Handle rack

Abstract

A handle rack (100) includes an oven rack (102) moveable between extended and retracted positions within an oven cavity. In one embodiment, a handle (116) has a rear handle brace (118) interconnected to support members (110) of the oven rack (102). A pair of handle sides (122) are interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear handle brace (118), and extend perpendicularly to the support members (110). The handle (116) also includes a front handle brace (120), being elongated and substantially parallel to the rear handle brace (118). The handle sides (122) are integral with or otherwise interconnected to the front handle brace (120). The handle (116) is provided for purposes of manual manipulation in extending and retracting the oven rack (102) relative to the oven cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/496,885 filed Aug. 20, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFISHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to oven-related products and, more particularly, products in the form of oven racks having handles for manipulating the racks.

2. Background Art

Various types of oven racks are well known in the industry. For example, steel wire oven racks are often manufactured from a steel rod which is drawn, so as to form steel wire. These oven racks formed of steel wire products can be coated with various types of materials. Also, oven racks and other oven-related articles can be manufactured from products other than steel. Of course, any type of oven rack or similar product which is positioned within an oven cavity during use must be capable of withstanding normal cooking temperatures. In addition, for ovens which employ self-cleaning cycles, the oven racks and other oven-related articles located within the oven itself must be capable of being subjected to and withstanding temperatures which substantially exceed normal cooking temperatures. For example, steel wire oven racks may be subjected to temperatures above 900° F. associated with self cleaning cycles, common in today's kitchen ovens.

One difficulty which has existed for a number of years in the industry relates to manual manipulation of oven racks. In many conventional ovens, the oven racks can be positioned at various vertically disposed positions, and be adjustable among the same. With the oven racks positioned as desired at various vertically adjusted locations, the oven racks often “slide” on ribs or roller bearing mechanisms positioned on the lateral sides of the oven cavity. These ribs, roller bearings or “ledges” may be separately manufactured and assembled components from the surfaces of the oven cavity and oven racks or, alternatively, may be integrated into the lateral surfaces of the oven cavity.

Although the oven racks are adapted to slide inwardly and outwardly from the oven cavity, conventional oven racks do not provide any easy means for facilitating such movement by manual manipulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an oven rack is adapted for use with a handle, so as to form, in combination, a handle rack for use in an oven cavity. The oven cavity can include an oven door. The handle rack includes means for supporting the handle rack within the oven cavity. Means are also provided for supporting items to be cooked or otherwise heated within the oven cavity. The handle is secured to the oven rack at a front portion of the rack, positioned adjacent the oven door when the rack is in a normal position for use. The handle is sized and configured so that an opening is formed between a front portion of the handle and a front portion of the oven rack. The opening is of a size sufficient so that a user can readily grip the front portion of the handle, with at least a part of the user's hand extending through the opening. The handle is positioned so that the user can exert forces on the handle, and the oven rack can be extended or retracted relative to the oven cavity, as desired.

The handle can include a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration. The brace can be positioned intermediate sides of the oven rack, and extend partially across the front portion of the oven rack. A pair of handle sides are also provided, with each handle side extending forward of the rear handle brace, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongated rear handle brace. A front handle brace is provided which has an elongated configuration, with a length substantially corresponding to a length of the rear handle brace. The front handle brace is positioned substantially parallel to the rear handle brace. When the user wishes to exert forces on the handle rack so as to extend or retract the handle rack from the oven cavity, the user manually grips the front handle brace and exerts forces in a direction corresponding to a perpendicular direction between the rear handle brace and the front handle brace.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the handle can include a front brace of the oven rack, which acts as a rear brace to the handle. The rear brace of the handle can include an elongated configuration extending the entirety of the length between opposing sides of the oven rack. A pair of opposing side portions, positioned adjacent opposing ends of the rear brace of the handle are also provided, and extend forwardly toward the oven door relative to the rear brace of the handle. A front brace includes an elongated configuration extending between opposing side portions forwardly of the rear brace of the handle. The front brace has a curved and elongated configuration. When the user wishes to manually extend or retract the handle rack relative to the oven cavity, the user may grip the front handle brace and exert forces thereon so as to extend or retract the handle rack relative to the cavity. In a still further aspect of the invention, the handle can include a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration positioned intermediate opposing sides of the oven rack at a front portion thereof. The rear handle brace can extend at least partially across the width of the oven rack. A pair of opposing side portions extend forwardly of the rear handle brace, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated length of the rear handle brace. A front handle brace is provided, which has an elongated and curved configuration, and extends between side portions of the handle. When the user wishes to extend or retract the oven rack relative to the oven cavity, the user may grip the front brace portion and exert pulling or pushing forces, so as to extend or retract the oven rack relative to the oven cavity.

