U.S. patent application number 16/395170 was filed with the patent office on 2019-08-15 for modular heating unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to PRINCE CASTLE LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is PRINCE CASTLE LLC. Invention is credited to David Anthony Betzold, Scott W. Beu, Eric W. Larson, David E. Paton, Ronaldo J. Santiago, Loren Veltrop.
Application Number | 20190246841 16/395170 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522910 |
Filed Date | 2019-08-15 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190246841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Veltrop; Loren ; et
al. |
August 15, 2019 |
MODULAR HEATING UNIT
Abstract
A modular heating unit comprising modular heating bins is
disclosed. The modular heating bins may be arranged into different
configurations to accommodate different food preparation
layouts.
Inventors: |
Veltrop; Loren; (Chicago,
IL) ; Betzold; David Anthony; (Fridley, MN) ;
Beu; Scott W.; (Bolingbrook, IL) ; Larson; Eric
W.; (Pecatonica, IL) ; Paton; David E.;
(Bartlett, IL) ; Santiago; Ronaldo J.; (South
Elgin, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PRINCE CASTLE LLC |
Carol Stream |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
PRINCE CASTLE LLC
Carol Stream
IL
|
Family ID: |
51522910 |
Appl. No.: |
16/395170 |
Filed: |
April 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14188811 |
Feb 25, 2014 |
10271690 |
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16395170 |
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61790699 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 39/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 39/02 20060101
A47J039/02 |
Claims
1. A modular heating unit comprising: a first base unit, the first
base unit including a substantially enclosed housing formed by a
top wall, a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls; power and
control circuitry disposed within the first base unit; at least a
first modular heating bin and a second modular heating bin, each of
the first modular heating bin and the second modular heating bin
including a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and
two side walls, the first modular heating bin and the second
modular heating bin being configured to be arranged in either side
by side or stacked positions to accommodate different cooking space
dimensions, the first modular heating bin being releasably and
operatively connected to the first base unit by a locking
mechanism, the first modular heating bin and the second modular
heating bin each including at least one heating element, wherein
the power and control circuitry within the first base unit is
operatively connected to the at least one heating element of the
first modular heating bin, the power and control circuitry
providing power and communication signals from the first base unit
to the first modular heating bin, and wherein the first base unit
includes the top wall, the bottom wall, and the plurality of side
walls, when the first base unit and the first modular heating bin
are separated from one another.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/188,811, filed Feb. 25, 2014, which claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. provisional
patent application Ser. No. 61/790,699, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the
entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Aspects of the disclosure generally relate to a modular
heating unit for storing food items. In particular, aspects of the
disclosure allow for reconfiguration of a modular heating unit to
accommodate different sized kitchens or food preparation
layouts.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of ovens or food warming units are used in the
food industry. Such ovens and food warming apparatus allow
precooked food items to be stored separately until needed. For
instance, when a quick serve restaurant receives an order for a
sandwich, the sandwich may be assembled on a food preparation table
where the contents of certain sandwich items may be removed from
food warning units. The storing of precooked foods in food warming
units enables quick assembly of the sandwich and efficient order
fulfillment.
[0004] Current ovens and food warming apparatus come in various
fixed sizes but are not reconfigurable once installed. Such fixed
dimensional heating units limit food preparation layouts which may
have to be modified or altered for numerous reasons. For example,
as quick serve restaurants add or change menus items, food
preparation layouts may need to be adjusted. Fixed dimensional
heating units limit the degree to which the food preparation
layouts may be reconfigured.
[0005] Moreover, upon a kitchen remodeling existing fixed ovens and
food warming apparatus may not be properly sized for the
reconfigured kitchen. This may lead to the purchase of new ovens or
warming apparatus at considerable expense or to undesirable or
inefficient food preparation layout.
[0006] Thus, current fixed ovens and warming units are not
satisfactory and a need exists for a more flexible apparatus.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0007] In light of the foregoing background, the following presents
a simplified summary of the present disclosure in order to provide
a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This
summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not
intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or
to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary
merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form
as a prelude to the more detailed description provided below.
[0008] A first aspect the present disclosure provides a modular
heating unit comprising a top cover, a base unit, and at least two
modular heating bins configured to be arranged in different
positions to accommodate different cooking space dimensions is
disclosed. The modular heating bins may be operatively connected to
the base unit and the top cover. The modular heating unit may be
rearranged in different configurations through rearrangement of the
modular heating bins.
