EP4665612A1

EP4665612A1 - Retractable storage system

Info

Publication number: EP4665612A1
Application number: EP24757350.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian NORDÅS
Original assignee: Nordas Consult & Development AS
Current assignee: Nordas Consult & Development AS
Priority date: 2023-02-16
Filing date: 2024-02-07
Publication date: 2025-12-24
Also published as: WO2024172659A1; NO20230156A1; NO348377B1

Abstract

The disclosure describes a retractable storage system (100) for being mounted in a van, the system comprising a frame (110) for being fastened to the van, the frame (110) comprising an elongated rail (120), wherein the elongated rail (120) extends in a first direction across at least part of the width of the frame (110), an extension unit (130) for supporting an equipment module (140), wherein the extension unit (130) comprises a first extension arm (150) for being extended in a second direction (116), wherein the first extension arm (150) comprises a load bearing interface (160) on its top side for supporting the equipment module (140), a connecting element (170), wherein the connecting element (170) is connecting the extension unit (130) to the elongated rail (120) such that the extension unit (130) may slide along the elongated rail (120), wherein the first direction (115) and the second direction (116) are non-parallel to one another The disclosure also describes the use of the retractable storage system (100) for handling an equipment module (140).

Description

Retractable storage system

Field of disclosure

The disclosure relates to the field of retractable storage systems in vans.

Background

[0001] Storage systems are commonly used to maximize the use of space and increase the utility of vans or other utility vehicles as well as to increase the security of the user. Existing systems typically include stationary and rigidly mounted shelving, drawers, and compartments that can be configured to suit the specific needs of the user. These systems can be installed in a variety of vehicles, including cargo vans, work vans, and recreational vans. They are commonly used by tradespeople, delivery drivers, and contractors to organize and transport tools and equipment. Some storage systems also incorporate additional features such as lighting, power outlets, and secure locking mechanisms to enhance their functionality. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for additional modularity, customizability and flexibility than what can be provided by existing storage solutions. It is an aim of the present invention to provide a storage system that addresses some of the mentioned problems with the prior art.

Summary

[0002] A first aspect of the invention provides a retractable storage system for being mounted in a van, the system comprising a frame for being fastened to the van, the frame comprising an elongated rail, wherein the elongated rail extends in a first direction across at least part of the width of the frame, an extension unit for supporting an equipment module, wherein the extension unit comprises a first extension arm for being extended in a second direction, wherein the first extension arm comprises a load bearing interface on its top side for supporting the equipment module, a connecting element, wherein the connecting element is connecting the extension unit to the elongated rail such that the extension unit may slide along the elongated rail, wherein the first direction and the second direction are non-parallel to one another.

[0003] In an embodiment of the invention the extension unit further comprises a second extension arm, wherein the second extension arm is configured to extend in the second direction. [0004] In another embodiment of the invention the retractable storage system further comprises an additional connecting element, wherein the additional connecting element is connecting the extension unit to the elongated rail such that the extension unit may slide along the elongated rail.

[0005] In yet another embodiment of the invention any one or more of the connecting element and the additional connecting element is removably connecting the extension unit to the elongated rail.

[0006] In yet another embodiment of the invention the retractable storage system further comprises a leveler connected to the extension unit, wherein the leveler is configured to adjust the pivot angle of the extension unit about the elongated rail.

[0007] In yet another embodiment of the invention the frame further comprises an elongated support element aligned in parallel with the elongated rail, wherein the elongated support element is configured to engage with the extension unit in order to limit movement of the extension unit along the elongated rail.

[0008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the load bearing interface comprises a load bearing track for facilitating rolling or sliding of the equipment module along the load bearing interface.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the extension unit further comprises a support leg for supporting the extension unit on the ground, wherein the support leg is connected to the extension arm.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the length of the supporting leg is adjustable.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the extension unit further comprises a connecting means for detachably connecting the equipment module to the extension unit.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the elongated rail comprises an elongated cylinder. [0013] In yet another embodiment of the invention any one or more of the connecting element and the additional connecting element comprises a housing, a first engaging element and a second engaging element, wherein the first engaging element and the second engaging element are coupled to the housing and configured to pivot about a pivot axis, wherein the first engaging element and the second engaging element are removably connected to the elongated cylinder.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first engaging element and the second engaging element are reversibly locked together by a locking pin.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention provides use of the retractable storage system for handling an equipment module.

Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the retractable storage system in a retracted position,

[0017] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the retractable storage system in an extended position comprising a module on top of the extension unit and support legs at a distal end of the extension unit,

[0018] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the connecting element comprising an engaging element and a locking pin, wherein the engaging element comprises a first engaging element and a second engaging element,

[0019] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the elongated rail and two connecting elements removably connected to the elongated rail, and

[0020] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a part of the retractable storage system with details about the elongated support element, the elongated rail and a transverse locking leg.

Detailed description of the disclosure

[0021] In the following, general embodiments as well as particular exemplary embodiments of the disclosure will be described. References will be made to the accompanying drawings. It shall be noted, however, that the drawings are exemplary embodiments only, and that other features and embodiments may well be within the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Further, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms of art, notations and other scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the meanings commonly understood by those of skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Certain terms of art, notations, and other scientific terms or terminology may, however, be defined specifically as indicated below.

[0023] The present invention provides a retractable storage system 100. The retractable storage system 100 comprises a frame 110, an extension unit 130 and a connecting element 170. The retractable storage system 100 is, as schematically illustrated in Figure 1, configured to be mounted inside of a van, for example for providing easy access to tools and other equipment. As illustrated in Figure 2, the retractable storage system 100 may be supporting an equipment module 140, for example containing tools and/or other equipment.

[0024] The retractable storage system 100 may, as illustrated in Figure 2, be moved by means of the extension unit 130 in and out through the rear part of a van, e.g. from a retracted position to an extended position. The retractable storage system 100 may for example be moved in part or all the way out of the van, thus enabling one or more equipment modules 140 or other equipment of the retractable storage system 100 to be accessible from the outside of the van.

[0025] The retractable storage system 100 may generally according to the present invention be shaped such that it fits the inside cargo area of a van. The retractable storage system 100 may alternatively be mounted in other types of vehicles, such as a trailer, a car trailer, mobile containers or caravans. The system may generally be configured to enable handling of any one or more of tools, equipment and other cargo, e.g. during transport and/or for loading and unloading.

[0026] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a retractable storage system 100 according to the present invention where the retractable storage system 100 comprises a frame 110, and where the frame 110 comprises an elongated rail 120. The frame 110 is generally configured to be fastened to a van, and the elongated rail 120 may be connected to or be part of the frame 110 such that it extends in a first direction 115 across at least part of the width of the frame 110. The elongated rail 120 may act as a connecting point between the extension unit 130 and the elongated rail 120 such that the extension unit 130 may slide back and forth on the elongated rail 120. The latter contributes, as will be described in detail later, to a flexible movement of the retractable storage system 100.

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a retractable storage system 100 according to the present invention where the retractable storage system 100 comprises an extension unit 130. The extension unit 130 comprises a first extension arm 150 for being extended in a second direction 116. The first extension arm 150 may be extending in the second direction 116, for example from the rear end of the van towards the outside when the retractable storage system 100 is mounted in a van. The extension unit 130 may, as schematically shown in Figure 2, be configured to support an equipment module 140, and the extension unit 130 may additionally or optionally be configured to be removably connected to the equipment module 140.

[0028] The connecting element 170 is generally, according to the invention, connecting the extension unit 130 to the elongated rail 120 such that the extension unit 130 may slide along the elongated rail 120. The connecting element 170 may generally comprise one or more engaging elements 265 for connecting or engaging the connecting element 170 to/with the elongated rail 120. The connecting element 170 may thus generally be configured to engage the elongated rail 120, optionally through a fixed or releasable connection. The connecting element 170 may therefore generally be configured to enable the extension unit 130 to move along the elongated rail 120. The connecting element 170 may further be shaped so that the connecting element 170 may connect to the the extension unit 130, e.g. by supporting the underside of the extension unit 130.

[0029] As schematically illustrated in Figure 1, the frame 110 of the retractable storage system 100 may generally be shaped such that it extends in two dimensions. The frame 110 may comprise one or more elongated frame units, where each frame unit may be in the shape of any one or more of a rail, a plank, a girder or a beam. The frame units may generally be made of metal, such as aluminium or iron or alloys of metal, however, other materials such as wood, metal, plastic, carbon, synthetic fibres or composites may alternatively be employed. By way of example, the frame 110 may comprise four elongated frame units. The length of each frame unit may be determined according to the desired use, e.g. according to a size of a storage compartment of a van or utility vehicle. The length of each frame unit may more specifically be in the range 1 - 5 meters. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a frame 110 comprising a set of four frame units, where the frame units may be arranged such that they form a rectangular shape. Other shapes of the frame 110 might include a square shape or an H-shape. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the frame 110 may comprise two separate elongated frame units spaced apart and arranged in parallel to each other. The two separate elongated frame units may in the latter example be physically separated from each other, but may both be connected to the elongated rail 120.

[0030] The frame 110 may generally be configured to be mounted to the inside of a van, e.g. by using preexisting anchor points of the van. The frame 110 may thus be configured to comprise fastening means that may be reversibly connected to the anchor points inside the van. Said fastening means may here comprise any one or more of a hook, strap, bolt, end fitting, etc. The frame 110 may further comprise connection points for said fastening means.

[0031] The frame 110 may, as schematically illustrated in Figure 1, comprise at least one elongated rail 120. Said rail may extend in a first direction 115 across at least part of the width of the frame 110. The elongated rail 120 may, as an alternative to forming a part of the frame 110 itself, be a separate element connected to the frame 110. The elongated rail 120 may as a way of example be oriented in parallel to one or more elongated frame units, and may at each end be abutting or connected to separate elongated frame units.

[0032] The elongated rail 120 may generally be shaped such that it enables a sliding movement of the connecting element 170 along the elongated rail 120. The elongated rail 120 may, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art with knowledge of the present invention, generally take on a wide variety of positions, shapes and sizes. The elongated rail 120 may generally be shaped such that it is configured to engage with the connecting element 170. The elongated rail 120 may for example be a rail track, a cylinder or a girder. It will be appreciated that the length of the elongated rail 120 may be adjusted according to the distance between the frame units the connecting element 170 may be connected to, or for example the width of a van in which the retractable storage system 100 is configured to be mounted in.

[0033] The extension unit 130 may, in use in a van, be positioned such that an equipment module 140 mounted/mountable thereon is available through the side door of the van. The extension unit 130 may then be moved closer to the side door by adjusting the position of the extension unit 130 along the first direction 115 along the elongated rail 120. The extension unit 130 comprises generally one or more extension arms that may extend towards the outside of a van. The extension unit 130 may receive/support an equipment module 140 that may be moved with the extension arms, allowing for easy access of e.g. equipment from both the outside or from various positions from the inside of the van.

[0034] The connecting element 170 may generally according to any embodiment of the invention be configured to connect to the elongated rail 120. The connecting element 170 may for example comprise an engaging element 265 for engaging with the elongated rail 120. The engaging element 265 may enable reduced friction as the connecting element 170 moves along the elongated rail 120. The engaging element 265 may for example be a wheel or a roller bearing, or be cylindrical. Alternatively, the engaging element 265 may be an element having a sliding surface, i.e. a surface with low friction, i.e. a friction that enables the engaging element 265 to slide on the elongated rail 120. The engaging element 265 may be mounted on or be a part of the connecting element 170, and may be employed to enable a sideways movement of the extension unit 130. In another embodiment of the invention, the connecting element 170 may comprise a sliding element for sideways movement of the connecting element 170 on the elongated rail 120. A sliding element may for instance be a wheel or a block.

[0035] Any connecting element 170 according to the present invention may be configured to removably connect the extension unit 130 to the elongated rail 120. The latter may be provided for example by means of one or more magnets, clamps, hooks etc. The connecting element 170 may further connect or be configured to be connected to the extension unit 130, e.g. by means of one or more of a screw, bolt etc. [0036] Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrates a connecting element 170 according to a particular embodiment of the invention where the connecting element 170 comprises a housing 260 and an engaging element 265, wherein the engaging element 265 comprises a first engaging element 270 and a second engaging element 280. Here, the first engaging element 270 and the second engaging element 280 may be coupled to the housing 260 and configured to pivot about a pivot axis. The engaging elements 270, 280 may be removably connected to the elongated rail 120 in the form of an elongated cylinder 250. The first and second engaging elements 270, 280 may be positioned such that they extend at least partly on an underside of the elongated cylinder 250. In an engaging position, the first engaging element 270 retain one side of the elongated cylinder 250, and the second engaging element 280 retain the other side of the elongated cylinder 250. In Figure 4, the first engaging element 270 and the second engaging element 280 are in an open position, where the first and second engaging elements 270, 280 are rotated upwards such that they do not extend on the underside of the elongated cylinder 250, and the connecting element 170 can thus be disassembled from the elongated cylinder 250. The first and second engaging elements 270, 280 may not necessarily be in direct contact with the elongated cylinder 250 in the engaging position, but could be positioned close to the elongated cylinder 250, such that the connecting element 170, and anything positioned on top of it, can slide in the first direction 115 of the elongated cylinder 250. In Figure 1 the direction of movement of the retractable storage system 100 along the first direction 115 may be rectilinear. In the engaging position of Figure 1, the first and second engaging elements 270, 280 prevent the connecting element 170 from being disconnected from the elongated cylinder 250. The connecting element 170 and the extension unit 130, connected to the connecting element 170, may thereby be secured to the elongated cylinder 250.

[0037] In the embodiment in Figure 3, the connecting element 170 further comprises a locking pin 290. Here, the first and second engaging elements 270, 280 of the connecting element 170 are reversibly locked together by this locking pin 290. The locking pin 290 is configured to keep the engaging elements 270, 280 in either an engaging or an open position. In order for the connecting element 170 to be in an open position, the locking pin 290 is pulled outwards and away from the connecting element 170 in order to release the engaging elements 270, 280 from an engaging position. After opening up of the engaging elements 270, 280 such that the engaging elements 270, 280 may be lifted upwards and away from the elongated rail 120, the pin may be placed back in again to its original position and thus being able to position the engaging elements 270, 280 in an open position.

[0038] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the invention where the retractable storage system 100 comprises an additional connecting element 190. Here, the additional connecting element 190 is connecting the extension unit 130 to the elongated rail 120 such that the extension unit 130 may slide along the elongated rail 120. The additional connecting element 190 or any additional connecting elements may generally be configured in the same manner as the connecting element 170 described above.

[0039] The extension unit 130 may generally be configured to be slidably connected to the elongated rail 120, and to support an equipment module 140. The extension unit 130 may comprise a first extension arm 150, e.g. connected at a distal end of the extension unit 130. The first extension arm 150 may further comprise a load bearing interface 160 on its top side for supporting the equipment module 140. The load bearing interface 160 may continue throughout the length of the extension unit 130, including throughout the length of the first extension arm 150.

