Storage device with pivot arm

Abstract

A storage device. The storage device has at least one pivot arm that is pivotally mounted to a support frame. A storage rod is attached to the pivot arm(s). The pivot arm(s) control the movement of the storage rod between a conveniently accessible lower use position and an upper storage position. In a preferred embodiment the storage device is mounted inside a closet and is used in conjunction with storage drawers that rest on the floor. Also, in a preferred embodiment a linear actuator is connected to the pivot arm and controls the pivoting of the pivot arm.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 ) A storage device defining a lower use position and an upper storage position, said storage device comprising: 
 A) a support frame,    B) at least one pivot arm, pivotally mounted to said support frame, and    C) a storage rod attached to said at least one pivot arm,    wherein said at least one pivot arm controls the movement of said storage rod between said lower use position and said upper storage position.    
     
     
         2 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said support frame is rigidly mounted to the inside of a closet.  
     
     
         3 ) The storage device as in  claim 2 , wherein said closet comprises a floor, wherein said storage device further comprises storage drawers resting below said storage rod on said floor.  
     
     
         4 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one hanging storage platform hanging from said storage rod.  
     
     
         5 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a motor, wherein said motor controls the pivoting of said at least one pivot arm.  
     
     
         6 ) The storage device as in  claim 5 , further comprising at least one cable defining a first cable end and a second cable end, wherein said first cable end is attached to said at least one pivot arm and said second cable end is attached to said motor, wherein said motor manipulates said at least one cable to control the pivoting of said at least one pivot arm.  
     
     
         7 ) The storage device as in  claim 6 , defining a second lower use position below said lower use position, further comprising a lowerable storage rod, wherein said at least one cable is looped around said lowerable storage rod, wherein said motor manipulates said at least one cable to control the pivoting of said at least one pivot arm and to control the lowering of said lowerable storage rod to said second lower use position.  
     
     
         8 ) The storage device as in  claim 1  comprising a second lower use position below said lower use position, said storage device further comprising a lowerable storage rod wherein said lowerable storage rod is lowerable to said second lower use position.  
     
     
         9 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one pivot arm is a first pivot arm and a second pivot arm and wherein said storage rod is a first storage rod and a second storage rod, wherein said first storage rod is connected to said first pivot arm and wherein said second storage rod is connected to said second pivot arm, said storage device further comprising a motor removably engaged with said first pivot arm and said second pivot arm, wherein said motor engages said first pivot arm to control the movement of said first storage rod and wherein said motor engages said second pivot arm to control the movement of said second storage rod.  
     
     
         10 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a linear actuator connected to said at least one pivot arm, wherein said at least one linear actuator controls the pivoting of said at least one pivot arm.  
     
     
         11 ) The storage device as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one pivot arm is two pivot arms.