RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Serial

Number 62/218,319 filed September 14, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/206,129 filed August 17, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/173,207 filed June 9, 2015, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The self-storage industry in the United States generates more than approximately $24 billion in annual U.S. revenues. The industry has been the fastest growing segment of the commercial real estate industry over the last 40 years and has been considered by many to be "recession resistant" based on its performance since the economic recession of September, 2008. The industry pays more than $3.25 billion each year in local and state property taxes. The average revenue per square foot varies from facility to facility; however, here are the data for Ql 2013: $1.12 per square foot (PSF) for non-climate controlled and $1.42 PSF for climate controlled space.

[0002] Unfortunately, a large percentage of the useable volume of the storage space is unoccupied, as there have been few, if any, suitable systems or devices to take advantage of the vertical height for storage units.

[0003] Therefore, a storage loft system that allows users to take advantage of the full volume of the storage unit, rather than the square footage area, is needed. Moreover, a system that is suitable for being quickly and easily retro-fitted into existing storage units, or alternately incorporated into newly constructed storage units, is needed.

SUMMARY

[0004] One embodiment of the storage loft system relates to a retractable loft for self- storage units. The retractable loft system includes a height indicator that may warn users that the loft has been raised too high. The system also has an alarm that sounds when the lift is moving. The loft system also may have an electric brake that can be added to the drum connecting shaft to keep the lift at a desired height. The loft system may additionally include a hinged step ladder that collapses when the lift is down and is automatically pulled up as the lift rises. The structure of the lift generally includes a frame that has multiple support posts and a platform for holding objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 depicts exemplary components of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform with a gate closed according to an example embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform with a gate open according to an example embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform that is lifted with a gate closed according to an example embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 11 depicts a close up view of the lift platform limit switch according to an example embodiment. [0016] FIG. 12 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage loft platform according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to a storage system that includes a moveable platform that may be raised, lowered, or otherwise translated to elevate above a floor surface, thereby providing additional storage space as shown in FIGS. 1-14. Preferably, the storage system is deployed in a self-storage unit, such that the amount of useable storage space is increased by taking advantage of the vertical dimensions of the storage unit. The storage loft system is shown in multiple views in FIGS. 1-14

[0020] In one embodiment, the storage loft unit 100 includes at least three upright support legs 110A-D; a support frame 120 that defines a platform surface 130; and one or more motors, winches 190, pulleys 195, and a cable. In various embodiments, the storage loft unit also includes one or more side rails 140A-D, safety chains 172, and/or collapsible ladders or steps 170 to allow access to the loft, when in the elevated position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the storage loft unit 200 includes at least three upright support legs 210A-D; a support frame 220 that defines a platform surface 230; and one or more motors, winches, pulleys, and a cable. In various embodiments, the storage loft unit also includes one or more side rails 240A-D, safety chains, and/or collapsible ladders or steps to allow access to the loft, when in the elevated position. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the frame may be made of metal tubing or any other materials known in the art. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that tubing embodiments may include any size and shape of tubing, including 3 inch square tubing.

[0022] In various embodiments, the storage loft 200 unit may be retrofitted to an existing storage unit by anchoring the upright support legs to the floor and/or walls of the storage unit. In one aspect, the storage loft unit 200 may be installed with disruption to use of the storage unit. Additionally, the storage loft unit 200 may be scaled up or down in size to fit within irregularly- sized or configured storage units. As such, as few as three support legs 210 may be used, or alternately, four or more support legs 210 may be used.

[0023] In one aspect, the support frame 220 for the platform 230 engages each of the support legs 210 in a "floating" or adjustable engagement, such that length and width of the support frame 220 may be adjusted to account for variance in the dimensions of the storage space. For example, a nominal 10' x 10' storage unit may actually measure 9' 7" x 10' 4". As such, the floating engagement allows the storage loft unit 200 to account for this variance.

[0024] In other embodiments, the support legs 210 may be incorporated into the walls of newly constructed storage units. For example, rather than upright support legs 210, the support features of this embodiment may be configured as horizontal oriented components that are embedded or otherwise anchored to the walls of the storage unit. In this embodiment, no floor space is required to support the loft unit. In various embodiments, whether floor-mounted or wall-mounted, the storage loft unit 200 includes one or more weight gauges and/or load limit indicators to monitor and notify the user regarding the weight of objects placed on the platform. In one preferred embodiment, at least one weight gauge is disposed at each corner of the support frame 220.

