Rack Assembly that can be Folded Partially

Abstract

A rack assembly includes a framework, and a foldable shelf mounted on the framework. The foldable shelf includes a support plate attached to the framework, an adjustable panel pivotally connected with the support plate, and a plurality of support legs pivotally mounted on the adjustable panel. Thus, the foldable shelf is expanded outward for use with a user and is folded when not in use. In addition, the foldable shelf can be folded when not in use so as to reduce the whole volume of the rack assembly, thereby decreasing the cost in packaging, transportation and storage of the rack assembly.

1 . A rack assembly, comprising:
 a framework having a vertical side; and   a foldable shelf mounted on the framework;   wherein the foldable shelf includes:   a support plate attached to and abutting the vertical side of the framework;   an adjustable panel pivotally connected with the support plate; and   a plurality of support legs pivotally mounted on the adjustable panel;   the adjustable panel of the foldable shelf is pivotally connected with the support plate by a plurality of hinges;   the adjustable panel of the foldable shelf has a bottom provided with a plurality of mounting brackets;   each of the support legs of the foldable shelf has an upper end provided with a pivot portion pivotally mounted on a respective one of the mounting brackets of the adjustable panel;   the pivot portion of each of the support legs is pivotally connected with the respective mounting bracket of the adjustable panel by one of a plurality of pivot shafts;   each of the mounting brackets of the adjustable panel has an inner portion formed with a receiving space;   the pivot portion of each of the support legs is movable in the receiving space of the respective mounting bracket;   the adjustable panel is movable relative to the support plate between a first position where the adjustable panel is perpendicular to the support plate so as to expand the foldable shelf and a second position where the adjustable panel is parallel with and rests on the support plate so as to fold the foldable shelf;   each of the support legs is movable relative to the adjustable panel between a first position where each of the support legs is perpendicular to the adjustable panel so as to expand each of the support legs and a second position where each of the support legs is parallel with and rests on the adjustable panel so as to fold each of the support legs.   
     
     
         2 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The rack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the mounting brackets of the adjustable panel has a substantially inverted U-shaped profile and has an opening extending in a direction that is parallel with the support plate. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The rack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot portion of at least one of the support legs abuts and is positioned by a side of the adjustable panel when each of the support legs is perpendicular to the adjustable panel. 
     
     
         10 . The rack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein
 each of the mounting brackets of the adjustable panel includes two sidewalls;   the pivot portion of each of the support legs includes two sidewalls abutting the sidewalls of the respective mounting bracket of the adjustable panel.   
     
     
         11 . The rack assembly of  claim 1 , wherein each of the support legs is movable in a direction that is parallel with a longitudinal direction of the support plate.