U.S. patent application number 15/462016 was filed with the patent office on 2018-06-21 for racking system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kenneth Perry. Invention is credited to Kenneth Perry.
Application Number | 20180168339 15/462016 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62556163 |
Filed Date | 2018-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180168339 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perry; Kenneth |
June 21, 2018 |
Racking System
Abstract
A catering shelving system is disclosed with a series of shelves
in order to assist caters in transporting food from one location to
another. The shelving system racks may be detachable or pivotally
attached through the use of rotation mechanisms for easy break down
and storage. The shelving system may accommodate a series of
different types of pans of all shapes, sizes, and weights.
Inventors: |
Perry; Kenneth; (Dorchester,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Perry; Kenneth |
Dorchester |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
62556163 |
Appl. No.: |
15/462016 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62436550 |
Dec 20, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 71/00 20130101;
A47B 43/00 20130101; A47B 96/028 20130101; A47B 57/045 20130101;
A47B 47/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/04 20060101
A47B057/04; A47B 71/00 20060101 A47B071/00; A47B 47/00 20060101
A47B047/00; A47G 19/08 20060101 A47G019/08 |
Claims
1. A shelving system comprising: a vertical retaining member; a
series of shelves comprising: a first shelf, wherein the first
shelf rotates two hundred seventy degrees upward and ninety degrees
downward; a second shelf, wherein the second shelf is detachable;
and a third shelf, wherein the third shelf rotates two hundred
seventy degrees backward and ninety degrees upward; a pair of
rotation mechanisms; and at least one supporting device; wherein
the first shelf is pivotally attached to the vertical retaining
member by a first rotation mechanism of the pair and the third
shelf is pivotally attached to the vertical retaining member by a
second rotation mechanism of the pair.
2. (canceled)
3. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the first shelf and the
third shelf extend three inches beyond the vertical retaining
member.
4. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the supporting device is
in communication with each of the series of shelves and with the
vertical retaining member.
5. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein the supporting device is
in permanent communication with the series of shelves.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the top shelf and the
bottom shelf are rotated parallel and in communication with the
vertical retaining member.
10. The shelving system of claim 2, wherein the first shelf and the
third shelf can be rotated parallel to the vertical retaining
member on either the front or back side.
11. The shelving system of claim 2, wherein the first shelf and the
third shelf are parallel and in communication with the vertical
retaining member when rotated to opposite sides.
12. (canceled)
13. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the vertical retaining
member has at least one cavity for reception of each of the series
of shelves.
14. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein there are three cavities
throughout the center of the vertical retaining member.
15. The shelving system of claim 14, wherein a first and second
cavity are below the first shelf and above the second shelf while a
third cavity is between the second shelf and the third shelf.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and takes priority
from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/436,550 filed on Dec.
20, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to shelving systems,
specifically shelving systems for catering and food storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Shelving systems have long been used for numerous storage
needs. Shelving has been used in the catering business in order to
organize trays of food to create space, prevent contamination, and
store multiple meals at one time. Shelving has also been used to
transport food from the catering kitchen to the necessary event
location.
[0004] Current shelving, specifically for catering purposes, tends
to be not sturdy causing trays of food to fall or collide. In other
circumstances, caterers are required to balance one tray on top of
another tray on top of another tray causing food to be crushed or
in some circumstances spoiled.
[0005] In other situations, pans used to carry food can be bent,
smashed, and damaged when stacked during the transportation of the
food to the catering event. The pressure of the one pan or tray on
another pan or tray can build up pressure on all the remaining pans
on the racks.
[0006] Further, in many circumstances, the shelving that exists
does not allow for top loader food delivery bags to accommodate
certain sized pans. This may cause many issues for a caterer who is
trying to transport many larger type pans from one location to the
next. Because of the lack of shelving available that fit with
appropriate delivery bags, catering companies are unable to
transport a greater amount of food. Additionally, food that does
not fit within delivery bag shelving may be spoiled causing a
catering company to lose money and risk damage to the company's
reputation. Many caters depend on recommendations from customers to
build a catering business. Therefore, food presentation is
important and a caterer cannot risk smashed food. In addition,
caters need to utilize as much space as possible to transport food
from one location to another for a more efficient, cost-effective,
and successful business.
[0007] As known, there are many shelving systems that exist that
may be fixed at certain predetermined heights or may be adjustable
to one of a series of available heights. While many of the designs
are not without their respective merits, several limitations do
exist with these systems within the catering world. For one, the
ratio of a load that may be supported by the shelving system to the
weight of the shelving system typically varies. For example, a
shelving system that is infused with reinforced steel may be able
to support a relatively large load, however the weight that is
added to the shelving system makes the entire system cumbersome and
difficult to reconfigure or adjust to the specific needs of the
caterer. On the other hand, if a shelving system is too light, the
load it can support may be severely restricted thus limiting the
scope of use of the shelving system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The instant series of system, method and series of
apparatuses, as illustrated herein, are clearly not anticipated,
rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art
mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Thus, the
several embodiments of the instant system are illustrated
herein.
[0009] In one aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel
racking and shelving system to assist food caterers.
[0010] In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel racking system to accommodate a series of food pans of
different weights, sizes, and shapes.
[0011] In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel racking system that prevents catering pans from being bent,
smashed, and/or damaged during transportation of food from one
location to another.
[0012] Another aspect of the present apparatus introduces a novel
racking system that ensures the usage of a top loading shelf to
accommodate a series of food pans of different weights, sizes, and
shapes.
[0013] In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel racking system that protects the transportation of catering
food and ensures the food stays in place, preventing spills and
damage to the food. In turn, a catering company may present food at
a vendor location intact, free from damage or squishing.
[0014] In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel racking system that allows for the racking of numerous pants
in order to prevent any unnecessary stacking or pressure from
multiple stacked pans.
[0015] In a further aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel shelving system that is an inexpensive alternative for
caterers to transport food from one location to another.
[0016] In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a
novel shelving system that is easy to manage and provides an
efficient means to transport catered food from one location to
another.
[0017] Realizing one aspect of the system is a new shelving and
racking system that provides a more efficient, inexpensive, safer,
and cost effective system for caterers to shelve multiple food pans
at once, transport the pans, and prevent any damage done on the
pans and catered food during transportation.
[0018] These together with other objects of the system, along with
the various features of novelty, which characterize the system and
accompanying apparatuses, are pointed out with particularity in the
claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a
better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and
the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made
to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there
are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system.
[0019] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection
with the following description and the annexed drawings. These
aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles
disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents
thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject
matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent
from the following detailed description when considered in
conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of the various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a
shelving system fully assembled;
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
shelving system in a partial dissembled state;
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the
shelving system in a fully dissembled state;
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
the shelving system fully assembled.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a
shelving system fully assembled;
[0026] FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the
shelving system in a partial dissembled state;
[0027] FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the
shelving system in a fully dissembled state;
[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the shelving system fully assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the apparatus and does not
represent the only forms in which the present apparatus may be
constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the apparatus in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0030] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be
applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or
elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein
assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not
explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range
of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent
to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In
many instances, the terms "about" may include numbers that are
rounded to the nearest significant figure.
[0031] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0032] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not
necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments of the
claimed invention.
[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates the side view of a preferred embodiment
of the shelving system 10. Herein, the shelving system comprises a
series of shelves, but at least a first shelf 16a, a second shelf
16b, and a third shelf 16c. The series of shelves 16a, 16b, 16c,
are in communication with a vertical retaining pole 12 that
maintains the structure of the shelving system 10. The first shelf
16a and the third shelf 16c are pivotally attached to the retaining
pole 12 by a rotation mechanisms 14a and 14b. These rotation
mechanisms allow the first shelf and the third shelf to rotate. In
the case of the first shelf 16a, the rotation mechanism 14a allows
the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees upward (as shown in FIG. 2A).
In the case of the third shelf 16c, the rotation mechanism 14b
allows the third shelf to rotate 270 degrees around (as shown in
FIG. 2A). The first, second, and third shelves may also be
supported by supporting devices 18. The supporting devices ensure
that the shelves may withhold varying weights. The supporting
devices 18 extend along the long dimension of the shelves, parallel
to each other. Further, the second shelf 16b, is detachable to the
retaining pole 12.
[0034] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the potential break down of the
shelving system 10. Herein, as stated, the first shelf 16a, the
rotation mechanism 14a allows the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees
upward. In the case of the third shelf 16c, the rotation mechanism
14b allows the third shelf to rotate 270 degrees around. The second
shelf 16b is detachable from the retaining pole 12 for easy storage
purposes. As shown in FIG. 2B, the shelving system 10 is in a fully
collapsible position, wherein the second shelf 16b is detached and
the first shelf 16a and the second shelf 16b are rotated
appropriately until they are placed flush against the retaining
pole 12. This allows for easy storage of the shelving system when
the system is not in use by a user.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the storage system
10 fully assembled. As shown when fully assembled, the three
shelves are in communication with the retaining pole 12. The
shelving system may withstand heavy weights. Further, the shelving
system can accommodate pans of all different, shapes, sizes,
weights, and styles. The shelving system will stop the pans from
being bent, smashes, and damaged during transportation of food.
Further, the shelving system may accommodate delivery catering
bags.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of a preferred embodiment
of the shelving system 20. Herein, the shelving system comprises a
series of shelves, but at least a first shelf 26a, a second shelf
26b, and a third shelf 26c. The shelves 26a and 26c, are in
communication with a vertical retaining pole 22 that maintains the
structure of the shelving system 20. The first shelf 26a and the
third shelf 26c are pivotally attached to the retaining pole 22 by
a rotation mechanisms 24a and 24b and in one embodiment, extend
three inches beyond the vertical retaining pole 22. These rotation
mechanisms allow the first shelf and the third shelf to rotate. In
the case of the first shelf 26a, the rotation mechanism 24a allows
the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees upward or downward. In the
case of the third shelf 26c, the rotation mechanism 24b allows the
third shelf to rotate 90 upward or downward. The first, second, and
third shelves may also be supported by supporting devices 28. The
supporting devices 28 ensure that the shelves may withhold varying
weights. The supporting devices 28 extend along the long dimension
of the shelves, parallel to each other. Further, the second shelf
26b, is detachable, as shown, to the retaining pole 22. Finally,
the current embodiment includes cavities 30, 32, and 34.
[0037] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the potential break down of the
shelving system 20. Herein, as stated, the first shelf 26a, the
rotation mechanism 24a allows the first shelf to rotate 270 degrees
up and backward and 90 degrees downward. In the case of the third
shelf 26c, the rotation mechanism 24b allows the third shelf to
rotate 270 degrees backward and 90 degrees up. The second shelf 26b
is detachable from the retaining pole 22 for easy storage purposes.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the shelving system 20 is in a fully
collapsible position, wherein the second shelf 26b is detached and
the first shelf 26a and the second shelf 26b are rotated
appropriately until they are placed flush against the retaining
pole 22. This allows for easy storage of the shelving system when
the system is not in use by a user.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the storage system
20 fully assembled. As shown when fully assembled, the three
shelves 26a, 26b, 26c are in communication with the retaining pole
22. In the present embodiment there are three cavities 36, 38 and
40 in the vertical retaining pole 12. The shelving system may
withstand heavy weights. Further, the shelving system can
accommodate pans of all different, shapes, sizes, weights, and
styles. The shelving system will stop the pans from being bent,
smashes, and damaged during transportation of food. Further, the
shelving system may accommodate delivery catering bags.
[0039] Herein, in a preferred embodiment, the shelving system
displays three shelves but in other embodiments, the system may
display more than three or less than three. The sizes and
dimensions of the shelves may vary in different embodiments.
[0040] It should be understood that various alternatives to the
embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in
practicing the disclosure. Elements of an implementation of the
systems and methods described herein may be independently
implemented or combined with other implementations. It is intended
that the claims to follow with the utility application define the
scope of the disclosure and that systems, methods, and devices
within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered
thereby.
* * * * *