Patent Publication Number: US-9409586-B2

Title: Adjustable rack

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to a mobile support rack that is collapsible and nestable with a plurality of other support racks for transport and storage. 
     Mobile support racks provide a structure upon which several items, such as baking pans in a commercial kitchen, can be efficiently transported where needed. The size of rack necessary for conventional commercial baking pans, however, renders storage of such racks cumbersome, as multiple racks use up valuable kitchen or bakery space. In addition, it is difficult for a user to transport multiple conventional support racks for storage at one time. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of a support rack, a first side frame includes a first vertical support member, a second vertical support member, and a support surface extending between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member. A second side frame includes a first vertical support member, a second vertical support member, and a support surface extending between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member. A hinge assembly includes a first hinge assembly coupling the second vertical support members of the first and second side frames and a second hinge assembly orthogonal to the first hinge assembly and coupling the first side frame to the second side frame. The hinge assembly is operable to position the first side frame from a first position relative to the second side frame to a second position relative to the second side frame. 
     In one embodiment of a support rack for holding a plurality of pans, the rack includes a first side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, and a second side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member. A hinge assembly couples the first and second side frames and is operable to position the rack in a first position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel and spaced a predetermined distance apart, a second position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are nonparallel, and a third position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel but closer in proximity than the predetermined distance. 
     In one embodiment of a support rack, a first side frame includes a first vertical support member, a second vertical support member, and a support surface extending between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member. A second side frame includes a first vertical support member, a second vertical support member, and a support surface extending between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member. A hinge assembly is operable to position the first side frame from a first position relative to the second side frame in which the distance between the first vertical support members of the first and second side frames is equal to the distance between the second vertical support members of the first and second side frames, to a second position relative to the second side frame in which the first vertical support members of the first and second side frames are closer in proximity than the second vertical support members of the first and second side frames. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a rear perspective view of a support rack in an operational configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the support rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a rear view of the support rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the support rack of  FIG. 2  taken along line  4 - 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a hinge assembly of the support rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the support rack of  FIG. 1  in a nested configuration. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the support rack of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a rear view of the support rack of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the support rack of  FIG. 7  taken along line  9 - 9 . 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the support rack of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the support rack of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a rear view of the support rack of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the support rack of  FIG. 11  taken along line  13 - 13 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the support rack of  FIG. 1  in use. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a plurality of support racks in the nested configuration of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of a plurality of support racks in the collapsed configuration of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a partial perspective view of a handle assembly for use with the support rack of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17B  is a partial perspective view of the handle assembly of  FIG. 17A  for use with the support rack of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 18  is rear perspective view of another support rack in an operational configuration. 
         FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the support rack of  FIG. 18  in a nested configuration. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the support rack of  FIG. 18  in a collapsed configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. And as used herein and in the appended claims, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, and other directional terms are not intended to require any particular orientation, but are instead used for purposes of description only. 
     A support rack of the invention will be herein described for, but is not limited to, operational use with kitchen and bakery equipment. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a support rack  10  includes a first side frame  14  and a second side frame  18 . Each side frame  14 ,  18  is formed from a first vertical support member  22  and a second vertical support member  26 , each member  22 ,  26  having a first end  30  and a second end  34 , and a generally horizontal support member  38  extending between the first ends  30 . A rolling element, such as a caster wheel  46 , is coupled to each of the vertical support members  22 ,  26  at the bottom end  34 . 
     A plurality of equally or unequally spaced lateral members  42  are coupled to the vertical support members  22 ,  26 . Specifically, each lateral member  42  of the first side frame  14  presents a first support surface, or ledge  70 , and an opposing lateral member  42  of the second side frame  18  presents a second support surface, or ledge  74 . The first and second surfaces  70 ,  74  define end portions of a truncated plane extending therebetween, which is substantially parallel to the surface over which the caster wheels  46  roll. Referring also to  FIG. 14 , the edges of several baking pans are shown resting on the respective first and second ledges  70 ,  74  of a plurality of opposing lateral members  42 . Each ledge pair  70 ,  74  supports the weight of a pan and its contents between the first and second side frames  14 ,  18 . In this operational configuration, the side frames  14 ,  18  are positioned a predetermined distance apart corresponding to the size of the object, such as a baking pan, to be supported. 
     A hinge assembly  50  couples the two side frames  14 ,  18  together and can be positioned to configure the frames  14 ,  18  in an operational, nested, or collapsed relationship, as further detailed below. The hinge assembly  50  includes a first or vertical hinge assembly  54  and a second or horizontal hinge assembly  58  orthogonal to the vertical hinge assembly  54 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the vertical hinge assembly  54  includes a first end linkage member  62  and a second end linkage member  66 . The first end linkage member  62  is rotatably coupled to the vertical support member  26  of the first side frame  14  at a pivot connection  78  and rotatably coupled to the vertical support member  26  of the second side frame  18  at a pivot connection  86  proximate the caster wheel  46 . The second end linkage member  66  is rotatably coupled to the vertical support member  26  of the second side frame  18  at a pivot connection  82  and rotatably coupled to the vertical support member  26  of the first side frame  14  at a pivot connection  90  proximate the opposing caster wheel  46 . The locations of connections  78 ,  82 , and of  86 ,  90  illustrated are not limiting and other locations can be used in other embodiments. The second end linkage member  66  includes a slot  94  through which the first end linkage member  62  passes, and the first and second end linkage members  62 ,  66  are pivotally coupled with a pin connection  98  at the approximate midpoint of the slot  94 . 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5 , the pivot members  86 ,  90  are coupled to sliding members  190 , each of which includes a first aperture  194  that receives a pin  196  to rotatably secure the respective pivot member  86 ,  90 . The members  190  are translatable about a slide rail  202  via a second aperture  198 . A mounting bracket  214  positioned at a first end  206  and a second end  210  of the slide rail  202  secures the rail to the respective vertical members  26 . The sliding members  190  and thus the members  86 ,  90  are operable to slide along the slide rail  202  between the two mounting brackets  214 , which thereby define travel stops for the sliding members  190 . In a similar manner, the pivot members  78 ,  82  are each coupled to a sliding member  190  operable to slide along a slide rail  218 . The slide rail  218  is generally shorter than the slide rail  202 , i.e., the first end  222  and a second end  226  are generally closer together. The slide rails  218  are mounted to the respective vertical members  26  at the ends  222 ,  226  with additional mounting brackets  214 . In some constructions, the slide rail  218  is dimensioned to afford limited, if any, travel for the associated sliding member  190  and pivot members  78 ,  82 . In an alternative embodiment, the relative positions of the slide rails  202  and  218  can be switched on a vertical support member  26 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the horizontal hinge assembly  58  includes a first linkage member  130  and a second linkage member  134 . The first linkage member  130  is rotatably coupled to the vertical member  26  of the first side frame  14  at a pivot connection  142  with a pin  220  and a mounting bracket  228 , and rotatably coupled to a centrally located crosspiece  146  of the second side frame  18  at a pivot connection  154 . The second linkage member  134  is rotatably coupled to the vertical member  26  of the second side frame  18  at a pivot connection  150  with a pin  220  and a mounting bracket  228 , and rotatably coupled to a crosspiece  138  of the first side frame  14  at a pivot connection  158 . The locations of connections  142 ,  150 , and of connections  154 ,  158  are not limiting and other locations can be used in other embodiments. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 5 , the first linkage member  130  includes a first slot  162  with a first end  166  and a second end  170 . The second linkage member  134  includes a second slot  174  with a first end  178  and a second end  182 . A sliding pin  186  is received by the first and second slots  162 ,  174  and slidably couples the first and second linkage members  130 ,  134 . Alternatively, the first and second linkage members  130 ,  134  can be straight bar linkages rather than angled or bent as illustrated. 
     Sliding members  230  each include a first aperture  234  that receives a pin  236  to rotatably secure the respective pivot connections  154 ,  158 . The sliding members  230  translate about a slide rail  242  via a second aperture  238 . The slide rail  242  includes a first end  246  and a second end  250  mounted to the respective crosspieces  138 ,  146  via individual mounting brackets  214 . The sliding members  230  are operable to slide along the slide rail  242  between the two mounting brackets  214 , which define travel stops for the sliding members  230 . This motion rotates the respective first and second linkage members  130 ,  134  about the connections  142 ,  150 . The slide rails  242  can be longer in length than either of the slide rails  218  and  202 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 14 , the operational configuration of the support rack  10  is shown with baking pans P supported on the plurality of lateral support members  42 , as previously described. From the operational configuration, the hinge assembly  50  is further operable to place the side frames  14 ,  18  in a nested configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , and in a collapsed configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , both of which facilitate storage of the support rack  10 . 
     The nested configuration, shown in  FIGS. 6-9 , places the side frames  14 ,  18  in a ‘V’ shape, such that the support members  26  are closer together than the support members  22 . To adjust the frames  14 ,  18  from the operational configuration to the nested configuration, the second vertical support members  26  of the first and second side frames  14 ,  18  are manually forced together. Concurrently, the first and second end linkage members  62 ,  66  rotate about the end pivot  98  as the pivot members  86 ,  90  slide along the slide rails  202  from the second ends  210  toward the first ends  206  and the pivot members  154 ,  158  slide along slide rails  242  from the first ends  246  toward the second ends  250 . Simultaneously, the sliding pin  186  moves from the second ends  170 ,  182  of slots  162 ,  174 , respectively, to the first ends  166 ,  178 . 
     By nesting multiple support racks, the user saves space when storing the racks and can more easily transport multiple support racks. With reference to  FIG. 15 , the nested configuration allows the user to store a plurality of support racks  254  by nesting one support rack with another to form a straight row. 
     To reconfigure a nested rack to the operational position, the vertical members  26  are manually forced apart, which causes pivot members  86 ,  90  to slide along rails  202  toward the second ends  210  as the sliding pin  186  of linkages  130 ,  134  moves from the first ends  166 ,  178  to the second ends  170 ,  182  of the slots  162 ,  174 . 
     The collapsed configuration, shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , places the side frames  14 ,  18  closer together than in the operational configuration while remaining in a parallel orientation. To adjust the frames  14 ,  18  from the operational configuration to the collapsed configuration, the first and second vertical support members  22 ,  26  of each side frame  14 ,  18  are manually forced together. Concurrently, the first and second end linkage members  62 ,  66  rotate about the end pivot  98  as the pivot members  86 ,  90  slide along slide rails  202  from the second ends  210  toward the first ends  206  and the pivot members  154 ,  158  slide along slide rails  242  from the first ends  246  toward the second end  250 . In contrast to the nested position (see  FIG. 9 ), the sliding pin  186  remains adjacent the second ends  170 ,  182  of slots  162 ,  174 , respectively. 
     To reconfigure a collapsed rack to the operational position, the first and second vertical support members  22 ,  26  of each side frame  14 ,  18  are manually forced apart. The pivot members  86 ,  90  slide along slide rail  202  from the first ends  206  toward the second ends  210  as the pivot members  154 ,  158  slide along slide rails  242  from the second ends  250  toward the first ends  246 . 
     To configure a nested rack to the collapsed configuration, the vertical members  22  of each side frame  14 ,  18  are manually forced together. Since the second vertical members  26  are already in position, the hinge assembly  54  does not change orientation. As the hinge assembly  58  pivots, the pivot members  154 ,  158  slide further along slide rails  242  from the first ends  246  toward the second ends  250  as the sliding pin  186  moves from the first ends  166 ,  178  of the slots  162 ,  174 , respectively, to the second ends  170 ,  182 . The rack  10  can likewise be placed into the nested configuration from the collapsed configuration by manually forcing vertical support members  22  of each side frame  14 ,  18  apart. Though the pivot members  86 ,  90  retain their position, the pivot members  154 ,  158  slide along rails  242  from the second ends  250  toward the first ends  246  while the sliding pin  186  moves from the second ends  170 ,  182  to the first ends  166 ,  178  of the slots  162 ,  174 . 
     By collapsing multiple support racks, the user saves space when storing or shipping the racks in a configuration that takes up the least amount of space when compared to the operational and nested configurations. With reference to  FIG. 16 , the collapsed configuration allows the user to more efficiently store the plurality of support racks  254  by stacking them side-by-side. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 17A and 17B , a handle assembly  272  can be coupled to the first and second end linkage members  62 ,  66  of the hinge assembly  54  to permit a user to more easily change the configuration of or transport the rack  10 . The handle assembly  272  includes a handle portion  276  and a mounting portion  280 . The mounting portion  280  is pivotally coupled to a first mounting linkage member  284  and a second mounting linkage member  288 . The first mounting linkage member  284  couples the mounting portion  280  to the first end linkage member  62  at a pivot  292 . The second mounting linkage member  288  couples the mounting portion  280  to the second end linkage member  66  at a pivot  294 . As illustrated, the handle assembly aids in mobility of the rack  10  in the operational, nested, or collapsed configuration. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 18-20 , in another construction a support rack  300  includes similar components to support rack  10 . Instead of the hinge assembly  50 , an alternative hinge assembly  304  includes a top hinge  308  located proximate the top portion of the first and second side frames  14 ,  18 , and a bottom hinge  312  located proximate the caster wheels  46 . For purposes of the illustrations, only the top hinge  308 , which is identical to the bottom hinge  312 , will be described. The top hinge  308  includes a first top linkage member  316  pivotably coupled to the first side frame  14  at a first pivot point  320  and a second top linkage member  324  pivotably coupled to the second side frame  18  at a second pivot point  328 . The first and second top linkage members are pivotably connected to a center coupler  332 . The hinge assembly  304  permits the support rack  300  to be configured in an operational configuration ( FIG. 18 ), a nested configuration ( FIG. 19 ), and a collapsed configuration ( FIG. 20 ) as described with respect to the support rack  10 . 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.