EP4240204A1

EP4240204A1 - Pivotable overhead storage unit

Info

Publication number: EP4240204A1
Application number: EP21887948.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eleaizer Gelber
Original assignee: 143046 Canada Inc
Current assignee: 143046 Canada Inc
Priority date: 2020-11-04
Filing date: 2021-11-03
Publication date: 2023-09-13
Also published as: WO2022094705A1; JP2023551104A; CA3200723A1

Abstract

An overhead storage unit has a pivot arm with a first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot. A storage container has interconnected walls defining a storage container interior. One of the interconnected walls is an access wall. The storage container is mounted to a second end of the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position. In the stored position, the storage container is disposed within an overhead storage area, and the access wall is upright. In the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior.

Description

PIVOTABLE OVERHEAD STORAGE UNIT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US provisional patent application 63/109,487 filed November 4, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. Reference is made to US patent application 17/089,059 entitled “Pivotable Overhead Storage Unit” filed on November 4, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of US patent application 16/481 ,131 filed January 27, 2017, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein. Reference is made to US provisional patent application 62/910,549 filed October 4, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The application relates generally to the storage of items and, more particularly, to overhead storage units

BACKGROUND

[0003] In many jurisdictions, interior real estate is priced per unit of available floor space (e.g. $/ft²). In urban residential areas, these relatively high unit floor space costs incentivize the construction of smaller living units. Developers of these smaller living units still wish to offer their occupants features and accessories associated with larger living areas, in order to accommodate the occupant’s lifestyle. However, providing such features and accessories is difficult because less space is available in these smaller living units.

SUMMARY

[0004] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space, some of the space beneath the ceiling being an overhead storage area; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and the conforming wall is upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0005] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the ceiling, and an overhead storage area defined between the lower structure and the ceiling; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and spaced above the lower structure to define a gap therebetween, the conforming wall being upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and in front of the lower structure, and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0006] There is disclosed an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position; in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within an overhead storage area adjacent to an overhead structure, the conforming wall being upright and continuous with the overhead structure, and the conforming wall visually conforming with the upright visible wall; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0007] There is disclosed a method of storing items in an overhead storage area, comprising: loading the items in a storage container mounted to an arm while the storage container is beneath the overhead storage area; and pivoting the arm and the storage container upward and into the overhead storage area, a wall of the storage container becoming upright and continuous with upright overhead structure delimiting the overhead storage area, and the wall of the storage container visually conforming with the upright overhead structure.

[0008] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; an overhead structure positioned in proximity to the ceiling and having an upright visible wall, and an overhead storage area defined adjacent to the overhead structure beneath the ceiling; and an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the conforming wall being upright and continuous with the upright visible wall of the overhead structure, and the conforming wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0009] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space, some of the space beneath the ceiling being an overhead storage area; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and the access wall is upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0010] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; an overhead structure positioned in proximity to the ceiling and having an upright visible wall, and an overhead storage area defined adjacent to the overhead structure beneath the ceiling; and an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the conforming wall being upright and continuous with the upright visible wall of the overhead structure, and the conforming wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0011] There is disclosed an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end having a pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position; in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within an overhead storage area adjacent to an overhead structure, the access wall being upright; andin the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0012] There is disclosed a residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the ceiling, and an overhead storage area defined between the lower structure and the ceiling; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and spaced above the lower structure to define a gap therebetween, the access wall being upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and in front of the lower structure, and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior.

[0013] The residential living unit and/or the overhead storage unit may include any of the following features, in any combination.

[0014] In some embodiments, the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the space between the two opposed walls.

[0015] In some embodiments, the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the entire space between the two opposed walls of the residential living unit, one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the one of the two opposed walls, and another one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the other of the two opposed walls. [0016] In some embodiments, the interconnected walls of the storage container include a back wall perpendicularly interconnected with the access wall, the back wall being upright in the accessible position and being substantially horizontal in the stored position, the back wall having a height in the accessible position being greater than a height of the conforming wall in the stored position.

[0017] In some embodiments, the height of the back wall is about 3 feet, and the height of the access wall is between 1 and 1 .5 feet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the storage container has a barrier wall extending perpendicularly from a free end of the access wall into the storage container interior, the barrier wall having an upright orientation in the accessible position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the residential living unit comprises an overhead structure and a lower structure, the overhead structure positioned in the space above the lower structure and in proximity to the ceiling, the overhead structure delimiting part of the overhead storage area and having an upright visible wall, wherein in the stored position the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the access wall is upright and continuous with the upright visible wall, and the access wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall.

[0020] In some embodiments, the the access wall is substantially horizontal in the accessible position.

[0021] In some embodiments, the storage container is disposed immediately beneath the ceiling in the stored position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the residential living unit comprises a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead storage area, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position.

[0023] In some embodiments, the residential living unit comprises a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead storage area, the pivot fixedly mounted to the lower structure. [0024] In some embodiments, the pivot is disposed immediately adjacent to one of the walls.

[0025] In some embodiments, the storage container is above and aligned with the lower structure in the stored position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lower structure has one or more doors that open into the space, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position and spaced in front of the lower structure a distance greater than a corresponding dimension of the doors of the lower structure when opened.

[0027] In some embodiments, the pivot arm has a length defined between the first and second ends, the length being greater than a distance between a front surface of the lower structure and the wall against which the lower structure is positioned.

[0028] In some embodiments, a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than six feet.

[0029] In some embodiments, a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than a height of the average adult human.

[0030] In some embodiments, an entirety of the storage container interior is accessible in the accessible position.

[0031] In some embodiments, the storage container is free of a door

[0032] In some embodiments, the storage container has a length greater than ten feet.

[0033] There is disclosed a method of storing items in an overhead storage area, comprising: loading the items in a storage container mounted to an arm while the storage container is beneath the overhead storage area; and pivoting the arm and the storage container upward and into the overhead storage area, a wall of the storage container becoming upright.

[0034] The method may include any of the following features, in any combination. [0035] In some embodiments, loading the items in the storage container includes loading the items in the storage container while it is front of a lower structure disposed beneath the overhead storage area.

[0036] In some embodiments, pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container with motive power.

[0037] In some embodiments, loading the items in the storage container includes loading the items in the storage container without opening a door of the storage container.

[0038] In some embodiments, pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container so that the wall of the storage container is continuous with an upright overhead structure delimiting the overhead storage area, and the wall of the storage container visually conforms with the upright overhead structure.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method comprises pivoting the arm and the storage container downward to access the items in the storage container, the wall having becoming horizontal.

[0040] In some embodiments, the method comprises preventing the items from sliding out of the storage container when the wall is horizontal.

[0041] In some embodiments, pivoting the arm and the storage container downward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container downward to position the storage container front of a lower structure disposed beneath the overhead storage area.

[0042] In some embodiments, pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container to position the storage container immediately beneath a ceiling.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Reference is now made to the accompanying figures in which: [0044] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a residential living unit having an overhead storage unit;

[0045] Fig. 1 B is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A being shown in a stored position;

[0046] Fig. 2A is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A in the stored position;

[0047] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A in an accessible position;

[0048] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A, showing the storage container transitioning between the stored position and the accessible position;

[0049] Fig. 4A is a perspective view of a motor of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A;

[0050] Fig. 4B is a perspective view of a pully with a wound cable displaceable by the motor of Fig. 4A;

[0051] Fig. 4C is another perspective view of the pully and the wound cable of Fig. 4A;

[0052] Fig. 5 is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A, showing the storage container transitioning between the stored position and the accessible position;

[0053] Fig. 6A is a schematic view of an overhead structure adjacent to the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1 A;

[0054] Fig. 6B is a schematic view of another overhead structure adjacent to the overhead storage unit of Fig. 1A;

[0055] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the residential living unit having another configuration of the motor;

[0056] Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the motor of Fig. 7A; [0057] Fig. 7C is a perspective view of a spool driven by the motor of Fig. 7A;

[0058] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of another residential living unit having another overhead storage unit;

