Pipe rack equipment

Abstract

A pipe rack apparatus includes: a bottom portion having a first length; a plurality of indentations formed in the bottom portion and configured to receive a pipe and keep the pipe straight, the plurality of indentations exposing a lower surface of the bottom portion, wherein an inserted pipe does not pass through the lower surface of the bottom portion; a plurality of legs extending from the bottom portion; a top portion having a second length longer than the first length; a plurality of openings formed in the top portion, the plurality of openings being aligned with the plurality of indentations; and at least one handle member extending from a first end of the top portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to storage of medical supplies and, more particularly, to storage of formed tube rack apparatus and methods of making and using the same. Summary of the invention

[0002] A brief summary of various exemplary embodiments is presented below. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various exemplary embodiments, rather than to limit the scope of the invention. A detailed description of the exemplary embodiments suitable for allowing a person of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventive concept will be carried out in the following sections.

[0003] An embodiment includes a pipe rack apparatus comprising: a bottom portion having a first length; a plurality of indentations formed in the bottom portion and configured to receive a pipe and keep the pipe straight and limit movement of the bottom of the pipe, the plurality of indentations exposing a lower surface of the bottom portion; a plurality of legs extending from the bottom portion; a top portion having a second length longer than the first length; a plurality of openings formed in the top portion, the plurality of openings being aligned with the plurality of indentations; and at least one handle member extending from a first end of the top portion.

[0004] The at least one handle member may be spaced apart from the plurality of openings by a distance substantially equal to a width of a row of openings.

[0005] The top portion may include a hook member configured to fit into the plurality of legs of the bottom portion.

[0006] The plurality of legs may include angled legs configured to fit into an angled drawer.

[0007] The at least one angled leg may be formed from the same continuous piece as the at least one handle member.The angled leg may extend between the bottom portion and the top portion, thereby forming an open space configured to stack a plurality of tube racks.

[0008] The top portion, bottom portion and handle member may include rounded corners to facilitate user handling.

[0009] All of the plurality of legs may extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar surface of the bottom member.

[0010] The label holder may have a plug element configured to fit into the opening of the top portion.The label holder may include a flat portion and a clip portion configured to snap onto the plug element.

[0011] The top portion may include a plurality of label holder apertures and an extended label holder configured to fit into the plurality of label holder apertures.

[0012] The pipe rack apparatus may include multiple label holders having different labels configured to divide the rack into different areas. The extended label holder may extend above the handle for easier viewing. The label may have multiple fields to display the name, shape, and size of the component.

[0013] The pipe rack label may be attached to the pipe rack equipment. The pipe rack label may include a color coded field to identify at least one of a component type, a component image, and a size of the component.

[0014] Part Type can be Screw. Size can be Diameter. The color coding field for pipe racks is consistent with other pipe rack equipment labels, including one of the cabinet label, drawer label, and pipe label.

[0015] The tag may be configured to be attached to multiple tubes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Additional objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although several exemplary embodiments are shown and described, similar reference numerals represent similar components in each of the drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 shows a pipe rack apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0018] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 Disassembled view of the pipe rack equipment;

[0019] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 a plurality of pipe rack devices in a stacked configuration;

[0020] Figure 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a pipe rack apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments described herein;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a pipe rack apparatus having a wide width and a short length according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0022] Figure 6 shows a pipe rack apparatus in another configuration according to exemplary embodiments described herein;

[0023] Figure 7 shows a label holder system according to embodiments described herein;

[0024] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 7 A side view of a label holder system;

[0025] Fig.9A showing an extended label holder according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0026] Fig. 9B shows another placement of an extended label holder according to exemplary embodiments described herein;

[0027] Fig. 9C shows an indentation 915 with a drainage hole 905 according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0028] Fig.10 shows details of a pipe rack apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0029] Fig.11 A variation of the extended label holder according to FIG. 9 is shown;

[0030] Fig.12 Another exemplary embodiment of a pipe rack apparatus according to exemplary embodiments described herein is shown;

[0031] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13E Various labeling systems according to embodiments described herein are shown;

[0032] Fig.14 shows an exemplary cabinet tag according to an exemplary embodiment described herein;

[0033] Fig.15 shows an example of a drawer tag according to embodiments described herein;

[0034] Fig.16 An example of a pipe rack tag according to an exemplary embodiment described herein is shown; and

[0035] Fig.17 Included are examples of cover labels 1355A, 1355B, and 1355C according to embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] It should be understood that the drawings are only schematic and not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals used throughout the drawings indicate the same or similar components.

