Moveable stairwell storage

Abstract

An apparatus and method for storing items above a stairway in a stairwell includes an overhead storage unit that can be moved between a storage location and an access location by a suspension system which may use horizontal, parallel rails fixed to opposing walls of the stairwell in combination with rollers on the side of the storage unit. The storage location is above a lower portion of the stairway in a generally unused and inaccessible space, while the access location is above an upper portion of the stairway in a space that is easily accessible from the top of the stairway. The storage unit can include shelves, a back wall, and a handle or pull rope.

1 . An apparatus for storing items in a stairwell above a stairway, the apparatus comprising:
 a pair of rails mounted horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being substantially parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway;   a storage unit; and   a movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails in a horizontally movable configuration, the storage unit being thereby horizontally movable along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of shelves mounted within said storage unit. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels, and each of said rails further comprises a track, wherein said track further comprises a center channel within which said plurality of wheels can roll. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said center channel further comprises a metallic strip attached to a bottom of said center channel and extending along a length of said center channel. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the wheels are  2  inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said mounting mechanism further comprises:
 a wheel;   an axle attached to said wheel;   a sleeve within which said axle rotates and within which said axle slides along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve; and   a bracket attaching said sleeve to said storage unit.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep. 
     
     
         8 . A method for providing accessible storage above a stairway in a stairwell, the method comprising:
 mounting a pair of rails substantially horizontally on opposing walls of the stairwell, the rails being mounted parallel to each other and at a common height, the rails extending from a storage location above a lower portion of the stairway to an accessible location above an upper portion of the stairway; and   supporting a storage unit on the rails by a horizontally movable mounting mechanism fixed to the storage unit and supported by the rails, so that the storage unit and the mounting mechanism are movable horizontally along the rails from the storage location to the accessible location.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of shelves mounted within said storage unit. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said mounting mechanism comprises a plurality of wheels, and each of said rails further comprises a track, wherein said track further comprises a center channel within which said plurality of wheels can roll. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said center channel further comprises a metallic strip attached to a bottom of said center channel and extending along a length of said center channel. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the wheels are  2  inch diameter, heavy duty nylon wheels. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said mounting mechanism further comprises:
 a wheel;   an axle attached to said wheel;   a sleeve within which said axle rotates and within which said axle slides along a longitudinal axis of said sleeve; and   a bracket attaching said sleeve to said storage unit.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the storage unit is approximately 45 inches high, 37 inches wide and 24 inches deep. 
     
     
         15 . An overhead storage system for installation in a stairwell over a set of stairs, comprising: a storage unit; and a suspension system; the suspension system configured to support and provide for movement of the storage unit between an inaccessible retracted position within the stairwell providing clearance for normal passage up and down the stairs, and an accessible extended position within the stairwell where a front opening and the interior of the storage unit are within reach of a person standing at the top of the stairs, the storage unit having a width of less than the stairwell. 
     
     
         16 . The overhead storage system of  claim 15 , the suspension system comprising a horizontal wall-mounted roller and side rail system whereby the storage unit is equipped with rollers which bear on side rails attached to the walls of the stairwell.