US20050248241A1 - Beam box storage container - Google Patents
Beam box storage container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050248241A1 US20050248241A1 US10/837,636 US83763604A US2005248241A1 US 20050248241 A1 US20050248241 A1 US 20050248241A1 US 83763604 A US83763604 A US 83763604A US 2005248241 A1 US2005248241 A1 US 2005248241A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- storage container
- storage
- ratchet
- spring loaded
- joists
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B46/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, having one or more surfaces adapted to be brought into position for use by extending or pivoting
- A47B46/005—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, having one or more surfaces adapted to be brought into position for use by extending or pivoting by displacement in a vertical plane; by rotating about a horizontal axis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B51/00—Cabinets with means for moving compartments up and down
- A47B2051/005—Ceiling mounted containers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to general purpose storage containers and space saving devices. It reduces or eliminates cluttered work surfaces by the addition of easily accessible storage space. This device utilizes a part of the home that is normally not used at all.
- the main object of the present invention is to provide additional storage space in the average home.
- Another object of the present invention is to utilize space that is normally wasted. Instead of taking up additional floor space, wall space or counter space, this device creates overhead storage where previously there was none.
- Another object of the present invention is to enable a person of sleight build to access the storage container easily even when it is fully loaded. This is accomplished by means of the spring loaded ratchet bar which counters the weight of the box itself and any items that are stored in it. When the latch is operated the storage container can then be pulled downward rather than having to be caught and supported while swinging to its fully open or downward position.
- Another object of the present invention is to allow the tension on the spring to be infinitely variable by means of the ratchet bar. This allows for loading of various degrees without changing the level of effort used to lower and raise it.
- Another object of the present invention is to allow the entire storage container to be installed without having to alter the dwelling in any way. It is designed and dimensioned to fit neatly between joists that are spaced sixteen inches on center which covers most houses built in compliance with contemporary national and state building codes.
- the storage container of the present invention may be used for general purpose storage in the home. In addition, it can also be subdivided into a plurality of smaller compartments using the modular shelves mentioned later in the description.
- FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate the fully assembled storage container and latch bar prior to installation.
- the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3 illustrates the installation of the storage container in a residence and shows the moved position of the storage container when access is desired.
- the storage container and shelves are made of injection molded plastic and incorporate a number of integral features detailed in later views.
- the installation straps 21 shown in FIG. 4 are made of woven nylon and are used to aid in the installation of the storage container. The ends of the straps are secured to the outer vertical surface of the joists of the bay in which the storage container is to be installed using a screw or nail. The straps are then hung loosely across the bay and secured to the far side joist in the same manner.
- FIG. 5 shows the four holes 32 in each plate for securing the plates to the joists with wood screws.
- the latch plate 19 can then be installed and the latch 18 engaged at which time the straps can be removed.
- the ratchet gear 15 is made of steel or die cast metal and the remainder of the components are made of steel.
- FIG. 4 shows all of the components and the general order of assembly.
- the left or mounting boss side pivot stud 3 is attached to the left mounting plate 4 with screw 5 .
- the right or ratchet side pivot stud 7 shown in FIG. 6 is attached to the ratchet side mounting plate 8 in the same way using screw 9 .
- the fully seated countersunk screw 9 is shown in cross section 1 / 1 .
- Section 2 / 2 in FIG. 7 shows the placement of the ratchet pawl 10 which is attached to the ratchet mounting 8 plate using the pawl shoulder bolt 11 .
- the pawl spring 12 is then mounted on the pawl spring shoulder bolt 13 and attached to the ratchet mounting plate 8 .
- the pawl spring 12 shown enlarged in FIG. 9 can then be manually held in tension while the pawl spring tension pin 14 is pressed or driven home into the ratchet plate 8 .
- FIG. 9 shows the ratchet tube 16 which is threaded into the center hole 33 of the ratchet gear 15 .
- the present embodiment of this assembly uses a threaded end on the tube but future embodiments may consist of an unthreaded tube upon which the ratchet gear is secured by a weld on one or both sides.
- the tension spring 17 can be sleeved onto the tube and the offset end of the spring inserted into the offset hole 25 in the ratchet gear.
