Abstract:
An under-bed storage box comprises a shallow (3″-10″) lower portion such as a bin, open-top box, tub or tray, which is covered or coverable by a shallow complementary shaped lid having a perimeter which comes down around the upper rim outside the lower portion, and the lower portion has connecting means, like docks, eyelets, slots, etc. for securely receiving and holding attachment means, like cable ties, wires, tabs, twist ties.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to storage boxes and more particularly to storage boxes dimensioned for sliding into the space under beds and dressers. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Under-bed shoe and sweater storage boxes having matching lids are well known in the art. Such storage containers are commonly molded from thermoplastics and are sized to in the area between the floor and the bottom surface of a bed. 
         [0003]    The under-bed storage boxes known in the art are large, usually rectangular containers, which take up a significant amount of area underneath a bed. However, the large size of these prior art containers contribute to several undesirable consequences. 
         [0004]    In a retail store, a rather significant amount of shelf space is required to accommodate these containers. This limits the retail possibilities for large containers. In addition, large containers are expensive to ship and store. 
         [0005]    Large containers also are often impractical for use in homes. Large containers are cumbersome and cannot easily be slid in and out from underneath a bed. Many containers are provided with wheels to help facilitate movement thereof. On the other hand, smaller containers, which are easier to handle, may be difficult to reach from under a bed. They also are difficult to organize. 
         [0006]    There is therefore a need for under-bed storage containers that are of manageable dimensions and thus easily accommodated on a retail shelf. There also is a need for easily accessible containers that can be conveniently organized underneath a bed or dresser. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    These and other advantages are achieved with interconnecting storage boxes that are adapted for use beneath a bed or dresser. Each storage box of the invention is smaller than prior art containers and they also are nestable to maximize shelf and shipping efficiency. The terms “container,” “storage box,” “bin” and “box” are used interchangeably herein. 
         [0008]    The containers, which are sized to fit underneath a bed, are each adapted to removably attach to a corresponding container. Two or more containers could be connected to form a “train” of containers. In this manner, small containers can be neatly arranged underneath a bed and because containers are connected to one another, deeper placed containers can be removed by pulling the outer one. This allows for the easy removal of otherwise difficult to access containers. It also maximizes the use of space beneath a bed or dresser. In addition, because virtually any number of containers could be assembled into a “train,” the container system could be adapted and customized according to user&#39;s preference. Thus, a user could attach several containers in accordance with the length and/or width of his/her bed or dresser. 
         [0009]    Storage boxes constructed in accordance with the present invention are nestable, i.e. the walls are angled outwards as they rise from the floor of the box. Preferably, they awe substantially square, rectangular or have some polygonal shape, as viewed from the top looking down, that permits at least a side of one box to be arranged substantially parallel to a complementary side of an adjacent box. Storage boxes also are provided with a dust cover, lid, or have an integral cover, which overlaps the outer edges to prevent contents from getting dirty or dusty. 
         [0010]    The storage boxes have an attachment mechanism on at least two positions on/in their wall(s), which permit them to be attached laterally to the opposing and complementary attachment mechanism of an adjacent neighboring box or boxes. Importantly, the attachment mechanisms are positioned, shaped or otherwise adapted to not interfere with the ability of the user to firmly close the lid or cover. Thus, the attachment mechanism is preferably not attached right at the top of the walls. Additionally, some lateral space between the boxes upper rims are maintained, sufficient to permit two covers, each having a downward projecting edge-overlapping lip with some thickness, to be placed onto the attached boxes upper rims. 
         [0011]    The attachment mechanism comprises a coupling means such as hooks, or any male/female coupler device. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1   a  is a perspective view of two interconnected lower portions of low-profile storage boxes in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1   b  is a bottom plan view of two interconnected lower portions of the low-profile storage boxes shown in  FIG. 1   a , above; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1   c  is a cross-sectional view of a single lower portion of the low-profile storage boxes shown in  FIGS. 1   a  and  1   b , above; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1   b  is a cross-sectional view of a pair of stacked and nested lower portions of the low-profile storage boxes shown in  FIG. 1   a , above; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2   a - c  are elevation views of attachment ties, for laterally connecting exemplary embodiments of covered or coverable storage boxes, such as those shown in the Figures below; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3   a  is a perspective view of a single lower portion of a low-profile storage boxes constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3   b  is a perspective view taken from the front of two interconnected low profile storage boxes as shown in  FIG. 3   a;    
           [0020]      FIG. 3   c  shows a perspective view taken from below the pair of interconnected low profile storage boxes shown in  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b;    
           [0021]      FIG. 3   d  shows a perspective view of two interconnected low profile storage boxes, one of which is shown partially covered; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3   e  shows a semi-transparent version of the perspective view of two interconnected low profile storage boxes, one of which is shown partially covered, seen in  FIG. 3   d ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 3   f  shows a perspective view of two, nearly nested, low profile storage boxes of the type shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   e , above. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of structure in each of the several figures. It should be noted that these drawings are merely exemplary in nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims appearing herein below. 
         [0025]    The present invention comprises storage boxes sized and dimensioned for receiving bulky items such as sweaters, blankets, shoes, etc. and having a height suitable for sliding the covered box under a bed or dresser. In one simple and highly economical form, seen in  FIGS. 1   a - 1   e , each box  20  is provided with outer surface projections  22 , sized, shaped and positioned to releasably engage its counterparts on an adjacent box. The outer surface projections  22  act as releasable hooks, which catch one another when the boxes are positioned end-to-end and pushed gently together. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1   b , hooks  22   a  are disposed at one end of each box with their open sides facing inwardly towards one another. Hooks  22   b  at the other end are positioned with their open sides facing outwardly away from one another. The distance (dotted line  18 ) between these outward facing hooks  22   b  is slightly less than the distance (dotted line  19 ) between the inward facing hooks  22   a , such that the outward hooks  22   b  are slightly compressed when inserted between the inward facing hooks  22   a , until the boxes are fully seated, with only enough space between them to permit a lid to be fully lowered onto the top of each box without the lids outer boundaries interfering with either one another or the hooks below. 
         [0026]    In order to connect corresponding containers, two containers are aligned such that a pair of hooks on one box is situated roughly opposite of opposing hooks on another box. When opposing pressure is exerted on each of the boxes, the hooks  22   b  that are spaced closer together (dotted line  18 ) ale forced into cooperation with hooks  22   a , which are spaced wider apart (dotted line  19 ) than hooks  22   b.    
         [0027]    As shown, in an embodiment of the invention, connecting means (such as, but not limited to, hooks) are provided on at least two opposing walls. Each of the connecting means is adapted to selectively connect to a corresponding container. As such, a container could act a link for connecting at least three containers. 
         [0028]    It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the orientation of the hooks could be reversed. It will be further understood, that any type of hook and eye, hook and lock or any other type of male/female mechanism can be employed for connecting containers in accordance with the invention. For example, snaps, belts, Velcro, or any other interlocking mechanism could be used. 
         [0029]    In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 3   a - 3   f , each box is provided with receiving eyelets  24  in the sidewalls  26 . The receiving eyelets  24  are positioned at a position low enough on the sidewalls  26  so that a cover or lid placed on the box will not be prevented from being settled in place on the box when boxes are interconnected. Referring to  FIG. 3   b , boxes  20  are placed side by side with at least one or more receiving eyelets  24  on one box lining up with at least one or more receiving eyelets on one or more adjacent boxes. One end or part of a connecting tie  28  is passed through an eyelet or eyelets on a first box and extends laterally outward to and through one or more eyelets in an adjacent box. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that connecting devices could comprise, but are not limited to cable ties, double-headed arrows, string, wire and the like—any of which can be passed through eyelets  24 . In some embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 2 , connecting devices may comprise a connector ( FIG. 2   a ) having nubs  30  or stoppers at either end. In use, stopper  30  is forced through eyelet  24  of one box  20  and though the eyelet  24  of a corresponding box  20   FIGS. 2   b  and  2   c  show other configurations of connecting ties, which can be secured in each box, reversibly or irreversibly. The connecting ties  28  have a length, selected to permit them to be secured in place, and still maintain some space between the boxes as necessary to position the lids fully seated on the lid rims and preferably with the lid edges within an inch or less or even butting up one against the other. 
         [0030]    With the boxes thus interconnected, it is possible to string together a chain or group of storage boxes and be able to remove or slide into position under a bed or dresser or other elevated object the entire chain or group by simply grasping and pulling/pushing on the front-most box or boxes. 
         [0031]    Another exemplary embodiment could have bins with rim edges with downward projections shaped to overlap complementary projections on the other side of a neighboring bin. 
         [0032]    In another exemplary embodiment, the ties could be cutouts that are formed in the sidewall of the lower bin and, which when folded out, are long enough to reach a slot or other receiving mechanism in an adjacent box. 
         [0033]    With reference to  FIGS. 3   b  and  3   c , two low profile storage boxes  20  are shown having an exemplary embodiment of integrated connecting ties  28 . The ties are provided on locations on the outer wall surfaces  26  of the storage box at positions complimentary to receiving eyelets  24  in the walls  26  of an adjacent, identical storage boxes  20 . By placing the identical storage boxes  20  adjacent to one another, connecting ties  28  are aligned and paired with complementary receiving eyelets  24 . When brought into close proximity with one another, the connecting ties from one box can be inserted and locked into the receiving eyelets  24  of its neighbor. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 3   d , an exemplary embodiment of connecting boxes is shown, whereby two containers having different dimensions are coupled together. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that containers of diverse dimensions could be connected as long as corresponding parts of an interlocking mechanism on each of two containers are cooperatively aligned. Moreover, boxes could be attached in a width to width or length to length orientation. In a preferred embodiment individual containers are roughly 15″ by 16″ and are roughly 5.5″ high. 
         [0035]    In determining the placement for whichever of the connection methods one adopts, care must be made to ensure that the connecting ties, hooks or other interlocking mechanisms are positioned at a point below where the rim of the lid would extend. For example, a lid having a depth of one inch would necessitate that the connecting ties extend axially from a point on the outer wall surfaces at a height at least one inch below the upper edge of the walls. Additionally, the connecting ties must extend axially from the box wall a distance sufficiently great to be able to engage the complementary connecting tie or receiving eyelet extending from the adjacent box. 
         [0036]    For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3   d , a lid  30  is shown, which covers container  20 . The lip  32  of lid  30  extends no more than the distance between the top of a container and the connection mechanism. 
         [0037]    It is intended that the appended claims cover all such features and advantages of the invention that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. As numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the limited number of embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.