GB2346906A

GB2346906A - Storage unit or small garage with a liftable roof

Info

Publication number: GB2346906A
Application number: GB9903872A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Norman Rigby
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-02-20
Filing date: 1999-02-20
Publication date: 2000-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-02-20
Also published as: GB9903872D0; GB2346906B

Abstract

A storage unit or small garage has a front door section and a liftable roof section. The door is connected to the roof by a series of levers and fulcrums, such that when the door is pulled outwards and downwards, swivel point (C) also moves outwards, along with a set of bottom levers. The bottom levers are attached to top levers such that they pull on the top levers. This causes rollers on the top levers to traverse along channel grooves in the edges of the top frame to point (J) and thus open the roof (fig 3). The aforementioned opening procedure may be electrically operated by remote control. The door when open, can act as an access ramp and the storage unit can be made from a range of materials.

Description

Adaptable Storage Unit The invention is extremely adaptable and has many potential storage uses. e. g. motor mowers, ride on mowers, mountain bikes, small electric cars, invalid vehicles, motorcycles. The list is endless.

The main avantage of the invention is the fact that the front end, which is an integral part of the unit: drop's down to form an access ramp. Also, when the unit is in the closed position, it is a strong, secure, storage unit.

The size of the unit can be varied to accommodate specific needs, and can be constructed out of boarded cladding on timber frame or of steel/metal fabrication or other suitable materials. Units not intended to be transportable can be built in brickwork or blockwork. on concrete base, or can be made of pre-cast concrete slabs.

The unit meant for general production is Nominally, 2.44 metres long by 1.24 metres wide. The highest point at the back, is 1.53 metres high, sloping down to 1.32 metres at the front. The dimensions of the unit can be varied to accomodate the intended use.

See Fig 1. Which shows shape of the unit in closed position.

The unit can be opened and closed by various modalities including electrical operation, mechnical, sprung or hydraulic or any other suitable means.

When the unit is sited it can be raised from the ground to prevent damp and aid in the positioning of the entry ramp. The opening and closing action is created by two levers at each side of the interior, which work on the Lever & Fulcrum principle.

The opening action is as follows, and is illustrated in Fig. 2. The operator will pull the front A. forward, and the front hinge point which forms Fulcrum Point C will begin to move outwards, along with Bottom Levers, which are fastened to brackets at lower inside face of front, with swivel bolts.

As this happens, Bottom Levers, fastened to Top Levers at Swivel Points G. Begin to pull down on Top Levers. Which are pivoted on bolts that are fixed through sides of unit, and form Fulcrum Points D.

In turn this action will cause rollers, fastened to the top ends of Top Levers to traverse along channel grooves in edges of top frame to point J Fig 2 Shows section through unit, in the Closed Position.

Fis3. Shows unit in the Open Position, where Top is raised, and Front is lowered to form Access Ramp.

Closing of the unit, is a reversal of sequence previously described. i. e. Front, or ramp, is lifted manually or by other means e. g. mechanically, electronically, by springs or hydraulics or other suitable means.

As soon as the operator begins to lift, the Front with Fulcrum Point at C begins to push Bottom Levers towards the back of unit.

Acting in sequence with Top Levers, and the rollers in channels at point J. The top Hinged at point K begins to lower. The weight of the top assisted by gravity, mechanically, electronically, by springs or hydraulics or other suitable means, begins to push the Top Levers down, and the Bottom Levers are moved towards rear of unit thereby raising the Front to the vertical position.

Fis 4. Shows unit in Axonometric Projection, with Top raised, and Front or ramp lowered.

This view shows both sets of operating levers, with their various fulcrum points and swivel joints.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 An Adaptable Storage Unit, dimensions of which can be varied to suit individual l needs. The size of the unit meant for general production is Nominally, 2.44 metres long by 1. 24 metres wide. The highest point at the back is 1.53 metres high, sloping down to 1.32 metres at the front.
2 An Adaptable Storage Unit as claimed in Claim 1, where the front which is hinged at the bottom, drops down to form an access ramp. Subsequently the top which is hinged at it's highest point, is raised to facilitate headroom.

This is achieved by two sets of levers positioned inside the unit, which work on the lever and fulcrum principle. See attached drawings A & B.
3 An Adaptable Storage Unit as claimed in Claim 1 & Claim 2 which can be made EX. Timber. Metal. Brickwork or Blockwork, Pre-cast Concrete, Plastic, Fiberglas, or any other durable, weather resistant material. ; Or a combination of same.
4 An Adaptable Storage Unit as claimed in Claim 1-2- & 3 which can be operated by electrical Remote Control, to facilitate hands-free operation.