US20060273703A1

US20060273703A1 - Pneumatic lift and storage apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20060273703A1
Application number: US11/201,189
Authority: US
Inventors: John Hardt
Original assignee: BEST-RITE CHALKBOARD Co
Current assignee: BEST-RITE CHALKBOARD Co; Mooreco Inc
Priority date: 2005-06-07
Filing date: 2005-08-11
Publication date: 2006-12-07

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses combined into one apparatus. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a pneumatic storage apparatus comprising an adjustable pneumatic lift having a top platform, a locking knob, and actuation device, and a storage compartment comprising a bottom platform, top platform, two side walls, one back wall, and one front wall adjacently attached to the pneumatic lift by a support platform. Additionally, the present subject matter relates to a mobile pneumatic storage apparatus comprising an adjustable pneumatic lift having a top platform, a locking knob, and actuation device, and a storage compartment comprising a bottom platform, top platform, two side walls, one back wall, and one front wall adjacently attached to the pneumatic lift by a mobile support platform.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive subject matter relates to pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses. In particular, the present inventive subject matter relates to mobile pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses combined into one apparatus, with both the pneumatic lift and storage compartment being independently operable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ability to timely and accurately display and effectively communicate information to people is critical in modern times. Whether in business or learning institutions, the ability to timely, accurately, and effectively convey information to other people can make the difference between achieving a desired goal or missing the goal entirely. The old adage “time is money” still holds true today with more people finding themselves flowing into an ever-increasing fast-paced society. Thus, it is also important not only to accurately and effectively convey information, but also to do so in a time-conscious way.
Over the past several decades, advancements in computer technology have increased the ability for people to communicate information faster, and in a more condensed and effective fashion. For example, a lecturer speaking from hand-written paper notes and scribbling on a blackboard with chalk has often evolved into elaborate PowerPoint® projection presentations with computer generated outlines and colorful interactive graphs. The ability for a lecturer to click on a button displaying a slide full of information on a projection screen or white board saves an enormous amount of time rather than having to try and clearly write out all of the information by hand. However, this progression in technology does not come without drawbacks.
Computer systems, especially those used for lecturing or interactive instruction, require the need for space-consuming hardware. A typical computer system used for lecturing or interactive instruction often comprises a computer tower, a monitor, a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a projector, and wiring interconnecting each of the hardware devices. Each component of the computer system takes up a considerable amount of space. Additional bulky computer components, such as speakers and additional audio and visual equipment may also be needed. For computer hardware to be used to timely, accurately, and effectively to convey information to other people, the computer hardware needs to be configured properly and arranged in an easy to use, organized fashion. If the computer hardware is not configured or arranged properly, the computer system will be difficult to use and operate, thus negating the purpose of using a computer system to accurately, efficiently, and timely convey information to others.
In addition to being arranged and organized properly, the computer system needs to be securely situated and housed, since the entire system can cost a considerable amount of money. For example, projectors allow information on a computer monitor to be displayed on a visual surface such as a projection screen, white board, or wall. Many times the projector needs to be adjusted vertically so that information being projected by the projector is on a proper viewing area. Impromptu supports, such as books or papers, are often used as wedges to increase or decrease the angle of inclination between the projector and the viewing area in order to reorient the projection area of the projector. These supports render the projector unstable by not providing a solid base for the projector to rest on, and can lead to the projector falling or moving during the lecture, and thus can become damaged or broken. Moreover, the unwitting movement of the projector can cause unnecessary interrupts of the lecture.
Additionally, the other components of the computer system need to be secured at all times. Ideally, each computer system component is detachable from each other and removed after being used. Each component is then stored in a separate, secure holding apparatus until needed again. However, it is extremely impractical to take apart and reinstall an entire computer system each time the system is needed. Thus, a secure holding apparatus to secure each computer component during use and storage is necessary.
In addition to the computer system being securely situated, there are situations when particular parts of the computer system need to be easily adjusted without moving the entire computer system. In the example above, projectors often need to be adjusted so information that is being projected by the projector is on a proper viewing area. In addition to the use of irregular supports to adjust the projector, the apparatus supporting the projector is sometimes moved to adjust the projection angle of the projector. However, there is often not enough room to move the apparatus supporting the projector to an adequate position, or the apparatus itself is relatively immovable. This is especially true in lecture hall situations where space is limited in the lecture area.
Previous devices have been made in an attempt to ease the difficultly of properly configuring and organizing lecture materials, including computer systems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,469 to Liggett discloses an audio-visual equipment station having a podium portion and a projector portion. The podium portion has a planar top surface hinged to the front wall of the podium, allowing the top surface to be pivotably adjustable from a resting position to a nearly vertical position. In addition, the projector support portion of the equipment station includes a base member, which is a lateral extension of the base member of the podium portion.
However, the audio-visual equipment station disclosed in Liggett does not provide the security needed to secure the system when not in use, nor does Liggett disclose a station in which at least one portion of the computer system can be spatially adjusted without moving the entire system.
Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,079 to Charny discloses a stand for a computer monitor and keyboard having two shelves, each of which is attached to a post that attaches to a base. The keyboard shelf is tiltable about the post such that the angle between the keyboard shelf and the post is adjustable. Additionally, both of the posts attached to the keyboard and the monitor shelf are independently extensible, such that the length of each post, and hence the vertical position of each post, can be adjusted independently.
However, the stand disclosed in Charny does not provide the security needed to secure the computer system when not in use, nor does Charny disclose a mobile stand for securing a computer system.
An additional concern of previous apparatuses for storing and adjusting computer systems include the devices and systems used to adjust separate parts of the apparatus housing particular parts of the computer system. In particular, previous apparatuses have employed ratchet or pin-in-hole based systems for adjusting particular components of a computer system. However, these systems are not only difficult to use, but also create a non-fluid, jerky system, which can forcefully jolt and damage the sensitive electronics of computer systems.
In an attempt to remedy these difficult-to-use apparatuses, more fluid mechanical methods have been employed to adjust particular parts of an apparatus housing particular parts of a computer system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,092,474 to Chen discloses a computer desk with a pneumatic elevation control means, which tries to alleviate the problems of previous systems using non-fluid, jerky systems. The pneumatic control means includes an upright square tube raised from a base, a locating ring moved along the upright square tube, and a sleeve moved up and down with the locating ring along the upright square tube and supported on a pneumatic cylinder inside the upright square tube.
However, the computer desk in Chen does provide the security needed to secure the computer system when not in use, nor does Chen provide a storage apparatus for additional computer components.
Accordingly, adjustable and securing apparatuses for storing computer systems were previously unknown in the art. Moreover, apparatuses having the ability to fluidly and spatially adjust at least one computer component while also providing a storage compartment were previously unknown in the art. For these reasons, there remains a need in the art for adjustable and securing apparatuses for storing computer systems, with the ability to fluidly and spatially adjust at least one computer component.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present subject matter relates to pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses combined into one apparatus. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus comprising a pneumatic lift comprising a pneumatic cylinder and an actuation device, a storage compartment comprising at least two side walls and at least one platform or shelf, and a support platform where the pneumatic lift and the storage compartment are adjacently attached to the support platform.
Additionally, the present subject matter relates to a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus comprising a pneumatic lift comprising a pneumatic cylinder, an actuation device, a support column, an interior extension column, a base plate, a support plate, and a top platform, such that the pneumatic cylinder is housed within the support column and the interior extension column can be telescopically adjusted by engaging the pneumatic cylinder with the actuation device, and the top platform is connected to the support plate which is connected to the interior extension column with the base plate connected to a platform, and a storage compartment comprising at least one platform and at least two walls, wherein the pneumatic lift and the storage compartment are adjacently connected by a platform.

