U.S. patent application number 10/243241 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for cool tray.
Invention is credited to Linberg, Joanne E., Linberg, Sjur H..
Application Number | 20030230110 10/243241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29739141 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030230110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Linberg, Sjur H. ; et
al. |
December 18, 2003 |
Cool tray
Abstract
A portable cooling tray for cooling food materials. The cooling
tray having a top surface defining a well into which one or more
ice packs can be set. This well recessed so that that upper surface
of the ice packs are level with the top surface of the cooling tray
thereby forming a planar surface onto which the food materials or
containers of food materials can be rested.
Inventors: |
Linberg, Sjur H.; (Brimstone
Hill, BM) ; Linberg, Joanne E.; (Brimstone Hill,
BM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DYKAS, SHAVER & NIPPER, LLP
P O BOX 877
BOISE
ID
83701-0877
US
|
Family ID: |
29739141 |
Appl. No.: |
10/243241 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60389753 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/457.1 ;
62/457.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 2303/082 20130101;
F25D 25/00 20130101; Y02A 40/968 20180101; Y02A 40/963 20180101;
F25D 2303/0845 20130101; F25D 3/08 20130101; F25D 2331/812
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/457.1 ;
62/457.6 |
International
Class: |
F25D 003/08 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A cooling device for the presentation of a temperature sensitive
item, said cooling device comprising: a tray, said tray having top
surface, said top surface receiving therein a chilled portion for
absorbing heat, wherein said chilled portion provides a surface for
holding said item.
2. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said tray top surface
defines a recess into which said chilled portion is placed.
3. The cooling device of claim 2, wherein said chilled portion is
an ice pack.
4. The cooling device of claim 2, wherein said chilled portion
comprises a plurality of ice packs.
5. The cooling device of claim 1, wherein said tray defines a
condensation receptacle below said chilled portion for receiving
condensation which condenses upon said chilled portion.
6. A cooling device for the presentation of a container of food,
said container having a base, said cooling device comprising: a
tray, said tray having a top surface, said top surface comprising a
recess, said recess configured to receive an endothermic insert; at
least one cooling insert, said insert configured to be received
into said recess, said insert for absorbing heat, said insert
comprising an upper surface, wherein said container base is able to
be placed upon said upper surface thereby cooling said container by
conduction.
7. The cooling device of claim 6, wherein said tray defines a
condensation receptacle below said cooling insert for receiving
condensation which condenses upon said cooling insert.
8. The cooling device of claim 6, wherein said cooling insert is an
ice pack.
9. The cooling device of claim 6, wherein said recess having a
bottom and two flanges extending from said bottom, wherein said
insert rests upon said flanges when said insert is received into
said recess.
10. A cooling device for the presentation of a container of food,
said container having a base, said cooling device comprising: a
tray, said tray having a top surface, said top surface defining a
recess, said recess having a bottom and two flanges extending from
said bottom, said recess configured to receive a cooling insert
therein, a condensation receptacle in said bottom for receiving
condensation which condenses upon and drips from said cooling
insert; and at least one cooling insert, said insert configured to
be received within said recess, said insert resting on said
flanges, said insert for absorbing heat, said insert comprising an
upper surface, wherein said container base can be placed upon said
upper surface thereby cooling said container by conduction.
11. The cooling device of claim 10, wherein said cooling insert is
an ice pack.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to devices utilized
to control temperature of an item, and more particularly relates to
devices utilized to keep a fungible item to be sold or consumed
within a desired temperature range.
[0003] The refrigeration of food materials in particular is a great
concern. Once food has been removed from refrigeration bacterial
growth rates can quickly increase. As bacterial growth rates
increase, soon the food becomes contaminated to the point where
consumption of the food can be hazardous to a person's health,
particularly to those having weakened immune systems (the sick, the
young, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.).
[0004] One solution has been to quickly return the containers of
food to refrigeration. For instance, as soon as people have filled
their plates, the containers of food could be quickly covered and
placed in a refrigerator. Obviously, the additional time and effort
involved with such a safety method are less than desirable, but
necessary considering the harm. The reality is that many people,
when faced with this time and effort investment, will opt for the
dangerous convenience of ignoring the risk and not refrigerating
the food containers.
[0005] Another solution has been to provide a water bath into which
a container of food can be floated or the provision of a container
of crushed or cubed ice onto which the container of food would be
placed. Many commercial institutions, such as buffet restaurants,
frequently use such a food temperature control method. For
instance, a salad bar might place all of the salad ingredients and
toppings in containers and pack ice around the containers. The need
for a supply of such ice cubes or crushed ice and the mess in
dealing with melting ice make this solution less favored. These
needs likewise make this option non-portable, bulky and oftentimes
unsightly.
[0006] What is needed is a method of controlling the temperature of
food items, as well as any other item which is temperature
sensitive, while such items are not being refrigerated. Such method
being portable, non-bulky and attractive.
[0007] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the
art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice
of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may
be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and
combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a cool tray designed to keep food
and other fungible items cool while they are being displayed. The
present invention keeps the items cool while allowing it to be
presented nicely on a tabletop or other surface. While the present
invention is discussed with reference to the cooling of food items,
such discussion is not intended to be limiting, for the present
invention (in alternative embodiments) could likewise be utilized,
if appropriately provided with a heating or warming portion, for
the heating of food or other materials.
[0009] The present invention, in its simplest form, comprises a
holder for at least one ice pack. This holder holding the ice pack
in a manner that an item to be cooled or refrigerated could be
placed on top of the device, thereby cooling the item through
conduction of heat out of the item and into the ice pack.
[0010] The preferred ice pack is filled with standard reusable ice
pack medium, such as the common mixture of water, propylene glycol
(or some other antifreeze), cellulose (or some other thickener) and
food coloring (optional). Other types and formulations of reusable
ice pack mediums are also envisioned. Being filled with such a
chemical mixture, it is preferred that the ice packs be sealed at
the factory, unable to be opened by the user thereby preventing the
ice pack from being opened by the user, leaking onto the item to be
cooled or leaking onto the surface that the tray or holder is
utilized on. Being reusable, a user would need to place the ice
pack in a freezer (or refrigerator) for a quantity of time to chill
the ice pack. Upon chilling, the ice pack could then be retrieved
and utilized with the invented tray.
[0011] In a less preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
ice pack used with the present invention comprises a plastic molded
bottle having a screw on lid. This bottle able to be partially
filled with a liquid or gel, for instance water, which is able to
be cooled and/or frozen in a standard household
refrigerator/freezer. Thus, a user can retrieve such a cooled or
frozen ice pack from the refrigerator/freezer, place the ice pack
in the tray, and use the tray as a cooled display platform for the
item or container wished to be cooled. Other types of ice packs are
also envisioned.
[0012] There are many uses of such a device. For instance, a buffet
line could use the present invention to keep sour cream and other
dairy products from spoiling. Or an individual could keep the
temperature of their hors d'oeuveres, appetizers, sushi, salad,
potato salad, Jell-O.RTM. salad or any other fungible item within a
desired temperature range while attractively displaying such
items.
[0013] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the
following detailed description wherein we have shown and described
only the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way of
illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my
invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
modification in various obvious respects all without departing from
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the
preferred embodiment are to be regarded as illustrative in nature,
and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred tray of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention showing the preferred tray and the preferred
ice packs installed therein.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the
embodiment of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a lateral cross sectional view of the embodiment
of FIG. 2.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications
and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments
thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below
in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed,
but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications,
alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0020] Referring initially to FIG. 1, shown is the preferred
embodiment of a tray 20 utilized with the present invention. This
embodiment of the tray is further utilized in FIGS. 2-5. This tray
20 having a frame or body 22 having a top 34 opposite a bottom or
base 36, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. This top 34 having an upper surface
35 having defined therein a well or recess 26. This well 26 having
a bottom 28 and preferably at least one well ridge 32, 33. This
ridge 33 (32) for supporting an ice pack or other cooling device
held therein said well 26. These ridges particularly shown in FIG.
5.
[0021] Insulation of the ice packs from contacting the bottom 36
may be facilitated through use of such ridges 32, 33 defined in or
extending from the bottom surface 28 of the well as shown. This
ridge or ridges configured to elevate the ice pack above the
surface of the bottom of the well, thereby presenting a cushion of
air between the ice pack and the well bottom surface. Preferably,
the present invention is likewise configured so that the walls of
the well are likewise spaced from the side, top and bottom walls of
the ice pack. Optionally, such spacers or ridges could be provided
as appendages of the ice pack itself.
[0022] The tray 20 preferably has a plurality of feet 30 extending
from said body 22 at said base 36. These feet for contacting the
surface upon which the present invention is utilized. It is
preferred that the tray of the present invention be configured with
a number of rubber or other material feet covers designed to
inhibit or reduce the slippage of the present invention upon the
surface it is used upon. Such feet covers furthermore would reduce
the chance the preferred tray's feet would damage or scratch the
surface the present invention is utilized upon.
[0023] The body 22 having a first end 38 opposite a second end 40
and a first side 42 opposite a second side 44. While the embodiment
shown utilizes a generally curved rectangular shaped tray having a
generally rectangular recess, other shapes of trays and wells or
recesses are expressly envisioned.
[0024] Referring now particularly to FIG. 2, shown is the preferred
embodiment of the present invention. The invented cooling tray
device 10 comprises a tray 20 configured for receipt of at least
one ice pack 66, 68, 70. In the embodiment shown, the number of ice
packs is three. This tray 20 having an upper surface 35 or
surfaces. The ice pack or packs 66, 68, 70 further each having top
surface 72, 72', 72". These top surfaces 35, 72, 72', 72" defining
a surface upon which a material to be cooled can be rested and
displayed.
[0025] It is preferred that the upper surface(s) 35 of the tray 20
be generally level with or gently sloping away from the level of
the top surfaces 72, 72', 72" so that the surface upon which the
material to be cooled is greater, thereby making the display more
stable. In other embodiments, the top surface(s) of the ice pack(s)
could themselves serve as the entire cooling surface. In other
embodiments, a material for facilitating the transfer of heat
between the ice packs and the material cooled could be present, for
instance a conductive pad.
[0026] Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, shown is an exploded
view of FIG. 2, showing one of the ice packs 68 separated and
removed from the well 26 from the tray 20. In this view the ridge
33 can be seen. A corresponding and opposing ridge 32 exists, as
can be seen in FIG. 5. These ridges 32, 33 serve as supports for
the bottoms of the ice packs to rest upon. Being supported as such,
a pocket 60 of air (insulation) is defined and thus provided
between the bottom sides of the ice packs and the bottom 28 of the
base 22. This pocket of air can be seen in FIG. 5.
[0027] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, a partial,
cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 is shown. The device 10 having a
tray frame 22 having a well or recess 26 into which three ice packs
66, 68, 70 are placed. One of these ice packs 70 itself is shown.
In this embodiment, the top surfaces 72, 72', 72" of the ice packs
66, 68, 70 are adjacent the upper surface 35 of the tray frame 22,
being slightly recessed into the tray. However it is also expressly
envisioned that the ice packs may having top surfaces level with
the upper surface of the tray or may even have top surfaces which
extend out of the tray, above the upper surface.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 5, shown is a partial, cross-sectional
view of the embodiment of FIG. 2. This figure showing the device 10
having a tray body 22 having a well therein for receiving a ice
pack 70. This ice pack having a top surface 72" which is preferably
adjacent the upper surface 35 of the tray body. In the embodiment
shown, the tray bottom 28 generally slopes towards the center of
the tray, thereby defining an enlarged pocket 60. This enlarged
pocket 60 is able to receive therein atmospheric air as well as
receive therein water vapor which condenses upon the ice pack and
drips off said ice pack. This feature allows the device 10 to
collect its own moisture, retaining it for later disposal by the
user, thereby protecting the surface upon which the present
invention is utilized from water damage commonly associated with
condensation upon a cool or cold surface, for instance the water
rings that form on wood tables when a cold drink is placed
thereupon.
[0029] In a less preferred embodiment the tray bottom would be
generally flat. In the preferred embodiment, the well is preferably
solid, not having holes through its bottom. In such a manner if
condensation forms on one or more of the ice packs, this
condensation will be able to drip into the well and not leak onto
the surface supporting the present invention. However, other
embodiments are also envisioned which may have holes therethrough
the bottom or sides of the well and/or tray.
[0030] In the figures, various views of the preferred embodiment of
the tray of the cool tray device 10 are shown. The tray has a frame
or body 22, having defined therein a well or recess 26 for
receiving the cooling portion of the present invention. The well 26
has a well bottom 28. Located within the well or recess are
preferably one or more ridges 32, 33 for supporting the cooling
portion of the present invention off the well bottom 28. These
ridges can comprise the elongated portions as shown or may comprise
any means of holding the ice pack up off the well bottom 28,
including but not limited to the flanges, tangs, bumps, notches,
knobs, etc. The frame 22 having a top 34. The frame 22 also having
a first end 38 extending to a second end 40, as well as a first
side 42 extending to a second side 44. Extending from this frame 22
is a bottom or base 36. This base has preferably a plurality of
feet 34 for contacting a surface.
[0031] The figures also show the preferred embodiment of the ice
pack 68 (66, 70) of the present invention. This ice pack 68 has a
top surface 72 and a bottom surface 76. The ice pack further has a
first end 78 extending to a second end 80, defined within the first
end is preferably the sealed orifice 74 into which the factory
filled the ice pack. Alternatively, this first end could comprise a
screw on or otherwise attached lid for allowing the ice pack to be
opened. The ice pack 70 has a first side 82 opposite a second side
84. The preferred ice packs may have groves and/or ridges on their
top surfaces or they may be smooth.
[0032] The invented ice packs are configured for use with the
invented tray. In such a manner, as shown in the figures, three of
the invented ice packs are able to rest side by side within the
well of the tray. More or less, bigger or smaller ice packs may be
present. While the term "ice pack" is utilized to describe the
preferred embodiment of a cooling portion of the tray, namely a
bottle filled with frozen water and hence "ice," it is expressly
envisioned that other materials and means of cooling may also or
alternatively be provided.
[0033] In a less preferred embodiment, the invented ice packs may
be sold empty, having screw-on/screw-off or otherwise detachable
lids. In such a manner, weight and thus shipping costs are reduced.
Likewise, users of the present invention are free to fill whatever
liquid into the ice packs they wish. While the utilization of water
would be preferred, a particular user may which to fill the ice
packs with fruit juice or some other liquid. By using a potable
fluid, the fluid in the ice packs can be consumed after they melt.
In yet other embodiments of the present invention (some of which
were discussed supra), the ice packs may come sealed from the
factory, containing a chemical compound, formulation or other
material designed to stay cool longer than water.
[0034] It is preferred that the ice packs, while providing a
cooling surface, be configured with at least one retrieval portion,
finger hole, or other manner of allowing for their easy retrieval
from the tray while in use so that a user does not have to turn the
tray upside down in order to remove the ice packs from the
tray.
[0035] The main body or tray of the present invention is preferably
made from an injection molded acrylic material; however other
methods of manufacture and materials are also envisioned. The ice
packs are likewise preferably molded from a molded plastic
material; however other materials and methods of manufacture are
also envisioned.
[0036] The well of the tray, being preferably comprised of a
plastic material will therefore have some insulating properties. It
is envisioned that other insulating materials may be applied within
the well or to the outer surface of the ice packs so as to make the
present invention more efficient.
[0037] The aforementioned discussion primarily was concerned with
the configuration of the present invention for cooling. However, it
is expressly envisioned that the present invention could likewise
be utilized for heating, with the ice packs of the present
invention being filled not with frozen water or some other cool
liquid/gel/solid, but with a liquid/gel/solid which is hot or
warm.
[0038] While there is shown and described the present preferred
embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that
this invention is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied
to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the
foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *