Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A portable rack (100) for edibles, wherein the portable rack (100) comprising:
a frame (102) having a base (104) and vertical rods (106a-106b) to provide a rigid support to components of the portable rack (100);
racks (110a-110m) positioned at pre-defined angles between the vertical rods (106a-106b) of the frame (102) by using fastening means;
basket holders (112a-112n) positioned inside each of the racks (110a-110m), to hold baskets (114a-114o), wherein the baskets (114a-114o) are adapted to store the edibles such that the baskets (114a-114o) are equipped with perforations (118a-118q) to enable an adequate flow of air through the edibles stored in the baskets (114a-114o);
an umbrella holder (120) provided on the vertical rods (106a-106b) of the frame (102), to hold an umbrella; and
a window guard (126) arranged on a top of the corresponding baskets (114a-114o) to cover the edibles stored in the baskets (114a-114o).
2. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the basket holders (112a-112n) are fabricated using two rectangular frames.
3. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fastening means are nuts and bolts.
4. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising handles (116a-116p) provided at edges of the corresponding baskets (114a-114o) to enable a user to hold the corresponding baskets (114a-114o).
5. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising wheels (108a-108l) provided at the base (104) of the frame (102), to enable an easy movement of the portable rack (100) from a first location to a second location.
6. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined angles are selected from 0 degrees, 45 degrees, or 90 degrees.
7. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the racks (110a-110m) are positioned at an angle of 0 degrees to place the racks (110a-110m) in a closed position.
8. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the racks (110a-110m) are positioned at an angle of 90 degrees to place the racks (110a-110m) in an open position.
9. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the umbrella is held into the umbrella holder (120) by knobs (122a-122d) and adjusted by respective screws (124a-124d).
10. The portable rack (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the umbrella is adapted to provide a shadow to the edibles stored in the baskets (114a-114o).

Date: 03 March 2022
Place: Noida
Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant , Description:BACKGROUND
Field of the invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable rack and particularly to the portable rack for edibles, which organizes and safeguards the edibles in an efficient manner.
Description of Related Art
[002] Vegetables and fruits are important for human health because of their vitamins, minerals, phytochemical compounds, and dietary fiber content. Especially antioxidant vitamins such as, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E and the dietary fiber content have important role in the human health. Adequate vegetable and fruit consumption can be protective against some chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, as well as improve risk factors related to these diseases. The vegetables and fruits are most easily accessible everywhere in a marketplace. They are sold in supermarkets and shopping centers. They are also available in street markets and roadside markets. Vendors organize and arrange their vegetables and fruits for display. They usually arrange and sort products by their quality, size, and price.
[003] However, roadside sellers are not able to protect their vegetables and fruits, as they are arranged in a piled manner. This pile of the vegetables and fruits sometimes tumble and topple, scattering them in all and around other shops and streets. The roadside sellers also constantly need to protect their products from stary animals such as dogs, cows, and monkeys, as they destroy the vegetables and fruits which is later not suitable for consumption. The roadside sellers also need to protect their products from insects such as flies as they contaminate the vegetables and fruits, making them unhealthy for the human health.
[004] Additionally, every day when the roadside sellers arrange their shops and stall, they arrange their products for display, and later when they mark their day off, they have to pack their products manually by picking them up one by one. Consumers also face problems in accessing the products that are arranged beyond a reachable length. Moreover, when the vegetables and fruits are not on display and are stored in a warehouse, they seek no protection leading to improper methods of shelter.
[005] There is thus a need for a portable rack for edibles that can overcome the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a portable rack for edibles. The portable rack includes a frame having vertical rods and a base to provide a rigid support to components of the portable rack. The portable rack further includes racks positioned at pre-defined angles between the vertical rods of the frame by using fastening means. The portable rack further includes basket holders positioned inside each of the racks, to hold baskets. The baskets are adapted to store the edibles such that the baskets are equipped with perforations to enable an adequate flow of air through the edibles stored in the baskets. The portable rack further includes an umbrella holder provided on one of, the vertical rods of the frame, to hold an umbrella. The portable rack further includes a window guard arranged on a top of the corresponding baskets to cover the edibles stored in the baskets.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that organizes and safeguard edibles.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that reduces improper arrangements or displaying of edibles by roadside vendors.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that protects edibles from stray animals.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that eliminates improper sheltering/storing of edibles in warehouses.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that is suitable for traveling and transportation purposes.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that is adjustable and customizable as per a need of vendors.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that is lightweight and portable.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that is cost-effective for small to medium-scale vendors.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that requires a low maintenance.
[0016] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a portable rack that is user-friendly.
[0017] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0018] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a portable rack for edibles, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 1B illustrates an internal view of an umbrella holder of the portable rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic representation of a window guard of the portable rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method of manufacturing the portable rack, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0026] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0027] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic representation of a portable rack 100 for edibles, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable rack 100 may be designed to be placed at various locations such as, but not limited to, a home, a vegetable shop, a fruit shop, a supermarket, a warehouse, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any location where the portable rack 100 may be placed. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the portable rack 100 may be designed to store and display the edibles. The edibles may be, but not limited to, fruits, vegetables, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the edibles. The portable rack 100 may also be designed to protect the edibles from foreign elements. The foreign elements may be, but not limited to, insects, stray animals, house flies, dust particulates, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the foreign elements.
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the portable rack 100 may comprise a frame 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame 102 may be provided with a base 104 and vertical rods 106a-106b (hereinafter referred to as the vertical rods 106). The frame 102 may be adapted to provide a rigid support to components of the portable rack 100. The components may be, but not limited to, wheels 108a-108l (hereinafter referred to as the wheels 108), racks 110a-110m (hereinafter referred to as the racks 110), basket holders 112a-112n (hereinafter referred to as the basket holders 112), baskets 114a-114o (hereinafter referred to as the baskets 114), handles 116a-116p (hereinafter referred to as the handles 116), perforations 118a-118q (hereinafter referred to as the perforations 118), and an umbrella holder 120. According to embodiments of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a wooden material, a hard plastic material, a casted material, a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 102 may be constructed of a metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the frame 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the base 104 may be attached to the vertical rods 106 through an attachment medium. According to embodiments of the present invention, the attachment medium may be, but not limited to, a gas welding medium, an electric welding medium, an arc welding medium, a nut and bolt medium, a screw and washer medium, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the attachment medium, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be attached to the base 104 of the frame 102. The wheels 108 may enable a movement of the portable rack 100 from a first location to a second location, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a plastic material, a rubbery material, a fiber material, the metallic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material for the wheels 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wheels 108 may be two, four, and so forth.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the racks 110 may be fixedly positioned at pre-defined angles between the vertical rods 106 of the frame 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the racks 110 may be removably positioned between the vertical rods 106 by using fastening means. The fastening means may be, but not limited to, a riveting system, a latch and lock system, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present, the fastening means may be nuts and bolts. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the fastening means, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. According to embodiments of the present invention, the pre-defined angles may be, but not limited to, 0 degrees, 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the racks 110 may be positioned at the pre-defined angle of 0 degrees to place the racks 110 in a closed position. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the racks 110 may be positioned at the pre-defined angle of 90 degrees to place the racks 110 in an open position.
[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, the racks 110 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the racks 110 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the racks 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the basket holders 112 may be fixedly positioned inside each of the racks 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the basket holders 112 may be removably positioned inside each of the racks 110. The basket holders 112 may be positioned to hold the baskets 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the basket holders 112 may be fabricated using two rectangular frames. In an embodiment of the present invention, a top edge of the basket 114 may rest on a first rectangular frame of the corresponding basket holders 112 and a bottom edge of the basket 114 may rest on a second rectangular frame of the corresponding basket holders 112. In an embodiment of the present invention, the basket 114 may be held firmly in place by utilizing both of the rectangular frames provided in the corresponding basket holders 112. According to embodiments of the present invention, the basket holders 112 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, a thermoplastic material, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, the metallic material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the basket holders 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the baskets 114 may be adapted to store the edibles. According to embodiments of the present invention, the baskets 114 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the thermoplastic material, an insulating material, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the baskets 114, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the baskets 114 may comprise of the handles 116 provided at edges of the corresponding baskets 114. The handles 116 may enable a user to hold the corresponding baskets 114, in an embodiment of the present invention. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the baskets 114 may be equipped with the perforations 118 to enable an adequate flow of air through the edibles stored in the baskets 114. The adequate flow of air may maintain a freshness and a taste of the edibles, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, the baskets 114 may be able to hold up to a pre-defined amount of weight such as, but not limited to, 500 grams (g), 1 kilogram (kg), 5 kilograms (kg), and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined amount of weight may be 10 kilograms (kg). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any pre-defined amount of weight that may be stored in the baskets 114.
[0038] FIG. 1B illustrates an internal view of the umbrella holder 120 of the portable rack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella holder 120 may be provided on one of, the vertical rods 106 of the frame 102. The umbrella holder 120 may be provided to hold an umbrella (not shown), in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella may be installed and removed from the umbrella holder 120 as per the requirement of the user. According to embodiments of the present invention, the umbrella holder 120 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella holder 120 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the umbrella holder 120, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella may be held into the umbrella holder 120 by knobs 122a-122d (hereinafter referred to as the knobs 122) and adjusted by respective screws 124a-124d (hereinafter referred to as the screws 124). Upon adjusting a suitable height and a suitable angle of the umbrella in the umbrella holder 120, the user may tighten the screws 124. The screws 124 may be tightened by rotating the knobs 122 in one of, a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction. The tightly screwed screws 124 may prevent a displacement of the umbrella, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, the user may rotate the knobs 122 in an opposite direction to release the screws 124. The released screws 124 may then enable the user to remove the umbrella from the umbrella holder 120.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella may be adapted to provide a shadow to the edibles stored in the baskets 114. The umbrella may be opened and closed manually, in an embodiment of the present invention. According to embodiments of the present invention, the umbrella may be of any type such as, but not limited to, a classic umbrella, a doorman umbrella, a golf umbrella, a bubble umbrella, a fashion umbrella, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the umbrella, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the umbrella may be retractable that may enable the user to carry the umbrella easily.
[0041] FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic representation of a window guard 126 of the portable rack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the window guard 126 may be arranged on a top of the corresponding baskets 114 to cover and protect the edibles stored in the baskets 114. The window guard 126 may be constructed of thin sticks arranged vertically and horizontally to create a mesh-like structure, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mesh-like structure may provide visibility to the edibles stored in the baskets 114. According to embodiments of the present invention, the thin sticks of the window guard 126 may be constructed of any material such as, but not limited to, the wooden material, the hard plastic material, the casted material, the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) material, the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the thin sticks of window guard 126 may be constructed of the metallic material. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any material of the window guard 126, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the window guard 126 may further be provided with a latch 128. The latch 128 may enable an opening and a closing of the window guard 126, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the latch 128 may be having a first end and a second end. The first end of the latch 128 may be affixed on the baskets 114, and the second end of the latch 128 may be affixed on the window guard 126. The latch 128 may operate on a hinge and torque mechanism for opening and closing of the window guard 126, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 of manufacturing the portable rack 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] At step 202, the portable rack 100 may be provided with the racks 110 that may be positioned at the pre-defined angles between the vertical rods 106 of the frame 102 by using the fastening means.
[0044] At step 204, the portable rack 100 may be provided with the basket holders 112 positioned inside each of the racks 110, to hold the baskets 114 that may be adapted to store the edibles.
[0045] At step 206, the portable rack 100 may be provided with the window guard 126 that may be arranged on the top of the corresponding baskets 114 to cover the edibles stored in the baskets 114.
[0046] At step 208, the portable rack 100 may be provided with the umbrella holder 120 attached to one of, the vertical rods 106 of the frame 102, to hold the umbrella.
[0047] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.