In a still further arrangement of the invention, the handle can include a rear handle brace forming a front brace for the oven rack. The rear handle brace extends across the entirety of the width of the oven rack. A pair of opposing side portions are provided, located adjacent opposing sides of the oven rack. A front handle brace is positioned forwardly of the rear handle brace, and includes an elongated and curved configuration extending between opposing side portions of the handle. The side portions and front handle brace are angled downwardly, relative to the rear handle brace of the handle. When the user wishes to extend or retract the oven rack relative to the cavity, the user can grip the front handle brace and exert pulling or pushing forces thereon, so as to extend or retract the oven rack relative to the cavity.

Still further, the oven rack can include an elongated rear brace positioned adjacent the rear of the oven cavity when the oven rack is in a retracted position within the cavity. A right brace can extend perpendicular to the rear brace, and extend between forward and rear sections of the oven rack. This right brace can essentially act as a support brace for other elements of the oven rack. When the oven rack is placed within the oven cavity, the right brace will rest or otherwise be releasably secured on a rib or other supporting element of the cavity. A left brace can be positioned parallel to the right brace, and interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear brace. The left brace can extend between rear and front portions of the oven rack.

Still further, the oven rack can include a series of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members. The support members act as principal support members of the rack for supporting items to be heated or otherwise cooked within the cavity. Rear ends of the support members are connected to the rear brace by rigid securing means. Still further, the right brace, left brace and support members can have a series of intermediate forms located near rear portions of the braces and support members. The intermediate forms can be connected to or otherwise integral with angled forms. The angled configuration of the angled forms assists in preventing items placed on the support members from falling off of the oven rack over the rear brace.

Still further, the oven rack can include a central brace, extending perpendicular to the right brace and the left brace. The central brace is positioned substantially intermediate from the rear brace and the front brace. The oven rack also includes a front brace having a left portion and a right portion. The left and right portions provide a forward bracing means for the oven rack. Certain of the support members are interconnected to the left portion of the front brace, while certain others of the support members are connected to the right portion of the front brace.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the handle can include a rear handle brace with an elongated configuration, extending parallel to the rear brace and to the central brace. Certain of the support members have one end of each of the same interconnected to the rear handle brace. A pair of handle sides are interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear handle brace, and extend substantially parallel to the support members, and to the right and left braces. A front handle brace is provided, having an elongated configuration and positioned substantially parallel to the rear handle brace. The handle sides are integral with or otherwise connected to the front handle brace. The front handle brace can be integral with the front brace comprising the left and right portions.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the oven rack includes an elongated rear brace positioned adjacent the rear of the oven cavity when the oven rack is in a retracted position. A right brace extends perpendicular to the rear brace, and extends between forward and rear sections of the oven rack. The right brace acts as a support brace for other elements of the oven rack. A left brace is provided which is parallel to the right brace, and interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear brace. The left brace extends between rear and front portions of the oven rack. Parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members are also provided, acting as the principal support members of the oven rack. Intermediate pieces are located near the rear portions of the braces and the support members, and are connected to or otherwise integral with angled forms. The angled forms assist in preventing items placed on the support members from falling off of the rack near the rear brace.

A central brace is provided, which extends perpendicular to the right and left braces. The central brace is positioned intermediate the rear and front brace. The central brace is connected to the support members, and to the right and left braces. A front brace provides a further bracing means for the oven rack, with each of the support members being interconnected at ends thereof to the front brace. The handle can include a curved front portion extending across the entirety of a front portion of the oven rack. The handle includes a single element having a rounded and elongated configuration, providing a means for a user to manually grip a portion of the handle rack, for purposes of extending and retracting the rack. The handle can include a pair of opposing side portions connected to a front portion of the rack, with the side portions being integral with the right brace and left brace, as well as the front section.

The handle can further include a curved front handle brace, with a pair of opposing side portions. The front handle brace has a curved configuration extending across an entirety of a width of the interconnected oven rack. The side portions are interconnected to or otherwise integral with the front handle brace, and/or the left and right side braces of the interconnected oven rack. The side portions and the front handle brace can be angled downwardly. A front brace can be provided, which is positioned rearwardly of the front handle brace, and the front brace provides a bracing and supporting means for interconnected support members of the oven rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an oven rack having a handle in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the oven rack and handle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of an oven rack and handle in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment of the oven rack and handle illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third embodiment of an oven rack and handle in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial side elevational view of the oven rack and handle illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a fourth embodiment of an oven rack and handle in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the oven rack and handle illustrated in FIG. 7,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in three embodiments of oven racks with handles as described herein and illustrated in FIGS. 1-12. The primary concept of the invention relates to the use of a handle which is essentially “integrated” or otherwise connected with a conventional oven rack for purposes of facilitating manual manipulation. Terminology used herein will include references to the “oven rack” and the “handle.” In referring to the combination of the oven rack and the handle, the term “handle rack” will be utilized.

More specifically, and first primarily with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, a handle rack 100 is illustrated in accordance with the invention. The handle rack 100 includes an oven rack 102. The oven rack 102 is in part a substantially conventional oven rack, with the exception of the handle 116 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. The oven rack 102 includes an elongated rear brace 104 which is positioned adjacent the rear of the oven cavity when the oven rack 102 is in its retracted and normal position within the oven cavity (not shown). The rear brace 104 and other components of the oven rack 102 can be manufactured in a conventional manner of steel wire products or the like. Alternatively, other types of materials and structures may be utilized for the rear brace and other components of the oven rack, without departing from the novel concepts of the invention.

Interconnected or otherwise integral with the rear brace 104 is a right brace 106 which extends perpendicular to the rear brace 104. The right brace 106 extends between the forward and the rear sections of the oven rack 102, and essentially acts as a support brace for other elements of the oven rack 102. Also, when the oven rack 102 is placed within the oven cavity, the right brace 106 will typically rest or otherwise be releasably secured on a rib or other conventional element of the oven cavity. Corresponding to the right brace 106, the oven rack 102 also includes a left brace 108. The left brace 108 is parallel to the right brace 106 and is interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear brace 104. As with the right brace 106, the left brace 108 extends between the rear and front portions of the oven rack 102. As with the right brace 106, the left brace 108 rests upon or is otherwise releasably secured to a rib or similar component of the oven cavity (not shown).

Positioned intermediate the right brace 106 and the left brace 108 are a series of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members 110. The support members 110 act as the principal support members of the oven rack 102 for supporting items to be heated and cooked within the oven cavity. The rear ends of the support members 110 are connected to the rear brace 104 by suitable means, such as welding or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the right brace 106, left brace 108 and the support members 110 include a series of intermediate forms 113 located near the rear portions of the braces 106, 108 and support members 110. The intermediate forms 113 are connected to or are otherwise integral with angled forms 111 also shown in FIG. 2. The angled configuration of the forms 111 assist in preventing items placed on the support members 110 from falling off of the oven rack 102 over the rear brace 104.

The oven rack 102 also includes a central brace 112, extending perpendicular to the right brace 106 and the left brace 108. The central brace 112 is also positioned substantially intermediate from the rear brace 104 and the front brace 114. The central brace 112 provides for additional support for items placed on the oven rack 102 for purposes of heating or cooking. The central brace 112 may be connected to the support members 110, right brace 106 and left brace 108 in any conventional manner. For example, welding may be utilized.

In addition to the foregoing, the oven rack 102 also includes a front brace 114. The front brace 114, with reference to the illustration in FIG. 1, includes a left portion 124 and a right portion 126. The front brace 114, comprising left and right portions 124, 126, respectively, provides a forward bracing means for the oven rack 102. As illustrated in FIG. 1, three of the support members 110 are interconnected to the left portion 124 of the front brace 114, while three of the support members 110 are also interconnected to the right portion 126 of the front brace 114.

In accordance with the invention, the handle rack 100 comprises not only the oven rack 102, but also the handle 116. The handle 116 is primarily illustrated in FIG. 1. More specifically, the handle 116 includes a rear handle brace 118 having an elongated configuration as shown in FIG. 1. The rear handle brace 118 extends parallel to the rear brace 104 and the central brace 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the intermediate seven support members 110 have one end of each of the same interconnected to the rear handle brace 118. Interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear handle brace 118 are a pair of handle sides 122. The handle sides 122 extend substantially parallel to the support members 110, right brace 106 and left brace 108. Correspondingly, the handle 116 also includes a front handle brace 120. The front handle brace 120, as illustrated in FIG. 1, is elongated and is positioned substantially parallel to the rear handle brace 118. The handle sides 122 are integral with or otherwise appropriately interconnected to the front handle brace 120. Also, if desired the front handle brace 120 can actually be a brace which is integral with the front brace 114 comprising the left portion 124 and the right portion 126.

With the configuration of the handle rack 100 comprising the oven rack 102 and the handle 116 as described in the foregoing paragraphs, a handle is provided for purposes of manual manipulation in extending and retracting the oven rack 102 from an oven cavity (not shown). More specifically, with the oven rack 102 in a normal position within an oven cavity, the user may open an oven door (not shown). The handle 116 will be adjacent the oven door. For purposes of extending the oven rack 102 out of the oven cavity, the user may manually grip the front handle brace 120, and exert forces in a direction corresponding to the perpendicular direction from rear brace 104 to front handle brace 120. These forces will cause the oven rack 102 to be extended outwardly from the oven cavity.

As primarily illustrated in FIG. 2, the oven rack 102 also includes a pair of bosses 115 which are located within the right brace 106 and the left brace 108. The bosses 115 are conventional in many oven racks, and comprise a means for providing some securing forces when the oven rack is in its conventional position within the oven cavity. That is, the bosses 115 will typically “mate” with corresponding indents located in ribs or ledges on each side surface of the oven cavity. With this type of mating relationship, the user may need to exert partially upwardly directed forces so as to lift the bosses 115 out of the indents when extending the oven rack 102 out of the oven cavity.

In accordance with the foregoing, the handle rack 100 provides not only the oven rack 102, but also provides a handle 116 for facilitating manual movement of the oven rack 102 between extended and retracted positions relative to the oven cavity (not shown). As earlier mentioned, the handle 116 can be utilized to extend the oven rack 102 out of the oven cavity. Correspondingly, a user may manually grip the front handle brace 120 and exert forces rearwardly against the oven rack 102 for purposes of retracting the oven rack 102 into the oven cavity.

In accordance with the foregoing, the handle rack can be characterized as having means for supporting the handle rack within the oven cavity. Means are also provided for supporting items to be cooked or otherwise heated within the oven cavity, and the handle is secured to the oven rack at a front portion of the rack, positioned adjacent the oven door. Also in accordance with the foregoing, the handle is sized and configured so that an opening is formed between a front portion of the handle, and a front portion of the oven rack. In accordance with the foregoing, the opening is of a size sufficient so that a user can readily grip the front portion of the handle, with at least part of the user's hand extending through the opening. The user can then exert forces on the handle, so that the oven rack can be extended from or retracted into the oven cavity. For this purpose, the opening formed between the front handle brace 120 and the rear handle brace 118 should be sufficient so that a user is capable of gripping the front handle brace 120 in a convenient manner, for purposes of extending or retracting the oven rack 102. That is, the opening between the front and rear braces 120, 118 should permit a user's hand to fit therethrough, so as to conveniently grip the brace 120.

A second embodiment of a handle rack in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 as handle rack 200. The handle rack 200 includes an oven rack 202. The oven rack 202 is in part a substantially conventional oven rack, with the exception of the handle 216 as described in subsequent paragraphs herein. As with the oven rack 102, the oven rack 202 includes an elongated rear brace 204 positioned adjacent the rear of the oven cavity when the oven rack 202 is in its retracted and normal position within the oven cavity (not shown).

Interconnected or otherwise integral with the rear brace 204 is a right brace 206 which extends perpendicular to the rear brace 204. The right brace 206 extends between the forward and rear sections of the oven rack 202, and essentially acts as a support brace for other elements of the oven rack 202. Also, when the oven rack 202 is placed within the oven cavity, the right brace 206 will typically rest or otherwise be releasably secured on a rib or other conventional element of the oven cavity. Corresponding to the right brace 206, the oven rack 202 also includes a left brace 208. The left brace 208 is parallel to the right brace 206 and is interconnected or otherwise integral with the rear brace 204. As with the right brace 206, the left brace 208 extends between the rear and front portions of the oven rack 202. As with the right brace 206, the left brace 208 rests upon or is otherwise releasably secured to a rib or similar component of the oven cavity (not shown).

Positioned intermediate the right brace 206 and the left brace 208 are a series of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members 210. The support members 210 act as the principal support members of the oven rack 202 for supporting items to be heated and cooked within the oven cavity. The rear ends of the support members 210 are connected to the rear brace 204 by suitable means, such as welding or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the right brace 206, left brace 208 and the support members 210 include a series of intermediate forms 213 located near the rear portions of the braces 206, 208 and support members 210. The intermediate forms 213 are connected to or are otherwise integral with angled forms 211 also shown in FIG. 4. The angled configuration of the forms 211 assist in preventing items placed on the support members 210 from falling off of the oven rack 202 over the rear brace 204. The oven rack 202 also includes a central brace 212, extending perpendicular to the right brace 206 and the left brace 208. The central brace 212 is also positioned substantially intermediate from the rear brace 204 and the front brace 214. The central brace 212 provides for additional support for items placed on the oven rack 202 for purposes of heating or cooking. The central brace 212 may be connected to the support members 210, right brace 206 and left brace 208 in any conventional manner. For example, welding may be utilized.

In addition to the foregoing, the oven rack 202 also includes a front brace 214. The front brace 214 provides a forward bracing means for the oven rack 202. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the support members 210 is interconnected at ends thereof to the front brace 214.

In accordance with the invention, the handle rack 200 not only comprises the oven rack 202, but also the handle 216. The handle 216 includes a curved front section 230 as primarily shown in FIG. 3. The front section 230 extends across the entirety of the front portion of the oven rack 202. The front section 230 includes a single element having a rounded and elongated configuration, and provides a means for a user to manually grip a portion of the handle rack 200, for purposes of extending and retracting the oven rack 202. Integral with or otherwise connected to the front section 230 are a pair of opposing side portions 232. As illustrated in FIG. 3, and if desired, the side portions 232 can be made integral with the right brace 106 and the left brace 108, as well as the front section 230.

As with the handle rack 100, manual forces may be exerted on the oven rack 202 through the handle 216 for purposes of extending and retracting the oven rack 202 from an oven cavity. Also, as with the oven rack 102 previously described herein and having a pair of bosses 115, the oven rack 202 can also have a pair of bosses 215 having the same functions as the bosses 115.

A third embodiment of a handle rack in accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 as handle rack 300. For purposes of brevity, elements of handle rack 300 which correspond to elements of handle rack 100 are shown by numerical references which correspond to identically structured and identically functional elements numerically referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, in accordance with the third embodiment of the invention, the handle rack 300 comprises not only the oven rack 102 but also the handle 316. More specifically, the handle 316 includes a rear handle brace 318 having an elongated configuration as illustrated in FIG. 5. The rear handle brace 318 extends parallel to the rear brace 104 and the central brace 112. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the intermediate seven support members 110 have one end of each of the same interconnected to the rear handle brace 318. Also, each opposing end of the rear handle brace 318 is preferably interconnected to one of the support members 110, again as illustrated in FIG. 5.

In addition to the foregoing, the oven rack 102 illustrated in FIG. 5 also includes a front brace 314. The front brace 314, with reference to the illustration in FIG. 5, includes a left portion 324 and a right portion 326. The front brace 314, comprising left and right portions 324, 326, respectively, provides a forward bracing means for the oven rack 102. As illustrated in FIG. 5, three of the support members 110 are interconnected to the left portion 324 of the front handle brace 314, while three of the support members 110 are also interconnected to the right portion 326 of the front handle brace 314. The handle rack 300 comprises not only the oven rack 102, but also the handle 316. The handle 316 is primarily illustrated in FIG. 5. More specifically, the handle 316 includes the rear handle brace 318 previously described herein. Also, the handle 316 includes a front handle brace 320. The front handle brace 320, as illustrated in FIG. 5, is elongated and is positioned in a manner so as to have a curved configuration. In addition, as illustrated primarily in FIG. 6, the front handle brace 320 may be angled downwardly. If desired, the front handle brace 320 can actually be a brace which is integral with the front brace 314 comprising the left portion 324 and the right portion 326.

With the configuration of the handle rack 300 comprising the oven rack 102 and the handle 316 as described in the foregoing paragraphs, a handle is provided for purposes of manual manipulation and extending and retracting the oven rack 102 from an oven cavity (not shown). More specifically, with the oven rack 102 in a normal position within an oven cavity, the user may open an oven door (not shown). The handle 316 will be adjacent the oven door. For purposes of extending the oven rack 102 out of the oven cavity, the user may manually grip the front handle brace 320, and exert forces in a direction corresponding to the perpendicular direction from rear brace 104 to front handle brace 320. These forces will cause the oven rack 102 to be extended outwardly from the oven cavity. Correspondingly, a user may manually grip the front handle brace 320 and exert forces rearwardly against the oven rack 102 for purposes of retracting the oven rack 102 into the oven cavity.

A fourth embodiment of a handle in accordance with the invention is illustrated as handle 400 in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this configuration, the handle 400 includes a curved front handle brace 402 having side portions 404, 406. The front handle brace 402 has a curved configuration that extends across the entirety of the width of an interconnected oven rack (not shown). The side portions 404, 406 may be interconnected to or otherwise integral with the front handle brace 402 and/or left and right side braces of the interconnected oven rack. Also, the side portions 404, 406 and the front handle brace 402 may be angled downwardly as illustrated in FIG. 8. Still further, the handle 400 may include a front brace 408 positioned rearwardly of the front handle brace 402. The front brace 408 may provide a bracing and supporting means for interconnected support members of the oven rack (not shown).

A fifth embodiment of a handle in accordance with the invention is illustrated as handle rack 500 in FIGS. 9 and 10. The handle rack 500 has a configuration which is similar to the handle rack 100 illustrated and described herein with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. More specifically, the handle rack 500 includes an oven rack 502 with a handle 516. The oven rack 502 includes an elongated rear brace 504, positioned adjacent the rear of the oven cavity when the oven rack 502 is in its retracted and normal position. Interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear brace 504 is a right brace 506 extending perpendicular to the rear brace 504. The right brace 506 extends between the forward and rear sections of the oven rack 502, and essentially acts as a support brace for other elements of the oven rack 502. Also, when the oven rack 502 is placed within the oven cavity, the right brace 506 will typically rest or otherwise be releasably secured on a rib or other conventional element of the oven cavity. The oven rack 502 also includes a left brace 508, parallel to the right brace 506 and interconnected to or otherwise integral with the rear brace 504. As with the right brace 506, the left brace 508 extends between the rear and front portions of the oven rack 502. The left brace 508 rests upon or is otherwise releasably secured to a rib or similar component of the oven cavity.

Positioned intermediate the right brace 506 and left brace 508 are a series of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members 510. The support members 510 act as the principal support members of the oven rack 502 for supporting items to be heated and cooked within the oven cavity. The rear ends of support members 510 are connected to the rear brace 504 by suitable means, such as welding or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the right brace 506, left brace 508 and supported members 510 include a series of intermediate forms 513 located near the rear portions of the braces 506, 508 and support members 510. The intermediate forms 513 are connected to or are otherwise integral with angled forms 511 also shown in FIG. 10. The angled configuration of the forms 511 assists in preventing items placed on the support members 510 from falling off of the oven rack 502 over the rear brace 504.

The oven rack 502 also includes a central brace 512, extending perpendicular to the right brace 506 and left brace 508. The central brace 512 is also positioned intermediate the rear brace 504 and front brace 514. The central brace 512 provides for additional support for items placed on the oven rack 502 for purposes of heating or cooking. The central brace 512 may be connected to the support members 510, right brace 506 and left brace 508 in any conventional manner. For example, welding may be utilized.

The oven rack 502 also includes a front brace 514. The front brace 514, with reference to FIG. 9, includes a left portion 524 and a right portion 526. The front brace 514 provides a forward-bracing means for the oven rack 502. As illustrated in FIG. 9, three of the support members 510 are interconnected to the left portion 524 of the front brace 514, while three others of the support members 510 are interconnected to the right portion 526 of the front brace 514.

In accordance with the invention, the handle rack 500 comprises not only the oven rack 502, but also the handle 516. The handle 516 is primarily illustrated in FIG. 9. More specifically, the handle 516 includes a rear handle brace 518, having an elongated configuration as shown in FIG. 9. The rear handle brace 518 extends parallel to the rear brace 504 and the central brace 512. As illustrated in FIG. 9, seven of the intermediate support members 510 have one end of each of the same interconnected to the rear handle brace 518.

In the handle rack 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as previously described herein, the handle 116 included a pair of handle sides 122 which are integral with a rear handle brace 118. In the particular handle rack 500 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, although similar to the handle rack 100, the handle rack 500 does not include any separate elements which could be characterized as “handle sides” separate and apart from the support members 510. Instead, the sides of the opening formed in the handle 516 comprise forwardmost sections of each of a pair of the supporting elements 510. That is, as specifically shown in FIG. 9, two of the supporting elements 510 extend from the rear brace 504 to the front brace 514, and also form the sides of the opening of the handle 516. In this regard, handle 516 also includes a front handle brace 520. The front handle brace 520, as illustrated in FIG. 9, is elongated and positioned substantially parallel to the rear handle brace 518. If desired, the front handle brace 520 can actually be a brace which is integral with the front brace 114 comprising the left portion 524 and the right portion 526.

The operation of the handle rack 500 substantially corresponds to the operation of the handle rack 100 previously described herein. That is, the user may manually grip the front handle brace 520, and exert forces in a direction corresponding to a perpendicular direction between the rear brace 504 and the front handle brace 520. These forces will cause the oven rack 502 to be extended outwardly or retracted inwardly relative to the oven cavity.

A still further embodiment of a handle rack in accordance with the invention is illustrated as handle rack 600 in FIGS. 11 and 12. The handle rack 600 has a configuration which is relatively similar to the handle rack 300 previously described herein with respect to FIGS. 5 and 6. More specifically, the handle rack 600 includes an oven rack 602 and a handle 616. The oven rack 602 includes an elongated rear brace 604, right brace 606 and left brace 608. In addition, positioned intermediate the right brace 606 and left brace 608 are parallel support members 610. Intermediate forms 613 are connected to or otherwise integral with angled forms 611. A central brace 612 is also provided, positioned intermediate the rear brace 604 and a front brace 614. The front brace 614 includes a left portion 624 and right portion 626. The handle 616 includes a rear handle brace 618 having an elongated configuration as illustrated in FIG. 11. The rear handle brace 618 extends parallel to the rear brace 604 and the central brace 612. Seven of the intermediate support members 610 have one end of each of the same interconnected to the rear handle brace 618. Also, each opposing end of the rear handle brace 618 is interconnected to one of the support members 610, again as illustrated in FIG. 11.

In addition to the foregoing, the oven rack 602 includes a front brace 614. The front brace 614, with reference to FIG. 11, includes the left portion 624 and right portion 626. The front brace 614 provides a forward bracing means for the oven rack 602. Three of the support members 610 are interconnected to the left portion 624 of the front handle brace 614, while three others of the members 610 are interconnected to the right portion 626 of the front handle brace 614. The handle 616 includes the rear handle brace 618 as previously described herein. Also, the handle 616 includes a front handle brace 620. The front handle brace 620, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, is elongated and positioned in a manner so as to have a curved configuration. If desired, the front handle brace 620 can actually be a brace which is integral with the front brace 314 comprising the left portion 624 and the right portion 626.

In contrast to the handle rack 300 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front handle brace 320 of the handle rack 300 is angled downwardly. In contrast, with the handle rack 600 in accordance with the invention, the front handle brace 620 of the handle 616 is not angled downwardly, and is essentially on the same horizontal plane as the main body of the oven rack 602.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that other embodiments of handle racks in accordance with the invention can be designed. That is, the principles of a handle rack are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and other variations of the above-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the invention.

Claims

1. An oven rack adapted for use with a handle, so as to form, in combination, a handle rack for use in an oven cavity, said oven cavity having an oven door and said handle rack comprising:

means for supporting said handle rack within said oven cavity;

means for supporting items to be cooked or otherwise heated within said oven cavity;

said handle being secured to said oven rack at a front portion of said oven rack positioned adjacent said oven door;

said handle being sized and configured so that an opening is formed between a front portion of said handle and a front portion of said oven rack, said opening being of a size sufficient so that a user can readily grip said front portion of said handle, with at least a part of said user's hand extending through said opening; and

said handle being positioned so that said user can exert forces on said handle, so that said oven rack can be extended from or retracted into said oven cavity, as desired.

2. A handle in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration, which is positioned intermediate sides of the oven rack and extends partially across said front portion of said oven rack;

a pair of handle sides, each handle side extending forward of said rear handle brace, in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongated rear handle brace;

a front handle brace having an elongated configuration with a length substantially corresponding to a length of said rear handle brace, with said front handle brace positioned substantially parallel to said rear handle brace; and

when said user wishes to exert forces on said handle rack so as to extend or retract said handle rack from said oven cavity, said user manually grips said front handle brace and exerts forces in a direction corresponding to a perpendicular direction between said rear handle brace and said front handle brace.

3. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a front brace of said oven rack, which acts as a rear brace of said handle, said rear brace of said handle having an elongated configuration and extending the entirety of the length between opposing sides of said oven rack;

a pair of opposing side portions, positioned adjacent opposing ends of said rear brace of said handle, and extending forwardly toward said oven door relative to said rear brace of said handle;

a front handle brace having an elongated configuration and extending between said opposing side portions forwardly of said rear brace of said handle, said front handle brace having a curved and elongated configuration;

said front handle brace and said rear handle brace forming a single and substantially horizontal plane when said handle rack is positioned within said oven cavity; and

when said user wishes to manually extend or retract said handle rack relative to said oven cavity, said user may grip said front handle brace and exert forces thereon so as to extend or retract said handle rack relative to said oven cavity.

4. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration and positioned intermediate opposing sides of said oven rack at a front portion thereof, and extending at least partially across the width of said oven rack;

a pair of opposing side portions extending forwardly of said rear handle brace, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated length of said rear handle brace;

a front handle brace having an elongated and curved configuration, and extending between said side portions of said handle, said front handle brace being angled downwardly relative to; and

when said user wishes to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity, said user may grip said front handle brace and exert pulling or pushing forces thereon so as to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity.

5. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a rear handle brace which forms a front brace for said oven rack, said rear handle brace of said handle extending across the entirety of the width of said oven rack;

a pair of opposing side portions, located adjacent opposing sides of said oven rack;

a front handle brace positioned forwardly of said rear handle brace, and having an elongated and curved configuration extending between said opposing side portions of said handle;

said side portions and said front handle brace are angled downwardly relative to said rear handle brace of said handle; and

when said user wishes to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity, said user may manually grip said front handle brace and exert pulling or pushing forces thereon so as to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity.

6. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said oven rack further comprises:

an elongated rear brace positioned adjacent the rear of said oven cavity when said oven rack is in a retracted position within said oven cavity;

a right brace extending perpendicular to said rear brace, and extending between forward and rear sections of said oven rack, and essentially acting as a support brace for other elements of said oven rack, whereby when said oven rack is placed within said oven cavity, said right brace will rest or otherwise be releasably secured on a rib or other supporting element of said oven cavity;

a left brace parallel to said right brace and interconnected or otherwise integral with said rear brace, and extending between rear and front portions of said oven rack.

7. A handle rack in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that said oven rack further comprises:

a series of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members, acting as the principal support members of said oven rack for supporting items to be heated or otherwise cooked within said oven cavity;

rear ends of said support members being connected to said rear brace by rigid securing means;

said right brace, said left brace and said support members having a series of intermediate forms located near rear portions of said braces and said support members, with said intermediate forms being connected to or otherwise integral with angled forms, said angled configuration of said angled forms assisting in preventing items placed on said support members from falling off of said oven rack over said rear brace.

8. A handle rack in accordance with claim 7, characterized in that said oven rack further comprises:

a central brace, extending perpendicular to said right brace and said left brace, and positioned substantially intermediate from said rear brace and said front brace.

9. A handle rack in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that said oven rack further comprises a front brace having a left portion and a right portion, providing a forward bracing means for said oven rack, with certain of said support members being interconnected to said left portion of said front brace, and certain others of said support members being interconnected to said right portion of said front brace.

10. A handle rack in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration, and extending parallel to said rear brace and to said central brace, with certain of said support members having one end of each of the same interconnected to said rear handle brace;

a pair of handle sides interconnected to or otherwise integral with said rear handle brace, and extending substantially parallel to said support members, said right brace and said left brace; and

a front handle brace, having an elongated configuration and positioned substantially parallel to said rear handle brace, with said handle sides being integral with or otherwise connected to said front handle brace.

11. A handle rack in accordance with claim 10, characterized in that said front handle brace is integral with said front brace comprising said left portion and said right portion.

12. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said oven rack further comprises:

an elongated rear brace positioned adjacent the rear of said oven cavity when said oven rack is in a retracted position within said oven cavity;

a right brace extending perpendicular to said rear brace, and extending between forward and rear sections of said oven rack, and acting as a support brace for other elements of said oven rack;

a left brace parallel to said right brace and interconnected or otherwise integral with said rear brace, said left brace extending between rear and front portions of said oven rack;

a plurality of parallel and longitudinally extending elongated support members, acting as the principal support members of said oven rack for supporting items to be heated or otherwise cooked within said oven cavity, rear ends of said support members being connected to said rear brace;

a plurality of intermediate forms located near rear portions of said braces and said support members, and connected to or otherwise integral with angled forms, said angled forms assisting in preventing items placed on said support members from falling off of said oven rack over said rear brace;

a central brace extending perpendicular to said right brace and said left brace, and positioned substantially intermediate said rear brace and said front brace, said central brace being connected to said support members, said right brace and said left brace;

a front brace providing a further bracing means for said oven rack, with each of said support members being interconnected at ends thereof to said front brace;

said handle comprising a curved front portion extending across the entirety of a front portion of said oven rack, and comprising a single element having a rounded and elongated configuration, providing a means for a user to manually grip a portion of said handle rack, for purposes of extending and retracting said oven rack; and

said handle further comprises a pair of opposing side portions connected to a front portion of said oven rack, said side portions being integral with said right brace and said left brace, as well as said front section.

13. A handle rack in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that said handle further comprises:

a rear handle brace having elongated configuration, and extending parallel to said rear brace and said central brace;

said intermediate support members having one end of each of the same interconnected to said rear handle brace;

each opposing end of said rear handle brace being interconnected to one of said support members;

a front brace, having a left portion and a right portion, forming a forward bracing means for said oven rack;

certain of said support members being interconnected to said left portion of said front handle brace, and certain of said support members being interconnected to said right portion of said front handle brace; and

said front handle brace having an elongated configuration and positioned in a manner so as to have a curved configuration.

14. A handle rack in accordance with claim 13, characterized in that said front handle brace is integral with said front brace comprising said left portion and said right portion.

15. A handle rack in accordance with claim 6, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a curved front handle brace having a pair of opposing side portions, with said front handle brace having a curved configuration extending across an entirety of a width of said interconnected oven rack;

said side portions being interconnected to or otherwise integral with said front handle brace and/or left and right side braces of said interconnected oven rack;

said side portions and said front handle brace being angled downwardly; and

a front brace positioned rearwardly of said front handle brace, said front brace providing a bracing and supporting means for interconnected support members of said oven rack.

16. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that:

said means for supporting items to be cooked or otherwise heated within said oven cavity comprises a series of elongated support members extending from a rear portion of said oven rack to a front portion of said oven rack;

said handle comprises a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration, positioned intermediate sides of said oven rack and extending partially across said front portion of said oven rack;

said handle further comprises a front handle brace having an elongated configuration with a length substantially corresponding to a length of said rear handle brace, and with said front handle brace positioned substantially parallel to said rear handle brace;

an opening is formed in said handle rack between said rear handle brace and said front handle brace, and opposing sides of said opening are formed by sections of said elongated support members extending from ends of said rear handle brace to ends of said front handle brace; and

when said user wishes to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity, said user may grip said front brace portion and exert pulling or pushing forces thereon so as to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity.

17. A handle rack in accordance with claim 16, characterized in that said sections of said elongated supporting members are attached to opposing ends of said rear handle brace.

18. A handle rack in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said handle comprises:

a rear handle brace having an elongated configuration and positioned intermediate opposing sides of said oven rack at a front portion thereof, and extending at least partially across the width of said oven rack;

a pair of opposing side portions extending forwardly of said rear handle brace, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the elongated length of said rear handle brace;

a front handle brace having an elongated and curved configuration, and extending between said side portions of said handle, said front handle brace and said rear handle brace forming a single and substantially horizontal plane when said handle rack is positioned within said oven cavity; and

when said user wishes to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity, said user may grip said front handle brace and exert pulling or pushing forces thereon so as to extend or retract said oven rack relative to said oven cavity.