BRIEF DISCUSSION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus.
FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of the embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus.
FIG. 2B illustrates another perspective view of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 2D illustrates another perspective view of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view and internal workings of a pneumatic lift of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus.
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventive subject matter relates to pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses. In particular, the present inventive subject matter relates to mobile pneumatic lifts and storage apparatuses combined into one apparatus, with both the pneumatic lift and storage compartment being independently operable.
Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B an embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 is illustrated. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 comprises a pneumatic lift 105 and storage compartment 110 adjacently connected together by a support platform 115 having support bars 116, rails 117, and wheels 120. The pneumatic lift 105 comprises: (i) a base plate 125 which attaches the pneumatic lift 105 to the support platform 115; (ii) a hollow support column 130 which houses a interior extension column 132 (shown in FIGS. 2C and 3) and pneumatic cylinder 217 (shown in FIG. 3); (iii) a locking knob 135 which can lock the interior extension column 132 to a desired vertical height; (iv) a joint seal 137 which is situated at the top of hollow support column 130 and helps stabilize the interior extension column 132; (v) a top platform 140; (vi) a top support plate 145 (shown in FIGS. 2C and 3) having an opening for actuation device 150, with top support plate 145 connected to the top of the interior extension column 132 and bottom of the top platform 140; and (vii) an actuation device 150 (shown in FIGS. 2C and 3) which is connected to pneumatic cylinder 217. The storage compartment 110 comprises: (i) a bottom platform 155 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D and 3-5); (ii) two side walls 160, 165; (iii) a back wall 170; (iv) a front wall 175 having at least one hinge on a side thereof, (v) a top platform 180 which can comprise two hinged panels 185, 190 and a lock 195, (vi) an extendible shelf 200 having dual extension tracks 205 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D), (vii) dual internal support racks 210 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D), and (viii) several removable storage shelves 215 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D).
Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D several views of an embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 are depicted. The embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 depicted in these figures is similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS 1A and 1B, however the storage compartment 110 of this embodiment does not have a front wall 175 having at least one hinge on a side thereof.
The embodiment of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 shows a pneumatic lift 105 having a pneumatic cylinder 217 housed in support column 130 with opposite ends 218 and 219 of the pneumatic cylinder 217 connected to base plate 125 and top support plate 145, respectively. When actuation device 150 actively engages pneumatic cylinder 217, which extends and shortens the pneumatic cylinder 217, interior extension column 132 can be telescopically adjusted such that the vertical height of top platform 140 can be raised and lowered as interior extension column 132 is extended and shortened within support column 130. Joint seal 137 is situated at the top of hollow support column 130 and helps stabilize interior extension column 132 when the column 132 is extended and shortened.
FIGS. 4 and 5 both illustrate additional embodiments of a pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100. The support platform 115 in both FIGS. 4 and 5 comprises an extended bottom platform 155 of storage compartment 110, dual rails 117, and wheels 120. Additional support rails can be connected on the underside of bottom platform 155, to help stabilize the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100.
The support platform 115 as depicted in FIG. 1A, FIGS. 2A-2D, and FIG. 3 can mainly used to support the pneumatic lift 105 and storage compartment 110, and connects the pneumatic lift 105 and storage compartment 110 into a single apparatus. Since the support platform 115 only needs to attach the pneumatic lift 105 and the storage compartment 110 into a single apparatus, the support platform 115 can be constructed in many ways, all of which are encompassed by this disclosure. In several embodiments, the support platform 115 also comprises wheels 120 or other mobility devices, so that the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 is mobile.
An embodiment of a support platform 115 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, which comprises an H-shape platform with the center support comprising two parallel support bars 116. Each distal end of the two parallel support bars 116 is connected centrally to a perpendicular rail 117 on opposite ends of the support bars 116. On each perpendicular rail 117, a pair of wheels 120 are attached near each end. However, in another embodiment, the support platform 115 can comprise a single planar support platform with dual end bars attached to opposite ends, and a pair of wheels attached near each end of each end bar. Additionally, in yet another embodiment, the support platform 115 can comprise an extended bottom platform 155 of storage compartment 110, with at least two, and preferably at least three, wheels attached to opposite ends of the bottom platform 155, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The support platform 115 can be any shape, and comprise any number of constituents, so long as it attaches to both the pneumatic lift 105 and storage compartment 110 to form a single apparatus.
The pneumatic lift 105 as depicted in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A-2D, and 3-5 can mainly used to vertical adjust (i.e. raise and lower) objects resting on top of the lift 105. In an embodiment, a computer system or a computer system component is located on top of the pneumatic lift 105; however, as one skilled in the art can appreciate, the current disclosure is not limited to what is placed on top of the pneumatic lift 105. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a pneumatic cylinder 217 and actuation device 150 are used to vertically adjust the pneumatic lift 105 as shown in FIG. 3. In an alternative embodiment, lift 105 can comprise a hydraulic cylinder in lieu of, or in addition to, the pneumatic cylinder 217 with complementary adjusting devices, which are well known in the art.
Support column 130 houses pneumatic cylinder 217 and interior extension column 132, which extends and shortens when pneumatic cylinder 217 is extended and shortened by engaging actuation device 150. Support column 130 is generally hollow to allow for the telescopic action of interior extension column 132. The support column 130 and interior extension column 132 can be any shape and size. In an embodiment the support column 130 can be about 6 inches to about 4.5 feet in length, and interior extension column 132 can be about 6 inches to about 4.5 feet in length. Additionally, support column 130 and interior extension column 132 can be construction of any material, including but not limited to a polymer, a plastic, a metal, an alloy, a composite, or combinations thereof.
Joint seal 137 can be used to help stabilize interior extension column 132 by helping reduce torsion and non-vertical movement of the interior extension column 132 when actuation device 150 actively engages pneumatic cylinder 217, thus extending and shortening the pneumatic cylinder 217, which raises and lowers top platform 140. Joint seal 137 generally has an outer peripheral edge and hollow center, which allows interior extension column 132 to fit snugly therein and freely move vertically, while also comprising an internal lip which fits snugly against the top inner wall of support column 130. The snug fit of extension column 132 in the hollow center of joint seal 137 reduces torsion and non-vertical movement, while not impeding vertical movement of the extension column 132. Joint seal 137 can be constructed of any number of materials, including but not limited to, a polymer, an elastomer, a plastic, a metal, an alloy, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment the joint seal 137 is constructed from a thermoset polymer. In another embodiment joint seal 137 is constructed from a thermoplastic polymer. In yet another embodiment, joint seal 137 is constructed from an elastomer, such as but not limited to, a silicon containing elastomer.
Locking knob 135 can be used to lock the interior extension column 132 at a desired vertical height. Locking knob 135 can be constructed in many different ways, and can utilize several different methods for locking the interior extension column 132 at a desired vertical height. In an embodiment, locking knob 135 can have an external gripping area, with an elongated central interior rod. The external gripping area can be any size and shape, and can be constructed of any number of materials, including but not limited to, a polymer, an elastomer, a plastic, a metal, an alloy, or combinations thereof. In an embodiment the external gripping area is constructed from a thermoset polymer. The elongated central interior rod can be a rod-type construction, or the elongated central interior rod can be a screw-type construction. If the elongated central interior rod strictly has a rod-type construction, the elongated central interior rod engages the interior extension column 132 by way of a pin-in-hole system, whereby the elongated central interior rod engages holes spaced along the length of interior extension column 132 to lock the interior extension column 132 at pre-determined vertical heights. On the other hand, if the elongated central interior rod has a screw-type construction, the elongated central interior rod engages the interior extension column 132 as a friction system, whereby the elongated central interior rod engages the interior extension column 132 at any point along the length of the column 132, and forcefully prevents the interior column 132 from vertically moving by applying frictional force substantially perpendicular to interior column 132.
Top platform 140 can be used to support materials, including but not limited to, computer systems and computer system components. In an embodiment, top platform 140 can be a horizontal and generally planar surface. However, top platform 140 can also be constructed to have additional constituents located on top of, or around, platform 140. In an alternative embodiment, top platform 140 can be constructed to form a lectern in which top platform 140 has two side panels and a top adjustable panel attached to the top of top platform 140. A non-limiting example of such a set up is taught by U.S. Pat. No. 6,883,439, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In another alternative embodiment, top platform 140 can be divided into sections to support or house different materials or components. Top platform 140 can have any size and shape, and can be constructed of any material including, without limitation, a polymer, a plastic, an elastomer, a metal, an alloy, a cellulose-containing material, such as wood, a composite, and combinations thereof.
Embodiments of the storage compartment 110 of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 can be constructed in a multitude of different ways. Generally, the storage compartment 110 will have the ability to temporarily and/or permanently store materials, including computer systems and computer systems components. The ability to temporarily store materials includes safely supporting the materials while in use, so that the materials do not move unwittingly. The ability to permanently store materials includes the ability to temporarily store materials, and in addition includes safely supporting materials while the materials are not in use and preventing unauthorized or unwanted use of the materials.
The storage compartment 110 generally requires at least two walls and at least one platform or shelf. However, as shown in the non-limiting embodiments of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A-2D, and 3-5, the storage compartment 110 can comprise a bottom platform 155, two side walls 160, 165, a back wall 170, a front wall 175 having at least one hinge on a side thereof, a top platform 180, an extendible shelf 200 having dual extension tracks 205, dual internal support racks 210, and several removable storage shelves 215.
Front wall 175 having at least one hinge on a side thereof of storage compartment 110 can comprise a lock 195, which provides additional security to storage compartment 110, a door knob 198, and up to about three hinges, with preferably about two hinges being located on the upper and lower peripheral edge of the front wall 175. The hinge(s) of the front wall 175 can be uni-axial, bi-axial, or a combination of both. Hafele's Aximat SM with exposed axle bi-axial hinge is a non-limiting example of a bi-axial hinge useful in the present subject matter. Additionally, door knob 198 can be constructed of any suitable material including a metal, an alloy, a plastic, or a polymer. In a particular embodiment, the door knob 198 is constructed from a metal.
In an embodiment of the storage compartment 110, bi-axial hinge(s) are used to connect the front wall 175 to side wall 160. The bi-axial hinge(s) allow for a greater range of motion, which allow front wall 175 to swing about 270° from a resting position to a completely open position. Additionally, a magnet 199 can be located on the outer surface of side wall 160, such that when front wall 175 is in a completely open position the door knob 198 can interact with magnet 199 thereby temporarily holding the front wall 175 in the completely open position. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the hinged front wall 175 can be optional.
Top platform 180 of storage compartment 110 can be constructed as a single panel or can comprise several panels joined by a hinge. As a non-limiting example in an embodiment, top platform 180 can comprise a hinged panel 185 joined to hinge panel 190 by a uni-axial hinge. Hinged panel 185 can lie flat with hinged panel 190 to form a planar surface, or hinged panel 185 can be raised up such that hinged panel 185 is at an angle with hinged panel 190, with a support rod maintaining the inclination angle of hinged panel 185. Hinged panel 185 can have a range of motion of about 0° when hinged panel 185 is lying flat, creating a planar surface with hinged panel 190, to about 90° when hinged panel 185 is about perpendicular to hinged panel 190. Additionally, hinged panel 185 can have an opening there through allowing access inside storage compartment 110 while lying substantially planar with hinged panel 190. Moreover, hinged panel 185 can comprise a lock 195, thus preventing hinged panel 185 from adjusting to a substantially non-planar position.
Extendible shelf 200 of storage compartment 110 is attached to dual extension tracks 205 located within storage compartment 110. Dual extension tracks 205 allow extendible shelf 200 to maneuver in and project out of storage compartment 110. Dual extension tracks 205 can comprise an extension base, an intermediate arm, and a mounting arm. Each extension base of each extension track 205 is connected to the inside wall of both side walls 160 and 165 of storage compartment 110, while each mounting arm is connected to opposite sides of extendible shelf 200. Extension base, intermediate arm, and mounting arm act telescopically, thus extending extendible shelf 200 out of storage compartment 110, while also being able to contract, thereby pulling extendible shelf 200 back into storage compartment 110.
Storage compartment 110 also can comprise dual racks 210 and storage shelves 215. Dual racks 210 can be connected to the inside wall of each side wall 160 and 165 and can be used to support additional shelves or material. Storage shelves 215 are located within storage compartment 110, and can be adjustable or non-adjustable, and removable or non-removable. If storage shelves 215 are adjustable and/or removable, storage shelves 215 can be supported by dowels, or similar supports, with the dowels or similar supports connected to the inside wall of each side wall 160 and 165.
All constituents of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 discloses herein, if not previously disclosed, can be constructed of any number of materials, including but not limited to a plastic, a polymer, an elastomer, a metal, an alloy, a cellulose-containing material, such as but not limited to wood, a composite, or combinations thereof.
Additionally, all constituents of the pneumatic lift and storage apparatus 100 disclosed herein can be connected or attached as described with mechanical devices or chemical substances well known in the art, including but not limited to, screws, nails, bolts, clips, anchors, dowels, clamps, adhesives, bonding agents, and combinations thereof. Moreover, accessories used to enhance the effectiveness of the mechanical devices and chemical substances well known in the art, including but not limited to, washers, brackets, covers, etching substances, and combinations thereof are incorporated herein.
The present invention has been described with respect to preferred selected embodiments, and several alternative embodiments thereof. However, other embodiments would be equivalent and/or obvious to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pneumatic lift and storage apparatus comprising:

a pneumatic lift comprising a pneumatic cylinder and an actuation device;

a storage compartment comprising at least two side walls and at least one platform or shelf; and

a support platform where said pneumatic lift and said storage compartment are adjacently attached to said support platform.

2. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pneumatic lift further comprises a support column housing said pneumatic cylinder.

3. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pneumatic lift further comprises an interior extension column.

4. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pneumatic lift further comprises a top platform.

5. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pneumatic lift further comprises a locking knob.

6. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said storage compartment further comprises a front wall having at least one hinge on a peripheral edge thereof.

7. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said hinge comprises at least one di-axial hinge.

8. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 6, wherein said front wall further has a metal door knob.

9. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said storage compartment further comprises dual extension tracks connected to an extendible shelf.

10. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said storage compartment comprises a magnet connected to an outside surface of at least one side wall.

11. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said support platform comprises a bottom platform of said storage compartment such that said bottom platform adjacent attaches said pneumatic lift and said storage compartment.

12. A pneumatic lift and storage apparatus comprising:

a pneumatic lift comprising:

(i) a pneumatic cylinder,

(ii) an actuation device,

(iii) a support column,

(iv) an interior extension column,

(v) a base plate,

(vi) a support plate, and

(vii) a top platform, such that said pneumatic cylinder is housed within said support column and said interior extension column can be telescopically adjusted by engaging said pneumatic cylinder with said actuation device, and said top platform is connected to said support plate which is connected to said interior extension column with said base plate connected to a platform, and

a storage compartment comprising at least one platform and at least two walls, wherein said pneumatic lift and said storage compartment are adjacently connected by a platform.

13. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pneumatic lift and said storage compartment are adjacently connected by a support platform.

14. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 12, wherein said pneumatic lift and said storage compartment are adjacently connected by a bottom platform of said storage compartment.

15. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 12, wherein said storage compartment comprises a front wall comprising at least one di-axial hinge on a peripheral edge of said front wall.

16. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 15, wherein said front wall further comprises at least one attachment device such that said front wall can be temporarily attached to a wall adjacent to said front wall by said attachment device.

17. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 16, wherein said attachment device comprises at least one knob and at least one magnet.

18. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a top platform.

19. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 18, wherein said top platform comprises two panels having at least one hinge there between connected on at least one peripheral edge of each said panel.

20. The pneumatic lift and storage apparatus of claim 19, wherein at least one of said panels is adjustable such that the angle between said panels can range from about 0 degrees to about 90 degrees.