Abstract:
The present invention provides a low profile storage rack that attaches to the rear/interior surface of a kitchen cabinet door. The low profile storage rack includes a rear surface that confronts the rear of the door, a front surface opposite the rear surface, and a plurality of rows of ledges that extend outwardly perpendicularly relative to the storage rack width and height. Optionally, the storage rack has a low profile (thickness) so that it may fit into the unused space between the cabinet door, the cabinet face frame, and the shelves contained therein and is light weight so that the storage rack can be attached to a cabinet door with non-damaging, removable frame/poster hangers or other reusable adhesives.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to an accessory for a cabinet, more particularly, to a lightweight, low profile rack that attaches to the inside of a kitchen cabinet door utilizing the unused space between the cabinet door, the cabinet face frame, and the shelves contained therein. The rack is lightweight, even when full with a plurality of spice and other food packets, and thus, can be attached to a cabinet door with non-damaging, removable frame/poster hangers or other reusable adhesives. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Spices and food seasonings are typically sold in cylindrical containers by companies such as McCormick &amp; Co., Inc. (Sparks, Md.). Unfortunately, many modern kitchens, especially in urban areas, lack storage space for these rather bulky cylindrical containers, or the storage racks in existence to hold these containers protrude into the shelves within the cabinet, encroaching on the objects inside. Additionally, existing racks generally require screws to attach to the cabinet door, which could damage the cabinet door. 
     United States Patent Application 2014/0183079 teaches a low profile storage rack system that uses special containers with magnets that stick to a magnetic backboard. Unfortunately, this system does not accommodate any other type or non-magnetic food containers to be used with this system. 
     Thus, there is a continuing need for new, low profile storage rack systems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides a low profile storage rack system. In some embodiments, the storage rack system includes: 
     a storage rack comprising a rear surface configured to confront an interior surface of a cabinet door, a front surface opposite the rear surface, a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, a top end, a bottom end, a height extending from the top end to the bottom end, a left side, a right side, a width extending from the left side to the right side, a plurality of rows of ledges extending generally perpendicular relative to the storage rack width and storage rack height, each ledge having a length generally parallel to the storage rack width and a ledge depth generally perpendicular to the storage rack width and the storage rack height; and 
     a fastener configured to attach the storage rack to the interior surface of the cabinet door, 
     wherein the median depth of each ledge is from about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches 
     Optionally, the weight of the storage rack is between about 1 and about 2.5 pounds. Optionally, each ledge comprises a rear end and a front end opposite the rear end and further wherein the median distance between the front end of the ledges and the rear surface of the storage rack is between about 0.625 inches and about 1 inch. Optionally, the area between adjacent ledges is substantially hollow. Optionally, the ledges are integral with the storage rack rear surface. Optionally, the storage rack further comprises a frame and the ledges are removably attached to the storage rack frame. Optionally, the storage rack further comprises a left rail forming the left side of the storage rack, the left rail comprising a height generally parallel to the rack height, a right rail forming the right side of the storage rack, the right rail comprising a height generally parallel to the left rail height and rack height. Optionally, the storage rack is generally rectangular in shape. Optionally, the storage rack further comprises at least one horizontal rail, the at least one horizontal rail extending from the left rail to the right rail and generally parallel to the rack width. Optionally, the at least one horizontal rail is located about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches above a ledge. Optionally, the storage rack further comprises a plurality of rows of horizontal rails, each horizontal rail extending from the left rail to the right rail and generally parallel to the rack width. Optionally, each horizontal rail is located about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches above a ledge. Optionally, the storage rack further comprises a backing, the backing having a rear surface forming the rear surface of the storage rack and a front surface and further wherein the left and right rails and ledges are attached to the front surface of the backing. Optionally, each ledge is located between about 3.25 inches and 4 inches apart. Optionally, the storage rack width is less than the rack height and the rack width is between about 10 inches and about 17 inches. Optionally, the storage rack height is between about 12 inches and about 24 inches. Optionally, the fastener is an adhesive. Optionally, the adhesive is a reusable double-sided adhesive. Optionally, each ledge extends substantially the entire width of the storage rack. Optionally, at least one food packet is positioned on the ledge. Optionally, the median ledge depth is less than the median storage rack thickness. Optionally, the median ledge width is less than the median storage rack width. 
     In yet further embodiments, the storage rack system includes: 
     a cabinet comprising an interior, an exterior and a cabinet door separating the interior from the exterior, the cabinet door pivotably attached to the cabinet and configured to pivot between an open and a closed position, the cabinet door comprising an interior surface facing the cabinet interior when the cabinet door is in the closed position and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface; and 
     a storage rack comprising a rear surface confronting an interior surface of the cabinet door, a front surface opposite the rear surface, a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, a top end, a bottom end, a height extending from the top end to the bottom end, a left side, a right side, a width extending from the left side to the right side, a plurality of rows of ledges extending generally perpendicular relative to the front surface, each ledge having a length generally parallel to the storage rack width and a ledge depth generally perpendicular to the storage rack width and the storage rack height, 
     wherein the median depth of each ledge is from about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches. 
     Optionally, the system further includes a fastener located between the storage rack rear surface and the cabinet door interior surface, the fastener attaching the storage rack to the interior surface of the cabinet door. Optionally, the cabinet interior further comprises at least one shelf. In addition, the storage rack may have the weight, dimensions and features described above, including without limitation, the frame, rails, backing and food packets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of an exterior surface of one embodiment of a cabinet that is used with the storage rack system of the present invention; the cabinet door is in the closed position. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded, isometric view of a storage rack of one embodiment of the present invention attaching to the interior surface of the cabinet door of  FIG. 1  using four, non-damaging fasteners; the cabinet door is in the open position, revealing the interior shelves in the cabinet and the storage rack is holding a plurality of food packets. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an isometric view of the storage rack of  FIG. 2  attached to the interior surface of the cabinet door of  FIG. 1 ; the cabinet door is in the open position, revealing the interior shelves in the cabinet and the storage rack with contents not impeding the shelving space. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an isometric view of the storage rack of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a front, elevation view of the storage rack of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates, a right side, cross-sectional view of the storage rack of  FIG. 5 , taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a right side, elevation view of the storage rack of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a rear, elevation view of the storage rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front, elevation view of a storage rack of another embodiment of the present invention; the ledges of the storage rack of  FIG. 9  include lips. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a close-up of the rectangular box shown in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6  with an alternate ledge design, namely a v-shaped groove in the ledges to assist in holding the containers on the ledges. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-10  the present disclosure provides a low profile storage rack system designated by the numeral  10 . In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing for the sake of clarity. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-10  the present disclosure provides a low profile storage rack system  10  comprising: a storage rack  12  comprising a rear surface  14  configured to confront an interior (rear) surface  68  of a cabinet door  64 , a front surface  16  opposite the rear surface  14 , a thickness  18  extending from the front surface  16  to the rear surface  14 , a top end  20 , a bottom end  22 , a height  24  extending from the top end  20  to the bottom end  22 , a left side  26 , a right side  28 , a width  30  extending from the left side  26  to the right side  28 , a plurality of rows  34  of ledges  32  extending generally perpendicular relative to the storage rack width  30  and storage rack height  24 , each ledge  32  having a length  36  generally parallel to the storage rack width  30  and a ledge depth  38  generally perpendicular to the storage rack width  30  and the storage rack height  24 ; and a fastener  40  configured to attach the storage rack  12  to the interior surface  68  of the cabinet door  64 . 
     Optionally, the median depth  38  of each ledge  32  is from about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches. Optionally, each ledge  32  comprises a rear end  42  and a front end  44  opposite the rear end  42  and further wherein the median distance between the front end  44  of the ledges  32  and the rear surface  14  of the storage rack  12  is between about 0.625 inches and about 1 inch. In other words, preferably the rack thickness  18  is between about 0.625 inches and about 1 inch. (The front end  44  is the forward edge of the ledge  32 ). Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that such dimensions allow the storage rack  12  not to interfere with the cabinet door  64  closing. Optionally, the ledge  32  includes a raised lip  83  or a v-shaped groove  84  to assist in holding the food containers  74  to the storage rack  12 . 
     The front of the storage rack  12  is generally open so that food packets (preferably rectangular, reclosable, oxygen and moisture resistant bags containing spices) can be placed on and removed from the ledges  32  easily. The rear of the storage rack  12  is preferably substantially solid, as best seen in  FIG. 8 . For example, the storage rack  12  further may comprise a solid backing  78  that extends substantially (e.g., between about 90% and 100%) the entire width  30  and height  24  of the storage rack  12 , the backing having a generally flat rear surface forming the rear surface  14  of the storage rack  12  and a front surface and further wherein the left  46  and right rails  50  and the ledges  32  are attached to the front surface of the backing  78 . Optionally, the thickness (i.e., the distance between the front and rear surface of the backing  78 ) is between about 0.0625 inches and about 0.1875 inches. The rear surface of the backing  78  provides a smooth surface on which a reusable adhesive fastener  40  can be used to attach the storage rack  12  to the cabinet door  64 . The backing  78  may be integral with the rest of the storage rack  12  (e.g., at least left and right rails  46  and  50 ) or may be a board that the left and right rails  46  and  50  attach to. 
     Optionally, each ledge  32  is located between about 3.25 inches and 4 inches apart. Optionally, the weight of the storage rack  12  is between about 1 pound and about 2.5 pounds, which allows the storage rack  12  to be secured to the cabinet door  64  with a reusable fastener  40 , such as a double-sided adhesive if needed. Double-sided adhesives are known in the art and include, for example, removable frame/poster hangers such as 3M COMMAND STRIPS (3M Company, St. Paul, Minn.). Optionally, the area between adjacent ledges  32  is substantially hollow. In some embodiments, the ledges  32  are integral with the storage rack rear surface  14 , which may be the case if for example, the storage rack system  10  is comprised of a single piece of plastic. In other embodiments, the ledges  32  are removably attached to the frame of the storage rack, which may be the case if for example the ledges  32  and storage rack rear surface  14  are comprised of separate pieces of wood. Optionally, the storage rack  12  further comprises a left rail  46  forming the left side  26  of the storage rack  12 , the left rail  46  comprising a height  48  generally parallel to the rack height  24 , a right rail  50  forming the right side  28  of the storage rack  12 , the right rail  50  comprising a height  52  generally parallel to the left rail height  46  and rack height  24 . Optionally, the right rail  50  and left rail  46  each have a median thickness  80  and  81  generally parallel to the rack thickness  18  of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. 
     Optionally, the storage rack  12  is generally rectangular in shape. Optionally, the storage rack  12  further comprises at least one horizontal rail  54 , the at least one horizontal rail  54  extending from the left rail  46  to the right rail  50  and generally parallel to the rack width  30 . Optionally, the horizontal rail  54  is located about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches directly above a ledge  32 . Optionally, the storage rack  12  further comprises a plurality of rows of horizontal rails  54 , each horizontal rail  54  extending from the left rail  46  to the right rail  50  and generally parallel to the rack width  30 . Optionally, the horizontal rails  54  and ledges  32  are generally parallel. Optionally, each horizontal rail  54  is located about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches above a ledge  12 , meaning the distance  76  between a ledge  32  and an adjacent horizontal rail  54  above the ledge  32  is about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches). Preferably the distance  56  between adjacent ledges  32  is between about 3.25 and 4 inches. Optionally, the front ends  82  of the horizontal rails  54  are co-planar with the front ends  44  of the ledges  32 . Optionally, the storage rack width  30  is less than the rack height  24  and the rack width  30  is between about 10 inches and about 17 inches. Optionally, the storage rack height  24  is between about 12 inches and about 24 inches. Optionally, each ledge  32  extends substantially the entire width  30  of the storage rack  12 . For example, preferably the median ledge width  36  is between about 90% and about 100% of the median width  30  of the storage rack  12 . Optionally, the median ledge width  36  is less than the median storage rack width  30 , due to the fact that the ledges  32  are preferably connected to the left and right rails  46  and  50 . The storage rack  12  is comprised of any suitable material (plastic, wood including processed wood such as fiberboard, press board, metal, and the like). Optionally, at least one food packet  74  is positioned on the ledge  32  and is held in place on the storage rack  12  by a horizontal rail  54 . Optionally, the median ledge depth  38  is less than the median storage rack thickness  18 , which is the case if the storage rack  12  includes a backing  78 . The exterior surface  70  of the cabinet door  64  further may or may not include a handle  72 . Optionally, the cabinet  58  includes an exterior  62  and an interior  60  and the interior  60  further comprises at least one shelf  66 . 
     Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in any suitable order and steps may be performed simultaneously if needed. 
     Terms of degree such as “generally”, “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.