Article dispensing – Processes
Patent
1997-02-19
2000-08-22
Olszewski, Robert P.
Article dispensing
Processes
221150R, 312236, 165918, 219386, A47J 3900
Patent
active
061058181
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a food dispensing cycle and means for undertaking it.
BACKGROUND ART
The dispensing of food in large organisations frequently involves the preparation of food at a first location followed by its being moved and then dispensed at a second location. At the first location the food is prepared and then divided into individual portions on a utensil, such as a plate or bowl, which will be presented to an individual consumer at the second location. Given the prepared utensil is loaded with food at the first location there arise the need to ensure that the food is kept at a storage temperature where deterioration will be minimised or eliminated until a regeneration step is undertaken to ensure that the consumer receives the food on its utensil without having been contaminated in some way, in a good and visually attractive condition and at the correct temperature. To meet this requirement it is commonly the practice to make use of mobile trolleys at the second location into which trays of prepared food from the first location are placed and a regenerative cycle is then undertaken either by way of heating/cooling means in the trolley or to which the trolley can be linked.
GB Patent 1527 119 shows a mobile container having an insulated outer case which is insulated and divided into compartments each containing a set of tray supports in the form of upper and lower flanges each side and at the back. Each tray has locations for holding in the supports and several apertures along the sides. These hold bowls provided with covers for the hot food. Underneath each row of apertures is a heating element on which the bowls sit raised above the tray surface but retained by raised portions on tray and bowls. The compartment is otherwise refrigerated the remainder of the tray area being taken up by cold food. This arrangement requires special trays and heaters and does not readily lend itself to food regeneration processes. It also does not provide readily for a change in the area of the tray subject to heating as distinct from cooling or for maintenance at a temperature approximating to ambient temperature in the region of the trolley.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of dispensing food whereby wherein food prepared at a first location is transported to a second location for dispensing in a working cycle characterised by spaced array of loaded trays the spaced array having predetermined overall dimensions; sufficient size to receive at least one spaced array; second location; re-use.
According to a first preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention the step of regenerating food is undertaken by way of heating and/or cooling means located in the containment.
According to a second preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention the step of regenerating food is undertaken by way of heating and/or cooling means demountably coupled to the containment.
According to a third preferred version of the first aspect of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the containment is mobile.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for dispensing food comprising a containment adapted to receive at least one removable rack, the rack being adapted to contain at least two removable tray for food for regeneration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show a method of dispensing food and equipment therefore of which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a trolley;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rack and trays for incorporation in the trolley of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the steps involved in the method.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a mobile trolley 11 for food regeneration which has an interior volume 12 having dimensions: length L, height H and depth D. The interior volume 12 is accessed
REFERENCES:
patent: 3261650 (1966-07-01), Stromqvist
patent: 3275393 (1966-09-01), Stentz et al.
patent: 4005745 (1977-02-01), Colato et al.
patent: 4103736 (1978-08-01), Colato et al.
patent: 4156456 (1979-05-01), Muller
patent: 4203486 (1980-05-01), Rubbright et al.
patent: 4254824 (1981-03-01), Springer
patent: 4285391 (1981-08-01), Bourner
patent: 4323110 (1982-04-01), Rubbright et al.
patent: 4397159 (1983-08-01), Dodd
patent: 4544024 (1985-10-01), Baggott
patent: 5069273 (1991-12-01), O'Hearne
patent: 5086834 (1992-02-01), Grandi
patent: 5182438 (1993-01-01), Oakes et al.
patent: 5221023 (1993-06-01), Dubik
patent: 5285051 (1994-02-01), DeGrow et al.
patent: 5393960 (1995-02-01), Beizermann
patent: 5403997 (1995-04-01), Wimpee et al.
patent: 5404935 (1995-04-01), Liebermann
Burlodge Limited
Olszewski Robert P.
Tran Thuy V.
LandOfFree
Food dispensing cycle and means does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Food dispensing cycle and means, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Food dispensing cycle and means will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-570715