Drying rack assembly for baby bottles

A drying rack assembly for drying baby bottle components features a drying rack and a drip pan which supports the drying rack. The drying rack suitably is porous, with tubular support posts extending upwardly from a support surface thereof, and the drip pan suitably has a draining configuration in which liquid caught by the drip pan drains out of the drip pan and a collecting configuration in which liquid caught by the drip pan remains within the drip pan. The drying rack assembly is suitably configured such that multiple such drying rack assemblies can be stacked on top of each other in a drying rack system. In another configuration, the drying rack is of one-piece construction, with a plurality of support posts and a plurality of longer stacking posts extending from a support surface of the drying rack. The one-piece configuration is designed for stacking of multiple such drying racks.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a drying rack assembly, and more particularly, to a drying rack assembly for use in air-drying baby bottles.

Baby bottles are typically constructed of multiple components, including the bottle, the nipple, the collar that secures the nipple on the bottle, and a cap for covering the nipple when the bottle is not in use. Some baby bottles, such as the bottles available from Handi-Craft Company of St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A. under the tradename Dr. Brown's Natural Flow and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071, have additional components to inhibit vacuum from forming in the bottle and to inhibit air bubbles from forming in the milk or formula in the bottle during use.

While some or all of the baby bottle components are now made to be dishwasher safe, it is still common for caregivers to hand wash the bottles and their associated components. The hand washed bottles and components are typically then strewn over the kitchen counter-tops for air-drying, using up a great deal of counter space. When air-drying in this manner water may pool around the bottle and associated components (e.g., where the components seat against the counter-top surface), thereby facilitating bacterial growth on the bottle components. Alternatively, the hand washed bottles and components may be placed in conventional drying racks that sit next to the sink. However, these drying racks are more aptly designed to hold plates, bowls, pans, glasses and other kitchenware and do not conveniently hold baby bottle components.

There is a need, therefore, for an improved drying rack assembly for air drying baby bottles (i.e., the bottle itself and the various component parts and accessories associated therewith).

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a drying rack assembly for use in air-drying baby bottle components after washing generally comprises a drying rack having a support surface for supporting one or more baby bottle components. The support surface is porous to permit liquid that drains from the bottle components to pass through the support surface. A drip pan is constructed to at least in part support the drying rack above the drip pan to catch liquid that passes through the support surface. The drip pan is configurable between a draining configuration in which liquid caught by the drip pan drains out of the drip pan and a collecting configuration in which liquid caught by the drip pan remains within the drip pan.

In another embodiment, a drying rack system for use in air-drying baby bottle components after washing generally comprises a first drying rack assembly comprised at least in part of a support surface for supporting one or more baby bottle components during air-drying. A second drying rack assembly is separate from the first drying rack assembly and comprises at least in part a support surface for supporting one or more baby bottle components during air-drying. The first and second drying rack assemblies are stackable, one on top of the other, with the support surface of the second drying rack assembly in spaced relationship with the first drying rack assembly during air-drying.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular toFIGS. 1-18, one embodiment of a drying rack assembly for use in drying baby bottles is generally indicated at10. The drying rack assembly10generally comprises a porous drying rack, generally indicated at12, for supporting the various components of the baby bottles while allowing liquid (e.g., water) that drains off of the various bottle components to pass through the drying rack, and a drip pan, generally indicated at14, for collecting liquid (e.g., water) that drains through the drying rack.

Drying Rack

With particular reference toFIGS. 1-6, the drying rack12is illustrated as being generally rectangular but having rounded corners. As an example, the drying rack12may suitably have a length in the range of about 9.0 in (22.9 cm) to about 15.0 in (38.1 cm), and a width in the range of about 6.5 in (16.5 cm) to about 10.5 in (26.7 cm). It is understood, however, that the drying rack12may be other than rectangular (e.g., square, circular or other suitable shape) and may be dimensioned larger or smaller than as set forth above without departing from the scope of this invention.

For reference purposes in describing the drying rack12, the side of the drying rack extending generally horizontally across the foreground ofFIG. 1and extending vertically up the right hand side of the drying rack inFIG. 2will be referred to herein as the front of the drying rack. The opposite side of the drying rack12will thus be referred to as the back of the drying rack. The sides of the drying rack12that extend from the front to the back of the drying rack will be referred to as the left and right sides of the drying rack.

The drying rack12illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2comprises a peripheral side wall16defining the peripheral extent of the drying rack, and a pattern of crossed support members18supported by the peripheral side wall and broadly defining a support surface on which bottle components may be placed for air-drying. As best illustrated inFIG. 2, the side wall16has a recessed portion20recessed inward of the drying rack12at each of the left and right hand sides thereof and a pair of recessed portions recessed inward of the drying rack and spaced apart from each other at the back of the drying rack.

With particular reference toFIG. 2, a first set of support members18extend from the front to the back of the drying rack12in parallel, spaced relationship with each other, and another set of support members extend from the left side to the right side of the drying rack in parallel spaced relationship with each other and generally orthogonal to the first set of support members. The first set of support members18intersect and are interconnected with the second set of support members to define a support surface19having a plurality of openings22in the drying rack12through which liquid drained from the bottle components supported by the drying rack support surface through the support surface to the drip pan. In this manner, the support surface has a generally grate or mesh pattern.

As an example, in the illustrated embodiment the drying rack12has nine front-to-back extending support members18and five side-to-side extending support members. The spacing between the front-to-back extending support members18is slightly different from the spacing between the side-to-side extending support members so that the openings22formed in the support surface19are not precisely square. As an example, the spacing between the front-to-back extending support members18of the illustrated embodiment is about 1.125 inches (about 2.86 cm) and the spacing between the side-to-side extending support members is approximately 1.25 inches (about 3.18 cm). Is understood, though, that the spacing between the front-to-back extending support members18may be equal to the spacing between the side-to-side extending support members such that the openings22formed in the support surface are generally square without departing from the scope of this invention. However, the openings22in the support surface19of the drying rack12are suitably small in size to inhibit the various bottle components against falling through the openings into the drip pan14. It is further understood that the number of front-to-back extending support members18and/or the number of side-to-side extending support members may be other than as set forth above and illustrated in the drawings.

The cross-sectional dimensions of the front-to-back extending support members18are suitably the same as the cross-sectional dimensions of the side-to-side extending support members. However, it is understood that the cross-sectional dimensions of the front-to-back extending support members18may be different from the cross-sectional dimensions of the side-to-side extending support members and remain within the scope of this invention. It is also contemplated that the front-to-back extending support members18need not each have the same cross-sectional dimensions and/or the side-to-side extending support members need not each have the same cross-sectional dimensions.

The support members18of the illustrated embodiment are suitably formed integrally with each other, e.g., where they cross and are interconnected with each other, and are also suitably formed integrally with the peripheral side wall16of the drying rack12. It is understood, though, that the support surface19defined by the support members may be formed separate from the peripheral side wall16and supported by the side wall, such as by suitable shoulders (not shown) formed in the side wall, without departing from the scope of this invention. It is also understood that the support surface19may be formed other than by interconnected support members18. For example, the support surface19may be defined by a panel (not shown) having any shaped openings formed or bored therethrough to permit liquid drained from bottle components supported by the support surface to drain through to the drip pan14.

As seen best inFIG. 1, the support members18defining the support surface19of the drying rack12are set slightly below the peripheral side wall16of the drying rack such that the side wall inhibits bottle components resting on the support surface against sliding off of the drying rack. It is alternatively contemplated that the support members18of the drying rack support surface19may be set generally at the bottom of the peripheral side wall16. It is also contemplated that the cross-sectional shape of each of the support members18may be configured to facilitate dripping of water down over the support members and into the drip pan14. For example, the cross-sectional shape of each support member18may be such that the width of the support member tapers inward or otherwise decreases toward the underside of the support member (e.g., facing the drip pan14), such as egg-shaped, triangular, frustoconical, trapezoidal and the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the cross-sectional shape of each of the support members18may facilitate the removal of water from the bottle components supported by the support members, such as by tapering the width of the support member inward toward the top of the support member (e.g., toward the support surface19).

An elongate, generally L-shaped (inverted) flange24(FIGS. 1,2and4) is connected to the peripheral side wall16of the drying rack12along the front of the drying rack for use in seating the drying rack on the drip pan14as will be described in further detail later herein. In particular, the flange24projects outward from the peripheral side wall16to define a channel26(FIG. 4) between the flange and the side wall at the front of the drying rack12. The flange24may suitably be formed integrally with the side wall16, such as by molding, or it may be formed separate from the side wall of the drying rack12. It is also understood that the flange24may be omitted and the drying rack12may be seated on the drip pan14in another suitable manner without departing from the scope of this invention.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5, the drying rack12further comprises support posts28that extend up from the support surface19for holding and/or locating for placement various baby bottle components. In the illustrated embodiment the support posts28are suitably tubular. As an example of how the support posts28are used, the support posts may be received in the tops of respective baby bottles30(such that the bottle is positioned upside down) as shown inFIG. 5to positively locate the bottles on the support surface19, and in some instances (depending on the size of the bottle opening) to inhibit the bottle against falling over while it is drying, or each support post may hold, for example, the nipple32of the bottle, the cap34of the bottle, or other components above the support surface of the drying rack12.

The support posts28of the illustrated embodiment are suitably positioned at the intersections of the support members18that define the support surface19of the drying rack12. In particular, as best illustrated inFIGS. 11,13and14tabbed portions36of each support members further extend down along the support members at the intersection therebetween. The support posts28of the illustrated drying rack12are sufficiently spaced from each other to allow various bottle components, and more suitably the largest bottle component to be dried, to seat directly on the support surface19of the drying rack between the support posts. For example, the support posts28may be spaced from each other a distance in the range of about 2.0 in. (5.1 cm) to about 4.0 in. (10.2 cm). It is understood, however, that the support posts28may be more closely or distally spaced from each other without departing from the scope of this invention. It is also understood that the spacing between adjacent posts need not be uniform among all of the support posts28. It is further understood that the support posts28may be located other than at the intersections between support members18without departing from the scope of this invention.

Each support post28is open at both its upper end and its lower end and has a central passage38extending therethrough (FIGS. 1 and 2). This permits liquid that drains from baby bottle components into the opening at the upper end of the support post28to flow down through the central passage38and out of the open lower end of the support post into the drip pan14below the drying rack12. The support posts28may also be tapered/configured similar to the support members18to facilitate water removal from the bottle components. As an example, in one embodiment each support post28may suitably have an outer diameter in the range of about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) to about 1 in. (2.54 cm), and more suitably about 0.65 in. (1.65 cm) and an inner diameter defining the central passage38in the range of about 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) to about 0.75 in. (1.91 cm) and more suitably about 0.50 in. (1.27 cm). In a particularly suitable embodiment, the inner diameter is sized and shaped to loosely but stably receive the vent insert40(FIG. 5) of a Dr. Brown's Natural Flow baby bottle, available from Handi-Craft Company of St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the upper end of each support post28has an arcuate notch42to form a pair of opposed peaks at the upper end of the support post. When a bottle component rests on the upper end of the support post28, it rests only on the peaks44and is otherwise spaced from the upper end of the support post to minimize contact between the bottle component and the support post. The notch42allows air to enter the open upper end of the support post28while the bottle component rests on the peaks44of the support post to facilitate faster drying of the bottle component.

As used herein, a height of each support post28is defined as the distance from the support surface of the drying rack12to the highest extent of the peaks44at the upper end of the support post. In the illustrated embodiment, the heights of the support posts28are suitably uniform. As an example, the support posts28may each have a height of at least about 1 inch (2.54 cm), more suitably in the range of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 4 in. (10.2 cm), and even more suitably about 1.80 in. (4.57 cm). In a particularly suitable embodiment, the height of each support post28is at least greater than the diameter of a baby bottle (i.e., at the opening of the bottle) to be seated over the support post on the support surface of the drying rack12to inhibit the bottle against falling off of the support post. It is understood that the heights of the support posts28may be non-uniform without departing from the scope of this invention.

The drying rack12in one suitable embodiment may be constructed of plastic, including polypropylene, or other suitable material. The illustrated drying rack12is suitably of a one-piece construction, such as by molding. It is understood, however, that the support posts may be formed separate from the support surface and peripheral wall16of the drying rack12and adapted for removable mounting on the support surface in a desired pattern of support posts28.

Drip Pan

With reference now to FIGS.1and7-10, the drip pan14of the drying rack assembly10has generally the same shape as the drying rack12(e.g., generally rectangular in the illustrated embodiment). In one particularly suitable embodiment, the drip pan is sized slightly larger (e.g., in length and width) than the drying rack12so that the entire drying rack can be received in the drip pan for storage and/or transport. The illustrated drip pan14is suitably constructed to be reversible in that either side of the drip pan may be used. In particular, the drip pan14is useable in a draining configuration (e.g.,FIGS. 1 and 7) or in a collecting configuration (e.g.,FIG. 11).

The drip pan14comprises a non-porous, generally planar panel46and a peripheral wall48extending about and supporting the panel. The panel46and peripheral wall48may suitably be formed integrally, such as by molding or other suitable method, or they may be formed separate with the peripheral wall constructed to support the panel within the wall. The panel46is suitably angled relative to the peripheral wall48, and more suitably relative to horizontal, so that liquid that drains into the drip pan14flows over the panel instead of pooling and lying stagnant on the panel. As an example, the angle of the panel46relative to horizontal is suitably in the range of about 3° to about 45°, and more suitably in the range of about 3° to about 8°.

The peripheral wall48of the drip pan14extends both above and below the panel46in both the draining configuration and the collecting configuration to provide a generally trough-like form to both sides of the drip pan. As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 7, an elongate cut-out50is formed in the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14above one side of the panel46(e.g., the side corresponding to the draining configuration of the drip pan) to permit liquid collected by the panel to drain off of the panel and out of the drying rack assembly10. In particular, the cut-out50is formed such that the bottom of the cut-out is flush with the panel46. The cut-out50may extend partially along the length of the drip pan14as in the illustrated embodiment, or substantially the entire length thereof.

As an example, in the illustrated embodiment, in the draining configuration of the drip pan14illustrated inFIG. 7the peripheral wall48extends above the higher end of the panel46a distance of about 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) and above the lower end of the panel (e.g., at the cutout) a distance of about 1.0 in. (2.54 cm). On the opposite side of the drip pan14, e.g., in the collecting configuration, the peripheral wall48extends above (as illustrated inFIG. 11, or below as illustrated inFIG. 10) the higher end of the panel46a distance of about 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) and above (or below as illustrated inFIG. 10) the lower end of the panel a distance of about 1.0 in. (2.54 cm). It is understood, however, that the height of the peripheral wall48above the panel46may be other than as set forth above without departing from the scope of this invention.

In the draining configuration of the drip pan14, as shown inFIG. 1, to assemble the drying rack assembly10the drying rack12is placed on the drip pan with the front of the drying rack adjacent the cut-out50in the peripheral wall48of the drip pan. The flange24extending along the front of the drying rack12extends over the wall48of the drip pan14at the ends of the cut-out50with the wall of the drip pan received in the channel26formed between the flange and the peripheral wall16of the drying rack to secure the drying rack on the drip pan. The back of the drying rack12rests on the drip pan panel46slightly inward from the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. It is understood, however, that ribs (not shown) or other riser structure may extend up from the drip pan panel46inward of the peripheral wall48to support the back of the drying rack12. The drying rack12is thus supported by the drip pan14generally level, e.g., horizontal, above the angled drip pan panel46. In this draining configuration, liquid runoff from the drying rack12runs down along the angled drip pan panel46and out of the drip pan14via the cut-out50. As an example, the drying rack assembly10can be placed adjacent a sink with the cut-out50facing the sink to permit liquid runoff to drain into the sink.

In the collecting configuration, such as shown inFIG. 11, the drip pan14is flipped over such that the cut-out50in the peripheral wall48of the drip pan faces downward so that liquid is collected and retained by the drip pan. The front of the drying rack12is disposed adjacent the higher end of the panel46with the flange24seated over the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. Alternatively, the drying rack12may be disposed entirely within the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, a pair of rib members52projects inward from the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14at the lower end of the panel46to support the back end of the drying rack12in a level, or horizontal orientation. In this collecting configuration, liquid runoff from the drying rack12runs down the panel46of the drip pan14to the lower end of the panel and pools within the drip pan.

Referring now in particular toFIGS. 7-9and12, a set of four posts54extend outward (e.g., upward in the draining configuration of the drip pan14) of the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. More particularly in the illustrated embodiment, a set of four cylindrical bases56is formed integrally with the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. Each base56is generally tubular and a respective one of the posts54is mounted on (and in the illustrated embodiment formed integrally with) the base at one end thereof corresponding to the upper end of the base in the draining configuration of the drip pan14. Accordingly, when the drip pan14is in the draining configuration, the posts54extend upward (FIG. 1) and in the collecting configuration the posts extend downward (FIG. 11) and support the drying rack assembly10in an elevated position above the surface on which the drying rack assembly is placed. It is understood, however, that the posts54may be configured to project in a direction opposite the direction of the illustrated embodiment (e.g., so that drying rack12is elevated in the draining configuration).

Referring still toFIGS. 7-9and12, a respective portion of the each of the cylindrical bases56projects inward of the drip pan14. The recesses20formed in the peripheral wall16of the drying rack12are suitably sized to accommodate the inward extension of the respective base56. It is understood, however, that the bases56on which the posts54are formed may be disposed exterior of the drip pan14(e.g., connected to the outside of the peripheral wall46of the drip pan) such that the recesses20in the drying rack12may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the cylindrical bases56have a height equal to the height of the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. However, these bases56may be sized higher or lower than the drip pan peripheral wall48height within the scope of this invention.

In a particularly suitable embodiment, the drying rack assembly10is configured to facilitate construction of a drying rack system comprised of at least two drying rack assemblies stacked one upon another to more efficiently utilize countertop space while air-drying baby bottles (e.g., a bottle and associated components). For example, in one embodiment as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 12, each of the posts54mounted on the cylindrical base56is generally tubular to together with the tubular base define a shaft. The end59of each of the cylindrical bases56opposite the outward extending post54is suitably open to provide access to this shaft. The shaft has a stepped diameter, e.g., with the diameter of the portion of the shaft within the post54being narrower than the portion of the shaft within the base56to define a shoulder58, or stop within the shaft. As an example, a diameter of the portion of the shaft within the post54may be in the range of about 0.125 in. (0.32 cm) to about 0.75 in. (1.91 cm), and more suitably about 0.35 in. (0.89 cm) while the portion of the shaft within the base56may have a diameter in the range of about 0.25 in. (0.64 cm) to about 1 in. (2.54 cm), and more suitably about 0.50 in. (1.27 cm).

Referring toFIGS. 13-18, a plurality of leg extensions, generally indicated at60, are shown for use in stacking multiple drying rack assemblies10to form a drying rack system. While not shown in the drawings, in the draining configuration illustrated inFIG. 14these leg extensions60also allow the front of the assembly10to be positioned out over the lip of a sink while maintaining the assembly level. As shown best inFIG. 18, each leg extension60has an elongate cylindrical body62projecting from a cylindrical foot64of the extension. The foot64of the extension60has a cavity66axially aligned with the leg extension.

As shown inFIGS. 15-17, multiple drying rack assemblies10may be stacked vertically by inserting the bodies62of the leg extensions60in the respective opening59in the cylindrical bases56of one drying rack assembly and inserting the shafts of the posts54of another drying rack assembly into the cavities66of the corresponding leg extension. The diameter of the leg extension body62may be such that the body contacts the shoulder58within the shaft of the base56of the drying rack assembly10when the body is received within the shaft. The body62of the leg extension60may have a length greater than that of the base56portion of the shaft such that the leg extension extends out of the base when received in the shaft. It will be understood that the spacing between stacked drying rack assemblies10is dependent, at least in part, on the lengths of the posts54that extend from the drying rack assembly, and on the lengths of the leg extensions60.

The stacked drying rack assemblies10may be configured in either the draining configuration or the collecting configuration. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, both the upper and lower drying rack assemblies10are configured in the collecting configuration, and inFIG. 16both drying rack assemblies10are in the draining configuration. The leg extensions60may be used to elevate one of the drying rack assemblies10above the surface on which the assembly is placed as illustrated inFIG. 14, or to elevate the drying rack system (of multiple drying rack assemblies) as illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 17.

Sizing the drip pan14to receive entirely therein the drying rack12also allows convenient packaging of a drying rack system that consists of two drying rack assemblies10. In particular, one of the drip pans may be oriented in its draining configuration with the drying rack seated down in the drip pan (e.g., on the angled drip pan panel46). The drip pan14of the other drying rack assembly10is inverted and the drying rack is placed within the drip pan on the angled drip pan panel46). The drip pans are aligned and placed, one on top of the other, with the deeper end (e.g., the end having the elongate opening50) of the drip pan on top being aligned with the shallow end of the drip pan on the bottom, and vice-versa. In this manner, the upward extending support posts28of the drying rack12of the lower drying rack assembly10and the downward extending posts of the drying rack of the upper drying rack assembly are all housed between the drip pans14to permit a compact packaging configuration of the two drying rack assemblies.

Referring now toFIGS. 19-30, and in particular toFIG. 24, a second embodiment of a drying rack assembly configured to permit stacking of two or more assemblies to form a drying rack system is generally indicated at70. This embodiment is substantially similar to the above-described embodiment ofFIGS. 1-18with the exception of the configuring of the assembly70to permit stacking. For convenience, corresponding components of this embodiment will be represented by the same respective reference numbers as in the previous embodiment.

In this embodiment, the cylindrical bases and posts of the drying rack assembly are replaced by sleeves72formed integrally with the peripheral wall48of the drip pan14. Each sleeve72defines an internal passage74extending between open ends of the sleeve. Opposed slots76are formed in the sleeves72and are open to the internal passage74along the heights of the sleeves. A nub78(FIG. 21, broadly, a stop) projects from the sleeve inward into the internal passage thereof. It is understood that other structural features could broadly act as stops, such as, for example, a flat, wherein corresponding flats are provided on the stacking pins80.

With reference now toFIGS. 25-30, the present embodiment also comprises stacking pins, generally indicated at80, that are different from the leg extensions of the previous embodiment. Each stacking pin80comprises a generally cylindrical base82and a generally cylindrical post84extending from and connected to the base. The posts84of the stacking pins80are suitably sized and shaped for being received in the respective sleeves72of the drip pan14, with the base82of each stacking pin being sized in cross-section larger than that of the post to prevent entry of the base into the sleeve.

As shown best inFIG. 30, the post84of each stacking pin80defines longitudinal segments including a top segment86distal from the base82, an intermediate segment88and a bottom segment90adjacent the base. The top segment86has a conical shape with a reduced diameter tip92. The intermediate segment88has a pair of elongate ribs94projecting radially outward and running along the length of the intermediate segment. The ribs94are suitably sized and shaped in cross-section to correspond to the slots76formed in the sleeve72. Flats83are provided on opposite sides of the post84, e.g., between the ribs94, to allow the intermediate segment of the post to pass by the nubs78upon insertion of the stacking pin80through the sleeve72. The bottom segment90of each post84is free of the ribs94and has a groove96extending circumferentially about a portion of the circumference of the bottom segment.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 25-29, to stack drying rack assemblies70of this embodiment to form a drying rack system, each stacking pin80is inserted into one end of the respective sleeve72of one drying rack assembly, depending on the desired configuration (i.e., draining or collecting configuration) of the drying rack assembly. The conical top portion86of the post84of each stacking pin80guides the post into the sleeve72. The stacking pins80are rotated to align the ribs94with the slots76formed in the sleeve72and the pin is pushed further through the sleeve until the ribs exit the opposite open end of the sleeve and the bottom segment90of the post84is disposed within the sleeve with the nub78positioned adjacent the groove96along the flats83formed in the bottom segment. The stacking pin80is then rotated on its axis in either direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise). As the post84rotates relative to the nub78, the outer diameter of the post compresses the nub to allow further rotation of the post until the nub78drops into the groove96, at which orientation the ribs94of the intermediate segment88of the post are out of alignment with the slots76formed in the sleeve72. In this manner, the stacking pin80is effectively “locked” in place.

To stack a second drying rack assembly70on the stacking pins80, the sleeves72of the second drying rack are aligned over the top segments86of the stacking pin posts84and then the drying rack assembly is lowered onto the stacking pins. The ribs94extending from the intermediate segment88of each post84(which are now not aligned with the slots76in the sleeves72of the second drying rack assembly70) position the second drying rack assembly on the stacking pins80and support the second drying rack assembly.

In this embodiment, the drying rack assemblies70may be stacked with each drying rack assembly in the draining configuration, or with each assembly in its collecting configuration, or with one assembly in its draining configuration and the other assembly in its collecting configuration.

To mount a third drying rack assembly70on top of the second drying rack assembly, another set of stacking pins80may be inserted into the sleeves72of the second drying rack assembly before the second drying rack assembly is seated on the stacking pins of the first drying rack assembly. The bases82of the stacking pins80may suitably have cavities98(FIG. 30) sized and shaped for receiving the top segments86of the stacking pins of the first drying rack assembly70. Thus, the top segments86of the posts84of the first drying rack assembly70would be received in the cavities98of the stacking pins80of the second drying rack assembly to support the second drying rack assembly above the first one, and the third drying rack assembly would seat on the top segments of the stacking pins of the second drying rack assembly.

With reference now toFIGS. 31 and 32, in yet another embodiment a drying rack assembly, generally indicated at100, is of a one-piece construction comprising a solid panel102having a support surface for supporting various bottle components thereon, and a plurality of support posts104extending up from the support surface to hold various bottle components. The support posts104may be suitably constructed and function in substantially the same manner as the support posts28of the previous embodiments. In addition, a pair of opposing slots106are formed in each support post104and extend longitudinally from the top of the support post generally adjacent the bottom (e.g., adjacent the support surface of the panel102). The bottom of each post104is closed above panel102, e.g., at the bottom of the slots106so that water drains out from the post at the slots. The bottom of the post may be flat, conical or split into two angled planes to facilitate the draining of water from the post via the slots106. The slots106formed in each post104thus allow liquid runoff to flow out of the support post and onto the support surface of the panel102. Ribs108are formed on the support surface and intersect at each support post104to reduce the contact between the various bottle components and the support surface (e.g., to reduce the risk that the bottle components will contact liquid that is pooled on the support surface of the panel102).

Tubular stacking posts110project upward from the support surface of the panel102further than the support posts104extend. The cross-sectional dimension of each stacking post110tapers inward as the post extends from the support surface upward. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 32, multiple drying rack assemblies100are stackable one upon another by inserting the stacking posts110of one drying rack assembly into the internal passage of the stacking posts of another drying rack assembly. Additional ribs (not shown) in the internal passage of the stacking posts110limit the insertion distance.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions and products without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings and photographs shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.