Abstract:
A foodstuff drying enclosure particularly suited to aid in the drying of foodstuffs such as meat and fish is provided with a frame covered with a mesh net providing an open air structure on all sides. The mesh net comprises a zippered top opening which enabling access to the foodstuffs. The frame supports a horizontally removable mesh tray having openings which provide sufficient air flow to dry the food placed upon it.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     There are currently no applications co-pending with the present application. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to devices for preparing meat and fish. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drying rack for foodstuffs such as meat and fish. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Historically the preservation of food such as meat and fish was an extremely important practice that could mean the difference between survival and death. While food preservation is not nearly as important in the developed countries today as it was in the past, it is nonetheless still important, as preserving food can enhance natural flavors. In addition, residents of third world countries often still must practice food preservation for survival. 
     One (1) popular method of preserving meat and fish is drying. Food drying techniques have been practiced for generations to ensure that an adequate supply of protein is available throughout the year. However, even given its long history, this does not mean that the drying of meat and fish is not without problems. Perhaps the greatest of these problems is keeping the food free from contact with insects such as Bluebottle flies, carrion flies, or beetles which can lay their eggs on the food while it is still damp. Another problem, which is related to the first, is protecting food from dirt, dust and other airborne contaminants. Yet another problem is how to support the food while it is drying, as contact with a solid surface will prevent or delay drying. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which food products such as meat and fish can be easily preserved and dried without being contaminated by insects and without impeded drying. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The principles of the present invention provide for a foodstuff drying rack for easily preserving and drying foodstuffs without contamination by insects. 
     The principles of the present invention provide for a dry rack having a rigid frame assembly with a lower frame, an upper frame, a first front frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a second front frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a first rear frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a second rear frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, and first, second, third, and fourth support legs extending from the lower frame. The frame assembly is constructed such that a tray assembly can slide through the first and front frame members and into the first and second rear frame members. A net assembly fits over the tray assembly and the frame assembly, except for its support legs. The net assembly has a top net section, a first side net section, a second side net section, a lower front net section, an upper front net section, and a bottom net section. 
     The principles of the present invention further provide for a drying rack having a rigid frame assembly with a lower frame, an upper frame, a first front frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a second front frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a first rear frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a second rear frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, and first, second, third, and fourth support legs extending from the lower frame. The frame assembly is constructed such that a first tray assembly and a second tray assembly can slide through the first and front frame members and into the first and second rear frame members. A net assembly fits over the first and second tray assemblies and the frame assembly, except for its support legs. The net assembly has a top net section, a first side net section, a second side net section, a lower front net section, an upper front net section, and a bottom net section. 
     The principles of the present invention further provide for a drying rack having a rigid frame assembly comprised of a lower frame, an upper frame, a first frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a second frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, a third frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame, and a fourth frame member connecting the lower frame to the upper frame. The drying rack further includes a first support bracket installed on the first frame member, a second support bracket installed on the second frame member, a third support bracket installed on the third frame member, and a fourth support bracket installed on the fourth rear frame member. A first rod is disposed between the first support bracket and the second support bracket while a second rod is disposed between the third support bracket and the fourth support bracket. At least one (1) cord for hanging foodstuffs is placed between the first rod and the second rod. Finally a net assembly is located over the first rod and the second rod. The net assembly includes a top net section, a first side net section, a second side net section, a lower front net section, an upper front net section, and a bottom net section. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a drying rack  10  that is in accord with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of the drying rack taken along section line A-A of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a frame  20  and a tray  70  of the drying rack  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up view of a mesh tray  70  of the drying rack  10  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a section view of a preferred multi-tray embodiment  100  of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of frame portions  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c ,  36   d ,  122   a ,  122   b ,  130   a ,  130   b  of the multi-tray embodiment  100  shown in  FIG. 5 ; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a preferred foodstuff hanging embodiment  200  of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  drying rack for meat 
               20  frame assembly 
               22   a  first front frame member 
               22   b  second front frame member 
               24  front slot 
               26  fastener aperture 
