The present invention relates to an elevatable compartment and a method of operating and mounting it. In particular the invention relates to closets which may be elevated into the attic or loft of a building so as to not take up space in the room below. Vertically movable closets and storage elements may be seen from e.g. JP9317158,

JP11223010, JP54131317, JP2007007356, JP2008231895, JP2009079358, JP2009114809, US5475949, US5628153, US6250728, WO9409230, DE4327771, FR2648799, GB2195879, GB2460702, JP1101918, JP2149525U, JP60190905, JP5115687 and JP6154046.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to an elevatable compartment assembly comprising : - a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building, a compartment, translating elements adapted to elevate the compartment from a lower position to an elevated position, wherein a significant part of the compartment, in the lower position, is positioned below the fixing part and, in the elevated position, is positioned above the fixing part, wherein : the translating elements comprise a plurality of elongated elements each having an engagement surface, the engagement surfaces being positioned at least substantially in the same plane, and a rotatable element for engaging the engagement surfaces of the elongated elements, the elongated elements are interconnected in a manner so that a first of the elongated elements may be translated, in relation to a second of the elongated element(s), from a first extreme position to a opposite, extreme second position along the longitudinal direction of the first element, in the first position, a longitudinal position exists where, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first and second elements and in the plane, the engagement surface of the first elongated element exists but the engagement surface of the second elongated element does not, the second position is one wherein a longitudinal position exists where, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first and second elements and in the plane, both the first and second elongated elements have their engagement surfaces.

In the present context, the elevation preferably is vertical but may, naturally, be at an angle thereto, such as in the situation where the attic or loft does not have a sufficient height directly above the position at which the compartment, in the lower position, is desired. Then, the elevation may be both vertical and horizontal.

Presently, the compartment may have any size desired. Typically, the compartment will have the size of a clothing cabinet, e.g. 60-80 cm wide and deep and 170-230cm high. Naturally, other dimensions, such as a much wider cabinet, may be desired. Also, lower compartments may be desired, if the available height on the attic/loft does not facilitate storing of a higher cabinet.

The present compartment may be used in any type of building, such as a house or apartment building. Even though attics or lofts will accommodate the highest compartments, also divisions between floors of compartment buildings, i.e. the distance between the floor and ceiling of two adjacent floors of the building, may be used for storing smaller (lower) compartments.

The fixing to or at the ceiling may be to any part of the ceiling or upper building structure, such as trusses or other structural elements to which the roof or ceiling cover is fixed. The lower position preferably is one in which at least the majority, such as 70%, 80% or 90% or more of the space in the compartment is available to a user from a position below the ceiling or fixing part. Preferably, all of the compartment is below the ceiling/fixing part so that an opening may be provided, as in usual clothing cabinets, in a complete side of the compartment. However, part of the compartment may be accessible from below via the inside of a lower part of the compartment.

The lower position may be a position at which the compartment rests on a floor of a room having the ceiling. Alternatively, the lower position may be a more elevated position where the compartment hangs freely from the translating elements.

In this respect, the significant part of the compartment preferably is 50% or more, such as 60% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, such as 90% or more of the overall height of the compartment. In the elevated position, the full height of the compartment preferably is positioned above the ceiling and potentially also the fixing part. In this manner, a lower surface of the compartment may form part of the ceiling so as to cover the opening through which the compartment is moved to/from the elevated position. Naturally, covering elements or the like may be fixed to a lower part of the compartment so as to provide a desirable lower surface visible from the room below the ceiling.

The translating elements comprise a plurality of elongated elements each having an engagement surface. In this connection, the engagement surfaces are surfaces at which the elements may be engaged to transfer forces thereto to elevate the compartment. The engagement surfaces may be flat surfaces or may, as is described below, have teeth or other elements which facilitate engagement and thus force exertion to the elongated elements.

Usually, the elongated elements are stiff elements, such as made of a metal, plastics or the like. In this respect, stiff elements are not easily bent or extended by pulling.

When the elongated elements are positioned so as to have the engagement surfaces positioned at least substantially in the same plane, engagement of one or more thereof by the same element is made easy.

Presently, the engagement surfaces are engaged by a rotatable element which, for example, may have an outer surface which, during rotation, contacts the plane. This plane, naturally, may be flat (so that the engagement surfaces are flat) but may also be curved in any manner.

The elongated elements are interconnected in a manner so that a first of the elongated elements may be translated, in relation to a second of the elongated element(s), from a first extreme position to a opposite, extreme second position along the longitudinal direction of the first element. Thus, the combined length of the first and second elongated elements may be varied, which is an advantage if the overall elevation of the compartment is longer than the height of the compartment or the total available height above the ceiling. In that situation, a gearing, compressibility, foldability or the like of the translating means is desired in order to both obtain the long elevation and the short "storing length". This is obtained by having one elongated element slide along the other between two positions. When these extreme positions are reached, further sliding along that direction may be prevented, so that the two elongated elements then move together.

When, in the first position, a longitudinal position exists where, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first and second elements and in the plane, the engagement surface of the first elongated element exists but the engagement surface of the second elongated element does not, the rotatable element engages only the first element and may elevate or lower the first element and the compartment without moving the second element. This then may carry out part of the raising or elevation of the compartment. Preferably, the first position is an elevated position of the compartment. Clearly, if the first elongated element is connected to the compartment, the last part of the elevation thereof may be carried out by engaging the first elongated element and not the second elongated element which is slidably connected to the first elongated element. Thus, the first position may be used for preventing engagement between the second elongated element and the rotatable element when the engagement takes place only with the first element.

As to the second position wherein a longitudinal position exists where, perpendicular to the longitudinal directions of the first and second elements and in the plane, both the first and second elongated elements have their engagement surfaces, so that both elongated elements can be contacted. Thus, further rotation of the rotatable element may then make the rotatable element engage only the second element, but where the first and second elongated elements are fixed in the second position (in the longitudinal direction) in relation to each other. Thus, further lowering of the compartment may now be performed by engaging only the second element which, longitudinally, is attached to the first element (in the second position) which again is attached to the compartment. Naturally, further elongated elements may be used if desired or required. The overall lowering/elevation length will relate to the lengths of the elements, the overlap thereof when in the second position and the number thereof.

In the first position, the rotating element may only engage one of the elongated elements. This may be achieved by ensuring that the other elongated element is not in the presence of the rotating element, such as by elevating the second elongated element away from the rotating element. Alternatively, a part of the second elongated element may have a portion without the engaging surface, such as a lowered or cut-away portion at which no

engagement takes place with the rotating element. Thus, removal of the second element is not a requirement for ensuring no engagement there between. In addition, if it is desired to bias the second element away from engagement with the rotating element, biasing means, such as a spring operated means, may be provided which, when the second element is elevated to a given position, will engage the second element and bias it away from the rotating element. Forcing the second element, such as when lowering the compartment and thus the first element and therefore reaching one of the extreme positions, against the biasing and toward the rotating element may then overcome the biasing and allow engagement between the second element and the rotating element and thus the lowering of the second element.

Naturally, elevating the compartment may be the reverse procedure. Also, any number of sets of first and second, and optionally additional, elongated elements and rotatable elements may be provided in order to obtain a sufficient elevating power and controllability of the elevation of the compartment.

In one embodiment, the elongated elements have teeth at their engagement surfaces, and wherein the rotatable element is a toothed wheel. Preferably, the teeth are symmetric along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Also, preferably, the teeth of the longitudinal elements are positioned with the same distances.

In that or another situation, in the first position, the second elongated element is positioned above the rotatable element, as is described above.

Also, the assembly may further comprise means for securing the first and second elements to each other in a slidable manner. In one manner, one of the first and second elements has a projection extending into a slot provided in the other of the first and second elements. This slot may extend through that elongated element or simply be a cavity thereof. A plurality of projections, or an oblong projection (along the longitudinal direction) may be provided in order to prevent bending or rotation of one elongated element in relation to the other elongated element.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an elevatable compartment assembly comprising : a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building, a compartment having a predetermined cross section in a horizontal plane, translating elements adapted to elevate the compartment from a lower position to an elevated position, wherein a significant part of the compartment, in the lower position, is positioned below the fixing part and, in the elevated position, is positioned above the fixing part, wherein the fixing part is collapsible between a collapsed shape in which the fixing part is adapted to pass through an opening having a cross section identical to that of the compartment and a second, expanded shape, in which outer parts of the fixing part circumscribe a cross section being at least 10% larger than the predetermined cross section. Preferably, the expanded fixing part has the same overall shape, typically square or rectangular, as the horizontal cross section of the compartment and/or of the opening. In that situation, the outer parts of the fixing part also may be rectangular or be circumscribed by a smallest rectangle having the above cross section.

Naturally, all comments to the first aspect of the invention are equally valid in relation to the second aspect, and all aspects of the invention may be combined if desired.

According to the second aspect, the fixing part is collapsible between a collapsed shape and a second, expanded shape. As the collapsed state is one in which the fixing part is adapted to pass through an opening having a cross section identical to that of the compartment, this fixing means may be introduced from below through the opening provided for receiving the compartment in the finished product. Naturally, this opening is sufficiently large for receiving the actual compartment, but it is usually desired to not make such openings larger than absolutely necessary. Thus, a collapsible fixing part is desirable which may be transported through the opening and still be expanded to attach to the ceiling.

The collapsibility or expandability may, naturally, be tailored to individual needs. Thus, the outer parts of the fixing part may, in the expanded shape, circumscribe a rectangle being at least 15%, such as at least 20% larger than the predetermined cross section.

As mentioned above, the parts of the ceiling or building to which the fixing part is attached may vary, as the main concern is to have sufficient strength to carry the weight of the assembly and the contents of the compartment. Actually, it is desired that at least part of the compartment is adapted to be elevated through the fixing part, so that the fixing part in the expanded position has therein an opening at least accommodating a, typically horizontal, cross section of the compartment.

In this respect, the fixing part preferably also comprises one or more motors, driving rods, gears or the like, which are usually positioned on the upper part of the fixing part. In this situation, the overall height of the fixing part will be substantial. If the height was very low, the fixing part could be introduced into the opening by tilting thereof, which is not possible with an extended height. In one embodiment, the fixing part has a fixed frame part and an expandable part and the translating elements comprises first elements attached to the fixing part and second elements attached to the compartment, where the first elements are attached to the fixed frame part. When the first elements are attached to the fixed frame part, the relative positions thereof may be made to correspond to the positions of the second elements on the compartment. Clearly, if a vertical elevation is desired, the first and second elements should be positioned directly above each other (in pairs). An offset of one element in relation to the other may bring about a skewness when elevating the compartment. When the relative positions may be defined on beforehand by the fixed frame part and the compartment, the expandable part may merely be used for positioning the fixed frame part, and thus the compartment, correctly in relation to the opening in the ceiling and/or the desired position of the compartment when in the lowered position.

In an alternative embodiment, the above-mentioned fixed frame part may also be collapsible, such as between a collapsed state and a well defined expanded state where the first elements then have the desired relative positions. In addition to this collapsibility, the above expandable part may also be provided for adapting the expanded "fixed" frame part to any opening provided.

In general, across the embodiments and aspects of the invention, the assembly may further comprise a protective element attached to the fixing part and collapsible between a first shape in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received in the protective element, and a collapsed shape in which the protective element may pass through a hole with the predetermined cross section.

Protective elements of this type may be used for protecting the contents of the compartment from heat/cold, temperature changes, humidity, rodents or the like. Thus, this protective element may be insulating, may comprise a humidity barrier and/or an element able to withstand rodent bite.

Thus, the protective element preferably is able to receive or protect the compartment when in the elevated position.

When this protective element is collapsible, it may also be provided from below the ceiling and through the opening provided for the compartment. In fact, it is desirable that the complete mounting of the compartment may be performed from below the ceiling and through this opening while providing an opening as small as possible. This collapsibility may be obtained in any desired manner. In one situation, the protective element is provided with relative stiff or self-supporting elements, where the collapsibility is provided by hinges or the like. It is, however, preferred that the protective element is of a relatively pliable material which may be bent or deformed as required. In that situation, the protective element may be provided with a stiffening structure, such as a skeleton, preferably collapsible, which may be provided outside of or inside the protective element for providing the protecting element with the desired shape when introduced through the hole in the ceiling.

A third aspect of the invention relates to an elevatable compartment assembly comprising : - a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building, a compartment having a predetermined cross section in a horizontal plane, translating elements adapted to elevate the compartment from a lower position to an elevated position, wherein a significant part of the compartment, in the lower position, is positioned below the fixing part and, in the elevated position, is positioned above the fixing part, a protective element in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received, the assembly further comprising a humidity barrier extending around a circumference of the fixing part from below the fixing part to above the fixing part, the humidity barrier being attachable to the protective element.

This aspect is focused on providing a humidity barrier around the compartment when in the elevated position. Thus, preferably, the protective element also comprises a humidity barrier. Usually, humidity barriers are provided on the "hot" side of a protective element, usually also comprising thermal insulation. Therefore, this humidity barrier may in some instances be provided on or at an outer surface of the protective element, such as of a thermal insulation thereof. In other instances, the humidity barrier is provided at or on the inner surface.

The humidity barrier may be any type of material and any thickness of material. Preferably, this material is pliable or bendable. Plastic materials and metal foils are widely used humidity barriers in buildings and are equally suitable for use in this invention. A humidity leak, however, may exist between the protecting element and the humidity barrier usually provided in ceilings of buildings. The present aspect addresses this problem in that a separate humidity barrier is provided around the fixing part and which is attachable, so as to obtain a humidity barrier, to the protective element. In the present context, the "around a circumference" preferably means around the fixing means when mounted to the ceiling/structure and around the circumference in a horizontal plane comprising the fixing means. Thus, preferably, the humidity barrier provided is of a size adapting to any expansion of the fixing part, as is described further above.

Preferably, the humidity barrier has a portion extending upwardly of the fixing means to facilitate easy attachment to the protective element. This attachment may be welding (ultrasound, heat, radiation), gluing or the like. Naturally, the humidity barrier and the protecting means may also simply be forced toward each other to obtain the seal.

Also, the humidity barrier preferably has a portion extending downwardly of the fixing means in order to attach this to, or close to, the ceiling surface or a humidity barrier provided at or on the ceiling, to also provide a humidity seal at that position.

The extending part(s) may be of any desired sizes, such as l-30cm, preferably 5-25cm.

In one embodiment, the protective element is collapsible between a first shape in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received in the protective element, and a collapsed shape in which the protective element may pass through a hole with the predetermined cross section. This is described above.

A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating an elevatable compartment assembly comprising a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building and a compartment, the method comprising elevating the compartment from a lower position to an upper position, the elevating step comprising the steps of: - a rotatable element initially engaging and elevating a second elongated element slidably attached to a first elongated element attached to the compartment, at a subsequent, second point in time, the rotatable element engages and elevates both the second and first elongated elements, at a third point in time subsequent to the second point in time, the second elongated element is elevated to and remains in a position where it no longer engages the rotatable element engaging and elevating the first elongated element which slides or translates in relation to the first elongated element. Preferably, the rotatable element is rotated constantly during a period of time including the first, second and third points in time.

As is also described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, the providing of multiple elongated, and preferably stiff elements (such as made of metal or plastics), has the advantage that e.g. swinging of the lowered compartment is prevented. The providing of multiple, e.g. two or more, elongated elements has the advantage of not requiring a storage height, above the ceiling, corresponding to the total lowering distance of the compartment.

The first and second elongated elements are slidably attached to each other so that one may slide (be translated in the longitudinal direction) in relation to the other. Preferably, the slidable movement is limited so that the two elongated elements cannot be easily separated and not by pulling in the longitudinal direction.

Thus, the initial step comprises engaging the second elongated element and elevating this, and thereby the first element, any additional elements, and the compartment.

When the rotatable element has elevated the second elongated element a predetermined distance, the second point of time is reached where the rotatable element engages and elevates both the second and first elongated elements.

At the third point in time, the second elongated element is elevated to and remains in a position where it no longer engages the rotatable element engaging and elevating the first elongated element which slides or translates in relation to the second elongated element. Thus, the further elevation of the first element does not result in a corresponding elevation of the second element, which would require the additional storage height above the ceiling. Instead, the sliding/translation takes place. In one embodiment, the engagement between the rotatable element and the first and/or second elongated elements is an engagement of teeth of the rotatable element and teeth of the first and second elongated elements, as is described above.

In that or another embodiment, and at the third point in time, the second elevated element remains in a position above the rotatable element. This may be achieved by having the method comprise the further step of biasing the second element, at the third point in time, away from the rotating element so as to prevent e.g. noise from this engagement during the elevation of the first element.

Also, the method may comprise, at the third point in time, sliding the second elongated element in relation to the first elongated element while sliding a projection of one of the first and second elongated elements within a slot of the other of the first and second elongated elements. This projection/slot has the advantage of allowing sliding while ensuring that the two elongated elements cannot be separated.

It may be desired to provide multiple projections (positioned in the longitudinal direction) or an elongate projection (also in the longitudinal direction) in order to prevent rotation or bending of one elongated element in relation to the other. This may be used to further prevent swinging of the compartment in the lower position.

A fifth aspect of the invention relates to a method of operating an elevatable compartment assembly comprising a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building, a compartment having a predetermined cross section in a horizontal plane, and translating elements adapted to elevate the compartment from a lower position to an elevated position, wherein a significant part of the compartment, in the lower position, is positioned below the fixing part and, in the elevated position, is positioned above the fixing part, the method comprising the step of: - firstly, collapsing the fixing part and passing the collapsed fixing part through an opening having a cross section identical to that of the compartment, secondly, expanding the fixing part so that outer parts of the fixing part circumscribe a cross section being at least 10% larger than the predetermined cross section.

As described above, the circumscribed cross section may be even larger and usually will have the same overall shape as the cross section of the opening and/or the compartment. In general, the method may further comprise the steps of collapsing a protective element to a collapsed shape, passing the collapsed protective element through a hole in the ceiling, subsequently expanding the protective element to a first shape in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received in the protective element, and finally fixing the protective element to the fixing part.

A sixth aspect of the invention relates to a method of mounting an elevatable compartment assembly comprising : a fixing part adapted to be fixed to or at a ceiling of a building, a compartment having a predetermined cross section in a horizontal plane, - translating elements adapted to elevate the compartment from a lower position to an elevated position, wherein a significant part of the compartment, in the lower position, is positioned below the fixing part and, in the elevated position, is positioned above the fixing part, and a protective element in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received, the method comprising steps of: initially, at a first point in time, providing a humidity barrier extending around a circumference of the fixing part from below the fixing part to above the fixing part, subsequently, at a second point in time, fixing the fixing part, with the humidity barrier provided, to the ceiling, at a third point in time subsequent to the second point in time, attaching the protective element to the part of the humidity barrier extending above the fixing part.

Thus, as the fixing part is fixed with the humidity barrier provided, this barrier will seal around the fixing part. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of, between the second and third points in time, firstly collapsing the protective element into a collapsed state and providing it through an opening in the ceiling and subsequently expanding the protective element into a first shape in which at least a major part of the compartment may be received in the protective element.

A final aspect of the invention relates to a method of mounting a compartment in an opening, the method comprising : - providing a cover element through/in the opening, providing a support structure through/in the opening, having the support structure support the cover element, and providing the compartment through/in the opening so as to be covered by the cover element. In the present context, the compartment may be the compartment described above, such as a compartment for storing clothes, foodstuff or the like.

