Patent Publication Number: US-2023143156-A1

Title: Stackable rack and method of using the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to a rack, and more particularly, a stackable rack and method of using the same. Particularly, the stackable rack comprises a top rack frame which enables it to be secured on a bottom rack frame. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Generally, many forms of racks, stands, shelves, and other such support structures, hereinafter referred to simply as “racks,” have been used for holding articles. The conventional portable racks which are foldable have been widely provided in the current market. For example, the conventional portable racks may be collapsed, folded, or dismantled when not in use, primarily to reduce the space needed to transport empty racks back to their point of origin. 
     Another general improvement has been provided for the conventional portable racks that are configured to be able to stack vertically on top of other similar racks to utilize space in storage and transportation circumstances. However, the current stackable table may provide designs to secure the two similar racks with one another, but current designs may not be desirable for situations in which quick and safe removal of the rack. In addition, disaggregating rack components may cause a safety hazard if not secured properly in and around assembly line areas. Furthermore, separable components generally result in much longer breakdown times for racks. 
     To overcome this known problem, past solutions have involved various hinge or bearing mechanisms that have been used to enable the folding of leg or frame structures relative to the rack surface or base. It has also been recognized that it is desirous for safety and convenience reasons to avoid bearing designs in which components protrude from the jointed areas which may, in turn, catch on clothing, machinery, or the articles or parts themselves. To avoid such issues, some designs have utilized a leg or post configuration wherein the leg or support posts slide into or around another structural component of the rack. These designs have often suffered from shaky stability due to loose-fitting parts. Various elaborate mating cuts and welded components have been introduced to increase the strength and stability of such configurations, but at the cost of increased production difficulty, expense, and complication, and often introduce disadvantages such as protruding components that are undesirable for the reasons mentioned above. 
     All referenced patents, applications, and literature are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. The disclosed embodiments may seek to satisfy one or more of the above-mentioned desires. Although the present embodiments may obviate one or more of the above-mentioned desires, it should be understood that some aspects of the embodiments might not necessarily obviate them. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In a general implementation, a stackable rack comprises a bottom rack frame; a top rack frame having a locking assembly that connects with the bottom rack frame; wherein the bottom rack frame comprises a main supporting frame, at least one first supporting frame rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame and supported on a ground, and a second supporting frame having a securing assembly being coupled with the first supporting frame and rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame; wherein the securing assembly comprises at least one locking bracket with a locking cavity being engaged with the first supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the top rack frame is positioned above the main supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the top rack frame comprises a top locking frame being coupled with the main supporting frame of the bottom rack frame through the locking assembly. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the locking assembly comprises a bottom retainer having a bottom screw hole arranged on the bottom rack frame, a top screw hole formed on a top locking frame of the top rack frame, and a first fastener engaged with the bottom screw hole and the top screw hole. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the second supporting frame is vertically arranged between a pair of the first supporting frames. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the locking brackets are affixed on free ends of the second supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the locking bracket is a U-shaped bracket with the locking cavity being faced to the first supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the securing assembly comprises a through-hole formed on the locking bracket and a second fastener being passed through the through-hole and the first supporting frame to secure the second supporting frame being coupled with the first supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the second supporting frame is rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame through a middle supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the second supporting frame is rotated towards the first supporting frame to insert the first supporting frame into the locking cavity. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the bottom rack frame further comprises a bottom locking frame positioned between a pair of the first supporting frames. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the securing assembly comprises a pair of locking brackets, one of the locking brackets being affixed on one side of the second supporting frame and the other one of the locking brackets being affixed on an opposite side of the second supporting frame. 
     In another aspect combinable with the general implementation, the bottom rack frame is supported on the ground with the top rack frame being placed on the bottom rack frame. 
     Among the many possible implementations of a method of forming a stackable rack comprising: 
     providing a bottom rack frame comprising a main supporting frame, at least one first supporting frame rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame and a second supporting frame having a securing assembly being coupled with the first supporting frame and vertically arranged between a pair of the first supporting frames; 
     rotating the first supporting frame with the main supporting frame towards the second supporting frame; 
     rotating the second supporting frame with the main supporting frame towards the first supporting frame; 
     engaging the first supporting frame with a locking cavity formed on a locking bracket of the securing assembly; and 
     coupling the top rack frame on the bottom rack frame by the locking assembly. 
     Further, it is contemplated that the method further comprises: 
     providing a top locking frame of the top rack frame being coupled with the main supporting frame of the bottom rack frame. 
     In the alternative, the method further comprises: 
     providing a bottom retainer having a bottom screw hole arranged on the bottom rack frame and a top screw hole formed on a top locking frame of the top rack frame; and 
     engaging a first fastener with the bottom screw hole and the top screw hole. 
     It is still further contemplated that the method further comprises: supporting the top rack frame on the ground by the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame; and 
     placing the top rack frame on the main supporting frame of the bottom rack frame. 
     In one embodiment, the method further comprises: providing a through-hole formed on the locking bracket and a second fastener being passed through the through-hole and the first supporting frame to secure the second supporting frame being coupled with the first supporting frame. 
     In still one embodiment, the securing assembly comprises a pair of locking brackets, one of the locking brackets being affixed on one side of the second supporting frame and the other one of the locking brackets being affixed on an opposite side of the second supporting frame. 
     While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any inventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above and below as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, example operations, methods, or processes described herein may include more steps or fewer steps than those described. Further, the steps in such example operations, methods, or processes may be performed in different successions than that described or illustrated in the figures. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. 
     The details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       It should be noted that the drawing figures may be in simplified form and might not be to precise scale. In reference to the disclosure herein, for purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, front, distal, and proximal are used with respect to the accompanying drawings. Such directional terms should not be construed to limit the scope of the embodiment in any manner. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a stackable rack according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the stackable rack according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a side view of a second supporting frame according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 B  is an exploded view of the second supporting frame according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a bottom rack frame of the stackable rack according to an aspect of the invention. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  are perspective views of the stackable rack showing a top rack frame performing from a storage position to an opened position, and in the opened position, the top rack frame being placed on the bottom rack frame. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The different aspects of the various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the embodiments, which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. 
     The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably. 
     It shall be understood that the term “means,” as used herein, shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials, or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and position terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although many methods and materials similar, modified, or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present invention without undue experimentation, the preferred materials and methods are described herein. In describing and claiming the present invention, the following terminology will be used in accordance with the definitions set out below. 
       FIG.  1    generally depicts a stackable rack  100  according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the stackable rack  100  comprises a bottom rack frame  20  and a top rack frame  10  supported on the bottom rack frame  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the stackable frame  100  may further comprise a locking assembly  30  which may be utilized to connect the top rack frame  10  with the bottom rack frame  20 . For one example, the top rack frame  10  may be positioned above a main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20  and may be locked on the bottom rack frame  20  through the locking assembly  30 . It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the bottom rack frame  20  may be supported on a ground  50  with the top rack frame  10  being placed on the bottom rack frame  20 . 
     In some embodiments, the bottom rack frame  20  may comprise the main supporting frame  21 , at least one first supporting frame  22  rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21 , and a second supporting frame  23  rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21  through a middle supporting frame  24 . For one example, the bottom rack frame  20  may comprise two pairs of first supporting frames  22  rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21 . 
     In some embodiments, the first supporting frame  22  may comprise a top end  221  rotatably coupled with a bottom side of the main supporting frame  21 , and a bottom end  222  being supported on the ground  50 . For one example, the second supporting frame  23  may be supported between a pair of the first supporting frames  22 A,  22 C by a securing assembly  25 . For another example, the second supporting frame  23  may be vertically arranged between the pair of the first supporting frames  22 A,  22 C. For still another example, the middle supporting frame  24  may be rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21 . 
     As shown in further details in  FIG.  1   , the top rack frame  10  may comprise a top locking frame  11  being coupled with the main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20  through the locking assembly  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the top rack frame  10  may further comprise at least one first-top supporting frame  12  where the top locking frame  11  are coupled therewith. For one example, the top locking frame  11  may be arranged between a pair of the first-top supporting frames  12 . For another example, the top locking frame  11  may be vertically arranged with the first-top supporting frames  12 . 
     It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the first-top supporting frame  12  may comprise a first top end  121  rotatably coupled with a first main supporting frame  13  and a first bottom end  122  opposite of the first top end  121 , wherein the top locking frame  11  may be arranged adjacent to the first bottom end  122  of the first-top supporting frame  12 . In another embodiment, the top locking frame  11  may be vertically arranged with the first bottom end  122  of the first-top supporting frame  12 . 
       FIGS.  2 - 3 B  generally depict exploded views of the bottom rack frame  20  of a stackable rack according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , the securing assembly  25  may further comprise at least one locking bracket  251  configured to engage with the first supporting frame  22 , wherein the locking bracket  251  may have a locking cavity  252  being engaged with the first supporting frame  22 . 
     In some embodiments, the locking bracket may be affixed on a free end of the second supporting frame  23 . For one example, referring to details of  FIG.  3 A , the securing assembly may further comprise a pair of locking brackets  251 A,  251 B affixed on the two free ends, including a first free end and a second free end of the second supporting frame  23 , wherein one of the pair of the locking brackets  251 A may be affixed on the first free end of the second supporting frame  23  and the other one of the pair of the locking brackets  251 B may be affixed on the second free end of the second supporting frame  23 . 
     In some embodiments, the locking bracket  251  may be a U-shaped bracket with the locking cavity  252  being faced to the first supporting frame  22 . The middle supporting frame  24  of the bottom rack frame  20  may be vertically arranged with the second supporting frame  23 , wherein the middle supporting fame  24  may be rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , the locking assembly  30  may comprise a bottom retainer  31  arranged on the main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20 , wherein the bottom retainer  31  may comprise a bottom screw hole  310  arranged on the bottom rack frame  20 . The locking assembly  30  may further comprise a top screw hole  320  formed on the top locking frame  11  of the top rack frame  10 , and a first fastener  330  engaged with the bottom screw hole  310  of the bottom retainer  31  and the top screw hole  320  formed on the top locking frame  11 , and in such a manner, the top locking frame  11  of the top rack frame  10  may be affixed on the main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20 , to connect the top rack frame  10  with the bottom rack frame  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3 B , in some embodiments, the second supporting frame  23  may further comprise a first free end  231  and a second free end  232  opposite of the first free end  231 , wherein the first free end  231  and the second free end  232  may be vertically and integrally extended from a front side end  233 . 
     In some embodiments, the one of the pair of the locking brackets  251 A may be affixed on the first free end  231  of the second supporting frame  23 , and the other one of the pair of the locking brackets  251 B may be affixed on the second free end  232  of the second supporting frame  23 . 
     Continuing to  FIG.  3 B , for still another example, the middle supporting frame  24  may comprise a top middle end  241  (see  FIG.  2   ) rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21 , and a bottom middle end  242  being affixed on the front side end  233  of the second supporting frame  23 . 
     In some embodiments, the securing assembly  25  may comprise a through-hole  253  formed on the locking bracket  251  and a second fastener  254  being passed through the through-hole  253  and the first supporting frame  22  to secure the second supporting frame  23  being coupled with the first supporting frame  22 , as shown in  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3 B . 
     In some embodiments, the securing assembly  25  may further comprise a pair of locking brackets, including a first locking bracket  251 A and a second locking bracket  251 B, wherein the first locking bracket  251 A may be affixed on the first free end  231  of the second supporting frame  23  and the second locking bracket  251 B may be affixed on the second free end  232  of the second supporting frame  23 . 
     The first locking bracket  251 A of  FIG.  3 A  to  FIG.  3 B  may comprise a first affixed side affixed with the first free end  231  of the second supporting frame  23 , and a first free side opposite of the first affixed side, wherein the first free side may comprise a first through-hole  2511 A. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the first locking bracket  251 A may further comprise a first middle side integrally extended between the first affixed side and the first free side. 
     In some embodiments, the second locking bracket  251 B of  FIG.  3 A to  3 B  may comprise a second affixed side affixed with the second free end  232  of the second supporting frame  23  and a second free side opposite of the second affixed side, wherein the second free side may comprise a second through-hole  2511 B (see  FIG.  5 C ). It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the second locking bracket  251 B may further comprise a second middle side integrally extended between the second affixed side and the second free side. 
     From the above descriptions, in some embodiments, the first locking bracket  251 A and the second locking bracket  251 B may be both U-shaped brackets, wherein the first locking bracket  251 A may comprise a first locking cavity  252 A formed between the first affixed side and the first free side, wherein the second locking bracket  251 B may comprise a second locking cavity  252 B formed between the second affixed side and the second free side. 
       FIG.  4    generally depicts a view of the bottom rack frame  20  according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
     As shown in further details in  FIGS.  2  and  4   , the second supporting frame  23  may be rotated towards the first supporting frame  23  to insert the first supporting frame  22  into the locking cavity  252 . In some embodiments, the bottom rack frame  20  may further comprise a bottom locking frame  26  positioned between a pair of first supporting frames  22 . In some embodiments, the bottom locking frame  26  may be vertically arranged with the first supporting frames  22  to support the pair of the first supporting frames  22  being positioned in a fixed distance and being supported on the ground. 
     In some embodiments, the main supporting frame  21  may be positioned above the first supporting frame  22  and the second supporting frame  23 . In other words, the main supporting frame  21  may be arranged on the top end  221  of the first supporting frame and the bottom end  222  of the first supporting frame may be in contact with the ground. 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  generally depict a method of forming a stackable rack according to an aspect of the embodiments. 
     The contemplated embodiment may include: 
     providing a bottom rack frame  20  comprising a main supporting frame  21 , at least one first supporting frame  22  rotatably coupled with the main supporting frame  21  and a second supporting frame  23  having a securing assembly being coupled with the first supporting frame  22 , the second supporting frame  23  vertically arranged between a pair of the first supporting frames  22 ; 
     rotating the first supporting frame  22  with the main supporting frame  21  towards the second supporting frame  23 ; 
     rotating the second supporting frame  23  with the main supporting frame  21  towards the first supporting frame  22 ; 
     engaging the first supporting frame  22  with a locking cavity  252 A( 252 B) formed on a locking bracket  251 A( 251 B); and 
     securing the top rack frame  10  on the bottom rack frame  20  by the locking assembly. 
     Accordingly, the method may further comprise: providing a top locking frame  11  of the top rack frame  10  being coupled with the main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20  through the locking assembly. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the bottom rack frame  20  may be folded in a storage position, wherein in the storage position, the first supporting frame  22  and the second supporting frame  23  may be overlapped with each other to form a planar configuration. For one example, the first supporting frame  22  and the second supporting frame  23  may be parallelly arranged with the main supporting frame  21 . 
     Accordingly, the method may further comprise: supporting the top rack frame  10  on the ground by the first supporting frame  22  and the second supporting frame  23 ; and 
     placing the top rack frame  10  on the main supporting frame  21  of the bottom rack frame  20 . 
     As shown further details in  FIG.  5 D , the first supporting frames  22  may be supported on the ground with the second supporting frame  23  being supporting between a pair of the first supporting frames  22  to affix the pair of the first supporting frame  22  in a fixed distance. 
     Accordingly, the method may further comprise: 
     providing a bottom retainer  31  having a bottom screw hole  310  arranged on the bottom rack frame  20 , a top screw hole  320  formed on a top locking frame  11  of the top rack frame, as shown in  FIGS.  1 - 2   ; and 
     engaging the first fastener  330  with the bottom screw hole and the top screw hole. 
     As shown in further details in  FIG.  5 D , the first fastener  330  may be rotated to lock into the bottom screw hole and the top screw hole. 
     As shown further details in  FIG.  5 C , the method may further comprise: 
     providing a through-hole  2511 A( 2511 B) formed on the locking bracket and a second fastener  254  being passed through the through-hole  2511 A( 2511 B) and the first supporting frame  22  to secure the second supporting frame  23  being coupled with the first supporting frame. 
     In some embodiments, the securing assembly may further comprise a pair of locking brackets, including a first locking bracket and a second locking bracket, wherein the first locking bracket may be affixed on the first free end of the second supporting frame  23  and the second locking bracket may be affixed on the second free end of the second supporting frame  23 . 
     In some embodiments, the stackable rack may include a pair of the first supporting frames  22 , wherein one of the pair of the first supporting frames  22  may be rotated towards one direction, and the other one of the pair of the first supporting frames  22  may be rotated towards an opposite direction. The one direction is opposite of the opposite direction. In other words, the one of the pair of the first supporting frames  22  may be rotated towards the other one of the pair of the first supporting frames  22  to perform the bottom rack being in an opened position. 
     Similarly, while operations and/or methods may be depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations and/or method steps be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. 
     Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiment includes other combinations of fewer, more, or different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
     Thus, specific embodiments and applications of stackable rack and method of using the same have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the disclosed concepts herein. The disclosed embodiments, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalent within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments. In addition, where the specification and claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring at least one element from the group which includes N, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 
     The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. 
     The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.