David R Bishop

US Patent:

55358527, Jul 16, 1996

Filed:

Aug 17, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/291716

Inventors:

David J. Bishop - Bartlesville OK
Carroll E. Sherwin - Oklahoma City OK

International Classification:

B66B 1324

US Classification:

187336

Abstract:

A lift apparatus is provided for raising or lowering objects through an opening in a ceiling which has associated ceiling supports, such as ceiling joists. The lift apparatus includes a frame, mounted to and supported by the ceiling supports, having first and second frame members, and a third frame member which extends between and is fixedly connected to the first and second frame members. A receptacle, for holding the objects and sized to fit through the ceiling opening, is fixedly connected to a movable guide mechanism slidably cooperating with at least one of the first or second frame members to allow substantially vertical movement of the receptacle between a retracted position, substantially above ceiling level, and an extended position substantially below ceiling level. At least one pulley and a device, such as a motor, for rotating the pulley(s) are fixedly mounted to the third frame member and operate at least one cable connected between the pulley(s) and receptacle to raise or lower the receptacle through the ceiling opening between the retracted and extended positions. The lift apparatus is particularly useful for raising objects to or lowering objects from a home attic.