Abstract:
An under-floor storage system provides extra storage space, and is intended for use in locations where tile floors are normally used, such as in kitchens and in bathrooms. The storage system provides for tiles that are the lids of sub-floor storage containers. In one embodiment, the removed tile lid provides access to the storage compartment. In another embodiment, the lid and the storage compartment are integral in normal configuration, but can be separated once removed from the floor.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to storage. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   People always need more storage. Bathrooms and kitchens are two places where this need is especially great. In such places, people usually use cupboards and storage cabinets. Another, less intrusive kind of storage is needed to replace or supplement storage using cupboards and cabinets. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention is an under-floor storage system where people store items under the floor in boxes that have floor tiles for lids. The storage is under the floor and easy to access but out of the way. Because the lid is or has a floor tile, the additional storage is not unsightly. The floor tile on the lid is at the same level as other floor tiles in the room. The invention is taught below by way of various specific exemplary embodiments explained in detail, and illustrated in the enclosed drawing figures. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
     The drawing figures depict, in simplified form, embodiments reflecting the principles of the invention. Many items and details that will be readily understood by one familiar with this field have been omitted so as to avoid obscuring the invention. In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  shows one exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows another view of the exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a particular embodiment of the invention providing for multiple compartments. 
       FIG. 4  shows another view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which view an underside of a tile is shown. 
       FIG. 5  shows a cutaway view of a tile lid in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  shows a different embodiment of the invention in which the lid and the storage compartment form an integral unit that is separable only after being withdrawn from under a floor. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of an installation above a pre-existing floor. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of an installation of multiple sub-floor storage units. 
       FIG. 9  shows an alternative example of an installation of multiple sub-floor storage units. 
       FIG. 10  shows one view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention having multiple compartments and a connector connecting a divider with the compartment lid. 
       FIG. 11  is a simplified schematic showing cooperation between the connector on the divider and the lid. 
       FIG. 12  is a further schematic showing cooperation between the connector on the divider and the lid. 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional drawing showing how an embodiment is arranged for installation. 
       FIG. 14  is another cross-sectional drawing showing an alternative arrangement for installation. 
       FIG. 15  shows an approach to avoiding problems with liquids. 
       FIG. 16  shows an alternative approach to avoiding problems with liquids. 
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional drawing showing yet another alternative arrangement for installation. 
       FIG. 18  shows an approach to avoiding problems with liquids in the yet another alternative arrangement. 
       FIG. 19  shows one manner in which a compartment lid can engage a compartment. 
       FIG. 20  shows an embodiment in which the compartment lid engages an under floor support member but the compartment does not. 
       FIG. 21  shows the embodiment as in  FIG. 20 , but with the compartment and its lid engaged. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The invention will now be taught using various exemplary embodiments. Although the embodiments are described in detail, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to just these embodiments, and so the appended claims should be consulted to determine the true scope of the invention. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown generally at reference numeral  100  an under-floor storage unit. The under-floor storage unit  100  includes a storage compartment  300  and a compartment lid  400 . Shown also in the figure are under-floor support members  200 . 
   Under-floor support members  200  may be wooden beams, joists, or the like. In many types of construction, such support members are typically provided running along only one direction. This arrangement is sufficient to implement the invention in its various embodiments, but providing support members in two orthogonal directions can advantageously provide stability and support beyond that afforded by support members running in only one direction. For the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding, the under-floor support members  200  are always shown as having members in two orthogonal directions. 
   The storage compartment  300  may advantageously be made of lightweight plastic, but the materials used may be selected based on sound engineering principles to suit the particulars of any situation. For example, if the storage compartment  300  will have to support weight, then a person familiar with this field will be able to select a suitable material with an appropriate thickness. 
   The compartment lid  400  looks like a tile floor on the top, or several floor tiles, but conceals the storage compartment  300 . The floor tile on top of compartment lid  400  is at the same level as any other tiles of the floor into which it is installed. Also, the vertical and horizontal lines of the tiles should be in substantial harmony with the vertical and horizontal lines of the remainder of the tile floor so that the existence of the under-floor storage is somewhat obscured. 
   Turning now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown one example of how a storage compartment  300  can be inserted over the under-floor support members  200 . The storage compartment  300  is provided with a lip  310  that rests above the under-floor support members  200  and keeps the storage compartment  300  from falling through between the under-floor support members  200 . 
     FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the invention in which storage compartment  300  is a subdivided storage compartment. The subdivided storage compartment  300  is provided with one or more dividers  305 . In one embodiment, the dividers  305  are integral with the storage compartment  300 , but it is also foreseen that dividers  305  can be added to the storage compartment  300  as an optional feature. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , there is shown an underside of the compartment lid  400 . In this embodiment, the underside of the compartment lid  400  has an engaging protrusion  405  that snugly engages the interior of storage compartment  300 . In this embodiment, the compartment lid  400  is not attached to storage compartment  300 , but is held in place by the snug fitting of the engaging protrusion  405  with the interior of storage compartment  300 . 
   In such an embodiment, some manner of removing the compartment lid  400  is necessary. One approach, not shown, is to provide a recess in the top of the compartment lid  400  wherein a finger or some lifting device may be inserted. This approach has the disadvantage of looking different from other parts of the floor that have tiles without such recesses. 
   Another approach to remove the compartment lid  400  in this embodiment is to use a suction device, such as a suction cup on a handle, to lift the lid. This kind of system avoids the need for a recess, but restricts the upper surface of the compartment lid  400  to a relatively smooth surface. Since the intended use for the invention, in many instances, is to provide under-floor storage units in a kitchen or bathroom, where the under-floor storage units can be concealed by being made to appear as tiles, the restriction to a smooth surface on top is not a great disadvantage. 
   Yet another approach to removing the compartment lid  400  is shown in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , reference numeral  510  refers to an embedded metal plate. Embedded metal plate  510  is made of iron or any material that can be attracted by a magnet. To remove the compartment lid  400  from the storage compartment  300 , the user places a magnet above the embedded metal plate  510 , thereby enabling the compartment lid  400  to be lifted at least enough to permit the user to engage the edges of the compartment lid  400  with their fingers or the like. 
   In  FIG. 6 , the illustrated under-floor storage unit  100  is of the preferred type in which the storage compartment  300  is attached to the compartment lid  400 . The under-floor storage unit  100  according to this embodiment has the important advantage that, when lifted, the contents of storage compartment  300  do not remain below floor level. In embodiments such as that shown in  FIG. 4 , where the compartment lid  400  and storage compartment  300  are not attached to each other, it is necessary to stoop very low to reach the contents of storage compartment  300  after compartment lid  400  is removed. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , however, when the under-floor storage unit  100  is removed upward, the storage compartment  300  comes upward as well. The user can then detach the compartment lid  400  from the storage compartment  300  at a convenient working height, and likewise access the contents of storage compartment  300  without any further stooping. 
   In  FIG. 6 , although it is not shown, the lip  310  of storage compartment  300  is of the type that rests on under-floor support members  200 . 
     FIG. 7  illustrates the manner in which under-floor storage unit  100  can be used in a kind of installation built upon an already existing floor. This type of installation might be appropriate where it would not look unusual to have a floor that is a step-up from other rooms. Another situation in which this type of installation might be appropriate is when under-floor storage unit  100  is desired in a room that has a concrete floor such as a basement or the like. 
     FIG. 8  shows the use of under-floor storage unit  100  in an installation that provides for maximum storage. Substantially every possible place where an under-floor storage unit  100  can be inserted is used. 
     FIG. 9  shows that it is possible to use a combination of normal flooring and under-floor storage units  100 . 
     FIG. 10  shows one manner in which storage compartment  300  may be attached to compartment lid  400 . In  FIG. 10 , key-shaped protrusion  307  is disposed on dividers  305 . Disposed in compartment lid  400  is key-accepting recess  407 . The key-accepting recess  407  is adapted to receive key-shaped protrusion  307  in a manner shown in  FIG. 11  (see also  407 ′ which indicates a position of key-shaped protrusion  307  within compartment lid  400  after the key-shaped protrusion  307  is received into key-accepting recess  407 ). 
   To insert the key-shaped protrusion  307  into the key-accepting recess  407 , the compartment lid  400  is rotated with respect to storage compartment  300 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
   After key-shaped protrusion  307  is fitted into key-accepting recess  407  and has been allowed to slide upward within compartment lid  400 , then compartment lid  400  is rotated with respect to storage compartment  300 . Certain projecting portions of key-shaped protrusion  307  thereafter prevent key-shaped protrusion  307  from exiting key-accepting recess  407 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
   Turning now to  FIG. 13 , there is shown an embodiment of the invention in cross section. This embodiment is similar to that of  FIG. 4 , in which the compartment lid  400  is not attached to the storage compartment  300 . In  FIG. 13 , compartment lid  400  has a floor tile  410  and some real or simulated grout  415 . The lip  310  is shown resting directly upon under-floor support members  200 . 
     FIG. 14  is similar to  FIG. 13 , except for the presence of under-floor leveling member  205 . The purpose of under-floor leveling member  205  is to raise the height of the top of floor tile  410  so that it is at the same height of other tiles that are not mounted on under-floor storage units. This might be frequently necessary in the case in which existing floors are retrofitted with under-floor storage units. The under-floor leveling member  205  may, for example, be the same height as a subfloor layer. 
   In embodiments described above, the lip  310  extended away from storage compartment  300  to a point that was coextensive with the end of compartment lid  400 . In  FIG. 15 , an embodiment is shown in which the lip  310  extends away from storage compartment  300  but not as far as the end of compartment lid  400 . In the space that is between adjacent instances of lip  310 , there are provided troughs  325  for catching liquid. The purpose of troughs  325  is to catch any liquid that might slip down through gaps that are around storage units. In  FIG. 15 , the troughs  325  are shown in an arrangement in which adjacent troughs abut and push against each other. 
   In  FIG. 16 , the troughs  325  are shown in an arrangement in which adjacent troughs overlap, providing improved opportunities for catching liquid. According to this embodiment, the troughs have an overall width that extends beyond the end of the compartment lid  400 . Thus, in  FIG. 16 , the troughs extend furthest from the storage compartment  300 , the end of the compartment lid  400  is next furthest, and the lip  310  extends the least from the storage compartment  300 . 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 17 , the under-floor leveling member  205  is rendered unnecessary because the thickness of compartment lid  400  is set so as to take into account the thickness of a subfloor layer. 
     FIG. 18  is similar to  FIG. 17 , but shows the use of troughs  325 . 
     FIG. 19  shows one simple manner in which compartment lid  400  may be attached to storage compartment  300  by way of ridges  330  and  430  which are made of flexible but resilient plastic, in the manner of popular plastic food containers. 
   The embodiments above are all based on the idea that the storage compartment  300  should be as large as possible and therefore lip  310  was provided so that the lip  310  could rest on the under-floor support members  200  or under-floor leveling member  205 . In  FIG. 20 , however, the storage compartment  300  is smaller than the compartment lid  400 , and therefore the lip of storage compartment  300  will not reach under-floor support members  200 . In  FIG. 20  the underside  450  of compartment lid  400  rests upon under-floor support members  200  or under-floor leveling member  205 . It is also possible to have floor tile  410  rest upon under-floor support members  200  or under-floor leveling member  205 . 
   The storage compartment  300  thus is attached to underside  450  of compartment lid  400 . 
     FIG. 21  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 20 , but with storage compartment  300  attached to underside  450  of compartment lid  400 . The storage compartment  300  may be so attached in several ways, including by use of the key-shaped protrusion  307  and key-accepting recess  407 . 
   Many variations to the above-identified embodiments are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Possible variations have been presented throughout the foregoing discussion. 
   Combinations and subcombinations of the various embodiments described above will occur to those familiar with this field, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.