Modular rack system

Abstract

A modular rack for holding workpieces includes a plurality of modules. The modules can include at least one base member, a first module having a horizontal workpiece support member, at least one structural support member, and a first connection mechanism, and a second module including a horizontal workpiece support member, at least one structural support member, and a second connection mechanism. The first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism are engagable with one another to connect the first module to the second module to provide a selectively adjustable, multi-level workpiece support.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A modular rack for holding workpieces, the rack comprising the following: 
 at least one base member;    a first module including a horizontal Workpiece support member, at least one structural support member, and a first connection mechanism; and    a second module including a second horizontal workpiece support member, at least one structural support member, and a second connection mechanism;    whereby the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism are engagable with one another to connect the first module to the second module to provide a selectively adjustable, multi-level workpiece supports.    
     
     
         2 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the structural support members comprise pairs of vertically oriented, parallel rigid support members located at opposite ends of the respective horizontal workpiece support members.  
     
     
         3 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from annular tubular material having an interior cross-section.  
     
     
         4 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 3 , wherein the first connection mechanism comprise extensions from the structural support members, the extensions having a cross section adapted to fit within the interior cross-section of the structural support members.  
     
     
         5 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members have a generally square cross-section.  
     
     
         6 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members have a generally round cross-section.  
     
     
         7 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members have a polygonal cross-section.  
     
     
         8 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the structural support members have a generally octagonal cross-section.  
     
     
         9 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from a metallic material.  
     
     
         10 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from aluminum.  
     
     
         11 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from a plastic material.  
     
     
         12 . A modular rack for holding workpieces, the rack comprising the following: 
 at least one base member;    a first module including a first horizontal workpiece support member, a pair of first structural support members secured to opposite ends of the first horizontal workpiece support member, and a first connection mechanism, the first horizontal workpiece support member being secured to the first horizontal workpiece support member at a first vertical distance from an end of the pair of first structural support members; and    a second module including a second horizontal workpiece support member, a pair of second structural support members secured to opposite ends of the second horizontal workpiece support member, and a second connection mechanism, the second horizontal workpiece support member being secured to the second horizontal workpiece support member at a second vertical distance from an end of the pair of second structural support members, the second vertical distance being different from the first vertical distance;    whereby the first connection mechanism and the second connection mechanism are engagable with one another to connect the first module to the second module to provide a selectively adjustable, multi-level workpiece support.    
     
     
         13 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the first and second structural support members are fabricated from annular tubular material having an interior cross-section.  
     
     
         14 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the first connection mechanism comprise extensions from the first structural support members, the extensions having a cross section adapted to fit Within the interior cross-section of the structural support members.  
     
     
         15 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the structural support members have cross-section selected from a group consisting of generally square, round, and octagonal.  
     
     
         16 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from a metallic material.  
     
     
         17 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 16 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from aluminum.  
     
     
         18 . A modular rack in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the structural support members are fabricated from a plastic material.  
     
     
         19 . A method of assembling a modular rack for holding workpieces, the method comprising the following steps: 
 providing at least one base member;    providing a first module including a first horizontal workpiece support member, a pair of first structural support members secured to opposite ends of the first horizontal workpiece support member via a first connection mechanism;    providing a second module including a second horizontal workpiece support member, a pair of second structural support members secured to opposite ends of the second horizontal workpiece support member via a second connection mechanism; and    engaging the first connection mechanism with the second connection mechanism to connect the first module to the second module to provide a selectively adjustable, multi-level workpiece support.    
     
     
         20 . A method in accordance with  claim 19 , wherein the steps of providing first and second modules comprise securing the first horizontal workpiece support member to the first horizontal workpiece support member at a first vertical distance from an end of the pair of first structural support members, and securing the second horizontal workpiece support member to the second horizontal workpiece support member at a second vertical distance from an end of the pair of second structural support members, the second vertical distance being different from the first vertical distance.