingedly connected, couples to the top and bottom frame members and easily raises and lowers the bottom frame members to lift and lower the container. [0010] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows. [0012] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a storage system of the present invention having a container and a supporting framework mounted to a ceiling, in a lowered position suspending the container from the ceiling for accessing items stored therein. [0013] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof. [0014] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the storage system of the present invention, wherein the supporting framework has been raised for storing the container out of the way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a storage system 10 of the present invention for storing items within overhead rafters or up against a ceiling 11. [0016] The storage system 10 includes a container 20 and supporting framework 30 that is mounted onto the ceiling or attached to overhead rafters for providing space in areas that afford ample, unused space. The container includes an upper flange 20A and a lower body 20B that extends beneath the upper flange 20A. A significant storage volume is provided within the lower body 20B of the container. The supporting framework 30 cradles the container 20 by the flange 20A and selectively holds the container upwardly against the ceiling 11 for efficiently and safely storing items in what is generally underutilized space. In addition, the framework 30 selectively lowers the container 20 when desired to allow access to its contents. [0017] The container 20 is substantially rectangular in shape and preferably measures approximately thirty-two inches in length and sixteen inches in width. The container 20 is generally made of plastic, and the supporting framework 30 are preferably made of metal, plastic, or wood. [0018] The supporting framework 30 includes four frame members 32, including two top frame members 32A which extend downwardly from the ceiling 11 and are permanently affixed to the ceiling 11 by an L-shaped mounting bracket 34, and two bottom frame members 32B. Each frame member 32 includes an elongated track 33 shown in FIG. 2. The supporting framework 30 includes two scizzor supports 36 each having a pair of scizzor members 38, a top end 36A and a bottom end 36B. The top ends 36A of each scizzor support 36 are coupled to the top frame members 32A. The bottom ends 36B of each brace support 36 are similarly coupled to the bottom frame members 32B. In addition, the bottom frame members 32B each have an L-shaped mounting support 24. The L-shaped mounting supports 24 are opposed, face inwardly, and are spaced to support the flange 20A of the container 20. [0019] FIG. 2 further illustrates the supporting framework 30 of the present invention from the side view. Each frame member 32 has a front 32F and a rear 32R. A transverse support 31 extends between the bottom frame members 32B at each of the front 32F and the rear 32R to provide rigidity to the framework 30. The elongated track 33 extends along each frame member 32 from the front 32F approximately half way across that frame member 32 toward its rear 32R. The scizzor supports 36 each include the two scizzor members 38 hingedly connected by a rivet 40. Each scizzor member 38 includes a fixed end 38F and a slidable end 38S. Each fixed end 38F is coupled to one of the frame members 32 at its rear 32R by a fixed pin 42F. The slidable ends 38S are coupled to the elongated tracks 33 near the front end 32F by a pin and roller 42R and capable of sliding back and forth within the elongated track 33 in a horizontal fashion to facilitate scizzor-like movement of the scizzor assembly 36 and thus raising and lowering of the bottom frame members 32B with respect to the top frame members 32A. Continue reading... Full patent description for Storage system with storage container and supporting framework Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Storage system with storage container and supporting framework patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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