[0037] The specification and the accompanying drawings illustrate the principles of various exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design various layouts, which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present invention and are included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, all examples set forth herein are clearly intended in principle for teaching purposes to assist readers in understanding the principles of the present invention and the concepts proposed by the inventors for promoting the prior art, and should be understood as not being limited to the examples and conditions specifically set forth. In addition, unless otherwise specified (e.g., "or" or "or alternatively"), the term "or" used herein refers to non-exclusive (i.e., and / or). In addition, the various exemplary embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, because some exemplary embodiments can be combined with one or more other exemplary embodiments to form new exemplary embodiments. Descriptions such as "first", "second", "third", etc. are not intended to limit the order of the elements discussed, but are used to distinguish one element from the next element, and are generally interchangeable. Values ​​such as maximum or minimum values ​​can be predetermined and can be set to different values ​​based on the application.

[0038] In the art, many companies use sterile packaged implants including screws, plates, etc. Although transferring screws to sterile packaging has the beneficial effects of traceability and safety, challenges still exist. It is difficult for users to store various types of screws. Space in hospitals is limited, and certain solutions are needed to store screws as efficiently and effectively as possible. It is difficult for inventory personnel and nursing staff to find the correct implant. Poor labeling, organization, and inconsistency cause medical staff to misplace products, open the wrong products, or even implant incorrect products. Using the rack and label system described herein, sterile tube packaging can enter the hospital or care environment and integrate seamlessly into its existing system.

[0039] A sterile tube system to be used in a hospital or care setting may include one or more cabinets for storing various drawers. The drawers may include many types of medical supplies. In order to distinguish one type of medical supply product from another type of medical supply product, labels may be placed on different drawers in the cabinet. One or more drawers may include a tube rack as described herein. The tube rack may include tubes that hold various types of screws or other items to be used in medical procedures and surgical operations. The various components of the tube rack and the individual tubes may be labeled, which provides information that can distinguish the contents of the rack and the tubes from each other.

[0040] Figure 11 shows a pipe rack apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The pipe rack apparatus 100 may be comprised of a bottom portion 110 having a first length L1 and a first width W1. The bottom portion 110 may have a plurality of indentations 115 therein. The plurality of indentations 115 may be formed in the bottom portion 110 and configured to receive a pipe (such as Fig. 13C and Fig.13D The plurality of indentations 115 may be provided to hold the tube 1340 as shown and to keep the tube straight and limit movement of the end of the tube in the indentations 115. The plurality of indentations 115 may expose a lower surface 116 of the bottom portion 110 that is different from an upper surface 118 of the bottom portion 110. The plurality of indentations 115 are holes formed between the upper surface 118 and the lower surface 116. The plurality of indentations 115 do not extend through the lower surface 116 of the bottom portion 110, and therefore any tube placed in the pipe rack apparatus 100 will not extend through the bottom portion 110.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of legs are configured to extend from the bottom portion 110. The plurality of legs may include an inclined leg 120a and a vertical leg 120b positioned substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the bottom portion 110. The plurality of legs 120a and 120b may be connected to a top portion 130 of the pipe rack apparatus 100. The top portion 130 may have a second length L2 that is longer than a first length L1 of the bottom portion 110. Due to the longer length, the top portion 130 may extend beyond both sides of the bottom portion 110. The difference in length L2 and L1 on either side of the pipe rack apparatus 100 leaves an open space 132 that is configured to stack one pipe rack apparatus 100 on top of another and accommodate a handle from a lower pipe rack apparatus 100.

[0042] The top portion 130 includes a plurality of openings 135. The plurality of openings 135 can be vertically aligned with the plurality of indentations 115 to receive and hold a plurality of tubes 1340. At least one handle member 140 can be attached to the top portion 130. The handle member 140 can be used to lift the tube rack apparatus 100 into or out of the drawer 1320 (shown in FIG. Fig. 13B The drawer 1320 may have a specific depth or limited space in which a user (such as a medical worker) can access the tube rack device 100. The handle 140 may facilitate easy access to the tube rack device 100 and the contents therein.

[0043] At least one handle member 140 may have a width W2 that is less than the width W1 of the bottom portion 110. The width W1 may also be the width of the top portion 130. The width W2 of the handle member 140 is configured to facilitate stacking of multiple tube rack devices 100. From below, the handle member 140 will fit into the open space 132. A pair of handle members 140 can be used to lift and move the tube rack device 100 from one location to another, such as into and out of a drawer or rack cabinet, a shelf, a medical procedure space, or under or on top of another tube rack device 100.

[0044] Figure 2 Shown according to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a disassembled view of the pipe rack device 100. Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of legs 120a and 120b are configured to extend from the bottom portion 110 toward the top portion 130. The plurality of legs 120a and 120b may be formed from one continuous piece with the bottom portion 110. The material used for the pipe rack apparatus 100 may be plastic, polymer, or other materials known in the art. The top portion 130 may include a hook member 232 configured to fit into the plurality of legs 120a and 120b of the bottom portion 110. In other embodiments, the legs 120a and 120b may be formed from one continuous piece with the top portion 130, and the bottom portion 110 may include a hook member configured to fit into the plurality of legs 120a and 120b. In addition, other connection mechanisms may be used to connect the bottom portions 110 and 130.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of legs may include an angled leg 120a at a distal end of the pipe rack apparatus 100 and a substantially vertical leg 120b at a mid portion of a bottom portion of the pipe rack apparatus 100. The angled leg 120a may be configured to fit into an angled drawer such as drawer 1320.

[0046] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1 The stacked configuration 300 can be used when the pipe rack apparatus does not have a pipe inserted therein, or when a pipe is inserted only into the top pipe rack apparatus 100. As described herein, the angled legs 120a can extend between the bottom portion 110 and the top portion 130, thereby forming an open space 132 (shown in FIG. 1 ) configured to receive the handle member 140 of the slave pipe rack apparatus 100. Figure 11). The handle member 140 has a smaller width W2 configured to fit within the open space 132. Because the pipe rack apparatus 100 can be operated by hand, including placing and removing pipes, the edges of all surfaces of the pipe rack apparatus 100, including the bottom portion 110, the plurality of legs 120a and 120b, the top portion 130, and the handle member 140, can have smooth rounded corners to facilitate operation.

[0047] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a pipe rack apparatus according to the exemplary embodiments described herein is shown. Figure 4 In the embodiment, the pipe rack device 400 may be configured to have all legs 420 extending between the bottom portion 410 and the top portion 430 to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion 410 and the top portion 430. Figure 4 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the width of the handle member 440 can be less than the width of the bottom portion 410 and the top portion 430 to allow the pipe rack apparatus 400 to be stacked on top of one another.

[0048] Figure 5 A pipe rack apparatus 500 is shown having a wide width W3 and a short length L3 according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The dimensions are not limited to the dimensions shown. The length and width dimensions of the pipe rack apparatus described herein can be designed to have various lengths and widths to meet customer or design requirements. In addition to the middle leg 520b, the pipe rack apparatus 500 may also include multiple corner legs 520a to provide greater stability when designing and building larger side pipe rack apparatus. Similar to other designs, the width of the handle member 540 is maintained less than the width separating the two legs, thereby allowing a stackable configuration of the pipe rack apparatus 500. The pipe rack apparatus can be made narrow so that two or more racks can be inserted into a drawer. For example, a stack of handle members 540 may be formed such that the handle members 540 are stacked. Figure 4 The four racks shown are placed side by side (along the width direction) in the drawer. In another example, as Figure 5 The four racks shown may be arranged in a rectangular configuration, with the four racks arranged in a 2x2 formation.

[0049] Figure 6 A pipe rack apparatus 600 is shown in another configuration according to exemplary embodiments described herein. The pipe rack apparatus 600 may include a bottom portion 610 and a top portion 630 having a larger indentation 615 and a larger hole 635 than other exemplary embodiments. In fact, pipe rack apparatus according to exemplary embodiments may be designed to have various sizes of top portion holes and diameter sizes of bottom portion indentations in response to customer or design requirements.

[0050] Figure 7 705 according to embodiments described herein. The label holder system 705 can be used with pipe rack equipment such as Figure 4 The label holder system 705 is used together with the pipe rack device 400, but the label holder system 705 is not limited thereto. Figure 7 The label holder system 705 shown and described can be used in other pipe rack devices of the present application. The label holder system 705 can include a bolt assembly 712, which includes two bolts engaged by a label holder 713. The two bolts are vertical members that extend through the opening 735 and fit tightly into the indentation 715. The bolts can have a diameter that is substantially the same from the bottom to the top, or can have a diameter that tapers toward the top of the bolt. A label 713 can be attached to the label holder 713. The bolt assembly 712 can be inserted into the opening 735. The label 714 can be attached to the label holder 713 in various ways. The label 714 can also be attached to each handle 440 of the pipe rack device 400. The pipe rack device 400 can use the handle member 440 and the label 714 on the top of the label holder system 705 to divide different parts of the pipe rack device 400. For example, a first area of ​​the pipe rack device 400 can include cortical screws of a specific type, material, and size. The second area of ​​the pipe rack device 400 may include locking screws of a specific type, material, and size. Embodiments are not limited to two divided areas, and may include multiple areas designated by multiple label holder systems 705, with or without additional labels on the handle member 440.

[0051] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 7 705. The label holder 714 can be flat and have a snap or clip member 713 configured to connect the label holder 714 to the plug assembly 712. The snap member 713 can be circular to attach to the circular component of the plug assembly 712, or can be rectangular or other shapes to snap onto the handle member 440. Other attachment components can be used to attach the label holder 714 to the plug assembly 712, such as Velcro, labels, temporary glue or other mechanical fixing devices. The label holder 714 can provide an indentation for interchangeable labels for identifying the contents of various tubes. The snap member can be bent around the plug assembly 712 to adjust the viewing angle of the label holder 714.

[0052] Fig.9AAn extended label holder 912 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The extended label holder 912 may include a pair of thin columns 911 connected by a label portion 913. The thin columns 911 may have a circumference that is less than the circumference of the handle member. Instead of placing the plug assembly into the tube opening in the top portion 930, the extended label holder 912 can be inserted into a plurality of label holder holes 917 disposed adjacent to the edge of the top portion 930. The extended label holder 912 can be placed into the label holder holes 917. The extended label holder 912 is configured to rise higher than the handle member 440 so that the extended label holder 912 provides a high label for easy viewing. There may be multiple extended label holders 912 placed in a rack to divide a plurality of different components stored in different tube areas.

[0053] Fig. 9B Another arrangement of the extended label holder 912 according to the exemplary embodiments described herein is shown. As shown, in addition to the extended label holder 912 being placed across the length of the top portion 910, Fig. 9B The extended label holder 912 shown can be placed along one side of the top portion 910. Multiple extended label holders 912 can be placed in the label holder hole 917 and used to divide different areas of the pipe rack device 400. Fig. 9B As shown, the handle member 440 can have an indentation 915 formed therein. The indentation 915 can provide a surface modification to the handle member 440 that is configured to facilitate gripping of the pipe rack apparatus 400.

[0054] Fig. 9C An indentation 915 having a drain hole 905 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The indentation 915 may include the drain hole 905 to prevent water or other liquids from pooling in the indentation 915 after cleaning the pipe rack apparatus 400. Other handle components as shown and described herein may also have indentations and drain holes.

[0055] Fig.10Details of a tube rack device 400 according to an exemplary embodiment described herein are shown. The tube rack device 400 and other tube rack devices shown and described herein may have a drain hole 405 formed in the indentation 415. The drain hole 405 may prevent water or other liquids from collecting in the indentation 415 after cleaning the tube rack device 400. A gap space 401 may be provided between the handle member 440 and the first row of tubes. The gap space 401 is designed to allow a user, such as medical personnel, to operate the handle member 440 from the inside or outside of the tube rack device 400 and not interfere with the row of tubes. The gap space 401 also allows the user to access the handle member 440 and remove the tube rack device from the storage drawer. The width of the gap space 401 along the top portion 430 of the tube rack device 400 may be substantially equal to the width of a row of openings 435.

[0056] Fig.11 A variation of the extended label holder according to FIG. 9 is shown. Exemplary embodiments include the ability to set a taller extended label holder 1112 to a higher height, enabling a user to more easily see the contents of the tube rack device. Thus, a larger space 1101 may be formed between the handle 440 and the label holder 1114. The label 1111 to be attached to the label holder described herein may include different fields, including the name, shape, and size of the element stored in the label holder 1114. Labels may also be used to provide similar information on tubes.

[0057] In various label holders, labels can be inserted from the top or from the side to allow easy initial labeling or later replacement of labels.

[0058] Fig.12 Another exemplary embodiment of a pipe rack apparatus 1200 is shown according to exemplary embodiments described herein. Fig.12 Additional variations are included that may be used with the different pipe rack devices described herein. Similar to others, the pipe rack device 1200 may include angled legs 1220a on opposite ends thereof. In this exemplary embodiment, the handle member 1240 may be formed continuously as a portion of the angled legs 1220a. Alternatively, the handle member 1240 may be a portion of the top portion 1230. The pipe rack device 1200 includes a middle leg 1220b that is substantially perpendicular to the top portion 1230 and the bottom portion 1210. The bottom portion 1210 includes the middle leg 1220b, the ends of which are in a hook member 1225 that is clipped to the top portion 1230. A label holder 1205 with a latch and snap label arrangement is shown, and a label holder with an extended label may also be used.

[0059] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13E Various labeling systems are shown according to embodiments described herein. Fig.13AIn the embodiment, the cabinet 1310 may include various label positions, such as a cabinet label 1315 located at the upper right corner of the cabinet 1310, but the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. The cabinet label 1315 may be placed on various components of the cabinet according to the needs of the user. Fig. 13B In the embodiment of the present invention, drawer 1320 may be a drawer configured to hold a plurality of pipe rack equipment, such as two or four pipe rack equipment, or may hold a single pipe rack equipment. Fig.13E The contents of a drawer configured to hold four tube rack devices 400 according to embodiments described herein are shown. Depending on the number of tube rack devices, drawer labels 1325 may be placed on their outer surfaces. Tubes with numerical labels 18LOCK, 22CRTX, 24CRTX, 40VA, etc. may fill the entire space as shown or be mixed within a designated space.

[0060] Fig. 13C A pipe rack apparatus 1330 as described herein is shown. The pipe rack apparatus 1330 may include a plurality of pipes 1340. The label holder system may include one or more pipe rack labels 1335 at various points along the pipe rack apparatus 1330 to demarcate and designate different elements present in different pipes. Fig.13D A tube 1340 is shown having different types of labels thereon. A regulatory tube label 1345 on the tube 1340 may be a tube body label that surrounds or partially surrounds the tube 1340. A cap label 1355 may be attached to the cap 1350 of the tube 1340. The cap label 1355 may allow a user to quickly determine the identity of the contents of the tube.

