Overhead storage device

Abstract

The present invention is directed toward a mountable storage container for use on a variety of overhead surfaces. The storage container has a pair of end wall panels, and a pair of side wall panels extending between the end wall panels, and a protective tambour cover and locking system. The container is pivotally attached to the overhead surface between a stowed position, substantially parallel to the overhead surface, and an accessible position, substantially orthogonal to the overhead surface, which allows the user easy access to the contents of the container.

1 . A mountable storage device for attachment to an overhead structure comprising: 
 a mounting assembly having a first end and a second end constructed and arranged for secure attachment to said overhead structure;    a storage container having two opposing side wall panels, two opposing end panels at a first end and a second end of said container, respectively, and extending between said side wall panels, each of said end panels and said wall panels attached to a bottom panel, and a tambour cover defining an interior of said container, said interior being constructed and arranged for receipt of at least one storage item, said tambour cover being constructed and arranged to reciprocally transverse about the perimeter of said opposing side wall panels to provide access to said interior of said container when said cover is in an open position;    at least one securing member integrally formed at said first end of said container and in pivotal engagement with said mounting assembly to enable pivotal movement of said storage container between a first generally horizontal position, substantially parallel to said overhead structure, and a second generally vertical position; whereby access to the interior of said container by an individual is provided.    
   
   
       2 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said second end of said container comprises a handle constructed and arranged to pivot said container between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.  
   
   
       3 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein said second end further includes a recessed portion for receipt of said handle.  
   
   
       4 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one securing member comprises at least one container bracket at said first end of said container and said mounting assembly comprises at least one mounting bracket at said first end of said mounting assembly, whereby said at least one container bracket is pivotally engaged with said at least one mounting bracket.  
   
   
       5 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one container bracket and said at least one mounting bracket are constructed and arranged for receipt of a hinge pin therethrough for pivotal engagement of said first end of said container to said at least one mounting bracket.  
   
   
       6 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said mounting assembly comprises further comprises a mounting plate comprising a first end and a second end, said mounting plate including a plurality of pre-fabricated apertures located between said first and said second end for attachment to said overhead structure.  
   
   
       7 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 6 , wherein said mounting plate further comprises a pair of orthogonal extending locking members integrally formed at said second end of said mounting plate for locking attachment to said second end of said container.  
   
   
       8 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 7 , wherein said orthogonal extending locking members comprise an aperture at the distal end for receipt of an actuating locking bar constructed and arranged at said second end of said container when container is in said generally horizontal position, said locking bar is adapted to cooperate with a rotating handle, whereby rotation of said handle in one direction moves said locking bar into registration with said aperture thereby precluding said container from pivotal movement.  
   
   
       9 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 8 , wherein handle comprises a securing means that selectively prevents rotation of said handle.  
   
   
       10 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said rotating handle is pivotally connected to said container at said second end.  
   
   
       11 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 10 , wherein said second end includes a recessed portion for receipt of said handle.  
   
   
       12 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said tambour cover comprises a securing means that precludes movement of said tambour cover into said open position.  
   
   
       13 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 1 , comprising an actuator means capable of controllably pivoting the storage container between said first generally horizontal and said second vertical position.  
   
   
       14 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said actuator means comprises at least one telescoping gas cylinder.  
   
   
       15 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein at least one power source is constructed and arranged to cooperate with said actuator means to provide selective power assisted pivotal movement of said container in relation to said mounting assembly; 
 a control assembly constructed and arranged to operatively connect and disconnect said at least one power source to and from an actuator means, wherein operation of said control assembly connects said power source to said actuator to cause pivotal movement of said container in relation to said mounting assembly for powered movement of said container between said first generally horizontal position and said second generally vertical position, wherein operation of said control assembly in a second mode disconnects said electrical power source from said at least one power source.    
   
   
       16 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 15 , wherein said control assembly is remotely located from said power source and said actuator means.  
   
   
       17 . The mountable storage device as set forth in  claim 13 , wherein said actuator is a gas cylinder or spring cylinder.