U.S. patent application number 12/722543 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-15 for structure of collapsible rack.
Invention is credited to PEI-CHUAN MA.
Application Number | 20110220604 12/722543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44558966 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110220604 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MA; PEI-CHUAN |
September 15, 2011 |
STRUCTURE OF COLLAPSIBLE RACK
Abstract
A collapsible rack includes symmetric support frames composed of
vertical bars and horizontal bars and top and bottom frames
connected between the support frames in a movable manner. The top
and bottom frames are composed of connected movable left and right
boards, which have front and rear faces that define recessed
channels. Spaced fitting holes are defined in the channels.
Straight bars form pegs. The top and bottom frames are of
movability to allow the top and bottom frames to be collapsed to a
stacked flat configuration when the rack is not in use, so as to
facilitate storage and transportation. When the rack is to be used,
the top and bottom frames are expanded and the straight bars are
set to have the pegs fit in the fitting holes defined in the left
and right boards to fix the top and bottom frames in the expanded
position.
Inventors: |
MA; PEI-CHUAN; (Taipei City,
TW) |
Family ID: |
44558966 |
Appl. No.: |
12/722543 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/199 ;
211/198 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 43/00 20130101;
A47B 31/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/199 ;
211/198 |
International
Class: |
A47B 43/00 20060101
A47B043/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible rack, comprising: a plurality of support frames,
each of which is composed of a plurality of vertical bars and a
plurality of horizontal bars; a plurality of the top and bottom
frames, which are connected to and between the support frames in a
movable manner, each of the top and bottom frames comprising
movable left and right boards, each of which has front and rear
surfaces that define recessed channels, a plurality of spaced
fitting holes being defined in the channels; and a plurality of
straight bars, which have dimensions corresponding to the channels
defined in the front and rear surfaces of the left and right boards
and form a plurality of pegs corresponding to the fitting holes;
wherein in the rack so formed, the top and bottom frames are of
movability to allow the top and bottom frames to be collapsed
downward and upward to a stacked flat configuration when the rack
is not in use, so as to facilitate storage and transportation and
wherein when the rack is to be used, the top and bottom frames are
expanded and the straight bars are set to have the pegs fit in the
fitting holes defined in the left and right boards to fix the top
and bottom frames in the expanded position, so that the top and
bottom frames are adapted to receive and support articles
positioned thereon.
2. The collapsible rack according to claim 1, wherein the
horizontal bars of the support frames have lower edges to which
retention bars are mounted to selectively support flat boards
thereon so as to form vertically spaced shelves.
3. The collapsible rack according to claim 1, wherein connectors
are set to connect between the top and bottom frames and the
support frames and between the left and right boards of the top and
bottom frames, and wherein the connectors comprise hinges or other
openable/closable connection devices.
4. A collapsible rack, comprising: a front frame, which is composed
of a plurality of vertical bars and a plurality of horizontal bars,
each of the horizontal bars defining spaced fitting holes; a rear
frame, which is composed of a plurality of vertical bars and a
plurality of horizontal bars, each of the horizontal bars defining
spaced fitting holes; two side frames, which are connected between
the front and rear frames in a movable manner and each comprising
movable and connected left and right sub-frames, the left and right
sub-frames having inside surfaces to which horizontally extending
elongate ribs are mounted; and a plurality of flat boards, each of
which has a bottom forming elongate ribs close to opposite side
edges thereof and comprising pegs formed along front and rear edges
to correspond to the fitting holes defined in the horizontal bars
of the front and rear frames; wherein in the rack so formed, the
front and rear frames and the side frames are of movability to
allow the rack to be collapsed into a stacked flat configuration,
when the rack is not in use, so as to facilitate storage and
transportation of the rack and wherein when the rack is to be used,
the front and rear frames and the side frames are expanded and the
flat boards are set to have the pegs fit into the fitting holes of
the horizontal bars so that he flat boards are securely fixed on
the horizontal bars with the elongate ribs mounted to the inside
surfaces of the left and right sub-frames serving as stops to hold
the boards in position whereby the flat boards are adapted to
stably receive articles to be positioned thereon and supported
thereby.
5. The collapsible rack according to claim 4, wherein connectors
are set to connect between the front and rear frames and the side
frames, and between the left and right sub-frames of the side
frames in a movable manner, and wherein the connectors comprise
hinges or other openable/closable connection devices.
Description
(a) TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a collapsible
rack, and more particularly to a collapsible rack that can be
expanded for use and selectively collapsed into a stacked flat
configuration for ease of transportation and storage.
(b) DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] A rack for receiving articles to be stored or positioned
thereon is often made of wood or plastics and is constructed with a
plurality of properly secured frames and shelves mounted to the
frames to receive articles to be positioned thereon. The
conventional rack is of a fixed structure where the frames and the
shelves are fixedly mounted together, making it difficult to
transport, for the transportation of the conventional rack is an
effort consuming job, which often require assistance from other
persons. Further, when not in use, the conventional rack takes a
great amount of space and since its size is fixed and cannot be
reduced, storage of the conventional rack requires quite an amount
of space. In view of these problems, the present invention aims to
provide a collapsible rack that overcomes such drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide
a structure of collapsible rack, which is expandable to receive and
hold articles positioned thereon and is selectively collapsed into
a stacked flat configuration to facility transportation and storage
by reducing the amount of space occupied thereby.
[0004] According to the present invention, a collapsible rack
comprises symmetrically arranged support frames, each of which is
composed of a plurality of vertical bars and a plurality of
horizontal bars, and top and bottom frames connected between the
support frames in a movable manner. Each of the top and bottom
frames is composed of movable left and right boards that are
connected to each other. The left and right boards have front and
rear faces that define recessed channels and a plurality of spaced
fitting holes is defined in the channels. A plurality of straight
bars is provided, each forming a plurality of pegs. The top and
bottom frames are of movability to allow the top and bottom frames
to be collapsed downward and upward to a stacked flat configuration
when the rack is not in use, so as to facilitate storage and
transportation. When the rack is to be used, the top and bottom
frames are expanded and the straight bars are set to have the pegs
fit in the fitting holes defined in the left and right boards to
fix the top and bottom frames in the expanded position, so that the
top and bottom frames can receive and support articles positioned
thereon.
[0005] In the rack so formed as discussed above, connectors are set
to connect between the top and bottom frames and the support frames
and between the left and right boards of the top and bottom frames
in a movable manner. The connectors comprise hinges or other
openable/closable connection devices.
[0006] The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief
introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these
and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention
itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the
art, the following detailed description of the invention and the
claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical
reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.
[0007] Many other advantages and features of the present invention
will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making
reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets
of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment
incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by
way of illustrative example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible rack according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the collapsible rack according
to the present invention.
[0010] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing collapse of the
rack according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a collapsible rack according
to another embodiment of the present invention, with only one board
being visible and detached from the rack.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the rack of FIG. 5 is a
partially collapsed condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] The following descriptions are exemplary embodiments only,
and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or
configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following
description provides a convenient illustration for implementing
exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the
described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement
of the elements described without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth in the appended claims.
[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show a perspective view
and an exploded view of a collapsible rack according to the present
invention, the collapsible rack of the present invention comprises
a plurality of symmetrically arranged support frames 1, each of
which is composed of a plurality of vertical bars 11 and a
plurality of horizontal bars 12, and movable top and bottom frames
2, which are connected between the support frames 1. Each of the
horizontal bars 12 has a lower edge to which a retention bar 13 is
mounted. Each of the top and bottom frames 2 is composed of left
and right boards 21, 22 that are connected to each other in a
movable manner. The top and bottom frames 2 and the support frames
1 are connected to each other by connectors 3 (which can be hinges
or other openable/closable connection devices), so that the top and
bottom frames 2 are foldable about edges of the support frames 1.
Similarly, the left and right boards 21, 22 of each of the top and
bottom frames 2 are connected to each other by connectors 3, so
that the left and right boards 21, 22 are foldable with respect to
each other.
[0015] Front and rear faces of the left and right boards 21, 22 of
the top and bottom frames 2 respectively form recessed channels
211, 221, and in each of the channels 211, 221, a plurality of
spaced fitting holes 212, 222 is defined.
[0016] A plurality of straight bars 4 is provided, each having a
length substantially corresponding to the total length of the
channels 211, 221 formed in the front and rear faces of the left
and right boards 21, 22 of each top or bottom frame 2. Each
straight bar 4 forms a plurality of pegs 41 corresponding to the
fitting holes 212, 222.
[0017] A rack can be formed by assembling the above discussed
components together, wherein the movability of the top and bottom
frames 2 allows the top and bottom frames 2 to be collapsed
downward and upward to a stacked flat configuration when the rack
is not in use, so as to facilitate storage and transportation. When
the rack is to be used, the top and bottom frames 2 are expanded
and the straight bars 4 are at least partially set into the
channels 211, 221 with the pegs 41 fit in the fitting holes 212,
222 defined in the left and right boards 21, 22 to fix the top and
bottom frames 2 in the expanded position, whereby the top and
bottom frames 2 may receive and support articles positioned
thereon. Or alternatively, the retention bars 13 may receive and
support flat boards 14 positioned thereon to constitute a plurality
of vertically spaced shelves for supporting articles thereon.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, collapse of the rack of the
present invention is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 1, to use the
rack of the present invention, the top and bottom frames 2 are
first expanded upward and downward. Since the frames are connected
together by the connectors 3, the expansion of the frames sets up a
rack, which allows the pegs 41 of the straight bars 4 to be fit
into the fitting holes 212, 222 of the left and right boards 21, 22
to have the rack fixed in the expanded position, or alternatively
allows the flat boards 14 to be positioned on the retention bars 13
to complete a rack, where the top and bottom frames 2 or the flat
boards 14 may receive articles to be positioned thereon and
supported thereby. When the rack of the present invention is not in
use, the straight bars 4 are first removed from the fitting holes
212, 222 of the left and right boards 21, 22 and the top and bottom
frames 2 are then respectively folded downward and upward. At the
same time when the top and bottom frames 2 are folded, the support
frames 1 are caused to approach toward each other and thus
collapse, whereby the top and bottom frames 2, in the folded
condition, are interposed between the collapsed support frames 1 to
form a stacked flat configuration, which helps storage and
transportation of the rack, for the collapsed rack occupies a less
amount of space in storage.
[0019] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, which show a perspective view of
a collapsible rack according to another embodiment of the present
invention and a perspective view of the rack in a partially
collapsed condition, the rack of said another embodiment of the
present invention comprises symmetrically arranged front and rear
frames 5, 6, each of which is composed of a plurality of vertical
bars 51, 61 and a plurality of horizontal bars 52, 62, and movable
side frames 7 connected between the front and rear frames 5, 6. The
front and rear frames 5, 6 are connected to the side frames 7 with
the vertical bars 51, 61 thereof by means of connectors 8 to form a
movable configuration. The connectors 8 can be hinges or any other
openable/closable connection devices. Further, the horizontal bars
52, 62 define therein fitting holes 521, 621, which are properly
spaced from each other.
[0020] The side frames 7, of which the number is two in the
embodiment illustrated, are each composed of left and right
sub-frames 71, 72, which are connected to each other in a movable
manner. The left and right sub-frames 71, 72 are connected to each
other by connectors 8 to form a movable configuration. The left and
right sub-frames 71, 72 have inside surfaces to which horizontally
extending elongate ribs 711, 721 are mounted.
[0021] A plurality of flat boards 9 is provided but only one is
visible in the drawings. Each of the flat boards 9 has a bottom to
which elongate ribs 91 are mounted close to opposite side edges
thereof. Also, pegs 92 are provided on the bottom along front and
rear edge of the flat board 9 to correspond to the fitting holes
521, 621 that are defined in the horizontal bars 52, 62 of the
front and rear frames 5, 6.
[0022] A rack is formed by assembling the above discussed
components together, wherein the movability of the front and rear
frames 5, 6 and the side frames 7 allows the rack to be collapsed
into a stacked flat configuration, when the rack is not in use, so
as to facilitate storage and transportation of the rack. When the
rack is to be used, the front and rear frames 5, 6 and the side
frames 7 are expanded and the flat boards 9 are set to have the
pegs 92 fit into the fitting holes 521, 621 of the horizontal bars
52, 62 so that he flat boards 9 are securely fixed on the
horizontal bars 52, 62 with the elongate ribs 711, 721 mounted to
the inside surfaces of the left and right sub-frames 71, 72 serving
as stops to hold the boards 9 in position whereby the flat boards 9
may stably receive articles to be positioned thereon and supported
thereby.
[0023] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is
not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be
understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and
changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in
its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without
departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
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