Bucket rack and method for supporting and transporting buckets

Abstract

A bucket rack and method for securely holding buckets in an upright position during filling, storage, and transport. The rack includes a floor plate for supporting the bases of the buckets, a cradle plate positioned above the floor plate with openings to provide lateral support, and spacers that maintain the plates in a stable, parallel configuration. The spacers are creatively designed to allow the rack to transition between a deployed position for use and a collapsed position for compact storage. Configurations include removable, collapsible, adjustable-length, and reorientable spacers for flexibility in assembly, disassembly, and storage. Optional anti-skid features on the floor plate enhance stability during transport. The rack system is versatile and suited for various applications, including agriculture, construction, automotive, landscaping, and emergency response. It prevents bucket tipping and spilling, enhances efficiency, and offers a portable, space-saving solution for bucket organization and transport.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to storage and transport systems. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for holding buckets securely to prevent tipping, spillage, and displacement during filling, storage, and transport.BACKGROUND

[0002] Gallon buckets, commonly made of plastic or metal, are widely used for storing and transporting liquids, granular materials, and other contents. These buckets are known for their compact cylindrical shape, durable handles, and snap-on lids. However, due to their narrow base relative to their height, gallon buckets are prone to tipping, particularly when filled with heavier contents or transported without lids. Spills resulting from tipping can lead to significant time losses, material wastage, and inconvenience during tasks such as transporting animal feed, construction materials, or liquids.

[0003] Furthermore, gallon buckets are often stored side-by-side during transport. The combination of their vertical center of gravity and cylindrical design increases instability, especially when the vehicle or surface on which they are placed is in motion or uneven. Users also commonly use unlidded buckets for ease of access, but this further exacerbates the risk of spillage.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus and method that stabilizes gallon buckets during filling, storage, and transport, reduces the risk of tipping and spillage, and allows for convenient access to the contents without requiring lids.SUMMARY

[0005] Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve over the state of the art.

[0006] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a stable and secure rack system for holding multiple buckets upright during filling, storage, and transport.

[0007] It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to allow the rack system to transition between a deployed position for use and a collapsed position for compact storage.

[0008] Another object, feature, or advantage is to incorporate removable or collapsible spacers that facilitate easy assembly, disassembly, and compact storage of the rack.

[0009] Yet another object, feature, or advantage is to provide optional anti-skid features to stabilize the rack system during transport on various surfaces, including metallic and non-metallic vehicle beds.

[0010] It is yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to accommodate various bucket types and geometries, including cylindrical, square, rectangular, oval, and irregularly shaped buckets.

[0011] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide cradle plate openings that correspond to bucket geometries to ensure a snug and secure fit.

[0012] It is another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to enable spacer configurations that can be arranged in various patterns, such as quadrilateral, triangular, linear, or radial, to optimize stability and load distribution.

[0013] It is a still further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to construct the rack system using lightweight and durable materials, such as plastics, composites, and metals, to enhance portability and strength.

[0014] Yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention is to provide integrated handles on the plates to facilitate lifting, maneuvering, and transport of the rack system.

[0015] Another object, feature, or advantage is to allow the rack system to stabilize buckets during transport across uneven terrains and in vehicles such as trucks, UTVs, ATVs, trailers, vans, and watercraft.

[0016] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to include securement mechanisms that enable quick and easy assembly or disassembly of the rack system.

[0017] It is an additional object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to provide a method for efficiently assembling, using, and collapsing the bucket rack system to save time and improve ease of use.

[0018] It is yet another object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to reduce the risk of spillage or tipping of buckets, even when the buckets are unlidded or filled with heavy or spillable contents.

[0019] It is a further object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to allow the rack system to be stored in a compact configuration, minimizing required storage space and increasing portability.

[0020] According to at least one aspect, the present invention provides a rack system for holding buckets. The system includes a floor plate for supporting the bases of the buckets, a cradle plate positioned above the floor plate, and a plurality of spacers separating the two plates. The cradle plate includes multiple openings that correspond to the circumference of the buckets to securely hold them in place, preventing tipping during filling, storage, or transport.

