Collapsible dish and utensil rack

Abstract

The dish or utensil rack includes a base member and a rack member formed of flexible material. The base member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The rack member has means for holding one or more dishes and/or utensils and first and second ends. Tab ands slot sets are provided for engaging the ends of the rack member and the end portions of the base member. When the members are so engaged, the rack member is retained in a substantially arcuate condition so as to receive dishes and/or utensils. When the members are disassembled, the base member fits into the interior opening in the rack member to form a planar unit for easy storage. A dish mat with a shape similar to that of the rack member can be used with the rack.

1 . A dish or utensil rack comprising a base member and a rack member formed of flexible material, said base member comprises a first end portion and a second end portion, said rack member comprises means for holding one or more dishes and/or utensils and first and second ends, first means for engaging said first end of said rack member and said first end portion of said base member and second means for engaging said second end of said rack and said second end portion of said base member such that said rack member is retained in a substantially arcuate condition. 
   
   
       2 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said base member is adapted to rest on a substantially planar surface. 
   
   
       3 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said first means comprises a tab and a slot. 
   
   
       4 . The rack of  claim 3  wherein said second means comprises a tab and a slot. 
   
   
       5 . The rack of  claim 4  wherein the tab forms part of said first rack member end and said slot is formed in said first end portion of said base member. 
   
   
       6 . The rack of  claim 5  wherein the tab forms part of said second rack member end and said slot is formed in said second end portion of said base member. 
   
   
       7 . The rack of  claim 4  wherein said tabs support the rack member when they are received in said slots. 
   
   
       8 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said rack member has an opening and wherein said base member is adapted to be received in said rack member opening when said members are disassembled. 
   
   
       9 . The rack of  claim 7  wherein said members form a substantially planar unit when said base member is received in that rack member opening. 
   
   
       10 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said rack member and said base member are formed of the same sheet of material. 
   
   
       11 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said holding means comprises a slot. 
   
   
       12 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said holding means comprise a set of spaced, oppositely oriented serpentine members defining a slot for holding a dish or a utensil. 
   
   
       13 . The rack of  claim 12  wherein said base member comprises a set of spaced, oppositely oriented protrusions. 
   
   
       14 . The rack of  claim 13  wherein said protrusions of said base member are adapted to be received in the slots of said rack member. 
   
   
       15 . The rack of  claim 1  wherein said base comprises a slot adapted to receive the bottom of a dish or utensil. 
   
   
       16 . The rack of  claim 1  for use with a drain mat having a peripheral shape substantially equal to the peripheral shape of said rack member. 
   
   
       17 . The rack of  claim 16  further comprising a peripheral wall having a height substantially equal to the thickness of said rack member.