[0025] The storage loft unit 200 may also include one or more height indicators to monitor and notify the user of the height of the platform 230. The height indicator may be used to monitor clearance underneath the platform 230 when elevated and/or the distance between the platform 230 or objects placed thereon and the ceiling of the storage unit. The storage loft system 200 may also include one or more safety systems that prevent the platform 230 from being raised or lowered when a user is below the platform 230. In various embodiments, the storage loft system 210 may have weight gauges and/or load limit indicators that may be digital or analog. In a preferred embodiment, the weight gauges and/or load limit indicators are in communication with a means for displaying information about the load. The weight gauges and/or load limit indicators may also be in communication with mechanisms that stop the lift when the weight of the load reaches a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, the storage loft system 200 has limit load switch that limits the height that the platform 230 can go. In various embodiments, the storage loft unit 200 has a top limit load switch and a bottom limit load switch. In embodiments having a top limit load switch, the limit load switch may be located proximate to the battery pack, or other power source. In preferred embodiments the limit load switch is adjustable so that the height that the storage loft unit 200 is limited according to the ceiling height of the storage loft where the storage loft unit 200 is used. The storage loft unit 200 may also have a safety system comprising a means for motion detection. Wherein, once motion is detected beneath or above, the platform 230 stops. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any embodiment of the storage loft unit may include one or more height indicators, weight gauges and load limit indicators.

[0026] In various aspects, translation of the platform is controlled by one or more winches. The winches may be directed actuated or configured to receive input from a wired or wireless remote control device.

[0027] In another embodiment, translation of the platform 230 is controlled by a threaded bolt or screw drive lift mechanism 280. The threaded bolt or screw drive lift mechanism 280 may be directed, actuated, or configured to receive input from a wired or wireless remote control device. In one embodiment the threaded bolt lift mechanism 280 has one or more threaded bolts 285. The one or motors that operate the threaded bolt lift mechanism 280 may be synchronized using a computer to ensure even lift. In a preferred embodiment the threaded bolt lift mechanism 280 is powered by a battery pack. It is also contemplated that the threaded bolt lift mechanism 280 is powered by other suitable means and devices. The storage loft unit 200 may have one or more threaded bolt or screw drive lift mechanisms 280.

[0028] In various aspects the storage loft unit 300 may have at least one vertical support beams 315. The at least one vertical support beam 315 is attached to the floor and the ceiling. In various embodiments the at least one vertical support beam 315 is attached to the floor and a wall. It is also contemplated that the at least one vertical support beam 315 attaches to the wall and ceiling. The at least one vertical support beam 315 is additionally attached to the platform 330 to provide support for the storage loft unit 300. In one aspect, the storage loft unit 300 may be driven by a single motor engaged to one or more threaded bolts 385 within the vertical support beam 315.

[0029] In various aspects the storage loft unit 400 may also include a gate 445. The gate 445 may be hingedly engaged to the storage loft floor 435 such that when opened, the gate 445 acts as a ramp for loading and unloading the loft unit 400. In other aspects, the floor 435 of the storage loft unit 400 may be a flat metal mesh that is on top of the support frame of the platform 430. The storage loft unit 400 may also include a flat metal mesh that is attached to one or more side rails 440.

[0030] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment. As shown, one embodiment of the storage loft unit 500 includes at least one support beam 510. In various aspects the storage loft unit 500 may also include means for causing articulation of the storage loft unit 500. The means for articulation may be a pulley system 595 that is within the support beam 510. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the means for articulation is not limited to a pulley system and may include one or more motors, winches, and cables that are in within the support beam 510. In various aspects the storage loft unit 500 may also include a gate 545. The gate 545 may be hingedly engaged to the storage loft floor 535 such that when opened, the gate 545 acts as a ramp for loading and unloading the loft unit 500. As shown in Figure 13, the gate 545 may be an entire side of the storage loft unit 500. The gate 545 may only be a portion of one side of the storage loft unit. In other aspects the storage loft unit 500 may not have any gate. In other aspects, the floor 535 of the storage loft unit 500 may be a flat metal mesh that is on top of the support frame of the platform 530. The storage loft unit 500 may also include a flat metal mesh that is attached to one or more side rails 540. In other aspects the storage loft unit may not include any side rail.

[0031] As shown in Figure 13, the storage loft unit 500 may have at least one vertical support beams 510. The at least one vertical support beam 510 is attached to the floor and the ceiling. In various embodiments the at least one vertical support beam 510 is attached to the floor and a wall. It is also contemplated that the at least one vertical support beam 510 attaches to the wall and ceiling. The at least one vertical support beam 510 is additionally attached to the platform 530 to provide support for the storage loft unit 500. In one aspect, the storage loft unit 500 may be driven by a single motor engaged to one or more pulleys 595, threaded bolts, winches, or cables, within the vertical support beam 510.

[0032] The storage loft unit 500 may also include one or more height indicators to monitor and notify the user of the height of the platform 530. The height indicator may be used to monitor clearance underneath the platform 530 when elevated and/or the distance between the platform 530 or objects placed thereon and the ceiling of the storage unit. The storage loft system 500 may also include one or more safety systems that prevent the platform 530 from being raised or lowered when a user is below the platform 530. In various embodiments, the storage loft system 510 may have weight gauges and/or load limit indicators that may be digital or analog. In a preferred embodiment, the weight gauges and/or load limit indicators are in communication with a means for displaying information about the load. The weight gauges and/or load limit indicators may also be in communication with mechanisms that stop the lift when the weight of the load reaches a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, the storage loft system 500 has limit load switch that limits the height that the platform 530 can go. In various embodiments, the storage loft unit 500 has a top limit load switch and a bottom limit load switch. In embodiments having a top limit load switch, the limit load switch may be located proximate to the battery pack, or other power source. In preferred embodiments the limit load switch is adjustable so that the height that the storage loft unit 500 is limited according to the ceiling height of the storage loft where the storage loft unit 500 is used. The storage loft unit 500 may also have a safety system comprising a means for motion detection. Wherein, once motion is detected beneath or above, the platform 530 stops. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any embodiment of the storage loft unit may include one or more height indicators, weight gauges and load limit. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the weight indicators may include strain gauges, load cells, spring scale, or any other analog or digital means for sensing weight.

[0033] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a storage loft unit according to an example embodiment. As shown, one embodiment of the storage loft unit 600 includes at least one support beam 610. In various aspects the storage loft unit 600 may also include means for causing articulation of the storage loft unit 600. The means for articulation may be a pulley system 695 that are within the support beam 610. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the means for articulation is not limited to a pulley system and may include one or more motors, winches, and cables that are in communication with the support beam 610. In various aspects the storage loft unit 600 may also include a gate 645. The gate 645 may be hingedly engaged to the storage loft floor 635 such that when opened, the gate 645 acts as a ramp for loading and unloading the loft unit 600. As shown in Figure 14, the gate 645 may be a portion of one side of the storage loft unit 600. The gate 645 may also be an entire side of the storage loft unit 600. In other aspects, the floor 635 of the storage loft unit 600 may be a flat metal mesh that is on top of the support frame of the platform 630. The storage loft unit 600 may also include a plurality of sidewalls 640 A-E.

[0034] As shown in Figure 14, the storage loft unit 600 may have at least one vertical support beams 610. The at least one vertical support beam 610 is attached to the floor and the ceiling. In various embodiments the at least one vertical support beam 610 is attached to the floor and a wall. It is also contemplated that the at least one vertical support beam 610 attaches to the wall and ceiling. The at least one vertical support beam 610 is additionally attached to the platform 630 to provide support for the storage loft unit 600. In one aspect, the storage loft unit 600 may be driven by a single motor engaged to one or more pulleys 695, threaded bolts, winches, or cables, within the vertical support beam 610.

[0035] The storage loft unit 600 may also include one or more height indicators to monitor and notify the user of the height of the platform 630. The height indicator may be used to monitor clearance underneath the platform 630 when elevated and/or the distance between the platform 630 or objects placed thereon and the ceiling of the storage unit. The storage loft system 600 may also include one or more safety systems that prevent the platform 630 from being raised or lowered when a user is below the platform 630. In various embodiments, the storage loft system 610 may have weight gauges and/or load limit indicators that may be digital or analog. In a preferred embodiment, the weight gauges and/or load limit indicators are in communication with a means for displaying information about the load. The weight gauges and/or load limit indicators may also be in communication with mechanisms that stop the lift when the weight of the load reaches a predetermined threshold. In another embodiment, the storage loft system 600 has limit load switch that limits the height that the platform 630 can go. In various embodiments, the storage loft unit 600 has a top limit load switch and a bottom limit load switch. In embodiments having a top limit load switch, the limit load switch may be located proximate to the battery pack, or other power source. In preferred embodiments the limit load switch is adjustable so that the height that the storage loft unit 600 is limited according to the ceiling height of the storage loft where the storage loft unit 600 is used. The storage loft unit 600 may also have a safety system comprising a means for motion detection. Wherein, once motion is detected beneath or above, the platform 630 stops. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any embodiment of the storage loft unit may include one or more height indicators, weight gauges and load limit. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the weight indicators may include strain gauges, load cells, spring scale, or any other analog or digital means for sensing weight.

[0036] It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction, and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.

[0037] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and

improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.