US20100096527A1

US20100096527A1 - Slidable elevated display and storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20100096527A1
Application number: US12/255,241
Authority: US
Inventors: Nancy Brown
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-10-21
Filing date: 2008-10-21
Publication date: 2010-04-22

Abstract

An elevated display and storage apparatus, that allows a user to store and display items, and in a manner which allows the maximized utilization of space The elevated display and s storage apparatus also may permit lateral and vertical displacement of storage and/or display elements in an easy to operate and efficient manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to elevated display and storage apparatuses, and more particularly to slidable elevated display and storage apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Elevated display and storage apparatuses are useful for storing items in a user's desired location. Elevated display and storage apparatuses typically take up excessive amounts of space. The present invention comprising a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is slidable, thereby allowing a user to conserve space when the apparatus is not in use. The present invention comprising a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus may be used in some preferred embodiments in commercial settings (such as, for example office space), but the apparatuses of the present invention are also contemplated for use residential settings (kitchen, bedroom, etc.).
Elevated display and storage apparatuses may also be relatively bulky, thereby consuming large amounts of space. Certain elevated display and storage apparatus and methods of storing thereof, are known in the prior art. However, such devices tend to be excessively large and bulky resulting in ineffectiveness, and/or lack of mobility. Moreover, such devices in the prior art do not include an advantageous slidable feature.
Cabinet devices may also be used to accomplish the purpose of elevated display and storage apparatus (i.e., store and display items). However, cabinet devices likewise tend to be typically large and bulky, due to the frequent large number of components used in such devices. As a result, many users decline to make use of large and/or bulky cabinet devices.
As such, it is clear that there exists a heretofore unrealized need for an improved apparatus for storing items via an elevated display and storage apparatus, whereby such elevated display and storage apparatuses is slidable.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention is intended to materially reduce the above-mentioned disadvantages and/or deficiencies of prior art devices, and thereby meets the recognized need for such a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus
According to its major aspects, and broadly stated, the present invention generally comprises a laterally slidable elevated display and storage apparatus that is disposed within a sliding track. Specifically, the elevated display and storage apparatus in preferred embodiments has: (1) a horizontally disposed support surface; (2) a plurality of vertically disposed stanchions carrying the horizontally disposed support surface thereon; (3) a plurality of laterally slidable elements each operatively connected to the stanchions adjacent to the respective top and bottom portions thereof; and (4) slide tracks disposed above and below the horizontally disposed support surface and operatively connected with the slidable elements to permit lateral displacement of the horizontally disposed support surface along the slide track.
Storage and display items can in some preferred embodiments be mounted to the slidable elevated display and storage apparatus Such items may include, for example and without limitation, writing boards, televisions, shelves, etc. The above mentioned items may preferably be removably secured to the horizontally disposed support surface based upon the user's needs and desires. Furthermore, the horizontally disposed support surface may further be enclosed in other preferred embodiments interiorly of a provided storage casing (preferably a cabinet).
The slidable elevated display and storage apparatus of the present invention is contemplated for use in commercial settings (i.e., office space). Offices may include limited space, resulting in limited storage capabilities. The slidable elevated support apparatus hereof gives the user the option of sliding the apparatus laterally when not in use (i.e., to a stored location). More specifically, in use, the user would slide the apparatus into the user's line of sight to view or use the supported item. When not in use, the user may then slide the apparatus to a storage position, thus freeing up space.
A further aspect of the present invention comprises a sliding track that allows the user to vertically slide the storage and/or display elements vertically into a user's desired view.
Yet further aspect of the present invention comprises a writing board operatively connected to said slidable elevated display and storage apparatus preferably surrounded by a cabinet.
Yet further aspect of the present invention comprises a television operatively connected to said slidable elevated display and storage apparatus.
An additional aspect of the present invention comprises a shelving system operatively connected to said slidable elevated display and storage apparatus.
Another aspect of the present invention comprises cabinets operatively connected to said slidable elevated display and storage apparatus.
Another aspect of the present invention comprises other storage devices operatively connected to said slidable elevated display and storage apparatus.
In another aspect of the present invention comprising slidable elevated display and storage apparatus, is the use of electrical power for the adjustable movement thereof.
In another aspect of the present invention, the slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is mechanically operated.
Another aspect of the present invention slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is wherein the vertically disposed stanchions are disposed externally of the horizontally disposed support surface.
In some preferred embodiments, the elevated display and storage apparatus comprises laterally disposed sliding tracks, a support apparatus disposed therein and mounted on slide mechanisms.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the slidable elevated display and storage apparatus further includes the slidable elements comprise bearings.
Another aspect of the present invention slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is wherein the slidable elements comprise roller bearings
Another aspect of the present invention slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is wherein the slidable elements comprise ball bearings.
Another aspect of the present invention slidable elevated display and storage apparatus is wherein the slidable elements comprise wheels operatively connected to the top and bottom portions of the stanchions.
In a recommended embodiment, the elevated display and storage apparatus comprises vertically disposed sliding tracks, thereby allowing the horizontally disposed support surface supporting the display and storage elements to be raised or lowered based off the user's needs It is further contemplated to utilize therewith a plurality of apertures disposed within the stanchions and a corresponding plurality of pins for insertion thereto wherein the pins support the horizontally disposed support surface to lock into place.
In an alternate embodiment, the elevated display and storage apparatus further comprises a motor operatively connected to the apparatus to allow mechanical operation. The motor is contemplated to be utilized with the horizontal and lateral movement.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reading the following Detailed Description of the Invention and Claims in light of the accompanying drawing Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Accordingly, the present invention will be understood more completely through consideration of, and with reference to, the following drawing Figures, viewed in conjunction with the Detailed Description of the Invention referring thereto, in which like reference numbers throughout the various Figures designate like structure, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an right angle view of a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus according a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a front view of a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus showing, inter alia, the device in use according a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 4 is a detailed, exploded side view of a slidable elevated display and storage apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention

It is to be noted that the drawings presented herein are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the invention to any or all of the details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In describing preferred embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the Figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.
In that form of the preferred embodiment of the present invention chosen for purposes of illustration, FIGS. 1-4 show elevated display and storage apparatus 100 for displaying and/or storing various items including but not limited to writing board 250, shelving element 241 (not shown), and television 270.
Elevated display and storage apparatus 100 comprises horizontally disposed support surface 110, stanchions 120, horizontal displacement means 230 (laterally slidable elements 150 and horizontal slide tracks 170) all operatively connected, and operating as described herein. Horizontally disposed support surface 110 is preferably adapted to allow attachment of writing board 250, or shelving element 241 (not shown), or television 270, or other similar products, in need of storage and/or display. Horizontally disposed support surface 110 and writing board 250, shelving element 241 (not shown), or television 270, or other similar products comprise without limitation display element 242.
As set forth herein, horizontally disposed support surface 110 can optionally be surrounded by cabinet 280.
Horizontally disposed support surface 110 is operatively connected to stanchions 120, Stanchions 120 are operatively connected to laterally slidable elements 150 at portion area 130.
Stanchions 120 are operatively connected to laterally slidable elements 150. Laterally slidable elements 150 are operatively connected to horizontal slide tracks 170,
In an alternate embodiment, display element 242 can be vertically displaced via vertical displacement means 240. In some alternate embodiments, vertical displacement means 240 utilizes vertically slidable elements 160 operatively connected to vertical slide tracks 165. After displacement, the user may lock display element 242 into place by placing pins 200 (not shown) in apertures 190 (not shown).
In an alternative embodiment, elevated display and storage apparatus 100 may utilize a motor 210 operatively connected thereto for lateral displacement. Motor 210 is powered by power source 220, as are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, power source 220 can consist of batteries or electrical current power.
When in use, the user moves elevated display and storage apparatus 100 from its stored location by manually sliding elevated display and storage apparatus 100 laterally into the user's desired location. At this point, the user may utilize display element 242. Specifically, the user may write on writing board 250, or store items on shelving unit 260, or view television 270 Elevated display and storage apparatus 100 can optionally include cabinet 280, which allows the user to secure display element 242 by opening or closing cabinet 280. When not in use, the user can manually slide elevated display and storage apparatus 100 laterally into its storage location.
In an alternate embodiment, lateral displacement can occur via mechanical operation by means of motor 210 and power source 220. To do so, the user activates motor 210 thereby laterally displacing elevated display and storage apparatus 100 into the user's desired location and thereafter returns elevated display and storage apparatus 100 to its stored location when use of the apparatus is no longer desired.
In some further alternate embodiments, the user may vertically displace display element 242 by manually removing pins 200 (not shown) from apertures 190 (not shown). Once the user has thus vertically displaced display element 242; the user may lock the elements into place by securing pins 200 (not shown) into apertures 190 (not shown).
Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but rather is to be is limited only by correct construction and application of the following claims.

Claims

1. An elevated display and storage apparatus comprising:

a horizontally disposed support surface;

a plurality of vertically disposed stanchions carrying said horizontally disposed support surface thereon;

a plurality of laterally slidable elements each operatively connected to said stanchions adjacent to the respective top and bottom portions thereof; and

slide tracks disposed above and below said horizontally disposed support surface and operatively connected with said slidable elements to permit lateral displacement of said horizontally disposed support surface along said slide track.

2. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising vertical displacement means connected to said horizontally disposed support surface for adjusting the height thereof.

3. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein said vertical displacement means comprises a plurality of apertures within said stanchions and a corresponding plurality of pins for insertion thereinto, said pins supporting said horizontally disposed support surface.

4. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vertically disposed stanchions are disposed externally of said horizontally disposed support surface.

5. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container disposed around said horizontally disposed support surface in supporting disposition thereof.

6. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a cabinet.

7. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motor operatively attached to said horizontally disposed support surface for adjusting the height thereof

8. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a motor operatively attached to said stanchions for motorized lateral displacement thereof.

9. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laterally slidable elements comprise bearings operatively connected to the respective top and bottom portions of said stanchions.

10. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 9, wherein bearings comprise roller bearings

11. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 9, 5 wherein bearings comprise ball bearings.

12. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said laterally slidable elements comprise wheels operatively connected to the respective top and bottom portions of said stanchions.

13. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a writing board supported by said horizontally disposed support surface.

14. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising television mounts carried by said horizontally disposed support surface.

15. The elevated display and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a shelving unit carried by said horizontally disposed support surface.