Lift Storage System

Abstract

A combined storage system comprising: a first frame having a width, length and height which defines an internal volume space, and guid rails located along the lower width of the bedframe; a support frame fitting within the length and width of the first frame and being pivotally connected thereto, movable between a closed position wherein the support frame is parallel with the plane defined by the upper width and length of the first frame, and an open position wherein the support frame and said defined plane have an acute angle therebetween; a primary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and occupying a first position, within the internal volume when in the closed position; a secondary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and slidably engaged with the guide raids and occupying a second position within the internal volume when in the closed position; wherein when the support frame is pivoted from, the closed to the open position, the primary storage unit raises with the support frame and occupies a space between the support frame and the first frame, and the secondary storage unit slides along the, guide rails from the second position into the first position.

Claims

1. A combined storage system comprising: a first frame having a width, length and height which defines an internal volume space, and guide rails located along the lower width of the bedframe; a support frame fitting within the length and width of the first frame and being pivotally connected thereto, movable between a closed position wherein the support frame is parallel with the plane defined by the upper width and length of the first frame, and an open position wherein the support frame and said defined plane have an acute angle therebetween; a primary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and occupying a first position within the internal volume when in the closed position; a secondary storage unit pivotally connected to the support frame and slidably engaged with the guide rails and occupying a second position within the internal volume when in the closed position; wherein when the support frame is pivoted from the closed to the open position, the primary storage unit raises with the support frame and occupies a space between the support frame and the first frame, and the secondary storage unit slides along the guide rails from the second position into the first position.

2. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the primary storage unit and the support frame is a self-levelling connection.

3. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the primary storage unit it also pivotally connected to the first frame via a primary support rod.

4. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the secondary storage unit is pivotally connected to the support frame via a secondary support rod.

5. A combined storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a telescopic lift aid, one end pivotally connected to the first frame, and the opposing end pivotally connected to the support frame.

6. A combined storage system according to claim 5, wherein the telescopic lift aid is a pneumatic piston.

7. A combined storage system according to claim 5, wherein the telescopic lift aid is a hydraulic piston.

8. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the acute angle is between 40 and 80 degrees.

9. A combined storage system according to claim wherein the acute angle is 30 degrees.

10. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is a bed frame and the support frame is for supporting a mattress.

11. A combined storage system according to claim 1, wherein the primary storage unit comprises multiple units that occupy the first position in the closed position but are staggered in height when in the open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention will be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention in the storage position without a mattress;

[0026] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention in the open position with a mattress;

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up view of one side the self-levelling shelf of an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the actuating mechanism of an embodiment of the invention in a storage position;

[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the actuating mechanism of an embodiment of the invention in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described. Lift storage bed 100 comprises a bed frame having a lower frame section footprint made from struts opposing width struts 104,108, each also having guide rails 111 situated on an inner surface, and length struts 102,106 connected in a rectangle; an upper frame section of the same footprint size having width struts 103, 107 and length struts 101,105. The lower and upper frame sections connected at the corners by 4 vertical struts 109. Encompassed by the upper frame section and parallel with the plane defined thereby (when in a storage/closed position) there is a mattress support frame 130, on which a mattress 136 rests when in use.

[0031] The mattress support frame is pivotally connected to upper frame width struts 103,107 at the corners 132 of the mattress support frame 130. Centrally located on a lengthwise edge distal to the corners 132 is a handle 134, which when in the closed position rests m notch 114 located in upper frame length strut 101. The handle 134 provides an easy-to-use grip for a user to hold when moving the lift storage bed 100 from a closed/storage position to an open/deployed position.

[0032] When in the closed position inside the volume defined by the bed frame and mattress support frame 130, there are primary and secondary storage units 120 and 140 respectively. Primary storage unit 120 in the closed position is situated proximal the length struts 101 and 102, it extends the majority of the full length of the inner volume of the bed frame, and extends substantially half of the width back into the internal volume. Primary storage unit 120 sits on top of guide rails 111 but is not attached thereto. Secondary storage unit 140 is of substantially the same size and is positioned “behind” the primary storage unit 120. Secondary storage unit 140 rests on guide rails 111 and is slidably engaged therewith.

