System of racks for space saving storage

Abstract

A system of racks comprising of at least two racks that can be nested together when they are not in use thereby minimizing the space required for their collective storage. Each rack is comprised of a frame having two or more frame elements linked together by at least one Z-shaped bracket. Each frame element is comprised of two vertical support members linked by a plurality of tray holders at spaced apart distances along the interior side(s) of the vertical support members. The plurality of tray holders on each of the frame elements linked by a Z-shaped bracket are substantially aligned in the vertical direction thereby forming a set of pairs of tray holders. Each pair of tray holders is configured to receive and support the placement of trays. The trays comprise of a flat base portion with upstanding side edges which may be welded to a wire element to reduce crevices where debris and contaminants may otherwise be trapped and to assist with cleaning of the trays. When the racks are not in use, the trays are removed allowing the racks to nest together along their Z-shaped bracket.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rack comprising:
 a frame having:
 a first exterior frame element; 
 a second exterior frame element; and 
 at least one Z-shaped bracket linking the first exterior frame element and the second exterior frame element; 
   wherein each Z-shaped bracket comprises a pair of parallel members and a diagonal member joined therebetween and a respective joint member at each joint between the diagonal member and a respective one of the pair of parallel members, each joint member providing a planar crevice sealing surface; and   wherein, at each joint:
 respective first surfaces of the diagonal member, the respective one of the pair of parallel members and the respective joint member define an first smooth co-planer surface; and 
 respective opposite surfaces of the diagonal member, the respective one of the pair of parallel members and the respective joint member define an opposite smooth co-planer surface. 
   
     
     
         2 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein one Z-shaped bracket links a top of the first exterior frame element and a top of the second exterior frame element and one of the Z-shaped brackets links a bottom of first exterior frame element and a bottom of the second exterior frame element. 
     
     
         3 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the first exterior frame element and the second exterior frame elements each comprise two vertical support members where the two vertical support members of the first exterior frame element support and are linked by a first plurality of tray holders and where the two vertical support members of the second exterior frame element support and are linked by a second plurality of tray holders. 
     
     
         4 . The rack according to  claim 3  wherein the respective plurality of tray holders are secured to the respective two vertical support members such that when the rack is assembled the respective plurality of tray holders face an interior of the rack and each other. 
     
     
         5 . The rack according to  claim 3  wherein the respective plurality of tray holders are secured in a spaced relationship along the respective two vertical support members. 
     
     
         6 . The rack according  claim 3 , when the rack is assembled, the first plurality of tray holders are substantially aligned in the vertical direction with the second plurality of tray holders forming a set of pairs of tray holders. 
     
     
         7 . The rack according to  claim 6  wherein each of the pairs of tray holders is configured to receive and support a tray. 
     
     
         8 . The rack according to  claim 6  wherein each of the pairs of tray holders is configured to receive and support the tray by projecting flanges of the tray. 
     
     
         9 . The rack according to  claim 6  wherein each of the pairs of tray holders is configured to receive and support the tray by the base of the tray. 
     
     
         10 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the rack is made of a rigid material such as metal. 
     
     
         11 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the rack is made of a food grade material such as stainless steel and suitable plastic materials. 
     
     
         12 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the vertical support members or the at least one Z-shaped bracket are hollow. 
     
     
         13 . The rack according to  claim 12  wherein the ends of any one of the vertical support members or the at least one Z-shaped bracket are sealed with a cap, seal, glue or any other water tight fittings to keep water out of the hollow. 
     
     
         14 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the rack comprises wheels, casters or other rolling apparatus to facilitate movement of the racks. 
     
     
         15 . The rack according to  claim 1  wherein the rack comprises at least one interior frame element between the first exterior frame element and the second exterior frame element;
 at least a first Z-shaped bracket linking the first exterior frame element and the at least one interior frame element; and 
 at least a second Z-shaped bracket linking the second exterior frame element and the at least one interior frame element. 
 
     
     
         16 . The rack according to  claim 15  wherein the plurality of tray holders are secured to the interior side, relative to the rack as assembled, of the two vertical support members of each of the exterior frame elements. 
     
     
         17 . The rack according to  claim 16  wherein the plurality of tray holders are secured to both interior sides of the two vertical support members of the at least one interior frame element. 
     
     
         18 . A system of racks comprising:
 two or more racks, wherein each rack comprises   a frame having:
 a first exterior frame element; 
 a second exterior frame element; and 
 at least one Z-shaped bracket linking the first exterior frame element and the second exterior frame element; 
   wherein each Z-shaped bracket comprises a pair of parallel members and a diagonal member joined therebetween and a respective joint member at each joint between the diagonal member and a respective one of the pair of parallel members, each joint member providing a planar crevice sealing surface; and   wherein, at each joint:
 respective first surfaces of the diagonal member, the respective one of the pair of parallel members and the respective joint member define an first smooth co-planer surface; and 
 respective opposite surfaces of the diagonal member, the respective one of the pair of parallel members and the respective joint member define an opposite smooth co-planer surface; and 
   wherein the two or more racks are configured to nest together along their at least one Z-shaped brackets.   
     
     
         19 . The system of racks of  claim 18  further comprising a plurality of trays, each tray comprising:
 at least four side edges forming an opening; and 
 a substantially planar base wherein a periphery of the base portion connects to a base of the each of the at least four side edges; and wherein the at least four side edges comprise a pair of substantially parallel opposing edges defining outwardly projecting flanges relative to the opening and wherein the outwardly projecting flanges comprise a wire element. 
 
     
     
         20 . The system of racks of  claim 19  wherein:
 a. the wire element extends around each of the side edges and is welded thereto; 
 b. each of the side edges are rolled over the wire element; 
 c. at least the tray base defines a plurality of spaced perforations; and 
 d. the tray is made of food grade material such as stainless steel.