Support rack for a container

Abstract

The invention is directed to a support rack for a container whereby consumers can access items stored within the container. The support rack comprises an arrangement of frame members, namely a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front cross member extending between the first and second side frame members, and a rear cross member extending between the first and second side frame members. The support rack also includes an internal receiver that removably receives the container. The receiver is defined by an extent of each of the first and second side frame members, as well as a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members. The rear cross member includes at least one connector that couples with a mounting structure, such as an open top cooler found in grocery stores. The support rack further includes a plate extending between the first side frame member and the second side frame member, wherein the plate is positioned above the front cross member and can accept a label that identifies the type and/or price of the items within the container.

1 . A support rack for accommodating a container of varying lengths, the support rack comprising:
 a first side frame member;   a second side frame member;   a front cross member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members;   a rear cross member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members; and, an internal receiver provided to removably receive a container, at least a portion of the receiver being defined by an extent of each of the first and second side frame members, the receiver being further defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members.   
   
   
       2 . The support rack of  claim 1 , wherein the front internal member overlaps an upper surface of the first and second side frame members, and wherein the rear internal member overlaps an upper surface of the first and second side frame members. 
   
   
       3 . The support rack of  claim 1 , wherein each of the front and rear internal members have an angular configuration defined by a central portion, a first peripheral portion extending at a first internal angle from the central portion, and a second peripheral portion extending at a second internal angle from the central portion. 
   
   
       4 . The support rack of  claim 3 , wherein both the first and second internal angles are obtuse. 
   
   
       5 . The support rack of  claim 1 , wherein the rear cross member includes at least one connector provided for removably coupling with a mounting structure. 
   
   
       6 . The support rack of  claim 1 , further comprising a plate extending between the first side frame member and the second side frame member, wherein the plate is positioned above the front cross member. 
   
   
       7 . The support rack of  claim 1 , further comprising a first insert removably positioned within the receiver, the first insert having an inner periphery that is smaller than the periphery of the receiver in order to accept a smaller container than that received by the receiver. 
   
   
       8 . The support rack of  claim 7 , further comprising a second insert removably positioned within the receiver, the first insert having an inner periphery that is smaller than the periphery of both the receiver and the first insert in order to accept a smaller container than that received by both the receiver and the first insert. 
   
   
       9 . A container support rack comprising:
 a frame member arrangement including a first side frame member, a second side frame member, a front internal member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, and a rear internal member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members; and,   wherein the first and second side frame members and the front and rear internal members collectively define a receiver that removably receives a container.   
   
   
       10 . The support rack of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a front cross member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, and,   a rear cross member extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members   
   
   
       11 . The support rack of  claim 9 , wherein in an installed position, the container extends through the receiver whereby a substantial portion of the container is positioned below the first and second side frame members. 
   
   
       12 . The support rack of  claim 11 , wherein in the installed position, an upper lip of the container is engaged by the front and rear internal members. 
   
   
       13 . The support rack of  claim 9 , wherein the frame member arrangement further includes a rear cross member assembly extending between a rear portion of the first and second side frame members. 
   
   
       14 . The support rack of  claim 13 , wherein the rear cross member assembly includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member, wherein one of either the upper or lower cross member includes a plurality of connectors that couple with a mounting structure. 
   
   
       15 . The support rack of  claim 9 , wherein the frame member arrangement further includes a front cross member assembly extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members. 
   
   
       16 . The support rack of  claim 15 , wherein the front cross member assembly includes a front cross member and a plate positioned above the front cross member. 
   
   
       17 . A support rack assembly for accommodating a number of containers, the support rack assembly comprising:
 a first support rack including a first side frame member and a second side frame member, the first support rack furthering including a receiver configured to removably receive a container, the receiver being defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members; and,   a second support rack including a first side frame member and a second side frame member, the second support rack furthering including a receiver configured to removably receive a container, the receiver being defined by a front internal member and a rear internal member, wherein both the front and rear internal members extend between the first and second side frame members;   wherein the first support rack is coupled to the second support rack to define a tandem configuration, and wherein the second support rack is coupled to a mounting structure.   
   
   
       18 . The support rack of  claim 17 , each of the first and second support rack further comprising a front cross member assembly extending between the first and second side frame members and a rear cross member assembly extending between the first and second side frame members. 
   
   
       19 . The support rack of  claim 18 , wherein the rear cross member assembly of the first support rack includes at least one connector that couples with a portion of the front cross member assembly of the second support rack. 
   
   
       20 . The support rack of  claim 19 , wherein the rear cross member assembly of the second support rack includes at least one connector provided for removably coupling the first and second support racks with a mounting structure. 
   
   
       21 . The support rack of  claim 18 , wherein the front cross member assembly includes a front cross member and a plate positioned above the front cross member. 
   
   
       22 . The support rack of  claim 18 , wherein the rear cross member assembly includes an upper cross member and a lower cross member, and wherein both the upper and lower cross members are positioned above the front cross member assembly. 
   
   
       23 . The support rack of  claim 17 , wherein each of the first and second support rack further comprise a reinforcing frame member extending between a front portion of the first and second side frame members, wherein the reinforcing frame member has opposed flange segments that extend inward from the first and second side frame members, peripheral segments that depend downward from the flange segments, and a central segment extending between the peripheral segments.