[0033] On either end of primary storage unit 120 are attachment brackets 125, attached to each attachment bracket 125 are self-levelling mechanisms 153 and stabilising mechanisms 135 which are each attached to mattress support frame 130 at positions such that the primary storage solution 120 remains horizontal regardless of the angle of mattress support frame 130. Also pivotally attached to the ends of the primary storage unit 120 via bracket 125 at the same position as self-levelling mechanism 153 is one end of primary support rods 152, the other end being pivotally attached to additional support and securing sections 151 of the bed frame. Sections 151 connect upper and lower width beams 103,104 and 107,108 respectfully and are preferably positioned proximal but slightly spaced away from the corners formed with length beams 105 and 106. Self-levelling mechanisms 135 are in the form of a appropriately shaped cam in this embodiment, but any suitable mechanism known to a person skilled in the art can be used.

[0034] Self-levelling mechanisms 153, stabilising mechanisms 135, and primary support rods 152 attached to each end of primary storage unit 120 via brackets 125, and with mechanisms 153 and 135 being attached to mattress support frame 130. This arrangement allows for primary storage unit to be horizontal and stored within the bedframe when in the closed/stored position, when the mattress support frame 130 is parallel with and within the plane defined by the upper frame section. But also, when the frame 130 its lifted via handle 134 (or otherwise) and pivoted at pivot points 132, primary storage unit 120 raises with support frame 130 and maintains its, horizontal orientation throughout, such that any items stored within primary storage unit 120 are substantially undisturbed within primary storage unit 120.

[0035] On either end of secondary storage units 140, proximal an edge of unit 140 distal primary storage unit 120 when in the closed/storage position, are brackets 155. Pivotally connected to brackets 155 are one end of secondary support rods 154, the other end of secondary support rods 154 being pivotally connected to mattress support frame 130 at a location proximal to the connection points of stabilising mechanisms 135 to the, mattress support frame 130.

[0036] As mattress support frame 130 is pivoted upwards via handle 134 (or, otherwise), and primary storage unit 120 is lifted upwards, secondary storage unit 140 is urged by secondary support rod 154 to slide along guide rails 111 such that once in the fully open/deployed position secondary storage unit 140 occupies substantially the same position that primary storage unit 120 did in the closed/storage position.

[0037] Therefore with the present invention, when the mattress support frame is lifted via handle 134 (or otherwise) to the open/deployed position by a user, said user has easy access to the vast majority of the storage space of the bedframe without the need to stretch into the bedframe interior volume, nor does it require any additional floor space beyond footprint of the bedframe itself. To aid in the lifting of mattress support frame 130 and attached components, and to also aid in holding the mattress support frame 130 and attached components in the open/deployed position, is a telescopic gas support struts 156. One end of each strut 156 is attached to one of securing sections 151 respectively, the other end of each strut 156 being attached to mattress support frame 130. Instead of a telescopic gas strut, a gas or pneumatic piston may be used, or any suitable lift assisting system known by the skilled person can be used.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, primary and secondary storage units 120 and 140 both comprise draws (121,123,122,141,142). Also at least the side of the bed frame defined by upper and, lower length struts 101,102 and two of vertical struts 109 is open.

[0039] Therefore while in, the closed/storage position the draws 121,123,122 of primary storage unit 120 are accessible by a user, providing access to the storage space without needing to raise the mattress support frame 130. And when in the open/deployed position the draws 141,142 of the secondary can be opened through the side of the bed frame defined by upper and lower length struts 101,102 and two of vertical struts 109, or via an open top of the secondary storage unit. Primary and secondary storage units 120 and 140 may optionally have open tops for ease of access when in the open position and providing better air circulation when in the closed position.

[0040] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. The description is intended to enable a skilled person to make the invention, not to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims.