TECHNICAL FIELD

The methods and processes described herein relate generally to securing loads.

BACKGROUND

Modifiable living spaces often contain stored furnishings below the floor. When the user desires to utilize these, the existing floor slides out of the way and the platform containing the furnishings is elevated, becoming the new floor. Releasably securing these platforms is often complex and expensive. Simple and cost effective systems for securing loads are required.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the disclosure provides a system for releasably securing a platform in a raised position. A track is provided, with a top portion having an open end, a bottom portion having an open end, and a side portion connecting the top portion and the bottom portion. An arm is connected at a first end to the platform. A second end is biased toward the side portion of the track. A lug is attached to the second end and configured to ride in the track, entering the open end of the top portion and exiting the open end of the bottom portion. A door is pivotally attached adjacent the bottom portion so as to allow the lug to exit the open end of the bottom portion and prevent the lug from entering the open end of the bottom portion. The top portion of the track has a depression in which the lug is supported when the platform is in the raised position, thereby supporting the platform in the raised position. The top portion of the track includes a first vertical wall separating the open end of the top portion and the depression and a second vertical wall separating the depression and the side portion. The second vertical wall extends to a higher point than the first vertical wall. The side portion has a downward sloping ramp, whereby the lug riding in the track is pushed toward the open end of the bottom portion when the platform is lowered. As the platform is raised, the lug rides upward and enters the top portion and clears the first vertical wall, whereupon the lug rests in the depression and thus supports the platform in the raised position. As the platform is raised further, the lug clears the second vertical wall, whereupon the lug can ride downward in the side portion and through the bottom portion, past the door and out the open end of the bottom portion.

In a second aspect, the disclosure provides a system configured to raise and lower a platform and to secure the platform in a raised position. A stationary frame and a platform are provided. A track is connected to one of the stationary frame and the platform. The track forms a closed loop, with a first side, a second side, a top portion, and a bottom portion. An arm is connected at a first end to the other of the stationary frame and the platform. A second end is biased toward the second side of the track. A lug is attached to the second end and configured to ride in the track. A door divides the bottom portion from the first side. The door pivots at one end to open and allow the lug to pass from the bottom portion to the first side. The door is biased to close so as to prevent the lug from passing from the first side to the bottom portion. The top portion of the track has a depression in which the lug is supported when the platform is in the raised position, thereby supporting the platform in the raised position. The top portion of the track includes a first vertical wall separating the first side and the depression and a second vertical wall separating the depression and the second side. The second generally vertical wall extends to a higher point than the first vertical wall. The side portion has a downward sloping ramp, whereby the lug riding in the track is pushed toward the first side when the platform is lowered. As the platform is raised, the lug rides upward in the first side until the lug clears the first vertical wall, whereupon the lug rests in the depression and thus supports the platform in the raised position. As the platform is raised further, the lug clears the second vertical wall, whereupon the lug can ride downward in the second side and through the bottom portion, past the door and into the first side.

Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings, detailed description and claims.

