Nesting rack

#This invention relates to racks. In particular, this invention relates to a nesting rack which reduces storage space requirements.

#So-called “bakery racks” are widely used in commercial premises such as bakeries, to temporarily store products such as baked goods. A typical bakery rack comprises a rectangular side frames welded to a base frame mounted on castors, having a series of pan supports vertically aligned on the sides of the frame. A pan on which baked goods, for example pastries, are baked can be removed from the oven and placed in the bakery rack for storage, where the pan is supported along its side edges by the pan supports.

#Such bakery racks provide the advantages of being relatively lightweight, since the baking pan itself forming a shelf when placed on the pan supports and therefore built-in shelves are not required. Further, the open design of bakery racks allows for baked products to cool properly, without locking in moisture or humidity.

#In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a preferred embodiment of the invention,

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bakery rack according to a first embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the bakery rack of FIG. 1.

#A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. In this embodiment, the bakery rack 10 according to the invention comprises a pair of side frames 20 mounted to a base 30 and capped by a top 40.

#The side frames 20 are preferably substantially identical, and each comprises front and back risers 22, 24 and an intermediate riser 26 which is generally centred between the front and back risers 22, 24. Affixed, for example welded, to the risers 22, 24, 26, are a series of pan supports 28 which may conventionally comprise a supporting plate 28a depending substantially orthogonally from a back plate 28b. In the preferred embodiment the pan supports are substantially evenly spaced along the risers 22, 24, 26. All components of the side frames are preferably formed from food grade stainless steel, but may alternatively be formed from plastic or another suitable material.

#The risers 22, 24, 26 are mounted on and affixed, for example welded, to a base frame 30 comprising base members 32. The base members 32 are preferably substantially identical, and each has mounted to its underside at the front and rear ends, respectively, a castor 34 to facilitate transporting the rack 10 about a commercial premises. The base members 32 are connected by a cross brace 36 which is suitably affixed, for example welded, to a rear portion of one base member 32 and a front portion of the other base member 32. Trusses 38 are similarly affixed between the cross brace 36 and each respective base member 32, to maintain the selected angular orientation of the cross brace 36 relative to the base members 32 and form a structurally secure, integrated base frame 30.