This invention concerns stackable cookware, and more particularly stackable trays.

The storage of cookware, such as bakeware, is problematic in that stacks of different types of trays, racks, etc are prone to toppling when disturbed. Whilst it is possible to purchase a small number of conventional trays which may sit neatly one atop, or inside, another, larger stacks of trays, particularly of different types of trays, require one or more upper trays to be perched atop a lower tray such that the upper tray(s) can slide or otherwise be dislodged from the lower tray.

Thus stacks of conventional trays fall easily when attempting to access a lower tray in the stack. Furthermore stacks of conventional trays are not space efficient and can present a hazard, particularly if one attempts to position further, heavier articles on top of the stack.

It is an aim of the present invention to accommodate stacking of cookware in an improved manner, particularly, although not exclusively for larger stacks of cookware and/or different types of bakeware.

According to the present invention there is provided stackable cookware system comprising at least six trays, wherein the depth of a largest tray allows each of the other trays to be stackable within the largest tray, such that an outer edge of an uppermost tray in the stackable system is within or substantially flush with a peripheral edge of the largest tray.

An upper edge of the uppermost tray may be substantially contained within the depth of the largest tray. An outer edge of all trays in the stack may be within the peripheral edge of the largest tray. The depth of all trays in the stack may be accommodated within the depth of the largest tray. A plurality of the trays may have one or more apertures therein to allow said trays to be grouped and removed from the stack, the respective apertures of at least two of said plurality of trays being aligned when stacked in the largest tray. The system, may comprise at least eight or ten trays.

The system may be provided as a retail article in which the trays are

preassembled in said stack. Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a system according to an example of the invention; Figures 2 - 13 each show a three dimensional view of one of the trays of Figure 1 ;

Figure 14 shows a three-dimensional view of the assembled system with the top tray removed; Figure 15 shows a section view through the assembled system of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 16 shows an exploded view of a further example of a system according to the invention. With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a stackable cookware system, generally designated 10, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 of the first embodiment comprises thirteen trays 12, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 1 10, 120, 140, 150 ordered in sequence from lowermost to

uppermost. The trays are intended for use in baking, e.g. as so-called bakeware.

The largest tray 12 comprises a substantially planar base 14, and a plurality of upstanding walls 16, such that the tray 12 defines a partially enclosed region 13. The edge between the base 14 and the plurality of upstanding walls 16 is rounded. The tray 12 further comprises a lip 17. The lip 17 extends substantially

perpendicularly outwardly from an upper edge of the plurality of upstanding walls 16, around substantially the entirety of the tray 12. Opposing upstanding walls 16 comprise handle formations 22. Each handle formation 22 is hingedly attached to an upstanding wall, such that each handle formation 22 is selectively moveable from a configuration in which it is aligned in parallel to an upstanding wall 16, to a configuration in which it is aligned perpendicularly to an upstanding wall 16.

The largest tray 12 is a "roasting tray". The depth of the largest tray 12 is such that it may receive and house each of the other trays 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 1 10, 120, 140, 150. The next tray 30 in the stackable cookware system 1 0 comprises a substantially planar base 31 , and a plurality of upstanding walls 32, such that the tray 30 defines a partially enclosed interior.

The tray 30 further comprises a lip 34. The lip 34 extends substantially

perpendicularly outwardly from an upper edge of the plurality of upstanding walls 32, and the lip 34 extends around substantially the entirety of the tray 30. The lip 34 extends outwardly by a greater distance at first and second ends of the tray 30 than it does along the tray sides. The lip 34 comprises an alphanumeric identifier 37 and a plurality of apertures 38. The plurality of alphanumeric identifiers 37 and the plurality of apertures 38 are located in the lip at opposing ends of the tray. An alphanumeric identifier 37 is located at each end of the tray. Each alphanumeric identifier 37 is integrally formed with the lip 34, e.g. as an embossed feature.

A plurality of apertures 38 are disposed at each end of the tray. Each of the plurality of apertures 38 are substantially circular in form, and passes completely through the lip 34. Each of the plurality of apertures 38 is dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving a human finger in use. The spacing between successive apertures 38 is such that the apertures 38 are graspable by a user.

The tray 30 is a "roasting tray". The dimensions of the tray 30 are such that the tray 30 is received within the interior region 13 of the largest tray 12 with a close fit.

The base 31 is substantially planar but comprises a plurality of shallow recesses or depressions 39. The plurality of recess 39 are disposed such that there is a single recess 39 corresponding to each corner of the base portion 31 , such that in use the plurality of recesses may act as a locating formation for another tray in the stackable system 10 as will be described below.

