Patent Publication Number: US-9408520-B2

Title: Invertible dishwashing rack and related methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to commonly owned U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/605,356, filed 1 Mar. 2012, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for any and all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the racks for dishware and to racking, transporting, pre-washing, machine washing, draining, drying, storing and dispensing of glassware, cups, tumblers, dishes, bowls, and other like dishware, tableware and kitchenware. More specifically, the present invention relates to stackable racking and washing systems which are preferably adapted to be vertically reversible (i.e., flipped or inverted) even when filled with racked wares, to allow for the performing of all washing and ware-handling requirements without the need for the removal, inversion, and reinsertion of the individual wares. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     The current state of the art for commercial dishware/glassware dishwashing is to collect the dirty glassware from the tables and place them into a rack. The typical rack has dividers so that each item of glassware is separated from the next. The dishware or glassware is placed in the rack “open end” up, so as to not spill its contents. The rack is then brought into the dishwashing area where each item of glassware is removed from the rack, turned over and placed back into the rack so that the “open end” is now facing down. Then, the rack is ready to pass through the dishwasher. 
     The main purpose of this current process is to quickly clear the dining area and reset the table. Once the full rack of dirty dishware or glassware is in the dishwashing area, the dishware or glassware must typically be removed and turned over to effectively pass through a commercial dishwashing machine. 
     One object of this invention is to eliminate the messy and time consuming process of removing and turning over each piece of glassware. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The problems discussed above are overcome with various embodiments of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a dishware rack that can be flipped over, thus eliminating the need to remove and turn over each item in the rack. The bottom of the rack, or “pilot,” is removable. The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a dish or ware rack that allows for the accomplishment of all necessary ware-handling functions without the necessity of removing, inverting, and replacing the wares individually by hand. These functions preferably include the gathering from dining areas of wares stored vertically upright and containing leftover liquids; vertical inversion of the full racks of wares in a pre-washing area to empty liquids from the wares; pre-washing of the racked wares, and their draining by vertical inversion; direct insertion of the racks full of wares into commercial dishwashing systems; post-washing vertical inversion of the racks for final draining and drying of the wares; re-inversion of the racks for storing and stacking of racks; chilling or icing of the wares; and re-dispensing and reuse of the wares. 
     The present invention preferably includes a three-piece structure to save time, labor and space, and will reduce any losses due to breakage of dishwares from excessive handling. Because the dishwares need not be removed from the dish racks from the time they are gathered until the time they are dried and ready for reuse, the risk of breakage from the handling of wet dishwares is substantially reduced. Additionally, because the dish racks include both top and bottom portions, the dishwares are more substantially protected while inserted as compared to known methods and devices. 
     In certain embodiments the top and bottom portions are identical and interchangeable, and the construction of the two base portions allows any of the respective four sides of the base portions to be inserted first into the body portion where it is received. This allows for the removal and reinsertion of the base portions without regard to their directional dispositions, and without regard to whether they are to be inserted as the top or as the bottom portion. 
     Preferred embodiments also include a body portion that is constructed so as to allow for extension of the body portion to allow for different heights of dishwares, by means of collars, which are attachable and detachable to and from the body portion utilizing prongs and sockets that mutually engage each other. The dish racks are preferably stackable and shaped to mutually engage when the bottom of one dish rack is placed upon the top of another. 
     One preferred method of using the product is as follows: a rack full of dirty glassware is placed over a sink or spill safe area. A top or bottom portion is slid into the top of the base portion and latched into position, enclosing the glassware completely. The rack is then flipped over. All the glassware is now open-end down and their contents can spill out. Now that the rack is flipped, the bottom portion that was secured to the bottom of the base portion is now on the top. Next, the top portion can be removed. The dish rack is then ready to pass through the dishwasher. 
     The disclosure herein further discusses methods to describe the various methods in which the racks of the present invention are preferably used. 
