Rack and method of use

Abstract

Described herein is an improved rack for efficient and safe storage and transport of cylindrical or near cylindrical product. The rack may be rectangular or square in shape and consist of a base with uprights, which may form the base rails on the sides of the rack, and side end rails. The base includes openings at predetermined intervals on its short sides and on its long sides to accept tines from a fork lift. The base further includes stringers and ribs. The stringers support cradles having two L-shaped sections which extend the length of the cradle. The base of the cradle includes teeth that engage with one or more ribs to allow the cradle to selectively lock into a predetermined position in the rack. The cradle base portion includes a cradle upper portion which may define product support sections. The product support sections are designed to support a cylindrical or near cylindrical product such as drive shaft tubes or tie rods for vehicles.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A rack, comprising:
 a base comprising at least two stringers and at least two ribs located substantially transverse to said at least two stringers; and   at least one cradle, each cradle having a base portion and an upper portion supported on said base portion, said base portion slidably supported on said stringers by two complimentary surfaces slidably engaged with two surfaces on each of said stringers, said base portion having teeth for selectably engaging with said ribs, said upper portion having supports for selectively receiving product thereon.   
     
     
         2 . The rack of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one cradle with said upper portion has supports that are tapered. 
     
     
         3 . The rack of  claim 1  further comprising at least one side rail. 
     
     
         4 . The rack of  claim 1  further comprising at least one end rail. 
     
     
         5 . The rack of  claim 4  further comprising at least one screen attached to the at least one end rail. 
     
     
         6 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said at least one cradle further comprises an open end and a closed end. 
     
     
         7 . The rack of  claim 1  further comprising at least one spacer. 
     
     
         8 . The rack of  claim 1  with at least one cylindrical or near cylindrical product located thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The method of storing cylindrical or near cylindrical product comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing a rack, wherein the rack comprises, a base comprising at least two stringers and at least two ribs located substantially transverse to said at least two stringers; and   (b) providing at least one cradle, each cradle having a base portion and an upper portion supported on said base portion, said base portion slidably supported on said stringers by two complimentary surfaces slidably engaged with two surfaces on each of said stringers, said base portion having teeth for selectably engaging with said ribs, said upper portion having supports for selectively receiving product thereon.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one cradle with said upper portion further comprises supports that are tapered. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said rack further comprises at least one side rail. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said rack further comprises at least one end rail. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein said rack further comprises at least one screen attached to the at least one end rail. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said at least one cradle further comprises an open end and a closed end. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9  wherein said rack further comprises at least one spacer. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of storing cylindrical or near cylindrical product on said rack.