[0021] According to at least one other aspect, the invention further provides a rack for holding buckets that includes a floor plate, a cradle plate with a plurality of openings, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the plates. The spacers are configured to transition between a collapsed position for compact storage and a deployed position for use, where the plates are held in parallel relation. Securement mechanisms are used to attach opposing ends of the spacers to the floor and cradle plates, ensuring stability when deployed.

[0022] According to other aspects, the invention also includes a method for using a bucket rack. The method involves providing a floor plate for supporting the bases of the buckets, a cradle plate with openings for supporting the upper portions of the buckets, and a plurality of spacers for maintaining separation between the plates. Buckets are inserted into the openings of the cradle plate, and the rack system is transported while securely holding the buckets upright to prevent tipping or spilling.

[0023] One or more of these and / or other objects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the specification and claims that follow. No single embodiment need provide each and every object, feature, or advantage. Different embodiments may have different objects, features, or advantages. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to or by any objects, features, or advantages stated herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Illustrated embodiments of the disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bucket rack in a deployed position.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the bucket rack in the deployed position with buckets.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the floor plate, cradle plate, spacers, and securement mechanisms.

[0028] FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of the bucket rack in various collapsed positions and spacer configurations.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an in-use view of the bucket rack in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the bucket rack.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention relates to a bucket rack system (10) designed to securely hold multiple buckets (26) in an upright position during filling, transport, and storage. The system is particularly advantageous in preventing tipping or spilling of bucket contents, even when the buckets are unlidded, and is capable of transitioning between a deployed position, where the rack is fully assembled for use, and a collapsed position, where the rack is compacted for efficient storage or transport. The system includes a floor plate (12) for supporting the bases of the buckets, a cradle plate (14) positioned above the floor plate, and a plurality of spacers (16) disposed between the plates to maintain a predetermined separation distance (d). The cradle plate (14) includes openings (18) that correspond to the geometry of the buckets to provide lateral support and stability. The system further includes securement mechanisms (30) for attaching the spacers to the plates at floor plate attachment points (34) and cradle plate attachment points (36). Optional anti-skid features (32) on the underside of the floor plate (12) enhance stability during transport and use.

[0032] The floor plate (12) provides a stable foundation for the bucket rack system (10). It can be constructed in various shapes, including rectangular, square, circular, or other configurations, depending on the specific application and the surface or vehicle on which the system will be used. Lightweight materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, and other rigid plastics are particularly suitable for the floor plate, as they provide excellent strength while minimizing weight. Composite materials, such as fiberglass or carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers, offer additional benefits of durability and low weight. For applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity, metals such as aluminum or steel may be used. The underside of the floor plate (12) may be configured with optional anti-skid features (32), such as magnets or rubber feet, to stabilize the system during transport. Magnets provide secure adhesion to metallic surfaces like truck beds, while rubber feet, made from materials such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomers, prevent slipping on non-metallic surfaces.

[0033] The cradle plate (14) is positioned above the floor plate (12) and features multiple openings (18) that correspond to the geometry and size of the buckets (26) being supported. The system accommodates a variety of bucket types and shapes, including cylindrical buckets, square or rectangular buckets, oval buckets, and custom or irregularly shaped buckets. The openings (18) in the cradle plate (14) are specifically shaped to match the circumference or external geometry of these bucket types, such as circular openings for cylindrical buckets, rectangular openings for square buckets, oval openings for oblong buckets, or custom-shaped openings for irregular geometries. The openings are sized to provide a snug fit for the buckets, ensuring lateral support and preventing movement during transport or storage.

[0034] The spacers (16) serve to maintain the separation distance (d) between the floor plate (12) and cradle plate (14), keeping the plates in a parallel configuration. The spacers (16) are designed to provide both structural support and flexibility, enabling the system to transition between its deployed and collapsed positions. The spacers may be configured in various patterns and placements to optimize structural integrity and accommodate specific user needs. For instance, the spacers may be quadrilaterally disposed, forming a rectangular or square pattern at the corners of the plates for balanced load distribution. Alternatively, the spacers may be arranged in a triangular pattern, providing lightweight yet stable support for smaller rack systems. For larger systems, the spacers may be aligned linearly along the edges of the plates, creating a grid-like support structure. In configurations where the plates are circular or oval, the spacers may be arranged radially, extending outward from a central point to ensure even weight distribution. Additional spacers may also be added at intermediate points between primary spacers for high-stress applications or omitted for weight reduction in low-stress scenarios.

[0035] The spacers (16) are further configured to allow the rack system (10) to transition between its deployed and collapsed positions. In one embodiment, the spacers are removable, allowing them to be detached from the plates for complete disassembly. This enables the floor plate (12) and cradle plate (14) to be stacked for compact storage. In another embodiment, the spacers are collapsible, featuring hinged sections, telescoping members, or pivotable joints. Hinged spacers may fold inward to reduce the separation distance, while telescoping spacers can extend or retract to adjust the separation. Pivotable spacers may rotate flat against one of the plates when collapsed, minimizing the overall size of the system. Adjustable-length spacers allow the user to customize the separation distance (d), while interlocking spacer sections may snap together in the deployed position and disengage for compact storage.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, the bucket rack system (10) is shown in its deployed position, where the floor plate (12) and cradle plate (14) are held in parallel configuration by the spacers (16). Referring to FIG. 2, the openings (18) in the cradle plate (14) securely hold the bodies of the buckets (26), while the floor plate (12) supports their bases. Referring to FIG. 3, the exploded view shows the floor plate attachment points (34) and cradle plate attachment points (36), which secure the spacers (16) to the plates using securement mechanisms (30). These mechanisms may include threaded fasteners, bolts, pins, or quick-release latches for rapid assembly or disassembly.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, the rack system (10) is shown in its collapsed position, where the spacers (16) have been folded (FIG. 4B), retracted (FIG. 4C), or removed (FIG. 4A), allowing the cradle plate (14) to collapse close to or immediately on top of floor plate (12). This compact configuration reduces storage space and facilitates easy transport of the system. In FIG. 4B, spacers (16) include one or more hinges to move rack system (10) between deployed and collapsed positions. In FIG. 4C, spacers (16) telescope to move rack system (10) between deployed and collapsed positions. Spaces (16) may also be removed for rack system (10) to collapse with cradle plate (14) resting atop of floor plate (12) as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, the rack system (10) is shown in use on a vehicle bed (20), such as a truck, trailer, utility vehicle (UTV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or other surface. The system prevents the buckets (26) from tipping or spilling during transport over uneven terrain. The optional anti-skid features (32) ensure stability on metallic and non-metallic surfaces alike.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, a flowchart illustrates a method for using the bucket rack system (10). In Step 100, the floor plate (12), cradle plate (14), and spacers (16) are provided. In Step 110, the rack system is assembled by attaching the spacers (16) to the plates using the securement mechanisms (30). For collapsible embodiments, the spacers are deployed to achieve the predetermined separation distance (d). In Step 120, the assembled rack system is placed on a stable surface or vehicle bed (20). In Step 130, buckets (26) are inserted into the openings (18) of the cradle plate (14). In Step 140, the system is transported with the buckets held securely upright to prevent tipping or spilling. In Step 150, the system is collapsed by folding, retracting, or removing the spacers (16) for compact storage.

[0040] The bucket rack system (10) offers a versatile, durable, and lightweight solution for securely holding buckets of various geometries during filling, transport, and storage. With its ability to transition between deployed and collapsed positions, accommodate multiple bucket types, and adapt to a range of vehicles and environments, the system is ideal for use in agriculture, construction, landscaping, emergency response, and recreational applications. Its innovative design ensures ease of use, portability, and stability, making it an essential tool for efficient and reliable bucket management.

