The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 04, 2004
Filed:
Nov. 22, 2000
Arie Boers, Plymouth, MN (US);
Luna Technologies, Inc, Plymouth, MN (US);
Abstract
A storage apparatus for storing an object, such as a bicycle, in an elevated storage position. The storage apparatus includes an elongated track mountable to a wall, and a support mechanism for receiving the bicycle. A mounting assembly mounts the support mechanism to the elongated track such that the support mechanism can move along the track between a loading position, wherein the bicycle can be loaded onto the support mechanism, and a storage position, wherein the bicycle on the support mechanism is elevated relative to the loading position. A drive assembly is operable for moving the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions. The drive assembly includes a drive mechanism for preventing movement of the support mechanism between the loading and storage positions upon operation of the drive assembly when the object on the support mechanism exceeds a maximum weight limit of the storage apparatus. The mounting assembly includes first and second resilient members. In the storage position, the weight of the bicycle causes pivotal movement of the support mechanism relative to the elongated track and compression of the first and second resilient members, which causes binding of the support mechanism on the elongated track to secure the support mechanism in the storage position.