SUPPORT RACK FOR A CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention is directed to a support rack for a container whereby consumers can access items stored within the container. The support rack comprises an arrangement of frame members, namely a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front cross member extending between the first and second side frame members, and a rear cross member extending between the first and second side frame members. The support rack also includes an internal receiver that removably receives the container. The receiver is defined by an extent of each of the first and second side frame members, as well as a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members. The rear cross member includes at least one connector that couples with a mounting structure, such as an open top cooler found in grocery stores. The support rack further includes a plate extending between the first side frame member and the second side frame member, wherein the plate is positioned above the front cross member and can accept a label that identifies the type and/or price of the items within the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an improved support rack for a container placed within the rack. More specifically, the invention provides a support rack that receives a container such that consumers can access items stored within the container while the container is supported by the rack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Support racks for containers and tools, including those that either internally or externally support the container, are known in the art. While such conventional support racks provide some beneficial features, they nevertheless suffer from a number of limitations. For example, conventional support racks are difficult to affix to the mounting structure, are costly to manufacture, and are aesthetically unappealing. The present invention is provided to solve the limitations of conventional support racks and other problems, and to provide advantages and aspects not provided by prior support racks of this type. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a support rack assembly for supporting a container in a substantially vertical orientation. The support rack assembly generally includes an arrangement of elongated frame members, including a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front cross member assembly and a rear cross member assembly. An internal receiver is configured to removably receive the container and is defined by an extent of the first side frame member, an extent of the second side frame member, a front internal member and a rear internal member. The rear cross member assembly includes at least one connector that securedly connects the support rack assembly to a mounting structure. The mounting structure can be a peg board or display board, such as those found in retail stores or grocery stores. Once the support rack is secured to the mounting structure, the container is inserted into the support rack whereby customers can access the contents of the container.

According to another aspect of the invention, the receiver's front internal member extends between a front portion of the first and second side frame members and the rear internal member extends between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members. In an installed position, the container is inserted into the receiver wherein a substantial extent of the container is positioned below both the first and second side frame members. Since the front and rear internal members overlie the first and second side frame members, an upper surface of both the front and rear internal members collectively define an engaging surface of the receiver. In the installed position, the engaging surface engages an upper lip of the container to prevent the container from slipping through the receiver. To move the container from the installed position to an uninstalled position, a substantially vertical force is applied to the container to disengage the lip from the engaging surface and elevate a lower edge of the container above the receiver.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the rear cross member assembly includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member, wherein each cross member extends between the first and second side frame members. The rear cross member assembly includes at least one connector that securedly connects the support rack assembly to a mounting structure. One type of connector has an eyelet for connection to the lower cross member, and a projection that engages an opening in the mounting structure. A second type of connector includes an eyelet for connection to the lower cross member, and a curvilinear engaging member that couples with the mounting structure.

According to a further aspect of the invention, two support rack assemblies can linked in a tandem configuration, wherein the first support rack is positioned forward of the second support rack, such that the container in the first support rack is forward of the container in the second support rack. Among other potential advantages, the tandem configuration can increase the number of containers accessible to consumers while not consuming an inordinate amount of space.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the support rack assembly may include an insert assembly that allows for the reception of different sized containers. The insert assembly includes a first removable insert and a second removable insert that nests within the first insert. The first insert has a circular outer periphery that is cooperatively dimensioned with the receiver and an inner periphery that defines a central opening that corresponds to a smaller container. When installed, the first insert enables the support rack assembly to receive a container having a reduced diameter compared to the container received by the receiver. The second insert has a circular outer periphery that exceeds the inner periphery of the first insert such that the second insert overlaps the first insert. The second insert has a central opening that is smaller than both the opening of the receiver and the central opening of the first insert, whereby the second insert accommodates an even smaller container. When installed, the second insert enables the support rack assembly to receive a container having a reduced diameter compared to the containers received by the receiver and the first insert. Accordingly, the first and second inserts increase the utility and versatility of the support rack assembly.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a support rack assembly of the present invention, showing a container (broken lines) elevated above the rack assembly and the rack assembly coupled to a mounting structure (broken lines);

FIG. 2 is a top view of the support rack assembly, showing the container positioned within a receiver of the rack assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the support rack assembly, showing the container elevated above the rack assembly;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two support rack assemblies in a tandem configuration, wherein a first rack assembly is coupled to a mounting structure and a second rack assembly is coupled to the first rack assembly;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the two support rack assemblies in the tandem configuration, showing a container positioned within a receiver of each rack assembly; and, FIG. 6 is a side view of the two support rack assemblies in the tandem configuration, showing each container elevated above the respective rack assembly;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the support rack assembly, wherein the rack assembly includes a number of removable inserts dimensioned to receive different sized containers;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support rack assembly of FIG. 7, showing two removable inserts and a smaller container elevated above the rack assembly; and, FIG. 9 is a side view of the support rack assembly of FIG. 7, showing two removable inserts and a smaller container elevated above the rack assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

A support rack assembly 10 for supporting a container C, of varying lengths, in a substantially vertical orientation is shown in FIGS. 1-9. The support rack assembly 10 generally includes an arrangement of elongated frame members 15, including a first side frame member 25, a second side frame member 30, a front cross member assembly 45 and a rear cross member assembly 50. An internal receiver 20 configured to removably receive the container C is defined by an extent of the first side frame member 25, an extent of the second side frame member 30, a front internal member 35 and a rear internal member 40. As explained in greater detail below, the rear cross member assembly 50 includes at least one connector 55 that securedly connects the support rack assembly 10 to a mounting structure S. For example, the mounting structure S is an open top cooler, such as those found in grocery stores, and the support rack assembly 10 includes a plurality of connectors 55 that securedly engage the cooler for mounting of the support rack assembly 10. Once secured to the mounting structure S, the container C is inserted into the support rack assembly 10 whereby customers can access the contents of the container C, e.g. small cooking utensils, baking accessories, candy, etc.

The receiver 20 is cooperatively dimensioned with an upper portion of the container C to removably receive and retain the container 20 in a substantially vertical orientation. The front internal member 35 extends between a front portion 25a, 30a of the first and second side frame members 25, 30, and the rear internal member 40 extends between a rear portion 25b, 30b of the first and second side frame members 25, 30. Although the front and rear internal members 35, 40 are shown as overlapping and residing on an upper surface of the first and second side frame members 25, 30, they may be affixed to a lower surface of the first and second side frame members 25, 30. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each of the front and rear internal members 35, 40 have a central portion 35a, 40a, a first peripheral portion 35b, 40b, and a second peripheral portion 35c, 40c. A first internal angle Φ₁, which is preferably obtuse, is formed between the central portion 35a, 40a and the first peripheral portion 35b, 40b. Similarly, a second internal angle Φ₂, preferably obtuse, is formed between the central portion 35a, 40a and the second peripheral portion 35c, 40c. Due to the angular configuration of the front and rear internal members 35, 40, the receiver 20 has an octagonal periphery. Although both the front and rear internal members 35, 40 are shown as having an angular configuration, each may have a linear or curvilinear configuration. In the former configuration, the receiver 20 has a square or rectangular periphery. In the latter configuration, the receiver 20 has a partially circular configuration. In another alternative, the front and rear internal members 35, 40 feature a single internal angle whereby the central portion 35a, 40a is omitted and the front and rear internal members 35, 40 have a “V-shaped” configuration.

Preferably, the receiver 20 is centrally positioned within the support rack assembly 10, wherein a center point of the receiver 20 is positioned at a mid-depth of the first and second side frame members 25, 30. In an installed position P1 (see FIG. 3), the container C is inserted into the receiver 20 wherein a substantial extent of the container C is positioned below both the first and second side frame members 25, 30. Preferably, the support rack assembly 10 is sized such that when the container C is in the installed position P1 it does not obstruct access to the support structure S or the goods residing therein. Since the front and rear internal members 35, 40 overlie the first and second side frame members 25, 30, an upper surface of both the front and rear internal members 35, 40 collectively define an engaging surface 60 of the receiver 20. In the event that the front and rear internal members 35, 40 are joined to a lower surface of the first and second side frame members 25, 30, an upper surface of both the first and second side frame members 25, 30 collectively define an engaging surface 60 of the receiver 20. In the installed position P1, the engaging surface 60 engages an upper lip L of that container C to prevent the container C from slipping through the receiver 20. Unlike conventional support racks, the receiver 20 does not utilize a lower or depending frame member that engages a bottom portion of the container C to provide support. To move the container C from the installed position P1 to an uninstalled position P2 (see FIG. 1), a substantially vertical force F is applied to the container C to disengage the lip C from the engaging surface 60 and elevate a lower edge of the container C past the receiver 20.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the first and second side frame members 25, 30 have a depending frontal segment 25c, 30c that downwardly extends from the front portion 25a, 30a to define a third angle Φ₃, which is preferably obtuse. The front cross member assembly 45 includes both a front cross member 65 that extends between the front portions 25a, 30a, and a plate 66 that extends between the front portions 25a, 30a of the first and second side frame members 25, 30. Preferably, the plate 66 has at least one aperture 68 and is positioned above the front cross member 65. A display placard 70 is pivotably connected to the front cross member 65 wherein the display placard 70 may receive a label identifying the type, quantity, and or price of the items within the container C. The placard 70 may be omitted and a label may be affixed to the plate 66. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the placard 70 has a plurality of slots 75 that expose the front cross member 65. A reinforcing frame member 80 extends between the first and second side frame members 25, 30, and is positioned between the front internal member 35 and the front cross member 65. The reinforcing member 80 has flange segments 80a that overlap and extend inward from the first and second side frame members 25, 30. The reinforcing member 80 also has peripheral segments 80b that depend downward from the flange segments 80a, and a central segment 80c extending there between. Preferably, the peripheral segments 80b extend downward such that the central segment 80c is positioned below the front cross member 65 and the placard 70. Each of the first and second side frame members 25, 30 include an intermediate depending frame member 85 that has a substantially “V-shaped” configuration. A first leg 85a extends downward from the first and second side frame members 25, 30 proximate the receiver 20, and a second leg 85b extends downward from the first and second side frame members 25, 30 aft or rearward of the receiver 20. While the reinforcing member 80 is internally positioned within the first and second side frame members 25, 30, the depending members 85 are externally positioned to the first and second side frame members 25, 30 to avoid interfering with the insertion and/or removal of the container C in the installed position P1. As shown in FIG. 3, the reinforcing member 80 and the depending members 85 extend downward the same amount such that their respective lowermost points are positioned approximately the same distance from the first and second side frame members 25, 30.

The rear cross member assembly 50 includes an upper cross member 90 and a lower cross member 95, wherein each cross member 90, 95 extends between the first and second side frame members 25, 30. Preferably, each of the first and second side frame members 25, 30 have an inclined rear segments 25d, 30d (see FIG. 3) that upwardly extends from the rear portion 25b, 30b to define a fourth angle Φ₄, which is preferably obtuse. Thus, the inclined rear segments 25d, 30d and the declined front segments 25c, 30c extend from the side frame members 25, 30 in opposite directions. As mentioned above, the rear cross member assembly 50 includes at least one connector 55 that securedly connects the support rack assembly 10 to a mounting structure S. Preferably, the cross member assembly 50 includes a plurality of connectors 55 linked to the lower cross member 95. Alternatively, the connectors 55 are operably connected to the upper cross member 90. The connector 55 has an eyelet 55a for connection to the lower cross member 95, a central portion 55b, and a projection 55c that securedly engages the mounting structure S. The rear cross member assembly 50 may include a second type of connector 57 that includes an eyelet 57a for connection to the lower cross member 95, a central portion 57a, and a curvilinear engaging member 57c, that is preferably U-shaped.

Preferably, the arrangement of frame members 15 is formed by weldment of the various metal frame members at their respective interconnection points, including the points where the rear cross member assembly 50 intersects the first and second side frame member 25, 30 and the points where the front and rear internal members 35, 40 intersect the first and second side frame member 25, 30. Alternatively, the frame member arrangement 15 is cast from a material such as aluminum. Although the frame members 15 are shown in the Figures as having a circular cross-section, the frame members 15 may have an elliptical, square, rectangular or other multi-sided geometry to ensure the strength and rigidity of the support rack assembly 10.

FIGS. 4-6 depict a tandem configuration, where a first support rack assembly 10 is linked inline to a second support rack assembly 110. In the tandem configuration, the first support rack assembly 10 is positioned forward of the second support rack assembly 110, such that in the installed position P1, the container C1 of the first rack assembly 10 is forward of the container C2 of the second rack assembly 110. The structures in the first and second rack assemblies 10, 110 are consistent with that explained in the foregoing paragraphs, where the structures in the second rack assembly 110 have 100-series reference numbers. Further, the first and second containers C1, C2 are removable supported by the respective receiver 20, 120 and removable from said receiver 20, 120 by applying a substantially vertical lifting force to the container C1, C2. To couple the first and second rack assemblies 10, 110, the connectors 55, 57 of the first rack assembly 10 are secured to the plate 166. Specifically, the projection 55c of the connector 55 is inserted into the aperture 168 of the plate 166, and the curvilinear engaging member 57c engages a rear surface of the plate 166. As shown in FIG. 6, when the first and second rack assemblies 10, 110 are coupled, the second rack assembly 110 is positioned above the first rack assembly 10, wherein the first and second side frame members 125, 130 reside above the first and second side frame members 25, 30.

FIGS. 7-9 depict a support rack assembly 10 with an insert assembly 200 that enables the support rack assembly 10 to accept different sized containers C. The insert assembly 200 includes a first removable insert 205 and a second removable insert 2 10. The first insert 205 has a circular outer periphery 206 that is cooperatively dimensioned with the receiver 20 wherein the first insert 205 is supported by the front and rear internal members 35, 40. The first insert 205 has an inner periphery 207 that defines a central opening 208 that is smaller than the opening of the receiver 20 and that corresponds to a smaller container C. A band 209 of material extends radially inward from the outer periphery 206 to the inner periphery 207 and the central opening 208. As a result, the first insert 205 has an outer diameter that corresponds to the peripheral dimensions of the receiver 20 wherein the first insert 205 is supported by the engagement with the front and rear internal members 35, 40. When installed, the first insert 205 enables the support rack assembly 10 to receive a container C having a reduced diameter compared to the container C received by the receiver 20.

To allow for reception of an even smaller container C, the second insert 210 is nested within the first insert 205. The second insert 210 has a circular outer periphery 211 that exceeds the inner periphery 207 of the first insert 205 such that the outer periphery 211 overlaps the first insert 205. The outer periphery 211 is cooperatively dimensioned with the receiver 20 wherein the second insert 210 is supported by the front and rear internal members 35, 40, as well as the first insert 205. Alternatively, the outer periphery 211 is less than the dimensions of the receiver 20 and the outer periphery 206, whereby the second insert 210 is supported by only the first insert 205. The second insert 210 has as central opening 213 that is smaller than both the opening of the receiver 20 and the central opening 208, whereby the second insert accommodates an even smaller container C. A band 214 of material extends radially inward from the outer periphery 211 to the inner periphery 212. When installed or nested within the first insert 205, the second insert 210 enables the support rack assembly 10 to receive a container C having a reduced diameter compared to the containers C received by the receiver 20 and the first insert 205.

Each of the first and second inserts 205, 210 may have a raised lip (not shown) along the inner periphery 207, 212 to facilitate engagement with the container C. Although the first and second inserts 205, 210 are shown as having a substantially flat upper surface, the inserts 205, 210 may have a raised or rounded upper surface. Preferably, the first and second inserts 205, 210 are formed from a rigid material such that the inserts 205, 210 have sufficient structural integrity to support a container C filled with items. Accordingly, the inserts 205, 210 may be molded from a polymer or fabricated from a lightweight metal such as aluminum.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.

Claims

1. A support rack for accommodating a container of varying lengths, the support rack comprising:

a first side frame member;

a second side frame member;

a front cross member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members;

a rear cross member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members; and, an internal receiver provided to removably receive a container, at least a portion of the receiver being defined by an extent of each of the first and second side frame members, the receiver being further defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members.

2. The support rack of claim 1, wherein the front internal member overlaps an upper surface of the first and second side frame members, and wherein the rear internal member overlaps an upper surface of the first and second side frame members.

3. The support rack of claim 1, wherein each of the front and rear internal members have an angular configuration defined by a central portion, a first peripheral portion extending at a first internal angle from the central portion, and a second peripheral portion extending at a second internal angle from the central portion.

4. The support rack of claim 3, wherein both the first and second internal angles are obtuse.

5. The support rack of claim 1, wherein the rear cross member includes at least one connector provided for removably coupling with a mounting structure.

6. The support rack of claim 1, further comprising a plate extending between the first side frame member and the second side frame member, wherein the plate is positioned above the front cross member.

7. The support rack of claim 1, further comprising a first insert removably positioned within the receiver, the first insert having an inner periphery that is smaller than the periphery of the receiver in order to accept a smaller container than that received by the receiver.

8. The support rack of claim 7, further comprising a second insert removably positioned within the receiver, the first insert having an inner periphery that is smaller than the periphery of both the receiver and the first insert in order to accept a smaller container than that received by both the receiver and the first insert.

9. A container support rack comprising:

a frame member arrangement including a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front internal member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, and a rear internal member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members; and,

wherein the first and second side frame members and the front and rear internal members collectively define a receiver that removably receives a container.

10. The support rack of claim 9, further comprising:

a front cross member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, and,

a rear cross member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members

11. The support rack of claim 9, wherein in an installed position, the container extends through the receiver whereby a substantial portion of the container is positioned below the first and second side frame members.

12. The support rack of claim 11, wherein in the installed position, an upper lip of the container is engaged by the front and rear internal members.

13. The support rack of claim 9, wherein the frame member arrangement further includes a rear cross member assembly extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members.

14. The support rack of claim 13, wherein the rear cross member assembly includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member, wherein one of either the upper or lower cross member includes a plurality of connectors that couple with a mounting structure.

15. The support rack of claim 9, wherein the frame member arrangement further includes a front cross member assembly extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members.

16. The support rack of claim 15, wherein the front cross member assembly includes a front cross member and a plate positioned above the front cross member.

17. A support rack assembly for accommodating a number of containers, the support rack assembly comprising:

a first support rack including a first side frame member and a second side frame member, the first support rack furthering including a receiver configured to removably receive a container, the receiver being defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members; and,

a second support rack including a first side frame member and a second side frame member, the second support rack furthering including a receiver configured to removably receive a container, the receiver being defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members;

wherein the first support rack is coupled to the second support rack to define a tandem configuration, and wherein the second support rack is coupled to a mounting structure.

18. The support rack of claim 17, each of the first and second support rack further comprising a front cross member assembly extending between the first and second side frame members and a rear cross member assembly extending between the first and second side frame members.

19. The support rack of claim 18, wherein the rear cross member assembly of the first support rack includes at least one connector that couples with a portion of the front cross member assembly of the second support rack.

20. The support rack of claim 19, wherein the rear cross member assembly of the second support rack includes at least one connector provided for removably coupling the first and second support racks with a mounting structure.

21. The support rack of claim 18, wherein the front cross member assembly includes a front cross member and a plate positioned above the front cross member.

22. The support rack of claim 18, wherein the rear cross member assembly includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member, and wherein both the upper and lower cross members are positioned above the front cross member assembly.

23. The support rack of claim 17, wherein each of the first and second support rack further comprise a reinforcing frame member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, wherein the reinforcing frame member has opposed flange segments that extend inward from the first and second side frame members, peripheral segments that depend downward from the flange segments, and a central segment extending between the peripheral segments.