U.S. patent application number 11/745312 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-22 for modular radial counter system.
This patent application is currently assigned to KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FABRICATING COMPANY. Invention is credited to Alvis Lloyd HARTSFIELD.
Application Number | 20070267950 11/745312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38711374 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070267950 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARTSFIELD; Alvis Lloyd |
November 22, 2007 |
MODULAR RADIAL COUNTER SYSTEM
Abstract
The present disclosure radically departs from conventional
teaching and creatively offers a flexible alternative to the
orthogonal arrangement. The present disclosure provides a system of
modular counters that can be mixed to create arrangements shaped as
an "S", "C", or a multitude of other modular arrangements by mixing
predefined toroidal shaped modular radial counters with other
modular radial counters and/or modular orthogonal counters. For the
present disclosure, such radial arrangements represent a
significant change in the accepted understanding of orthogonal
counter design. Examples of such flexible radial arrangements are
disclosed herein. Despite decades of efforts in this field and the
opportunities to design similar modules, the field has simply been
absent of such modular radial solutions.
Inventors: |
HARTSFIELD; Alvis Lloyd;
(Missouri City, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP;ATTN: IP DOCKETING
600 TRAVIS, 3400 CHASE TOWER
HOUSTON
TX
77002-3095
US
|
Assignee: |
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT FABRICATING
COMPANY
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
38711374 |
Appl. No.: |
11/745312 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60747905 |
May 22, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/140.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/140.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 9/00 20060101
A47F009/00 |
Claims
1. A modular radial counter system comprising: a first modular
radial counter comprising: a structural support system; a
countertop coupled to the support system having an inner first
arcuate surface having a first radius with a first origin in space
and an outer second arcuate surface having a second radius with a
second origin in space, and a first end and a second end coupled to
the countertop, each end being radially aligned to project toward a
convergence substantially at the origin of at least one of the
radii.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first origin and the second
origin converge to a common point.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a
plurality of modular radial counters coupled to each other on an
end of each counter.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the system is adapted to form an
"S" shape by alternating a position of the radii origins of the
radial counters between a first side and a second side of the
system.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the system is adapted to form a
"C" shape by positioning a plurality of the modular radial counters
with the radii origins on a first side of the system.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a first modular
orthogonal counter having at least two adjacent surfaces formed at
right angles along at least a portion of their length, the first
modular orthogonal counter being coupled to the first modular
radial counter.
7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of modular
orthogonal counters coupled to at least one modular radial
counter.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a breath protector
coupled to the counter.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the countertop is formed with at
least one opening for a food service or preparation device.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a display shelf
coupled to the counter.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a refrigerated
display case coupled to the counter.
12. A method of arranging the modular radial counter system of
claim 3, comprising: positioning the first modular radial counter
so that the origins of the first modular radial counter are
disposed toward a first side of the system, and positioning a
second modular radial counter adjacent an end of the first radial
counter so that the origins of the second modular radial counter
are disposed toward a second side of the system different from the
first side.
13. A method of arranging the modular radial counter system of
claim 3, comprising: positioning a second modular radial counter
adjacent an end of the first radial counter so that the origins of
the first modular radial counter and the origins of the second
modular radial counter are disposed toward a common side of the
system.
14. A modular radial counter system comprising: a first modular
radial counter comprising: a structural support system; a
countertop coupled to the support system having an inner first
arcuate surface having a first radius with a first origin in space
and an outer second arcuate surface having a second radius with a
second origin in space, and a first end and a second end coupled to
the countertop, each end being radially aligned to project toward a
convergence substantially at the origin of at least one of the
radii; and a second modular radial counter coupled to the first
modular radial counter, the second modular radial counter
comprising: a structural support system; a countertop coupled to
the support system having an inner first arcuate surface having a
first radius with a first origin in space and an outer second
arcuate surface having a second radius with a second origin in
space, and a first end and a second end coupled to the countertop,
each end being radially aligned to project toward a convergence
substantially at the origin of at least one of the radii, the
system being adapted to form an "S" shape by an arrangement of the
counters defined by the origins of the first modular radial counter
disposed toward a first side of the system and the origins of the
second modular radial counter disposed toward a second side of the
system different from the first side, and the same system being
adapted to form a "C" shape by an alternative arrangement of the
counters defined by the origins of the first modular radial counter
and the origins of the second modular radial counter disposed
toward a common side of the system.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first origin and the second
origin of each radial counter converge to a common point for each
radial counter.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the system further comprises a
third modular radial counter coupled at least one of the first or
second modular radial counters.
17. The system of claim 14, further comprising at least one modular
orthogonal counter having at least two adjacent surfaces formed at
right angles, the orthogonal counter coupled to at least one of the
modular radial counters.
18. The system of claim 14, further comprising a breath protector
coupled to the counter.
19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a display shelf
coupled to the counter.
20. The system of claim 14, further comprising a refrigerated
display case coupled to the counter.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Appl. No. 60/747,905, filed May 22, 2006, the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The invention relates to food service equipment. More
specifically, the invention relates to modular counters.
[0006] 2. Description of Related Art
[0007] The food service industry is almost synonymous with the use
of counters. This industry intensely depends on counters to
prepare, hold, and serve food for customers, and clean up after the
serving of the food. The counters are used to support the initial
food preparation and washing, cooking ranges and ventilation hoods,
sinks, food service hot and cold wells for maintaining a desired
food temperature, holding trays, and dozens of other variations.
For example, a well designed counter system with the accompanying
appliances can cost over one million dollars in many schools. The
counters are so ubiquitous to the food service industry that food
service consultants and architects are frequently used to optimize
the design and construction of counters for restaurants, schools
and universities, and other commercial establishments.
[0008] Current counters use well established designs and
arrangements that have been developed and optimized for decades.
The counters generally have rectangular or square patterns to
optimize usage and floor space, such as wall space in a rectangular
room. This typical arrangement can be characterized as an
"orthogonal" arrangement in that the counters are spaced relative
to each other in a grid pattern of X-Y dimensions. Frequently, the
size and arrangement of the counters are customized for specific
facilities with precise dimensions tailored for the facility. In
recent years, some efforts have been made to create modules that
can be assembled in different arrangements, so that the placement
of certain counters could be varied for the particular application
with minimal customization. However, even the modules have the
orthogonal arrangement following conventional wisdom. To fit the
orthogonal arrangement, the counters are most frequently designed
with right angles to be attached to adjacent counters and continue
the straight line or right angle orientations of a set of counters
in the orthogonal arrangement.
[0009] Thus, it is of significant moment in the industry when an
original idea for counter design occurs, because it departs from
the well understood and accepted knowledge of current counter
designs developed over decades.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure radically departs from conventional
teaching and creatively offers a flexible alternative to the
orthogonal arrangement. The present disclosure provides a system of
modular counters that can be mixed to create arrangements shaped as
an "S", "C", or a multitude of other modular arrangements by mixing
predefined toroidal shaped modular radial counters with other
modular radial counters and/or modular orthogonal counters. For the
present disclosure, such radial arrangements represent a
significant change in the accepted understanding of orthogonal
counter design. Examples of such flexible radial arrangements are
disclosed herein. Despite decades of efforts in this field and the
opportunities to design similar modules, the field has simply been
absent of such modular radial solutions.
[0011] The disclosure provides a modular radial counter system
comprising: a first modular radial counter comprising: a structural
support system; a countertop coupled to the support system having
an inner first arcuate surface having a first radius with a first
origin in space and an outer second arcuate surface having a second
radius with a second origin in space, and a first end and a second
end coupled to the countertop, each end being radially aligned to
project toward a convergence substantially at the origin of at
least one of the radii. A method of using the modular radial
counter system is also disclosed comprising: positioning the first
modular radial counter so that the origins of the first modular
radial counter are disposed toward a first side of the system, and
positioning a second modular radial counter adjacent an end of the
first modular radial counter so that the origins of the second
modular radial counter are disposed toward a second side of the
system different from the first side. The method can also comprise
positioning a second modular radial counter adjacent an end of the
first modular radial counter so that the origins of the first
modular radial counter and the origins of the second modular radial
counter are disposed toward a common side of the system.
[0012] The disclosure further provides a modular radial counter
system comprising: a first modular radial counter comprising: a
structural support system; a countertop coupled to the support
system having an inner first arcuate surface having a first radius
with a first origin in space and an outer second arcuate surface
having a second radius with a second origin in space, and a first
end and a second end coupled to the countertop, each end being
radially aligned to project toward a convergence substantially at
the origin of at least one of the radii; and a second modular
radial counter coupled to the first modular radial counter, the
second modular radial counter comprising: a structural support
system; a countertop coupled to the support system having an inner
first arcuate surface having a first radius with a first origin in
space and an outer second arcuate surface having a second radius
with a second origin in space, and a first end and a second end
coupled to the countertop, each end being radially aligned to
project toward a convergence substantially at the origin of at
least one of the radii, the system being adapted to form an "S"
shape by an arrangement of the counters defined by the origins of
the first modular radial counter disposed toward a first side of
the system and the origins of the second modular radial counter
disposed toward a second side of the system different from the
first side, and the same system being adapted to form a "C" shape
by an alternative arrangement of the counters defined by the
origins of the first modular radial counter and the origins of the
second modular radial counter disposed toward a common side of the
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] While the concepts provided herein are susceptible to
various modifications and alternative forms, only a few specific
embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and
are described in detail below. The figures and detailed
descriptions of these specific embodiments are not intended to
limit the breadth or scope of the concepts or the appended claims
in any manner. Rather, the figures and detailed written
descriptions are provided to illustrate the concepts to a person of
ordinary skill in the art as required by 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of a modular radial counter system.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of an exemplary
modular radial counter system.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear elevation view of an exemplary
modular radial counter system.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of an exemplary generic
modular radial counter.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
modular radial counter.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of at least two modular radial counters.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of an exemplary modular
orthogonal counter.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of at least one modular radial counter coupled with at least one
modular orthogonal counter.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of another exemplary
embodiment illustrating a different arrangement of the modular
counter system shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] One or more illustrative embodiments of the concepts
disclosed herein are presented below. Not all features of an actual
implementation are described or shown in this application for the
sake of clarity. It is understood that the development of an actual
embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made
to achieve the developer's goals, such as compliance with
system-related, business-related and other constraints, which vary
by implementation and from time to time. While a developer's
efforts might be complex and time-consuming, such efforts would be,
nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in
the art having benefit of this disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of modular radial counter system. The modular radial counter system
2 can include one or more modular radial counters 4, 30, 60. The
system can further include modular radial counters coupled to
modular orthogonal counters described below. The counters can be
arranged end to end to form various shapes and arrangements that
heretofore has not been possible.
[0025] The modular radial counter 4 includes a structural support
system 6 and a countertop 8 coupled to the support system 6. The
structural support system 6 can include ribs, channels, panels,
tubes, pipe, plates and other support members as may be appropriate
to the particular needs and uses of the counter. In some
embodiments, the support system 6 can include arcuate members to
align with the arcuate surfaces of the countertop described below.
Structural members can be bent or otherwise formed into such
arcuate shapes as appropriate. Other members of the support system
6 can be straight such as vertical members, or end pieces.
[0026] A countertop 8 can be coupled to the support system 6. The
countertop 8 generally is shaped in the modular radial counter 4
with a first arcuate surface 10 shape having a first radius 12 with
a first origin 14 that projects into space distal from the first
arcuate surface. Similarly, the radial counter 4 includes an outer
second arcuate surface 16 that likewise has a second radius 18 with
a second origin 20. The term "arcuate surface" is used broadly and
can include a curved surface having a radius, or a plurality of
faceted surfaces that resemble a curved surface and about which an
arc having a radius can be circumscribed. Further, the term
"origin" is used to describe in geometric terms the location of a
starting point of a radius of an arcuate surface. The term "origin"
would include a center of an arc where multiple perpendicular lines
drawn from tangents on the arc surface intersect each other.
However, it is to be understood that the term "origin" used herein
is not limited to an exact theoretical point of a given geometric
arc, since manufacturing tolerances in creating an arcuate surface
may vary the exact intersection of the various perpendicular lines
drawn from the tangents along the arc surface, and thus would
represent a region of points as would be typical in manufacturing
processes used to create an arcuate surface.
[0027] The countertop 8 further includes a first end 22 and a
second end 24. The ends are generally coupled to the countertop and
can be solid or open and generally provide support to strengthen
the countertop 8. In other embodiments, the ends 22, 24 can simply
represent the start and finish planes of the radial counter 4. For
example, the countertop 8 could be cantilevered with no actual
support structure at the end if desired. Whether a physical
structure or a representation of the termination points of the
counter, each end is generally radially aligned to project toward a
conversion substantially at the origin of at least one of the radii
of the first arcuate surface or the second arcuate surface. Thus,
the modular radial counter can represent a portion of a toroid
having a common origin. In such instance, the first arcuate surface
and the second arcuate surface with their respective origins would
converge to a common point as illustrated. The radial counter 4 can
be arranged so that the origins, described above, converge on one
side 26 of the radial counter system, where the sides are defined
by a line 50 that follows the arcuate surfaces through the
approximate center of the plurality of radial counters. Thus, a
first side 26 is defined on one side of the line 50 and a second
side 27 is defined on a side distal from the first side 26 relative
to the line.
[0028] The radial counter 4 can include other elements as may be
appropriate or desired. For example, a tray rest 28 can be formed
on one or both sides of the radial counter to support food trays,
cookware, products, and other items. The radial counter 4 can
further be used to support various members that are useful to the
food service or other industries. For example, without limitation,
the radial counter 4 can include a display shelf 52. The display
shelf 52 can be positioned on top of the countertop 8 or can be at
least partially inserted therethrough so that radial counter 4 will
include one or more openings formed through the 8 to accommodate
the various members.
[0029] A second modular radial counter 30 can likewise be
described. For example, the modular radial counter 30 generally
includes a countertop 32 having a first arcuate surface 34 with a
first radius 36 and a first origin 38 for the radius 36. Similarly,
the modular radial counter 30 includes an outer second arcuate
surface 40 having a second radius 42 with a second origin 44. In at
least this embodiment, the origins 38, 44 converged to a common
point. Further, the modular radial counter 30 includes a first end
46 and a second end 48. For example, the second end 24 of the
radial counter 4 can be coupled to the first end 46 of the second
modular radial counter 32. As described below, in such arrangement,
the system forms an "S" shape so that the origins of the first
modular radial counter 4 are directed toward the first side 26 of
the system and the origins of the second modular radial counter 32
are directed toward the second side 27 of the system. As further
illustrated below, the radial counter 32 can be rotated 180.degree.
so that the origins are directed to the first side 26. In such
instance, the system could be described as a "C" shape. The
flexibility of this modular radial counter system allows various
combinations of various modules to create a variety of shapes. Part
of the uniqueness of the system is that the ends are radially
aligned to project toward a convergence at an origin which allows
the counters to be coupled to other counters in interchangeable
radial arrangements.
[0030] The modular radial counter 32 can further include a tray
rest 58 similar to tray rest 28 except that the tray rest 58 is
disposed along the outer second arcuate surface 40 of the counter
32. The radial counter 32 can include a variety of additional
elements depending on its purpose in the radial counter system. For
example, without limitation, the counter 32 can include one or more
openings into which one or more food service wells 54 can be
inserted. For hygienic reasons, a breath protector 56 can be
disposed over the food service wells 54, as is known in the
industry.
[0031] A third modular radial counter is shown for illustration and
can be similarly described as the first and second occurred modular
radial counters described above. In an exemplary embodiment, the
third modular radial counter 60 can include a refrigerated or
heated display case 62. Without limitation, the display case can
include chilled items, such as drinks, salads, desserts, and other
fruit products that may benefit from refrigeration, or heated items
such as hot sandwiches, meat products and other cooked items.
Depending on the orientation of the first, second, and third
modular radial counters, the arrangement can create an "S" shape
appearance as shown. Alternatively, the modular radial counter 60
can be turned around and inverted relative to the modular radial
counter 32 to create a "C" shape between the two counters 34, 60,
and an "S"shape created between the radial counters 4, 34. Further,
all counters can be rotated so that the origins were on one side of
the system to extend the "C" shape. If the counters have sufficient
length, or additional counters are included, the counters can form
an "O"shape with substantially complete circle or oval.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevation view of an exemplary
modular radial counter system. The radial counter system 2 can
include one or more of the modules described in FIG. 1, including
the first modular radial counter 4, the second modular radial
counter 30, and the third modular radial counter 60. In at least
one embodiment, one or more of the radial counters can include
wheels 78, such as casters or other rolling elements, to facilitate
movement of the counters. The counters can include decorative
coverings such as along one or more sides 102. The coverings can
include tile, stainless steel, plastic, and other coverings known
to those in the field. Lighting (not shown) can also be provided to
the counters to highlight different items on the counters or in the
counters. The tray rests 28, 58 can be disposed at heights
appropriate to the counter and are generally co-planer relative to
each other. The display shelf 52 can be provided with the counter 4
that can display open food items that are heated, cooled, or
ambient temperature. A breath protector 56 can be provided with a
counter, such as counter 30, that can provide hygienic protection
for food items offered for consumption. A display case 62 can be
provided with counter 60.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear elevation view of an exemplary
modular radial counter system. The modular radial counter system 2
can have decorative panels or can be open for easy access as may be
appropriate for particular embodiments. In general, the radial
counters include a structural support system 6. The counter 4 can
include the countertop 8, module 30 can include the countertop 32,
and countertop 61 can include the countertop 61. The wheels 78 can
facilitate movement of the counters to the various locations, as
well as facilitate rotation with the modules for coupling to other
modules. In some cases, the modulars can include a refrigeration
system (not shown) in conjunction with a display unit, such as a
display shelf 52, a display case 52, or other units. Likewise, a
heating system can be used. A plumbing system 84 can be used to
provide water, such as to steam trays, or drainage for iced food
wells disposed in the radial counter, or for other uses. A breath
protector 56 can include a support 80 with one or more glass panels
82 to protect the food during distribution to customers.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of an exemplary generic
modular radial counter. In at least one embodiment, the modular
radial counter 64 represents a base model of the different
variations of other embodiments of the modular redial counters 4,
30, 60. In similar fashion as has been described above, the generic
modular radial counter 64 includes a countertop 70, and a support
structure 6 for supporting the countertop 70. The radial counter 64
includes a first arcuate surface 66 and a second arcuate surface
68. Each arcuate surface has a radius with an origin. In at least
one embodiment, the radii of the arcuate surfaces converged to a
common point 76. Further, the generic modular radial counter 64
includes a first end 72 and a second end 74 where the ends are
disposed in radial alignment toward the common point 76. Thus, the
modular radial counter 64 forms a section of a toroid. A tray rest
71 can be coupled to the modular radial counter 64 with a support
90.
[0035] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a
modular radial counter. The modular radial counter 64 generally
includes a support system 6 with a countertop 70 coupled thereto.
The countertop 70 can include a tray rest 71 that can be coupled to
the counter 64 with a support 90. The counter can include various
panels and decorative walls on a front or other surface, as a
decorative panel as may be appropriate for the situation. A back
side of the radial counter 64 can also include panels or doors, or
be open for easy access to shelf space and other items under the
countertop 70. The support system 6 can further include a support
layer 104 under the countertop 70 to support the countertop. The
support layer includes a structural member or members. The end 72
of the counter 64 can be enclosed or opened as may be desired and
applicable to the particular configuration.
[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of at least two modular radial counters. In this exemplary
arrangement, the first modular radial counter 4 is arranged end to
end with the second modular radial counter 30, so that collectively
the system forms a shape that can be described as "C". Thus, the
radii of the first and second arcuate surfaces 10, 16 of the
counter 4 correlate with the first and second arcuate surfaces 34,
40 of the second modular radial counter 30 to form a collectively
longer arcuate surface. In at least one embodiment, therefore, the
origins 14, 20, 38, 44 of the radii of each radial counter converge
on the side 26 of the system 2.
[0037] As noted above regarding FIG. 1, the radial counters 4, 30
can be rotated 180.degree. relative to each other to form an "S"
shape. For the particular configuration, the tray rest that can be
associated with each radial counter may need to be substituted for
a longer or shorter tray rest as may be appropriate to the
particular side to be used in the system.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of an exemplary modular
orthogonal counter. FIG. 7A is a schematic top view of another
exemplary modular orthogonal counter. FIGS. 7 and 7A will be
described in conjunction with each other. The system 2 further
includes one or more modular orthogonal counters 92. In general,
the modular orthogonal counter 92 will include a first end 94, a
second end 96, a front 98, and a back 100. Generally, at least one
of the angles of a side and front or back are formed at a right
angle. Similarly, the ends 94, 96 can be parallel to each other and
perpendicular to at least the front 98, the back 100, or a
combination thereof However, the modular orthogonal counter 92
could include a curved surface such as a corner piece shown in the
corollary FIG. 7A. In such case, the ends 94 and 96 would adjacent
to each other and formed at right angles. Thus, a modular
orthogonal counter 92 as described herein includes at least two
adjacent surfaces formed at right angles generally along at least a
portion of their length.
[0039] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of an exemplary arrangement
of at least one modular radial counter coupled with at least one
modular orthogonal counter. In the arrangement shown, the first
modular radial counter 4 can be coupled with the orthogonal counter
92 by coupling the ends of each module together. Further, the
second modular radial counter 30 can be coupled with the other end
of the modular orthogonal counter 92. Such arrangement could be
described as an elongated "C" shape, where one portion is elongated
from use of the modular orthogonal counter 92 and the radial
counters 4, 30 are coupled to each end of the modular orthogonal
counter. Alternatively, the second modular radial counter could be
coupled to the other end of the first modular radial counter. Such
arrangement could be described as an elongated "J" shape, where one
portion is elongated from use of the modular orthogonal counter 92
and the radial counters 4, 30 are coupled together.
[0040] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of another exemplary
embodiment illustrating a different arrangement of the modular
counter system shown in FIG. 8. The modular counters shown in FIG.
8 can be coupled in a different arrangement as desired or needed.
For example, by rotating one of more of the modular radial
counters, such as the radial counter 30, a different shape and
arrangement can be made. Such arrangement could be described as an
elongated "S" shape. As would be known to those with ordinary skill
in the art given the description contained herein, additional
shapes can be formed from different combinations of modular radial
counters, modular orthogonal counters, or combinations thereof Such
combinations could resemble various other shapes, such as a "D"
shape with a combination of modular radial counters and orthogonal
counters, an "O" shape with multiple radial counters sufficiently
completing a circle or oval, a "P" shape, a "U" shape, and other
shapes as may be useful or desired. Such flexibility is heretofore
not been known to the use of modular systems.
[0041] The embodiments shown are generally described in terms of
the food service industry and it is believed that the module system
will widely be used in such industry. However, the disclosure can
be applicable to multiple fields that use counters for various
purposes.
[0042] The invention has been described in the context of various
embodiments and not every embodiment of the invention has been
described. Apparent modifications and alterations to the described
embodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art.
The disclosed and undisclosed embodiments are not intended to limit
or restrict the scope or applicability of the invention conceived
of by the Applicants, but rather, in conformity with the patent
laws, Applicants intends to protect all such modifications and
improvements to the full extent that such falls within the scope or
range of equivalent of the following claims.
[0043] The various methods and embodiments of the invention can be
included in combination with each other to produce variations of
the disclosed methods and embodiments, as would be understood by
those with ordinary skill in the art, given the understanding
provided herein. Also, various aspects of the embodiments could be
used in conjunction with each other to accomplish the understood
goals of the invention. Also, the directions such as "top,"
"bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and other directions
and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to
the figures and are not to be limiting of the actual device or
system or use of the device or system. Unless the context requires
otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising", should be understood to imply the inclusion of at
least the stated element or step or group of elements or steps or
equivalents thereof, and not the exclusion of a greater numerical
quantity or any other element or step or group of elements or steps
or equivalents thereof The device or system may be used in a number
of directions and orientations. The term "coupled," "coupling,"
"coupler," and like terms are used broadly herein and can include
any method or device for securing, binding, bonding, fastening,
attaching, joining, inserting therein, forming thereon or therein,
communicating, or otherwise associating, for example, mechanically,
magnetically, electrically, chemically, directly or indirectly with
intermediate elements, one or more pieces of members together and
can further include without limitation integrally forming one
functional member with another in a unity fashion. The coupling can
occur in any direction, including rotationally. Further, the order
of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwise
specifically limited. The various steps described herein can be
combined with other steps, interlineated with the stated steps,
and/or split into multiple steps. Additionally, the headings herein
are for the convenience of the reader and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
[0044] Further, any references mentioned in the application for
this patent as well as all references listed in the information
disclosure originally filed with the application are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent such may
be deemed essential to support the enabling of the invention.
However, to the extent statements might be considered inconsistent
with the patenting of the invention, such statements are expressly
not meant to be considered as made by the Applicant(s).
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