Drying storage rack

Abstract

A storage rack for retaining items to be dried, which can be used in conjunction with a drain basin, such as a sink, or as a stand alone system is disclosed. The rack includes a rack component having a first and second ends, first and second sides, and a plurality of foot members, a drain mat supported by the foot members, and a detachable basin attached to a side or end of the rack component. The drain mat includes two sets of positioning members of two distinct lengths on a lower surface. By engaging longer positioning members on one side of the mat and shorter positioning members on the opposite side of the mat, the mat is held in a sloped configuration. The slope may be either toward the integral spout, thereby draining water from the mat, or opposite the integral spout, thereby retaining a substantial amount of water on the mat. The latter configuration permitting the storage rack to be used as a stand alone system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a rack for storing utensils, such as, for example, plates, bowls, pots, pans, flatware, and the like, for drying. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drying rack for use with or without a drain sink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As long as there has been kitchens, there has been dirty dishes. As long as there has been dirty dishes, there has been a need to wash and dry such dishes. There are basically two widely accepted methods for accomplishing this least favorite task of most every person--i.e., washing and drying by hand or by use of an automatic dishwasher. For those still employing the former method, hand drying has typically been considered inferior to air drying. However, air drying requires the wet dishes to be exposed to the air for some time to allow water to be drained or evaporated.

[0003] Further, a drainage source, such as, for example, a sink or a small plastic tub is not always readily available to the user. Without such a drainage source, the possible run-off of water onto floors, counters, and the like during the drying period is most undesirable. However, the need to eventually dispose of any water retained by a drain basin typically used with such drying racks is universal.

[0004] Countless attempts have been made to provide a device which meets the many structural requirements as well as aesthetic desires for a drying rack, commonly referred to as a dish rack. Such requirements include the ability to accommodate various plate, bowl and glassware sizes, the ability to store a significant amount of dishes, including flatware, for drying, the ability to prevent messy water drainage onto counters, and the ability to provide easy compact storage when not in use while still being readily constructed when needed.

[0005] However, until the present device, none have addressed each of these problems with a single drying rack. The shortcomings of prior devices may be due to a perception that a small dish rack would be too flimsy or inadequate. Or, perhaps it is a failure to recognize the failings of any particular device. Nonetheless, the present invention is unique in that it addresses each of these, as well as other problems found in the prior art. By providing a drying storage rack which is sturdy, capable of accommodating a variety of items, suitable for use as a stand alone rack as well as for use with a drain sink, and small enough for storage purposes, the present invention solves these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] There is disclosed herein an improved drying storage rack which avoids the disadvantages of prior racks while affording additional structural and operating advantages.

[0007] Generally speaking, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved drying rack for storing a plurality of items for drying.

[0008] In an embodiment there is provided a drying rack comprising a rack component and a detachable drain mat. The rack component includes an upper surface, first and second ends, first and second sides, and a plurality of foot members extending from the rack body. The drain mat is preferably made of a rigid material and includes a substantially planar surface defined by a peripheral raised edge, a lower surface, and a spout extending beyond an edge. The lower surface of the mat includes at least two sets of positioning members, one set being of a length longer than the other set. The mat is maintained in an elevated position by the foot members of the rack component engaging the positioning members of the mat. By varying the engagement between the two different sets of positioning members, an incline or slope can be imparted to the drain mat. The incline or slope may be toward or opposite (away from) the spout.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, a detachable basin attaches to the rack component. The basin is preferably configured to be affixed to the rack component, extending between the first and second side surfaces.

[0010] It is an aspect of an embodiment of the invention to provide a drying rack with a surface of the rack component having distinct zones. For example, in one embodiment of the invention a plurality of curved planar members may define a first zone for retaining bowls, a plurality of raised members may define a second zone for retaining cups, and a plurality of straight planar members may define a third zone for retaining plates.

[0011] These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description below and the appended drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the drying storage rack of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the drying storage rack illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the attachment of the detachable basin;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the rigid adjustable drain mat of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 4 is an elevated front view of the rigid adjustable drain mat illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0016] FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of the rigid adjustable drain mat illustrated in FIG. 3, the opposite side being substantially identical;

[0017] FIG. 6 is top view of the rigid adjustable drain mat illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the rigid adjustable drain mat illustrated in FIG. 3;

[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the rigid adjustable drain mat illustrated in FIG. 7;

[0020] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the detachable basin shown in FIG. 1; and

[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of the drying rack shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the drain mat inclined or sloped in a drain position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] While the invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this disclosure will describe in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0023] Referring to the appended FIGS. 1-10, the following discussion references component 10 as a drying storage rack or merely as rack 10. In the illustrated embodiments the drying storage rack 10 includes a rack component 12, a drain mat 14, and a detachable basin 16.

[0024] The rack component 12, with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, is constructed substantially of a coated wire frame in the present embodiment. The rack component 12 includes an upper surface 20 having a plurality of distinct zones, two side surfaces 21, 22, created by the upward vertical extension of the horizontal surface wires 42 of the upper surface 20 to form side extensions 44, two opposing ends 23, 24 and an open basin area 30 adjacent one end, and a plurality of foot members 25 created by the downward extension of wires in a J-hook configuration from the ends 23, 24 of the upper surface 20. In an alternative embodiment, any number of the four ends and sides may have such upward vertical extensions. As discussed further below, the foot members 25, while supporting the rack component 12 on a surface, such as a kitchen counter, also serve to support the drain mat 14 in an elevated, inclined position (see FIG. 10).

[0025] The side surfaces 21, 22 can be of any configuration suitable for providing structural support to the rack component 12 and support for any drying items which may lean against the individual side extensions 44. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the side surfaces 21, 22 are each comprised of a plurality of individual side extensions 44 which loop back to connect adjacent wires of the upper surface 20. These horizontal surface wires 42 may be essentially paired so as to form an elongated continuous loop turned up on each side. Alternatively, the wires 42 may be the creation of a single (or several) wire member having definite ends. Naturally, a myriad of configurations are possible, too numerous to mention in this document, which will provide the necessary support to drying items and the rack component 12 itself.

[0026] The surface wires 42 may be configured to form a plurality of distinct zones for retaining different items to be dried. For example, a plurality of curved planar members may define a first zone for retaining bowls, a plurality of raised members may define a second zone for retaining cups, and a plurality of straight planar members may define a third zone for retaining plates. The size and shape of the curved, raised, and straight zones may be varied on the surface to accommodate different sized items, maximize space utilization and for aesthetic purposes. Other configurations are possible, if necessary, for accommodating irregular items, such as bottles, pans, kitchen utensils, and the like.

[0027] The horizontal surface wires 42 are preferably connected at their underside to two perpendicular cross wires 46, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The foot members 25 are preferably created as extensions of the cross wire members 46, ending in a J-hook just below the under surface of the rack component 12. The last or end surface wire 48 has distinct ends 49, which turn upward at the sides 21, 22 before terminating. These distinct ends 49 are used to connect the detachable basin 16 to the rack component 12, as discussed further below.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 3-8, the drain mat 14 can be more readily understood. The mat 14 is preferably made from a rigid plastic material and is defined by a peripheral edge 26 about a planar surface 28. The edge 26 is preferably raised from the planar surface 28 a distance which is tall enough to provide a barrier or wall against fluid running off the planar surface 28 at any point. A small portion of the edge 26 is not raised and either tapers downward to the planar surface 28 from both sides or ends abruptly to define an opening 29. The opening 29 accommodates a spout 27 positioned to extend from the planar surface 28 beyond the mat edge 26. The planar surface 28 is preferably inclined from two sides toward a midline extending from the spout 27 to the opposite side of the mat 14. This incline or slope directs fluid to the midline during use.

[0029] The drain mat 14 also includes an underside, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, comprised of two sets of positioning members 52, 54. Preferably, the present embodiment comprises four of each positioning member 52, 54, with one of each of the positioning members 52, 54 being situated in proximity to a corner of the mat 14. That is, two of the first positioning members 52 are situated in corners proximate the side of the mat 14 containing spout 27, while two other first positioning members 52 are situated in the corners proximate the side opposite the spout 27. Similarly, each corner contains a second positioning member 54. The first positioning members 52 are of a length which is substantially greater than the length of the second position members 54. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the first positioning members 52 to length of the second positioning members 54 is in the range of from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1, and more preferably in the range of from about 2:1 to about 4:1.

[0030] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the two first positioning members 52 in the corners proximate the spout 27 are configured to align with and be equidistant from two second positioning members 54 in the corners proximate the opposite side of mat 14. Likewise, the two second positioning members 54 in the corners proximate the spout 27 are configured to align with and be equidistant from the two first positioning members 52 in the corners proximate the opposite side of mat 14.

[0031] The first and second positioning members 52, 54 are cylindrical and open to provide a connection point for the ends of the cross wires 46 which form the foot members 25 of the rack component 12. The members 52, 54 positively retain the wire ends to impart a slope to the mat 14, and to prevent accidental movement of the mat 14 while supported under the rack component 12. As shown in FIG. 10, to impart a slope, the ends of the cross wires 46 are engaged by the first positioning members 52 on one side of the mat and the second positioning members 54 on the opposite side of the mat 14. When sloped toward the spout 27 (the "drain position"), fluid will naturally drain from the mat 14. However, when mat 14 is sloped toward the side opposite the spout 27 (the "non-drain position"), a substantial amount of fluid can be retained on the mat 14. By "substantial" it is meant an amount greater than the small but noticeable amount of, for example, water that might be retained as drops and minor pools due to the surface imperfections in the mat 14 and the natural surface tension of the coalesced fluid.

[0032] The underside of the mat 14 may have additional structural components, such as ribs 53, which support the surface 28. The mat 14 is also preferably rectangular to allow it to be positioned a number of ways below the upper surface 20 of the rack component 12. This allows the drying storage rack 10 to be positioned in a more convenient manner while still allowing the spout 27 to be more easily aligned with a basin (not shown), such as a sink, when desired. Certainly, the mat 14 may be made in a number of different geometric shapes, if desired.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, the detachable basin 16 is illustrated. The basin 16 is preferably comprised of a compartment defined by a first wall segment 32 being curved at each end to connect to a second wall segment 33. The second wall segment 33 includes a plurality of openings 31 to allow a drying air flow to assist the drying process. The basin compartment preferably comprises at least one dividing panel 34, but may include a plurality of such panels, which connects to each of the first and second wall segments 32, 33. The panel 34 is preferably unitary, but in some constructions may be made removable. Likewise, additional panels could be unitary to the basin 16 or removable, as desired. In the present embodiment, the panel 34 divides the compartment into sub-compartments, preferably two, to maintain items separate, as necessary.

[0034] The second wall segment 33 of the basin 16 also includes at least one connecting slot 36 for engaging a corresponding end surface wire 48, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The connecting slot 36 preferably comprises a rounded, elongated cavity open along an outer side of the basin 16 to allow insertion of the end surface wire 48. A slit 56 (FIG. 9) in the bottom surface of the basin 16 allows for the insertion of the raised portion of the end surface wire 48 as a further means for holding the basin 16 to the rack component 12. Alternatively, positive engaging mechanisms, such as c-clips (not shown) or the like may be used to connect the basin 16 to the edge of the rack component 12.

[0035] The floor of the basin 16 is preferably pitched toward the second wall segment 33 where a drain hole 38 is provided, as best shown in FIG. 9. The drain hole 38 allows water that is funneled by the sloped floor to be drained from the basin 16 and onto the drain mat 14. Accordingly, the drain hole 38 should be positioned above the mat 14, as shown in FIG. 4. The detachable basin 16 is supported on a portion of the cross wires 46 before forming foot members 25, as also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0036] Many different compartment variations are considered possible and fall within the intended scope of the present application. Additional basins may also be possible with some minor adjustments to the sides and ends of the rack component 12.

[0037] In use, with reference to FIG. 2, rack 10 is first constructed by connecting the detachable basin 16 to the rack component ends 24 at the open basin area 30 by inserting the end 49 of surface wire 48 into the connecting slot 36 on each side of the detachable basin 16. The raised center portion of the end surface wire 48 is also inserted into slit 56 (FIG. 9). Thereafter, the drain mat 14 is placed beneath the rack component 12, resting in an elevated position on the ends of foot members 25 to be sloped in either of the directions as explained above. The mat 14 may be positioned such that the spout 27 is extending from either of the two sides 21, 22 of the rack 10. If the rack 10 is being used next to a basin, such as a sink, the mat 14 can be placed in a drain position (i.e., sloped toward spout 27) to empty any collecting water from the stored items. When rack 10 is used as a stand alone drying storage rack, the mat 14 can be placed in the non-drain position (i.e., sloped opposite the spout 27) to retain any draining water.

[0038] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A drying rack comprising: a rack component comprising first and second opposing ends, first and second opposing sides, an upper surface having a plurality of distinct zones, and a plurality of foot members; and a drain mat positioned below the rack component and comprising an upper surface, a lower surface, a peripheral wall and a spout, wherein the lower surface comprises a plurality of first positioning members of equal size and a plurality of second positioning members of equal size but shorter than the first positioning members; wherein the rack component is configured to engage at least some of the first positioning members and at least some of the second positioning members to impart a slope to the substantially planar surface of the drain mat toward one of either the first or second side of the rack component.

2. The drying rack of claim 1, further comprising a detachable bin attached to an end or side of the rack component.

3. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein at least one first positioning member and at least one second positioning member are situated on the lower surface proximate the spout.

4. The drying rack of claim 3, wherein at least one first positioning member and at least one second positioning member are situated on the lower surface opposite the spout.

5. The drying rack of claim 4, wherein the mat is sloped toward the spout by engaging the rack component with at least one second positioning member proximate the spout and at least one first positioning member opposite the spout.

6. The drying rack of claim 4, wherein the mat is sloped opposite the spout by engaging the rack component with at least one first positioning member proximate the spout and at least one second positioning member opposite the spout.

7. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the mat comprises four first positioning members and four second positioning members.

8. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the foot members of the rack component engage the first positioning members and the second positioning members of the mat.

9. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the rack component comprises a plurality of vertical members.

10. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the planar surface of the drain mat is sloped toward a midline of the surface.

11. The drying rack of claim 10, wherein the spout is positioned in line with the midline of the planar surface.

12. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the drain mat is supported by the foot members.

13. The drying rack of claim 2, wherein the detachable bin comprises a drain opening and a floor contoured to direct fluid toward the drain opening.

14. The drying rack of claim 2, wherein the detachable bin attaches to the rack component and the drain mat is supported by the foot members such that the drain opening of the bin is positioned over the planar surface of the mat.

15. The drying rack of claim 2, wherein the detachable bin comprises a dividing wall which separates the bin into at least two sub-compartments.

16. The drying rack of claim 6, wherein the drain mat will retain a substantial amount of water when sloped opposite the spout.

17. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall has an opening and the spout spans the opening.

18. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the drain mat is shaped to allow the spout to be oriented below any one of the first and second sides and the first and second ends.

19. The drying rack of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the first positioning members to the length of the second positioning members is in the range of from about 1.5:1 to about 10:1.

20. The drying rack of claim 19, wherein the ratio of lengths is in the range of from about 2:1 to about 5:1.