The next tray 40 in the stackable cookware system 10 comprises a substantially planar base 41 and a plurality of upstanding walls 42, such that the tray 40 defines a partially enclosed interior.

The tray 40 further comprises a lip 44 substantially as described above in relation to Figure 2.

The base 41 comprises a plurality of depressions 49, which collectively occupy the majority of the area of the base 41 . Each of the plurality of depressions 49 have a substantially circular cross-section, and are or tapering width along their depth. Each of the plurality of depressions 49 generally has the form of a circular frustum. The plurality of depressions 49 are disposed in a regular array upon the surface of the base 41 . Six depressions 49 are provided. Unlike the recesses 39 of tray 30, the depressions 49 are deeper and are intended to accommodate foodstuff to be cooked in use, e.g. as a receptacle or mould. The tray 40 is known as a "pudding tray".

The plurality of upstanding walls 42 and the plurality of depressions 49 are dimensioned such that the combined depth of the plurality of upstanding walls 42 and the plurality of depressions 49, is substantially equal to the depth of the interior of the previous tray 30.

The dimensions of the tray 40 are such that the tray 40 is received within the partially enclosed region 33 of the previous tray 30 with a close fit. When stacked, the lip 44 of the tray 40 is substantially aligned with the lip 34 of the tray 30.

Hence the plurality of apertures 48 of the tray 40 are substantially aligned with the plurality of apertures 38 of the previous tray 30. This allows a user to selectively grasp either the tray 40, or the combination of trays 30 and 40 via the apertures.

The next tray 50 in the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially akin to tray 30 and like features will not be described again for conciseness. However each of the plurality of upstanding walls 52 of tray 50 comprises a step-like formation 54, such that an upper portion 55 of the tray interior has a greater length and/or width dimension than a lower portion 56 of the tray interior.

The dimensions of the lower portion 56 of the partially enclosed region 53 are such that the lower portion 56 can be received within the interior region 43 of the previous tray 40, for example upon base 41 thereof, when the trays are in a stacked formation. The depth of the lower portion 56 of the tray 50 is such that the step formation 54 is located closer to the tray lip than the base.

When stacked, the lip of the tray 50 is substantially aligned with the lip of the tray 40, and the lip 34 of the tray 30. Hence the plurality of apertures of the tray 50 are substantially aligned with the plurality of apertures of the previous tray 40, and the plurality of apertures 38 of the tray 30. This allows a user to selectively grasp either the tray 50, or the combination of trays 50 and 40, or the combination of trays 50, 40, and 30. The tray 50 is a further "roasting tray".

The next tray 60 of the stackable cookware system 1 0 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a substantially planar surface 61 . The surface 61 comprises a plurality of depressions 63, a plurality of alphanumeric indicators 64, and a plurality of apertures 65. Unlike the preceding trays, tray 60 does not have common side walls or a common interior volume. Thus the surface 61 is the uppermost surface of the tray.

The tray 60 may have a lip 62 extending outwardly and/or downwardly (e.g. at an angle) from substantially the entirety of the peripheral edge of the surface 61 . Unlike the above-described trays, the lip is relatively thin and uniform around the entirety of the tray and does not comprise any apertures..

Each of the plurality of depressions 63 has a substantially constant circular cross- section, such that each of the plurality of depressions is substantially cylindrical in form. Each of the plurality of depressions 63 depends substantially downwardly from the surface 61 . The plurality of depressions 63 are disposed in a regular array over the surface 61 with each depression being spaced from an adjacent depression by an intermediate portion of the common surface 61 . Each of the plurality of depressions 63 are dimensioned so as to provide a mould or receptacle for articles to be baked, such as, for example, muffins or the like. In this example, the twelve depressions are provided in three rows.

The depth of each of the plurality of depressions 63 corresponds substantially to the depth of the lower portion 56 of the previous tray 50.

An alphanumeric indicator 64 is disposed upon an upper surface of the base 61 . In this example, a plurality of alphanumeric indicators is provided and each indicator is provided between adjacent rows or depressions 63 and/or towards opposing ends 66, 67 of the tray.

The plurality of apertures 65 are located at first 66 and second 67 ends of the tray 60. The plurality of apertures 65 are disposed such that there is more than one aperture 65 at each of the first 66 and second 67 ends of the tray 60, ie there are sets of apertures 65 located at each of the first 66 and second 67 ends of the tray 60. Each of the plurality of apertures 65 are substantially circular in form, and extend through substantially the entirety of the base 61 . Each of the plurality of apertures 65 is dimensioned so as to be capable of receiving a human finger in use. The spacing between successive apertures 65 is such that the apertures 65 are graspable by a user.

