Abstract:
The present invention is an article for storing and supporting pots and pans that is simple to manufacture and assemble where the article is assembled without the use of tools or hardware, having at least two identical vertical members, and at least two identical horizontal shelves.

Description:
INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/827,092, filed Sep. 27, 2006, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/426,378, filed Jun. 26, 2006, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The kitchen is a place where convenience is always examined and attempts are made to improve. One particular area that receives constant attention is kitchen storage. There have been many articles that have attempted, with varying levels of success, to improve upon convenience and storage in the kitchen 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,211,269 relates to a storage rack comprising interconnected wire material. While this may be suitable for plates or small pans, the arrangement would not be stable for larger pots and pans. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,700 relates to a storage rack that has a flanged base to provide stability of the article while in use. However, the hooks intended for hanging the pots and pans would cause difficulties where storage space is not plentiful. 
         [0005]    U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0099617 addresses the issue of storage space. This application proposes an article that is placed over a kitchen sink comprising storage area within the perimeter of the article and hooks for hanging pots on the outer perimeter. This may not be aesthetic pleasing to have this article permanently in view over the kitchen sink. 
         [0006]    There is a need for a simple, low cost article for safely and effectively storing pots and pans that does not take up much space and may, if needed be either hidden from view, or placed an inconspicuous area. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The article of the present invention addresses many of the limitations found in prior attempts. The present article may be inexpensively produced because there are only two distinctly shaped components. The vertical member components of the present invention each have identical size and shape. Likewise, the horizontal shelf components each have identical size and shape. Thus manufacturing costs and inventory costs are reduced. Therefore, the present invention may be inexpensively and easily produced by well-known means, such as injection molding, and only two distinct shapes need be made. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an article for storing pots and pans comprising:
       (a) vertical members with engaging interlocks; and   (b) horizontal shelves with receiving interlocks that attach in concert with said engaging interlocks to secure the shelves into a fixed position.       
 
         [0011]    The article stores pots or pans with their respective lids in position over the opening. This would eliminate the need for utilizing a separate lid holding apparatus. 
         [0012]    Additionally, each horizontal shelf has a receiving interlock suitable for interacting with a single interlock of said engaging interlocks. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment, each of said horizontal shelf supports is of equal size. 
         [0014]    Alternatively, one may configure the article wherein each said horizontal shelf supports is a different size. 
         [0015]    In a preferred embodiment, each horizontal shelf support has an identical configuration. 
         [0016]    Each horizontal shelf has an inner cavity for receiving pots and pans. 
         [0017]    Further the article comprises (3) three identically shaped vertical members. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the article comprises four identically shaped horizontal shelves and three identically shaped vertical members. 
         [0019]    The article has a base on which to stand. To form the base, each vertical member has a horizontal shelf attached on its lowermost horizontal shelf support extending along the bottom of the article to form a base. 
         [0020]    In a preferred embodiment each horizontal shelf support forms an acute angle with the vertical member. 
         [0021]    The horizontal shelves are connected with interlocks to each of the vertical members. 
         [0022]    In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a storage shelf system comprising:
       (a) vertical members with engaging interlocks; and   (b) horizontal shelves with receiving interlocks that attach in concert with said engaging interlocks to secure the shelves into a fixed position, wherein said vertical members are identically shaped and said horizontal members are identically shaped.       
 
         [0025]    In another preferred embodiment, the article is assembled and arranged to fit within an existing cabinet position. 
         [0026]    The article of the present invention is produced and assembled in a manner superior to other articles. Each vertical member is identical as is each shelf. Therefore, in the molding process, the fabricators only need two molds for the two required shapes. The present invention is therefore desirable over other similar articles in that the manufacturing costs are greatly reduced. Further, the article of the present invention is more desirable for the user. Unlike other articles that require assembling numerous discrete components, often with various tools and hardware to achieve the completed article, the article of the present invention only has two discrete shaped components and assembles without tools or hardware. 
         [0027]    In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal shelf support that extends from the lowermost point on the vertical member will form a base for the article. Attaching each lowermost horizontal shelf support to a single shelf will form the base. The horizontal shelf support will be formed in relation to the vertical member such that an acute angle is created. The acute angle provides stability for the assembled article by lowering the center of gravity of the loaded article to prevent the article from tipping. In a preferred embodiment the said acute angle is between 50° and 85°. In a most preferred embodiment the acute angle 
         [0028]    In another preferred embodiment, the article of the present invention assembles without tools. The assembly is accomplished through incorporated interlocks. Each shelf comprises three regions that have incorporated into the structure a complimentary interlock that interacts with a grasping interlock incorporated into the distal end of each horizontal shelf support. When assembling, the user will line up the complimentary interlock with the grasping interlock and apply gentle pressure until the interlock is engaged. Once engaged, the interlock will hold the shelf into position. The interlock is so formed such that is takes application of pressure to disassemble in order that the completely assembled article be stable in the environment of use. 
         [0029]    In another preferred embodiment, the article comprises three vertical members that are connected about the perimeter of the shelves. 
         [0030]    In another preferred embodiment, the article comprises three vertical members that are connected about the circumference of the shelves. 
         [0031]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans. 
         [0032]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans with respective lids in place. 
         [0033]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans that is easily assembled. 
         [0034]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans that is inexpensive to produce. 
         [0035]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans that assembles by using components of two distinct configurations. 
         [0036]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans that assembles without the use of hardware. 
         [0037]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an article for the storage of pots and pans that remain assembled without the use of hardware. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the assembled article. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the assembled article. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  is a side view of one of three vertical members of the article. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the top shelf attached to the horizontal supports. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the top shelf attached to the horizontal supports. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged partial view of a shelf in position to be connected to the horizontal support. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged partial view of a shelf and the connector on the terminal end of a horizontal support. 
           [0045]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial side view with directional notation of a shelf in position to be connected to a horizontal support. 
           [0046]      FIG. 9  is a partial bottom view of a shelf connected to a horizontal support. 
           [0047]      FIG. 10  is a partial view in section along lines  10 - 10  from  FIG. 9  of a shelf connected to a horizontal support. 
           [0048]      FIG. 11  is a partial side view of a shelf connected to a horizontal support. 
           [0049]      FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view along line  12 - 12  of a shelf connected to a horizontal support, from  FIG. 11 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 13  is an embodiment of the assembled article with an optional member attached to the uppermost horizontal shelf with projections for hanging lids or utensils. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0051]    The present invention is a storage rack assembly  10  for holding pots and pans. The storage rack comprises a first vertical member  10   a , a second vertical member  10   b , and third vertical member  10   c . Each said vertical item is identical in size and shape. 
         [0052]    Each vertical member is attached to a first horizontal shelf  20   a , a second horizontal shelf  20   b , a third horizontal shelf  20   c , and forth horizontal shelf  20   d . Each said horizontal shelf is identical in size and shape. 
         [0053]    Each vertical member includes horizontal supports. Vertical member  10   a  has horizontal support  30   a , horizontal support  32   a , horizontal support  34   a , and horizontal support  36   a.    
         [0054]    Vertical member  10   b  has horizontal support  30   b , horizontal support  32   b , horizontal support  34   b , and horizontal support  36   b.    
         [0055]    Vertical member  10   c  has horizontal support  30   c , horizontal support  32   c , horizontal support  34   c , and horizontal support  36   c . Each vertical member also includes an external hook. 
         [0056]    Vertical member  10   a  has external hook  40   a.    
         [0057]    Vertical member  10   b  has external hook  40   b.    
         [0058]    Vertical member  10   c  has external hook  40   c.    
         [0059]    Each vertical member, in addition to having horizontal support, has an engaging interlock. Each vertical member is identically configured and one complete view of a vertical member is depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0060]    Although only one vertical member  10   a , is discussed, as stated above, all vertical members have identical size, shape, and configuration. Member  10   a  has an engaging interlock  100   a , engaging interlock  102   a , engaging interlock  104   a , and engaging  106   a . Each engaging interlock is paired with a receiving interlock. As seen  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 12 . 
         [0061]    As seen in  FIG. 5  engaging interlock  100   a  is paired with receiving interlock  110   a.    
         [0062]    Engaging interlock  100   b  is paired with receiving interlock  110   b.    
         [0063]    Engaging interlock  100   c  is paired with receiving interlock  110   c.    
         [0064]    Each horizontal shelf  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c , and  20   d  further includes a pair of stabilizing ribs  111  on the underside of each shelf. As seen in  FIG. 5 , each of pair of stabilizing ribs  111  are positioned on the underside of horizontal shelf (shelf  20   a  being shown in  FIG. 5 ). The stabilizing ribs  111  contact engaging interlocks, for example,  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c , as seen in  FIGS. 5 and 9 , and prevent any lateral movement, when engaging interlocks  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c , are interconnected with receiving interlocks  110   a ,  100   b ,  110   c.    
         [0065]    The present invention is a storage rack for holding pots and pans. Storage rack  10  is assembled of two distinct part configurations. This unique configuration provides storage rack  10  to be easy to manufacture and assemble as only 2 distinct shapes are present. 
         [0066]    Vertical members  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  are placed about the perimeter of each shelf  20   a ,  20   b , and  20   c . The vertical members have incorporated into the structure, horizontal shelf supports. Member  10   a  has supports  30   a ,  32   a ,  34   a , and  36   a ; member  10   b  has supports  30   b ,  32   b ,  34   b , and  36   b ; and member  10   c  has supports  30   c ,  32   c ,  34   c , and  36   c . Horizontal shelf supports may be perpendicular or angular in relation to the line formed by the main body of the vertical member. Each of the vertical members have an identical size and shape. The horizontal shelf supports are configured such that an acute angles (shown as α 1 , α 2 , and α 3 , in  FIG. 3 ) are formed at the vertex with the main vertical body of the vertical members  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c . The vertical member may have two or more horizontal shelf supports. Each shelf support has an attached end and a detached end. The detached end includes a means for securing a shelf to the horizontal shelf support. The attaching means is an engaging interlock. The engaging interlock of the embodiment depicted in the figures is rectangular protrusion with a notch configuration for interacting with a complimentary receiving interlock of each shelf (see  FIGS. 5-12 ). 
         [0067]    A perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment depicted, each vertical member  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c , will form the outer frame of the article. The user will assemble the article by attaching each vertical member to shelves  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c  and  20   d . The user will hold vertical member  10   a  perpendicular to the assembling surface. Horizontal support  30   a  connects to shelf  20   a  through incorporated interlocks. Vertical member  10   b  is then raised perpendicular to the assembling surface. Horizontal support  30   b  connects to shelf  20   a  through incorporated interlocks. Vertical member  10   c  is then raised perpendicular to the assembling surface. Horizontal support  30   c  connects to shelf  20   a  through incorporated interlocks. Each of horizontal supports  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c , acting in concert, with shelf  20   a  will form the base of the article. 
         [0068]    Each horizontal support  32   a ,  32   b , and  32   c , are connected to shelf  20   b  through incorporated interlocks (an example shown in  FIG. 5 ). Each horizontal support  34   a ,  34   b , and  34   c  are connected to shelf  20   c  through incorporated interlocks. Finally, each horizontal support  36   a ,  36   b , and  36   c  is connected to shelf  20   d  through incorporated interlocks. Once the article is assembled, it is stood up such that is rests on a base formed by horizontal supports  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c , connected to shelf  20   a.    
         [0069]    The depicted embodiment further shows hooks  40   a ,  40   b , and  40   c  for supporting a pot or pan lid (not shown) or other item desired to be hung from the pot and pan storage unit  10 , that are incorporated into the upper, outer sides of each of vertical members  10   a ,  10   b , and  10   c  respectively. 
         [0070]    A side view of a single vertical member  10   a  is shown in  FIG. 3 . Each of horizontal supports  30   a ,  32   a ,  34   a , and  36   a  are parallel to each other and connected to vertical support  10   a . Each of the horizontal shelf supports  30   a ,  32   a ,  34   a , and  36   a  form congruent interior angles α 1 , α 2 , α 3 . The interior angles α 1 , α 2 , α 3  are acute angles. Preferred angled are from 50-85°. Most preferred interior angles α 1 , α 2 , α 3  from measurements between 70-85°. Further, the terminal ends, as demonstrated in  FIG. 3  are the ends not in contact with vertical support  10   a , of each of horizontal shelf supports  30   a ,  30   b ,  30   c , and  30   d , and include corresponding interlocks  100   a ,  100   b ,  100   c , and  100   d  respectively. 
         [0071]    A top view of a single shelf  20   a  that is connected to horizontal supports  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  is shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0072]    A bottom view showing one embodiment of the connection of shelf  20   a  with horizontal shelf supports  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  is shown in  FIG. 5 . In this embodiment, shelf  20   a  has six receiving interlock regions that are positioned to form 3 pairs of interlocks  110   a ,  110   b  and  110   c . Each pair creates a single receiving interlock. The distal end of each of supports  30   a ,  30   b , and  30   c  have interlocks  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  that act in concert with the receiving interlock pairs  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c.    
         [0073]    The top surface portions of shelves  20   a ,  20   b  and  20   c  may include a texture surface (not shown) to limit sliding or skidding of any container on said shelves  20   a ,  20   b  and/or  20   c . The texture would have an approximate depth of 0.0045 inches, as is known in the art. 
         [0074]    The interconnection of the assembly is detailed in the drawings. For example, shelf  20   a  with incorporated paired interlocks  110   a  is attached to interlock  100   a  that is part of the distal end of horizontal support  30   a  as seen in  FIG. 6 . An enlarged partial view of the interlock  100   a  on the terminal end of a horizontal shelf support  30   a  is seen in  FIG. 7 . An enlarged partial side view of horizontal shelf support  30   a  placed underneath shelf  20   a  with directional notation of moving horizontal shelf  20   a  downward in position to be connected to a horizontal support  30  a through interaction of incorporated interlock  100   a  is seen in  FIG. 8 . A bottom partial view of a shelf  20   a  connected to a horizontal shelf support  30   a  through interaction of paired interlocks  110   a  with interlock  100   a  is seen in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  further shows a transversing line showing the depiction of cut made in the figure that is depicted in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0075]    A partial sectional view along line  10 - 10  of a shelf  20   a  connected to a horizontal shelf support  30   a , through interaction of interlocks  100   a  and  110   a  is seen in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0076]    A partial side view of shelf  20   a  connected into position that shows connection with horizontal shelf support  30   a  as seen in  FIG. 11 . The figure further shows a transversing line showing the depiction of cut made in the figure that shows the view depicted in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0077]    A partial cross sectional view of a shelf  20   a  connected to a horizontal shelf support  30   a , whereby said connection is by the interaction of interlocks  110   a  with interlock  100   a  as seen in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0078]    Another embodiment provides the article of the present invention with increased stabilization. The underside of each horizontal shelf has complimentary pair of stabilizing ribs  111  located proximate to the receiving interlocks and perpendicular to the horizontal plane that is the underside of the shelf. For example, as in  FIG. 5 , when the engaging interlocks  110   a ,  110   b , and  110   c , are positioned to interact with the receiving interlocks  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  each pair of stabilizing ribs  111  further engage the engaging interlocks  110   a ,  100   b , and  110   c  to secure the engaging interlocks into a fixed position. Stabilizing ribs  111  restrict the horizontal movement of the fully assembled article and provide for a more stable article. Stabilizing ribs  111  are in pairs and are identical in size shape an relative placement to each of the receiving interlocks on the underside of each horizontal shelf  20   a ,  20   b ,  20   c ,  20   d.    
         [0079]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.