Folding rack for chafing dish

Abstract

A folding chafing dish rack having a locking mechanism between the legs which prevents the inadvertent collapse of the rack when in use. The device is easily assembled and stable when in use and folds into a compact package which can be efficiently stored.

1 . A rack comprising: 
 a. a frame configured to hold at least one chafing dish pan;    b. a first leg and a second leg movably connected to the frame; and    c. a cross bar comprised of a first and second piece wherein each said piece has a fixed end and a free end, and wherein the fixed end of the first piece is movably connected to the first leg, and the fixed end of the second piece is movably connected to the second leg, and wherein the free end of the first piece is attachable to the free end of the second piece.    
   
   
       2 . A rack according to  claim 1  further comprising a prong on the free end of the first piece and a bracket on the free end of the second piece, wherein the prong interlocks with the bracket.  
   
   
       3 . A rack according to  claim 2  further comprising a fuel canister holder located on at least one of the first or second pieces of the cross bar.  
   
   
       4 . A rack according to  claim 3  wherein the frame is configured to hold two chafing dish pans.  
   
   
       5 . A rack according to  claim 3  wherein the frame is configured to hold one chafing dish pan.  
   
   
       6 . A rack according to  claim 2  further comprising a first fuel canister located on the first piece of the cross bar and a second fuel canister located on the second piece of the cross bar.  
   
   
       7 . A rack according to  claim 1  wherein the first and second legs are attached to the frame by a hinge.  
   
   
       8 . A rack according to  claim 7  wherein the first and second pieces of the cross bar are attached to the first and second legs by a hinge.  
   
   
       9 . A rack according to  claim 2  wherein the bracket is comprised of a hook portion.  
   
   
       10 . A rack according to  claim 9  wherein the hook portion extends below the cross bar.