Patent US 6,202,359

A storage system for a building such as a house. Specially sized containers are kept in the unused space under the raised floor of a building. An opening in the floor provides access, and is closeable by a cover. A translation means supports the containers, and moves them from exactly under the opening to a space for stowage. The preferred translation means includes a rail system supporting a train of serially coupled wagons. Each wagon has a guard sized to receive matingly one container. The train is moveable to align one of the wagons with the floor opening, for access of its container. A dust cover protects the contents. Being transparent, the cover allows quick inspection of the contents. A jack includes moving arms that push the container upwards through an opening in the wagon, and then also through the floor opening. The rail system includes rails that are closed loop, and are either attached to the underside of the floor, or supported by the grade. A drive moves the train by engaging at least one of the wagons. The system can be retrofitted in an existing building, or can be installed with a new building.