[0040] The extension unit 130 may generally comprise a first extension arm 150 that may extend in a second direction 116. In a first position, the first extension arm 150 may be in a retracted position, while in a second position, the extension arm 150 may be extended by a non-zero extension in the second direction 116. The first extension arm 150 may generally function as a retractable arm, meaning that it may both extend and retract along the same axis. The length of the first extension arm 150 in the first position of the extension unit 130 may for example be less or equal to the extent of the frame 110. The length of the first extension arm 150 in the second position of the extension unit 130 may be longer than the extent of the frame 110, e.g. in a fully extended state. In use in a van or utility vehicle, the first extension arm 150 may be extended towards the outside of the van. In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 1, the extension unit 130 may further comprise a second extension arm 180. Said second extension arm 180 may here be configured to extend in the same direction as the first extension arm 150, i.e. in the second direction 116. In an additional embodiment, the extension unit 130 may comprise a plurality of extension arms. Any extension arm according to the present invention may be a telescopic arm as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The first direction 115, being the direction that the extension unit 130 may slide along the elongated rail 120, and the second direction 116 of the extension arms 150, 180 may in an embodiment of the invention be non-parallel to one another, e.g. be perpendicular to one another. In a specific embodiment of the invention, movement of the extension unit 130 and/or the extension arms 150, 180 can be assisted by a motor.

[0041] The frame 110 of the retractable storage system 100 may in a particular embodiment of the invention further comprise an elongated support element 210. Said elongated support element 210 may, as schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, align in parallel with the elongated rail 120. The elongated support element 210 may generally be configured to engage with the extension unit 130 such that the movement of the extension unit 130 may be limited along the first direction 115. This limitation of movement may further secure the system during transport or when loading or unloading equipment or other cargo from the equipment module 140 and/or the extension unit 130. The retractable storage system 100 may more generally comprise one or more elongated support elements 210. As illustrated in Figure 1, the one or more elongated support elements 210 may be aligned at least partly in parallel with the elongated rail 120. In an embodiment, the connecting element 170 may have the additional function of comprising one or more elongated support elements for limiting movement of the extension unit 130.

[0042] In an embodiment, the retractable storage system 100 may comprise a transverse locking leg 300. The transverse locking leg 300 may be employed in order to operate and lock the retractable storage system 100 in positions along the first direction 115. Such a transverse locking leg 300 may be configured to engage with the elongated support element 210. The extension unit 130 may alternatively comprise a plurality of transverse locking legs 300. The engagement between an elongated support element 210 and the extension unit 130 may be chosen based on the available space or for securing other loose objects in the van. As illustrated in Figure 5, the transverse locking leg 300 may be pivotally connected to the underside of the extension unit 130. The transverse locking leg 300 may for example be lifted or pivoted in order to allow the extension unit 130 to be moved in the first direction 115 along the elongated rail 120. The transverse locking leg 300, either when in a locked position engaging with an elongated support element 210, or in an uplifted position along the extension unit 130 in the second direction 116, may be configured to not interfere with the extension arms 150, 180 when the extension arms 150, 180 are moving along the second direction 116. In a specific embodiment of the invention, the transverse locking leg 300 may be released from the uplifted position to engage with an elongated support element 210 by movement of the extension arms 150, 180. Alternatively, or additionally, the transverse locking leg 300 may be manually operated to engage with an elongated support element 210.

[0043] The load bearing interface 160 on the top side of the extension unit 130 may further comprise a load bearing track 220 or tracks configured to facilitate rolling or sliding of the equipment module 140 along the load bearing interface 160. The load bearing track 220 or tracks may for example be a lowered or a heightened surface that is compatible with a sliding element of the equipment module 140. The bottom of the equipment module 140 might comprise sliding elements that reduces the friction and hence the force necessary for sliding the equipment module 140 along the load bearing interface 160.

[0044] In use, when an equipment module 140 is positioned on the top surface of the extension unit 130 in a first position of the extension unit 130, the equipment module 140 may need to be secured such that equipment and other cargo is safely positioned, especially during transport. The retractable storage system 100 may thus comprise a connecting means 240 provided on one or both sides of the extension unit 130 and optionally or alternatively on one or both sides of the module 140. Here the connecting means 240 may be configured to detachably connecting the equipment module 140 to the rear end of the extension unit 130. The connecting means 240 may be male and female connecting means 240 on the extension unit 130 and the module, respectively or vice versa. The connecting means 240 on the equipment module 140 may be configured to engage with the connecting means 240 on the extension unit 130. For example, the connecting means 240 of the equipment module 140 may be shaped such that they, as seen from a cross-section, to some extent envelop underneath the connecting means 240 of the extension unit 130, the latter connecting means are illustrated in Figure 5. The connecting means may be configured such that when the one or more connecting means 240 are released, the connection of the equipment module 140 to the extension unit 130 may be released as well, and the equipment module 140 may be moved outwards from the first position to the second position along the extended extension arms 150, 180. The extension arms 150, 180 may be configured to be pulled out independently of the rear end of the extension unit 130 and e.g. the equipment module 140 positioned on top of the extension unit 130. In the second position, the operator may be able to release the equipment module 140 completely from the extension unit 130. A connecting means 240 may for instance be a hinge, a hook or a track.

[0045] Toolboxes or other equipment may during use of the retractable storage system 100 be positioned on the equipment module 140 connected to the extension unit 130 of the retractable storage system 100. Figure 1 illustrates a retractable storage system 100 without toolboxes or other equipment on top. In Figure 2, the equipment module 140 may comprise one or more detachable fastening means on the top and/or the sides of the equipment module 140 for reversibly connecting the equipment module 140 to e.g. various equipment, tools or tool boxes. A detachable fastening means might for example be a hole, a partition, a clasp or a lashing attachment. When e.g. toolboxes are positioned on the module, they may be prevented from movement both back and forth and sideways. A module 140 may have the shape as illustrated in Figure 2, but other shapes and sizes are also possible. The module 140 may in itself be a tool or other equipment. The module may further be customized to fit special tools from for instance a certain supplier of toolboxes or other equipment.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates the retractable storage system 100 wherein the extension unit 130 comprises a support leg 230 for supporting the retractable storage system 100 on the ground. The support leg 230 may be connected to the first extension arm 150, or any extension arm. The support leg 230 may be individual parts that can be connected to the extension unit 130 while the first extension arm 150 is extended in the second position outside a van. The support leg 230 may be adjustable such that it can be individually adapted to the surface they are resting on, in order to ensure a leveled alignment of the extension unit 130. The support leg 230 may, in another embodiment, be part of the extension unit 130. When the support leg 230 is part of the extension unit 130, the support leg 230 may be pivotally connected to the distal end of the extension unit 130 and may be flipped down by the use of for instance a handle, a button or a pin. Support legs 230 may generally be pivotally connected at various positions along the first extension arm 150. The operation may either be performed manually or by an actuator. In a preferred embodiment, any support leg 230 may be a telescopic legs. Any extension arm may generally according to the present invention be provided with a support leg 230 in the same way as the first extension arm 150. An embodiment where the retractable storage system 100 comprises telescopic legs is shown in Figure 2.

[0047] In a more specific embodiment, the support legs 230 are positioned such that the extension unit 130 can be entirely disconnected from the frame 110. In this particular example, a van employed may be used for other purposes, and the extension unit 130, together with an equipment module 140, can act as a transportable workstation. When the retractable storage system 100 is disconnected from a van, only the frame 110 remains in the van.

[0048] The retractable storage system 100, when mounted in a van, might be positioned such that the extension unit 130 may need to be leveled relative to the ground if, for instance, the ground is uneven where the van is parked. The extension unit 130 may be pivotally adjusted at the connecting elements 170 about the elongated rail 120. The retractable storage system 100 may thus comprise a leveler 200, e.g. in the form of an actuator, for leveling of the extension unit 130 relative to the ground. The actuator may be positioned at the rear end of the extension unit 130. In an embodiment of the invention, leveling is performed by the assistance of one or more levelers 200. The leveler 200 may be connected to the extension unit 130 such that the pivot angle of the extension unit 130 can be adjusted accordingly. The leveler 200 may be positioned at the rear end of the extension unit 130. Another leveler 200, or in addition to the rear end positioned leveler 200, might be positioned at the distal end or at any other position of the extension unit 130. The adjustment of the position of the extension unit 130 by the use of a leveler 200 might be performed manually or by an actuator. As an example, a manual adjustment of the angle between the extended extension unit 130 and the frame 110 relative to the ground, may be performed by unlocking the transverse locking legs 300 that keep the extension unit 130 in a rigid position in the second direction 116 about the elongated rail 120. The manual adjustment of the angle might be performed by a user adjusting the pivot angle of the extension unit 130 about the elongated rail 120. Figure 2 illustrates an example where the levelling may be performed by an actuator at the rear end of the extension unit 130. The presence of a leveler 200 enables an easy adjustment for stable grounding of the extension unit 130 relative to the ground. [0049] The sliding of the slidable storage system may be motorised, in order to assist an operator if the slidable storage system is heavy loaded or the van is parked slightly inclined. If the retractable storage system 100 is equipped with an assisting motor, this motor could be activated by e.g. a remote control or a button.

[0050] While the invention has been described with reference to the embodiments mentioned above, it is to be understood that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations shall remain within the field and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A retractable storage system (100) for being mounted in a van, the system comprising: a frame (110) for being fastened to the van, the frame (110) comprising an elongated rail (120), wherein the elongated rail (120) extends in a first direction (115) across at least part of the width of the frame (110), an extension unit (130) for supporting an equipment module (140), wherein the extension unit (130) comprises a first extension arm (150) for being extended in a second direction (116), wherein the first extension arm (150) comprises a load bearing interface (160) on its top side for supporting the equipment module (140), a connecting element (170), wherein the connecting element (170) is connecting the extension unit (130) to the elongated rail (120) such that the extension unit (130) may slide along the elongated rail (120), wherein the first direction (115) and the second direction (116) are non-parallel to one another.

2. The retractable storage system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit (130) further comprises a second extension arm (180), wherein the second extension arm (180) is configured to extend in the second direction (116).

3. The retractable storage system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an additional connecting element (190), wherein the additional connecting element (190) is connecting the extension unit (130) to the elongated rail (120) such that the extension unit (130) may slide along the elongated rail (120).

4. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein any one or more of the connecting element (170) and the additional connecting element (190) is removably connecting the extension unit (130) to the elongated rail (120).

5. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, further comprising a leveler (200) connected to the extension unit (130), wherein the leveler (200) is configured to adjust the pivot angle of the extension unit (130) about the elongated rail (120).

6. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the frame (110) further comprises an elongated support element (210) aligned in parallel with the elongated rail (120), wherein the elongated support element (210) is configured to engage with the extension unit (130) in order to limit movement of the extension unit (130) along the elongated rail (120).

7. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the load bearing interface (160) comprises a load bearing track (220) for facilitating rolling or sliding of the equipment module (140) along the load bearing interface (160).

8. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the extension unit (130) further comprises a support leg (230) for supporting the extension unit (130) on the ground, wherein the support leg (230) is connected to the extension arm (150).

9. The retractable storage system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the length of the supporting leg is adjustable.

10. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the extension unit (130) further comprises a connecting means (240) for detachably connecting the equipment module (140) to the extension unit (130).

11. The retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated rail (120) comprises an elongated cylinder (250).

12. The retractable storage system (100) according to claim 11, wherein any one or more of the connecting element (170) and the additional connecting element (190) comprises a housing (260), a first engaging element (270) and a second engaging element (280), wherein the first engaging element (270) and the second engaging element (280) are coupled to the housing (260) and configured to pivot about a pivot axis, wherein the first engaging element (270) and the second engaging element (280) are removably connected to the elongated cylinder (250).

13. The retractable storage system (100) according to claim 12, wherein the first engaging element (270) and the second engaging element (280) are reversibly locked together by a locking pin (290).

14. Use of the retractable storage system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, for handling an equipment module (140).