[0041] The invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein. In particular, the invention contemplates numerous variations in a bucket rack, system, and method. The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or limit any of the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is contemplated that other alternatives or exemplary aspects are considered included in the invention. The description is merely examples of embodiments, processes or methods of the invention. It is understood that any other modifications, substitutions, and / or additions can be made, which are within the intended spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1: A rack system for holding buckets, the system comprising:a floor plate for supporting the bases of the buckets;a cradle plate positioned above the floor plate, the cradle plate including multiple openings corresponding to the circumference of the buckets; anda plurality of spacers separating the floor plate and cradle plate, wherein the spacers are removable from the floor plate and the cradle plate to allow the rack system to transition between a collapsed position and a deployed position; andhandles integrated into at least one of the plates for lifting and transport.2: The rack system of claim 1, further comprising:anti-skid features on the underside of the floor plate for stabilization.3: The rack system of claim 1, wherein the spacers are collapsible to allow the rack system to transition between a collapsed position and a deployed position.4: The rack system of claim 2, wherein the anti-skid features comprise magnets for securing the rack to metallic surfaces.5: The rack system of claim 1, wherein the cradle plate and floor plate are parallel in an assembled position.6: The rack system of claim 1, further comprising:handles integrated into the cradle plate and / or floor plate for lifting and transport.7: The rack system of claim 1, wherein the spacers are removable to allow the rack system to transition between a collapsed position and a deployed position.8: A rack for holding buckets, comprising:a floor plate configured to support the bases of the buckets;a cradle plate positioned above the floor plate, the cradle plate including a plurality of openings configured to receive and support an upper portion of the buckets;a plurality of removable spacers disposed between the floor plate and the cradle plate, the spacers configured to:transition between a collapsed position for compact storage and a deployed position for supporting the plates in parallel relation; andmaintain a predetermined distance between the floor plate and the cradle plate in the deployed position;the floor plate defining a plurality of first spacer attachment points configured to removably receive a first end of each of the plurality of spacers;the cradle plate defining a plurality of second spacer attachment points configured to removably receive a second end of each of the plurality of spacers;wherein in the collapsed position, the first and second ends of the plurality of spacers are disengaged from the first and second spacer attachment points such that the floor plate and the cradle plate lie in face-to-face parallel abutment with one another; andhandles integrated into at least one of the plates for lifting and transport.9: The rack of claim 8, wherein the plurality of spacers remain attached to at least one of the floor plate and cradle plate in the collapsed position of the rack.10: The rack of claim 8, wherein the plurality of spacers are removed from the floor plate and the cradle plate in the collapsed position of the rack.11: The rack of claim 8, wherein the plurality of spacers have a first shape in the collapsed position of the rack and a second shape in the deployed position of the rack.12: The rack of claim 8, wherein the plurality of spacers have a first orientation in the collapsed position of the rack and a second orientation in the deployed position of the rack.13: The rack of claim 8 further comprising:anti-skid features on the underside of the floor plate for stabilization of the rack during transport.14: A method for a bucket rack, comprising:providing a floor plate configured to support bases of buckets, a cradle plate with a plurality of openings configured for supporting upper portions of buckets, and a plurality of spacers configured for maintaining parallel separation between the floor plate and the cradle plate;removably attaching a first end of each of the plurality of spacers to the floor plate and a second end of each of the plurality of spacers to the cradle plate to deploy the rack, such that the floor plate and the cradle plate are spaced in parallel relation;inserting buckets into the plurality of openings of the cradle plate until the buckets are supported upright between the floor plate and the cradle plate;transporting the bucket rack with buckets securely held upright; andcollapsing the rack by detaching each of the plurality of spacers from the floor plate and the cradle plate and placing the floor plate and the cradle plate in face-to-face parallel abutment for storage.15: The method of claim 14, further comprising:assembling the bucket rack by attaching opposing ends of the plurality of spacers to the floor plate and the cradle plate.16: The method of claim 14, further comprising:changing the orientation of the plurality of spacers for moving the cradle plate from a collapsed position to a deployed position.17: The method of claim 14, further comprising:changing the length of the plurality of spacers for moving the cradle plate from a collapsed position to a deployed position.18: The method of claim 14, further comprising:limiting movement and supporting the bucket rack during transport with a plurality of anti-skid features on the underside of the floor plate.19: The method of claim 14, further comprising:transporting the bucket rack on a vehicle bed.20: The method of claim 14, further comprising:collapsing the bucket rack to the collapsed position and deploying the bucket rack to the deployed position with the plurality of spacers, wherein the plates are parallel in the deployed position of the bucket rack.

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