The tray 60 is dimensioned so as to fit within the partially enclosed region 53 of the previous tray 50. The tray 60 is a "muffin tray".

The next tray 70 in the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially as described above in relation to tray 60, except that the depressions in tray 70 are of different shape and/or dimensions. The tray 70 has tapered depressions 73, the minimum width of which is smaller than the width of the depressions 63.

Each of the plurality of depressions 73 are dimensioned so as to provide, for example, cupcakes or the like. The number of depressions 73 of the tray 70 is the same as the number of depressions 63 of the tray 60. Each of the plurality of depressions 73 is substantially aligned with a corresponding projection 63 of the previous tray 60. The dimension of each of the plurality of depressions 73 is such that each of the plurality of depressions 73 is received within a corresponding depression 63 of the previous tray 60, when the trays are in a stacked formation.

The tray 70 has substantially the same dimensions as the previous tray 60. Each of the plurality of apertures 75 is located such that, when the trays are in a stacked formation, each of the plurality of apertures 75 is aligned with a corresponding aperture 65 of the previous tray 60. This allows a user to selectively grasp either the tray 70, or the combination of trays 70 and 60.

The next tray 80 in the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially as described above in relation to tray 60 and 70, except that one or more dimension, typically a width dimension, of the depressions 83 is smaller. .Each of the plurality of depressions 83 are dimensioned so as to provide, for example, fairy-cakes or the like. The number of depressions 83 of the tray 80 is the same as the number of depressions 63, 73 of the trays 60, 70. Each of the plurality of depressions 83 is substantially aligned with a corresponding projection 63, 73 of the previous tray 60, 70. The dimension of each of the plurality of depressions 83 is such that each of the plurality of depressions 83 is received within a corresponding depression 73 of the previous tray 70, when the trays are in a stacked formation.

The tray 80 has substantially the same overall dimensions as the previous tray 60, 70. Each of the plurality of apertures 85 is located such that, when the trays are in a stacked formation, each of the plurality of apertures 85 is aligned with a corresponding aperture 65, 75 of the previous tray 60, 70. This allows a user to selectively grasp either the tray 80, or the combination of trays 80 and 70, or the combination of the trays 80, 70, and 60. In this manner, the trays 60, 70 and 80 provide a nested arrangement which occupies a minimal volume when stacked.

The tray 80 is a "fairy-cake tray". The smaller depressions 83 allow greater clearance such that the alphanumeric indicator 84 can be located towards the end of the tray, e.g. between the finger apertures 85.

The next tray 90 of the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially as described above in relation to trays 60, 70 and/or 80, save that one or more dimension of each of the plurality of projections 93 is smaller than the

corresponding dimension of the depressions of the previous tray 60, 70 or 80. The depth of the depressions 93 is smaller an may be the same as, or less than, the depth of the lip 92 about the tray perimeter. The tray 90 is a "macaroon tray".

The combined depth of the trays 90,80,70,60 is such that each of the trays

90,80,70,60 are able to fit within the partially enclosed interior of the tray 50, when the trays are in a stacked formation. The peripheral edge or lip 62, 72, 82 and/or 92 may be seated upon the internal formation 54 of tray 50.

The next tray 100 of the stackable cookware system 10 provides a shallow roasting tray or grill pan. The tray 100 is substantially as described above in relation to tray 12, save that tray 100 is of reduced depth and/or wall thickness. The tray 100 omits handles 22. The tray 100 further comprises a thin lip 104 at its upper peripheral edge, which is of substantially uniform thickness about its perimeter.

The base 101 comprises a plurality of recesses 105, akin to recesses 39 described above, and aligned there-with when stacked.

The base 101 of tray 100 further comprises an alphanumeric identifier 106. The alphanumeric identifier 106 is integrally formed with the base 101 .

The length and width of the base 101 substantially correspond to the length and width of the partially enclosed region 13 of the largest tray 12. Thus, when in a stacked formation, the base 101 of the tray 100 substantially covers each of the previous trays 30,40,50,60,70,80,90. When in a stacked formation the lip 104 of the tray 100 is substantially flush with or seated atop the lip 17 of the largest tray 12. The base 101 of tray 100 sits atop the lip of tray 50 when stacked.

The next tray 1 10 of the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially according to the tray 30 described above except that it is of reduced depth dimension. The tray 1 10 is typically less than half the depth of tray 30.

The tray 1 10 is a "Swiss-roll tray". The dimensions of the tray 1 10 are such that the tray 1 10 is substantially received within the partially enclosed region 103 of the previous tray 100 with a close fit.

The next tray 120 in the stackable cookware system 10 comprises a substantially planar base 121 and a plurality of upstanding walls 122, such that the tray 120 defines a partially enclosed region 123. The plurality of upstanding walls 122 extend inwardly by a small amount toward the centre of the base 121 at central regions 127,128 opposing ends of the tray 120.

The tray 120 further comprises a lip 126. The lip 126 extends substantially perpendicularly outwardly from an upper edge of the plurality of upstanding walls 122, around substantially the entirety of the tray 120. The lip 126 extends across substantially the entirety of the gap defined in the central regions 127,128 at the opposing ends of the tray. The base 121 comprises a plurality of recesses 129, of type akin to recesses 39 described above, and a plurality of ridges 130. Each of the plurality of ridges 130 has is arcuate in section and depends upwardly from the plane of the base 121 . Each of the plurality of ridges 130 is elongate in form, and extends longitudinally along substantially the entirety of the length of the base 121 . Each of the plurality of ridges 130 is formed integrally with the base 121 . Each of the plurality of ridges 130 comprises a plurality of apertures, e.g. for ventilation and/or drainage.

The lip 126 comprises a plurality of alphanumeric identifiers 132 and a plurality of apertures 133 of the type described above, located in the recessed central regions 127, 128.

The tray 120 is dimensioned such that the tray 120 is received within the partially enclosed internal region 1 13 of the previous tray 1 10 with a close fit. The next tray 140 in the stackable cookware system 10 is a wireframe tray and comprises an outer frame 141 and a plurality of cross members 142, typically extending longitudinally across the outer frame 141 , e.g. at regular spacing, such that the plurality of cross members 142 collectively define a surface 144. The tray 140 is thus a "wire-frame cooling rack".

The tray 140 further comprises a plurality of feet 145. The plurality of feet 145 are formed integrally as part of two of the cross members 142, e.g. by bends therein, and depend downwardly from the surface 144. The plurality of feet 145 are dimensioned so as to be received by the recesses 39-129 of any of the previous trays in use. The feet are located in recesses 129 of the previous tray 120, when the trays are in a stacked formation. The surface 144 of tray 142 comprises a plaque formation 146, which may be substantially rectangular in form and/or disposed centrally on the surface 144 relative to the outer frame 141 defined by the plurality of inserts. The plaque formation 146 comprises an alphanumeric identifier 147.

The tray 140 is dimensioned so as to fit within the enclosed region 123 of the previous tray 120, when the trays are in a stacked formation. The tray 140 will fit within the perimeter of any of the trays 12, 30, 50, 100, 1 10, 120 described above and thus can be used selectively with any of those trays as desired.

The final/uppermost tray 150 in the stackable cookware system 10 is substantially as described above in relation to tray 140. However the tray 150 may or may not comprise feet. Furthermore the tray 150 is of greater length and/or width dimension. The length and/or width dimension of tray 150 may be substantially the same as the largest tray 12. The spacing of cross members in tray 150 may be less than that for tray 140.

Tray 150 takes the form of a wireframe cooling rack. The tray 150 sits atop the lip of tray 120/140 when stacked so as to provide the uppermost level in the stacked arrangement.

Turning to Figure 16, there is shown another example of a tray system 200, which comprises ten trays, capable of being stacked in a manner according to the invention. The system 200 is substantially as described above in relation to the system 10 of Figures 1 -13 except that the system 200 omits the trays 80, 120 and 150. In other examples of the invention, any six or more of the above described trays may be stacked in sequence according to the invention. Thus the trays may be provided as a complete pre-assembled stack or individually such that the end user may assemble a stack using only selected trays from the system as desired.

In Figures 14 and 15, it can be seen that all the above described trays may be accommodated substantially within the volume of the largest tray12 in a nested manner, whereby a number of the trays are mated/keyed with one or more adjacent tray. The use of finger holes in the trays allows trays to be of maximum dimensions, whilst also allowing access to lower trays in the stack. In this example, the tray 150 is seated atop the upper edge of the largest tray 12 in the manner of a lid or closure for the largest tray. However in other embodiments, the tray 150 may be dimensioned to fit within the perimeter of the largest tray 12.

Each tray in the stack may be numbered from top to bottom so as to define a recognisable sequence to ease the process of restacking the trays for storage after use.

It is preferable, although not essential to the invention that a plurality of trays comprising depressions/receptacles, e.g. for defining the shape of baked foodstuffs to be cooked therein, are sandwiched between trays having a planar base. The finger apertures in the upper and lower trays may be offset from those of the trays having depressions to allow the different types of trays to be removed individually or collectively as required for use.