Articulatable storage organizer

Abstract

A storage device allows for the storage of items (such as garments and the like) in an upper area of a wall that is generally otherwise inaccessible without use of an access aid. The storage device features a frame having a storage support is pivotably secured to the vertical face of a wall which moves between an elevated position wherein the storage support is elevated with respect to the wall and a lowered position wherein the storage support is at a height that is easily accessible. The storage device further includes balancing means (for example, one or more gas struts or the like) that urges the frame towards the elevated and lowered positions. Optionally, the storage device further includes a torque-adjusting device that increases or decreases the torque exerted against the balancing means, thereby adjusting for various loads such that the storage device moves in a predefined manner.

1 . A storage device for storing at least one article, said storage device comprising: 
 a mount adapted to be secured to a vertical face of a wall;    a frame having a first end pivotably secured to said mount such that said frame pivots about a substantially vertical axis of said wall between an elevated position and a lowered position;    at least one article support member secured to a second end of said frame, said article support member adapted to support said at least one article; and    balancing means connected to said frame for urging said frame towards said elevated position and towards said lowered position, whereby when said storage device is disposed in said elevated position, said article support member is disposed at a height greater than when said storage device is disposed in said lowered position.    
   
   
       2 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said at least one article support member includes a support rod.  
   
   
       3 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said support rod is disposed substantially perpendicular to said frame.  
   
   
       4 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 3  wherein a length of said support rod is adjustable.  
   
   
       5 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said support rod is telescopic.  
   
   
       6 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said frame include at least two side members, wherein said article support member is connected proximate first ends of said at least two side members and at least two mounts are connected proximate second ends of said side members.  
   
   
       7 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 6  further including a bottom tube connected proximate said second ends of said at least two side members.  
   
   
       8 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said at least two mounts are secured to said bottom tube such that said bottom tube rotates within at least two mounts.  
   
   
       9 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said at least two mounts include ball-bearings mounts.  
   
   
       10 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said balancing means includes at least one gas strut.  
   
   
       11 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said balancing means includes at least two gas struts, wherein said gas struts are arranged such that they are substantially opposed to each other.  
   
   
       12 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 1  further including an adjustable torque mechanism, said adjustable torque mechanism adjusts a torque exerted by said frame against said balancing means.  
   
   
       13 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 12  wherein said adjustable torque mechanism includes at least one weight moveably connected along said frame.  
   
   
       14 . The storage device as claimed in  claim 13  further including a torque sensing mechanism, said torque sensing mechanism automatically adjusting said torque against said balancing means such that said storage device moves in a predetermined manner.  
   
   
       15 . A storage organizer comprising: 
 a first and at least a second mount adapted to be secured to a vertical face of a wall;    a moveable frame including: 
 a rod support; and  
 a first and a second side support member each having a first end disposed substantially perpendicular to said rod support and a second end pivotably secured to said first and said second mounts, respectively, wherein said frame extends generally outwardly from said vertical face of said wall and pivots about a substantially vertical axis of said wall between an elevated position wherein said rod support is disposed at a first height and a lowered position wherein said rod support is disposed in a second height, said second height being less than said first height; and  
   balancing means connected to frame for urging frame towards said elevated position and towards said lowered position.    
   
   
       16 . The storage organizer as claimed in  claim 15  wherein a length of said rod support is adjustable.  
   
   
       17 . The storage organizer as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said balancing means includes at least two gas struts, wherein said gas struts are arranged such that they are substantially opposed to each other.  
   
   
       18 . The storage organizer as claimed in  claim 17  further including an adjustable torque mechanism, said adjustable torque mechanism adjusts a torque exerted by said frame against said balancing means.  
   
   
       19 . The storage organizer as claimed in  claim 18  wherein said adjustable torque mechanism includes at least one weight moveably connected along at least one of said side support members.  
   
   
       20 . The storage organizer as claimed in  claim 19  further including a torque sensing mechanism, said torque sensing mechanism automatically adjusting said torque against said balancing means such that said storage device moves in a predetermined manner.