Rack for Drinking Vessels

Abstract

A rack with a rack body and a releasable locking portion holds two or more drinking vessels. The rack body includes a first and second locating devices, and a capture device to releasably capture the releasable locking portion. The releasable locking portion includes a first engagement device to engage with the capture device, and a second engagement device to engage with a second sector of each vessel base such that each vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement device, and the first locating device, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating device and the upstanding portion.

1 . A rack to, in use, hold at least one drinking vessel, the rack comprising:
 a rack body; and   a releasable locking portion;   wherein the rack body includes:
 a first locating means to, in use, locate against a first sector of the base of each said drinking vessel, 
 a second locating means to, in use, locate against a portion of each said drinking vessel upstanding from the vessel base, and 
 capture means to releasably capture the releasable locking portion, and wherein the releasable locking portion includes: 
 first engagement means to engage with the capture means of the rack body, and 
 second engagement means to, in use, engage with a second sector of each said vessel base such that once in position each said vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement means of the releasable locking portion, and the first locating means of the rack body, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating means of the rack body and the upstanding portion of the said vessel. 
   
   
   
       2 . A rack according to  claim 1  wherein the releasable locking portion is slidably engageable with the capture means of the rack body. 
   
   
       3 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the rack body is formed from a folded sheet of plastics material or metal. 
   
   
       4 . A rack according to  claim 3  wherein a material used to manufacture the rack body is either a heat stabilized plastics material or a food grade stainless steel. 
   
   
       5 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the releasable locking portion and the rack body contains numerous apertures and void areas to facilitate draining of washing water and subsequent drying. 
   
   
       6 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a part of the surface of the rack body or the releasable locking portion are adapted to be suitable to carry labels so as to provide a reference as to the contents of each drinking vessel which may be held in the rack. 
   
   
       7 . A rack according to  claim 6  wherein the reference is in the form of a reference number, or a specific brief written description. 
   
   
       8 . A rack according to  claim 6  wherein at least a part of a surface of the rack body or the releasable locking portion carries a logo, advertising, or other branding. 
   
   
       9 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the releasable locking portion has a forward end which is chamfered to assist with initial location of the locking portion as the forward end engages the rack body. 
   
   
       10 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the releasable locking portion further includes a rearward end and an aperture is provided in the rearward end to assist in the insertion or removal process. 
   
   
       11 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the releasable locking portion further includes a rearward end which terminates in a handle which is used to assist in carrying the rack. 
   
   
       12 . A rack according to  claim 1 , wherein the rack accommodates a set of five drinking vessels of the same shape and configuration. 
   
   
       13 . A rack according to  claim 12  wherein the drinking vessels are accommodated at equi-spaced intervals along the length of the rack. 
   
   
       14 . An assembly comprising:
 the rack according to  claim 1 ; and   the at least one drinking vessel.   
   
   
       15 . (canceled)