Storage system including a vertically retractable storage unit
US5203619A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G1/0464
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vertical retractable storage system includes a frame, a storage unit, and a vertical lift mechanism retractably supporting the storage unit relative to the frame. The vertical lift mechanism includes a lift structure that operates on a horizontal plane to provide both vertical and horizontal stability to the storage unit during movement between a storage position and an access position. In one aspect of the present invention, the frame is fixed to a roof or super-structure above a suspended ceiling such that in a retracted position the storage unit is disposed above the ceiling, and a base or bottom portion of the storage unit conforms with the ceiling and thereby hides the unit. In another aspect of the present invention, the vertical lift mechanism retractably supports the storage unit such that in the retracted position an access portion of the unit remains extended below the ceiling to permit access to at least a portion of the unit. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the vertical lift mechanism retractably supports the storage unit such that in the retracted position a dispensing portion of the unit remains extended below the ceiling to allow dispensing of produ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.