Title: Nestable and/or liftable rack
Abstract: Rack includes a left upright frame, a right upright frame, and a connector extending between and joining the left and right frames. The connector defines at least one (1) passage extending along the left upright frame, for example, so that another rack may be nested within a volume defined by the rack for reducing storage space requirements. The rack may have its connector oriented so that the rack has a substantially Z-shaped frame, when viewed from above. Wheels may be provided to ease movement of the rack, and a lifting element may be provided on an upper portion of the rack for use with institutional and industrial lifting mechanisms.
Patent Number: 6,974,042 Issued on 12/13/2005 to Hall
| Inventors:
|
Hall; Donald M. (P.O. Box 1548, Kingston, NY)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
195411 |
| Filed:
|
July 16, 2002 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
211/133.1; 280/79.3 |
| Intern'l Class: |
A47J 047/00 |
| Field of Search: |
211/1331,126.15,126.2,189
280/293,473.5
432/241
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 912035 | Feb., 1909 | Schaefle.
| |
| 1691621 | Nov., 1928 | Young.
| |
| 2622740 | Dec., 1952 | Evers.
| |
| 2838198 | Jun., 1958 | Vidal.
| |
| 2928681 | Mar., 1960 | Wilson.
| |
| 2959298 | Nov., 1960 | Pope.
| |
| 2962167 | Nov., 1960 | Storey et al.
| |
| 2982422 | May., 1961 | Asproyerakas.
| |
| 2992010 | Jul., 1961 | Sides.
| |
| 3199683 | Aug., 1965 | Graswich.
| |
| 3240505 | Mar., 1966 | Schlernitzauer.
| |
| 3248077 | Apr., 1966 | Charles.
| |
| 3272528 | Sep., 1966 | Young et al.
| |
| 3424315 | Jan., 1969 | Farren.
| |
| 3527359 | Sep., 1970 | Lambertson.
| |
| 3533513 | Oct., 1970 | Berman.
| |
| 3567039 | Mar., 1971 | Evans.
| |
| 3580602 | May., 1971 | Hebert.
| |
| 3595178 | Jul., 1971 | Dahlen.
| |
| 3844600 | Oct., 1974 | Jay.
| |
| 3874689 | Apr., 1975 | Morgan.
| |
| 3912086 | Oct., 1975 | de Bruyn.
| |
| 3981510 | Sep., 1976 | Gustafsson.
| |
| 4004819 | Jan., 1977 | Brongo.
| |
| 4266509 | May., 1981 | Gollott et al.
| |
| 4346906 | Aug., 1982 | Thorpe.
| |
| 4349213 | Sep., 1982 | Hirsch.
| |
| 4456273 | Jun., 1984 | McKinnon.
| |
| 4509652 | Apr., 1985 | Arney.
| |
| 4616754 | Oct., 1986 | Heinzl et al.
| |
| 4788741 | Dec., 1988 | Hilborn.
| |
| 4998023 | Mar., 1991 | Kitts.
| |
| 5016765 | May., 1991 | Leonardo.
| |
| 5123550 | Jun., 1992 | Nadskov et al.
| |
| 5125520 | Jun., 1992 | Kawasaki.
| |
| 5269112 | Dec., 1993 | Weinrub et al.
| |
| 5330060 | Jul., 1994 | Bohner.
| |
| 5330064 | Jul., 1994 | Hall.
| |
| 5370239 | Dec., 1994 | Kidaloski et al.
| |
| 5579930 | Dec., 1996 | Brendle.
| |
| 5628280 | May., 1997 | Ericsson.
| |
| 5685442 | Nov., 1997 | Yoshino et al.
| |
| D409811 | May., 1999 | Hutchinson.
| |
| 5957309 | Sep., 1999 | Hall.
| |
| 6203035 | Mar., 2001 | Ondrasik.
| |
| 6419098 | Jul., 2002 | Hall.
| |
Other References
Baxter Catalog, Stainless Oven Racks/RONDO & Elektro Dahlen Ovens (printed
in the U.S.A Nov. 1, 1995), p. CT8.
Baxter Catalog, Stainless Over Racks/Adam & Revent Ovens (printed
in the U.S.A. Nov. 1, 1995), p. CT9.
Baxter Catalog, Stainless Oven Racks/For Baxter Advantage 2 Ovens—fits
18"×26" pans (printed in the U.S.A. Feb., 1992), Form CT 11 (one page) .
|
Primary Examiner: Johnson; Blair M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shlesinger, Arkwright & Garvey LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/847,483,
filed Apr. 25, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,419,098, which claims the priority of provisional
application No. 60/034,853, filed Jan. 28, 1997, entitled "Nestable and/or Liftable
Rack", and which claims the priority of provisional application No. 60/017,343,
entitled "Nesting Oven Racks Equipped with Brackets for Lifting the Rack", filed
Apr. 26, 1996, and each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
This application relates to Applicant's co-pending Application Ser. No. 10/183,565,
filed Jun. 28, 2002, entitled "V-SHAPED NESTABLE TRAY RACK", which is incorporated
herein by reference.
Claims
1. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame, the left upright frame including a front and a rear;
b) said left upright frame including a member extending between the front and
rear thereof;
c) a right upright frame, the right upright frame including a front and a rear;
d) said right upright frame including a member extending between the front and
rear thereof, and the right upright frame extending substantially parallel to and
spaced from said left frame;
e) an upper connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame;
f) the left member, the right member, and the upper connector defining a substantially
Z-shaped frame and defining a mouth at at least one of said front and rear thereof;
g) a lifting element disposed on said rack and between said left and right upright frames;
h) said lifting element extending substantially parallel to said left frame;
i) said upper connector defining a passage extending rearwardly from said mouth;
j) a bracket connecting said left frame and said upper connector, said bracket
extending less than the distance between the left frame and the right frame; and
k) said bracket providing substantially free accesse to said passage from one
of the front and the rear of the rack so that another, substantially identical,
rack can be nested within the mouth of said rack.
2. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) a lower connector is disposed between said left frame and said right frame; and
b) said left member, said right member, and said lower connector define a substantially
Z-shaped frame.
3. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a C-channel.
4. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said lifting element is disposed between said left and right frames.
5. A rack as defined in claim 3, wherein:
a) said C-channel extends substantially parallel to said left upright frame.
6. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said bracket indirectly connects said left upright frame and said upper connector.
7. A rack as defined in claim 6, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a C-channel.
8. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said left upright frame includes a front post and a spaced apart rear post; and
b) said upper connector extends from said rear post toward said right upright frame.
9. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a pair of spaced apart C-channels, each of which
opens toward the other one of said pair of C-channels.
10. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said upper connector is disposed adjacent an uppermost portion of said left
and right frames.
11. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said bracket is disposed above said left upright frame and said upper connector.
12. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes an elongated portion; and
b) said elongated portion extends substantially parallel to a plane defined by
said left frame.
13. A rack as defined in claim 1, wherein:
a) the bracket at least indirectly connects said left frame and said upper connector.
14. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame;
b) said left upright frame including a member extending between a front and a
rear thereof;
c) a right upright frame spaced from said left frame;
d) an upper connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame;
e) a further connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame;
f) said left upright frame, said right upright frame, and said further connector
defining a substantially Z-shaped frame and defining a mouth at at least one of
said front and rear thereof;
g) a lifting element attached to said upper connector on said rack;
h) said lifting element being provided between said left upright frame and said
right upright frame;
i) a spacer provided between said upper connector and said lifting element, said
spacer being sized for providing a gap between said lifting element and said upper connector;
j) said spacer being disposed and configured so that the gap provided by said
spacer provides substantially free access between said lifting element and an upper
connector of another substantially identical rack of the type having a lifting
element and an upper connector when nesting said rack and the another rack, in
use when the another rack is nested in said mouth, and said spacer providing substantially
free access between said upper connector and a lifting element of the another rack
of the type having a lifting element arid an upper connector, in use;
k) said lifting element extending substantially parallel to said left frame; and
l) said further connector defining a passage extending rearwardly from said mouth.
15. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) said lifting element extends substantially parallel to said right upright frame.
16. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) said left upright frame, said upper connector, and said right upright frame
define a Z-shaped frame.
17. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a C-channel.
18. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) said left upright frame includes a front post and a spaced apart rear post; and
b) said upper connector extends from said rear post toward said right upright frame.
19. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a pair of spaced apart C-channels, each of which
opens toward the other one of said pair of C-channels.
20. A rack as defined in claim 15, wherein:
a) said spacer is disposed above said left upright frame and said upper connector.
21. A rack as defined in claim 14, wherein:
a) a bracket at least indirectly connects said left frame and said upper connector.
22. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame;
b) said left upright frame including a member extending between a front and a
rear thereof;
c) a right upright frame spaced from said left frame;
d) an upper connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame;
e) a further connector disposed between said left frame and said right frame;
f) said further connector and one of said left and right upright frames defining
a mouth at at least one of said front and rear thereof;
g) a lifting element attached to said upper connector on said rack;
h) a spacer provided between said upper connector and said lifting element, said
spacer being sized for providing a gap between said lifting element and said upper connector;
i) said spacer being disposed and configured so that the gap provided by said
spacer provides substantially free access between said lifting element and said
upper connector of said rack and an upper connector and a lifting element, respectively,
of another substantially identical rack of the type having a lifting element and
an upper connector, in use;
j) said lifting element being located between the left upright frame and the
right upright frame; and
k) said lifting element extending substantially parallel to said left frame.
23. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said lifting element extends substantially parallel to said right upright frame.
24. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said left upright frame, said further connector, and said right upright frame
define a Z-shaped frame.
25. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a C-channel.
26. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said left upright frame includes a front post and a spaced apart rear post; and
b) said upper connector extends from said rear post toward said right upright frame.
27. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said lifting element includes a pair of spaced apart C-channels, each of which
opens toward the other one of said pair of C-channels.
28. A rack as defined in claim 22, wherein:
a) said spacer is disposed above said left upright frame and said upper connector.
29. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame;
b) the left upright frame including a member extending between a front and a
rear thereof;
c) a right upright frame spaced from the left frame;
d) an upper connector disposed between the left frame and the right frame;
e) a further connector disposed between the left frame and the right frame;
f) the left upright frame, the right upright frame, and the further connector
defining a substantially Z-shaped frame and defining a mouth at at least one of
the front and rear thereof;
g) a lifting element attached to the upper connector on the rack;
h) the lifting element being provided between the left upright frame and the
right upright frame;
i) a spacer provided between the upper connector and the lifting element, the
spacer being sized for providing a gap between the lifting element and the upper connector;
j) the spacer being disposed and configured so that the gap provided by the spacer
provides substantially free access between the lifting element and an upper connector
of another rack of the type having a lifting element and an upper connector when
nesting the rack and the another rack, in use, and the spacer providing substantially
free access between the upper connector and a lifting element of the another rack
of the type having a lifting element and an upper connector, in use;
k) the lifting element extending substantially parallel to the left frame;
l) the lifting element including a C-channel; and
m) the further connector defining a passage extending rearwardly from the mouth.
30. A rack as defined in claim 29, wherein:
a) the lifting element includes a pair of spaced apart C-channels, and each C-channel
opens toward the other one of the pair of C-channels.
31. A rack as defined in claim 29, wherein:
a) the left upright frame, the upper connector, and the right upright frame define
a substantially Z-shaped frame.
32. A rack as defined in claim 31, wherein:
a) a bracket at least indirectly connects the left frame and the upper connector.
33. A rack, comprising:
a) a left upright frame;
b) the left upright frame including a member extending between a front and a
rear thereof;
c) a right upright frame spaced from the left frame;
d) an upper connector disposed between the left frame and the right frame;
e) a further connector disposed between the left frame and the right frame;
f) the further connector defining a mouth at at least one of the front and rear thereof;
g) a lifting element attached to the upper connector on the rack;
h) a spacer provided between the upper connector and the lifting element, the
spacer being sized for providing a gap between the lifting element and the upper connector;
i) the spacer being disposed and configured so that the gap provided by the spacer
provides substantially free access between the lifting element and the upper connector
of the rack and an upper connector and a lifting element, respectively, of another
rack of the type having a lifting element and an upper connector, in use;
j) the lifting element extending substantially parallel to the left frame; and
k) the lifting element including a C-channel.
34. A rack as defined in claim 33, wherein:
a) the lifting element includes a pair of spaced apart C-channels, and each C-channel
opens toward the other one of the pair of C-channels.
35. A rack as defined in claim 33, wherein:
a) the left upright frame, the further connector, and the right upright frame
define a substantially Z-shaped frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a rack.
More particularly, this invention relates to a rack suited for holding and supporting objects.
Specifically, the invention relates to a rack configured for nesting
with other like racks.
Still further, the invention relates to a rack which not only nests with other
racks, but may also be lifted up from above by conventional lifting equipment found
in commercial ovens, for example.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known racks are expensive to manufacture, unsuited for various applications,
require lots of storage space, are expensive to transport owing to their box-like,
non-nestable configuration, and, heretofore, no nestable rack has been known that
is both nestable and can likewise be lifted from above.
In one earlier patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,064 to Hall for "Support Assembly
for
a Holding Rack" discloses a Z-shaped holding rack 320 in FIG. 6 thereof
that works well as a rack; yet, the present invention works even better and is
particularly suited for lifting by a lifting mechanism.
OBJECTS and SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a rack which
overcomes the drawbacks and disadvantages of prior art devices.
Another object of the invention is to provide a rack which is easily and
inexpensively manufactured, requires less storage space than conventional racks,
is strong, may be readily made in a knock-down form, can be constructed using less
expensive materials than known racks, is easier for users to use, and/or can be
provided with elements (such as runners/c-channels) on the top thereof for engaging
with conventional lifting equipment.
A further object of the invention is to provide a liftable rack which is as strong
as conventional liftable racks, even though it has the advantageous nesting capability
of a substantially Z-shaped rack.
A still further object of the invention is to provide a rack which can be factory
assembled, and shipped cost-effectively assembled, owing to the reduced volume
required by each nested rack. Such leads to significant cost and energy savings.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a rack which advantageously
exploits the properties of the material used to construct the rack to yield a rack
best suited to the desired maximized properties of the rack; i.e., whether the
desired property be a maximization of the low weight of the finished product, the
side-loading strength of the rack, the lifting capacity of the rack, or a melding
of any of the above-described properties.
A further object of the invention is to provide a Z-shaped rack (when viewed
from
above) which nests, yet is as strong as non-nesting racks and as the intended use demands.
A still further object of the invention is to improve upon the earlier, above-named
related racks, to achieve better solutions to the above-described problems.
In summary, it will be seen that the above objects have been met while achieving
high nesting density of nested racks.
The attached figures illustrate various preferred embodiments of the invention.
Relative terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" are used for
ease of understanding, 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 preferred embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates an upper portion of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, taken
on an enlarged scale;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, of a further preferred embodiment of a rack
according to the invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates schematically how the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-2
(and FIG. 3) nest for compact storage;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating another preferred embodiment
of a rack according to the invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting element, taken along lines
6—6 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a lifting element, taken along lines 7—7
of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a partial, front perspective view of another preferred embodiment
of a rack according to the invention;
FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of the rack of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9B shows a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 on an enlarged scale;
FIG. 9C shows a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 on an enlarged scale;
FIG. 9D shows a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 on an enlarged scale;
FIG. 9E shows a portion of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 on an enlarged scale;
FIG. 10 illustrates the nesting of two (2) racks of the preferred embodiment
of FIGS. 8-9;
FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view of another rack according to the invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 11, in use;
FIG. 13 is a view of the rack of FIG. 8, in use;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a lifting element according to the invention;
FIG. 15 is an end view of the lifting element of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another lifting element according to the invention;
FIG. 17 is an end view of the lifting element of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another lifting element according to the invention;
FIG. 19 is an end view of the lifting element of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another lifting element according to the invention; and
FIG. 21 is an end view of FIG. 20.
It will be appreciated that relative terms such as up, down, left, and right
are
for convenience only and are not intended to be limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS.
1-
2
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the invention.
A rack 10 includes a left upright frame 14 and a spaced apart right
upright frame 18.
Left frame 14 includes a left front post 22 and a left rear post
24. Likewise, right upright frame 18 includes a right front post
32 and a right rear post 34.
An upper connector 40 connects left frame 14 to right frame 18.
Typically, upper connector 40 may be made of square tubing, and bolted,
or welded, to left and right frames 14, 18, respectively.
A middle connector 50 may be provided for added strength.
In a similar fashion, a lower connector 60 may be provided at the bottom
of rack 10.
A left passage 70 having a mouth 72 is defined at an upper portion
of rack 10 for receiving at least one of left rear posts 24 and right
front posts 32 of another rack 10, when rack 10 and another
rack 10 are nested together. That is, when two racks 10 have been
pushed together so as to reduce the amount of space required for storing racks
10 when not in use.
There may likewise be provided a right passage 74 having a mouth 76
defining the entrance thereof.
In a case where both left passage 70 and right passage 74 are provided,
as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, it is possible to nest multiple
racks 10 together in the manner illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, as
will be even more apparent from the detailed description under operation below.
Still further, a lifting element 80 may be provided on rack 10.
Preferably, lifting element 80 is provided between left upright
frame 14 and right upright frame 18. As illustrated, lifting element
80 may be in the form of a round tube or piece of solid steel bar stock.
A stainless steel exterior covering or cladding may be provided to encase lifting
element 80 when solid steel bar stock (e.g. carbon steel stock) is used.
Typically, there will be provided a guide member 82 disposed on
lifting element 80. Guide member 82 may be stainless steel, or stainless
steel-clad steel bar stock.
Both lifting element 80 and guide member 82 may be configured
for mating with conventional lifting equipment, such as used in bakery operations.
Still further, upper connector 40 may be divided into a left arm 84
and a right arm 86 joined together by lifting element 80. It will
be appreciated that left arm 84, along with a portion of a sub-member 92
of left frame 14, jointly define passage 70. Left and right arms
84, 86 may be made of double tubes or double-walled tubing.
When there are items to be supported by rack 10 such as flat trays or
bakery pans, one or more runners 94, 96, may be provided on right
and left frames 18, 14, respectively.
One or more casters 98 may be provided at a lower portion of rack 10
to ease movement thereof.
FIG.
3
FIG. 3 illustrates another preferred embodiment of a rack 100 in which
a lifting element 110 is made of square stock, as opposed to the round or
circular lifting element 80 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2, for example.
FIG.
4
Nesting of the racks of FIGS. 1-2 and FIG. 3 is described in detail below
under OPERATION.
FIGS.
5-
7
Turning to FIGS. 5-7 a still preferred embodiment of the invention will be described.
A nesting rack 120 includes a left frame 124 and a right frame 128
with an upper connector 132 extending therebetween.
Upper connector 132 may be provided with a left connector element 136
and a right connector element 138 joined by a lifting element 144
in the case where rack 120 is to be used with the lifting mechanism in a
bakery operation, for example.
A guide element 146 may be provided on lifting element 144 for assisting
in positioning lifting element 144 and rack 120, in use.
When additional strength is required, for example, one or more gussets 152
may be provided between right frame 128 and right connector element 138,
as illustrated.
Good results have been achieved when a solid round steel insert 156 is
bent, as required, extends substantially the entire distance between left frame
124 and right frame 128 for strengthening the overall construction
of rack 120.
Left connector element 136 and lifting element 144 may include
an exterior stainless steel weldment or sheath, as may be likewise appreciated
from FIGS. 6 and 7. Such stainless steel sheath, for example, is particularly desirable
when rack 120 is intended for use in the food industry, institutions such
as hospitals, and like applications where exterior services must be readily sanitized
or rust-free.
FIG. 6 illustrates how left connector element 136 may be made of square
tubing, for example, while still enclosing insert 156 having a diameter
such that insert 156 snuggly engages the interior walls of the illustrated
square exterior portion of left connector element 136 at least four (4)
"points" of contact.
FIG. 7 illustrates the manner in which lifting element 144 is preferably
constructed of an exterior round tubing sized so that the interior wall of such
round tubing snugly engages substantially the entire circumference of round insert 156.
Guide element 146 will also typically be constructed of stainless steel
or like material when used in demanding environments such as bakeries and in the
restaurant industry.
It will be noted that the left free end 158 and right free end 160
of insert 156 are preferably configured and disposed so that each smoothly
abuts and engages a left rear post 164 of left frame 124, and a right
front post 160 of right frame 128, respectively.
The use of additional middle and lower connectors, wheels, such as casters, and
like elements, is contemplated for the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7.
Good results have been achieved when insert 156 was made of a solid steel
insert extending the entire length from left rear post 164 to front right
post 174, where stainless steel tubing was used for left connecting element
136 and right connecting element 138, and round stainless steel tubing
was used for at least the exterior member of lifting element 144.
Connector element 136 is shown as square tubing covering round insert 156.
Round stainless steel tubing is shown covering the round insert 156
extending through lifting element 144.
In such a case, stainless steel welds may be used for joining the intersection
between the round stainless steel tubing of lifting element 144 and the
square stainless steel tubing of left connector element 136, as well as
the analogous intersection between the stainless steel exteriors of lifting element
144 and right connector element 138.
The operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7 is analogous to the operation of
the above-described preferred embodiments.
FIGS.
8-
10
The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 is a nesting Z-style oven rack 200
that is lifted from the top.
The rack 200 that is pictured fits one particular style and make of oven.
Such oven racks are used in many high volume bakeries such as are common to
the supermarket and food service industry. Some oven racks are designed to be lifted
while they are in the oven, others rest on the casters on which they are mounted
for ease of movement. There are many different styles of lift mechanisms, and each
different oven manufacturer may offer more than one style of lift for their ovens.
It is contemplated that the lifting elements, rack configuration, and the like
will be varied depending on the lifting mechanism requirements.
In order to achieve maximum nestability, a "C" channel 204 mounted to the
top of the rack 200, which channel 204 the lifting device in the
oven engages, must not interfere when two or more racks 200 are engaged
by nesting them together. That is particularly difficult since "C" channel 204
must also be designed and attached to the rack in such a way that it is able to
support the weight of rack 200, including the oven trays and the baked goods
that commonly fill the rack during the bake cycle. This weight can be considerable,
especially when a double oven rack is utilized.
Many of the oven racks that require a mechanical structure for the ovenlifting
device to engage have a general configuration that is similar to the rack shown
here, thus one can readily appreciate that this design can be easily adapted to
most of the oven racks that require such structures.
As discussed above, "C" channel 204 must not interfere when the racks are
nested. As will be appreciated, there are many other configurations for elements
that can be lifted by the lifting mechanism of an oven rack, which elements are
acceptable substitutes for "C" channels 204, as discussed above regarding
the other embodiments, and which come within the scope of the invention.
As to the feature that "C" channel 204 and equivalents do not interfere
with the nestability of rack 200, it will likewise be appreciated that there
are many alternate solutions which can achieve the same function. For example,
when the rack lifting mechanism (not shown) requires more room around the element
to be lifted (such as the illustrated "C" channel 204) then brackets 236
can be moved up or down, for example, as necessary.
Likewise, a middle connector 212 of the Z style rack can be moved
up or down as required, for example.
As will be appreciated, a left upright frame 216, a right upright frame
220, and middle connector 212 define the general Z-shape of the rack depicted.
When one rack 200 is moved closer to, and abuts, another rack for nesting,
such as in the nested formation shown in FIG. 10, elements of the rack other than
the two "C" channels 204 of one rack 200 must not interfere with
the "C" channels 204 of another rack 200 in order for nesting to
be accomplished. For example, a lower face 228 of channel 204 as
well as a lower face 232 of bracket 236 must be located above the
plane containing a top face 244 of middle connector element 212.
A spacer 286 may be provided between lower space 228 of channel 204
and top space 244 of connector element 212. The spacer may strengthen
and rigidify the connection between channel 204 and the remainder of rack 200.
A gusset 252 may be provided between middle connector 212 and a top
left frame connector 258. An analogous gusset 262 may be provided
for rigidifying the connecting intersection between right frame 216 and
an upper right frame connector 268.
Good results have been achieved when one or more supports or rails 272
are provided on one or both left and right frames 216 and 220, respectively.
When rack 200 is for use in a bakery, for example, supports 272 are
configured to receive and support standard bakery trays.
Additional strengthening elements, such as the illustrated rigidifying
member 282 may be provided, as desired.
FIGS. 9B-9E illustrates portions of rack 200 on an enlarged scale.
FIG. 9B shows the provision of a spacer 286 which may be used to provide
for a gap 292 between lifting element 204 and connector 212.
Gap or offset 292 which is useful in the case of nesting two or more racks
200. Gap 292 ensures that the components mate without interference.
The benefits of gaps 292 may be further appreciated by considering the discussion
of the gap provided for by supports 330 of the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and
12 described in detail below.
It is likewise contemplated that other nestable racks, such as racks which are
generally H-shaped, U-shaped, and X-shaped (as viewed from above) fall within the
scope of the invention.
It will be readily appreciated that a variety of steels, stainless steels, metal
alloys, aluminum, titanium, synthetic materials, and the like may be used to construct
each of the disclosed racks, and all their components.
It is contemplated that the racks be shipped partially disassembled to the end
user, and then assembled by bolting or welding together the components. Owing to
the nestability of each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-10, all described racks may
be shipped fully assembled.
Thirty (30) racks may be shipped in the same volume required by fifteen (15)
conventional, box-like racks, which yielded significant cost-savings.
OPERATION
In use, the construction and operation of the preferred embodiments of FIGS.
1-2
and FIG. 3 will be readily appreciated when considering the process of nesting
illustrated in FIG. 4.
Specifically, in a case where multiple racks are to be nested together,
it is noted that the right front post 32 of a forward rack 10 ("A")
will be inserted into left passage 70 of a rearward such rack 10
"B" when two such racks 10 ("A" and "B") are to be nested, as shown in the
direction of an arrow 150. See FIG. 4. In such case, the right passage 34
of the rack A which has been inserted into the rearward rack B, will have now been
placed on the left side, as viewed in the figures, and the process of nesting will continue.
The embodiments of FIGS. 5-7 nest in a similar fashion to the nesting of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, as shown in FIG. 4.
FIG. 10 illustrates, schematically, two (2) nested frames 200. Note that
gussets 252, for example were omitted for clarity.
In summary, it will be seen that at least the stated objects and goals of the
invention have been met, and other unstated improvements over the prior art have
been achieved.
For example, the preferred embodiments of FIGS. 1-10 have achieved the twin goals
of providing a liftable rack, which is as strong as conventional racks, and which
also may be compactly nested for reduced storage space requirements when not in use.
The embodiments of FIGS. 1-7 each have substantially Z-shaped frames, when viewed
from above, the central lifting element which extends substantially perpendicularly
to the planes containing the left and right frames yielding a somewhat jagged connector
between the left and right frames that makes the appearance something other than
a true Z shape.
Yet, those FIGS. 1-7 connectors provide for use of the invention with conventional
lifting equipment, while maintaining overall strength, and providing the heretofore
unknown compact nestability.
In use, when such racks are lifted by conventional ovens, and bakery products
are being cooked thereon, the racks are typically grabbed by the central connectors,
and rotated about a vertical axis passing through the guide element. Thus, strength
is required as substantial forces are applied thereto.
The preferred embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 likewise achieves the goals of strength
and nestability described immediately above, while maintaining a "truer" Z-shape
that yields at least as much storage space savings as provided by the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-7.
FIGS.
11 and
12
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of a rack 300 according
to the invention.
Rack 300 may include one or more lifting elements 304.
A middle connector 312 or connector 312 may be used to join a left
upright frame 316 and a right upright frame 320 together, upright
frames 316, 320, and middle connector 312 defining a substantially
Z-shaped rack 300, as shown.
Lifting elements 304 may extend transversely to or substantially parallel
with one or both of upright frames 316 and 320. Lifting elements
304 may be configured as C-channels, as shown, or as any other configurations
which are suitable for being lifted by a lifting element.
Lifting element or channel 304 may be disposed above connector 312,
such as being supported by one or more supports 330, which support 330
may include an L-shaped support leg 334. Support 330 may likewise
include a strengthening and/or rigidifying element 338, such as a gusset
or bracket which may extend from a portion of leg 334 to a portion of an
associated one of upright frame 316 and 320, respectively.
In the case where rack 300 is carried on one or more wheels or casters
348, the elevation of lifting element 304 above connector 312
is useful. The provision of such a gap is useful when mating two or more racks,
in the case where during the manufacturing process the height between the top of
connector 312 and the supporting surface differs between two mating racks,
in the case where the support surface, such as the floor of a store or warehouse
is uneven, or in the case where casters 348 have become worn over time and
the casters of one of a pair of mating racks, for example, have a smaller diameter
and, hence, a shorter height than the newer casters 348 of a mating rack
owing to such wear. This phenomenon has been described above in connection with
the embodiment of FIGS. 8-10.
Lifting element 304 may be of different configurations, such as shown
by the connectors of FIGS. 16-21, discussed below.
FIG. 12 illustrates the insertion of a tray T1 in the direction of an
arrow A1 into the rear of rack 300. As will be readily apparent,
tray T1 may be supported on supports or rails 372.
A further tray T2 may be inserted in the direction of an arrow A2
into the front of rack 300.
Depending on the size and configuration of trays T1 and T2,
one or more of trays T1, T2 are supported on an opposed pair of supports
or rails 372.
FIGS.
8-
10 and
13
FIG. 13 illustrates the manner in which rack 200 receives and supports
one or more trays T3 on rail 272, as shown by arrow A3.
In the case of the associated tray T3 having an extent substantially half
that of the tray receiving region or "footprint" of rack 200, only 1 tray
T3 would typically be accommodated, of course. In the case where unillustrated
trays having a narrower width are used, two or more trays may be accommodated.
FIGS. 14-21 illustrate additional embodiments of lifting elements according
to the invention.
FIGS. 14 and 15 show a lifting element 502 configured as a C-channel.
FIGS. 16 and 17 show a lifting element 512 configured as an S-channel.
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a lifting element 522 in the form of an L-channel.
FIGS. 20 and 21 show a lifting element 532 in the form of an S-channel
512 which cooperates with a plate 536.
Each of the lifting element embodiments of FIGS. 14-21 may be appreciated by
the considering the lifting elements described in connection with the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-14.
It should be noted that in the case of L-channel lifting element 522 one
of legs 524 may be attached to an upper portion of the rack on which is
it used or to an outer face of the rack on which it is used. In use, L-channel
522 may be typically use in an inverted position with leg 524 attached
to a portion of its associated rack.
It is expected that the racks according to the invention may be made completely
of stainless steel with or without the joints being riveted or welded or bolted,
depending on the application.
It is likewise contemplated that the frame or rack be made of aluminum members,
while the lifting elements be made of stainless steel or aluminum or both.
The wheels or casters may be oven casters, for example.
One or more of the left and right connector elements may extend at acute angles
relative to one or both of the left and right frames. The acute angle may be less
than 90°, less than about 60°, about 30°, or less than about 30°.
One or more of the left and right connector elements may be attached to a front
portion of the respective upright member; or, for example, in the case of lower
left end right connector elements may be connected to a front portion of the rack
disposed inwardly of the upright member.
Single tray racks may be sized so as to have "footprint" to accommodate a
single conventional tray having a "footprint" of 18"×26". Double side load
racks may have a tray receiving region which accommodates two (2) conventional
trays; i.e., a 36"×26" tray receiving region, or more.
While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, it is
understood that it is capable of further modifications, of uses and/or adaptions
of the invention following in general the principal 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 herein before set forth, all fall within the scope of the invention
and of the limits of the appended claims.
*
