Abstract:
A modular garment rack system, useful for display and storage of items, includes a first support standard and a second support standard. At least one brace means is provided for supporting the first and second support standards in an upright orientation. When the garment rack system is assembled, the first and second support standards are interconnected in a linear arrangement with their first and second horizontal and base members in an orientation that is substantially parallel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/233,861, filed Aug. 14, 2009, the details of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    In various embodiments, the invention provides a modular rack system and components thereof, in particular, a garment rack system, the rack system being useful for temporary display and storage of items, particularly clothing and other items that are suitable for placement on one or more hangers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Garment racks function for storage and the display of goods to consumers, particularly garments, linens and other goods suitable for positioning on hangers. Conventional garment racks are typically made of heavy materials, such as polished metals or wood that compliment the decor of a store. Conventional garment racks are also typically designed to be stationary and are not adapted for frequent cycles of assembly, disassembly, transportation and storage. Moreover, conventional racks are designed for display and storage of items at or near chest level of customers, not much higher than three to five feet above floor level. As such, conventional racks are not suitable for temporary display or storage needs since the materials can be costly and very bulky and the designs do not lend to ease or convenience in portability. In view of the inadequacies of conventional racks for temporary storage needs, it is desirable to provide a rack system that is modular, and hence capable of expansion, while also being stable, space-efficient, capable of high capacity storage and suitable for quick assembly, disassembly, transport and storage. 
         [0004]    Other features of the embodiments of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    In an embodiment, a modular garment rack system, useful for display and storage of items, includes a first support standard. The first support standard includes a first vertical member having a height from about X to Y inches. A first base has a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the vertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the first vertical member. A first horizontal member has a length from about X to Y inches and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the first vertical member. The first support standard is configured to be assembled with its first base attached to a first end of the first vertical member and with its first horizontal member attached in an orientation that is parallel to the first base at a point near a second end of the first vertical member. A second support standard is also provided and includes a second vertical member having a height from about X to Y inches. A second base has a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the second vertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the second vertical member. A second horizontal member has a length from about X to Y inches and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the second vertical member. The second support standard is configured to be assembled with its second base attached to a first end of the second vertical member and with its second horizontal member attached in an orientation that is parallel to the second base at a point near a second end of the second vertical member. At least two rods are provided. At least one brace means is provided for supporting the first and second support standards in an upright orientation. When the garment rack system is assembled, the first and second support standards are interconnected in a linear arrangement with their first and second horizontal and base members in an orientation that is substantially parallel. A first of the at least two rods is attachable at a first end of the first horizontal member and at a first end of the second horizontal member. A second of the at least two rods is attachable at a second end of the first horizontal member and at a second end of the second horizontal member. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, a modular garment rack system, useful for display and storage of items, includes a first support standard. The first support standard includes a first vertical member having a height. A first base has a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the vertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the first vertical member. A first horizontal member is attachable to the first vertical member. The first support standard is configured to be assembled with its first base attached to a first end of the first vertical member and with its first horizontal member attached in an orientation that is parallel to the first base at a point near a second end of the first vertical member. A second support standard includes a second vertical member having a height. A second base has a length that is not less than ⅓ the height of the second vertical member and is attachable at about a midpoint of the length to the second vertical member. A second horizontal member is attachable to the second vertical member. The second support standard is configured to be assembled with its second base attached to a first end of the second vertical member and with its second horizontal member attached in an orientation that is parallel to the second base at a point near a second end of the second vertical member. At least one brace includes a support rod that is attachable to each of the first and second support standards for supporting the first and second support standards in an upright configuration. A first hanging rod is attachable at a first end of the first horizontal member and at a first end of the second horizontal member. A second hanging rod is attachable at a second end of the first horizontal member and at a second end of the second horizontal member. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular rack system in an assembled configuration; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a front view of the modular rack system of  FIG. 1  in a disassembled configuration; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the modular rack system of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is another exploded view of the modular rack system of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
         [0013]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a rack system  10  comprises a rack  12  that comprises at least two support standards  14  and  16 , a brace  18 , and a plurality of hanging rods  20 . The support standards  14  and  16  comprise a base  22 , at least one vertical member  24 , and at least one or a plurality of horizontal members  26 . Referring also to  FIG. 2 , the rack system  10  is shown in a collapsed, disassembled configuration including the support standards  14  and  16 , a brace  18 , and a plurality of hanging rods  20  that are stacked side-by-side, for example, for storage and/or transport. The depicted embodiment has at least two support standards, each with the base  22 , the vertical member  24 , and at least two horizontal members  26 . The support standards  14  and  16  are aligned across from one another in  FIG. 1  with the brace  18  therebetween in the form of a cross affixed to each support standard. The rack  12  also includes four hanging rods  20 , arranged in two parallel pairs, each rod  20  being attached at each of two ends  28  and  30  to opposing horizontal members  26  affixed to the support standards  14  and  16 . Thus, each rack  12  effectively has a middle section with the brace  18 , and two sides on which goods may be hung from one, two or more rods  20  that are at different heights. 
         [0014]    The depicted rack  12  has two sides  32  and  34 , each with two rods  20  affixed to the horizontal members  26 . It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, one side of the rack may have only a top but not a bottom rod. It will also be appreciated that in other embodiments, only the upper horizontal members  26  are present and hence only upper rods  20  would be employed. And in yet other embodiments, there may be more than two horizontal members  24  such that more than two rods  20  per side may be employed. In the various embodiments it will be obvious that the height of the vertical standard  14  and  16  may be varied as needed for use and space requirements and so as to provide the number of rods  20  and clearance from the floor as desired. 
         [0015]    Referring also to  FIGS. 3 and 4  depicted rack  12  is of multi part construction, that is, each support standard  14  and  16  is formed of four separate pieces—two horizontal members  26 , one vertical member  24  and one base  22 . It will be readily appreciated that the number and lengths of each such component may vary, such that the vertical member  24  may be longer or shorter, and the number of horizontal members  26  and their lengths may be increased or decreased. It will also be readily appreciated that the support standard  14 ,  16  may be constructed of fewer parts in that the vertical member  24  and each horizontal member  26 , or the vertical member  24  and the base  22 , or the vertical member  24  and each horizontal member  26  and the base  22  may be of unitary construction. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the base  22  of the support standard  14  engages with the vertical member  24  using a mortise joint. Of course, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that other modes of engagement are possible and, as such, the mode of engagement described herein is not limiting. The design of the support standards  14 ,  16  will vary depending on the desired height of the rack  12  and the number and size/length of items to be hung on the hanging rods  20 . 
         [0016]    While the rack  12  depicted in the figures has vertical  24  and horizontal members  26  and bases  18  that are rectangular in shape, it will, of course, be understood by one skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of each of these components can be constructed in a variety of different shapes know in the art. Thus, other shapes and profiles are possible and the depicted shapes are in no way limiting, and it will be understood by one skilled in the art that alternative embodiments of the vertical  24  and horizontal members  26  can be constructed in a variety of different shapes. For example, the base may have a block shape, or an arcuate shape, and the vertical and horizontal members  26  may be cylindrical, or have some other shape. In some embodiments the base  22  can also include castors, gliders, pads, levelers, stands, and similar items (all represented by element  21 ) that engage, reversibly or irreversibly, with the base to facilitate stability of the rack or to enhance movement of the rack within the storage space. 
         [0017]    The vertical member  24  is constructed to be of sufficient height to optimize the capacity of the rack  12  by allowing engagement with one more horizontal members  26  described herein. Thus, the length of the vertical member  24  is selected to achieve the space fitting and storage requirements for use. Likewise, the horizontal members  26  are configured in such lengths that allow the free hanging of goods from the racks  12  without substantial interference with the central brace. The length of the base  22  is configured to minimize floor space occupied by the rack  12  while at the same time maximizing the stability of the rack  12 . It will be appreciated that the rack  12  shown in the figures is merely representative, and other embodiments of the rack  12  are possible, including racks that include only one horizontal member  26 , or more than two horizontal members  26 , and hence fewer or more hanging rods  20 , or other alternate structures as described herein below. 
         [0018]    The support standards  14 ,  16  are configured to bear the weight of goods hung on the hanging rods  20 , with the rods  20  and the brace  18  configured to aid in distributing weight between the support standards  14 ,  16 . The support standards  14 ,  16  are of sufficient rigidity to resist bowing and twisting, so as to prevent twisting or deformation of the rack  12 . Accordingly, the support standards are formed of material having sufficient strength to resist torsion or bending and to resist fracture. With respect to embodiments in which the support standards  14 ,  16  are not of unitary construction, the support standards  14 ,  16  are constructed so as to minimize introduction of weakness at the joints between the vertical members and the horizontal members. Thus, in some embodiments, the support standards  14 ,  16  are of unitary construction, having no joints. In yet other embodiments, the support standards  14 ,  16  may be formed of two or more parts, wherein the parts are joined in a manner that ensures integrity at the union. As depicted, the union of the parts of the support standard  14 ,  16  is by means of mortise joints. Of course it will be appreciated that other unions are possible, using any of a variety of fasteners, braces, and clamps for reinforcement. 
         [0019]    Alternative embodiments of the rack  12  may include fewer, or may include three or more horizontal members  26  engaged with the vertical members  24  (e.g., through openings  25   a ,  25   b,    25   c ). Additional hanging levels may, in some embodiments, require elongation of the base taller vertical members  24 , and longer base members  22 . According to the invention, the base member  22  of the rack  12  will have a length that is not less than ⅓ of the height of the vertical member  24 . For example, if the support standard is 6′ tall, then the base is about 2′ or longer in length, and if the support standard is 8′ tall, then the base is about 2′ 8″ in length or longer, and if the support standard is 12′ tall, then the base is about 4′ or longer in length. In addition, it will be appreciated that since the shapes of the base  22  and the vertical member  24  may vary, their widths may likewise vary as desired for aesthetic purposes, or as necessitated if the materials used to construct the members varies. Typically, the members may have a thinner profile if the materials are sufficiently strong and rigid, such as solid wood or plywood, and will be thicker if the materials are less strong and rigid, such as cardboard or fiberboard. 
         [0020]    The support standards  14 ,  16  of the racks  12  depicted in the figures are constructed of high quality veneer core plywood with eased and sanded edges. The longevity or aesthetic value of the support standards  14 ,  16  can be enhanced by the application of wood finish or other treatments or products known in the art. Of course, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the support standards  14 ,  16  can be constructed of other materials besides high quality veneer core plywood. For example, the support standard  14 ,  16  can be constructed of alternatively suitable materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, particle board, solid wood, expanded PVC or other synthetic polymers and other composite materials known in the art, or any combination thereof. The aforementioned materials are, of course, for illustrative purposes to convey the scope of the invention presented herein and do not constitute an exhaustive or exclusive list of possible materials that can be utilized for the construction of the support standards  14 ,  16 . It will also be understood by one skilled in the art that the support standards  14 ,  16  can be comprised of a plurality of components or can be constructed as a unitary structure. The choice of materials should be guided by the weight and stability of the materials. Excessively heavy materials can limit the ease at which the rack may be transported. Likewise, materials lacking sufficient structural stability will limit the capacity, durability, and longevity of the rack. 
         [0021]    The brace  18  engages with opposing support standards. Referring to the  FIGS. 1-4 , the brace means  18  is a cross shape formed of tubular/cylindrical metal wherein the two members  50  and  52  of the cross are joined at the point of their intersection and each such cross member  50  and  52  is affixed at each of two ends to the pair of opposing support standards  14  and  16 . In some embodiments the means of engagement is achieved with hanger bolts affixed to one side of the support standard  14  and  16  for engagement with an aperture through the brace members  50  and  52 . It should be understood that different types of unions that facilitate that engagement of the brace  18  and the support standards  14  and  16  may be utilized and fall within the scope of the invention. Similarly, alternative engagement points on the support standard  14 ,  16  also fall within the scope of the invention. Engagement of the brace  18  with the support standards  14  and  16  increases the strength of the rack  12  to prevent racking or unfavorable torsional movement of the rack. 
         [0022]    The brace means  18  depicted in the figures is composed of two ridged electrical metal tubing (hereinafter, EMT) conduits joined together with a bolted connection in the center to allow for compact storage by allowing the brace  18  to be dissembled into a plurality of components or rotated from an orthogonal configuration to a parallel configuration. The EMT conduits, however, may also be joined by other methods know in the art such and still allow disassembly and/or rotation. In alternative embodiments, the brace  18  can be produced in a non-manipulative configuration such as, for example, welding the components together. In yet another alternative embodiment, the brace can be of unitary construction. Of course, it should be understood that alternative embodiments of the brace  18  may be composed of other suitable materials besides EMT. For example, the brace may be composed of wood, other types of metal tubing conduits know in the art, synthetic polymers, or any other suitable materials known in the art, or any combination thereof may be utilized and are contemplated within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be understood that the brace  18  may be composed of solid or hollow materials or any combination thereof. Further, the brace may have a configuration other than a cross, for example, the brace may be formed of a plurality of parallel bars or rods, or may be formed of a matrix of intersecting bars or rods, or may be formed of a unitary but rigid mesh or wire or other structure. 
         [0023]    The hanging rods  20  of the rack depicted in  FIGS. 1-4  are composed of EMT. Of course, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that alternative embodiment of the hanging rods  20  may be composed of other materials such as wood, metal, wire with a turn buckle, or polymer, or any other suitable material, or any combination thereof so long as the material is of sufficient tensile strength to prevent bowing or buckling or fracturing of the hanging rod  20  when engaged with garments. Moreover, it should be understood that the hanging rods  20  may be composed of solid or hollow materials or any combination thereof, and may be cylindrical, rectangular, scalloped or of some other shape suitable for retaining hangers. 
         [0024]    The hanging rods  20  engage with the horizontal members  26  by means of passage of the hanging rod  20  through an aperture  38  in the horizontal member  26 , and then fixed in place by a set-screw union that prevents the removal of the rod  20  from the aperture  38  in the receiving horizontal member  26 . In an alternative embodiment of the rack  12 , the hanging rods  20  may engage with the horizontal member  26  by means of a sleeve conduit  40  with cotter pins  42 . This embodiment would eliminate the need for tools when assembling the rack  12 . In yet other embodiments of the rack  12  the hanging rods  20  engage with the horizontal member  26  by means of placement within “U” or similar shaped grooves cut into the horizontal members  26 . The hanging rods  20  are stabilized in the “U” or similar shaped groves to prevent unfavorable vertical or horizontal movement of the hanging rods  20  once engaged with the horizontal members  26  of the support standards  14 ,  16 . Of course, it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein serve to illustrate the engagement of the hanging rods  20  with the horizontal members  26  and by no means serve to limit the scope of the invention. In alternative embodiments, the lower hanging rod can be omitted to allow garments of long length garments such a winter coats to engage with the upper hanging rods without contacting the rack  12 . 
         [0025]    The racks  12  can be joined together in various configurations in order to maximize display space and enhance the aesthetic value of the garment displays. Referring to the figures, the basic joined rack unit or system  10  includes two racks  12  joined together by one more extension hanging rods  20  of that may be of any desirable length. In some embodiments, a brace may also be used in joining the racks. Additional joined rack units can be linked together as required to obtain a unitary structure composed of a plurality of joined rack units. Thus, two, three, four or more racks  12  may be joined together, wherein adjacent racks are engaged with one another by means of at least one hanging rod positioned therebetween. 
         [0026]    Two racks  20  may be joined together with four extension hanging rods  20 , wherein two such extension hanging rods  20  are affixed to each of the support standards  14 ,  16 . In yet other embodiments, only a pair of extension hanging rods  20  is utilized and engaged with only one of the support standards  14 ,  16 , such as the upper horizontal members  26  of the two adjacent racks  12 . This configuration serves not only to link adjacent racks together but as well as provides a longer hanging space on the extension hanging rod for long goods such as winter coats, curtains, sheets or other such items. 
         [0027]    The extension hanging rods  20  link two racks  12  together and as well serve to provide additional hanging space. As depicted in the figures, the racks  12  are joined together by means of extension hanging rods  20  engaged with opposing horizontal members  26  of adjacent racks  12 . The engagement is by means of passage of the hanging rod  20  through an aperture  38  in the horizontal member  26 , and then fixed in place by a set-screw union that prevents the removal of the rod from the aperture in the receiving horizontal member. Of course it will be obvious to one skilled in the art that other means of engagement are possible and are contemplated within the scope of the invention. 
         [0028]    The extension hanging rods  20  span a distance between two racks  12  to be joined to create additional hanging space for garments while minimizing the need for additional materials. The length of the extension hanging rod  20  can be varied as required to optimize the display requirements. The length of the extension hanging rods  20  is, however, limited by the strength of the extension hanging rod, which must be sufficient to avoid bowing or buckling or fracturing of the hanging rod when engaged with goods. The extension hanging rods  20  as depicted in the various figures hereof are formed of EMT conduits. It will be obvious to one skilled in the art that the extension hanging rods can be comprised of the other materials such as wood, metal, other types of conduits, or any suitable material or combination thereof, and can be formed in other shapes or configurations that are suitable for supporting hangers, and all such alternate embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the inventions. 
         [0029]    The hanging and extension rods  20  as depicted in the figures are generally linear, such that adjacent racks align in series with their support standards being substantially parallel to one another. In alternative embodiments, the extension hanging rods may be configured of bent forms or of two or more pieces that engage at angles up to  90  degrees so as to join the racks in alternative configurations as required by spatial considerations. In such alternate embodiments, additional support elements, such as central braces or additional rods or support standards may be employed to ensure sufficient support and stability. 
         [0030]    In use, sets of racks  12  for forming a rack system  10  may be stored in a compact fashion, then assembled on the site of use ( FIG. 2 ). As designed, the number, construction, and weight of the materials lend to ease of assembly and disassembly. Due to the inventive design of the support standards  14 ,  16 , they are low in profile and light in weight, yet the overall rack  12  has great support strength. Thus, a the disassembled rack system  10  is stored and transported easily and the means of attachment of the braces  18  and rods  20  between the support standards  14 ,  16  allows ready assembly with either a simple screwdriver and/or pliers, or if wing nuts or cotter pins are used for engagement of the braces and rods, then no tools are needed. Moreover, the modular nature of the racks  12  allows for assembly of a single rack, or of one, two or more series of racks as needed to fit space limitations and hanging needs. Moreover, the design enables provision of low profile bases that do not block walkways between racks but enable support of racks that can hold one, two, three or more rods on each side along the vertical length of the racks, wherein the height of the rack will influence the length of the base, thus allowing custom development of racks to conform with space limitations and support needs. 
         [0031]    Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in the description of the invention herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
         [0032]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches. 
         [0033]    Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Every numerical range given throughout this specification will include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein. 
         [0034]    Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.