FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to clothes racks and, more particularly, to expandable clothes racks for storing and holding clothes, towels and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Clothes racks and drying racks have been known for many years. U.S. Pat. No. 1,628,936 (Turner) discloses a drying rack that fits over a bathtub in an inverted “V” shape, for example. U.S. Pat. No. 3,784,020 (Steiner) discloses a vertically arranged telescoping clothes dryer structure. U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,749 (Crockett et al.) discloses an adjustable clothes rack in the form of a saw-horse. A similar design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,574 (Sexton). Yet another “saw-horse” type design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,342,342 (Vandelaar). U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,591 (Cooper) discloses a collapsible clothes rack. Another collapsible clothes drying rack is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0074858 (Thuma et al.) A folding collapsible clothes rack on casters is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,617,962 (Chen) and another caster-supported rack is disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0097628 (Blacknell).
Surprisingly, no one has apparently yet invented a clothes rack that resembles a ladder but with horizontally adjustable rungs to increase the capacity of the rack for use, and yet minimize size for storage. A longfelt need has existed for this type of clothes rack.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an expandable clothes rack, comprising a first vertical longitudinal wood member, having a plurality of spaced apertures therein; a plurality of parallel wood dowels, each dowel fixedly secured within one of the spaced apertures within the first vertical longitudinal wood member, such that the dowel extends outwardly on either side of the first vertical longitudinal wood member; and, a second vertical longitudinal wood member comprising a plurality of parallel spaced metal tubes fixedly secured to and extending outwardly from the second vertical longitudinal wood member, and operatively arranged to telescopingly engage the plurality of parallel wood dowels to form a ladder-like structure.
In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an expandable clothes rack, comprising a first vertical longitudinal member, having a plurality of spaced apertures therein; a plurality of parallel dowels, each dowel fixedly secured within one of the spaced apertures within the first vertical longitudinal member, such that the dowel extends outwardly on either side of the first vertical longitudinal member; and, a second vertical longitudinal member comprising a plurality of parallel spaced tubes fixedly secured to and extending outwardly from the second vertical longitudinal member, and operatively arranged to telescopingly engage the plurality of parallel dowels to form a ladder-like structure.
A general object of the present invention is to provide a clothes rack that resembles a ladder, but with expandable rungs, and with dowels extending outwardly from at least one of the vertical longitudinal members to use as extensions.
This and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciable from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now be more fully described in the following detailed description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the clothes rack of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the clothes rack;
FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the clothes rack;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a left side view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 7 is a right side view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 1, except with the rungs of the rack in an expanded position;
FIG. 9 is a top view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 13 is a rear exploded perspective view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a view identical to that of FIG. 9, which is a top view of the clothes rack shown in FIG. 8;
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the clothes rack, taken generally along line 15-15 in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16
a is an enlarged view of area “FIG. 16a” shown in FIG. 15; and,
FIG. 16
b is a fragmentary left view of longitudinal member 11 shown in FIG. 16a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. While the present invention is described with respect to what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosed aspects. The present invention is intended to include various modifications and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described.
Adverting to FIG. 1, clothes rack 10 broadly comprises a first longitudinal member 11 having an inside surface 11a and an outside surface 11b, second longitudinal member 12 having an inside surface 12a and an outside surface 12b, first tube 13a, second tube 14a, third tube 15a, fourth tube 16a, first extension 13d, second extension 14d, third extension 15d, and fourth extension 16d. First longitudinal member 11 and second longitudinal member 12 are arranged parallel to one another with inside surface 11a facing inside surface 12a. First extension 13d is a portion of first dowel 13b which extends through an aperture in second longitudinal member 12 and protrudes from outside surface 12b (shown in FIG. 8). Additionally, second extension 14d, third extension 15d, and fourth extension 16d are extensions of their corresponding dowels which are second dowel 14b, third dowel 15b, and fourth dowel 16b (shown in FIG. 8) and also protrude from outside surface 12b of second longitudinal member 12. First extension 13d, second extension 14d, third extension 15d, and fourth extension 16d further comprise notches 13n, 14n, 15n, and 16n, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, notches 13n, 14n, 15n, and 16n are a rounded cut on each corresponding extension to secure objects thereon. It should be appreciated, however, that different notch types and securement means are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, notches 13n, 14n, 15n, and 16n can be hooks which protrude from extensions 13d, 14d, 15d, and 16d.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are a front and rear elevation view of clothes rack 10, respectively. As shown in the figures, in a preferred embodiment, first tube 13a, second tube 14a, third tube 15a, and fourth tube 16a are equidistant and parallel with respect to one another and are arranged perpendicularly to inside surface 11a. In a preferred embodiment, first tube 13a, second tube 14a, third tube 15a, and fourth tube 16a, which are equidistant from one another, have the center of the tube span shifted towards one end of first longitudinal member 11 and second longitudinal member 12. This would allow for larger objects to be held from fourth tube 16a without being contaminated by a potentially dirty surface which clothes rack 10 is supported on. It should be appreciated, however, that different arrangements and numbers of tubes are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, third tube 15a could be closer to fourth tube 16a than second tube 14a is to first tube 13a.
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are a top and bottom view of clothes rack 10, respectively. As shown in the figures, first tube 13a and first extension 13d are co-linear. Additionally, fourth tube 16a and fourth extension 16d are co-linear. It is important to note that both second tube 14a and second extension 14d are co-linear and, third tube 15a and third extension 15d are co-linear (not shown).
FIG. 6 is a left side view of clothes rack 10 which shows outside surface 12b along with first extension 13d, second extension 14d, third extension 15d, and fourth extension 16d extending from outside surface 12b. In a preferred embodiment, first extension 13d, second extension 14d, third extension 15d, and fourth extension 16d have a circular cross section and a diameter which is less than the width of second longitudinal member 12 which would allow for the insertion of the extensions through apertures cut into second longitudinal member 12. It should be appreciated, however, that different cross sections of the tubes are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the tubes could have a rectangular cross section that slide into grooves cut into first longitudinal member 11 and second longitudinal member 12. The groove could also be cut from the edge of first longitudinal member 11 and second longitudinal member 12 instead of being a through bore which creates an aperture.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of clothes rack 10 which shows outside surface 11b and threaded inserts 13f, 14f, 15f, and 16f. Threaded inserts 13f, 14f, 15f, and 16f, are positioned in counter bores 13g, 14g, 15g, and 16g which are operatively arranged on outside surface 11b (shown in FIG. 15). The function of threaded inserts 13f, 14f, 15f, and 16f is to securely mount corresponding tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a to first longitudinal member 11 (shown in FIG. 16a).
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of clothes rack 10 in an expanded position with dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b concentrically arranged within tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a, respectively. The concentric arrangement between dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b and tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a is a press fit to allow for expansion and compression of the distance between first longitudinal members 11 and second longitudinal member 12. In a preferred embodiment, the length of each dowel is substantially similar to the length of each tube allowing for the dowel to be completely inserted into the tube, minimizing the distance between first longitudinal member 11 and second longitudinal member 12 for storage while also maximizing the amount of space from which articles can be hung when clothes rack 10 is fully expanded. It should be appreciated, however, that different lengths for the tubes and dowels are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed.
FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 are a top view, bottom view, front view, and rear view of clothes rack 10 in an expanded position. As shown in the figures, the linear relationship is still present between tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a and extensions 13d, 14d, 15d, and 16d, with dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b being linear members also. As seen in FIG. 11, the width of clothes rack 10 in an expanded position is approximately double when compared to clothes rack 10 in a compressed position due to the concentric arrangement of dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b within tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b, first longitudinal member 11, and second longitudinal member 12 are manufactured from wood while tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a are manufactured from metal. It should be appreciated, however, that different materials for the manufacturing of the tubes, longitudinal members, and dowels are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, clothes rack 10 could be completely manufactured from a plastic which could perform the same sliding function that is accomplished between metal tubes and wooden dowels.
FIG. 13 is a rear exploded perspective view of clothes rack 10. Inserts 13c, 14c, 15c, and 16c are concentrically arranged within their corresponding tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a. The press fit that allows for the sliding motion between tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a and dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b is achieved by arranging inserts 13c, 14c, 15c, and 16c between the dowels and tubes. Inserts 13c, 14c, 15c, and 16c have a substantially similar cross section and dimensions to dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b in order to achieve a proper press fit. In a preferred embodiment, inserts 13c, 14c, 15c, and 16c are manufactured from a material with either a high friction surface or has capabilities to apply tension such as rubber or plastic. It should be appreciated, however, that different materials for the manufacturing of the inserts is possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. Screws 13e, 14e, 15e, and 16e secure tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a to first longitudinal member 11. Tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a engage with first longitudinal member 11 within counter bores 13g, 14g, 15g, and 16g as screws 13e, 14e, 15e, and 16e extend through counter bores 13g, 14g, 15g, and 16g and engage with threaded inserts 13f, 14f, 15f, and 16f, respectively (shown in FIG. 16a).
FIG. 14 is top view of clothes rack 10 in an extended position displaying a cutting plane line 15-15. The cross section of clothes rack 10 taken along cutting plane line 15-15 is seen in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 shows the interaction of inserts 13c, 14c, 15c, and 16c between tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a and dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b. It is also seen that dowels 13b, 14b, 15b, and 16b extend through second longitudinal member 12 in order to form extensions 13d, 14d, 15d, and 16d on surface 12b. Additionally, tubes 13a, 14a, 15a, and 16a are shown as hollow members mounted to first longitudinal member 11 by screws 13e, 14e, 15e, and 16e, which are shown in more detail in FIG. 16a.
FIG. 16
a is an enlarged cross sectional view of area “FIG. 16a” shown in FIG. 15 of clothes rack 10. As shown by the figure, tube 13a is arranged perpendicular to first longitudinal member 11. Screw 13e is engaged with tube 13a and arranged within counter bore 13g to engage with threaded insert 13f. Threaded insert 13f comprises a cross section which will prevent rotation as screw 13e is engaged with threaded insert 13f within counter bore 13g (shown in FIG. 16b). Counter bore 13g, threaded insert 13f, and screw 13e are designed to be flush with outside surface 11b of first longitudinal member 11 while tube 13a is secured to first longitudinal member 11. Even though it is not shown in an enlarged view, tubes 14a, 15a, and 16a are secured to first longitudinal member 11 by similar means (shown in FIG. 15).
FIG. 16
b is a fragmentary left view of first longitudinal member 11 displaying threaded insert 13f within counter bore 13g. As shown in the figure, counter bore 13g has a substantially similar cross section to threaded insert 13f to prevent rotation of tube 13a and screw 13e while engaged with threaded insert 13f. In a preferred embodiment, the cross section of both threaded insert 13f and counter bore 13g is a hex pattern, similar to a traditional nut. It should be appreciated, however, that different nuts with varying cross sections are possible and considered to be within the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, a square nut can be used in place of threaded insert 13f; as long as rotation of threaded insert 13f is limited by the cross section of counter bore 13g.
Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore, other embodiments of the present invention are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
LIST OF REFENCES NUMBERS
11 first longitudinal member
11
a inside surface
11
b outside surface
12 second longitudinal member
12
a inside surface
12
b outside surface
13
a first tube
13
b first dowel
13
c insert
13
d first extension
13
e screw
13
f threaded insert
13
g counter bore
13
n notch
14
a second tube
14
b second dowel
14
c insert
14
d second extension
14
e screw
14
f threaded insert
14
g counter bore
14
n notch
15
a third tube
15
b third dowel
15
c insert
15
d third extension
15
e screw
15
f threaded insert
15
g counter bore
15
n notch
16
a fourth tube
16
b fourth dowel
16
c insert
16
d fourth extension
16
e screw
16
f threaded inset
16
g counter bore
16
n notch
Patent Application
20150351572