The opening may be the above opening in a ceiling. This opening preferably is only slightly larger than the ground plane, e.g. the foot print or the dimensions of the bottom, of the compartment. The compartment, cover element are adapted to be provided through the opening an provided in a cavity behind the opening. The opening may be an opening in a ceiling and the cavity provided at the attic or loft. The opening may alternatively be in a wall and the cavity provided in a roof slope.

The support structure may be provided in or through the opening before, at the same time as or after the cover element.

The support structure may be brought to support the cover element by being provided inside the cover element, as tent poles within a tent, or outside the cover element which then may be fixed to the support structure.

The support structure may be collapsible in order to be provided through the opening, as the foot print of the support structure preferably is larger than the dimensions of the opening, so that the compartment may be provided inside the support structure and the cover element while the opening is not much larger than required for receiving the compartment. When the compartment is provided through the opening, it is covered by the cover element. In this respect, "covered" means that a portion of the compartment positioned the farthest from the opening is covered as well as other parts thereof. In the above

cabinet/compartment embodiments, this would be the top part of the compartment as well as at least 80%, such as at least 90% but preferably all of the height of the compartment, i.e. of the side portions of the compartment.

The cover element preferably is collapsible, such as foldable or soft so as to be

deformed/folded to be provided in the opening.

In one embodiment, the cover element is a steam/humidity barrier preventing

steam/humidity from entering or exiting the compartment. Additionally, the cover element may be a thermal barrier preventing cold or heat from entering or exiting the compartment.

In one embodiment, the cover element is thermally insulating. This insulation may be provided in the cover element before providing in/through the opening.

Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, the cover element comprises an outer and an inner layer defining there between a space, the method further comprising the step of, subsequent to the step of providing the cover element through/in the opening, providing a filling substance into the space.

One of these layers may be a steam/humidity barrier. The outer layer may have a rodent safeguard, such as a steel mesh, steel wool, or the like preventing rodent attack on the filling substance and/or the compartment and its contents.

One or each layer may be made of a cloth, weave, woven, felt, non-woven material, plastics, rubber, or the like. The thickness of a layer may be max 1mm to stay foldable.

In one embodiment, the cover element, such as a layer thereof, is a bacteria barrier, such as when comprising a bactericide, so as to prevent bacteria growth therein and prevent bacteria from entering or exiting the compartment.

In one embodiment, at least one of the outer and inner layers is gas penetratable and wherein the step of providing the filling substance into the space comprises blowing a gas with entrained filling material into the space.

In this respect, gas penetratability, such as air penetratability, may be obtained using a woven or non-woven material. In one embodiment, the blowing of gas is the blowing of 1-101 of gas/filling material per second, whereby, preferably, 2m ² of the gas penetratable material is adapted to allow 1-81 of gas to pass per second at a pressure of 1 atm.

Naturally, any type of filling substance may be used, such as the filling materials used for building walls. Preferably, the filling substance is thermally insulating. In addition or alternatively, the filling substance may form a humidity barrier. This material may be in the shape of pellets, grains, foam, powder, feathers, pieces of cloth, non-woven materials or the like.

The advantage of blowing this filling substance into the space in the cover element is that this element, when filled, will conform to any outer constraints imposed. The cover element may be adapted to reach a maximum thickness if not constrained, but if elements, such as a roof, a wall, a compartment, a truss or the like, is closer than the maximum thickness, the cover element will at that position reach a lower thickness while taking up the thickness and space available.

Even though the above embodiment and aspect is described in relation to the use of a support structure, as would normally be required at least in the situation where the opening is in a ceiling and the compartment should be removed from the position where it is covered by the cover element, it is noted that the cover element filing method may also be used for compartments positioned in a roof space or roof slope. In that situation, the compartment may be positioned inside the two layer cover element and the assembly positioned in the opening, where after the cover element is filled by blowing the filling substance therein to again take up the available space, if the maximum thickness is not available.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a cover element for use in the above embodiment, the cover element having an outer layer and an inner layer defining there between a space.

This cover element preferably has one or more openings into the space through which the gas and filler substance may be provided. These openings may be available through the compartment, if this is in place during blowing, or may be available via the opening, even when the compartment is received therein. Alternatively, the openings may be in the inner layer and available when the compartment is not received therein.

Naturally, all aspects and embodiments of the invention may be combined. One of the major advantages of the invention is that the compartment and all elements required therefor, such as cover element, elevation module and the like, may be mounted through the opening, so that the craftsman need not move to the other side of the opening, such as on the other side of a wall or the ceiling, at any point in time. In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing, wherein : figure 1 illustrates main components of a closet assembly, figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a collapsible fixing element for fixing the closet assembly to trusses, figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of an elevating means with toothed rods, figure 4 illustrates a second embodiment of an elevating means, figure 5 illustrates an embodiment with a humidity barrier, figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of the fixing means, and figure 7 illustrates a cover element for covering the compartment.

In figure 1, a cross section of a vertically elevatable closet assembly 10 is seen having a closet 12 to be elevated into an opening 14' in a ceiling 14 between adjacent trusses 16. Naturally, if the trusses 16 of the building are positioned with a smaller distance, one or more of the trusses 16 may be removed. One or more motors 24 is/are positioned at the hatched boxes on the fixing elements for hoisting/elevating the closet 12 from a position below the ceiling 14 to a position at which a lower edge or surface of the closet 12 is at the height of the ceiling 14 so that the closet 12 closes the opening 14' and forms part of the lower ceiling 14 surface.

The closet 12 is fixed or attached to the motor(s) 24 via the drive rods 22. The motors are fixed to fixing elements 18 which are provided on the sides of the trusses 16 or on top thereof.

In order to protect the closet 12 and its contents from the surroundings, such as temperature and humidity, of the space above the ceiling 14, a protective layer or box 26 is provided.

In order to be fully mountable from below the ceiling 14, the outer fixing element 20 and the layer/box 26 may be collapsible so as to be entered via the opening and subsequently expanded to fulfil their functions as described below. Naturally, the layer/box 26 is adapted to, in an expanded position, take up the closet 12 when in its elevated position. Thus, the layer/box may be collapsible, foldable or otherwise transferred between its fully expanded position and a more collapsed position in which it is able to pass through the opening 14' in the ceiling 14. In one situation, the box 26 may be made of more or less stiff elements foldable in relation to each other so as to be unfolded and take up its expanded shape. In another situation, the layer 26 may be bag-shaped and flexible and thus easily provided through the opening 14'. This bag 26 may either simply be fixed to the fixing elements 18/20 and be allowed to more or less follow the movements of the closet 12, or it may be supported by a skeleton or frame also introduced through the opening 14' and expanded to an expanded position above the opening 14'. This

skeleton/frame may also be fixed to the fixing elements 18/20 if desired.

As usual in attics, the layer/box 26 as well as the ceiling 14 may have both a thermal insulation layer and a humidity barrier for preventing the passing of low/high temperatures and humidity there through. The thermal and humidity barriers normally are positioned in relation to each other in a manner so that the humidity barrier is at the "hot" side of the thermal barrier in order to prevent or reduce the condensing of vapour to water.

Humidity sealing of the layer/box 26 may be performed as indicated on figure 5, wherein a humidity seal 19 is provided on the outer side of the fixing element 18 for connection

(welding, gluing) to the layer/box 26. This element 19 extends sufficiently far below the element 18 for it to be folded on to the ceiling 14 and be fixed and covered by a lower edge element 31 circumscribing the opening 14'.

In addition, the layer/box 26 may therein or thereon have a protection against rodents (mice, rats) or larger animals which often seek shelter in attics and which may attempt to eat their way into things to look for food or shelter. This protection may be a metal layer, mesh or the like which is able to withstand a rodent bite.

The elevation of the closet 12 is performed using the motor(s) 24 and the drive rod(s) 22. Operation of the motor 24 will affect the drive rod 22 and thereby elevate/lower the closet 12.

This may be effectuated in a number of manners. The drive rod may be a toothed rod or a threaded rod 22, where the motor 24 may have a drive shaft connected to a toothed wheel or the like for translating/rotating the rod 22. Alternative solutions are ones using, instead of the rod 22 a belt, a wire, a chain or the like. Also, other types of mechanisms, such as a scissoring mechanism, may be used. When elevating the closet 12, the shaft of the motor 24 may then be able to take up the belt/wire/chain, or a container may be used for receiving the belt/wire/chain having passed the motor 24.

It is preferred that the overall height taken up by the assembly 10 never exceeds the overall height of the closet 12 to any significant degree. Naturally, the closet 12 is preferably fully receivable above the opening 14', and a thickness of the layer/box 26 also has to be accommodated. However, there may not be a sufficient height to accommodate a 2m rod fixed to the top of the closet 12 in order to allow the closet to be lowered 2m from its elevated position. Stiff rods 22 however have the advantage that the closet 12 is kept more stable in its lower position compared to when hanging in wires. In order to be able to accommodate a stiff rod 22 without requiring an excessive extra height, the rod may be a threaded rod which is able to be at least partly stored within compartments 12' in the closet 12.

Figure 3 illustrates one manner of providing a relatively rigid or stiff element which may nevertheless be adapted in the longitudinal direction so as to be able to lower the closet 12 to a "depth" exceeding the height thereof (top of closet 12 lower than the ceiling) while at the same time not exceeding the height of the closet 12 when stowed away in the attic.

In figure 3, two toothed rods, 30 and 32, are provided which have the same tooth spacing and which are translatable in relation to each other in the longitudinal direction. A projection 34 is fixed to the rod 32 and which travels in a longitudinal slot (not illustrated) in the rod 30, as will be described further below.

A toothed wheel 36 engages the teeth in the rods 30 and 32 in the following manner:

The closet 12 is fixed to the rod 32 and is in its top position, when the rod 32 is in its upper position which is illustrated in the leftmost illustration in figure 3. in this position, only the rod 32 is engaged by the wheel 36, as the rod 30 is biased upwardly by a biasing means (not illustrated). This biasing may simply be a spring biasing the rod 30 upwardly when in the upper position but allowing (see further below) downward movement when a predetermined, downwardly directed force is applied. This spring preferably again engages the rod 30 when again at a position sufficiently close to the upper position, such as a position wherein the lower part of the rod 30 engages the wheel 36. The operation of the biasing is to prevent, in the downward direction, engagement between the rod 30 and the wheel 36, before the projection 34 engages the end of the slot and, in the upward direction, undesired

engagement between the wheel 36 and the rod 30, which engagement may cause undesired noise. Operating the wheel 36 to allow the rod 32, and the closet 12, to move downwards will make the projection 34 move inside the slot of the rod 30 and thus allow the rod 30 to remain in the upper position.

At a point in time, illustrated by the second illustration from the left in figure 3, the projection 34 reaches an end of the slot in rod 30, whereby further downward movement will make the rod 30 leave the upper position and travel downwards. When the projection 34 engages the end of the slot 30, the teeth of the rods 30 and 32 are coinciding so that the teeth of the wheel 36 engages teeth of both rods 30 and 32.

Further downward movement will have the wheel 36 firstly engage teeth of both rods 30 and 32, as is illustrated in the second illustration from the right in figure 3, and subsequently only of the rod 30, as is illustrated in the right-most illustration, only the teeth of the rod 30.

In this manner, the closet may be moved downwardly further than the length of one of the rods 30 and 32 while maintaining the advantage of using stiff rods and not flexible cables/chains which may facilitate easy swinging of the closet 12 when lowered. Lifting the closet 12 is simply obtained in the reverse direction.

Figure 4 illustrates another type of lifting means in which the toothed rods 30/32 are replaced by toothed elements 40 and 42, where the element 40, in the cross section illustrated, is shaped as half a circle having two flat surfaces with teeth (not illustrated) and defines a cavity wherein the element 42 is provided. The element 42 also has teeth (not illustrated), and it is seen that a toothed wheel (not illustrated) may engage the teeth of the elements 40 and 42 in the same manner as in figure 3. Also, a projection 44 fastened to the element 42 is illustrated as is a slot 48 in the element 40 in which the projection 44 travels.

The operation of the element of figure 4 thus may be identical to that of the element of figure 3. Naturally, the operation of the wheel 36 may be controlled by a controller and e.g. one or more sensors determining when the closet 12 is in the upper and lower positions.

Another type of lifting/lowering mechanism is a wire/chain/belt which may be wound onto an axle or wheel and thereby may allow a sufficient lowering distance while not requiring the same "building height" when the closet 12 is in the upper position. Another type of mechanism is a scissor mechanism, wherein a plurality of parallel elements rotate in relation to each other and form deformable parallelograms, which may be extended or shortened by expanding or compressing the end elements.

In the figure, the motor(s) 24 has/have been illustrated on top of the elements 18 or 20. Alternatively, the motor(s) may be fixed to the closet 12 with, however, the closet 12 then being heavier.

Figure 6 illustrates a manner of having a single motor drive four toothed wheels for elevating the compartment.

The motor (not illustrated) rotates a shaft (not illustrated) rotating a gear 50, rotating another shaft and there through two other gears 52 which again rotate shafts 54 and thus the total of four toothed wheels 56. Naturally, many other embodiments may be used for elevating the compartment, such as embodiments using multiple motors and e.g. torque controlling thereof in order to provide more power than that obtainable by a single motor or achieving operation even if a motor malfunctions. In this embodiment, the outline or cross section 58 of the compartment is illustrated. It is preferred that the shafts and toothed wheels, motor etc, are not positioned within this cross section in order for the compartment to move through the set-up when being elevated or lowered.

The present assembly 10 is fully mountable from below with the possible exception that power to the motor(s) 24 may be required from a plug in the attic.

Presently, the opening 14' is provided (if the ceiling was not prepared for the closet 12 in the first place) to that the trusses 16 are available for supporting the assembly 10. Subsequently, the elements 20 are provided through the opening 14' and fixed to the trusses 16. An embodiment of suitable elements 20 are illustrated in figure 2, wherein it is seen that the elements 20 are provided as a squarish element of telescopic elements 20720" being adaptable to different distances between trusses 16, in the direction of the A arrow, and having a fixed distance perpendicular thereto, in the direction of the B arrow.

In one situation, one or both of the elements 21 in the B arrow direction may be translatable in the A arrow direction in order for the rectangle or square defined by the element 20 to be adapted to that required by the closet 12. Alternatively, the closet 12 may simply be fixed only to the elements 20720" in the A arrow direction, so that the elements 21 in the B arrow direction may have any desired distance, as long as it is large enough to accommodate the closet 12.

Preferably, the outer ends of the elements 20720" are fixed to the trusses 16, and the telescopic movement there between may be blocked by e.g. fixing the elements 20' and 20" to each other.

The assembly 10 is assembled by clicking or snap fitting the elements 18 or the rods 22 to the elements 20 or the motors. This snap fitting makes assembly of the assembly 10 easy and quick.

The elements 18, if used, may be in the shape of an inner frame structure fitting therein the closet 12.

When using the elements 18 and when the motor(s) is/are provided thereon, the rods 22, which may alternatively be wires, chains, a scissoring mechanism or the like, may be fixed to the elements 18 which may then simply, to complete the closet assembly 10, be snap fitted into the elements 20 when correctly mounted. When not using the elements 18, and/or when the motor(s) is/are mounted on the elements 20, the rods 22 or the like may simply be positioned so as to engage the wheel 36, which is connected to a motor. Any sensors may then ensure the correct positioning of the closet 12, or a calibration/programming may be performed.

The element 20, or the element 18, may have therein a power input and a power output for use by e.g. the motor 24 but also for providing power to power consuming elements within the closet 12, such as light, sensors, controllers or the like.

Light may be desired within the closet 12, at least in its lower position, but light may also be provided below or under the closet 12 so as to provide illumination of the room in which the closet 12 is provided. Light may also be provided by light emitters below the closet 12 or the elements 18 or 20 for outlining the position of the closet 12 when in its lower position. This light may be operated when the closet 12 is moving downwards in order to inform a person in the room of where not to stand or where to remove temporarily positioned furniture or the like in order to provide space for the descending closet 12 and so as to prevent the descending closet 12 from breaking anything positioned there under. In addition, sensors may be provided in the closet 12 or the elements 18 or 20 so as to sense the presence of anybody or anything below the closet 12 in order to prevent accidents. If a person or a thing is detected, the descending of the closet 12 may be stopped and/or an alarm sounded. Sensors of this type may be as those used for preventing accidents when cars reverse or for detecting persons near e.g. a revolving door.

An additional safety feature may be the providing of a sensor on the operation of the motor(s) 24, such as for sensing the force or torque applied there by to the closet 12. Thus, if a too low torque is sensed when lowering the closet 12, something or somebody may be under the closet 12, and the movement may be stopped and the closet 12 elevated again.

If, when elevating the closet 12, the torque required is too high, the closet may be too heavy, with the risk that the assembly 10 dislodges from the trusses 16 and falls down.

Another reason for a high torque is that goods provided in the closet 12 may reach out of the closet 12 and be stuck between the closet 12 and the elements 18/20 so that the closet 12 cannot reach its upper position without breaking such goods or breaking itself.

This too high torque may also be a sign of a person, typically a child, hanging on to the closet with the risk that the person's fingers may be damaged when the closet 12 reaches the elements 18/20. Again, the elevation of the closet may be stopped, potentially lowered, and an alarm may be sounded. Yet another safety feature may be to provide a lower edge portion 12" which is detachable. A child would normally attempt to hang from the lowest edge, and this edge portion may then be dislodged at a relatively low force/weight, whereby the child will not be lifted or hurt. This disengagement may simply be due to a reversible snap fitting of the portion 12" to the bottom of the closet 12. When the closet 12 is in its lowest position, a person may view the opening 14' and thereby the inner side of the layer/box 26. In order to prevent this, an outer cover 28 may be provided which covers any opening between a top of the closet 12 and a lower part of the elements 18/20 or the ceiling. This cover 28 may be foldable or deformable in order to fulfill this function and may additionally prevent contact with the rods 22 or the like when these are visible in the lower position of the closet 12. In fact, this cover 28 may have another function in that it may be able to slide over the closet 12 when the closet is being elevated. In the lower position, the cover may be at or above the upper part of the opening of the closet 12, but when the closet 12 is elevated, the cover 28 may maintain its height above ground, whereby the closet 12 will be elevated into the cover 28 which, when reaching the bottom of the closet 12 will then also be elevated in order to not have the cover 28 hanging below the closet 12 at any time.

This elevating the closet 12 into the cover 28 has the advantage, especially when the cover 28 at its lower edge has a relatively rigid shape fitting the outer contour of the closet 12, that it will be visible to a person if any goods is sticking out of the closet 12 (as such the cover 28 will not be able to slide along the full length of the closet 12), so that the above-mentioned problem of goods getting stuck between the closet and the elements 18/20 is prevented.

Ventilation of the closet 12 may be desired when in its elevated position. This ventilation may be provided by providing openings or holes in the bottom of the closet 12 or provide a covering element, such as the element 12", covering the bottom of the closet 12 or at least a gap between the closet 12 and the ceiling. This covering element may then provide a slot or opening providing this ventilation.

Alternatively or in addition, ventilation may be provided in the elements 18/20 or the layer/box 26.

Of course, the ventilation may be controlled based on temperature and/or humidity, so as to ensure a desired atmosphere in the closet 12.

Figure 7 illustrates a cover element 26 having an inner layer 60 and an outer layer 62 between which a filling substance may be provided to make the cover element 26 thermally insulating, humidity blocking or the like.

The cover element 26 may be provided through the opening without the filling substance, which subsequently is provided therein by e.g. blowing the filling substance entrained in gas/air through the opening 64 in the cover element. The cover element may be kept in shape by a support element (not illustrated) which may be provided inside the cover element 26 or outside it.