[0059] Fig. 8B is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 8A, being displaced from a stored position to an accessible position;

[0060] Fig. 8C is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 8A, being further displaced from the stored position to the accessible position; and

[0061] Fig. 8D is another perspective view of the overhead storage unit of Fig. 8A in the accessible position; and

[0062] Fig. 9 is a schematic side view of part of the overhead storage container displacing between the stored and accessible positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figs. 1A and 1 B illustrate an overhead storage unit 10 provided in a residential living unit 12. In the depicted embodiment, the residential living unit 12 is a residential apartment. In the depicted embodiment, the living unit 12 is a room of a residential apartment. The residential living unit 12 has a floor 12A defining a floor space or area of the living unit 12 and a door 12B providing access to the residential living unit 12. The residential living unit 12 also has multiple upright walls 12C, and a ceiling 12D defining an upper bound of the residential living unit 12. The ceiling 12D, the floor 12A and the walls 12C delimit an interior space 12E which is used or occupied by the occupant of the residential living unit 12, or by the occupant’s possessions. The residential living unit 12 may include other features. The residential living unit 12 can also be other types of dwellings. Some non-limiting examples of a residential living unit 12 may be, or may include, a flat, condo, home, room, etc. The residential living unit 12 can also be other types of enclosed spaces that are not solely residential, or that are only commercial. Some non-limiting additional examples of other types of living units 12 may be a garage, a show room, a conference room, etc. Thus the living unit 12 may be any enclosed space which is designed for people to live in, or which is commercial in nature.

[0064] Features of the overhead storage unit 10 (sometimes referred to herein simply as “storage unit 10”) are displaceable so that one or more items 11 (see Fig. 2B) to be stored within the storage unit 10 can be stored away when not in use, and so that access to the items 11 can be provided. When stored away, features of the storage unit 10 are positioned such that they do not occupy the floor space defined by the floor 12A of the residential living unit 12. This allows the valuable floor space to be liberated and used for other purposes, thereby increasing the overall usable and livable floor space of the residential living unit 12. As will be described in greater detail herein, the storage unit 10 positions the items 11 in an overhead storage area 16 (see Fig. 2B as well).

[0065] Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the space 12E of the residential living unit 12 includes one or more overhead structures 14. The overhead structure 14 is an object or assembly that is positioned in the upper reaches of the space 12E, and that may be accessed or touched only by reaching up from the floor 12A. The overhead structure 14 is above the level of the head of the occupant when standing on the floor 12A. The overhead structure 14 in Figs. 1A and 1 B is fixed in position. The overhead structure 14 in Figs. 1A and 1 B is immobile. The position of the overhead structure 14 in Figs. 1A and 1 B does not move relative to the walls 12C, ceiling 12D and floor 12A of the residential living unit 12. The overhead structure 14 is positioned in proximity to the ceiling 12D in Figs. 1A and 1 B. The expression “in proximity” describes different arrangements of the nearness of the overhead structure 14 to the ceiling 12D. In one possible arrangement, the overhead structure 14 is directly attached or mounted to the ceiling 12D, as shown in Figs. 1A and 1 B. In another possible arrangement, the overhead structure 14 is positioned against one of the walls 12C and immediately underneath the ceiling 12D but spaced apart therefrom. In yet another possible arrangement, the overhead structure 14 is part of the ceiling 12D, such as in arrangements where the overhead structure 14 is a bulkhead of the ceiling 12D, a suspended part of the ceiling 12D, or defines a lower level of the ceiling 12D. Other arrangements are also possible. In all possible arrangements of the nearness of the overhead structure 14 to the ceiling 12D, the overhead structure 14 has an upright visible wall 14A. The upright visible wall 14A is a portion or component of the overhead structure 14 that is visible and observable to the occupant of the residential living unit 12 when the occupant is within the space 12E. The upright visible wall 14A has a lower edge 14AL, an upper edge MAU, and one or more side edges MAS.

[0066] A non-exhaustive list of examples of possible overhead structures 14 are now provided. Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead structure 14 is a box-like structure or cuboid. For example, in Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead structure 14 is a cabinet 14’ mounted just underneath the ceiling 12D. The upright visible wall 14A’ is a door or drawer of the cabinet 14’. In Fig. 6A, the overhead structure 14 is a bulkhead 14” of the ceiling 12D which is positioned lower than the plane defined by the remainder of the ceiling 12D. The bulkhead 14” defines a cavity for lighting, wiring, or piping. The upright visible wall 14A” is one or more of the visible vertical walls of the bulkhead 14”. In Fig. 6B, the overhead structure 14 is a suspended part 14’” of the ceiling 12D which is positioned lower than the plane defined by the remainder of the ceiling 12D. The upright visible wall 14A’” is a vertical wall linking the suspended part 14’” of the ceiling 12D to the remainder of the ceiling 12D. In yet another example, the overhead structure 14 is a ventilation duct mounted just underneath the ceiling 12D. The upright visible wall 14A in such a configuration of the overhead structure 14 is a vertical wall of the ventilation duct.

[0067] Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, irrespective of its form or shape, the overhead structure 14 partially delimits the overhead storage area 16. The overhead storage area 16 is disposed above the floor 12A of the residential living unit 12, and is part of the interior volume or space 12E. The overhead storage area 16 is separate from the overhead structure 14. In Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead storage area 16 is not nested within, or part of, the overhead structure 14. Rather, the overhead storage area 16 is adjacent to the overhead structure 14 and beneath the ceiling 12D. In Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead storage area 16 has the same height, measured from the floor 12A, as the overhead structure 14. In Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead storage area 16 has an uppermost boundary at the ceiling 12A, and extends downwardly therefrom toward the floor 12A until a lowermost boundary which is above the average level of the head of an occupant of the residential living unit 12. This position of the overhead storage area 16 allows the occupant to move freely about the residential living unit 12 without being obstructed by the overhead storage unit 10. On one or more of its left or right boundaries, the overhead storage area 16 is delimited by one of the side edges MAS of the upright visible wall 14A, and may also be delimited by an upright side wall of the overhead structure 14 if it has one. One of the upright walls 12C of the residential living unit 12 delimits and defines a rear or back boundary of the overhead storage area 16. The overhead storage area 16 is open along its front or forward side to receive the overhead storage unit 10.

[0068] The shape and extent of the overhead storage area 16 may take different forms. For example, in Figs. 1A and 1 B, the overhead storage area 16 is located in the upper reaches of the residential living unit 12 and is inaccessible to the occupant without a ladder. The overhead storage area 16 is a box-like or cuboid volume that is bounded by two of the walls 12C of the residential living unit 12 and by the cabinet 14’. The volume of the overhead storage area 16 is separate and set apart from the interior volume defined by the overhead structure 14 (i.e. the cabinet 14’ in Figs. 1A and 1 B). It is therefore appreciated that many configurations of the overhead storage area 16 are within the scope of the present disclosure, provided that the overhead storage area 16 is raised above the floor 12A of the residential living unit 12 such that the storage unit 10, when positioned within the overhead storage area 16, does not disrupt the movement of the occupant about the residential living unit 12. For example, another possible configuration of the overhead storage area 16 is shown in Figs. 7A-7D. The overhead storage area 16 extends between opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. In Figs. 7A-7D, the overhead storage area 16 has an uppermost boundary at the ceiling 12A, and extends downwardly therefrom toward the floor 12A until a lowermost boundary which is above the average level of the head of an occupant of the residential living unit 12, and is bounded on its sides by the walls 12C. Features of the storage unit 10 are displaceable to raise the items 11 into the overhead storage area 16 to store the items 11 away, and to lower the items 11 from the overhead storage area 16 to provide access to the items 11 .

[0069] The residential living unit 12 may also have a lower structure 15. The lower structure 15 is any object or assembly within the interior space 12E of the residential living unit 12 between the walls 12C, the ceiling 12D and the floor 12A, that is also disposed below the overhead storage area 16. The lower structure 15 may thus define a lowermost boundary of the overhead storage area 16 (see Figs. 7A-7D). Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the lower structure 15 is positioned closer to the floor 12A than the overhead structure 14. The lower structure 15 may be any three-dimensional object or assembly that is separate from the overhead structure 14 and which has a separate function than the overhead structure 14. The lower structure 15 defines a volume calculated from a depth measured from the nearest wall 12C against which it rests, a height measured from the floor 12A, and a width. The lower structure 15 may thus be a piece of displaceable furniture such as a table, a drawer, or a couch. The lower structure 15 may also be a wall-mounted or other immobile structure such as a cabinet, or island in a kitchen. One possible example of the lower structure 15 is shown in Figs. 1A and 1 B. The lower structure 15 is a Murphy bed 15A. The Murphy bed 15A is shown in its retracted and upright position underneath the overhead storage area 16, and closer to the floor 12A than the overhead structure 14. Other examples of the lower structure 15 are described below. As will be explained in greater detail below, parts of the storage unit 10 move relative to the lower structure 15.

[0070] Referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the storage unit 10 includes one or more storage containers 20 for storing the items 11 , and one or more pivot arms 30 for raising and lowering the storage containers 20 between a stored position and an accessible position.

[0071] The storage container 20 is any suitably shaped and sized object for holding and displacing the items 11. In the depicted embodiment, the storage container 20 includes a box storage body or structure 22 having an at least partially hollow storage container interior 24 in which the items 11 are stored. The storage structure 22 includes two or more interconnected walls 26. The walls 26 are depicted as being planar bodies that are perpendicularly mounted to one another, but may be non-planar in other embodiments. Similarly, the interconnected walls 26 are shown as being substantially uninterrupted along their length, but in alternate embodiments, one or more of the interconnected walls 26 may be interrupted along their length. Thus the storage container 20 is a volume bounded on three or more sides to define an open or closed enclosure for receiving and storing the items 11. Figs. 1A and 1 B show only one storage container 20. In alternate embodiments, the storage container 20 may be composed of multiple sub containers which are connected together.

[0072] Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the storage container 20 has five interconnected walls 26 to define the storage container interior 24, and is open along a front portion thereof to receive the items 11 . The interconnected walls 26 include two side walls 26A, a back wall 26B, a conforming wall 26C, and a boundary wall 26D spaced apart from the conforming wall 26C across the storage container interior 24. The interconnected walls are interconnected along their common edges to define the box or cuboid structure of the storage container 20 so that it is open along one side, and are perpendicular with respect to one another. Suitable structures may be provided to reinforce the interconnected walls 26. For example, one or more of the interconnected walls 26 may have frame members, brackets, or braces joining one or more of, or extending between, the interconnected walls 26.

[0073] The conforming wall 26C is a panel or other planar body with a width and height. It has at least the following two functions. First, when the storage container 20 is in the stored position, the conforming wall 26C is visible and observable to the occupant of the residential living unit 12 when the occupant is within the space 12E. In some embodiments, such as is shown in Figs. 1A and 1 B, the conforming wall 26C is the only interconnected wall 26 of the storage container 20 that is visible to the occupant in the residential living unit 12 when the storage container 20 is in the stored position. Being one of the few, or the only, interconnected wall 26 that is visible in the stored position, the conforming wall 26C operates to conceal, match, harmonize, camouflage, or blend the storage container 20 with the adjacent overhead structure 14. The conforming wall 26C thus helps the storage container 20 to appear part of, or contiguous with, the adjacent overhead structure 14. The at least one other function performed by the conforming wall 26C is that it conceals or hides the items 11 in the storage container 20 when it is in the stored position. In the stored position, the conforming wall 26C thus prevents or obstructs the occupant from viewing or observing the items 11 in the storage container interior 24 when the occupant is within the space 12E. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the conforming wall 26C is opaque. If desired, the conforming wall 26C may be light-transmitting or transparent.

[0074] Referring to Figs. 2A to 3, the interconnected walls 26 undergo a change in orientation when the storage container 20 is raised and lowered between the stored and accessible positions. The change in orientation results from a rotation or pivot of about 90°. The back wall 26B is the lowermost wall 26 of the storage structure 22 when the storage container 20 is in the stored position shown in Fig. 2A. The back wall 26B has a first orientation such that it defines a bottom surface 26BS of the storage container 20. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom surface 26BS is the lowermost surface of the storage container 20 when it is in the stored position. The conforming wall 26C is the lowermost wall 26 of the storage structure 22 when the storage container 20 is in the accessible position, as shown in Fig. 2B. The conforming wall 26C is upright and the furthest spaced of the interconnected walls 26 from the adjacent wall 12C partially delimiting the overhead storage area 16 when the storage container 20 is in the stored position, as shown in Fig. 2A. The back wall 26B contributes to supporting the weight of the items 11 stored within the storage container 20 when in the stored position. The conforming wall 26C contributes to supporting the weight of the items 11 stored within the storage container 20 when in the accessible position. The storage container 20 may include hooks, brackets, ties, mounts, or other devices in the storage container interior 24 to secure the items 11 therein, and to prevent their displacement during movement of the storage container 20. In Figs. 2A, 2B and 4C, the storage container 20 is open along all of its front portion in the accessible position to provide unobstructed and unfettered access to all of the storage container interior 24. In Figs. 2A, 2B and 4C, the front portion of the storage container 20 is an opening that is unobstructed by any structure, such as a door or panel. In an alternate embodiment, the storage container 20 has a door to selectively close the opening defining the front portion, to thereby selectively provide access to the storage container interior 24 and to the items 11 therein.

[0075] The other interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20 undergo a change in orientation when the storage container 20 is raised and lowered between the stored and accessible positions. Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the side walls 26A are rectangular planar bodies extending along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the side walls 26A has an upright orientation in the stored position (see Fig. 2A), and the longitudinal axis has a substantially horizontal orientation in the accessible position (see Fig. 2B). The back wall 26B has an upright orientation in the accessible position (see Fig. 2B), and has a substantially horizontal orientation in the stored position (see Fig. 2A). The boundary wall 26D has an upright orientation in the stored position (see Fig. 2A), and has a substantially horizontal orientation in the accessible position (see Fig. 2B).

[0076] The interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20 may be interconnected so as to define a hermetically-sealed storage container interior 24. The sealed storage container interior 24 prevents liquids and debris from exiting the storage container 20 via one of the interconnected walls 26 during displacement thereof and when the storage container 20 is stationary. Similarly, the storage container 20 may be made from any suitable material to confer impermeability, amongst other desired properties. The storage container 20 may be used to store any type of item 11 . In Figs. 2A and 2B, the storage container 20 and the overhead storage area 16 extend over only some of the distance separating two opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. In an alternate embodiment, the storage container 20 and the overhead storage area 16 extend over all or substantially all of the distance separating two opposed walls 12C, as described in greater detail below.

[0077] Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the one or more pivot arms 30 are mounted to the storage container 20 to raise and lower the storage container 20 by pivoting it between the stored and accessible positions. In the depicted embodiment, the storage unit 10 has two pivot arms 30. Each pivot arm 30 is mounted to, forms part of, or defines, one of the side walls 26A of the storage container 20. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the pivot arm 30 is a single rectangular planar body extending along an elongated arm axis 31 between a first end 32A and a second end 32B. The second end 32B defines a distal extremity of each pivot arm 30. Each pivot arm 30 defines an inner surface 33A facing toward the other pivot arm 30 and toward the storage container 20, and an outer surface 33B opposite to the inner surface 33A. The body of each pivot arm 30 near the second end 32B in Figs. 2A and 2B is or defines a side wall 26A of the storage container 20, and thus partially delimits the storage container interior 24 along the sides of the storage container 20. The inner surface 33A delimits part of the storage container interior 24. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20 are connected or mounted to the pivot arms 30 to define the storage container interior 24. The orientation of each pivot arm 30 changes as it pivots between the stored and accessible positions. The arm axis 31 has an upright orientation in the stored position (see Fig. 2A), and the arm axis 31 has a substantially horizontal orientation in the accessible position (see Fig. 2B). Other embodiments and configurations for the pivot arm 30 are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternate embodiment, the pivot arm 30 is one of a rod, beam, stick, pole, shaft or interconnected linkage made up of multiple members. In an alternate embodiment, the storage unit 10 has only one pivot arm 30.

[0078] The storage container 20 is mounted to the second end 32B of the pivot arm 30. By “mounted”, it is understood that the storage container 20 may be a separate object for storage that is attached to the pivot arm 30, or that the storage container 20 is integral with the pivot arm 30. For example, in Figs. 2A and 2B, the storage container 20 is integral with the pivot arm 30 because the body of each pivot arm 30 at its second end 32B defines one of the interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20. The storage container 20 in operation pivots with the pivot arm 30 about a pivot axis 34A. The storage container 20 and the pivot arm 30 are displaced together without any relative movement. The storage container 20 does not pivot, rotate or displace relative to the second end 32B of the pivot arm 30. The storage container 20 moves with the pivot arm 30 without any relative motion therebetween. This relationship between the storage container 20 and the pivot arm 30 allows the orientation of the storage container 20 to change as it is pivoted about the pivot axis 34A. Referring to Fig. 2A, in the stored position, the orientation of the storage container 20 allows it to define a basket or bucket for supporting the items 11 in the storage container interior 24, which remain inaccessible because of their overhead position. Referring to Fig. 2B, in the accessible position, the orientation of the storage container 20 is different than in the stored position, and allows it to define a cubbyhole or accessible compartment so that the items 11 are readily accessible to the occupant. [0079] Referring to Figs. 2A, 2B and 3, the pivot arms 30 are visible to an occupant of the residential living unit 12 at least when pivoting from the stored position to the accessible positon. In the stored position, the pivot arms 30 may be recessed or hidden within slots in the adjacent wall 12C, or the pivot arms 30 may be concealed by upright portions of the overhead structure 14.

[0080] The first end 32A of the pivot arm 30 is pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot 34 which defines the pivot axis 34A. The pivot 34 is immobile. The pivot 34 does not move within the residential living unit 12. The pivot 34 is immobile relative to the walls 12C, the overhead structure 14 and the overhead storage area 16. The pivot 34 is beneath the storage container 20 when the storage container 20 is in the stored position. Different embodiments of the pivot 34 which permit such functionality are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 2B, the pivot 34 is at approximately the same height, measured from the floor 12A, as the conforming wall 26C of the storage container 20 when it is in the accessible position. In Figs. 2A and 2B, a height of the pivot 34, measured from the floor 12A, is less than six feet. In Figs. 2A and 2B, a height of the pivot 34, measured from the floor 12A, is greater than three feet and less than four feet. In Figs. 2A and 2B, a height of the pivot 34, measured from the floor 12A, is less than a height of the average adult human female. The height of the pivot 34, measured from the floor 12A, may be low enough for a person seated in a wheelchair to access the items 11 in the storage container 20 in the accessible position. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the pivot 34 is located closer to the floor 12A than an uppermost surface of the lower structure 15. The lower or more accessible height of the pivot 34 allows the storage container 20 to pivot down to the height of the pivot 34, and thus to a more accessible height for the occupant when the storage container 20 is in the stored position. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the pivot 34 is disposed immediately adjacent to the nearest upright wall 12C of the residential living unit 12. Positioning the pivot 34 as close as mechanically possible and feasible to the nearest wall 12C allows for the longest possible geometric lever arm, and allows the pivot 34 to be located closer to the floor 12A. Positioning the pivot 34 as close as mechanically possible and feasible to the nearest wall 12C makes it easier to conceal the pivot 34 thereby helping to improve aesthetics. Positioning the pivot 34 as close as mechanically possible and feasible to the nearest wall 12C helps to reduce the load that must be borne by the pivot 34 and any of its support structure, since placing the pivot further from the wall 12C increases the moment load on any structure linking the pivot 34 to the walls 12C.

[0082] Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the pivot 34 is fixedly mounted to the lower structure 15, and is also disposed immediately adjacent to the nearest upright wall 12C of the residential living unit 12. The pivot 34 is an elongated bar or linkage that extends through a side wall of the Murphy bed 15A and through the body of the pivot arm 30 at the first end 32A. The pivot 34 may be any other suitable mechanical structure. For example, the pivot 34 may be or include a ball bearing. The pivot 34 is thus mounted to the lower structure 15 rather than to the wall 12C nearest the pivot 34, but still in close proximity to the wall 12C. This allows the storage container 20 to move in relation to the lower structure 15. For example, and as shown in Fig. 2B, the storage container 20 is pivoted from the stored position downward such that it is disposed in front of the lower structure 15 when it is in the accessible position. The depth of the back wall 26B of the storage container 20, as measured from the nearest wall 12C that is parallel to the back wall 26B, is greater than a depth of a front surface of the lower structure 15 measured from the same wall 12C. The pivot arm 30 has a length L measured parallel to the arm axis 31 and defined between the first and second ends 32A,32B. The length L of the pivot arm 30 is greater than a distance D between a front surface of the lower structure 15 and the wall 12C against which the lower structure 15 is positioned. In Figs. 2A and 2B, the length L of the pivot arm 30 is thus related to a distance of the storage container 20 from the lower structure 15 in the accessible position. This relationship helps the pivot arm 30 to pivot the storage container 20 in front of the lower structure 15. The storage container 20 thus pivots downwardly over and in front of the lower structure 15 in the accessible position. It is therefore not necessary to displace the walls 12C, lower structure 15, or furnishings on the floor 12A to access the items 11 in the storage container 20. Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, the storage container 20 has a lowermost limit position that is above the bottom of the lower structure 15, such that the storage container 20 never pivots downwardly to be underneath or at a lower level than the lower structure 15. The lowermost limit position may be established with a mechanical stop or brake. [0083] In an alternate embodiment, the pivot 34 is fixedly mounted to structure other than the lower structure 15. For example, the pivot 34 may be mounted to the nearest wall 12C against which the lower structure 15 is backed or rests. The pivot 34 may be mounted directly to a stud supporting the wall 12C, or indirectly to a bracket protruding from the wall 12C.

[0084] In some configurations, and referring to Fig. 2A, in the stored position, the storage container 20 is above and aligned with the lower structure 15. In Fig. 2A, the depth of the storage container 20 from the wall 12C in the stored position is the same as the depth of the lower structure 15 from the same wall 12C. In Fig. 2A, the depth of the conforming wall 26C of the storage container 20 from the wall 12C in the stored position is the same as the depth of the front of the lower structure 15 from the same wall 12C. When in the stored position, the storage container 20 may not protrude past the lower structure 15 and thus form a more aesthetically pleasing relationship with the lower structure 15. When pivoted from the lower accessible position to the stored position, the storage container 20 may be pivoted above and in line with the lower structure 15. In Fig. 2A, a vertical distance VD separates the back wall 26B of the storage container 20 from an uppermost surface of the Murphy bed 15A. One or more of the interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20, such as the conforming wall 26C, may be visibly similar to observable surfaces of the lower structure 15, such as by having the same or similar surface finish or color.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 2A, the lower structure 15 may have one or more doors 15B, such as a cabinet door, that open into the interior space 12E. The storage container 20 is positioned on the pivot arm 30 such that when the storage container 20 is disposed in front of the lower structure 15 in the accessible position, the back wall 26B of the storage container 20 is spaced in front of the lower structure 15 a distance greater than a corresponding dimension of the doors 15B when they are open. In such a configuration, it is possible to open the doors 15B of the lower structure 15 even when the storage container 20 is positioned in front of the lower structure 15.

[0086] Figs. 1A-2A show features of the storage container 20 in the stored position. The storage container 20 is disposed within the overhead storage area 16. The overhead storage area 16 is thus concealed by the storage container 20 when the storage container 20 is not being accessed. The storage container 20 is also adjacent to the overhead structure 14. The storage container 20 and the overhead structure 14 are at the same height measured from the floor 12A. The storage container 20 is mounted in proximity to the ceiling 12D. The storage container 20 is spaced immediately beneath the ceiling 12D sufficiently to allow for the pivoting movement of the storage container 20. One non-limiting example of dimensions for the storage container 20 are a height of 18 in. and a depth of 36 in. The conforming wall 26C is substantially upright. By “substantially”, it is understood that the magnitude of its vertical vector is much greater than the magnitude of its horizontal vector. The conforming wall 26C is continuous with the upright visible wall 14A of the overhead structure 14. When the storage container 20 occupies the overhead storage area 16, there is an absence of any observable gap between the conforming wall 26C and the adjacent upright visible wall 14A. When the storage container 20 occupies the overhead storage area 16, there is a seamless visual transition between the conforming wall 26C and the adjacent upright visible wall 14A. Furthermore, the conforming wall 26C visually conforms to the upright visible wall 14A. By “visually conform”, it is understood that the conforming wall 26C appears similar or identical to the upright visible wall 14A. The conforming and upright visible walls 26C,14A thus appear to blend together when the storage container 20 occupies the overhead storage area 16. The conformity between the conforming wall 26C and the upright visible wall 14A in the stored position thus allow the storage container 20 and the overhead structure 14 to appear as a continuous and singular structure to an occupant of the residential living unit 12. The conforming wall 26C may thus give the impression that the storage container 20 in the stored position is part or, or an extension of, the visible portion of the overhead structure 14.

[0087] Different configurations and arrangements are possible for achieving the conformity between the conforming wall 26C and the upright visible wall 14A of the overhead structure 14. For example, and referring to Figs. 1A and 1 B, the conforming wall 26C has the same vertical length as the upright visible wall 14A. In Figs. 1A and 1 B, the conforming wall 26C has one or more of the same color, pattern, and texture as the upright visible wall 14A. Other interconnected walls 26 of the storage container 20 may also conform to other visible structure of the overhead structure 14. For example, and referring to Fig. 2A, the back wall 26B and bottom surface 26BS are visible when the storage container 20 is in the stored position. In such a configuration, a corresponding lower or bottom wall 14B of the overhead structure 14 that is adjacent to the back wall 26B also conforms to the back wall 26B, such as by having the same depth, colour or pattern, to thereby reinforce the appearance of continuity and congruity between the storage container 20 and the adjacent overhead structure 14 in the stored position.

[0088] It can thus be appreciated that since the conforming wall 26C is one of the few, or the only, interconnected walls 26 that is visible in the stored position, the conforming wall 26C operates to conceal, match, harmonize, camouflage, or blend the storage container 20 with the adjacent overhead structure 14 (e.g. a cabinet 14’, a bulkhead 14”, a suspended part 14”’ of the ceiling 12D, etc.). The conforming wall 26C thus helps the storage container 20 to appear part of, or contiguous with, the adjacent overhead structure 14. The conforming wall 26C also conceals or hides the items 11 in the storage container 20 when it is in the stored position. In the stored position, the conforming wall 26C thus prevents or obstructs the occupant from viewing or observing the items 11 in the storage container interior 24 when the occupant is within the space 12E.

[0089] The conformity between the storage container 20 and the adjacent overhead structure 14 in the stored position contributes to the aesthetic of the residential living unit 12 both because the items 11 of the storage container 20 are hidden from view by the conforming wall 26C, and the storage container 20 appears to be part of the structure of the residential living unit 12. This may allow for the storage container 20 to be used in settings where design and look are important, such as in living areas of residential rooms or the interior of commercial showrooms.

[0090] Fig. 2B shows features of the storage container 20 in the accessible position. The storage container 20 is disposed below the overhead storage area 16. The storage container 20 is disposed closer to the floor 12A than the overhead structure 14. The storage container 20 and the items 11 are suspended in proximity to the floor 12A of the residential living unit 12 at a lowered position that is comfortable for the occupant to load and unload the items 11 from the storage container 20. The conforming wall 26C reveals the storage container interior 24, and allows access to the items 11 therein. The conforming wall 26C may therefore sometimes also be referred to herein as the “access wall 26C”. In the lowered and accessible position, the access wall 26C is substantially horizontal. By “substantially”, it is understood that the magnitude of its horizontal vector is much greater than the magnitude of its vertical vector. For example, and as shown in Fig. 2B, the access wall 26C, forms a relatively small angle relative to a horizontal plane. The angle may be greater than zero degrees and less than twenty degrees. Such a substantially horizontal access wall 26C is thus inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and slopes downwardly toward the back wall 26B. This orientation of the access wall 26C helps to reduce the possibility of the items 11 sliding out of the storage container 20 when it transitions to the accessible position. The substantially horizontal access wall 26C forms a shelf to help the occupant examine, sort, rearrange and/or store the items 11 . The change in orientation experienced by the access wall 26C when pivoting to the accessible position allows the storage container 20 to remain free of a door or other similar barrier that controls access to the storage container interior 24. Instead, access to the storage container interior 24 is provided by the simple change in orientation experienced by the conforming wall 26C. The occupant is thus not required to open or close a door to hide/contain the items 11 in the storage container 20 or to obtain access thereto. The occupant is also not required to remember to close a door when placing the items 11 in the storage container 20 because the changing orientation of the access wall 26C as it pivots toward the stored position will function to maintain the items 11 within the storage container interior 24. This contributes to the user friendliness of the storage container 20 and its safety.

[0091] Referring to Figs. 2B and 4C, an entirety of the storage container interior 24 is accessible in the accessible position. The storage container 20 is open along all of its frontage. The entire width and height of the storage container interior 24 is accessible to the occupant in the accessible position. In an alternate embodiment, only part of the storage container interior 24 is accessible in the accessible position.

[0092] Referring to Figs. 4A to 4C, the displacement of the storage container 20 may be performed manually by the occupant, or with the assistance of motive power. In Figs. 4A to 4C, the storage unit 10 includes a motive power source. More particularly, the storage unit 10 has a motor assembly 140. The motor assembly 140 provides motive power to the storage container 20 to displace it between the stored and accessible positions. In the depicted embodiment, and to optimise available space, the motor assembly 140 is mounted in the overhead storage area 16 adjacent to the overhead structure 14. Acoustic tiles may be mounted adjacent to the motor assembly 140, and may be removed to service the motor assembly 140. The motor assembly 140 includes a motor 142. Suitable brackets or mountings can be provided to secure the motor 142 in place, such as to the wall 12C. The motor 142 drivingly engages one or more displacement members 144A. The displacement members 144A are mounted to the storage container 20 to displace it between the stored and accessible positions. The motor 142 may be controlled manually with a switch, or from a distance with a remote in communication with the motor 142 to control actuation thereof. The motor 142 may have a gearbox. The motor 142 may have a crank to be manually operated.

[0093] In the embodiment of Figs. 4A to 4C, the displacement members 144A include motor cables 144A. The motor cables 144A are wound about one or more pulleys 146 which are mounted for rotation with a drive shaft 145 driven by the motor 142. Rotation of the pulley 146 causes the motor cables 144A to spool and unspool. An end of each motor cable 144A is attached to the storage container 20 so that the spooling and unspooling of the motor cables 144A will cause the storage container 20 to pivot about the pivot axis 34 A.

[0094] The displacement of the storage container 20 with the motor assembly 140 occurs as follows. To lower the storage container 20 from the stored position where it has the first orientation, the motor 142 drives the drive shaft 145 and performs a controlled unspool of the motor cables 144A by rotating to unwind the motor cables 144A. This provides slack in the motor cables 144A allowing the storage container 20 to pivot downwardly based on gravity. To raise the storage container 20 from the accessible position, the motor 142 draws in the motor cables 144A by rotating to spool them about the pulley 146. This removes slack from the motor cables 144A and applies tension thereto, causing the storage container 20 to pivot upward about the pivot axis 34A. [0095] Other techniques are within the scope of the present disclosure for displacing the storage container 20. In an alternate embodiment, the motive power is supplied by any other suitable type of drive, including, but not limited to, a crank with a manual mechanism and/or a spring balance. In an embodiment, the storage unit 10 includes a sensor to monitor displacement of the storage container 20, and to prevent the storage container 20 from being lowered too far, or from contacting an object while being raised or lowered. Similarly, the storage unit 10 may include a stop member to limit the downward displacement of the storage container 20.

[0096] One such other technique for displacing the storage container 20 is shown in Figs. 7A to 7C. The motor 142 of the motor assembly 140 is mounted to the outer surface of one of the side walls 26A of the storage container 20. The motor 142 is disposed between the side wall 26A and one of the walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. The motor 142 is functional to displace the storage container 20 between the stored and accessible positions. The motor 142 displaces with the storage container 20 about the pivot axis 34A. The output of the motor 142 rotationally drives a drive shaft 145 which is mounted to spools 147 which rotate with the drive shaft 145 about an axis defined by the drive shaft 145. There is no slip between the drive shaft 145 and the spools 147 mounted thereto. The spools 147 and the drive shaft 145 displace with the storage container 20 about the pivot axis 34A. A cable 144A is wound about each of the spools 147 and is secured at one of its ends to one of the walls 12C. The displacement of the storage container 20 with the motor assembly 140 of Figs. 7A to 7C occurs as follows. To lower the storage container 20 from the stored position where it has the first orientation, the motor 142 drives the drive shaft 145 and performs a controlled unspool of the motor cables 144A by rotating the spools 147 to unwind the motor cables 144A. This provides slack in the motor cables 144A allowing the storage container 20 to pivot downwardly based on gravity. To raise the storage container 20 from the accessible position, the motor 142 draws in the motor cables 144A by rotating the drive shaft 145 in an opposite direction to spool the motor cables 144A about the spools 147. This removes slack from the motor cables 144A and applies tension thereto, causing the storage container 20 to pivot upward about the pivot axis 34A. [0097] Referring to Figs. 7A to 7C, the drive shaft 145 and the spools 147 are positioned in the storage container interior 24 defined by the storage structure 22 of the storage container 20. The drive shaft 145 and the spools 147 are disposed near an upper and rear portion of the storage container interior 24 as defined when the storage container 20 is in the accessible position. This positioning of the drive shaft 145 and the spools 147 allows the boundary wall 26D of the storage container 20 to abut directly against the wall 12C when the storage container 20 is in the stored position. The spools 147 and/or the drive shaft 145 may be partially or fully encased to prevent access thereto when the storage container 20 is in the accessible position.

[0098] Referring to Fig. 7C, each of the spools 147 has grooves 147A spaced apart in a lateral direction and extending along the entire circumference of an outer surface of the spools 147. The grooves 147A are sized and shaped to receive therein portions of the cable 144A wound about the spools 147. By providing laterally-spaced apart positions for the portions of the cable 144A, the grooves 147A help to reduce or prevent the cable 144A from bunching up or overlapping itself as the spools 147 are rotated to raise and lower the storage container 20.

[0099] Other techniques are within the scope of the present disclosure for displacing the storage container 20. In one possible other technique, the motor 142 is fixedly mounted to or near the floor 12A, to drive the drive shaft 145 near the floor 12A. The motor 142 drives the drive shaft 145 to displace the cable 144A. The cable 144A runs upwardly from the drive shaft 145 or spools 147 thereof, around a pulley 146 positioned in the overhead storage area 16, and to an end of the cable 144A fixedly attached to the storage container 20. This configuration of the motor assembly 140 allows for portions thereof, such as the motor 140, the drive shaft 145, the spools 147 and/or the pulleys 146, to be stored behind the wall 12C and thus out of sight.

[00100] Referring to Figs. 2A and 2B, there is disclosed a method of storing the items 11 in the overhead storage area 16. The method includes loading the items 11 in the storage container 20 mounted to the pivot arm 30 while the storage container 20 is beneath the overhead storage area 16. The method includes pivoting the pivot arm 30 and the storage container 20 upward and into the overhead storage area 16. A wall 26C of the storage container 20 becomes upright and continuous with the upright overhead structure 16, and/or with other visible structure of the overhead structure 14 like a bottom panel or wall. The wall 26C of the storage container 20 visually conforms with the upright overhead structure 14.

[00101] In embodiments, the residential living unit 12 is free of one or more overhead structures 14 adjacent to the storage container 20 in the stored position, and is free of one or more lower structures 15 beneath the storage container 20 in the stored position. In such embodiments, the storage container 20 may be positioned adjacent to a wall 12C in the stored position and spaced apart from interconnecting walls 12C such that it is not adjacent to structure on its lateral sides. In such embodiments, the storage container 20 may visibly stand-out in the residential living unit 12.

[00102] In embodiments, the residential living unit 12 is free of one or more overhead structures 14 adjacent to the storage container 20 in the stored position. In such embodiments, the overhead storage area 16 is defined above the lower structure 15 and beneath the ceiling 12D, and is not delimited on lateral sides by structure other than the walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. An example of such an embodiment is shown in Figs. 8A-8D.

[00103] In Figs. 8A-8D, the residential living unit 12 includes a variety of lower structures 15. All of the lower structures 15 are disposed beneath the storage container 120 of the overhead storage unit 110 when the storage container 120 is in the stored position (see Figs. 8A and 8B). The lower structures 15 provide functionality to the different rooms or sections of the residential living unit 12. For example, the lower structures 15 include objects which provide functionality to the kitchen, such as a sink 15C, a stove 15D, a fridge 15E, and kitchen cabinets 15F. The lower structures 15 also include the Murphy bed 15A, and a couch or ottoman 15G, to provide function to the living room cum bedroom. The lower structures 15 may be mounted to, and supported by, one or more of the walls 12C, and/or may be supported by the floor 12A. It will be appreciated that the residential living unit 12 may have more or fewer lower structures 15. [00104] Some of the lower structures 15, such as the kitchen cabinets 15F, the fridge 15E, and the stove 15D, may have one or more doors that open into the interior space 12E. The storage container 120 is positioned on the pivot arms 130 such that when the storage container 120 is disposed in front of the lower structures 15 in the accessible position, the back wall 126B of the storage container 120 is spaced in front of the lower structures 15 a distance greater than a corresponding dimension of the doors when they are open. In such a configuration, it is possible to open the doors of the lower structures 15 even when the storage container 120 is positioned in front of the lower structures 15.

[00105] Referring to Figs. 8A-8D, the residential living unit 12 is free of overhead structure 14 that is adjacent to, and partially delimits, the overhead storage area 16. The overhead storage area 16 extends between opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. The “opposed” walls 12C are walls 12C which are parallel with each other, and which are spaced apart from each other by a linear distance of the interior space 12E of the residential living unit 12. Only one of the opposed walls 12C is shown in Figs. 8A-8D. The overhead storage area 16 has an uppermost boundary at the ceiling 12D, and extends downwardly therefrom toward the floor 12A until a lowermost boundary defined by the lower structures 15, and is bounded on its sides by the walls 12C. Referring to Figs. 8A-8D, the lowermost boundary of the overhead storage area 16 defined by the lower structures 15 has a uniform height defined by the upper surfaces of the lower structures 15. The lowermost boundary of the overhead storage area 16 defined by the lower structures 15 is the same height, measured from the floor 12A, across the whole distance between the opposed walls 12C. The overhead storage area 16 may thus span or extend across the entire distance between two opposed walls 12C.

[00106] Referring to Figs. 8A and 8B, a gap 17 is defined between the lower structures 15 and the storage container 120 when the storage container 120 is in the stored position. The gap 17 is a portion or volume of the overhead storage area 16 that remains unoccupied by the storage container 120 in the stored position. The gap 17 has the vertical distance VD described above, and a horizontal distance HD. The horizontal distance HD of the gap 17 is defined between the opposite walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. The magnitude of the horizontal distance HD is greater than the magnitude of the vertical distance VD. The vertical distance VD is defined between the back wall 126B of the storage container 120 to an uppermost surface of the lower structures 15. The vertical distance VD is uniform throughout the horizontal distance HD between the opposed walls 12C. The gap 17 is a space between the bottom of the storage container 120 and a top of one or more lower structures 15 that allows the storage container 120 to clear the lower structure 15 when pivoting from the stored position to the accessible position. The gap 17 is sized such that a leading edge 129 of the storage container 120, defined at the intersection of the conforming wall 126C and the back wall 126B, is able to clear the one or more lower structures 15 in the path of pivoting movement followed by the storage container 120. Referring to Fig. 9, the leading edge 129 is spaced sufficiently far by the gap 17 from the lower structure 15 that it is able to move along a continuously downward arc A about the pivot 34. The arc A defined by the leading edge 129 has its highest point HP in its initial position when the storage container 120 is in the stored position. The arc A has its lowest point LP when the leading edge 129 is in its final position when the storage container 120 is the accessible position. The leading edge 129 does not rise above the highest position HP as it travels along the arc A. Non-limiting examples of the vertical distance VD for the gap 17 include approximately 1 to 1.5 ft. The gap 17 also provides a display area or zone above the lower structures 15, where display objects may be visible in the gap 17, and may be mounted to the wall 12C or supported on the upper surface of the lower structures 15.

[00107] Referring to Figs. 8A-8D, the storage container 120 extends between the opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. The storage container 120 extends between, and spans, the entire distance between the opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. A side wall 126A of the storage container 120 is immediately adjacent to one of the opposed walls 12C, and another side wall 126A is immediately adjacent to the other opposed wall 12C. The side walls 126A of the storage container 120 define planes that are parallel to planes defined by the opposed walls 12C. In an embodiment, the storage container 120 extends between, and spans, a distance greater than 10 feet but less than the entire span between the opposed walls 12C. In an embodiment, the storage container 120 extends between, and spans, a distance of approximately 14 feet between the opposed walls 12C. Referring to Fig. 8A, some of the overhead storage area 16 is concealed or occupied by the storage container 120 when the storage container 120 is in the stored position, and the remaining portion of the overhead storage area 16 that is unoccupied is the gap 17.

[00108] Referring to Figs. 8B and 8C, the storage container 120 has a long conforming wall 126C that extends between, and spans, the entire distance between the opposed walls 12C of the residential living unit 12. The back wall 126B is perpendicularly connected to the conforming wall 126C. In the accessible position, and referring to Fig. 8D, the back wall 126B is substantially upright, and the back wall 126B is substantially horizontal in the stored position (see Fig. 8A). A height HBW of the back wall 126B is defined when the storage container 120 is in the accessible position (see Fig. 8D). The height HBW of the back wall 126B is greater than a height HCW of the conforming wall 126C when the storage container 120 is in the stored position (see Fig. 8A). In one possible and non-limiting configuration, the height HBW of the back wall 126B is about 3 feet, and the height HBC of the conforming wall 126C is between about 1 and about 1.5 feet. The differences in height between the back wall 126B and the conforming wall 126C, along with the changing orientation of these walls 126B,126C as they are displaced between the stored and accessible positions, helps to define a configuration of the storage container 120 which allows it to be “tall” when it is in the accessible position and thus able to accommodate taller items 11 (see Fig. 8D), while also allowing the storage container 120 to have a small vertical profile in the stored position so that it is less conspicuous (see Fig. 8A). Referring to Fig. 8A, the differences in height between the back wall 126B and the conforming wall 126C allows the storage container 120 to “stick out” more from the adjacent wall 12C than it is tall in the stored position. The conforming wall 126C may the smallest dimension needed to conceal the stored items 11 when the storage container 120 is in the stored position. Referring to Fig. 8D, the storage container 120 has a barrier wall 126E which extends perpendicularly from a free end of the conforming wall 126C and into the storage container interior 124. The barrier wall 126E has an upright orientation in the accessible position. The barrier wall 126E has a height defined in the accessible position that is less than the height HBW of the back wall 126B. The barrier wall 126E has a height defined in the accessible position that is less than a third of the height HBW of the back wall 126B. The barrier wall 126E forms a lip of the storage container 120 in the accessible position to help retain the items 11 in the storage container interior 124. In the stored position, the conforming wall 126C is substantially upright and its free, uppermost end is in close proximity to the ceiling 12D.

[00109] Referring to Figs. 8A-8D, the pivot arm 130 is similar to the pivot arm 30 described above, and thus the description of the features and functions of the pivot arm 30 apply mutatis mutandis to the pivot arm 130. The storage unit 110 has three pivot arms 130. Portions of two of the pivot arms 130 form the side walls 126A of the storage container 120. Referring to Figs. 8C and 8D, the third pivot arm 130 forms a dividing wall that divides the storage container interior 124 into two parts. Each part of the storage container interior 124 may be used differently. For example, one part of the storage container interior 124 may be used to store the items 11 , while another part may include a desk and a chair and be used as an office space. Referring to Fig. 8A and 8B, part of third pivot arm 130 is exposed and appears as a dividing wall for the display area or zone above the lower structures 15 when in the stored position. A remainder of the third pivot arm 130 is concealed between adjacent lower structures 15. Referring to Fig. 8B, the pivot 34 is at a greater height, measured from the floor 12A, than the conforming wall 126C of the storage container 120 when it is in the accessible position. The pivot 34 is at a lower height, measured from the floor 12A, than the conforming wall 126C of the storage container 120 when it is in the stored position. The pivot 34 is located closer to the floor 12A than an uppermost surface of all of the lower structures 15.

[00110] The storage container 120 is disposed immediately beneath the ceiling 12D in the stored position (see Fig. 8A). The immediate proximity of the storage container 120 to the ceiling 12D helps it to appear like an immobile structure in the residential living unit 12. The proximity of the storage container 120 to the walls 12C and ceiling 12D in the stored position contributes to the aesthetic of the residential living unit 12 both because the items 11 of the storage container 120 are hidden from view by the conforming wall 126C, and the storage container 120 appears to be part of the structure of the residential living unit 12. [00111] The description above in relation to Figs. 1A-7C of the features, functions and benefits of the residential living unit 12, the lower structure 15, the overhead storage area 16 and the storage unit 10 applies mutatis mutandis to the residential living unit 12, the lower structures 15, the overhead storage area 16 and the storage unit 110 shown in Figs. 8A-8D.

[00112] In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the storage unit 10,100 has a storage container 20,120 that is storable in an overhead position, which can be lowered and raised, and whose movements transforms the orientation of the storage container 20,120 between the stored and accessible positions. When used in a relatively small residential living unit 12, the storage unit 10,110 helps to minimise the space occupied by the items 11 that need to be stored. In the accessible position, the storage container 20,120 can be lowered to a convenient height to facilitate loading and unloading, thereby eliminating the necessity and inconvenience of a step ladder and potential injuries that may result should the occupant fall off the step ladder. By facilitating the storage and easy retrieval of items 11 , the storage unit 10,110 helps to increase the available living space of the relatively small residential living unit 12. The storage unit 10,110 may also allow the occupant to store heavy items 11 overhead that may otherwise be difficult or impossible to store overhead using only a step ladder.

[00113] The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the present technology. Upon review of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the descriptive terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, and “upright” used herein do not limit the feature to being perfectly level or perfectly normal to a level plane. These features can deviate from the level and from the vertical provided that they remain substantially horizontal or vertical. Similarly, although the storage unit 10,110 is disclosed herein as being part of a residential living unit 12, it will be appreciated that the storage unit 10,110 may be used in other types of building units, such as commercial or industrial units. Furthermore, the storage unit 10,110 may be provided as a kit or as parts unassembled, which may be assembled and installed in an existing residential living unit 12 as part of a retrofit. Yet further modifications could be implemented by a person of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, and such modifications would be within the scope of the present technology.

Claims

1. A residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space, some of the space beneath the ceiling being an overhead storage area; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and the access wall is upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior.

2. The residential living unit of claim 1 , wherein the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the space between the two opposed walls.

3. The residential living unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the entire space between the two opposed walls of the residential living unit, one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the one of the two opposed walls, and another one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the other of the two opposed walls.

35 The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the interconnected walls of the storage container include a back wall perpendicularly interconnected with the access wall, the back wall being upright in the accessible position and being substantially horizontal in the stored position, the back wall having a height in the accessible position being greater than a height of the conforming wall in the stored position. The residential living of claim 4, wherein the height of the back wall is about 3 feet, and the height of the access wall is between 1 and 1 .5 feet. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage container has a barrier wall extending perpendicularly from a free end of the access wall into the storage container interior, the barrier wall having an upright orientation in the accessible position. The residential living unit of claim 1 , comprising an overhead structure and a lower structure, the overhead structure positioned in the space above the lower structure and in proximity to the ceiling, the overhead structure delimiting part of the overhead storage area and having an upright visible wall, wherein in the stored position the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the access wall is upright and continuous with the upright visible wall, and the access wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the the access wall is substantially horizontal in the accessible position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage container is disposed immediately beneath the ceiling in the stored position. The residential living unit of claim 1 , comprising a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead storage area, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position.

36 The residential living unit of claim 1 , comprising a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead storage area, the pivot fixedly mounted to the lower structure. The residential living unit of claim 11 , wherein the pivot is disposed immediately adjacent to one of the walls. The residential living unit of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the storage container is above and aligned with the lower structure in the stored position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the lower structure has one or more doors that open into the space, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position and spaced in front of the lower structure a distance greater than a corresponding dimension of the doors of the lower structure when opened. The residential living unit of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the pivot arm has a length defined between the first and second ends, the length being greater than a distance between a front surface of the lower structure and the wall against which the lower structure is positioned. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than six feet. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than a height of the average adult human. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein an entirety of the storage container interior is accessible in the accessible position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the storage container is free of a door. A method of storing items in an overhead storage area, comprising: loading the items in a storage container mounted to an arm while the storage container is beneath the overhead storage area; and pivoting the arm and the storage container upward and into the overhead storage area, a wall of the storage container becoming upright. The method of claim 20, wherein loading the items in the storage container includes loading the items in the storage container while it is front of a lower structure disposed beneath the overhead storage area. The method of claim 20 or 21 , wherein pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container with motive power. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein loading the items in the storage container includes loading the items in the storage container without opening a door of the storage container. The method of any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container so that the wall of the storage container is continuous with an upright overhead structure delimiting the overhead storage area, and the wall of the storage container visually conforms with the upright overhead structure. The method of claim 20, comprising pivoting the arm and the storage container downward to access the items in the storage container, the wall having becoming horizontal. The method of claim 25, comprising preventing the items from sliding out of the storage container when the wall is horizontal. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein pivoting the arm and the storage container downward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container downward to position the storage container front of a lower structure disposed beneath the overhead storage area. The method of any one of claims 20 to 27, wherein pivoting the arm and the storage container upward includes pivoting the arm and the storage container to position the storage container immediately beneath a ceiling.

39 A residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; an overhead structure positioned in proximity to the ceiling and having an upright visible wall, and an overhead storage area defined adjacent to the overhead structure beneath the ceiling; and an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being a conforming wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the conforming wall being upright and continuous with the upright visible wall of the overhead structure, and the conforming wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the conforming wall provides access to the storage container interior. The residential living unit of claim 29, comprising a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead structure, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position. The residential living unit of claim 29, comprising a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the overhead structure, the pivot fixedly mounted to the lower structure.

40 The residential living unit of claim 31 , wherein the pivot is disposed immediately adjacent to the wall. The residential living unit of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the storage container is above and aligned with the lower structure in the stored position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the lower structure has one or more doors that open into the space, the storage container disposed in front of the lower structure in the accessible position and spaced in front of the lower structure a distance greater than a corresponding dimension of the doors of the lower structure when opened. The residential living unit of any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the pivot arm has a length defined between the first and second ends, the length being greater than a distance between a front surface of the lower structure and the wall against which the lower structure is positioned. The residential living unit of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than six feet. The residential living unit of any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein a height of the pivot measured from the floor is less than a height of the average adult human. The residential living unit of any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein an entirety of the storage container interior is accessible in the accessible position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the storage container is free of a door. The residential living unit of any one of claims 29 to 39, wherein the the conforming wall is substantially horizontal in the accessible position.

41 An overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end having a pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the second end of the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position; in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within an overhead storage area adjacent to an overhead structure, the access wall being upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area, and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior. The overhead storage unit of claim 41 , wherein the storage container has a length greater than ten feet. The overhead storage unit of claim 41 or 42, wherein the interconnected walls of the storage container include a back wall perpendicularly interconnected with the access wall, the back wall being upright in the accessible position and being substantially horizontal in the stored position, the back wall having a height in the accessible position being greater than a height of the conforming wall in the stored position. The residential living of claim 43, wherein the height of the back wall is about 3 feet, and the height of the access wall is between 1 and 1 .5 feet. The overhead storage unit of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the storage container has a barrier wall extending perpendicularly from a free end of the access

42 wall into the storage container interior, the barrier wall having an upright orientation in the accessible position. The overhead storage unit of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the the access wall is substantially horizontal in the accessible position. The overhead storage unit of any one of claims 41 to 46, wherein an entirety of the storage container interior is accessible in the accessible position. The overhead storage unit of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the storage container is free of a door.

43 A residential living unit, comprising: a ceiling, a floor and walls delimiting a space; a lower structure disposed in the space beneath the ceiling, and an overhead storage area defined between the lower structure and the ceiling; an overhead storage unit, comprising: a pivot arm extending from a first end to a second end, the first end pivotably mounted to a fixed pivot and the pivot arm pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the pivot; and a storage container having interconnected walls defining a storage container interior, one of the interconnected walls being an access wall, the storage container mounted to the pivot arm and pivotable with the pivot arm to be raised and lowered between a stored position and an accessible position, in the stored position, the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area and spaced above the lower structure to define a gap therebetween, the access wall being upright; and in the accessible position, the storage container is disposed below the overhead storage area and in front of the lower structure, and the access wall provides access to the storage container interior. The residential living unit of claim 49, wherein the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the space between the two opposed walls. The residential living unit of claim 49, wherein the walls delimiting the space include two opposed walls spaced apart by the space, the storage container extending across the entire space between the two opposed walls of the residential living unit, one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the one

44 of the two opposed walls, and another one of the interconnected walls of the storage container being adjacent to the other of the two opposed walls. The residential living unit of any one of claims 49 to 51 , wherein the interconnected walls of the storage container include a back wall perpendicularly interconnected with the access wall, the back wall being upright in the accessible position and being substantially horizontal in the stored position, the back wall having a height in the accessible position being greater than a height of the access wall in the stored position. The residential living of claim 52, wherein the height of the back wall is about 3 feet, and the height of the access wall is between 1 and 1 .5 feet. The residential living unit of any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein the storage container has a barrier wall extending perpendicularly from a free end of the access wall into the storage container interior, the barrier wall having an upright orientation in the accessible position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 49 to 54, comprising an overhead structure positioned in the space above the lower structure and in proximity to the ceiling, the overhead structure delimiting part of the overhead storage area and having an upright visible wall, wherein in the stored position the storage container is disposed within the overhead storage area adjacent to the overhead structure, the access wall is upright and continuous with the upright visible wall, and the access wall visually conforms with the upright visible wall. The residential living unit of any one of claims 49 to 55, wherein the the access wall is substantially horizontal in the accessible position. The residential living unit of any one of claims 49 to 56, wherein the storage container is disposed immediately beneath the ceiling in the stored position.

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