[0061] All labels described herein may include various types of information to allow a user to quickly and easily identify the contents of a cabinet, drawer, rack device, and tubes. Cabinet labels 1315, drawer labels 1325, rack labels 1335, tube labels 1345, and cap labels 1355 may be designed to have different fields representing consistent information on each label. Studies were conducted among many groups of medical staff and medical personnel to determine the type of information to be displayed on the labels and how to present the information in an effective manner for rapid identification, use, and return of unused tubes to designated areas.

[0062] Fig.14An exemplary cabinet label 1315 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The cabinet label may include size and identification information 1405 of the type of screws or other components, such as plates, that may be stored in the cabinet 1310. The cabinet label 1315 includes an image of a drawer 1420 to indicate that each screw type may be present in a different drawer for each row. Other fields on the cabinet label 1315, including component name 1410, component diameter 1415, component image 1425, and screwdriver type 1430, are consistent with the fields on other labels, including drawer labels 1325, pipe rack labels 1335, pipe labels 1345, and cover labels 1355. Thus, the cabinet label may include information including screw diameter and color, screw type abbreviations, product images, product systems (small clips), screw notches, drawer locations, and company logos.

[0063] The part name 1410 field may include a description with a first color, such as "Cortical Screw (CRTX), Self-Drilling, SST." Another field may be "Locking Screw (LOCK), Self-Drilling, SST" with a second color. SST refers to stainless steel. Other screw labels may include materials such as titanium. Cabinet labels are not limited to screw types. Other cabinet labels may identify implant types, such as plates and other components.

[0064] The part name includes a circular field 1415 that identifies the part diameter of the screw type. The diameter will have a fixed color that is consistent across all labels. The part image 1425 will be consistent for each screw, as well as a shape that represents the type of driver 1430 used to insert the screw. All of this information will be readily available to personnel as they approach the cabinet and determine which parts they need for a specific procedure.

[0065] Fig.15 Examples of drawer labels 1325A and 1325B according to embodiments described herein are shown. As noted, drawer label 1325A, such as "LOCK, SELF TAPPING, SST," shares many of the same data fields and color schemes as cabinet label 1315, including part name 1410, part diameter 1415, part image 1425, and screwdriver type 1430. The label may include other dimensions and identification information 1405. Another type of drawer label 1325B includes a plate of some type with identification field 1510, image field 1525, and other identification information 1505 intended for use with different procedures. Thus, a drawer label may include information including screw type, screw type abbreviation, screw diameter and color, screw information (as needed), product image, screw notch, screw length, product system (small snippet), and company logo.

[0066] Fig.16An example of a pipe rack label 1335A and 1335B is shown according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. The pipe rack label 1335 carries consistent label fields and colors, such as part name 1410, part diameter 1415, and part image 1425. Thus, the pipe rack label 1335 may include screw type, screw type abbreviation, screw diameter and color, screw information (as needed), and product images.

[0067] Fig.17 Examples of cover labels 1355A, 1355B, and 1355C according to embodiments described herein are included. As shown, the cover label 1355 has consistent fields, such as part name 1410, part diameter 1415, and driver type 1430. The cover label 1355 has been carefully designed so that a user can easily obtain specific information from above when looking down at a tube rack device holding a plurality of tubes 1340. Fig.17 1445. The color markings on either side of the length 1445 indicate a specific component diameter 1415. The component diameter 1415 is also indicated on a strip that runs along the length of the tube 1340. On other labels such as the cabinet label 1315, the drawer label 1325, and the pipe rack label 1335, the two colors and the numerical value of the diameter are together in one field. In the cover label 1355, the diameter information is separated. Thus, a single color can represent the diameter of all labels for easy and quick identification, which can be confirmed by the numerical value. Similarly, separated on the cover label 1355 is the naming convention of the component. On the center portion 1710, the abbreviation of the component type is written, which is combined with the more detailed written information on the other side of the cover label 1355. The center portion 1710 can be circular, rectangular, or other shapes that can convey the desired information. The cover label 1355 can include information such as screw length, screw type, and screw diameter. The regulatory tube label 1345 may include the screw diameter, screw diameter color, a second screw identifier, and a screw notch (driver type).

[0068] Exemplary embodiments also include methods of making a pipe rack apparatus. Figure 1, for example, the method may include forming a bottom portion 110 having a first length L1. A plurality of indentations 115 may be formed in the bottom portion 110 and configured to receive a tube and keep the tube straight, the plurality of indentations 115 having a lower surface 116 and an upper surface 118, wherein the inserted tube does not pass through the lower surface 116. The method may include forming a plurality of legs 120a and 120b extending from the bottom portion. The method may include forming a top portion 130 having a second length longer than the first length. The method may include joining the top portion 130 to the bottom portion 110. The legs 120a and 120b may be formed continuously with the bottom portion 110. Alternatively, the legs 120a and 120b may be formed continuously with the top portion 130. The method may include forming a plurality of openings 135 in the top portion, the plurality of openings 135 being aligned with the plurality of indentations 115 of the bottom portion 110. The manufacturing method may also include forming at least one handle member 140 extending from a first end of the top portion 130. About Figure 1 The described method steps can also be used for other exemplary rack device exemplary embodiments of different sizes and shapes.Once the rack device is completed, various label holders can be connected to the rack device to accurately label the contents of the rack device.

[0069] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described in detail with particular reference to certain exemplary aspects, it will be appreciated that the invention is capable of other exemplary embodiments and that its details are capable of modification in various obvious respects. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be implemented while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing disclosure, description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A pipe rack device, comprising: a bottom portion having a first length; a plurality of indentations formed in the bottom portion and configured to receive a tube and hold the tube straight and limit movement of a bottom portion of the tube, the plurality of indentations exposing a lower surface of the bottom portion; a plurality of legs extending from the base portion; a top portion having a second length that is longer than the first length; a plurality of openings formed in the top portion, the plurality of openings being aligned with the plurality of indentations; at least one pair of opposing inwardly curved surfaces, the at least one pair of opposing inwardly curved surfaces facing each other to define an open space; and at least one handle member extending from a first end of the top portion; wherein the at least one pair of opposed inwardly curved surfaces is located between the at least one handle member and the plurality of legs; wherein the plurality of legs extend diagonally upward from the bottom portion to the top portion; Each open space of the pipe rack equipment is configured to receive a corresponding handle member of another identical pipe rack equipment.

2. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one handle member is spaced apart from a row of openings of the plurality of openings adjacent to the at least one handle member by a distance substantially equal to a width of the row of openings. 3 . The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the top portion includes a hook member configured to fit into the plurality of legs of the bottom portion.

4. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of legs are configured to fit into an angled drawer.

5. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one angled leg is formed from the same continuous piece as the at least one handle member.

6. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion, the bottom portion, and the handle member include rounded corners to facilitate user handling.

7. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of legs extend substantially perpendicularly from the planar surface of the bottom member.

8. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, comprising a label holder having a peg element configured to fit into the opening of the top portion.

9. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 8, wherein the label holder comprises a flat portion and a clip portion configured to snap onto the plug element.

10. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top portion includes a plurality of label holder holes and an extended label holder configured to fit into the plurality of label holder holes.

11. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 10, comprising a plurality of label holders having different labels configured to divide the pipe rack into different areas.

12. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extended label holder extends above the handle to facilitate viewing.

13. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 10, wherein the label has a plurality of fields to display the name, shape and size of the component.

14. The pipe rack equipment of claim 1, comprising a pipe rack tag attached to the pipe rack equipment.

15. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 14, wherein the pipe rack label includes a color coded field to identify at least one of a component type, a component image, and a size of the component.

16. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 15, wherein the component type is a screw.

17. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 15, wherein the dimension is a diameter.

18. The pipe rack equipment of claim 15, wherein the color-coded fields of the pipe rack are consistent with other pipe rack equipment labels, the other pipe rack equipment labels comprising one of a cabinet label, a drawer label, and a pipe label.

19. The pipe rack apparatus of claim 1, comprising a tag configured to be attached to a plurality of pipes.

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