- FIG. 11 Shown in FIG. 11 is the ratchet end of the storage container I which has an integral mounting boss 29 .
- the pivot plate 2 shown detailed in FIG. 10 is secured to the boss with eight ANSI type BT hex head self tapping screws 6 shown in FIG. 4 . The screws are inserted thru the holes 27 shown in FIG. 10 and turned into the boss until seated.
- the pivot plate and boss are dimensioned to provide a clearance fit for the ratchet tube assembly which is inserted into the boss until the offset end on the tension spring is seated in the tension spring hole 30 shown in FIG. 11 .
- the pivot studs 3 , 7 on the respective mounting plates can then be inserted in each end of the ratchet tube which completes the assembly of the ratchet end of the storage container.
- the container latch 18 shown in FIG. 9 is a generic key type cabinet latch which is inserted in the hole 24 shown in FIG. 8 in the latch end of the storage container.
- the tension spring 17 can be adjusted as necessary to offset the weight of the container and its contents. This is accomplished by inserting the ratchet bar tensioning lever 22 into the hole 26 provided in the ratchet tube 16 shown in FIG. 9 .
- the tensioning lever is inserted all the way thru the ratchet bar and seats in the recess 31 of the mounting boss 29 shown in section 4 / 4 of FIG. 11 .
- the slot in the pivot plate 28 shown in FIG. 10 and the recess in the mounting boss allows the tensioning lever to be pulled backward thus loading the tension spring. Due to the small amount of clearance between the top of the mounting boss and the sub floor when the storage container has been installed, the tensioning lever is necessarily short. Additional leverage can be gained however by gripping the tensioning lever with vise grips after it has been inserted thru the tube or by placing a short length of pipe over the end of the tensioning lever.
- the ratchet tube may also be modified in future embodiments to consist of a heavier wall thickness in order to allow the tension spring to be loaded to a higher degree.
- the container can then be unlatched and lowered in order to be fitted with a plurality of shelves 20 shown in FIG. 12 and section 5 / 5 .
- the shelves are dimensioned to fit into the spaces between the ribs 23 shown in section 3 / 3 of FIG. 8 .
Landscapes
- Assembled Shelves (AREA)
Abstract
A self retracting storage container for general purpose storage in unfinished basements is disclosed. The storage container of the present invention is attached to a pivot bar and mounting plates and equipped with a spring loaded ratcheting device. The entire assembly mounts between the basement floor joists of a house and provides easy access storage in what would normally be wasted space. A storage container with a cooperating spring loaded ratchet mechanism is new to the art. The way in which the mounting components are configured makes installation by one person possible and eliminates the need to “lay out” or mark the joists prior to actual placement of the storage container. This makes installation inherently simple and quick compared to prior applications in the art and is also new.
Description
- 2,435,755 Feb., 1948 Schimpff.
- 3,331,645 Jul., 1967 Vercellotti.
- 3,627,397 Dec., 1971 Rominsky.
- 4,026,434 May., 1977 Howard.
- 4,699,437 Oct., 1987 Genereaux.
- 4,733,925 Mar., 1988 Duran et al.
- 5,242,219 Sep., 1993 Tomaka.
- 5,407,261 Apr., 1995 Mercer.
- 5,456,529 Oct., 1995 Cheung.
- 5,460,280 Oct., 1995 Feddeler.
- 5,595,028 Jan., 1997 Handzlik.
- 5,628,153 May, 1997 Fontanez.
- 5,725,293 Mar., 1998 Wilkening et al.
- 6,088,239 Jul., 2000 Zeiss
- The present invention relates to general purpose storage containers and space saving devices. It reduces or eliminates cluttered work surfaces by the addition of easily accessible storage space. This device utilizes a part of the home that is normally not used at all.
- Space saving devices and containers are always useful around the home. Anytime a container or storage device can provide usable storage in what would otherwise be wasted space it is always useful.
- The main object of the present invention is to provide additional storage space in the average home.
- Another object of the present invention is to utilize space that is normally wasted. Instead of taking up additional floor space, wall space or counter space, this device creates overhead storage where previously there was none.
- Another object of the present invention is to enable a person of sleight build to access the storage container easily even when it is fully loaded. This is accomplished by means of the spring loaded ratchet bar which counters the weight of the box itself and any items that are stored in it. When the latch is operated the storage container can then be pulled downward rather than having to be caught and supported while swinging to its fully open or downward position.
- Another object of the present invention is to allow the tension on the spring to be infinitely variable by means of the ratchet bar. This allows for loading of various degrees without changing the level of effort used to lower and raise it.
- Another object of the present invention is to allow the entire storage container to be installed without having to alter the dwelling in any way. It is designed and dimensioned to fit neatly between joists that are spaced sixteen inches on center which covers most houses built in compliance with contemporary national and state building codes.
- The storage container of the present invention may be used for general purpose storage in the home. In addition, it can also be subdivided into a plurality of smaller compartments using the modular shelves mentioned later in the description.
- FIGS. 1 and
FIG. 2 illustrate the fully assembled storage container and latch bar prior to installation. The preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 3 illustrates the installation of the storage container in a residence and shows the moved position of the storage container when access is desired. - The storage container and shelves are made of injection molded plastic and incorporate a number of integral features detailed in later views. The
installation straps 21 shown inFIG. 4 are made of woven nylon and are used to aid in the installation of the storage container. The ends of the straps are secured to the outer vertical surface of the joists of the bay in which the storage container is to be installed using a screw or nail. The straps are then hung loosely across the bay and secured to the far side joist in the same manner. - The entire storage container assembly can then be inserted into the bay and supported by the straps until the
mounting plates FIG. 5 shows the fourholes 32 in each plate for securing the plates to the joists with wood screws. Thelatch plate 19 can then be installed and thelatch 18 engaged at which time the straps can be removed. - The
ratchet gear 15 is made of steel or die cast metal and the remainder of the components are made of steel. - The overview in
FIG. 4 shows all of the components and the general order of assembly. As shown inFIG. 5 the left or mounting bossside pivot stud 3 is attached to theleft mounting plate 4 withscrew 5. The right or ratchetside pivot stud 7 shown inFIG. 6 is attached to the ratchetside mounting plate 8 in the sameway using screw 9. The fully seatedcountersunk screw 9 is shown incross section 1/1. -
Section 2/2 inFIG. 7 shows the placement of theratchet pawl 10 which is attached to the ratchet mounting 8 plate using thepawl shoulder bolt 11. Thepawl spring 12 is then mounted on the pawlspring shoulder bolt 13 and attached to theratchet mounting plate 8. - The
pawl spring 12 shown enlarged inFIG. 9 can then be manually held in tension while the pawlspring tension pin 14 is pressed or driven home into theratchet plate 8. -
FIG. 9 shows theratchet tube 16 which is threaded into thecenter hole 33 of theratchet gear 15. The present embodiment of this assembly uses a threaded end on the tube but future embodiments may consist of an unthreaded tube upon which the ratchet gear is secured by a weld on one or both sides. - Once the ratchet gear and tube are assembled the
tension spring 17 can be sleeved onto the tube and the offset end of the spring inserted into theoffset hole 25 in the ratchet gear. - Shown in
FIG. 11 is the ratchet end of the storage container I which has anintegral mounting boss 29. Thepivot plate 2 shown detailed inFIG. 10 is secured to the boss with eight ANSI type BT hex headself tapping screws 6 shown inFIG. 4 . The screws are inserted thru theholes 27 shown inFIG. 10 and turned into the boss until seated. The pivot plate and boss are dimensioned to provide a clearance fit for the ratchet tube assembly which is inserted into the boss until the offset end on the tension spring is seated in thetension spring hole 30 shown inFIG. 11 . The pivot studs 3, 7 on the respective mounting plates can then be inserted in each end of the ratchet tube which completes the assembly of the ratchet end of the storage container. - The
container latch 18 shown inFIG. 9 is a generic key type cabinet latch which is inserted in thehole 24 shown inFIG. 8 in the latch end of the storage container. - Once the storage container has been installed as described earlier, the
tension spring 17 can be adjusted as necessary to offset the weight of the container and its contents. This is accomplished by inserting the ratchetbar tensioning lever 22 into thehole 26 provided in theratchet tube 16 shown inFIG. 9 . The tensioning lever is inserted all the way thru the ratchet bar and seats in therecess 31 of themounting boss 29 shown insection 4/4 ofFIG. 11 . The slot in thepivot plate 28 shown inFIG. 10 and the recess in the mounting boss allows the tensioning lever to be pulled backward thus loading the tension spring. Due to the small amount of clearance between the top of the mounting boss and the sub floor when the storage container has been installed, the tensioning lever is necessarily short. Additional leverage can be gained however by gripping the tensioning lever with vise grips after it has been inserted thru the tube or by placing a short length of pipe over the end of the tensioning lever. - The ratchet tube may also be modified in future embodiments to consist of a heavier wall thickness in order to allow the tension spring to be loaded to a higher degree.
- After the tension spring has been loaded enough to accommodate the weight of the storage container, the container can then be unlatched and lowered in order to be fitted with a plurality of
shelves 20 shown inFIG. 12 andsection 5/5. The shelves are dimensioned to fit into the spaces between theribs 23 shown insection 3/3 ofFIG. 8 .
Claims (1)
1. A spring loaded ratcheting self retracting overhead storage container for use in basements, designed to fit between the ceiling joist's of said basement.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/837,636 US20050248241A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2004-05-04 | Beam box storage container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/837,636 US20050248241A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2004-05-04 | Beam box storage container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050248241A1 true US20050248241A1 (en) | 2005-11-10 |
Family
ID=35238826
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/837,636 Abandoned US20050248241A1 (en) | 2004-05-04 | 2004-05-04 | Beam box storage container |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050248241A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090284110A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Mascari Mark L | Overhead storage system having telescopic storage container |
US9271571B2 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2016-03-01 | Delorean, Llc | Retractable vented attic storage system |
US20220232970A1 (en) * | 2020-04-21 | 2022-07-28 | II Randolph Motley | Storage Device |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3846005A (en) * | 1972-07-07 | 1974-11-05 | M Harper | Utensil storage unit |
US4275942A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1981-06-30 | The Boeing Company | Stowage bin mechanism |
US5407261A (en) * | 1993-09-10 | 1995-04-18 | Mercer; Glenn E. | Retractable storage container |
US5462347A (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1995-10-31 | Vogelgesang; Doug | Pull down storage shelf assembly |
US5605079A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-02-25 | Way; Robert L. | Torsion spring tensioning tool |
US6357842B1 (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2002-03-19 | Bruce E. Nott | Overhead storage device |
-
2004
- 2004-05-04 US US10/837,636 patent/US20050248241A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3846005A (en) * | 1972-07-07 | 1974-11-05 | M Harper | Utensil storage unit |
US4275942A (en) * | 1978-12-26 | 1981-06-30 | The Boeing Company | Stowage bin mechanism |
US5462347A (en) * | 1992-08-20 | 1995-10-31 | Vogelgesang; Doug | Pull down storage shelf assembly |
US5407261A (en) * | 1993-09-10 | 1995-04-18 | Mercer; Glenn E. | Retractable storage container |
US5605079A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1997-02-25 | Way; Robert L. | Torsion spring tensioning tool |
US6357842B1 (en) * | 1999-01-25 | 2002-03-19 | Bruce E. Nott | Overhead storage device |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090284110A1 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2009-11-19 | Mascari Mark L | Overhead storage system having telescopic storage container |
US8136897B2 (en) * | 2008-05-16 | 2012-03-20 | Mark L Mascari | Overhead storage system having telescopic storage container |
US9271571B2 (en) * | 2012-08-22 | 2016-03-01 | Delorean, Llc | Retractable vented attic storage system |
US20220232970A1 (en) * | 2020-04-21 | 2022-07-28 | II Randolph Motley | Storage Device |
US11963613B2 (en) * | 2020-04-21 | 2024-04-23 | II Randolph Motley | Storage device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |