CA2169336C - Rack - Google Patents
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- Publication number
- CA2169336C CA2169336C CA 2169336 CA2169336A CA2169336C CA 2169336 C CA2169336 C CA 2169336C CA 2169336 CA2169336 CA 2169336 CA 2169336 A CA2169336 A CA 2169336A CA 2169336 C CA2169336 C CA 2169336C
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- rack
- frame
- connectors
- nesting
- rails
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 10
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003197 gene knockdown Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
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- Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
- Drawers Of Furniture (AREA)
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
The rack includes a first upright member; a second upright member spaced from said first upright member; a third upright member spaced from said first upright member; and a fourth upright member spaced from said first upright member. A front, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said first upright member to said second upright member; a back, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said third upright to said fourth upright member; and, an X-shaped frame member is disposed between and extends from said front connector to said back connector.
Description
RACK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a rack, and particularly to a rack suited for holding and supporting objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Racks are known for supporting objects to be moved from one place to another.
Examples of known racks and frames include; U.S. Patent No. 5,330,060 to Bohner; U.S. Patent No. 5,123,550 to Nodskoy et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,016,765 to Leonardo; U.S. Patent No. 4,439,213 to Hirsch; and U.S. Patent No. 3,912,086 to de Bryun.
Conventional racks are often expensive to manufacture, unsuitable for a variety of load and force requirements, difficult to use, and especially in the case of heavy-duty commercial racks, require lots of storage space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention may provide a rack which overcomes the drawbacks and disadvantages of prior art devices, a rack which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, a rack which can be stored in less space than conventional racks, a rack which is strong, yet easily disassembled, a rack which can be made as an integral rack and/or as a knock-down rack, a rack which absorbs and transmit forces, such as laterally applied, vertically applied, and torsional forces, better than conventional racks.
In one embodiment of the invention, the rack includes a first upright member;
a second upright member spaced from said first upright member; a third upright member spaced from said first upright member; and a fourth upright member spaced from said first upright member. A front, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said first upright member to said second upright member, a back, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said third upright to said fourth upright member;
and, an X-shaped frame member is disposed between and extends from said front connector to said back connector.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a rack, comprising a left upright frame, a right upright frame, lower and upper connections and a U-channel member. The left upright frame includes a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts. The right upright frame is spaced from the left frame. The right upright frame includes a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between the front and rear posts. The member of the left upright frame has an outer face facing away from the right upright frame and an inner face facing towards the right upright frame. The lower connector is disposed between the left frame and the right frame for connecting lower portions thereof. The lower connector includes at least one structural element having a plurality of sockets thereon, each one of the plurality of sockets being configured for receiving one of the front and rear posts of the left and right upright frames. The upper connector is disposed between the left frame and the right frame for connecting upper portions thereof. At least one of the upper and lower connectors includes a U-channel member disposed thereon. The U-channel member includes an outer downwardly extending extension configured for engaging the outer face of the member of the left upright frame, the outer downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging the outer face. The U-channel member also includes an inner downwardly extending extension configured for engaging the inner face of the member of the left upright frame, the inner downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging the inner face.
The lower connector may include a Z-shaped frame. The upper connector may include a Z-shaped frame and the Z-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the upright frame. The lower connector may include an H-shaped frame, a U-shaped frame and/or an X-shaped frame.
The upper connector may include an H-shaped frame and the H-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
-2a-The upper connector may include a U-shaped frame and the U-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
The upper connector may include an X-shaped frame and the X-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
A fastener may be used to attach the lower connector to at least one of the front and rear posts.
At least one wheel may be disposed on a lower portion of the rack.
The lower connector may be permanently attached to the left upright frame and right upright frame.
The outer downwardly extending extension may engage the outer face of the member of the left upright frame along about half the length of the member.
The outer and inner faces of the member of the left upright frame may extend substantially vertically and the outer and inner downwardly extending extensions of the U-channel member may extend substantially vertically.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there may provided an apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The apparatus may have first and second elongate substantially parallel, spaced apart connectors operable to connect to the first and second rack sides, respectively, a frame member connected between the first and second connectors to hold the first and second connectors in substantially parallel spaced apart relation, the frame member having a shape defining a nesting zone facilitating positioning of a portion of an adjacent baking rack therein to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on the first and second connectors or the frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
The frame member may have first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, the first and second legs having free ends connected to the first connector and the third and fourth legs having free ends connected to the second connector.
-2b-A first nesting zone may be defined between the first and third legs and a second nesting zone may be defined between the second and fourth legs.
The apparatus may further comprise first, second, third and fourth upright members and the first and second connectors may have opposite end portions, the first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the first connector, forming respective intersections thereat, and the third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the second connector, forming respective intersections thereat.
The free ends may be connected to the first and second connectors at connection points on the first and second connectors inwardly of the intersections, defining subportions of the first and second connectors between respective intersections and connection points.
The first and second nesting zones may be further defined by the subportions.
The frame member and the first and second connectors may generally lie in a common plane.
The first and second rails may be connected to at least one of the first and second connectors and the frame member such that the first and second rails face each other.
The first and second rails may include channel members having openings, the openings facing each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to the first and second connectors.
The first and second connectors may be removably connectable to the first and second rack sides.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a baking rack comprising the apparatus described above and any of its variations described above and further comprising first and second rack sides connected to the first and second connectors respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The apparatus comprises first and second -2c-connecting means for connecting to the first and second rack sides respectively, holding means for holding the first and second connecting means to define a nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in the nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks, and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on the first and second connectors or the frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
The holding means may have first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, the first and second legs having free ends connected to the first connecting means and the third and fourth legs having free ends connected to the second connecting means.
A first nesting zone may defined between the first and third legs and a second nesting zone may defined between the second and fourth legs.
The apparatus may further comprise first, second, third and fourth upright members and the first and second connecting means may have opposite end portions, the first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the first connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat, and the third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the second connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat.
The free ends may be connected to the first and second connecting means at connection points on the first and second connecting means inwardly of the intersections, defining subportions of the first and second connecting means between respective intersections and connection points.
The first and second nesting zones may be further defined by the subportions.
The holding means and the first and second connecting means generally lie in a common plane.
The first and second rails may be connected to the at least one of the first and second connectors and the frame member such that the first and second rails face each other.
The first and second rails may include channel members having openings facing each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to each other.
-2d-The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to the first and second connectors.
The first and second connecting means may be removably connectable to the first and second rack sides.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a baking rack comprising the apparatus described above or any of its variations and further comprising first and second rack sides connected to the first and second connecting means respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The method involves holding first and second connectors operable to be connected to first and second rack sides of the baking rack, in a spaced apart configuration defining a nesting zone therebetween, the nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in the nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks and supporting lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart first and second elongate rails on or adjacent the connectors, to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected such as in automatic ovens.
The method may further comprise removably connecting the first and second connectors to the first and second rack sides respectively.
Throughout the specification, relative terms such as left and right, and front and back, are used for convenience, and are not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a rack according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view showing the nesting of a plurality of assembled racks, according to the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of a further preferred embodiment of a rack according to the invention;
Fig. 4 is a top, plan view of a plurality of nested, assembled racks according to the preferred embodiment of Fig. 3;
-2e-Fig. 5 is a front, perspective further view of a rack according to a still further preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a rack, and particularly to a rack suited for holding and supporting objects.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Racks are known for supporting objects to be moved from one place to another.
Examples of known racks and frames include; U.S. Patent No. 5,330,060 to Bohner; U.S. Patent No. 5,123,550 to Nodskoy et al.; U.S. Patent No. 5,016,765 to Leonardo; U.S. Patent No. 4,439,213 to Hirsch; and U.S. Patent No. 3,912,086 to de Bryun.
Conventional racks are often expensive to manufacture, unsuitable for a variety of load and force requirements, difficult to use, and especially in the case of heavy-duty commercial racks, require lots of storage space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention may provide a rack which overcomes the drawbacks and disadvantages of prior art devices, a rack which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, a rack which can be stored in less space than conventional racks, a rack which is strong, yet easily disassembled, a rack which can be made as an integral rack and/or as a knock-down rack, a rack which absorbs and transmit forces, such as laterally applied, vertically applied, and torsional forces, better than conventional racks.
In one embodiment of the invention, the rack includes a first upright member;
a second upright member spaced from said first upright member; a third upright member spaced from said first upright member; and a fourth upright member spaced from said first upright member. A front, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said first upright member to said second upright member, a back, substantially horizontally extending connector is disposed between and extends from said third upright to said fourth upright member;
and, an X-shaped frame member is disposed between and extends from said front connector to said back connector.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a rack, comprising a left upright frame, a right upright frame, lower and upper connections and a U-channel member. The left upright frame includes a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts. The right upright frame is spaced from the left frame. The right upright frame includes a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between the front and rear posts. The member of the left upright frame has an outer face facing away from the right upright frame and an inner face facing towards the right upright frame. The lower connector is disposed between the left frame and the right frame for connecting lower portions thereof. The lower connector includes at least one structural element having a plurality of sockets thereon, each one of the plurality of sockets being configured for receiving one of the front and rear posts of the left and right upright frames. The upper connector is disposed between the left frame and the right frame for connecting upper portions thereof. At least one of the upper and lower connectors includes a U-channel member disposed thereon. The U-channel member includes an outer downwardly extending extension configured for engaging the outer face of the member of the left upright frame, the outer downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging the outer face. The U-channel member also includes an inner downwardly extending extension configured for engaging the inner face of the member of the left upright frame, the inner downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging the inner face.
The lower connector may include a Z-shaped frame. The upper connector may include a Z-shaped frame and the Z-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the upright frame. The lower connector may include an H-shaped frame, a U-shaped frame and/or an X-shaped frame.
The upper connector may include an H-shaped frame and the H-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
-2a-The upper connector may include a U-shaped frame and the U-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
The upper connector may include an X-shaped frame and the X-shaped frame may engage the left upright frame along about half the length of the member of the left upright frame.
A fastener may be used to attach the lower connector to at least one of the front and rear posts.
At least one wheel may be disposed on a lower portion of the rack.
The lower connector may be permanently attached to the left upright frame and right upright frame.
The outer downwardly extending extension may engage the outer face of the member of the left upright frame along about half the length of the member.
The outer and inner faces of the member of the left upright frame may extend substantially vertically and the outer and inner downwardly extending extensions of the U-channel member may extend substantially vertically.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention there may provided an apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The apparatus may have first and second elongate substantially parallel, spaced apart connectors operable to connect to the first and second rack sides, respectively, a frame member connected between the first and second connectors to hold the first and second connectors in substantially parallel spaced apart relation, the frame member having a shape defining a nesting zone facilitating positioning of a portion of an adjacent baking rack therein to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on the first and second connectors or the frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
The frame member may have first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, the first and second legs having free ends connected to the first connector and the third and fourth legs having free ends connected to the second connector.
-2b-A first nesting zone may be defined between the first and third legs and a second nesting zone may be defined between the second and fourth legs.
The apparatus may further comprise first, second, third and fourth upright members and the first and second connectors may have opposite end portions, the first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the first connector, forming respective intersections thereat, and the third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the second connector, forming respective intersections thereat.
The free ends may be connected to the first and second connectors at connection points on the first and second connectors inwardly of the intersections, defining subportions of the first and second connectors between respective intersections and connection points.
The first and second nesting zones may be further defined by the subportions.
The frame member and the first and second connectors may generally lie in a common plane.
The first and second rails may be connected to at least one of the first and second connectors and the frame member such that the first and second rails face each other.
The first and second rails may include channel members having openings, the openings facing each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to the first and second connectors.
The first and second connectors may be removably connectable to the first and second rack sides.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a baking rack comprising the apparatus described above and any of its variations described above and further comprising first and second rack sides connected to the first and second connectors respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The apparatus comprises first and second -2c-connecting means for connecting to the first and second rack sides respectively, holding means for holding the first and second connecting means to define a nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in the nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks, and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on the first and second connectors or the frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
The holding means may have first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, the first and second legs having free ends connected to the first connecting means and the third and fourth legs having free ends connected to the second connecting means.
A first nesting zone may defined between the first and third legs and a second nesting zone may defined between the second and fourth legs.
The apparatus may further comprise first, second, third and fourth upright members and the first and second connecting means may have opposite end portions, the first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the first connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat, and the third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of the second connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat.
The free ends may be connected to the first and second connecting means at connection points on the first and second connecting means inwardly of the intersections, defining subportions of the first and second connecting means between respective intersections and connection points.
The first and second nesting zones may be further defined by the subportions.
The holding means and the first and second connecting means generally lie in a common plane.
The first and second rails may be connected to the at least one of the first and second connectors and the frame member such that the first and second rails face each other.
The first and second rails may include channel members having openings facing each other.
The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to each other.
-2d-The first and second rails may be substantially parallel to the first and second connectors.
The first and second connecting means may be removably connectable to the first and second rack sides.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a baking rack comprising the apparatus described above or any of its variations and further comprising first and second rack sides connected to the first and second connecting means respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack. The method involves holding first and second connectors operable to be connected to first and second rack sides of the baking rack, in a spaced apart configuration defining a nesting zone therebetween, the nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in the nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks and supporting lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart first and second elongate rails on or adjacent the connectors, to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which the apparatus may connected such as in automatic ovens.
The method may further comprise removably connecting the first and second connectors to the first and second rack sides respectively.
Throughout the specification, relative terms such as left and right, and front and back, are used for convenience, and are not intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a rack according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view showing the nesting of a plurality of assembled racks, according to the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of a further preferred embodiment of a rack according to the invention;
Fig. 4 is a top, plan view of a plurality of nested, assembled racks according to the preferred embodiment of Fig. 3;
-2e-Fig. 5 is a front, perspective further view of a rack according to a still further preferred embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the rack of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a side view of the rack of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing nesting of a plurality of racks; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a rack according to the invention.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 11 is an apparatus according to another alternative embodiment to the invention;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning to Figs. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of a rack R according to the invention is shown. Rack R includes a first upright member 1, a second upright member 2 spaced from the first upright member 1, a third upright member 3 spaced from the other upright members, and a fourth upright member 4 spaced from the other upright members.
A front connector 6 extends between first upright 1 and second upright 2. A rear connector 8 extends between third upright 3 and fourth upright 4. For convenience, connectors 6 and 8 are referred to as upper connectors. Lower, unillustrated connectors are provided as shown in Figs. 5 and 9, for example.
A plurality of racks R nesting together, as viewed from above, is shown in Fig. 2.
Considering Figs. 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that legs 12 and 14 of X-shaped frame member 10 define a nesting zone or region N.
Preferably, free end 16 of X-shaped frame member 10, as well as free end 18 of X-shaped frame member 10 are attached to connector 6. In the case of a knock down rack R, such attachments can be made with detachable elements, such as pins or nuts and bolts. Depending on the intended use, free ends 16 and 18 will be welded to connector 6.
Upright 2 and connector 6 define a first intersection 22, such as at an upper corner of the illustrated embodiment. Likewise, upright 1 and connector 6 define a second intersection 24. Preferably, free ends 16 and 18 are inwardly spaced from respective intersections 22 and 24.
A portion 30 defined between intersection 24 and free end 18 further defines nesting zone N. Good results have likewise been achieved by providing the offset equal to the length of portion 30. Such good results include that lateral forces, for example, applied to intersection 24 are absorbed and withstood better than conventional racks in which joints are typically made at outermost elements thereof. It will be appreciated that a subportion 32 (analogous to subportion 30) along with subportion and legs 12 and 14 jointly substantially define nesting zone N.
25 A further preferred embodiment of a rack 0 according to the invention, is shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
Rack 0 of Figs. 3 and 4 is similar to rack R of the preferred embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, with the addition of upper rails 40 and 42 disposed thereon. Upper rails 40 and 42 are useful when rack 0 is used 30 in a bakery, for example.
Turning to Figs. 5-8, a stiIl further preferred embodiment of a rack P according to the invention is shown. Rack P includes, for example, 121 (), 9 3 3 6 a plurality of spaced apart rails 50 and 52. Such rails 50 and 52 are suited for supporting pans, such as are used in commercial bakeries, for example. In addition, good results have been achieved when a caster 60 is provided on a lower portion 62 of rack P.
Casters 60 may be made in accordance with U.S. Patent No.
5,330,064 to Ha issued July 19, 1994.
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a plurality of racks P shown assembled and nested, with rails 40 and 42 removed for clarity.
Fig. 9 is a view of yet a further preferred embodiment of a rack Q according to my invention, which is shown as a free standing rack having a plurality of legs 70.
It is contemplated that the rack will be constructed of a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum and composites.
It is further contemplated that all joints and connections will be made as fixed or detachable joints as required, with or without additional gussets and/or brackets, as will be readily apparent.
Fig. 10 through 17 show various stainless steel connecting weldments which are used between aluminum side frame weldments to build a knockdown nestable apparatus that can be assembled in the field or shipped nested in a completely assembled state. The connecting weldments have various shapes when seen in plan view, however, each has a generally U-channel construction which is slid over the aluminum side frames and bolted through both aluminum side frames.
Referring to Fig. 10, a Z-style connector is shown generally at 100. In this embodiment, the aluminum side assemblies are constructed so as to fit into sockets of a stainless steel Z-connecting member. The apparatus has a Z-shaped base frame with U-channel middle and upper partial Z sections.
Fig. 11 utilizes complete aluminum ladder assemblies that are connected with two different style U-channel Z structures that bolt over the aluminum frame.
Fig. 7 is a side view of the rack of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 6 showing nesting of a plurality of racks; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a rack according to the invention.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 11 is an apparatus according to another alternative embodiment to the invention;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to yet another alternative embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning to Figs. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of a rack R according to the invention is shown. Rack R includes a first upright member 1, a second upright member 2 spaced from the first upright member 1, a third upright member 3 spaced from the other upright members, and a fourth upright member 4 spaced from the other upright members.
A front connector 6 extends between first upright 1 and second upright 2. A rear connector 8 extends between third upright 3 and fourth upright 4. For convenience, connectors 6 and 8 are referred to as upper connectors. Lower, unillustrated connectors are provided as shown in Figs. 5 and 9, for example.
A plurality of racks R nesting together, as viewed from above, is shown in Fig. 2.
Considering Figs. 1 and 2, it will be appreciated that legs 12 and 14 of X-shaped frame member 10 define a nesting zone or region N.
Preferably, free end 16 of X-shaped frame member 10, as well as free end 18 of X-shaped frame member 10 are attached to connector 6. In the case of a knock down rack R, such attachments can be made with detachable elements, such as pins or nuts and bolts. Depending on the intended use, free ends 16 and 18 will be welded to connector 6.
Upright 2 and connector 6 define a first intersection 22, such as at an upper corner of the illustrated embodiment. Likewise, upright 1 and connector 6 define a second intersection 24. Preferably, free ends 16 and 18 are inwardly spaced from respective intersections 22 and 24.
A portion 30 defined between intersection 24 and free end 18 further defines nesting zone N. Good results have likewise been achieved by providing the offset equal to the length of portion 30. Such good results include that lateral forces, for example, applied to intersection 24 are absorbed and withstood better than conventional racks in which joints are typically made at outermost elements thereof. It will be appreciated that a subportion 32 (analogous to subportion 30) along with subportion and legs 12 and 14 jointly substantially define nesting zone N.
25 A further preferred embodiment of a rack 0 according to the invention, is shown in Figs. 3 and 4.
Rack 0 of Figs. 3 and 4 is similar to rack R of the preferred embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, with the addition of upper rails 40 and 42 disposed thereon. Upper rails 40 and 42 are useful when rack 0 is used 30 in a bakery, for example.
Turning to Figs. 5-8, a stiIl further preferred embodiment of a rack P according to the invention is shown. Rack P includes, for example, 121 (), 9 3 3 6 a plurality of spaced apart rails 50 and 52. Such rails 50 and 52 are suited for supporting pans, such as are used in commercial bakeries, for example. In addition, good results have been achieved when a caster 60 is provided on a lower portion 62 of rack P.
Casters 60 may be made in accordance with U.S. Patent No.
5,330,064 to Ha issued July 19, 1994.
Fig. 8 is a top plan view of a plurality of racks P shown assembled and nested, with rails 40 and 42 removed for clarity.
Fig. 9 is a view of yet a further preferred embodiment of a rack Q according to my invention, which is shown as a free standing rack having a plurality of legs 70.
It is contemplated that the rack will be constructed of a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum and composites.
It is further contemplated that all joints and connections will be made as fixed or detachable joints as required, with or without additional gussets and/or brackets, as will be readily apparent.
Fig. 10 through 17 show various stainless steel connecting weldments which are used between aluminum side frame weldments to build a knockdown nestable apparatus that can be assembled in the field or shipped nested in a completely assembled state. The connecting weldments have various shapes when seen in plan view, however, each has a generally U-channel construction which is slid over the aluminum side frames and bolted through both aluminum side frames.
Referring to Fig. 10, a Z-style connector is shown generally at 100. In this embodiment, the aluminum side assemblies are constructed so as to fit into sockets of a stainless steel Z-connecting member. The apparatus has a Z-shaped base frame with U-channel middle and upper partial Z sections.
Fig. 11 utilizes complete aluminum ladder assemblies that are connected with two different style U-channel Z structures that bolt over the aluminum frame.
Fig. 12 employs an H-shaped bracket structure which replaces the square tubing Z structures of Figs. 10 and 11.
Fig. 13 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in Fig. 11 with the exception that the U-channel Z structures are U-channel H
structures.
Fig. 14 shows an apparatus which requires the aluminum uprights to be constructed to as to fit into the sockets of the stainless steel U-frame structure. The embodiment shown utilizes a U-shaped base frame with U-shaped channel middle and upper sections.
Fig. 15 is similar to Fig. 14 with the exception that it utilizes complete aluminum ladder assemblies that are constructed with two different style U-formed channel U structures that bolt over the aluminum frame.
Fig. 16 shows an apparatus employing solid tubing X structures.
The apparatus in Fig. 14 is similar to the apparatus shown in Fig. 10 with the exception that the square tubing Z structures are replaced with square tubing X structures.
Fig. 17 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in Fig. 11 with the exception that the formed U-channel Z structures are formed U-channel X structures.
It should be noted that the apparatus is shown in Figs. 10-17 are constructed from three-sided U-channel, not square tubing. In addition, the apparatuses shown in Figs. 10, 12, 14 and 16 utilize square tubing connectors in the lower frame and three-sided U-channel connectors in the middle and upper frames.
Furthermore, the apparatuses shown in Figs. 11, 13, 15 and 17 utilize three-sided U-channel members in the lower, middle and upper frame connectors.
In further embodiments of the invention, not shown, in Figs. 14 and 15 square tubing may be substituted in the left/right crossover pieces in lieu of three-sided U-channel. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 17, square tubing may be substituted in the left to right components of the base or middle and upper connectors, as required, for strength. In the apparatus shown in Figs. 11 and 13, square tubing may be substituted in the base, middle or upper left to right crossover pieces.
While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations following, in general, the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and within the limits of the appended claims.
Fig. 13 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in Fig. 11 with the exception that the U-channel Z structures are U-channel H
structures.
Fig. 14 shows an apparatus which requires the aluminum uprights to be constructed to as to fit into the sockets of the stainless steel U-frame structure. The embodiment shown utilizes a U-shaped base frame with U-shaped channel middle and upper sections.
Fig. 15 is similar to Fig. 14 with the exception that it utilizes complete aluminum ladder assemblies that are constructed with two different style U-formed channel U structures that bolt over the aluminum frame.
Fig. 16 shows an apparatus employing solid tubing X structures.
The apparatus in Fig. 14 is similar to the apparatus shown in Fig. 10 with the exception that the square tubing Z structures are replaced with square tubing X structures.
Fig. 17 shows an apparatus similar to that shown in Fig. 11 with the exception that the formed U-channel Z structures are formed U-channel X structures.
It should be noted that the apparatus is shown in Figs. 10-17 are constructed from three-sided U-channel, not square tubing. In addition, the apparatuses shown in Figs. 10, 12, 14 and 16 utilize square tubing connectors in the lower frame and three-sided U-channel connectors in the middle and upper frames.
Furthermore, the apparatuses shown in Figs. 11, 13, 15 and 17 utilize three-sided U-channel members in the lower, middle and upper frame connectors.
In further embodiments of the invention, not shown, in Figs. 14 and 15 square tubing may be substituted in the left/right crossover pieces in lieu of three-sided U-channel. In the apparatus shown in Fig. 17, square tubing may be substituted in the left to right components of the base or middle and upper connectors, as required, for strength. In the apparatus shown in Figs. 11 and 13, square tubing may be substituted in the base, middle or upper left to right crossover pieces.
While the invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modifications, uses and/or adaptations following, in general, the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the central features hereinbefore set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention and within the limits of the appended claims.
Claims (46)
1. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame;
b) said left upright frame including a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts;
c) a right upright frame spaced from said left frame, said right upright frame including a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts;
d) said member of said left upright frame having an outer face facing away from said right upright frame and an inner face facing towards said right upright frame;
e) a lower connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame for connecting lower portions thereof;
f) said lower connector including at least one structural element having a plurality of sockets thereon, each one of said plurality of sockets being configured for receiving one of said front and rear posts of said left and right upright frames;
g) an upper connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame for connecting upper portions thereof;
h) at least one of said upper and lower connectors including a U-channel member disposed thereon;
i) said U-channel member including an outer downwardly extending extension configured for engaging said outer face of said member of said left upright frame, said outer downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging said outer face; and j) said U-channel member including an inner downwardly extending extension configured for engaging said inner face of said member of said left upright frame, said inner downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging said inner face.
a) a left upright frame;
b) said left upright frame including a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts;
c) a right upright frame spaced from said left frame, said right upright frame including a front post, a spaced apart rear post, and a member disposed between said front and rear posts;
d) said member of said left upright frame having an outer face facing away from said right upright frame and an inner face facing towards said right upright frame;
e) a lower connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame for connecting lower portions thereof;
f) said lower connector including at least one structural element having a plurality of sockets thereon, each one of said plurality of sockets being configured for receiving one of said front and rear posts of said left and right upright frames;
g) an upper connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame for connecting upper portions thereof;
h) at least one of said upper and lower connectors including a U-channel member disposed thereon;
i) said U-channel member including an outer downwardly extending extension configured for engaging said outer face of said member of said left upright frame, said outer downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging said outer face; and j) said U-channel member including an inner downwardly extending extension configured for engaging said inner face of said member of said left upright frame, said inner downwardly extending extension extending over and engaging said inner face.
2. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said lower connector includes a Z-shaped frame.
3. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said upper connector includes a Z-shaped frame.
4. A rack as defined in claim 3, wherein said Z-shaped frame engages said left upright frame along about half the length of said member of said upright frame.
5. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said lower connector includes an H-shaped frame.
6. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said lower connector includes a U-shaped frame.
7. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said lower connector includes an X-shaped frame.
8. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said upper connector includes an H-shaped frame.
9. A rack as defined in claim 8, wherein said H-shaped frame engages said left upright frame along about half the length of said member of said left upright frame.
10. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said upper connector includes a U-shaped frame.
11. A rack as defined in claim 10, wherein said U-shaped frame engages said left upright frame along about half the length of said member of said left upright frame.
12. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said upper connector includes an X-shaped frame.
13. A rack as defined in claim 12, wherein said X-shaped frame engages said left upright frame along about half the length of said member of said left upright frame.
14. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein a fastener attaches said lower connector to at least one of said front and rear posts.
15. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one wheel is disposed on a lower portion of said rack.
16. A rack as in claim 1, wherein said lower connector is permanently attached to said left upright frame and right upright frame.
17. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer downwardly extending extension engages said outer face of said member of said left upright frame along about half the length of said member.
18. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said outer and inner faces of said member of said left upright frame extend substantially vertically; and b) said outer and inner downwardly extending extensions of said U-channel member extend substantially vertically.
a) said outer and inner faces of said member of said left upright frame extend substantially vertically; and b) said outer and inner downwardly extending extensions of said U-channel member extend substantially vertically.
19. An apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack, the apparatus comprising:
a) first and second elongate substantially parallel, spaced apart connectors operable to connect to the first and second rack sides, respectively;
b) a frame member connected between said first and second connectors to hold said first and second connectors in substantially parallel spaced apart relation, said frame member having a shape defining a nesting zone facilitating positioning of a portion of an adjacent baking rack therein to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and c) lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on said first and second connectors or said frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which said apparatus is connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
a) first and second elongate substantially parallel, spaced apart connectors operable to connect to the first and second rack sides, respectively;
b) a frame member connected between said first and second connectors to hold said first and second connectors in substantially parallel spaced apart relation, said frame member having a shape defining a nesting zone facilitating positioning of a portion of an adjacent baking rack therein to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and c) lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on said first and second connectors or said frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which said apparatus is connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said frame member has first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, said first and second legs having free ends connected to said first connector and said third and fourth legs having free ends connected to said second connector.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein a first nesting zone is defined between said first and third legs and a second nesting zone is defined between said second and fourth legs.
22. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising first, second, third and fourth upright members and wherein said first and second connectors have opposite end portions, said first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of said first connector, forming respective intersections thereat, and said third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of said second connector, forming respective intersections thereat.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said free ends are connected to said first and second connectors at connection points on said first and second connectors inwardly of said intersections, defining subportions of said first and second connectors between respective intersections and connection points.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein said first and second nesting zones are further defined by said subportions.
25. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein said frame member and said first and second connectors generally lie in a common plane.
26. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 25 wherein said first and second rails are connected to said at least one of said first and second connectors and said frame member such that said first and second rails face each other.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said first and second rails include channel members having openings, said openings facing each other.
28. The apparatus of any one of claims 26 and 27 wherein said first and second rails are substantially parallel to each other.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said first and second rails are substantially parallel to said first and second connectors.
30. The apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 29 wherein said first and second connectors are removably connectable to said first and second rack sides.
31. A baking rack comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 19 to 29 further comprising first and second rack sides connected to said first and second connectors respectively.
32. An apparatus for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack, the apparatus comprising:
first and second connecting means for connecting to the first and second rack sides respectively;
holding means for holding said first and second connecting means to define a nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in said nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on said first and second connectors or said frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which said apparatus is connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
first and second connecting means for connecting to the first and second rack sides respectively;
holding means for holding said first and second connecting means to define a nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in said nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart elongate rails on said first and second connectors or said frame member to facilitate lifting a baking rack to which said apparatus is connected to facilitate use in an automatic oven of a bakery.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said holding means has first and second legs on a first side thereof, and third and fourth legs on a second side thereof, said first and second legs having free ends connected to said first connecting means and said third and fourth legs having free ends connected to said second connecting means.
34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein a first nesting zone is defined between said first and third legs and a second nesting zone is defined between said second and fourth legs.
35. The apparatus of claim 33 further comprising first, second, third and fourth upright members and wherein said first and second connecting means have opposite end portions, said first and second upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of said first connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat, and said third and fourth upright members being connected to respective opposite end portions of said second connecting means, forming respective intersections thereat.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said free ends are connected to said first and second connecting means at connection points on said first and second connecting means inwardly of said intersections, defining subportions of said first and second connecting means between respective intersections and connection points.
37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said first and second nesting zones are further defined by said subportions.
38. The apparatus of any one of claims 32 to 37 wherein said holding means and said first and second connecting means generally lie in a common plane.
39. The apparatus of any one of claims 32 to 38 wherein said first and second rails are connected to said at least one of said first and second connectors and said frame member such that said first and second rails face each other.
40. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said first and second rails include channel members having openings, said openings facing each other.
41. The apparatus of any one of claims 39 and 40 wherein said first and second rails are substantially parallel to each other.
42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said first and second rails are substantially parallel to said first and second connectors.
43. The apparatus of any one of claims 32 to 42 wherein said first and second connecting means are removably connectable to said first and second rack sides.
44. A baking rack comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 32 to 43 further comprising first and second rack sides connected to said first and second connecting means respectively.
45. A method for connecting first and second rack sides of a baking rack to facilitate lifting and nesting of the baking rack, the method comprising:
holding first and second connectors operable to be connected to first and second rack sides of the baking rack, in a spaced apart configuration defining a nesting zone therebetween, said nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in said nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and supporting lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart first and second elongate rails on or adjacent said connectors, to facilitate lifting a baking rack in an automatic oven of a bakery.
holding first and second connectors operable to be connected to first and second rack sides of the baking rack, in a spaced apart configuration defining a nesting zone therebetween, said nesting zone facilitating positioning a portion of an adjacent baking rack in said nesting zone to facilitate nesting of adjacent baking racks; and supporting lifting means comprising first and second substantially parallel spaced apart first and second elongate rails on or adjacent said connectors, to facilitate lifting a baking rack in an automatic oven of a bakery.
46. The method of claim 45 further comprising removably connecting said first and second connectors to said first and second rack sides respectively.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US38650395A | 1995-02-10 | 1995-02-10 | |
| US08/386,503 | 1995-02-10 | ||
| US51271195A | 1995-08-23 | 1995-08-23 | |
| US60/002,711 | 1995-08-23 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2169336A1 CA2169336A1 (en) | 1996-08-11 |
| CA2169336C true CA2169336C (en) | 2007-07-03 |
Family
ID=27011458
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2169336 Expired - Fee Related CA2169336C (en) | 1995-02-10 | 1996-02-12 | Rack |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2169336C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9661858B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2017-05-30 | National Cart Co., Inc. | Nesting baking oven racks |
-
1996
- 1996-02-12 CA CA 2169336 patent/CA2169336C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2169336A1 (en) | 1996-08-11 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |