Rack for Containers of Fluid

Abstract

A rack supports a container so as to lift it to an angle and provide biasing of contained liquid towards an opening. The rack may also be automatically or manually operated. In its simplest embodiment, a base and platform, upon which the container is placed, are in a pivoting relationship while at least one support leg lifts the platform in a manner to provide the angled bias. A container stop may also be provided on the platform to aid in supporting the container while in an angled position. A cup ledge may also be provided in those applications where the container may have a dispenser cup (such as with liquid laundry detergent). A drawer may also be provided to turn the rack into a sheltered storage space.

Claims

1. A rack for containers, the rack comprising: a. a base; b. a platform connected to one end of the base by at least one hinge; c. at least one support at an end of the base opposite the at least one hinge; and d. a container stop, located proximate the at least one hinge.

2. The rack of claim 1, the at least one support being hingedly connected to the platform in a manner to allow deployment of said at least one support when desired.

3. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a cup ledge, proximate the at least one hinge.

4. The rack of claim 3, the cup ledge being hingedly connected to the base in a manner to allow deployment when its use is desired.

5. The rack of claim 1, further comprising a drawer within the base, providing access to a volume contained within the base.

6. The rack of claim 1, further comprising at least one support feet.

7. The rack of claim 6, the at least one support feet being at least one suction cup.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rack according to the present invention, deployed.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 1, stowed.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an alternate exploded view of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the rack of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a top plan view the rack of FIG. 2.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the rack of FIG. 2.

[0019] FIG. 9 is front elevation of the rack of FIG. 2.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the rack of FIG. 2.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a side elevation of the rack of FIG. 1, with an illustrative bottle of liquid stored thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the rack is herein described. It should be noted that the articles a, an, and the, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] With reference to the FIGS. 1-10, the rack 10 features three main components: a base 110, a platform 120, and legs 124. Base 110 and platform 120 are pivotably joined 116 at one end. Legs 124 may be positioned by the non-pivoted end of the rack 10 so as to support a container 20 (FIG. 11) while the platform 120 is lifting said container at an angle.

[0024] Many embodiments of the legs 124 exist, but the preferred embodiment is a set of two legs 124 which fold into either the platform 120 or the base 110 and may be deployed when an angled support of the container 20 is desired. The legs 124 may be a manually operated support or a spring operated one. In one spring-loaded embodiment, as the container becomes less and less full, weight on the legs 124 may lessen, allowing spring force to deploy the legs 124 and raise the platform 120. In another spring-loaded embodiment, as is shown in the Figures, in particular FIG. 4, a torsion spring 126 may bias a leg 124 such that when the platform 120 is lifted, the leg 124 will deploy. In any embodiment, it is generally wise to have a container stop 122 to keep the container 20 from sliding off of the platform 120. The preferred embodiment of container stop 122 is a simple fold up wall which fits around a neck 22 of the container 20, such that a nozzle 24 may protrude over the edge of the rack 10 (FIG. 11). As a fold-out wall, the preferred container stop 122 is easily stowed when the rack 10 is not in use. It is readily understood that other configurations for the container stop are possible, including but not limited to a rim about at least the hinged edge of the platform 120, a removable stop, a block, or any other obstacle readily conceived to arrest motion of the container 20 while being held by the rack 10.

[0025] Another optional, though preferred, component of the rack is the addition of a cup ledge 112. This cup ledge 112 may be foldable, like the preferred container stop, or may be static, or even omitted. Its presence provides a convenient location to store a cup 226 which may be used for some contained substances, like laundry detergent (FIG. 11). Providing foldable legs 124, container stop 122 and cup ledge 112 allow the rack 10 to be stowed in a more compact volume, such as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 7-10. Another useful, but optional, feature would be the addition of a drawer 114 which would then allow access and storage in the volume under the base 110. Ideally, the rack 10 is in some way secured to an underlying surface. One way to do so is to provide support feet, such as suction cups 118. Use of suction cups allows the rack may be secured to a smooth and flat surface. Other support feet are possible, including skid resistant rubber feet, hooks, brackets, or any other manner of securement or support.

[0026] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.