Modular overhead storage

Abstract

A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.

1 . A storage system comprising: 
 first and second platforms connectable to one another in a first direction;    each of the platforms comprising first and second segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling; and    first and second legs that suspends the first platform.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the first and second platforms has a long end, and the first direction is longitudinal, coupling the platforms at their long ends.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first platform comprises a molded plastic.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first platform has a length and a width, and none of the segments of the first platform comprises more than 40% of the width.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first platform has a length and a width, and none of the segments of the first platform comprises more than 30% of the width.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first and second legs are disposed between the first and second platforms.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first and second legs are disposed on opposite sides of the first platform, and coupled using a first support beam that supports the first platform.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  further comprising a second support beam that supports the second platform, and a user operable coupling that couples the first and second support beams.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the first support beam is longitudinally oriented with respect to the first platform.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the first leg has telescoping components.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a finger operable detent that cooperates with a catch to fix a length of the telescoping components.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10  further comprising a polymeric ring at an end of one of the telescoping components.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the platforms comprises a plurality of metal containing slats.