               30   a  first rear frame member 
               30   b  second rear frame member 
               32  rear slot 
               34  leg 
               35  counterbore 
               36   a  front upper frame 
               36   b  rear upper frame 
               36   c  front lower frame 
               36   d  rear lower frame 
               38  attaching surface 
               40  dowel post 
               42  socket 
               50  net assembly 
               52  top net section 
               54  side net section 
               56   a  lower front net section 
               56   b  upper front net section 
               57  magnet 
               58  bottom net section 
               60  rear net section 
               62  zipper 
               64  zipper puller 
               70  mesh tray assembly 
               72   a  front tray frame 
               72   b  rear tray frame 
               74   a  front mesh panel 
               74   b  rear mesh panel 
               100  multi-tray embodiment 
               122   a  alternate first front frame member 
               122   b  alternate second front frame member 
               130   a  alternate first rear frame member 
               130   b  alternate second rear frame member 
               124   a  alternate upper front slot 
               124   b  alternate lower front slot 
               132   a  alternate upper rear slot 
               132   b  alternate lower rear slot 
               150  alternate net assembly 
               200  foodstuff hanging embodiment 
               202  rod 
               204  support bracket 
               206  cord 
               300  fastener 
               305  foodstuff 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 , and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 , and in terms of alternate embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 5 through 7 . Refer now to  FIGS. 1 and 2  respectively, perspective and section views of a drying rack  10 . The drying rack  10  comprises three main assemblies, a frame assembly  20 , a net assembly  50 , and a mesh tray assembly  70 . 
     The frame assembly  20  provides a rectangular structure that is covered by the net assembly  50  to form a freely ventilating enclosure for air drying meat-type foodstuffs  305  such as fish, poultry, beef, pork, and the like. The frame assembly  20  is preferably approximately one and one-half feet (1½ ft.) wide, three feet (3 ft.) long, and one foot (1 ft.) high. However, it is understood that the frame assembly  20  may be provided in various lengths, widths, and heights based upon a user&#39;s preference and required capacity for drying foodstuffs  305 . 
     The net assembly  50  comprises a flexible open mesh material which provides ample airflow to effectively dry the foodstuffs  305 . The net assembly  50  is envisioned as being made of a plastic or fiberglass mesh similar to conventional mosquito nets. The net assembly  50  is comprised of sewn or otherwise bonded panels into a rectangular enclosure having a top net section  52 , a pair of side net sections  54 , a lower front net section  56   a , an upper front net section  56   b , and a bottom net section  58 . However, the net assembly  50  might be a unitarily molded plastic body or similar alternative. 
     The lower  56   a  and upper  56   b  front net sections open along the front surface of the net assembly  54  to enable insertion of the mesh tray assembly  70 . The front net sections  56   a ,  56   b  have integral sections with magnets  57  that are sewn into respective overlapping edges. This arrangement enable easy opening and closing of the front net sections  56   a ,  56   b  when inserting the mesh tray assembly  70  and positive retention forces to keep those front sections closed. 
     The mesh tray assembly  70  (best shown in  FIG. 4 ) supports various foodstuffs  305 . Access into the drying rack  10  is via a zipper  62  which is integrated into the top net section  52  to allow easy top access to load and unload foodstuffs  305 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame assembly  20  of the drying rack  10  forms a rigid rectangular structure having extended legs  34  at each corner. The legs  34  support and elevate the net assembly  50 , the mesh tray assembly  70  and its included foodstuff  305  approximately one foot (1 ft.) above the floor (also see  FIG. 3 ). The frame assembly  20  and the mesh tray assembly  70  are preferably made using molded or extruded plastic materials; however, other suitable materials may be utilized with equal benefit such as, but not limited to: stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , respectively exploded views of the frame assembly  20  and the tray assembly  70 , the frame assembly  20  has a first front frame member  22   a , a second front frame member  22   b , a first rear frame member  30   a , and a second rear frame member  30   b . Each frame member  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  is a vertical structure having a rectangular cross-section and fastener apertures  26  at their top and bottom. The fastener apertures  26  facilitate attachments to a front upper frame  36   a , a rear upper frame  36   b , a front lower frame  36   c , and a rear lower frame  36   d  using common threaded fasteners  300  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The front  36   a  and rear  36   b  upper frames and the front  36   c  and rear  36   d  lower frames form respective horizontal two-piece rectangular structures. Those horizontal structures attach to the frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  at integral attaching features  38  located at the inside corners of the upper frame  36   a ,  36   b  and lower frame  36   c ,  36   d . The upper frames  36   a ,  36   b  and the lower frames  36   c ,  36   d  are respectively affixed to each other using integral dowel posts  40  and sockets  42 , best understood with reference to  FIG. 4 . The use of the dowel posts  40  and sockets  42  add strength to the resulting horizontal two-piece rectangular structures. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 4  as required, during assembly of the drying rack  10  the net assembly  50  is wrapped around to encompass the frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b ,  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c ,  36   d . Subsequently, the legs  34  are fastened to the bottoms of the lower frames  36   c ,  36   d  via additional fasteners  300  which are inserted into counterbores  35  of each leg  34 . This elevates the drying rack  10 . 
     The front frame members  22   a ,  22   b  include integral front slots  24  at an intermediate height along inwardly facing surfaces. The slot features  24  are rectangular and support horizontal insertion and support the mesh tray assembly  70  into the frame assembly  20 . The rear frame members  30   a ,  30   b  have corresponding rear slots  32  which support the forward edges of the mesh tray assembly  70 . Thus by using the slot features  24 ,  32  all four (4) corners of the mesh tray assembly  70  are supported. 
     The front slots  24  and rear slots  32  are arranged in a common horizontal plane to allow smooth insertion and removal of the tray assembly  70 . The rear slots  32  are envisioned as being sufficiently deep to allow insertion of the mesh tray assembly  70  approximately half way through each rear frame members  30   a ,  30   b . Thus the end of the rear slots  32  limit the insertion of the mesh tray assembly  70  and thus enable accurate positioning the mesh tray assembly  70  within the drying rack  10 . 
     The mesh tray assembly  70  has a two-piece construction that is similar to that of the frames  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c ,  36   d . In particular, the mesh tray assembly  70  is joined at intermediate side locations to improve structural strength and increase the load-carrying capacity of the mesh tray assembly  70 . The mesh tray assembly  70  has a front tray frame  72   a  and a rear tray frame  72   b  respectively having integral male dowel posts  40  and female sockets  42 . The front tray frame  72   a  and the rear tray frame  72   b  support respective front mesh panel  74   a  and rear mesh panel  74   b . The mesh panels  74   a ,  74   b  comprise a plurality of rectangle openings arranged along perpendicular axes which provide ample exposure of the foodstuffs  305  to the surrounding air. It is envisioned that the mesh tray assembly  70  is a unitary plastic structure produced in an injection molding process. However, other materials may be utilized such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, and the like. 
     Refer now to  FIGS. 5 and 6  respectively, section and exploded views of a multi-tray embodiment  100  according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The multi-tray embodiment  100  is comprised of similar materials and provides the similar drying function as the preferred embodiment  10 , but supports two (2) mesh tray assemblies  70 . The multi-tray embodiment  100  includes an alternate first front frame member  122   a , an alternate second front frame member  122   b , an alternate first rear frame member  130   a , and an alternate second rear frame member  130   b , each high enough to hold two (2) mesh tray assemblies  70 . The alternate front frame members  122   a ,  122   b  have respective alternate upper front slots  124   a  and alternate lower front slots  124   b . The alternate rear frame members  130   a ,  130   b  have alternate upper rear slots  132   a  and alternate lower rear slots  132   b . The slots  124   a ,  124   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  have identical shapes and serve the same functions as the previously described front slots  24  and rear slots  32  of the preferred embodiment  10  (see  FIG. 3 ). The multi-tray embodiment  100  has an enlarged alternate net assembly  150  that is capable of encompassing the taller frame members  122   a ,  122   b ,  130   a ,  130   b , and the two (2) mesh tray assemblies  70 , thereby providing increased foodstuff  305  drying capacity. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a hanging foodstuff embodiment  200  according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention. The hanging foodstuff embodiment  200  has accessory equipment that reconfigures the present invention to hang foodstuffs  205  for drying instead of using the previously described mesh tray assemblies  70 . 
     The hanging foodstuff embodiment  200  is shown with the net assembly  50  removed to enable a clearer illustration. In use, the mesh tray assembly  70  is removed, and four (4) support brackets  204  are installed using threaded fasteners  300 , one (1) on each of the frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b . The support brackets are located along opposing inwardly facing surfaces. Each support bracket  204  comprises a saddle-shaped fixture that is capable of supporting an end of a rod  204 . Each opposing aligned pair of support brackets  204  support a rod  202 , thereby providing two (2) parallel rods  202  that extend between respective front  22   a ,  22   b  and rear  30   a ,  30   b  frame members. The rods  202  support a plurality of cords  206  that enable hanging various foodstuffs  305 . The cords  206  are envisioned as being made of string, light rope, plastic tubing, wire, or the like. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the drying rack  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . The method of installing and utilizing the drying rack  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the drying rack  10  having the desired length and width; joining the front upper frame  36   a  to the rear upper frame  36   b  by inserting respective dowel posts  40  and sockets  42  together; joining the front lower frame  36   c  to the rear lower frame  36   d  by inserting respective dowel posts  40  and sockets  42  together; assembling the frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  to attaching surfaces  38  of each upper  36   a ,  36   b  and lower  36   c ,  36   d  frame using the provided fasteners  300 ; detaching the plastic magnets  57  of the front net sections  56   a ,  56   b  and opening the front net sections  56   a ,  56   b ; wrapping the net assembly  50  around the frames  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b ,  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c ,  36   d ; attaching the four (4) legs  34  to bottom surfaces of respective front lower  36   c  and rear lower  36   d  frames by inserting fasteners  300  into counterbores  35  of the legs  34 ; screwing the fasteners  300  into fastener apertures  26  along the bottom surface of each lower frame  36   c ,  36   d ; assembling the front tray frame  72   a  to the rear tray frame  72   b  by inserting respective dowel posts  40  and sockets  42  together; inserting the mesh tray assembly  70  between the front net sections  56   a ,  56   b  and into the front slots  24  until the mesh tray assembly  70  is seated within the rear slots  32 ; opening the zipper  62 ; placing foodstuffs  305  upon the mesh tray assembly  70 ; closing the zipper  62 ; allowing sufficient time and air circulation through the net assembly  50  to dry the food stuffs  305 ; removing the food stuffs individually for normal consumption or collectively for storage using the zipper  62 ; replenishing the foodstuffs  305  in the drying rack  10 ; and, benefiting from a compact and economical means to dry foodstuffs  305  in an insect-free environment using the drying rack  10 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate multi-tray embodiment  100  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: assembling the alternate multi-tray embodiment  100  in a similar manner as the preferred embodiment  10 , but using the alternate frame members  122   a ,  122   b ,  130   a ,  130   b  and the alternate net assembly  150 ; inserting a lower mesh tray assembly  70  into alternate lower front  124   b  and alternate lower rear  132   b  slots; opening the zipper  62 ; placing a quantity of foodstuffs  305  onto the lower mesh tray assembly  70  as previously described; inserting the upper mesh tray assembly  70  into the alternate upper front  124   b  and alternate upper rear  132   a  slots; placing a quantity of foodstuffs  305  unto the top mesh tray assembly  70 ; closing the zipper  62 ; and, drying, removing, and replenishing the food stuffs  305  as described above. 
     The method of installing and utilizing the alternate foodstuff hanging embodiment  200  may be achieved by performing the following additional steps: assembling the frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  to the upper  36   a ,  36   b  and lower  36   c ,  36   d  frame portions as previously described; installing the four (4) support brackets  204  upon opposing inwardly facing surfaces of said frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  using the provided fasteners  300 ; placing the two (2) rods  202  upon opposing pairs of said support brackets  204 ; tying a plurality of spanning lengths of cord  206  therebetween said rods  202 ; enclosing said frame members  22   a ,  22   b ,  30   a ,  30   b  and rods  202  within the net assembly  50  as previously described; attaching the leg portions  34  as previously described; opening the zipper  62 ; hanging various foodstuffs  305  upon the cord portions  206  as desired; closing the zipper  62 ; and, drying, removing, and replenishing hanging food stuffs  305  as described above. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.