# Patent

## Title
Multi level rack apparatus having intersecting arms

## Abstract

A multi level rack apparatus for holding elongated items upright for storage includes a rack frame having an “X” shaped profile defined by four arms which extend out from a center portion. A structural exterior is formed from a top support level, an side wall, and a base support level, and extends across each of the arms. Disposed inside the rack frame is a lower support level which is parallel to and positioned between the top support level and base support level and a vertical support post which helps maintain the relative position of the support levels from the center portion. A plurality of sets of holding sections are disposed in each of the support levels, with each set aligned between the support levels such that an elongated item can be held upright in place by one set of holding sections.

## Background
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to storage devices and, more particularly, to a multi level cross shaped rack apparatus having intersecting arms of equal length.
Description of the Prior Art
The use of storage devices, such as racks and stands, to hold elongated items in an upright position for storage is well known. A problem which still exists, however, is that many conventional racks or stands offer a limited amount of storage space relative to the size of the device due to their linear or circular shape. Thus, there remains a need for a multi level rack apparatus that provides four storage arms which extend radially from a center portion. It would be helpful if such a multi level rack apparatus included a plurality of levels to allow it to securely hold items upright. It would be additionally desirable for such a multi level rack apparatus to include an integrated handle to allow the apparatus to be repositioned even while holding items.
The Applicant's invention described herein provides for a multi level rack apparatus adapted to hold elongated items across a plurality of levels in one of four radial arms. The primary components in Applicant's multi level rack apparatus are a rack frame and a handle. When in operation, the multi level rack apparatus enables more effective and efficient storage of elongated items. As a result, many of the limitations imposed by prior art structures are removed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A multi level rack apparatus for holding elongated items upright for storage. The multi level rack apparatus comprises a rack frame having an “X” shaped profile defined by four arms which extend out from a center portion. Across each of the arms is the same continuous exterior that defines the structural exterior of the rack frame. The structural exterior is formed from a top support level, an side wall, and a base support level. Disposed inside the rack frame is a lower support level which is parallel to and positioned between the top support level and base support level and a vertical support post which helps maintain the relative position of the support levels from the center portion. A plurality of sets of holding sections are disposed in each of the support levels, with each set aligned between the support levels such that an elongated item can be held upright in place by one set of holding sections.
It is an object of this invention to provide a multi level rack apparatus that employs four storage arms which extend radially from a center portion.
It is another object of this invention to provide a multi level rack apparatus that includes a plurality of levels to allow it to securely hold items upright.
It is yet another object of this invention to provide a multi level rack apparatus that includes an integrated handle to allow the apparatus to be repositioned even while holding items.
These and other objects will be apparent to one of skill in the art.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a multi level rack apparatus built in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a multi level rack apparatus built in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of a multi level rack apparatus built in accordance with the present invention with a plurality of items stored thereon.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a multi level rack apparatus 100 is shown having a rack frame 110 having an “X” shaped profile and formed from four arms 111 which extend out from a center portion 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each arm 111 is perpendicular to the other arms 111 to which it is adjacent. Extending from the center portion 112 and across each of the arms 111 is a continuous exterior formed from a top support level 113, an side wall 114, and a base support level 115. This continuous exterior defines the structural exterior of the rack frame 110.
Inside the rack frame 110 is a vertical support post 116 positioned in the center portion 112 and a lower support level 117 which is parallel to the top support level 113 and base support level 115 and positioned between these support levels 113, 115. The support post 116 provides a central support which helps maintain the relative position of the top support level 113, lower support level 117, and base support level 115, while the lower support level 117 operates to prevent items positioned to extend between the top support level 113 and base support level 115 from tipping over.
A plurality of sets of holding sections are disposed on the top support level 113, lower support level 117, and base support level 115 of each arm 111. Each set of holding sections includes a holding notch 118 in the top support level 113, a holding aperture 119 in the lower support level 117, and a holding basin 120 in the base support level 115. For each set of holding sections, the holding notch 118, holding aperture 119, and holding basin 120 are aligned vertically so that an elongated item 101 can be slid into the holding aperture 119 until its bottom rests in the holding basin 120, with its upper section then positioned in the holding notch 118 (as illustrated in FIG. 3). In this regard, the holding notch 118, holding aperture 119, and holding basin 120 configures the top support level 113, lower support level 117, and base support level 115 to hold an elongated item 101 upright.
In one embodiment, a handle member 121 is fixed to the top support level 113, extending over the support post 116, to provide a handling structure to allow for moving or repositioning the a multi level rack apparatus 100.
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

## Claims

1. A multi level rack apparatus for holding elongated items upright, comprising:
a rack frame having an “X” shaped profile and four arms which extend out from a center portion, wherein said rack frame includes a top support level forming a top surface, a base support level forming a bottom surface, and a lower support level which is parallel to and positioned between the top support level and base support level;
a plurality of sets of holding sections disposed on said rack frame, wherein each set of holding sections defines a top holding portion defining a notch in said top support level, a base holding portion defining a basin in said base support level, and a lower holding portion defining an aperture in said lower support level;
a support post is positioned in the center portion, extending between the top support level and base support level;
a handling member integral with said top support level and positioned over the support post;
wherein the top holding portion, base holding portion, and lower holding portion in each set are vertically aligned so as to cause an elongated item that engages the top holding portion, base holding portion, and lower holding portion of the same set to be positioned upright;
wherein said each arm includes a side wall at the arm's distal-most end relative to the center portion, extending between the top support level and base support level.