U.S. patent application number 09/827638 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-14 for pre-packaged food warmer.
Invention is credited to Cretors, Charles D., Evers, Gilbert J., Vidojevic, Nenad.
Application Number | 20020029699 09/827638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26909466 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020029699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evers, Gilbert J. ; et
al. |
March 14, 2002 |
PRE-PACKAGED FOOD WARMER
Abstract
Food preparation apparatus including a housing having a top wall
and a front wall. Each wall having an aperture defined therein. A
passageway for warming and storing pre-packaged food products
extends from an entrance at the top wall aperture to an exit at the
front wall aperture. A plurality of chutes are formed within the
passageway for channeling the food products from the entrance to
the exit. A plurality of electrical elements for warming the food
products to preselected temperature surround each chute. The
warming elements maintain the food products at a preselected
temperature until they are removed from the housing.
Inventors: |
Evers, Gilbert J.; (Lansing,
IL) ; Vidojevic, Nenad; (Chesterton, IN) ;
Cretors, Charles D.; (Lake Forest, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael J. Turgeon, Esq.
Vedder, Price, Kaufman & Kammholz
222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
26909466 |
Appl. No.: |
09/827638 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60214890 |
Jun 28, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
99/483 ;
99/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 36/2483 20130101;
A47F 10/06 20130101; A47J 39/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/483 ;
99/467 |
International
Class: |
A01J 011/04; A23C
003/02 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A food preparation apparatus, comprising: a housing having a top
wall and a front wall each having an aperture defined therein; a
passageway for warming and storing pre-packaged food products
extending from an entrance at said top wall aperture to an exit at
said front wall aperture; a plurality of chutes formed within said
passageway for channeling said food products from said entrance to
said exit; elements for warming said food products to a preselected
temperature in association with each said chute, whereby said
warming elements maintain said food products at said preselected
temperature until removed from said housing.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said passageway is
further defined by interior walls which cooperatively define a J
shape.
3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein a first interior
wall extends from said top wall to a first edge of said front wall
aperture, and a second interior wall extends from said top wall to
a second edge of said front wall aperture.
4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said chutes are
defined by panels disposed between opposing first and second
interior walls.
5. The apparatus as recited in claim 4, wherein each said panel is
configured to mount at least one of said warming elements so that a
surface area of each panel radiates and conducts heat to warm said
food products.
6. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said second
interior wall has a curvilinear intermediate portion disposed
between a beginning portion and an end portion.
7. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each warming
element is thermostatically controlled in order to maintain said
preselected temperature.
8. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein each said warming
element includes a conductive trace and control elements formed on
a flexible substrate.
9. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said front wall
further includes an angularly offset portion and said front wall
aperture is formed therein.
10. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, further including an
additional warming element associated with said end portion.
11. The apparatus as recited in claim 8, wherein each said warming
element includes a first surface having an adhesive for connection
to said walls.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of
chutes further includes at least two chutes.
13. A device for heating and storing pre-packaged food products
prior to use, comprising: hollow housing formed by a plurality of
interior and exterior panels defining first and second openings in
communication but not limited to two openings; a tubular recess
defined in said housing between said first and second openings
having a divided first portion and a common area second portion;
said divided portion including a plurality of panels defining walls
which divide said tubular recess; a heating zone defined by a
plurality of elements for warming said food products to a
preselected temperature disposed between said interior and exterior
panels and within said walls, such that each surface of said
divided portion radiates and conducts heat at said preselected
temperature in order to increase the temperature of said food
products; and, a maintaining zone defined by an additional heating
element disposed in association with said common area second
portion adjacent said second opening such that said food products
maintain said preselected temperature until used.
14. The device as recited in claim 13 wherein said first opening is
defined in a first plane and said second opening is defined in a
second plane such that said first and second planes are angularly
oriented.
15. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said tubular recess
has a parallelogram cross-section.
16. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said tubular recess
traverses a path along an axis which changes direction
approximately ninety degrees.
17. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said second opening
is associated with a closure device.
18. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said warming
elements include a flexible sheet having a conductive trace
disposed thereon and a thermostatic control, which is adhered to
said panels and walls for conducting and radiating heat to warm
said food products.
19. The device as recited in claim 13, wherein said plurality of
panels further includes at least two panels.
Description
[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/214,890, filed Jun. 28, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a food preparation
apparatus and more particularly, to a device for warming and
storing pre-packaged food products.
[0003] The Mexican-derived snack food, commonly known as nachos,
includes corn tortilla chips and melted cheese. In restaurants or
at home, nachos are made by distributing shredded cheese over the
tortilla chips and placing the combination into an oven. When the
cheese melts, the snack is ready for additional condiments, serving
and consumption. This process results in a tasty snack, however,
the process is disadvantageous for preparing large quantities in
that, the process is very time consuming, labor intensive, and
would require large, very hot ovens. Thus, there is no need for an
apparatus which would pre-heat pre-packaged cheese to avoid these
disadvantages.
[0004] Over the years this snack food has become a favorite of
patrons at large event gatherings such as sporting events,
conventions and fairs. Quick preparation is the most important.
Profit margins are significantly reduced if the time to prepare is
lengthy. Accordingly, a device was developed that used conventional
food warming technology. A pan of processed cheese sauce was placed
into a receptacle formed in a base. A heating element and water are
disposed in the receptacle for warming the pan and the cheese sauce
disposed therein. Thus, a food service worker could use a spoon to
ladle the cheese sauce onto the tortilla chips. While this was much
faster than the previous method, disadvantages of this method are a
messy workstation, skin forming atop the cheese sauce, potential
for burns while changing the pans, product waste, difficulties in
cleaning baked on cheese sauce, and a large number of parts to
clean.
[0005] The conventional method was further refined by the addition
of a lid with an integral pump. The operator now only needed to
push down on the pump handle in order to discharge the cheese sauce
from the pump nozzle. This system reduced the skin on top of the
cheese sauce, and the disorderly work station; however, the device
was now more complex and just as dirty, wasteful and more difficult
to clean properly.
[0006] Thus, there remains the need for an apparatus which heats
pre-packaged cheese or other pre-packaged food products such as
chili, gravy or stew, to a serving temperature which requires
minimal maintenance or cleanup, is simple to use and uses only the
necessary amount of product required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention
to provide a novel warming apparatus for pre-packaged food
products.
[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
warmer for pre-packaged food products which evenly and slowly heats
the food product to the preselected temperature such that the food
product can be safely handled.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a warmer for pre-packaged food products which reduces the amount of
labor associated with preparing of such.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
warmer for pre-packaged food products which can accommodate a large
amount of food products to support a high volume production.
[0011] Still yet another object of the present invention is to
provide a warmer for pre-packaged food products which has warming
elements isolated from direct contact with workers or the food
products.
[0012] These objects are accomplished by at least one principal
aspect of the present invention in which the food preparation
apparatus includes a housing having a top wall and a front wall.
The top and front walls each have an aperture defined therein. A
passageway for warming and storing the pre-packaged food products
extends from an entrance at the top wall aperture to an exit at the
front wall aperture. A plurality of chutes are formed within the
passageway for channeling the food products from the entrance to
the exit. A plurality of electrical elements for warming the food
products to a preselected temperature where the warming elements
surround each chute. Accordingly, the warming elements maintain the
food products at the preselected temperature until they are removed
from the housing.
[0013] In another principal aspect of the present invention a
device for heating and storing pre-packaged food products prior to
use includes a hollow housing formed by a plurality of interior and
exterior panels defining first and second openings which are in
communication. A tubular recess is defined in the housing between
the first and second openings having a divided first portion and a
common area second portion. The divided portion includes a
plurality of panels defining walls which subdivide the tubular
recess. A heating zone is defined by a plurality of elements for
warming the food products to a preselected temperature disposed
between the interior and exterior panels, and within the walls such
that each surface of the divided portion radiates and conducts heat
at the preselected temperature in order to increase the temperature
of the food products. A maintaining zone is defined by an
additional heating element disposed in the common area second
portion adjacent the second opening such that said food products
maintain the preselected temperature until used.
[0014] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In the course of the following detailed description,
reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a pre-packaged food warmer
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the right side of the warmer
in FIG. 1, where the left side is virtually identical save for the
difference in orientation;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an elevation view of the front side of the warmer
in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the back side of the warmer
in FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the top side of the warmer in FIG.
1 showing the pre-packaged food product disposed within the
divided, chute portion; and,
[0021] FIG. 6 is a detailed, partially broken away view of a
heating element which may be used in connection with the warmer of
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate a pre-packaged food warmer 20
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. The warmer includes a housing 22 and a lid 24. The
housing has a hollow cavity, passageway or tubular recess 38
defined within a front wall 26, rear wall 28, a pair of side walls
30, a top wall 27 and a bottom wall 29. The walls 26 and 28-30 are
formed by respective interior and exterior panels. The interior
panels associated with each wall are identified by the addition of
the suffix "a" to each element number 26 and 28-30, such that the
front interior panel 26a, rear interior panel 28a, side interior
panels 30a, and bottom interior panel 29a are thus defined. The
exterior panels associated with each wall 26 and 28-30 are
identified by the addition of the suffix "b" to each element number
26 and 28-30, such that the front exterior panel 26b, rear exterior
panel 28b, side exterior panels 30b and bottom exterior panel 29a
are thus defined. The top wall 27 is formed as a band disposed
adjacent the perimeter of the housing cooperatively defined between
the upper edges 26c, 28c, and 30c of the front 26a and 26b, rear
28a and 28b and side 30a and 30b panels. The top wall 27 surrounds
and defines an entrance 40 to the passageway 38.
[0023] Advertising indicia may be disposed on the
adhesively-affixed substrate 44, which may be affixed to the
exterior panels 26b, 28b and 30b.
[0024] The lid 24 has a top wall 24a and a plurality of sidewalls
24b depending from the edges 24c of the top wall 24a. The perimeter
of the top wall 24a is jointly defined by the edges 24c, and is
greater than the perimeter of the top wall 27 jointly defined by
the upper edges 26c, 28c and 30c, such that the lid 24 is
operatively connected to the housing 22 to enclose the entrance 40
of the tubular recess 38. The lid 24 is preferably made from any
conventional heat resistant plastic which may be transparent or
opaque.
[0025] A cover or door 32 is movably connected to the front panel
26a, preferably for pivotal movement. As shown, a piano-type hinge
34 connects the door 32 to the housing 22. It will be understood
that a living hinge constructed of any conventional heat resistant
plastic may be substituted therefor. The door 32 is configured as a
closure for an exit 42 of the passageway or tubular recess 38. The
cover 32 preferably is oriented at an angle to the front wall 26 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to allow an operator easy access to
the food product 25 when the door 32 is in an open position. The
cover 32 is also formed from a conventional heat-resistant plastic,
which is preferably transparent. As shown, a handle 33 for the
cover 32 enables the operator to quickly and easily move the door
33 from a closed position shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5, into an open
position (shown) in phantom in FIG. 2. It will be understood that
the handle 33 is not required, and the operator may use an edge of
the door 33 as such. In the open position, an operator has free
unimpeded access to the passageway exit 42, so that the operator
may retrieve warmed pre-packaged food products 25. The handle 33
may be formed from any material, preferably a plastic material in
order to maintain a low cost. Preferably, the handle 33 is
connected to the cover 32 by a metallic fastener (not shown) which
preferably engages a magnetic latch (not shown) when the door 32 is
in a closed position. It will be noted that such magnetic latch is
not required because as configured, when the operator closes the
door 33, it will remain in the closed position until opened again
by the operator. Thus, the door 32 is secured to the housing 22
when in the closed position. The exit 42 is defined and disposed in
a plane which is angularly offset from the horizontal plane in
which the entrance 40 is defined.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates, in phantom, the layout of the passageway
or tubular recess 38, the subdividing walls 48 in the divided
position 50, and the common area portion 52. The passageway 38 is
substantially J shaped. A divided portion 50 generally defines the
vertical element of the J, and the common area portion 52 generally
defines the lower, arcuate element of the J. The rear interior
panel 28a and bottom interior panel 29a cooperatively define one
element of the passageway which extends from the entrance 40 to a
lower edge 42a of the exit 42. The rear interior panel 28a includes
a vertical element disposed adjacent the entrance 40. The bottom
interior panel 29a includes a horizontal element disposed adjacent
the exit 42. An intermediate interconnecting element 54 is formed
as a sector of a circle between the vertical element of the rear
interior panel 28a and the horizontal element of the bottom
interior panel 29a. Preferably, the sector is defined as a quadrant
of a circle. The interconnecting element 54 urges the pre-packaged
food products 25 to change direction from vertical to horizontal
toward the exit 42. The front interior panel 26a also extends from
the entrance 40 to an upper edge 42b of the exit 42. However, the
front interior panel 26a includes only a vertical element,
approximately similar in extent to the vertical element of the rear
interior panel 28a. The side interior panels 30a additionally
include an element which extends from the entrance 40 to the exit
42 following the contour of the front 26a and rear 28a interior
panels. Thus, the passageway 38 is cooperatively defined by
association of the interior panels 26a, 28a, 29a and 30a as a
generally tubular recess. Preferably, the recess 38 has a
rectangular cross-section.
[0027] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a plurality chutes 46 and chute
walls 48 disposed in the divided portion 50. The chutes 46 are
jointly defined by the interior panels 26a, 28a, and 30a and the
panels 48a and 48b which form the chute walls 48. Each chute wall
48 preferably extends between two parallel interior panels. As
shown, the chute walls 48 interconnect the front interior panel 26a
to the rear interior panel 28a. It will be understood that this
invention will function as intended with the chute walls 48
connecting the side interior panels 30a. Further, it will be noted
that the number of chutes and the size of such are only limited by
the physical dimensions of the warmer and the pre-packaged food
products. The chute walls 48 preferably have a vertical extent
substantially similar to the front wall 26. The configuration of
the chute walls 48 enables the chutes 46 to provide maximum,
efficient heating capability without restricting the movement of
the food product 25 into the common area portion 52.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates the food product 25 disposed in the
common area portion 52. The food product 25 remains in the common
area portion 52 until an operator removes it for use. The food
product 25 is a pre-packaged food product created on a conventional
machine such as a form, fill and seal machine as is common in the
packaging industry. The plastic outer cover is formed as an
envelope with one open end. The food product is added through the
open end and the pouch is sealed closed. The food product 25 is
then ready for handling. The plastic is tolerant of temperatures
greater than the boiling point of water, but can melt if the
temperature is great enough. It will be noted that the melting
temperature of the plastic cannot be reached by the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates an electrical element 56 for warming the
food products 25 to a preselected temperature. The heating or
warming element 56 includes a substrate 58, a resistive element 60,
a thermostat 62, a thermal cutoff 64, and a peel-off backing 66.
The substrate 58 is a flexible material which conforms to
curvilinear surfaces. Preferably, the substrate 58 is a relatively
thin paper-based product. The resistive element 60, as shown, is
connected to a first side of the substrate 58, preferably adhered
thereto. The thermostat 62 and thermal cut-off 64 are conventional
elements which determine the preselected temperature and prevent
run away unsafe temperatures should the thermostat 62 fail. The
peel-off backing 66 is removed from the substrate 58 for
installation. During manufacture of the warmer 20, the heating
elements 56 are adhered to the interior panels 26a, 28a, 29a and
30a, and the chute walls 48 such that the elements do not enter or
intrude into the passageway or tubular recess 38. A heating zone 68
is generally defined in the divided portion 50 of the passageway 38
where the chutes 46 are surrounded on all sides by the heating
elements 56. A maintaining zone 70 is generally defined in the
common area portion 52 by the heating element 56 adhered to the
bottom interior panel 29a disposed adjacent the exit 42.
[0030] In use, an operator turns the warmer 20 on and allows it to
heat to the preselected temperature. The operator then inserts the
pre-packaged food products 25 into the chutes 46. While awaiting
use, the food products 25 are warmed to the preselected
temperature. An operator may open the door 32 and retrieve a food
product for use. Preferably, one end of the food product is either
cut or torn either open or off such that the operator may pour or
squeeze the food product out of the plastic envelope. The finished
food product may then be served to a customer. It will be noted
that the warmed food product 52 may remain sealed when served to a
customer. Thus, the food product 52 stays at the desired
temperature until the customer is ready to eat.
[0031] It will be understood that the embodiment of the present
invention which has been described herein is merely illustrative of
some of the applications of the principles of the present
invention. Various modifications, such as different heating element
structure, different size of warmer, and different size and number
of chutes, may be made by those skilled in the act without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *