Abstract:
A foldable rack for storing pillows comprising a first and second frame member being generally planar and rectangular, each frame member including: (a) an upper end and a lower end defining a length; (b) opposing lateral sides connecting the upper end and the lower end defining a width; (c) a plurality of spaced apart rods extending from the upper end to the lower end, each rod having a hub disposed at a central portion, each hub having an axial bore therethrough, each axial bore in registry; and (d) a pin being received in the axial bore extending through each hub of each rod. The rack folds about the pin in a scissor-like fashion between a first not in use position where the first and second frame members fold into juxtaposed position and a second in use position where the first and second frame members intersect to form an X shape.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a completion application of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/064,007, filed Oct. 15, 2014, for “Pillow Rack,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety including the drawings. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention pertains to storage racks, and more particularly to a storage rack for storing pillows that comprises a pair of frame members that are connected to one another in a scissors like fashion and form a collapsed low profile form for easy storage when the rack is in a first position and not in use and rotate into a second position wherein the frame members form an X wherein the pillows are stacked vertically atop one another for easy accessible temporary storage when the pillows are not in use. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Throw pillows or accent pillows are great additions that will complete any bedroom. Regardless of the style—modern, traditional, contemporary, or eclectic—if a bed looks drab, a homeowner will place a couple of colorful or trendy throw pillows on the bed to add some character. But when it&#39;s time to go to bed, where do you put all those pillows? As is usually the case, the pillows get tossed on the floor creating trip hazards or clutter until the bed is made up again. This is also very annoying in guest bedrooms, since your guest may not know what to do with all those pillows and will throw them on the floor or atop furniture possibly damaging lamps or accidentally forcing items to the floor. 
         [0006]    Worse still, the floor just makes the pillow too attractive to bugs and pets, possible stains, and other contamination. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a means of keeping pillows and the like off the floor so as to obviate the need for the user to bend over to pick them up for replacement on the bed, or be placed on materials that might stain the pillow, or be exposed to the risk of bug infestation and contamination. 
         [0008]    Because the room would look cluttered with unnecessary furniture, it would be desirable to have a storage rack that is portable and openable for ease of use when guests visit and collapsible into a compact form for storage when the guests leave and the rack is not needed. Storage could occur in spaces of 2″×24″ hung in closet, placed along inside closed wall, behind dresser or displayed. 
         [0009]    In modern society, many storing devices are known and currently available. By way of example, various storage devices and arrangements are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,716,862; 2,939,584; 4,828,123; 5,167,329; 5,213,221; 6,308,837; 6,443,321; 8,464,880; Des. 278,497; Des. 278,669; Patent Publication 2008/0283480; and CN 203195100U. These publications are specifically incorporated herein by reference as regards the conventional approaches and constructions taught therein. 
         [0010]    Also, the above listed prior publications are identified herein in recognition of a duty of disclosure of related subject matter, which may be relevant under 37 CFR 1.56. 
         [0011]    While each of the above devices may have been suitable for the uses and problems the invention then intended to solve, none appreciated or suggested a solution to the problem of providing a collapsible pillow storage rack which addresses ease of assembly to rapidly provide access to temporarily store pillows and prevent exposure to dirty floor surfaces and obviate awkwardness of bending down as well as providing a storage rack that is collapsible into compact form for storage when needed. 
         [0012]    It is to be appreciated that there is a need for a storage rack for storing pillows which is collapsible for easy storage when the rack is not in use, lightweight and portable, easy to open for use, is structurally stable when placed in use, safe to use in the home, and inexpensive to make. Additionally, there are health needs pertaining to asthma and tripping hazards in bedrooms. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    According to this invention, there is disclosed a foldable rack for storing pillows in vertically stacked relation against a wall extending vertically upwardly from a floor, comprising: (a) first and second frame members, each said frame being generally planar, rectangular, includes upper and lower ends and opposite lateral sides, and a central portion that divides the frame into upper and lower frame portions; and (b) means for connecting the central portions of the frame members together for rotating movement relative to one another between first and second positions. 
         [0014]    The first position defines a condition wherein the rack is not in use and the respective upper and lower frame portions are folded into juxtaposed relation with one another. The second position defines a condition wherein the upper and lower frame portions rotate relative to one another to form an X shape profile wherein the upper frame portions are upwardly open and form a cradle adapted to receive and support pillows and the lower frame portions are downwardly open and respective lower ends adapted to support the rack on the floor. 
         [0015]    In use, the upper and lower ends of the first frame abut against the wall and the floor, and the upper and lower ends of the second frame are spaced outwardly from the first frame and abut the floor. The arrangement permits the stacking of pillows atop the upper frame portion of the second frame and vertically upwardly against the upper frame portion. 
         [0016]    Further, the central portions are connected for rotation by a pin that extends through the central portions and between the sides of the frame members and forms an axis of rotation. When the frame members rotate and the upper frame portions are in the upwardly open in use position, the frame portions form a cradle for supporting the pillows. 
         [0017]    Desirably, when in the in use position, the upper frame portions are at an angle relative to the axis of rotation and form a cradle that will position the center of gravity, or weight of the combined stack, either generally above the axis of rotation about which the frame members rotate or slightly toward the wall, decreasing the potential for the rack to relatively rotate and become unstable. 
         [0018]    Desirably, the respective frame members are connected in a scissors-like fashion such that when the rack is in the first position and not in use, the upper portions and the lower portions, respectively, are in substantially parallel juxtaposed facing relation with one another. The not in use mode provides a generally thin profile, is compact, and maximizes ease of storage. 
         [0019]    According to this embodiment of the invention, the first frame is longer than the second frame and each comprises a plurality of elongated rods that extend in parallel relation between opposite lateral ends of the respective frame. The rods of one frame pass transversely through and dispose in alternating fashion with respect to the rods of the other frame. 
         [0020]    Preferably, the number of rods of the second frame is greater than the number of rods in the first frame such that lateral width of the upper portion of the second frame is wider than the first frame and provides a wider horizontal supporting platform for pillow stacking. 
         [0021]    Further and according to this embodiment, said means for connecting the frame members together comprises a hub at the central portion of at least two rods of each frame, each of the hubs being axially aligned with one another, said pin being axially elongated and extending through each of the hubs and between opposite lateral sides of the rack, the pin defining the axis of rotation and connecting the frame members together for rotation relative to one another. 
         [0022]    In a preferred arrangement according to this embodiment of the invention, in the second and in use position, the lower ends of the first and second frame members are supported on the floor with the lower end of the second frame being seated in the right angled junction between the wall and the floor. 
         [0023]    According to this arrangement, the axis of rotation is in a vertical plane between the lower ends of the lower frame members, and the lower end of the first frame is in a vertical plane between the axis of rotation and the upper end of the second frame. 
         [0024]    Desirably, the rack having upper and lower ends of the two frame members abutted against a vertical room wall aids in supporting and stabilizing the pillow rack in the open position, resists rotational collapse of the frame members, enables a user to easily and rapidly position pillows in generally horizontally and vertically stacked relation, and increases the vertical height of the pillows that can be stacked using a smaller support rack. This is particularly helpful when the items being stacked might include first loading a bulky bedspread and the like on the supporting platform before adding the weight of more pillows provide by an upward vertical stack. 
         [0025]    According to another preferred embodiment of this invention there is disclosed a foldable rack for storing pillows in vertically stacked relation, comprising: (a) a pair of generally rectangular and planar frame members each having, respectively, upper and lower ends, a pair of sides, and a central portion that divides the frame into an upper portion and a lower portion; (b) means for connecting the frame members together in a manner that the frame members rotate relative to an axis through the central portions from a not in use first position wherein the frame members are in generally parallel relation to one another and an open second position wherein the frame members form an X shape and the upper portions define an upwardly open cradle for receiving and supporting pillows in generally horizontal vertically stacked relation atop the pillows and the lower portions and their respective lower ends support the rack on a support surface; and (c) means for releasably locking the frame members in the open second position. 
         [0026]    When in the in open, second, or in use position, the upper portions of the frame members are at an obtuse angle to one another. 
         [0027]    According to this embodiment, the means for releasably locking comprises a U-shaped clip, having a pair of legs and a bight portion interconnecting the legs, and frame members provided with a pair of sockets sized to receive a respective of the legs, the sockets being disposed in like sides of the respective frame members and the clip legs preventing rotation between the frame members. The sockets may be vertically or horizontally separated. In the vertical approach, one and the other of said sockets is disposed in the side of the upper portion of one frame and in the side of the lower portion of the other frame. In the horizontal approach, one and the other of said sockets are disposed in respective sides of the lower portions of the two frame members. 
         [0028]    If desired, the separation between sockets could be increased or decreased, or additional clips and sockets provided, depending on whether the user desires the lock the X form of the rack in a more open or more closed condition (i.e., the upwardly open cradle smaller or larger). 
         [0029]    In an alternate arrangement, the means for releasably locking comprises a U-shaped clip, having a pair of legs and a bight portion interconnected the legs, being inserted above and below the pin and junctions formed between the frames. Preferably the cross-sections of the legs are V-shaped and formed by an obtuse angle adapted to match the obtuse angle formed by the surfaces of the frame members when upwardly open, the legs and respective surfaces forming a snug engagement with the frame members to prevent rotation. 
         [0030]    According to this embodiment, each frame comprises a set of generally axially elongated rods that extend in parallel fashion between the opposite longitudinal ends thereof, each rod having a central portion and the respective rods of one frame extending in alternating relation between a respective pair of rods of the other frame, and said means for connecting comprises a pin joining the central portions of each rod, said pin extending between the opposite lateral sides of the frame members whereby to rotatably connect the pair of frame members together in a manner that the frame members rotate between the first and second positions. 
         [0031]    Desirably a pillow rack according to this invention is thin in design, can be stored in hanging relation in a closet rod in sandwiched relation between shirts or other garments hung on the rod, is deployed or stored rapidly when needed or not in use. Further, the rack keeps bedding clean and safe, off the floor, freeing up open space for bed-making, and eliminates piled high chairs, and dresser tops. The rack design enables the user to select various clean designs or decorating styles. 
         [0032]    These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pillow rack positioned against a vertical room wall and temporarily storing pillows, bedding material and the like in vertically stacked relation against the wall according to the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pillow rack according to the present invention, the rack including a pair of frame members in an open position for positioning against the room wall to receive and vertically stack pillows and the like; 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is a plan side view of the pillow rack and the frame members in a collapsed storage position when the rack is not in use; 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the pillow rack of  FIG. 3  and the frame members in the collapsed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation view showing, schematically, the pillow rack when ready for use with the upper and lower ends of one frame members abutting the wall and the floor and the lower end of the other frame members supported on the floor; 
           [0038]      FIG. 5A  is a partial side view showing the frame members of the rack shown in  FIG. 2  in an open position and forming an X shape and showing an arrangement for limiting rotation between the frame members and positioning the frame members in a desired angle when in the open position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view showing, schematically, the pillow rack when ready for use with the upper and lower ends of one frame abutting the wall and the floor and the lower end of the other frame seated in the junction between the wall and floor; and 
           [0040]      FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  are partial side views showing the frame members of the rack shown in  FIG. 2  in an open position and forming an X shape and showing alternate arrangements for locking the frame members in the open position when the rack is used in a stand-alone position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0041]    Turning now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-4  depict a pillow rack  10  for temporarily storing pillows, bedding, and like materials in a vertical stack when not in use and which provide easy access, such as in a bedroom when preparing the room for sleeping and turning down the bed. The pillow rack  10  includes a pair of frame members  12 ,  14  that rotate from a first position ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ) when the rack  10  is not in use, the frame members  12 ,  14  are folded onto one another and the rack  10  is to be stored, into a second position ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) when the rack  10  is ready for use. In  FIG. 1 , the rack  10  is under the pillows and the frame members  12 ,  14  are shown by the phantom lines.  FIGS. 5 and 6  are side elevation views showing arrangements of the pillow rack  10  positioned on a floor F and against a vertical wall W of the room. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1 and 5  show the pillow rack  10  wherein the frame members  12 ,  14  are in the in use position functioning to support the rack  10  against the floor F and the wall W. The frame members  12 ,  14  form a generally horizontal platform for supporting and temporarily storing a stack of pillows, bedding, and the like shown at  16  in vertically spaced relation above and from contact with the floor F. The frame members  12 ,  14  rotate into an X shape, in scissor-like fashion, with portions of the frame members  12 ,  14  cooperating to form an upwardly open cradle for receiving the pillows  16 . The first frame member  12  extends vertically having one end  24  supported on the floor F and the other end  36  abutting the wall W. 
         [0043]    The pillow stack  16  is first supported by the first frame member  12  and then continues vertically upwardly. If the stack is greater than the upward extension of the first frame member  12 , the pillows could then continue and stacks against the vertical wall W. 
         [0044]    In particular, the pillow rack  10  comprises the first frame member  12  and second frame member  14 , each frame  12 ,  14  being generally planar and rectangular. The first frame member  12  has a length defined by an upper end  22  and a lower end  24 , a width defined by opposite lateral sides  30 ,  32 , a central portion  18  extending between the sides  30 ,  32 , and an upper portion  26  and a lower portion  28  divided by the central portion  18 . Similarly, the second frame member  14  has a length defined by an upper end  34  and a lower end  36 , a width defined by opposite lateral sides  42 ,  44 , a central portion  20  that extends between sides  42 ,  44 , and an upper frame portion  38  and a lower frame portion  40  divided by the central portion  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the second frame member  14  is wider and shorter than the first frame member  12 . 
         [0045]    In the embodiment herein, each frame member  12 ,  14  comprises a plurality of elongated rods  46  that extend in parallel relation to one another and between opposite lateral ends  22 ,  24  of the first frame  12  and lateral ends  34 ,  36  of the second frame member  14 . While the term rod is used herein, a term for a decorative “rod”, “bar”, or shaft” would be a ballister. 
         [0046]    The elongated rods  46  may be manufactured from a variety of different materials, depending on the application. By way of example, the rods  46  may be of wood, plastic (or like polymeric material), or of a suitable metal (e.g., steel, aluminum). 
         [0047]    In the embodiment shown, the second frame member  14  includes a set of seven rods  46  and the first frame member  12  includes a set of six rods  46 . Preferably, the number of rods  46  of the second frame member  14  is greater than the number of rods  46  in the first frame member  12  such that lateral width and respective upper frame portion  38  thereof that supports pillows is wider to provide a more adequate horizontal platform for load bearing and stabilizing pillow stacking. As noted herein, the upper frame portion  38  is also referred to as a platform. For aesthetics, the rods  46  of each set are of like shape and appearance, but, depending on their desired use, the rods  46  of each set could be different. 
         [0048]    As shown best in  FIG. 2 , the set of rods  46  of the first frame member  12  pass transversely through and are disposed in alternating fashion with respect to the rods  46  of the second frame member  14 . 
         [0049]    As shown best in  FIG. 3 , a central location of each rod  46  includes a hub  48 , the hub  48  having a central axial bore therethrough. Collectively, the hubs  48  at the central location of the rods  46  form the central portions  18 ,  20  of the frame members  12 ,  14 . 
         [0050]    The frame members  12 ,  14  are connected together by a shaft or pin  50 , the pin  50  being received in the axial bores that extend through each of the hubs  48 . The pin  50  extends through each of the frame members  12 ,  14  and between the opposite lateral sides  30 ,  32  of the first frame member  12  and opposite lateral sides  42 ,  44  of the second frame member  14 . 
         [0051]    In the connection, the first frame member  12  is connected to the second frame member  14  in a manner that enables rotating movement of the frame members  12 ,  14  in scissor-like fashion relative to one another and between the first and second positions. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the frame members  12 ,  14  are shown in the first, “not in use,” and second, “in use,” positions. The not in use position folds and positions the respective upper frame portions  26 ,  38  and lower frame portions  28 ,  40  of the frame members  12 ,  14  into juxtaposed generally parallel relation with one another. 
         [0053]    In  FIG. 2 , the frame members  12 ,  14  are in the second in use position wherein the upper frame portions  26 ,  38  and the lower frame portions  28 ,  40  have rotated relative to one another and away from one another to form an X shape. In this second position, the upper frame portions  26 ,  38  are upwardly open to form a cradle adapted to receive and support the pillows  16  and the lower frame portions  28 ,  40  are downwardly open and their respective lower ends  24 ,  36  positioned for supporting the rack  10  on the floor. For clarity, the wall W, floor F, and stack of pillows  18  are not shown. 
         [0054]    As shown best in  FIG. 5 , in use, the upper end  22  of the first frame member  12  is abutted against the wall, the lower ends  24 ,  36  of the frame members  12 ,  14  are supported on the floor, and the upper end  34  of the second frame member  14  extends outwardly and away from the first frame member  12 . The upper frame portions  26 ,  38  are generally at an acute angle a such that the end  34  of the pillow supporting upper frame portion  38  is spaced upwardly from the floor F. 
         [0055]    Preferably, in a preferred embodiment, to limit or prevent the second frame member  14  from rotating relative to the first frame member  12 , hook and loop fasteners (not shown) may be removably connected to respective dowel rods or wood slats when supported on the floor to maintain stability. 
         [0056]    Preferably, and in another preferred arrangement hereof, a rotation limiting arrangement may be provided. Referring to  FIG. 5A , a raised clip or stop “A” projects outwardly from a side  30 ,  32  of the first frame member  12  and a raised clip or stop “B” projects outwardly from a side  42 ,  44  of the second frame member  14 , opposite stop A. If stop A is on the lower portion  28  of the first frame member  12 , stop B is on the upper portion  38  of the second frame member  14 , and vice versa. As the frame members  12 ,  14  rotate relative to the pin  50  and away from a not in use position and towards the in use position, the stop B is brought against the stop A, limiting relative rotation between the frame members  12 ,  14  and position the frame members  12 ,  14  into the desired angle a and the in use position. 
         [0057]    In one application, the rack  10  is approximately 1.8″×24″×41″ and, for maximum capacity, the rack  10  angle a was between 22.5° and 14.5°. The spacing between rods is about 4 inches. 
         [0058]    The pin  50  and respective pivot axis of the frame members  12 ,  14  is generally such that the center of gravity of the pillows  16  passes through the pin  50  and is vertically aligned such that, in an extreme case, a load on the platform by the pillow stack will not cause tipping or downward rotating collapse of the upper frame portion  38 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 6 , according to another preferred embodiment, the rack  10  is positioned as described in  FIG. 5  except that the lower end  36  of the frame member  14  is seated in the junction between the wall W and the floor F. Desirably, the wall inhibits upward rotation of the lower frame portion  40  of the second frame member  14  due to a pillow or bedding of unusual weight being placed on the platform or upper frame portion  38  of the first second member  14 . Depending on the dimensions of the frame members  12 ,  14  and their respective angles relative between one another, the floor F, and the wall W, the lower end  36  increases stability of the arrangement inhibits the ability of downward loads to rotate the seconds frame member  14  and rotating movement of the platform  38 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C  disclose alternate preferred embodiments of this invention. The rack  10  is as described above (and depicted in  FIG. 2 ), but is used in a stand-alone manner, separate and apart from the wall W. The rack  10  is provided with an arrangement for locking the frame members  12 ,  14  preventing unwanted rotation when the rack  10  is upwardly open and in the second position. 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 7A , there is provided a U-shaped clip  52  having a pair of legs  54 ,  56  and a bight portion  53  interconnecting the legs  54 ,  56 , the legs  54 ,  56  at substantially right angles or perpendicular to the bight portion  53 . The side  32  of upper frame portion  26  of the first frame member  12  and the side  44  of lower frame portion  40  of the second frame member  14 , respectively, are provided with a socket  58 , the sockets  58  being vertically disposed and the legs  54 ,  56  of the clip  52  being adapted to be inserted into respective sockets  58 . The clip  52  thereby locks and prevents rotation between the frame members  12 ,  14 . 
         [0062]    In  FIG. 7B , there is provided a U-shaped clip  60  having a pair of legs  62 ,  64  and a bight portion  63  interconnecting the legs  62 ,  64 , the legs  62 ,  64  at substantially right angles or perpendicular to the bight portion  63 . The side  44  of lower frame portion  40  of the second frame member  14  and the side  32  of lower frame portion  28  of the first frame member  12 , respectively, are provided with a socket  66 , the sockets being horizontally disposed and the legs  62 ,  64  being adapted to be inserted into respective sockets  66 . The clip  60  thereby locks and prevents rotation between the frame members  12 ,  14 . 
         [0063]    In  FIG. 7C , there is provided a U-shaped clip  68  having a pair of legs  70 ,  72  and a bight portion  69  interconnecting the legs  70 ,  72 , the legs  70 ,  72  at substantially right angles or perpendicular to the bight portion  69 . The legs  70 ,  72  have V-shaped cross-sections or angled surfaces and are adapted to be inserted above and below the pin  50  and junctions formed between the frame members  12 ,  14 . Preferably, the angled surfaces of the legs  70 ,  72  are formed by an angle adapted to match the angle formed by the frame members  12 ,  14  when disposed in their X shape. The angled surfaces of the legs  70 ,  72  and angle formed by the frame members  12 ,  14  adjacent to the pin  50  engage and form a snug engagement to prevent rotation. 
         [0064]    As shown, the legs  70 ,  72  are shown fitting in the upper and lower intersections between the frame members  12 ,  14 , but could be adapted to conform and fit the horizontally open intersections between the frame members  12 ,  14  as well. In either arrangement, the clip  68  operates to lock the frame members  12 ,  14  from relative rotation. 
         [0065]    In some applications, in a preferred embodiment according to this invention, a treaded relation between the axial bore through the hubs  48  and the pin  50  would enable the user to rotate the lateral hubs  48  joined at the end of the second frame member  14  relative to the pin  50  and drive all of the hubs  48  together and into frictional engagement, preventing relative rotation of the frame members  12 ,  14 . Desirably, the frictionally engaged hubs  48  would prevent relative rotation of the frame members  12 ,  14  and releasably lock and maintain the rack  10  in the first position for storage and the second in use position use for stacking pillows. 
         [0066]    It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings.