Replies

1. 
   DavidThomas | Sep 16, 2002 05:42am | #1

   On a very small scale, Sharper Image (or some outfit like that) has a little mechanical conveyor belt for men's ties. On a larger scale, what comes to mind is the system that dry cleaners use to rotate clothes around to a single point. Wouldn't even have to be motorized for seasonal use, just geared down to a handle.

   David Thomas   Overlooking Cook Inlet in Kenai, Alaska
2. 
   4Lorn1 | Sep 16, 2002 11:49am | #2

   Hmm. interesting question. I can't say that I have seen anything that exactly fits the bill.

   Just off the top of my head I'm thinking something along the lines of a 10' rolling ladder on a track along the shelves going the long way. Then arrange shelves every foot or so above the clothes hanger bar/s around the entire perimeter of the closet and up to the ceiling.

   At 5' width I would think that having the rail 18" off the wall that shelves along both walls would be accessable from the ladder. No need to move the ladder to the oposite wall. Maybe make some compartments for shoes and hats. Maybe a hanger bar near the ceiling for seldom used coats, etc.

   If cost is not too much of an issue there are some mighty nice rolling ladders made for libraries in larger houses. When installed with a brass rail for the rollers and with some brass touches It looks very nice.

3. 
   Piffin | Sep 16, 2002 01:51pm | #3

   instead of a ladder to get up to the clothes, I was thinking about some sort of track to bring the upper closet pole down to normal level, probably motorized.

   I've seen ads for Autolift or some such thing/name that lifts a TV up out of a cabinet with similar gearing, maybe it can be adapted.

   Excellence is its own reward!
4. 
   aimless | Sep 16, 2002 08:56pm | #4

   Never seen anything like it, but sounds great. My first thought was a garage door opener with the poles chained together 2.5 feet apart. Not sure if the opener would have the oomph to move all those clothes, though - they get pretty heavy.

1. 
   spinnm | Sep 16, 2002 10:14pm | #5

   The professional closet places have hardware that allows the top rod in a double rod closet to be brought down to normal level to retrieve the clothes.  You pull it down with a stick thingey made for the purpose.

   Has a little gas/hydraulic/closer to prevent the whole thing from slamming down on you.

   Shelley in NM

1. 
   r_ignacki | Sep 17, 2002 12:25am | #6

   hang the pole up high,you cant reach it, perhaps you could devise some extentable pole the you use to hang the clothes,simple.no turn left unstoned  

2. 
   Dez | Sep 17, 2002 08:46am | #7

   Thanks to all so far...

   Yeah, the system has to be accessable from the floor. No ladder climbing.  No pike poles to fish out clothes, etc.

   Do you have any good links to closet places that might have hardware for this?

   Thanks again to all!

1. 
   archyII | Sep 19, 2002 01:28am | #8

   How about hanging the rod with cables and pulleys and using an electric winch?  The ends of the rod could slide in a track to stablize it.  Build a false beam to hide the pulleys and winch. 

2. 
   geob21 | Sep 19, 2002 03:03am | #9

   If they have the money to pay for all this designing and engineering ,what are they doing wearing last years clothes?