Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Including component designed to receive a disparate article... – Mounted for movement
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-18
2001-03-20
Safavi, Michael (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Including component designed to receive a disparate article...
Mounted for movement
C052S173100, C312S268000, C414S352000, C414S399000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202359
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is related to the field of storage systems for buildings, and more specifically to a storage system for storing paraphernalia under the floor of a building such as a dwelling.
2. Description of the Related Art
Storage space for buildings is becoming increasingly scarce. All solutions (e.g. closets) command floor space commensurate with the volume of the paraphernalia, i.e. things that are to be stored. In other words, the more that needs to be stored, the more floor space is occupied.
Floor space comes at an increasing premium. The solution of including a basement in a house so as to store paraphernalia there is somewhat illusory—if the expense of a basement is justified in the first place, then the paraphernalia nevertheless still requires proportional floor space that could be used otherwise.
Accordingly a solution is desired that allows storage without using floor space that is proportional to the volume of the stored paraphernalia, and preferably without wasting any floor space at all.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes these problems and limitations of the prior art.
Generally, the present invention provides a storage system for storing paraphernalia in specially sized containers that are kept in the unused space under the raised floor of a building.
More specifically, the present invention provides an opening in the floor of the building. This is the only floor space that is used, regardless of how much paraphernalia is stored. The floor opening is closeable by a cover. This returns to use all the floor space.
The invention further includes a translation means for moving the containers from a proximate space (accessible through the floor opening) to a stowage space. The translation means can be a conveyor belt.
The preferred translation means includes a rail system positioned under the floor level. The rail system supports a train of serially coupled wagons. Each wagon has a guard sized to receive matingly one container. The train is moveable to align one of the wagons with the floor opening for access of its container. A dust cover protects the contents. Being transparent, the cover allows quick inspection of the contents, to decide whether to access them, or to move the train so as to access the container of another wagon. The container can thus be removed through the floor opening for easier access of its contents.
Preferably the storage system further provides a jack under the floor level. The jack includes moving arms that can push the container upwards through an opening in the wagon, and then also through the floor opening. Preferably the arms are operable only when a wagon of the train is exactly aligned under the floor opening.
The rail system includes rails that preferably are closed loop, which minimizes how much rail length is not used at any time. The rails are either attached to the underside of the floor, or supported by the grade preferably after it has been leveled.
The storage system further includes a drive for moving the train. The drive preferably engages at least one of the wagons.
The system of this invention can be retrofitted in an existing building, or can be installed with a new building. A particularly advantageous feature is that it provides storage while using very little floor space—that of the opening in the floor, which is even returned to other use.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and more appreciated after consideration of the Drawing(s) and Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s) of the invention.
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Kavounas Gregory T.
Marger & Johnson & McCollom, P.C.
Safavi Michael
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