Supports: racks – Shelf type – Knockdown
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-15
2001-11-27
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Shelf type
Knockdown
C211S149000, C108S125000, C108S132000, C248S175000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321921
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to racks and more particularly to an improved rack in the form of a foldable and stackable rack for holding articles.
Conventionally, stackable shelves provide a system whereby multiple modular shelving units stack together to form a multiple-shelf rack. These modular units comprise a single shelf with legs, but because the units are stackable, the user can vary the total number of shelves and the height of the rack depending upon the available space and the particular shelving requirements. These shelves typically have legs that extend downward from the shelf. The legs are typically fixed, so that a retailer or user must store the shelf with the legs extended, creating a need for more shelf space to display the item or more storage space to store the item. Moreover, the legs of previous shelves were susceptible to bowing downward, inducing outward movement of the legs when the shelf is subjected to a load. Because previous designs disclosed legs welded to the shelf, deflection of the legs outward created unwanted weld stress, leading to breakage of the weld point and ultimate collapse of the product.
As discussed, prior systems have suffered various drawbacks, including difficulty of display or storage and unwanted outward movement of the legs, which may ultimately lead to collapse of the shelf. There is a need, therefore, for a foldable and stackable shelf that may be compactly stored, inhibits bowing of the legs outward, is easily assembled, and is economical to manufacture.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of a foldable and stackable rack assembly particularly suited for reliably and efficiently holding articles; the provision of such an assembly that can combine multiple shelves into a single assembly for holding articles; the provision of such an assembly that allows storage in a compact configuration; the provision of such an assembly that allows repeated assembly and disassembly without tools; the provision of such an assembly that, once assembled, locks the legs of the interlocking shelves in position; the provision of such an assembly that has legs resistant to collapse when subjected to loading; the provision of such an assembly formed from lightweight materials yet exhibiting good strength characteristics; and the provision of such an assembly that may be easily and economically manufactured.
Generally, a foldable and stackable rack assembly shaped and sized for holding at least one article is disclosed. The assembly comprises a shelf that is sized and shaped for supporting the weight of at least one article. The assembly additionally comprises legs pivotably attached to the shelf. Each leg has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is pivotably attached to the shelf and pivotable between a first position generally perpendicular to the shelf and a second position generally parallel to the shelf. The distal end of each leg is formed to engage a horizontal surface to support the shelf when in the first position. Alternately, the shelf may engage an edge of a second shelf of similar construction when in the first position, thereby allowing the stacking of multiple rack assemblies together wherein the distal ends of the legs each hold and secure a leg of the second shelf in said first position.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
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