FOLDING RACK

Abstract

A folding rack including frames that have a mounting element hinged to a support element, cross-support elements between the frames, and at least one brace that defines the unfolded angle between the mounting element and the support element. Optionally, the cross-supports include telescoping segments, thereby making the length of the cross-supports adjustable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage systems and devices. Specifically, the present invention relates to a folding rack, optionally adjustable in length.

BACKGROUND

There exist many devices directed to storage and assistance with storage. For example, there exist many different types of shelves, lockers, racks, and the like. Nevertheless, there are situations where suspended storage devices are not optimum for the consumer. For example, there are some situations where a lighter storage rack may be desired. Similarly, there are situations where, for convenience, space, or other considerations, it is desirable that a storage device be configured in a space-saving configuration when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect of various exemplary embodiments, a rack for placing articles is provided, the rack comprising: at least a first frame and a second frame each comprising, at least one mounting element, at least one support element, and at least one hinge coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element; and at least one cross-support connected to the first frame and to the second frame, wherein the at least one cross-support includes at least a first segment and a second segment, whereby the second segment is engaged to the first segment in a telescoping relationship, the first segment of the at least one cross-support being attached to the first frame, and the second segment of the at least one cross-support attached to the second frame such that the distance between the first frame and the second frame may be selectively determined by varying the length of said cross-support.

In one aspect of various exemplary embodiments, a rack for placing articles is provided, the rack comprising: at least a first frame and a second frame each comprising, at least one mounting element, at least one support element, at least one brace coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element, and at least one hinge coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element; at least one cross-support connected to the first frame and to the second frame, wherein the at least one cross-support includes at least a first segment and a second segment, whereby the second segment is engaged to the first segment in a telescoping relationship, the first segment of the at least one cross-support being attached to the first frame, and the second segment of the at least one cross-support attached to the second frame such that the distance between the first frame and the second frame may be selectively determined by varying the length of said cross-support; and at least one fastener securing the at least one mounting element of the first frame and the second frame to a surface.

In one aspect of various exemplary embodiments, a rack for placing articles is provided, the rack comprising: means for placing articles on the rack; means for folding the rack; means for adjusting the rack to fit different sized articles; means for removably mounting the rack to a surface; means for bracing the rack when in an unfolded position; and means for securing the rack at predetermined angle relative to a mounting surface when unfolded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment folding rack.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment folding rack.

FIG. 3 is front view of an exemplary embodiment folding rack.

FIG. 4 is top view of an exemplary embodiment folding rack.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of another exemplary embodiment folding rack, in the folded state.

FIG. 6 is perspective view of the exemplary embodiment folding rack in FIG. 5, in a partially unfolded state.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a resistance member to alter the difficulty of opening or closing the folding rack.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a tubular cushion for preventing damage to articles place on the folding rack.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a flat plank on the folding rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicant's patents are directed to suspended storage devices, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,435,105, 6,715,427, and 7,152,535 and U.S. Design Pat. Nos. 459,926 and 470,353, the contents of which are all incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the following detailed descriptions of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. The present disclosure describes a folding rack 100 that is mountable to a surface 200. It is contemplated that the surface 200 may be a vertical surface, horizontal surface, or angled surface. For example, a rack 100 could be mounted to a wall, ceiling, floor, or the like. As discussed in greater detail below, the rack 100 may serve as a rack to hold and store object or may support a panel (not shown) to provide a shelf, work surface, table, or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment may include a first side frame 102 and a second side frame 104. The side frames 102, 104 may be formed from square tubing, although it is contemplated that the side frames may have any construction such as U-channel, round tubing, flat bar, solid bar, and so forth. Each side frame includes a mounting element 108 and a support element 106. Put simply, the mounting element 108 may be mounted to a surface while the support element 106 may support articles placed on or hung from the rack 100.

Another embodiment may include other frames in addition to the side frames 102, 104 to accommodate heavier articles. These additional frames may be substantially similar to frames 102, 104 and may be placed between the side frames 102, 104 or outside the side frames 102, 104.

The mounting element 108 and support element 106 may be hinged to one another. In an exemplary embodiment, a pin (not shown) may connect the mounting element 108 and the support element 106, with the pin acting as the hinge.

In another embodiment, a separate hinge 110 may be provided to join mounting element 108 and support element 106. In such an embodiment, the hinge 110 may allow relative pivoting between the mounting element 108 and support element 106.

In any case, the hinged relationship between the mounting element 108 and support element 106 may permit the support frames 102, 104 to be folded between two or more configurations (unfolded, folded, and any position between) to, for example, conserve space when the rack 100 is not in use and provide a storage surface when the rack 100 is in use. Thus, in FIGS. 1-6, the support element 106 may be folded toward the mounting element 108 so that the rack 100 lies substantially flat when it is not in use. In an alternate or additional optional embodiment, it is contemplated that the support element 106 could be folded away from the mounting element 108 so that the rack 100 lies substantially flat when it is not in use (i.e., rather than folding it back against the mounting element 108, the support element 106 may be folded away from the mounting element 108 so that the side frame 102, 104 is substantially linear).

In still another exemplary embodiment, the hinge 110 includes one or more straps 111 connected to the mounting element 108 and the support element 106. The strap 111 may be sized to allow the support element 106 to be folded onto the mounting element 108 so that the rack 100 lies substantially flat as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-6, in other embodiments, one or more braces 112 may be provided. The brace 112 may be a bar, chain, rope, strap, and so forth. In an exemplary embodiment, the brace 112 may be hinged to hold the support element 106 in a desired position when the support element 106 is in a use configuration, but still allow the support element 106 and mounting element 108 to be folded when the rack 100 is not in use. In an alternate embodiment of the figures, the brace 112 includes two hinged straps 111, comprised of substantially two equal lengths that connect the mounting element 108 to the support element 106.

In other embodiments, the brace 112 may couple to the mounting element 108 and the support element 106 at a single point or multiple points. The coupling point may allow angular adjustment 126 between the mounting element 108 and the support element 106.

In still other embodiments, the brace 112 may lock the support element 106 in a use configuration and/or a stored configuration, or the brace 112 may leave the support element 106 free to move between configurations without locking.

In yet other embodiments, a locking mechanism 124 may prevent the rack 100 from unfolding by securing the mounting element 108 to the support element 106. As shown in FIG. 1, this locking mechanism 124 is contemplated to be a deformable plastic latch, a pin, a spring loaded ball engaging a hole, and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 1, at least one cross-support element 114 runs between the side frames 102, 104. It is contemplated that the cross-support element 114 may be fixed in length or adjustable. In embodiments where the cross-support is linearly adjustable, many different methods to accomplish adjustment are contemplated such as telescoping (tube within tube), stacked bars with more than one coupling point, threaded engagement, and so forth. For example, the rack 100 of FIGS. 1-6 includes telescoping cross-supports 114 to adjust the distance between the side frames 102, 104. In this manner, a rack 100 may provide a support surface of varying length. For example, when used as a tire rack, the distance between the side frames 102, 104 may be adjusted to provide for a range of quantities and sizes of tires. It is contemplated that the cross-support element 114 may be adjusted in discrete lengths, such as through defined stops 130, or continuously over a range of lengths such as using a threaded engagement.

In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, the cross-supports 114 include a first segment 116 and a second segment 118, although any quantity of segments may be utilized. As shown, the first segment 116 and second segment 118 are connected in a telescoping relationship. That is, optionally, the first segment 116 and second segment 118 may mate, so that one segment fits at least partially into the other segment. The length of the cross-support element 114 (and consequently the distance between the side frames 102, 104) may be adjusted by sliding the first segment 116 into the second segment 118.

It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the quantity and shape of cross-supports 114 may vary without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a cross-support element 114 may be substantially planar or have a substantially planar surface, rather than tubular or cylindrical as illustrated in the figures. The planar cross-support, or cross-support with a planar surface, may be adjusted by telescoping, sliding, or the like, or may have a fixed length.

In still other embodiments, the side frames 102, 104 may be connected to the end of the cross-support elements 114. Specifically, it is contemplated that the side frames 102, 104 may be spaced from the end of the cross-support elements 114. The coupling between the cross-support element 114 and the support element 106 may be fixed or have lateral adjustment 122 along the support element 106. This may be accomplished through a slot in the support element 106 and a threaded rod protruding from the end of the cross-support element 114, having a U-channel shaped support element 106 with the open end of the U facing the other side frame, and so forth.

The mounting element 108 may be fixed to a surface 200, such as through fasteners, adhesive, combinations of fasteners and adhesives, and so forth. For example, in an optional embodiment, the mounting element 108 may include holes through which bolts 120 may be inserted or threaded, thereby connecting the mounting element 108 to a surface 200.

In another embodiment, the mounting element 108 may be mounted to a surface 200 through brackets (not shown) or the like. In this embodiment, the brackets in the mounting element 108 may further mount to a surface 200 through a track (not shown) which receives the brackets in a sliding relationship. In such an embodiment, the length of the cross-support element 114 may be adjusted, while the side frames 102, 104 are mounted to a surface through the track, by sliding the brackets attached to the mounting elements inside the track.

In still another embodiment, the brackets in the mounting element 108 may be secured at a desired location within the track to maintain the length of the cross-support element 114 and hold the side frames 102, 104 in position.

In use, the length of the cross-support element 114 may be set and the mounting element 108 may be secured to a surface 200, either directly or indirectly, such as through brackets (not shown) or the like. As noted above, the surface 200 may be a wall, ceiling, shelving, storage cabinet, or the like. Alternatively, in an embodiment in which the mounting element 108 is mounted to a surface 200 through a track (not shown), the length of the cross-support element 114 may be set after mounting the side frames 102, 104 to the track. The support element 106 of each side frame 102, 104 is positioned in its use configuration. Objects may be supported directly on the cross-support elements 114 and support elements 106 or, in an optional embodiment, support may be provided by additional supporting members. For example, the cross-support elements 114 may serve to hold tires by placing the tires directly onto the cross-supports 114 between the side frames 102, 104. Alternatively, a panel (not shown) may be positioned across the cross-supports 114 to provide a shelf, work surface, table, and so forth.

In other embodiments, for example as shown in FIG. 8, the cross-support elements 114 and support elements 106 may have foam (or any other soft material) cushions 160, anti-slip materials, or both to prevent marring the articles placed upon the rack 100 and to prevent articles from sliding off the rack 100.

Moreover, multiple racks 100 may be mounted to a surface 200 and may be used in combination to support objects. For example, two or more racks 100 may be mounted in a spaced relationship, with objects, such as elongate objects, laying across the cross-support elements 114 of multiple racks 100.

Turning now to FIG. 7, this is a perspective view illustrating a resistance member 150 to alter the difficulty of unfolding or folding the rack 100. The resistance member 150 may be a rotary spring, torsion spring, or the like and may be located between the mounting element 108 and the support element 106. A linear compression or tension spring may be used in still another embodiment and may also be located between the mounting element 108 and the support element 106.

What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of various embodiments are possible. Accordingly, the described embodiments are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A folding rack comprising:

at least a first frame and a second frame each comprising, at least one mounting element, at least one support element, and at least one hinge coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element; and

at least one cross-support element connected to the first frame and to the second frame, wherein the at least one cross-support element includes at least a first segment and a second segment, whereby the second segment is engaged to the first segment in a telescoping relationship, the first segment of the at least one cross-support element being attached to the first frame, and the second segment of the at least one cross-support element attached to the second frame such that a distance between the first frame and the second frame may be selectively determined by varying a length of the cross-support element.

2. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one brace coupled to the at least one support element, wherein when secured the brace governs an angle between the at least one support element and the at least one mounting element.

3. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising a locking element preventing the at least one cross-support element from telescoping.

4. The folding rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element further comprises at least one lateral adjustment feature for the at least one cross-support element.

5. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one latch to secure the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element when in a folded state.

6. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one resistance element to increase unfolding difficulty.

7. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one cushioning element to prevent damage to articles placed on the at least one cross-support element.

8. The folding rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one anti-slip element to prevent articles placed on the at least one cross-support element from sliding.

9. A folding rack comprising:

at least a first frame and a second frame each comprising, at least one mounting element, at least one support element, at least one brace coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element, and at least one hinge coupling the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element;

at least one cross-support element connected to the first frame and to the second frame, wherein the at least one cross-support element includes at least a first segment and a second segment, whereby the second segment is engaged to the first segment in a telescoping relationship, the first segment of the at least one cross-support element being attached to the first frame, and the second segment of the at least one cross-support element attached to the second frame such that the distance between the first frame and the second frame may be selectively determined by varying the length of the cross-support element; and

at least one fastener securing the at least one mounting element of the first frame and the second frame to a surface.

10. The folding rack of claim 9, further comprising a locking element preventing the at least one cross-support element from telescoping.

11. The folding rack of claim 9, wherein the at least one brace has an adjustable length.

12. The folding rack of claim 9, wherein the at least one mounting element further comprises more than one brace coupling point.

13. The folding rack of claim 9, wherein the at least one support element further comprises at least one lateral adjustment feature for the at least one cross-support element.

14. The folding rack of claim 9, further comprising at least one latch to secure the at least one mounting element to the at least one support element when in a folded state.

15. The folding rack of claim 9, further comprising at least one resistance element to increase unfolding difficulty.

16. The folding rack of claim 9, further comprising at least one panel disposed on the at least one cross-support element and resting on the at least one support element.

17. The folding rack of claim 8, further comprising at least one anti-slip element to prevent articles placed on the at least one cross-support element from sliding.

18. A folding rack comprising:

means for placing articles on the rack;

means for folding the rack;

means for adjusting the rack to fit different sized articles;

means for removably mounting the rack to a surface;

means for bracing the rack when in an unfolded position; and

means for securing the rack at predetermined angle relative to a mounting surface when unfolded.

19. The folding rack of claim 18, further comprising means to removably latch the folding means.

20. The folding rack of claim 18, further comprising means for cushioning articles placed on the rack.