초록 ▼

A storage device for off-floor storage, including a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area, a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis, a platform movably connected to the vertical support member, and a lift actuator operationally connec

A storage device for off-floor storage, including a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area, a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis, a platform movably connected to the vertical support member, and a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform. The lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis. The base is decoupled from the floor.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A storage device for off-floor storage, comprising: a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area; a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis; a platform movably connected to the vertical support member; a lift actuat

What is claimed is: 1. A storage device for off-floor storage, comprising: a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area; a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis; a platform movably connected to the vertical support member; a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform; and a failsafe safety mechanism operationally connected to the lift platform; wherein the lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis; wherein the base frictionally engages the floor; wherein the base is mechanically decoupled from the floor; wherein movement of the platform to a sufficiently raised position enables positioning of the platform over a portion of an automobile; wherein the platform includes a notch formed therethrough through which the substantially vertical support member extends; wherein actuation of the failsafe safety mechanism engages the support member to prevent further downward motion of the platform; wherein once the failsafe safety mechanism is engaged, the platform rests on the safety mechanism; and wherein the platform must be raised off of the safety mechanism prior to disengagement of the safety mechanism. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform is substantially solid. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the lift actuator further comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected between the platform and the base, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic hose extending between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic pump is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic cylinder. 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the hydraulic pump is adapted to provide a predetermined maximum lifting force to the platform. 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the predetermined maximum lifting force is about 2000 pounds. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform is substantially rectangular and wherein the platform extends substantially directly over the base. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein platform includes a notch formed therethrough through which the substantially vertical support member extends. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the platform further comprises a fence portion connected thereto, wherein the fence portion extends vertically away from the platform to prevent cargo from dislodging therefrom. 9. A vertically elevatable storage platform assembly, comprising: a freestanding base assembly for positioning on a support surface; a life assembly operationally connected to the base assembly and further comprising: a substantially vertical column having a toothed portion and connected to the freestanding base assembly; a lift actuator operationally connected to the substantially vertical column; a platform operatively connected to said life assembly, said lift actuator operable to move said platform between a first position substantially adjacent said freestanding base assembly and a second position vertically displaced from said first position; and an automatic safety interlock engagable with the support column to prevent accidental lowering of the platform; wherein the platform includes a notch formed therethrough through which the substantially vertical column extends; wherein the freestanding base further includes a plurality of leveling feet extending therefrom to adjustably engage the support surface; wherein movement of the platform to the second position allows sufficient open space below the platform for the positioning of a portion of an automobile therebeneath; wherein the automatic safety interlock automatically engages the toothed portion to prevent the lowering of the platform; wherein the platform must be raised from the engaged safety interlock before the safety interlock may be disengaged. 10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the platform is substantially solid. 11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the leveling feet may be adjusted to level the freestanding base relative to the horizontal. 12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the lift actuator further comprises a hydraulic cylinder connected between the platform and the base assembly, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic hose extending between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinder, wherein the hydraulic pump is in hydraulic communication with the hydraulic cylinder. 13. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the base assembly is a substantially rectangular framework and wherein the platform is a substantially rectangular member extending substantially directly over the base. 14. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the platform further comprises a cargo-restraining barrier extending therefrom. 15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the barrier includes a flexible member connectable thereto. 16. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the barrier includes a fence extending vertically from the platform. 17. A storage device for off-floor storage, comprising: a base for emplacement on a floor of a storage area; a substantially vertical support member extending from the base and defining a deployment axis; a platform movably connected to the vertical support member; a lift actuator operationally connected to the platform; and a safety mechanism lockingly for preventing the accidental lowering of the platform and operationally connected to the lift actuator; wherein the lift actuator may be energized to move the platform into any one of a plurality of substantially parallel vertical positions oriented generally transversely to the deployment axis; wherein the base frictionally engages the floor; wherein the base is freestanding on the floor; wherein the platform includes a notch formed therethrough through which the substantially vertical support member extends; wherein the safety mechanism automatically engages the support member to prevent downward travel of the platform; wherein the safety mechanism is biased such that disengagement of the safety member prevents automatic reengagement of the safety mechanism for a sufficient period of time for the platform to travel to the floor; and wherein, once engaged, the platform must be at least partially raised to facilitate disengagement of the safety mechanism.