     These and other objectives and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description, made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views. And, although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, in which corresponding reference numerals and letters indicate corresponding parts of the various embodiments throughout the several views, and in which the various embodiments generally differ only in the manner described and/or shown, but otherwise include corresponding parts: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a dish rack  10  of the present invention, wherein the preferred dish rack  10  has a top portion  12 , a bottom portion  22  and a base portion  30  having parallel channels  34   a  on the upper part  32   a  of the base portion  30  to slidably engage the top portion  12  and an upper latch  50   a  to engage a catch  55   a  on the top portion  12 ; wherein respective edges  14   a  of the top portion  12  can slide within the channels  34   a  (opposing channel not visible); 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein the top portion  12  has been disconnected from the base portion  30 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the top portion  12  is operatively secured to the base portion  30  in a latched position; wherein a section of the upper right side of the dish rack  10  has been removed for clarity to illustrate the latch  50   a;    
         FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the section  3 A of  FIG. 3  illustrating the latch  50   a  engaging the top portion  12  when the top portion  12  is in a latched position in which the catch  55   a  is engaged by the spring biased latch  50   a  so that the top portion  12  is unable to disengage from the latch  50   a  and the base portion  30 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is an enlarged, side sectional view similar to  FIG. 3A , but from the side, except that the arrow above the top portion  12  is shown to indicate that the top portion  12  is moving toward the latched position as the top portion  12  is sliding in the respective channels  34   a  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) so as to depress the latch  50   a;    
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 , similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing the latch  50   a  in a depressed position that leaves the top portion  12  in the same position as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , but would allow the top portion  12  to slide away from the latch  50   a  if force was placed on the top portion  12  in the same direction as is indicated by the arrow, so that the top portion  12  can be disengaged both from the latch  50   a  and the channels  34   a  (see also,  FIG. 2 ) in which the top portion  12  is engaged; 
         FIG. 4  is a further perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-3C  wherein the top portion  12  and the bottom portion  22  are operatively latched to the base portion  30  and engaged within the respective channels (not visible); 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the dish rack  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; it will be appreciated that the bottom portion  22  is the same as the top portion  12 , each of which is called a “pilot” in the discussion above, and that the base portion  30  includes a lower part  32   b  that has all of the same elements and features (not shown) of the upper part  32   a  that engage the top portion  12 , but these elements and features of the lower part  32   b  are mirror images of the respective elements and features of the upper part  32   a;    
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second preferred disk rack  110  of the present invention the respective top and bottom pilots  112 ,  122  can be twisted with respect to the base portion  130  so as to disengage from or engage with the base portion  130 ; the preferred dish rack  110  having a top portion  112 , a bottom portion  122  and a base portion  130 ; the base portion  130  having an upper latch  150   a  and a lower latch  150   b  (not visible), wherein the top pilot or top portion  112  and the bottom pilot or bottom portion  122  can be engaged with the base portion  130  by aligning the respective top portion  112  or bottom portion  122  with the base portion  130  such that the respective latch  150   a  ( 150   b  not shown) can prevent the respective top portion  112  or bottom portion  122  from disengaging from the base portion  130  when the respective latches  150   a  ( 150   b  not shown) are in a released position shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the disk rack  110  of  FIG. 6  illustrating the top portion  112  and the bottom portion  122  fully engaged with the base portion  130  as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is an enlarged perspective view of the dish rack  110  of  FIG. 7A  taken from the circle  7 B and showing the upper latch  150   a  in the released position in which it prevents the top portion  112  from disengaging from the base portion  130 ; 
         FIG. 7C  is an enlarged perspective view similar to  FIG. 7B , but showing the spring biased upper latch  150   a  in a depressed position that the spring biased latch  150   a  would occupy when force has been placed upon the spring biased upper latch  150   a  to hold the upper latch  150   a  in the depressed position that is shown; wherein the entire upper latch  150   a  is held below the upper surface  136  of the base portion  130 , which would allow the top portion  112  to be turned or twisted sufficiently to partially disengage top portion  112  from the base portion  130  as shown in  FIG. 7D ; 
         FIG. 7D  is a perspective view of the dish rack  110  shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , but showing the top portion  112  being in a turned position with respect to the base portion  130  so that it is partially disengaged from the base portion  130  and can be just lifted off of the base portion  130  so as to be fully disengaged from the base portion  130 ; it will be appreciated that the upper portion  112  can be turned partially so as to reach the partially disengaged position that is shown, from the fully engaged position shown in  FIG. 7A , only if the spring biased upper latch  150   a  is depressed as shown in  FIG. 7C ; it will be further appreciated that the bottom portion  122  can be partially disengaged from the base portion  130  in exactly the same manner and that both the top portion  112  and the bottom portion  122  can be lifted away from the base portion  130  and completely disengaged therefrom once either is in the partially disengaged position in which the top portion  112  is shown in  FIG. 7D ; and that either the top portion  112  or the bottom portion  122  can be reengaged with the base portion  130  from the partially disengaged position by turning or twisting the respective top or bottom portions  112 ,  122  with respect to the upper surface  136   a  or the lower surface (not shown) of the base portion  130 , so as to reengage protruding edges  124  in channels  134   a  and  134   b  (not shown) to fully engage the respective top or bottom portion  112 ,  122  with the base portion  130  as shown in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of a dish rack  210  of the present invention; wherein the preferred dish rack  210  has both a top portion  212  and a bottom portion  222  and a base portion  230  having an upper latch  250   a  and a lower latch  250   b  (shown in  FIG. 9A ) that secure the respective top and bottom portions  212 ,  222  in place when an engaging lip  214  (see also  FIG. 9A ) on the respective top portion  212  is placed under or above respective upper or lower lips  234   a ,  234   b  and an opposite end of the respective top or bottom portion  212 ,  222  is secured to the base portion  230  by a spring biased latch  250   a ,  250   b  that engages the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 9B ; wherein the upper and lower pilots or portions  212 ,  222  can be disengaged from the base portion  230  when the respective arm  252   a ,  252   b  of the respective latch  250   a ,  250   b  is pressed toward the center of the base portion  230  against the spring biasing force of the respective latch as shown in  FIG. 9C  where the upper latch  250   a  is pressed toward the center of the base portion  230 , so that the top portion  212  can be lifted up as shown in  FIG. 8  with only the upper lip  234   a  obstructing the engaging lip  214  of the respective top portion  212  to create a hinge effect at that side of the base portion  230 ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a partial cross sectional perspective view of the dish rack  210  of  FIG. 8  illustrating the upper latch  250   a  in greater detail, wherein the upper latch  250   a  is arranged and configured to pivot in and out of position to engage the top portion  212 , as desired; 
         FIG. 9B  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view of the cross section shown in  FIG. 9A , but showing a part of the top portion  212  from the side and in a fully engaged position where the top portion  212  is secured to the base portion  230  and the spring biased upper latch  250   a  is in a released position in which the top portion  212  is held in place by the latch  250   a;    
         FIG. 9C  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional side view similar to  FIG. 9B , but showing the upper latch  250   a  in a disengaged position where the lower arm or lever arm  254   a  of the upper latch  250   a  is pushed inward toward the center of the base portion  230  against the biasing force of spring  260 , so that the top  252   a  of the upper latch  250   a  compresses the spring  260 , so that the top  252   a  of the upper latch  250   a  moves away from and disengages from the top portion  212 , freeing it to be lifted and disengaged from the base portion  230 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a dish rack  310  of the present invention; the preferred dish rack  310  having a top portion  312  having first and second sections  314   a ,  314   b  that are each pivotally connected to a top part  332   a  of a base portion  330  and a bottom portion  320 , also having first and second sections  324   a ,  324   b  each pivotally connected to a bottom part  332   b  of the base portion  330 ; the base portion  330  having separate spring biased latches  350   a ,  350   b  to engage the first section  314   a ,  324   a , respectively, of the top and bottom portions  312 ,  322 , to secure the top portion  312  and the bottom portion  322  to the base portion  330  as shown in  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the dish rack  310  of  FIG. 10  illustrating the respective sections  314   a ,  314   b  of the top portion  312  in a fully open position; 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the dish rack  310  of  FIGS. 10-11  when the first and second sections  314   a ,  314   b  of the top portion  312  and the first and second sections  324   a ,  324   b  of the bottom portion  322  are in closed positions; wherein each of the respective first and second sections  314   a ,  324   a ,  314   b ,  324   b , respectively, of both the top and bottom portions  312 ,  322  are pivotally connected to the base portion  330  by hinges  338 ; 
         FIG. 12B  is an enlarged perspective view of section  12 B of  FIG. 12A , illustrating the spring biased upper latch  350   a  engaging a catch  316  on the side of the first section  314   a  of the top portion  312 , which holds the first section  314   a  in place against the base portion  330 , as the first section  314   a  in turn, holds the second section  314   b  in place in the closed position against the upper part  332   a  of the base portion  330  as shown in  FIG. 12A , because the upper lip  318   a  on the inside of the first section  314   a  holds the lower lip  318   b  on the inside of the second section  314   b  in place when both sections  314   a ,  314   b  are in the closed position against the upper part  332   a  of the base portion  330  as shown; 
         FIG. 12C  is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of the dish rack  310  shown in  FIGS. 12A-12B , as viewed shown from line  12 C- 12 C of  FIG. 12B , but where portions of the base portion  330  and the first section  314   a  are removed so that the spring biased latch  350   a  is visible from the side; wherein the latch  350   a  is shown in a released position in which the spring biased latch  350   a  holds the top portion  312  in place; 
         FIG. 12D  is an enlarged cross-sectional side view similar to that of  FIG. 12C , but illustrating the spring biased latch  350   a  pivoted from the released position shown in  FIG. 12C  into a disengaged position where force is required to hold the spring biased latch  350   a  in such a position such that sections  314   a  of the top portion  312  can be lifted upwardly so that the respective sections  314   a ,  314   b  can pivot in to the partially open and fully open positions shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , respectively; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a dish rack  410  of the present invention; the dish rack  410  having a top portion  412 , a bottom portion  422  and a base portion  430  having a first spring biased latch  450   a  in an upper part  432   a  and a second spring biased latch (not shown), that operates in a like manner corresponding with the manner in which the first latch operates, but in a bottom part  432   b  of the base portion  430 ; wherein the top portion  412  and the bottom portion  422  include a plurality of rails  414 ,  424 , respectively, that slide within opposing channels  434  on opposing sides of the respective upper part and lower part  432   a ,  432   b  of the base portion  430  and are spaced apart along a flexible member or other mechanism (not shown) to which the respective rails  414 ,  424  are secured; wherein the respective rails  414 ,  424  of the top portion  412  and the bottom portion  422  are slideable within the opposing channels  434  and are each secured in closed position, as shown, within the base portion  430  when corresponding spring biased latches  450   a ,  450   b  engages and holds the most proximate rail in the position shown in  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the dish rack  410  of  FIG. 13  illustrating the rails  414  of the top portion  412  repositioned within the respective channels  434  to provide partial access to the interior of the dish rack  410 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the dish rack  410  of  FIGS. 13-14  illustrating the top portion  412  in a fully open position or orientation, wherein all of the rails  414  are collected at one end of the dish rack  410  such that dishwares (not shown) can be placed within the dish rack  410  and accessed and removed therefrom; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the dish rack  410  of  FIGS. 13-15  similar to  FIG. 13 , illustrating the top portion  412  in a latched or closed position; wherein the spring biased top latch  450   a  engages a rail of the top portion  412  so that the top portion  412  is secured in the closed position; 
         FIG. 16B  is an enlarged perspective view of the dish rack  410  of section  16 B of  FIG. 16A  illustrating the spring biased top latch  450   a  engaging a rail of the top portion  412  to secure the top portion  412  in the closed position shown in  FIGS. 13 and 16 ; 
         FIG. 16C  is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the dish rack  410 , as viewed from the line  16 C- 16 C of  FIG. 13 , illustrating the spring biased top latch  450   a  in an engaged position; wherein the top portion  412  cannot be moved with respect to the base portion  430 ; 
         FIG. 16D  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 16C , illustrating the spring biased top latch  450   a  in a depressed disengaged position; wherein the spring biased top latch  450   a  is pulled downwardly with sufficient force so that the spring biased latch  450   a  is disengaged from the top portion  412  and then the top portion  412  can be moved within the respective channels  434  of the base portion  430  to either the partially open position or the fully open position shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , respectively; 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a dish rack  510  of the present invention; the dish rack  510  having a top portion  512  and a bottom portion  522  that are each slideable within opposing channels  534  in an upper part  532   a  or a lower part  532   b , respectively, of a base portion  530 ; the base portion  530  having an upper spring biased latch  550   a  and a lower spring biased latch (not shown) that operate in the same manner as the spring biased latches referenced in  FIGS. 13-16D ; wherein the top portion  512  and bottom portion  522  can be secured by the respective latches in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 17B  is an enlarged cross sectional side view of the dish rack  510  of  FIG. 17A  as seen from the line  17 B- 17 B, with a portion cut away to illustrate the top latch  550   a  in an engaged position; 
         FIG. 17C  is an enlarged cross sectional side view similar to that of  FIG. 17B , illustrating the top latch  550   a  in a depressed disengaged position such that the top portion  512  can be retracted from the closed position shown in  FIG. 17A ; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the dish rack  510  of  FIGS. 17A-17C , wherein the top portion  512  is partially retracted to provide access to the interior of the dish rack  510 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred dish rack  10 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , is rectangular (in side view) and includes a substantially single side walled body portion  30 , which slidably engages two preferably identical and optionally interchangeable top or bottom portions  12 ,  14  that selectively function as either the top or bottom of the dish rack  10  when it is fully assembled. The top and bottom portions  12 ,  14  are preferably both inserted into the body portion  30  from the same side of the body portion  30 . 
     Preferably, the base portion  30  is configured in such a way that the top and bottom portions  12 ,  14  may be inserted into any of the four sides of the base portion  30 , and when inserted into the body portion  30 , the top and bottom portions  12 ,  14  are held in place by friction catches or latches  50   a  including a boss portion and a notch portion to receive the boss portion. An alternative embodiment includes a base portion  30  that is differentiated into a top portion and a bottom portion and each portion is color coded in alternate drawings available from the inventors to signal the identity of each. In preferred embodiments, the body portion  30  is constructed to allow for extension of the body portion to allow for different heights of dishwares, by means of substantially rectangular collars (described elsewhere herein), which are attachable and detachable to and from the body portion  30 . 
     Dish rack  10  preferably includes dividers,  18 , which separate the glassware or other dishwares within the dish rack  10 . In  FIG. 1 , the top portion  12  is shown in the sliding position. The bottom portion  14 , will generally be in place until the rack  10  is flipped over, then bottom portion  14  can be removed as needed.  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the dish rack  10 , having a top portion  12 , a bottom portion  22  and a base portion  30  having parallel channels  34   a ,  34   b  on the upper part  32   a  of the base portion to slidably engage the top portion  12  and an upper latch  50   a  to further secure the top portion  12 . A lower latch  50   b  is preferably provided to secure the bottom portion  22  to the base portion  30 . Preferably, respective edges  14   a ,  14   b  of the top portion  12  can slide within the channels  34   a ,  34   b  (and opposing channels not shown).  FIG. 3  is a perspective, partial view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-2 , wherein the top portion  12  is operatively secured to the base portion  30  in a latched or closed position. A section of the upper right side of the dish rack  10  has been removed for clarity to illustrate the latch  50 .  FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the section  3 A of  FIG. 3  illustrating the latch  50  engaging the top portion  12  when the top portion  12  is in a latched position.  FIG. 3B  is an enlarged, side sectional view similar to  FIG. 3A , but from the side, except that the arrow above the top portion  12  is shown to indicate that the top portion  12  is moving toward the latched position as the top portion  12  is sliding in the respective channels  34   a ,  34   b  (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) so as to depress the latch  50 .  FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 , similar to  FIG. 3B , but showing the latch  50  in a depressed position that leaves the top portion  12  in the same position as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 3A , but allows the top portion  12  to slide away from the latch  50  so that the top portion  12  can be disengaged both from the latch  50  and the channels  34   a ,  34   b  (see also,  FIG. 2 ) in which the top portion  12  is engaged with the latch  50 .  FIG. 4  is a further perspective view of the dish rack  10  of  FIGS. 1-3 ; wherein the top portion  12  and the bottom portion  22  are operatively latched to and engaged within the respective channels  34   a ,  34   b .  FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the dish rack  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . It will be appreciated that the bottom portion  22  is the same as the top portion  12  and that the base portion  30  includes a lower part  34  that has all of the same elements and features (not shown) of the upper part  32  that engage the top portion  12 , but that these elements and features are mirror images of the respective elements and features of the upper part  32 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second preferred disk rack  110  of the present invention. The preferred dish rack  110  having a top portion  112 , a bottom portion  122  and a base portion  130  having an upper latch  150   a  and a lower latch  150   b , wherein the top portion  112  and the bottom  122  portion can be engaged with the base portion  130  by aligning the respective top portion  112  or bottom portion  120  with the base portion  130  such that the latch  150   a ,  150   b  can prevent the top portion  112  or bottom portion  120  from disengaging from the base portion  130  when the respective latches  150   a ,  150   b  are in a released position shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the disk rack  110  of  FIG. 6  illustrating the top portion  112  and the bottom portion  122  fully engaged with the base portion  130  as shown in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7B  is an enlarged perspective view of the dish rack  110  of  FIG. 7A  taken from the circle  7 B and showing the upper latch  150   a  in the released position in which it prevents the top portion  112  from disengaging from the base portion  130 .  FIG. 7C  is an enlarged perspective view similar to  FIG. 7B , but showing the spring biased upper latch  150   a  in a depressed position when force has been placed upon the spring biased upper latch  150   a  to hold the upper latch  150   a  in the depressed portion in which the entire upper latch  150   a  is below the upper surface  136  of the base portion  130 .  FIG. 7D  is a perspective view of the dish rack  110  shown in  FIGS. 7A-7C , but showing the top portion  112  being in a turned position so that it is partially disengaged from the base portion  130  and can be lifted off of the base portion  130  so as to be fully disengaged from the base portion  130 . It will be appreciated that the upper portion  112  can be turned partially so as to reach the partially disengaged position shown, from the fully engaged position shown in  FIG. 7A , only if the upper latch  150   a  is depressed as shown in  FIG. 7C . It will further be appreciated that the bottom portion  122  can be partially disengaged from the base portion  130  in exactly the same manner and that both the top portion  112  and the bottom portion  122  can be lifted away from the base portion  130  and completely disengaged therefrom once either is in the partially disengaged position shown in  FIG. 7D ; and that either the top portion  112  or the bottom portion  122  can be reengaged with the base portion  130  from the partially disengaged position by turning the respective top or bottom portions  112 ,  114  with respect to the base portion  130  so as to reengage protruding edges  124  in channels  134   a ,  134   b  to fully engage the respective top or bottom portion  112 ,  122  with the base portion  130  as shown in  FIG. 7A . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of another dish rack  210  of the present invention. The preferred dish rack  210  has both a top portion  212  and a bottom portion  222  and a base portion  230  having an upper latch  250   a  and a lower latch  250   b  shown in  FIG. 9A  that respectively secures the respective top and bottom portions  212 ,  222  in place. To secure the dish rack  210  in the closed position, the upper or lower latches  250   a ,  250   b  are placed under the respective lip  214 ,  224  and one end of the respective top or bottom portion  212 ,  220  is secured to the base portion  230  by an upper lip  234   a  on the upper lip  232   a  of the base portion  230  and by a lower lip  234   b  on the lower part  232   b  of a corresponding side of the respective top or bottom portion  212 ,  222 . A spring biased latch  250   a ,  250   b  engages the opposite side as shown in  FIG. 9B . To release the top and bottom portions  212 ,  222 , the arm  252   a ,  252   b  of the respective latch  250   a ,  250   b  is pressed toward the center of the base portion  230 , against the spring biasing force of the upper latch  250   a , as shown in  FIG. 9C  where the upper latch  250   a  is pressed toward the center of the base portion  230  so that the top portion  212  will be released so it can be lifted up as shown in  FIG. 8  with the upper lip  232   a  obstructing a protruding edge  214 ,  224  of the respective top or bottom portion to create a hinge effect at that side of the base portion  230 . 
       FIG. 9A  is a partial cross-sectional view of the dish rack  210  of  FIG. 8  illustrating the latch  250   a  in greater detail, wherein the upper latch  250   a  is arranged and configured to pivot in and out of position to engage the top portion  212 , as desired.  FIG. 9B  is a partial, side view of the cross section shown in  FIG. 9A , but showing the top portion  212  in a full engaged position where the top portion  212  is secured to the base portion  230 .  FIG. 9C  is partial side view similar to  FIG. 9B , but showing the upper latch  250   a  in a disengaged position where the lower arm or lever arm  252   a  of the upper latch  250   a  is pushed inward toward the center of the base portion  230  against the biasing force of spring  260 , so that the top  254   a  of the upper latch  250   a  compresses the spring  260 , so that the top  254   a  of the upper latch  250   a  moves away from and disengages from the top portion  212 , freeing it to be lifted and disengaged form the base portion  230 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a dish rack  310  of the present invention. The preferred dish rack  310  has a bottom portion  320 , a top portion  312  having first and second sections  314   a ,  314   b  that are pivotally connected to a base portion  330  having a separate lower latch  350   a  to engage the first section  314   a  of each of the top and bottom portions  312 ,  320 , wherein the sections  314   a ,  314   b  of the top portion  312  can be secured to the base portion  330  with the lower latch  350   a .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the dish rack  310  of  FIG. 10  illustrating the respective sections  314   a ,  314   b  of the top portion  312  in an open position.  FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of the dish rack  310  of  FIGS. 10-11A .  FIG. 12B  is an enlarged view of the section  12 B of  FIG. 12A  illustrating the upper latch  350   a  engaging a catch  316  on the side of the first section  314   a  of the top portion  312 , which holds the first section  314   a  in place, as the first section  314   a  in turn, holds the second section  314   b  in place in the closed position because the upper lip  318   a  on the inside of the one section  314   b  holds the lower lip  318   b  on the inside of the other section  314   a  in place when both sections  314   a ,  314   b  are in the closed position. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dish rack  410  of the present invention, the preferred dish rack  410  having a top portion  412 , a bottom portion  422  and a base portion  430  having two latches  450   a ,  450   b . In preferred embodiments, the top portion  412  and the bottom portion  422  each include a plurality of rails  414 ,  424  that slide within corresponding channels  434   a ,  434   b  in the base portion  430 . The top portion  412  and the bottom portion  422  can each be secured to the base portion  430  with corresponding latches  450   a ,  450   b .  FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the dish rack of  FIG. 13  illustrating the rails  414 ,  424  of the top portion  412  sliding within the respective channels  434   a  to provide access to the interior of the dish rack  410 .  FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the dish rack  410  of  FIGS. 13-14  illustrating the top portion  412  in an open position, wherein all rails  414  are collected at one end of the dish rack  410  to provide access to the interior of the dish rack  410 .  FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the dish rack  410  of  FIGS. 13-15  illustrating the top portion  412  in a latched or closed position; wherein the top latch  450   a  engages the top portion  412 .  FIG. 16B  is an enlarged view of the dish rack of section  16 B of  FIG. 16A  illustrating the latch  450   a  engaging the top portion  412 .  FIG. 16C  is a cross-sectional view of the dish rack  410 , proximate section  16 B of  FIGS. 16A and 16B , illustrating the latch  450   a  in an engaged position.  FIG. 16D  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 16C , illustrating the latch  450   a  in a disengaged position; wherein the latch is pulled downwardly such that the latch  450   a  disengages the top portion  412 . 
       FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a dish rack  510  of the present invention, the preferred dish rack  510  having a top portion  512 , bottom portion  522  and a base portion  530  having two latches  550   a ,  550   b . Preferably, one upper latch  550   a  and one lower latch  550   b . The top  512  and bottom portions  522  can be secured in a closed position with the respective spring-biased latches  550   a ,  550   b .  FIG. 17B  is a side view of the dish rack of  FIG. 17  with a portion cut away to illustrate one preferred latch  550   a  engaging the top portion  512  in a closed position.  FIG. 17C  is a side view similar to that of  FIG. 17B  illustrating the latch  550   a  being pulled down into a disengaged position such that the top portion  512  can be retracted into an open position.  FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the dish rack  510  of  FIGS. 17A-16C , wherein the top portion is retracted to provide for access to the interior of the dish rack  510 . 
     The use and operation of various dish racks disclosed herein is preferably as follows: one base portion is slidably engaged with and fully inserted into the body portion until it locks into place, and the dish rack is placed on a table or other surface disposed so that the inserted first base portion is at the bottom. The dish rack is then filled with soiled dishwares, and the second base portion is slidably engaged with the body portion and fully inserted into the body portion until it also locks into place, to serve as the top portion. The dish rack is then inverted where appropriate to drain, and the dishes may be pre-rinsed and further drained. The dish rack is then processed through any appropriate commercial dishwashing system, and thereafter may be inverted to drain if necessary. The dishes may be stored and stacked in the dish racks until reuse, or if desired, they may be chilled or iced in the racks prior to reuse. To dispense dishwares, the base portion functioning as the top portion is removed, and the dishwares are removed by hand. 
     One alternative embodiment of the invention utilizes color codes on the two base portions so that one is marked as a top portion and the other is marked as a bottom portion. The mode of operation is otherwise as discussed above. It will be understood that other top/bottom base indicators can also be used. 
     The dish rack further includes collars that preferably extend the height of the body portion that are attached to the body portion with prongs that engage sockets designed to receive the prongs. As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the collars are attached and removed as appropriate for the sizes and heights of the dishwares being handled. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described herein, the details may be changed without departing from the intended scope of the invention, which is defined by the attached claims.