US20060113263A1

US20060113263A1 - Clampable drinking glass rack

Info

Publication number: US20060113263A1
Application number: US10/998,907
Authority: US
Inventors: Clyde Kratochvil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-29
Filing date: 2004-11-29
Publication date: 2006-06-01

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for a clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses. The rack comprises a substantially rectangular base portion and a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion. The retainer portion defines one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion. The slots are adapted to receive a portion of a drinking glass. The rack also comprises a clamping device coupled with the base portion and the retainer portion and adapted to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of drinking glass racks. More particularly, the invention relates to a clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinking glasses of various types are frequently stored up-side-down, i.e., with the open end down, in order to prevent dust from accumulating in the glass. Typically, the glass is stored with the rim of the glass resting directly on a shelf or with the glass hanging from some type of rack. For example, wine glasses, goblets, and other stemware having a relatively thin stem extending from a flat base can be stored hanging up-side-down from the base of the glass in various types of racks.
However, these racks allow the glasses stored therein to hang freely and do not secure the glasses within the rack. This presents a problem in cases where the rack may be subject to movement. For example, if the rack is used in a vehicle such as a camper, recreational vehicle, boat, etc. the rack, and the glasses stored therein, will likely be subject to significant movement. In another example, if the rack is installed in a home in a seismically active area, subject to earthquakes, the home, and therefore the rack and the glasses stored therein, can be subject to significant movement. In either case, glasses hanging freely within these racks can sway, bounce, and slid within the rack or even fall out of the rack and break.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by a clampable drinking glass rack as will be described below. The rack comprises a base portion, a retainer portion and a clamping device. The clamping device moves the retainer portion relative to the base portion to clamp or secure a portion of a glass between the base portion and the retainer portion.
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprises a substantially rectangular base portion. The rack also has a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion. The retainer portion defines one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion. The slots are adapted to receive a portion of a drinking glass. A clamping device is coupled with the base portion and the retainer portion and is adapted to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion.
In accordance with other aspects of the present invention a clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprises a substantially rectangular base portion. A plurality of bolts extends from the base portion substantially perpendicular to the base portion. The rack also has a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion. The retainer portion defines one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion. The slots are adapted to receive a portion of a drinking glass. The retainer portion also defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted to receive the plurality bolts extending from the base portion. A plurality of nuts are adapted to engage the one or more bolts extending from the base portion and to move the retainer portion between the first position and second position when the plurality of nuts are tightened onto the plurality of bolts.
In accordance with still other aspects of the present invention a method of securing a drinking glass having a substantially flat base and a stem extending from the base in a clampable rack comprises sliding the stem of the glass into an open ended slot of a retainer portion of the rack. The open-ended slot extends from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion and is adapted to receive the stem of the drinking glass. The method further comprises tightening a clamping device coupled with a base portion and the retainer portion of the rack to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion. The first position comprises an open position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow the stem of the drinking glass to slide in the open-ended slot. The second position comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer is positioned to secure the base of the drinking glass between the retainer portion and the base portion.
Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a retainer portion of a clampable drinking glass rack according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A method and apparatus are described for a clampable drinking glass rack. As will be described, the rack includes a base portion, a retainer portion and a clamping device. The clamping device moves the retainer portion relative to the base portion to clamp or secure a portion of a glass between the base portion and the retainer portion. As an initial matter, some terms used throughout this description are defined below.
Terminology
The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.
References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases as used in various places in the specification are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.
The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.
Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.
Importantly, while embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to stemware such as wine glasses, goblets, etc. that have a relatively thin stem extending from a flat base, the method and apparatus described herein are equally applicable to other types of drinking glasses. For example, the techniques described herein are thought to be useful in connection with coffee cups or other types of mugs having a handle or other extension that may be hooked or hung on a rack.
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105, a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device. In this example, as will be discussed in detail below, the clamping device includes bolts 125 and nuts 145. However, as will be discussed, other types of clamping devices are contemplated.
The base portion 105 as shown here is substantially rectangular in shape. The exact size and shape of the base portion 105 may vary widely depending on how and where the rack 100 will be used. However, a rectangular base may be preferable as it may provide more storage space relative to another arrangement. The base portion 105 may be constructed of any of a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. Since the base portion 105 supports the rack 100, the thickness of the base portion 105 may depend in part on the material used.
Additionally, the base portion 105 may be mounted to another object such as a counter, cabinet, shelf, etc. Therefore, the base portion 105 may optionally define one or more mounting holes 165 adapted to receive one or more base fasteners 120 such as screws, bolts, etc. The base fasteners 120 can pass through the mounting holes 165 to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object such as the underside of a cabinet or shelf or other object. Alternatively, other means may be used to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. For example, tape, adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may be used to mount and secure the base portion 105.
FIG. 1 also shows a retainer portion 115 of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion 105. The exact size and shape of the retainer portion 115 may vary widely depending on the application. However, a retainer portion 115 that is a similar size and shape as the base portion 105 may be preferable as it may provide more storage space relative to another arrangement.
The retainer portion 115 defines one or more open-ended slots 140 extending from an edge, i.e., the front edge 136 from this perspective, of the retainer portion 115 into a body of the retainer portion 115. The slots 140 are adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass 150. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a stemware type glass 150 having a substantially flat base 160 and a stem 155 extending from the base 160 supporting the glass 150. The slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 are wide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150 with the base 160 of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. In this way, the glass is supported from the base 160 by the retainer portion 115.
A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In this example, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the base portion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or more bolts 125. Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or more bolt holes 135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled, the bolts 125 extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes 135 of the retainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto the bolts to hold the retainer portion 115.
Therefore, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position. The first position of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e., the stem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or more open-ended slots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115 comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to secure a portion, i.e., the base 160 of a drinking glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is, in the open position, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to a position that allows enough room between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into or out of one of the slots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. Then, when a glass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of the retainer portion 115, the nuts 145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125 to clamp the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105 thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack 100.
Alternatively, a different clamping device is contemplated and may be used. For example, various types of latches may be used. In another example, a combination of one or more hinges and one or more latches may be used. In such a case, a hinge on one edge of the rack 100 may couple the retainer portion 115 with the base portion 105 and allow the retainer portion 115 to move between the first and second positions. A latch on another edge of the rack 100 may be used to secure the retainer portion 115. Other examples can include a wide variety of hooks, hinges, latches, pins, pivots, bolts, etc. and various combinations thereof to move the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion 105.
Optionally, the rack may also comprise a cushion 110 disposed between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion 105. In this case, the cushion 110 may further define one or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Alternatively, the cushion 110 may be sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the base portion 105. The cushion 110, if used, can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 110 may be affixed to the base portion 105 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means. Furthermore, a different type of cushion or even more than one cushion may be used as will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
In use, a drinking glass 150 may be secured in the rack 100 by sliding the stem 155 of the glass 150 into an open ended slot 140 of the retainer portion 115 of the rack 100 with the base 160 of the glass 150 between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 of the rack 100. The clamping device, such as nuts 145 on bolts 125, may then be tightened to move the retainer portion 115 between a first, open position and a second, clamped position relative to the base portion 105 to clamp and/or secure the base 160 of the glass 150 between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. To remove the drinking glass 150 from the rack 100 the clamping device, i.e., nuts 145 on bolts 125, may be loosened to move the retainer portion 115 between the second, clamped position and the first, open position relative to the base portion 105. The glass 150 may then be removed from the rack 100 by sliding it out of the open-ended slot 140.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, various other types of glasses, other than stemware may be used with the clampable rack 100. For example, the retainer portion 115 may be sized and shaped differently so that is may engage and retain a handle on a coffee cup or other mug-type of cup. In such a case, the rack functions in the same manner but clamps the handle or other portion of the glass rather than the base.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105, a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device. In this example, as with the example in FIG. 1, the clamping device includes bolts 125 and nuts 145. However, as has been discussed, other types of clamping devices are contemplated.
As discussed above, the base portion 105 may optionally define one or more mounting holes 165 adapted to receive one or more base fasteners 120 such as screws, bolts, etc. The base fasteners 120 can pass through the mounting holes 165 to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object such as the underside of a cabinet or shelf or other object. Alternatively, other means may be used to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. For example, tape, adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may be used to mount and secure the base portion 105.
FIG. 2 also shows a retainer portion 115 of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion 105. The exact size and shape of the retainer portion 115 may vary widely depending on the application. Furthermore, as discussed above, the retainer portion 115 may be sized and shaped differently than shown here in order to facilitate the use of different types of drinking glasses or cups.
The retainer portion 115 defines one or more open-ended slots 140 extending from an edge, i.e., the front edge 136 from this perspective, of the retainer portion 115 into a body of the retainer portion 115. The slots 140 are adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass 150. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates a stemware type glass 150 having a substantially flat base 160 and a stem 155 extending from the base 160 supporting the glass 150. The slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 are wide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150 with the base 160 of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. In this way, the glass is support from the base 160 by the retainer portion 115.
A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In this example, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the base portion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or more bolts 125. Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or more bolt holes 135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled, the bolts 125 extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes 135 of the retainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto the bolts 125 to hold the retainer portion 115. As discussed in detail above, various other types of clamping devices are contemplated.
As discussed above, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position. The first position of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e., the stem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or more open-ended slots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115 comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to secure a portion, i.e., the base 160, of a drinking glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is, in the open position, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to a position that allows enough room between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into or out of one of the slots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. Then, when a glass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of the retainer portion 115, the nuts 145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125 to clamp the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105 thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack 100.
Optionally, the rack may also comprise a cushion 210 disposed between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 2, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as the retainer portion 115. In this case, the cushion 210 may further define one or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105 as well as one or more open ended slots 215 matching the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 and positioned to align with the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115. Alternatively, the cushion 210 may be sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the retainer portion 115. The cushion 210, if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 210 may be affixed to the retainer portion 115 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means. Furthermore, a different type of cushion or even more than one cushion may be used as will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a clampable drinking glass rack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a clampable rack 100 is shown that includes a base portion 105, a retainer portion 115, and a clamping device that, in this example, includes bolts 125 and nuts 145. However, as has been discussed, other types of clamping devices are contemplated.
The base portion 105 as shown here may optionally define one or more mounting holes 165 adapted to receive one or more base fasteners 120 such as screws, bolts, etc. The base fasteners 120 can pass through the mounting holes 165 to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object such as the underside of a cabinet or shelf or other object. Alternatively, other means may be used to secure the base portion 105 of the rack 100 to another object. For example, tape, adhesives, Velcro®, tabs and slots, clamps, etc. may be used to mount and secure the base portion 105.
FIG. 3 also shows a retainer portion 115 that defines one or more open-ended slots 140. The slots 140 are adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass 150. As discussed above, the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 are wide enough to receive the stem 155 of the glass 150 with the base 160 of the glass 150 above the retainer portion 115. In this way, the glass is support from the base 160 by the retainer portion 115.
A clamping device is coupled with the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 and adapted to move the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion 105. In this example, the clamping device comprises one or more bolts 125 extending through the base portion 105 substantially perpendicular to the base portion 105 and one or more nuts 145 adapted to engage the one or more bolts 125. The bolts 125 may be secured in the base portion 105 by one or more retainers 305. Alternatively, the bolts 125 may be treaded into the base portion 105 or may be retained in the base portion 105 in another way such as with adhesives or not retained at all.
Additionally, the retainer portion 115 defines one or more bolt holes 135 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Therefore, when the rack 100 is assembled, the bolts 125 extending from the base 105 pass through the bolt holes 135 of the retainer portion 115. The nuts 145 are then threaded onto the bolts to hold the retainer portion 115. Also as shown here, the retainer portion 115 may have beveled edges 310 to remove any sharp edges or corners exposed to the user.
Therefore, tightening or loosening the nuts 145 moves the retainer portion 115 between a first position and a second position. The first position of the retainer portion 115 comprises an open position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to allow a portion, i.e., the stem 155, of a drinking glass 150 to slide in the one or more open-ended slots 140. The second position of the retainer portion 115 comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer portion 115 is positioned to secure a portion, i.e., the base 160 of a drinking glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. That is, in the open position, the nuts 145 are treaded onto the bolts 125 to a position that allows enough room between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 for the stem of the glass 155 to be slid into or out of one of the slots 140 in the retainer portion 115 with the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105. Then, when a glass 150 is placed in a slot 140 of the retainer portion 115, the nuts 145 may be tightened onto the bolts 125 to clamp the base 160 of the glass 150 between the retainer portion 115 and the base portion 105 thereby securing the glass 150 within the rack 100.
Optionally, the rack may also comprise a first cushion 110 disposed between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 1, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion 105. In this case, the cushion 110 may further define one or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. Alternatively, the cushion 110 may be sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the base portion 105. The cushion 110, if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 110 may be affixed to the base portion 105 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means.
Furthermore, the rack may also comprise a second cushion 210 disposed between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. As shown in FIG. 2, the cushion may be of a substantially similar size and shape as the retainer portion 115. In this case, the cushion 210 may further define one or more bolt holes 130 adapted to receive the one or more bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105 as well as one or more open ended slots 215 matching the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115 and positioned to align with the slots 140 of the retainer portion 115. Alternatively, the cushion 210 may be sized or shaped differently to cover only certain areas of the retainer portion 115. The cushion 210, if used can be made of foam, rubber, felt, cloth or other material to pad the base 160 of the glass 150 and prevent breakage of the glass when the retainer portion 115 is moved to clamp the glass 150 in the rack 100. If used, the cushion 210 may be affixed to the retainer portion 115 with glue, adhesive, fasteners, or other means. Furthermore, a different type of cushion or even more than one cushion may be used as will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 3.
In use a drinking glass 150 may be secured in the rack 100 by sliding the stem 155 of the glass 150 into an open ended slot 140 of the retainer portion 115 of the rack 100 with the base 160 of the glass 150 between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115 of the rack 100 and the cushions affixed thereto, if any. The clamping device, such as nuts 145 on bolts 125, may then be tightened to move the retainer portion 115 between a first, open position and a second, clamped position relative to the base portion 105 to clamp and/or secure the base 160 of the glass 150 between the base portion 105 and the retainer portion 115. To remove the drinking glass 150 from the rack 100 the clamping device, i.e., nuts 145 on bolts 125, may be loosened to move the retainer portion 115 between the second, clamped position and the first, open position relative to the base portion 105. The glass 150 may then be removed from the rack 100 by sliding it out of the open-ended slot 140.
FIG. 4 is bottom view of a retainer portion of a clampable drinking glass rack according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. Visible in this view is retainer portion 115 defining the one or more bolt holes 135 for receiving the bolts 125 extending from the base portion 105. The retainer portion 115 also defines one or more open ended slots 140 extending from an edge of the retainer portion 115 across the body of the retainer portion 115. Additionally, the retainer portion in this example includes a bevel 310 running the entire perimeter of the retainer portion 115.
The various preferred embodiments and variations thereof illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations of the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the cover that read upon the appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprising:

a substantially rectangular base portion;

a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion and defining one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion and adapted to receive a portion of a drinking glass; and

a clamping device coupled with the base portion and the retainer portion and adapted to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion.

2. The clampable rack of claim 1, wherein the first position of the retainer portion comprises an open position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow a portion of a drinking glass to slide in the one or more open-ended slots.

3. The clampable rack of claim 1, wherein the second position of the retainer portion comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer is positioned to secure a portion of a drinking glass within the one or more open-ended slots between the retainer portion and the base portion.

4. The clampable rack of claim 1, further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion.

5. The clampable rack of claim 4, wherein the cushion is affixed to the base portion.

6. The clampable rack of claim 1, further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion and defines one or more open-ended slots matching the slots of the retainer portion and positioned to align with the slots of the retainer portion.

7. The clampable rack of claim 6, wherein the cushion is affixed to the retainer portion.

8. The clampable rack of claim 1, wherein the clamping device comprises one or more bolts extending from the base portion substantially perpendicular to the base portion.

9. The clampable rack of claim 8, wherein the retainer portion defines one or more bolt holes adapted to receive the one or more bolts extending from the base portion.

10. The clampable rack of claim 9, wherein the clamping device comprises one or more nuts adapted to engage the one or more bolts extending from the base portion and to move the retainer portion between the first position and second position when the one or more nuts are tightened onto the one or more bolts.

11. A clampable rack to hold one or more drinking glasses comprising:

a substantially rectangular base portion;

a plurality of bolts extending from the base portion substantially perpendicular to the base portion;

a retainer portion of a substantially similar shape and size as the base portion and defining one or more open-ended slots extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion and adapted to receive a portion of drinking glass and wherein the retainer portion also defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted to receive the plurality bolts extending from the base portion; and

a plurality of nuts adapted to engage the one or more bolts extending from the base portion and to move the retainer portion between the first position and second position when the plurality of nuts are tightened onto the plurality of bolts.

12. The clampable rack of claim 11, wherein the first position of the retainer portion comprises an open position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow a portion of a drinking glass to slide in the one or more open-ended slots.

13. The clampable rack of claim 11, wherein the second position of the retainer portion comprises a clamped position wherein the retainer is positioned to secure a portion of a drinking glass within the one or more open-ended slots between the retainer portion and the base portion.

14. The clampable rack of claim 11, further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion and defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted to receive the plurality of bolts extending from the base portion.

15. The clampable rack of claim 14, wherein the cushion is affixed to the base portion.

16. The clampable rack of claim 11, further comprising a cushion disposed between the base portion and the retainer portion wherein the cushion is of a substantially similar size and shape as the base portion and defines one or more open-ended slots matching the slots of the retainer portion and positioned to align with the slots of the retainer portion and also defines a plurality of bolt holes adapted to receive the plurality of bolts extending from the base portion.

17. The clampable rack of claim 16, wherein the cushion is affixed to the retainer portion.

18. A method of securing a drinking glass having a substantially flat base and a stem extending from the base in a clampable rack, the method comprising:

sliding the stem of the glass into an open ended slot of a retainer portion of the rack the open-ended slot extending from an edge of the retainer portion into a body of the retainer portion and adapted to receive the base and stem of the drinking glass, the base of the glass being positioned between the base portion and the retainer portion of the rack; and

tightening a clamping device coupled with a base portion and the retainer portion of the rack to move the retainer portion between a first position and a second position relative to the base portion, the first position comprising an open position wherein the retainer is positioned to allow the stem of the drinking glass to slide in the open-ended slot and the second position comprising a clamped position wherein the retainer is positioned to secure the base of the drinking glass between the retainer portion and the base portion.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising removing the drinking glass from the clampable rack comprising:

loosening the clamping device to move the retainer portion between the second position and the first position relative to the base portion; and

sliding the stem of the class out of the open-ended slot in the retainer portion.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein tightening the clamping device comprises tightening one or more nuts onto one or more bolts.