[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a modular
heating bin having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back
wall, and two side walls. In an embodiment, the two side walls
interconnect the bottom wall and the top wall. The front wall may
be connected to the two side walls and define a first opening
configured to hold a pan. The back wall may also be connected to
the two side walls and define a second opening configured to hold
the pan. In an embodiment, the second opening extends through to
the first opening from the front wall to the back wall. Moreover,
the top wall further includes a plurality of tabs and slots
configured for interconnecting the top wall and or bottom wall with
another modular heating bin.
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. The Summary is not intended to identify
key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter,
nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and
is not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference
numerals indicate similar elements and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a modular heating unit with four modular
heating bins in accordance with various aspects of the
disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate modular heating units in various
positions that may be used in accordance with various aspects of
the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure in which
a modular heating unit may include different sized modular heating
bins in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a base unit in accordance with various
aspect of the disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate additional views of a base unit in
accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate various additional views of a modular
heating unit in accordance with various aspects of the
disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 15-20 illustrate a modular heating bin in accordance
with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 21 illustrates a one-third sized pan that may be used
in various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 22 illustrates a cover that may be used in various
aspects of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 23 illustrates a modular heating bin in accordance with
an aspect of the disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 24 illustrates a modular heating unit in accordance
with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 25 illustrates a rail system in accordance with an
aspect of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 26 illustrates additional rail assemblies that may be
incorporated into modular heating bins in accordance with various
aspects of the disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 27 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating bin
that may be included in various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 28 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating bin
that may be included in various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 29 illustrates a modular heating unit in accordance
with an aspect of the disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 30 illustrates a moving bladder assembly that may be
implemented in various aspects of the disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 31 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
having a moving bladder assembly that may be included in various
embodiments.
[0030] FIG. 32 illustrates a moving floor assembly that may be
implemented in various aspects of the disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 33 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
having a moving floor assembly that may be included in various
embodiments.
[0032] FIG. 34 illustrates a fan assembly that may be included in
various aspects of the disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 35 illustrates another fan assembly that may be
included in various aspects of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 36 illustrates a cooling module that may be included in
various aspects of the disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 37 illustrates another cooling module that may be
included in various aspects of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a modular
heating unit 100 that includes a base unit 104, a top cover 106,
and four modular heating bins 108, 110, 112, and 114 interconnected
between the base unit 104 and the top cover 106. The modular
heating unit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, is configured in a
2.times.2 arrangement. As illustrated, the four modular heating
bins 108, 110, 112, and 114 may be arranged such that there are two
columns and two rows of modular heating bins. In particular, the
2.times.2 configuration is shown such that modular heating bin 108
may be adjacent to modular heating bin 110 and modular heating bin
112 may be adjacent to modular heating bin 114. Moreover, as shown
in FIG. 1, modular heating bin 108 may be stacked on top of modular
heating bin 112 and modular heating bin 110 may be stacked on top
of modular heating bin 114.
[0037] In an aspect of the disclosure, modular heating bins 108,
110, 112, and 114 are similarly sized and interchangeable with each
other. Each of the modular heating bins 108, 110, 112, and 114 may
be arranged into different positions in relation to each other to
accommodate different cooking space dimensions. For instance,
modular heating bins 108, 110, and 112 may be configured in a
1.times.3 arrangement (a vertical stack) as shown in FIG. 2 by
modular heating unit 202. As illustrated, modular heating unit 202
may be positioned on a preparation table next to other cooking
equipment such as a bun toaster. In another embodiment, modular
heating bins 108, 110, 112, and 114 may be configured in a
4.times.1 arrangement (horizontal stack) as shown in FIG. 2 by
modular heating unit 204. As illustrated, modular heating unit 204
may be positioned above a food preparation table. Furthermore, as
shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, modular heating units such as modular
heating units 206, 208, 302, and 402 may be positioned above,
below, or on numerous cooking apparatus (fryers, salt shakers,
grills, etc.) depending on the particular kitchen design.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure in which
a modular heating unit may include different sized modular heating
bins. For instance, FIG. 5 shows modular heating unit 500 which
includes modular heating bins 502, 504, and 506. In an embodiment,
modular heating bins 502 and 504 have the same physical dimensions
and are both sized for holding a one-third sized storing pan.
However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, modular heating bin 506 is a
larger modular heating bin as compared to modular heating bins 502
and 504. In an embodiment, modular heating bin 506 may be sized to
hold a one-half sized storing pan. In an aspect of the disclosure,
the modular heating bins disclosed in the present disclosure may be
differently sized but each of the modular heating bins may be
operatively interconnected with each other to form varying modular
heating units.
[0039] For instance, in an aspect of the disclosure, numerous
modular heating bins may be arranged in different configurations to
accommodate different kitchen layouts and designs. In an
embodiment, the modular heating bins may be interconnected to each
other and positioned between a top cover and a base unit. The base
unit 104 and the top cover may be sized to accommodate the
particular arrangement of the formed modular heating unit. In an
embodiment, different sized modular heating bins may be stacked on
top of or positioned next to each other.
[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates a base unit 104 in accordance with
various aspects of the disclosure. Base unit 104 includes mounting
tabs 602 for receiving modular heating bins such as modular heating
bins 112 and 114. In an embodiment, mounting tabs 602 may be
vertically extending structures having varying shapes for insertion
into a mated slot located on a modular heating bin. Those skilled
in the art will realize that the mounting tabs may be of numerous
shapes which may include circular, oval, rectangle, square,
triangular, and other geometric shapes or non-uniform shapes.
[0041] In an embodiment, mounting tabs 602 may provide for secure
positioning of each of the modular heating bins 112 and 114. For
instance, mounting tabs 602 may be inserted into bottom slots of
each of the modular heating bins. In an embodiment, after the
mounting tabs 602 have been inserted into the bottom slots of the
modular heating bins, the modular heating bins may be slid into a
locked position. In an embodiment, the modular heating bins are
releasably connected to the base unit 104. Those skilled in the art
will realize that other locking mechanisms may be used to securely
connect each of the modular heating bins to base unit 104.
[0042] FIG. 6 further illustrates a connector 604 which may be used
to operatively connect base unit 104 to a modular heating bin. The
connector 604 may provide power and communication signals to each
of the connected modular heating bins. Connector 604 may connect
power and control circuitry that may be housed in base unit 104.
For example, base unit 104 may include a processor for controlling
overall operation of the connected modular heating bins. Moreover,
base unit 104 may include other components such as RAM, ROM,
network interfaces, other communication interfaces, and additional
storage components for providing overall control and monitoring
functions to each of the connected modular heating bins. Base unit
104 may also include power circuitry for providing the proper
voltage and current requirements of the connected modular heating
units.
[0043] In another embodiment, each modular heating bin may also
include a processor memory, and control circuitry. Moreover, each
modular heating bin may also include various communication
interfaces and ports such as Ethernet ports or USB ports to enable
communication with internal or external networks.
[0044] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate additional views of a base unit such as
base unit 104 in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
In FIG. 9, a power switch 902 may be included on base unit 104 to
allow for connection to a power source. In addition, power switch
902 may be used to disconnect power to each of the connected
modular heating bins prior to any removal from base unit 104 or for
servicing and/or cleaning.
[0045] In an embodiment, base unit 104 may include input devices
for connecting external devices such as keypads, touchscreens,
speakers or other display or audio devices. In an embodiment, base
unit 104 may operate in a networked environment with other modular
heating units or food preparation equipment. In an embodiment, base
unit 104 may support connection to external or remote computing
devices. Base unit 104 may include connections and interfaces for
connection to a wide area network (WAN), local area network (LAN)
or other network suitable for connecting to the internet or alike.
For instance, base unit 104 may include communications ports such
as Ethernet ports, USB ports, or the like for connection to
external networks using various well-known protocols such as
TCP/IP, FTP, HTTP and the like.
[0046] In an embodiment, memory and storage included in base unit
104 may include an operating system, computer-executable
instructions, and/or application programs for execution by the
processor.
[0047] In an embodiment, base unit 104 may also include a wireless
transceiver for communication with connected modular heating bins
and/or external control or monitoring devices. The wireless
transceiver may communicate additional control features or program
updates to each of the connected modular heating bins.
[0048] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate various additional views of a modular
heating unit in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
In particular, FIG. 10 shows a back view of a modular heating unit
such as modular heating unit 100. In an embodiment, the back view
of modular heating unit 100 may be similar to the front view of
modular heating unit 100 as shown in FIG. 1. In an aspect of the
disclosure, inserted pans such as pans 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008
may be accessed from both the front and back sides of the modular
heating unit 100. In an embodiment, each of the connected modular
heating bins 108-114 may also be monitored and controlled from both
sides of modular heating unit 100 as modular heating bins 108-114
have similar functionality on both sides of modular heating unit
100. FIGS. 11-12 illustrate top and bottom views of a modular
heating unit in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
FIGS. 13-14 illustrate side views of a modular heating unit in
accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.
[0049] FIGS. 15-20 illustrate a modular heating bin in accordance
with an aspect of the disclosure. In FIG. 15, a modular heating bin
1502 may include a top wall 1504 and a bottom wall 1506. In an
embodiment, top and bottom walls 1502 and 1504 may be opposite each
other and may be interconnected to each other through two side
walls such as side walls 1508 and 1510. A front wall such as front
wall 1512 may be connected to the side walls 1508 and 1510, the top
wall 1504, and the bottom wall 1506. In an embodiment, front wall
1510 may include or define a first opening 1514 to hold a pan 1516.
A back wall such as back wall 1518 (FIG. 16) may be connected to
side walls 1508 and 1510, top wall 1504, and bottom wall 1506.
[0050] In an aspect of the disclosure, back wall 1518 may include
or define a second opening 1520 to hold pan 1516. In an embodiment,
the second opening 1520 may extend through to the first opening
1514 from the front wall 1512 to the back wall 1518.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 15, top wall 1504 may include a plurality
of mounting tabs 1522 for interconnecting modular heating bin 1502
with other modular heating bins. In an embodiment, mounting tabs
1522 may provide for securing modular heating bin 1502 to a top
cover or to another modular heating unit. For instance, mounting
tabs 1522 may be inserted into bottom slots of another modular
heating bin. In an embodiment, modular heating bin 1502 may be
releasably connected to a top cover or another modular heating
unit.
[0052] In an embodiment, modular heating bin 1502 may be used
without a top cover. In such an embodiment, mounting tabs such as
mounting tabs 1522 may be removable.
[0053] FIG. 15 illustrates a connector 1524 which may be used to
operatively connect modular heating unit 1502 to another modular
heating unit. The connector 1524 may provide power and
communication to modular heating bin 1502.
[0054] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an interface 1526 that may be
included in front wall 1512 and back wall 1518. The interface 1526
may include a display 1528 for displaying information regarding
operation of modular heating bin 1502. The information displayed
may include identifying contents stored in pan 1516 placed in
modular heating bin 1502. For instance, display 1528 may list the
contents of pan 1516 as grilled or fried. More specifically,
display 1528 may show or list the type of food stored, the
temperature of the food stored, the amount of time the food has
been stored, and a countdown until spoilage of the stored food.
Those skilled in the art will realize that numerous types of
different information and messages may be displayed on display 1528
based in part on the food being stored in modular heating bin
1502.
[0055] In an aspect of the disclosure, interface 1526 may also
include different controls for changing operational variables of
modular heating bin 1502. For instance, interface 1526 may include
up arrow button 1530 and down arrow button 1532 for changing set
points of top and bottom integral heaters 1534 and 1536 that may be
included in modular heating unit 1502. In an aspect of the
disclosure, integral heaters 1534 and 1536 may be embedded in top
wall 1504 and bottom wall 1506. In an embodiment, the integral
heaters 1534 and 1536 may be foil heaters, wire rope heaters, or
other type of heaters including heaters printed on glass type
surfaces.
[0056] In another aspect of the disclosure, interface 1526 may also
include buttons or input controls for displaying temperature
information or food contents information. For example interface
1526 may include a food temperature button 1538 and contents
information button 1540.
[0057] FIG. 21 illustrates a one-third sized pan 2102 that may be
used in various embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 21,
one-third sized pan 2102 is shown with handles 2104 on each end of
the one-third sized pan 2102 so that the one-third sized pan 2102
may be removed from either side of a modular heating unit.
One-third sized pan 2102 may include a bottom portion 2105 which
extending vertically upwards and attaches to an integrally formed
lip portion 2106 which runs along an outer most portion of
one-third sized pan 2102.
[0058] FIG. 22 illustrates a cover 2202 for one-third sized pan
2102 shown in FIG. 21. Cover 2202 may be used and placed on
one-third sized pan 2102 based on the contents stored in one-third
sized pan 2102.
[0059] FIG. 23 illustrates a modular heating bin 2302 in accordance
with an aspect of the disclosure. In FIG. 23, modular heating bin
2302 may hold a half-sized pan such as half-sized pan 2304. Modular
heating bin 2302 may be operatively interconnected with other
modular heating bins such as modular heating 108, 110, 112, and
114. In an embodiment, a base unit such base unit 104 may be
differently sized to accommodate connection of differently sized
modular heating bins. In another aspect of the disclosure, a top
cover such as top cover 106 may also be sized to fit differently
sized modular heating bins. Arrangements of differently sized
heating bins and there interconnection to each other to form a
singular modular heating unit are discussed below.
[0060] FIG. 24 illustrates a modular heating unit 2400 in
accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. In FIG. 24, modular
heating unit 2400 may comprise two interconnected base units such
as base unit 2402 and 2404. In an embodiment, the two
interconnected base units 2402 and 2404 may when interconnected act
as a single base unit such as base unit 104. In an embodiment, one
of the interconnected base units may act as a slave base unit while
the other base unit when interconnected may act as a master unit.
Such a configuration may reduce overall power consumption when
interconnected but also allow for redundancy or fail over should
the master base unit encounter a problem such as a component
failure. In addition, such a system may allow for standardization
of the internal components of the base unit regardless of the
overall physical dimensions of the base unit.
[0061] In an embodiment, if a kitchen or food assembly line is
remodeled or altered additional modular heating bins with
associated base units may be interconnected with an existing
modular heating unit to expand or resize the overall configuration
of the modular heating unit. Such an interconnected system may
function as a single modular heating unit though comprised of
equipment potentially purchased at different times for different
kitchen or assembly line layouts.
[0062] FIG. 24 further illustrates four modular heating bins 2406,
2408, 2410, and 2412. The modular heating unit 2400 of FIG. 24 may
be arranged in a 2.times.2 configuration in which modular heating
bin 2406 is connected or stacked on top of modular heating bin
2408. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 24, modular heating bin 2410 may
be connected or stacked on top of modular heating bin 2412. Top
covers such as top covers 2414 and 2416 may be placed on top of
modular heating bin 2406 and 2410. In an embodiment, top cover 2414
and 2416 may be connected together to form a singular top cover. In
another embodiment, a single unitary top cover (not shown) may be
used to attach to modular heating bins 2406 and 2410.
[0063] FIG. 25 illustrates a rail system in accordance with an
aspect of the disclosure. In FIG. 25, a modular heating bin 2502 is
illustrated which includes a first rail structure 2504 and a second
rail structure 2506. The first and second rail structures may form
grooves or slots in each of side walls 2508 and 2510 of modular
heating bin 2502. In an embodiment, the first and second rail
structures 2504 and 2506 may be formed between an inner surface and
outer surface of each of the side walls. For example, side wall
2508 may comprise an inner surface 2512 and an outer surface 2514
and side wall 2510 may include an inner surface 2518 and an outer
surface 2516.
[0064] In an embodiment, rail structure 2504 may be formed between
inner surface 2512 and outer surface 2514 of side wall 2508, and
between inner surface 2518 and outer surface 2516 of side wall
2510. In another embodiment, rail structure 2506 may be formed
between inner surface 2512 and outer surface 2514 of side wall
2508, and between inner surface 2518 and outer surface 2516 of side
wall 2510.
[0065] In an aspect of the disclosure, each of the rail structures
2504 and 2506 may extend from a front wall 2520 to a back wall 2522
(FIG. 26). In an aspect of the disclosure, a pan such as pan 2524
may include a lip 2526 that extends around the outermost portion of
pan 2524. In an embodiment, lip 2526 may engage and slide along
rail assembly 2504 such that pan 2524 is securely stored in modular
heating bin 2502.
[0066] In an aspect of the disclosure, when pan 2524 is inserted
into rail assembly 2504 a seal is formed against an internal upper
surface 2528 of top portion 2530 of modular heating bin 2502. In an
embodiment, the seal may prevent venting of pan 2524 so that
products placed in pan 2524 retain moisture prior to food
preparation. Rail assembly 2504 may replace the need for a cover
for pan 2524.
[0067] In another embodiment, rail assembly 2506 may be used to
store pan 2524 when crispy or fried food items are stored in pan
2524. Rail assembly 2506 may be positioned such that pan 2524 vents
to atmosphere in the space created between the top of pan 2524 and
internal upper surface 2528 of top portion 2530.
[0068] FIG. 26 illustrates rail assemblies 2504 and 2506
incorporated into numerous modular heating bins such as modular
heating bins 2506, 2604, 2606, and 2608. Interconnected modular
heating bins 2506, 2604, 2606, and 2608 along with base unit 2501
and top cover 2503 may form modular heating unit 2602. As
illustrated, pans such as pan 2524 may be inserted into rail
assemblies 2504 and 2506 based on whether the food contents stored
in each particular pan should be vented or sealed. As shown in FIG.
26, covers for each of the modular heating bins 2506, 2604, 2606,
and 2608 may not be necessary in such an embodiment.
[0069] FIG. 27 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
that may be included in various embodiments. In FIG. 27, a modular
heating unit 2700 may control a gate or flap to allow rail
assemblies to accept pans containing certain food items. For
instance, rail assembly 2704 may include a gate or flap 2706 which
may be controlled by modular heating unit's 2700 operating system
or stored application program. The gate or flap 2706 may be
controlled so that food items stored in pans to be covered or
sealed maintain moisture during storage are not placed into rail
assembly 2704. In an embodiment, the control system may review
contents of the pan to be stored and determine which rail assembly
2702 or 2704 should be opened to allow proper pan placement. For
instance, if hamburger patties are to be stored in pan 2708, a gate
for flap may be retracted or opened so that rail assemble 2702
accepts pan 2708. In addition, gate or flap 2704 may be positioned
to block entry into rail assembly 2704, so that pan 2708 is not
mistakenly placed in the wrong location.
[0070] FIG. 28 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
that may be included in various embodiments. In FIG. 28, a modular
heating unit 2800 may utilize a user actuated sliding mechanism
2802 to control a gate or flap to allow rail assemblies to accept
or reject pans containing certain food items. In an embodiment,
sliding mechanism 2802 may be actuated so that only one of rail
assemblies for given modular heating bin, at a particular time, can
accept a pan. This may ensure that once a pan is removed and later
returned to the modular heating bin it is placed in the correct
rail assembly.
[0071] FIG. 29 illustrates a modular heating unit 2900 in
accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. In FIG. 29, modular
heating unit 2900 may comprise three one-third sized modular
heating bins 2902, 2904, and 2906 in a top row 2907. In addition,
modular heating unit 2900 may also include a second row 2909 that
includes two one-half sized modular heating bins 2908 and 2910. As
shown in FIG. 29, the three adjacent one-third sized modular
heating bins 2902, 2904, and 2906 may have similar overall length
and depth as the second row 2909 of two adjacent one-half sized
modular heating bins 2908 and 2910. In an embodiment, the two rows
of modular heating bins 2907 and 2909 are interconnected together
between a base unit 2912 and a top cover 2918.
[0072] In an aspect of the disclosure, different sized modular
heating bins may be interconnected together to form a unitary
modular heating unit such as modular heating unit 2900. The
different sized modular heating bins may be stacked on top of each
other and/or arranged adjacent to each other. In an embodiment,
different sized base units may be interconnected with each other in
order to connect different sized modular heating bins. In an
embodiment, different sized top covers may be interconnected with
each other to form a top cover for the modular heating unit. In an
alternative embodiment, a single continuous unitary top cover may
be made for various different potential arrangements and/or
configurations of modular heating units.
[0073] In another aspect of the disclosure, a modular heating unit
may comprise modular heating bins and operate without a base unit
and top cover. Such a modular heating unit may have modular heating
bins which are fully self-contained but may operatively
interconnect with other each. The interconnection of at least two
modular heating bins may form a modular heating unit with one of
modular heating bins acting as a master controller for both modular
heating bins.
[0074] FIG. 30 illustrates a moving bladder embodiment that may be
implemented in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 30, a
moving bladder or vane portion may be included in various modular
heating bins in various embodiments of the disclosure. For
instance, FIG. 30 shows modular heating unit 3000 that may include
modular heating bins 3002, 3004, 3006, and 3008. In an embodiment,
modular heating bins 3004 and 3008 illustrate a bladder 3010 that
moves from a first position to a second position to form a seal
over a pan stored in the particular modular heating unit. The seal
maintains food moisture for particular food products that are to be
stored with covers such as grilled chicken. In FIG. 30, bladder
3010 is shown forming a seal over pans 3011 and 3013 of modular
heating bins 3004 and 3008. The control system of modular heating
unit 3000 based on received input that grilled chicken is being
stored in pans 3011 and 3013 of modular heating bins 3004 and 3008
lowers bladder 3010 to form a seal over pans 3011 and 3013 upon
placement of pans 3011 and 3013 into modular heating bins 3004 and
3008.
[0075] In an aspect of the disclosure, bladder 3010 may made of a
rubber or other sealing food grade material. In an embodiment,
bladder 3010 may be attached to a ceiling surface of each of the
modular heating bins. In another embodiment, bladder 3010 may only
extend near the openings of the modular heating bins extending
between opposite located side walls.
[0076] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 30, the control system of modular
heating unit 3000 based on received input that fried chicken is
being stored in pans 3015 and 3017 of modular heating bins 3002 and
3006, stores bladder 3010 in a retracted position so that pans 3015
and 3017 can vent and allow moisture to escape to keep the fried
chicken crispy. As shown, in modular heating bins 3002 and 3006,
bladder 3010 is stored in a retracted position in a top portion
3019 of each modular heating bin 3002 and 3006.
[0077] FIG. 31 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
that may be included in various embodiments. In FIG. 31, a modular
heating unit 3000 may utilize a user actuated sliding mechanism
3102 to control bladder 3010 of modular heating bins 3002, 3004,
3006, and 3008. In an embodiment, modular heating bins 3004 and
3008 illustrate a bladder 3010 that moves from a first position to
a second position to form a seal over a pan stored in the
particular modular heating unit. The seal maintains food moisture
for particular food products that are to be stored with covers such
as grilled chicken. In FIG. 31, bladder 3010 is shown forming a
seal over pans 3011 and 3013 of modular heating bins 3004 and 3008.
A user activated sliding mechanism 3102 may be used to lower
bladder 3010 to form a seal over pans 3011 upon placement of pans
3011 and 3013 into modular heating bins 3004 and 3008.
[0078] In addition, as also shown in FIG. 31, the user activated
sliding mechanism 3102 may also be used to retract bladder 3010 of
modular heating bins 3002 and 3006 so pans 3015 and 3017 can vent
and allow moisture to escape to keep stored fried chicken crispy.
As shown, in modular heating bins 3002 and 3006, bladder 3010 is
stored in a retracted position in a top portion 3019 of each
modular heating bin 3002 and 3006.
[0079] FIG. 32 illustrates a moving floor embodiment that may be
implemented in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 32, a
moving floor portion may be included in various modular heating
bins in various embodiments of the disclosure. For instance, FIG.
32 shows modular heating unit 3200 that may include modular heating
bins 3202, 3204, 3206, and 3208. In an embodiment, modular heating
bins 3204 and 3208 illustrate a floor 3210 that moves from a first
position to a second position to raise a pan placed in the
particular modular heating bin. In an embodiment, a pan such as pan
3211 is raised so that lip portion 3203 of pan 3211 forms a seal
against a ceiling surface 3219 of modular heating bin 3204. The
formed seal maintains food moisture for particular food products
that are to be stored with covers such as grilled chicken. In FIG.
32, the lip portions 3203 of both pans 3211 and 3213 are in contact
with ceiling surfaces 3219 and 3221 of modular heating bins 3204
and 3208, respectively.
[0080] In an embodiment, a control system of modular heating unit
3200, based on received input that grilled chicken is being stored
in pans 3211 and 3213, raises floor 3210 so that a seal is formed
between lip portions 3203 of each pan 3211 and 3213 and ceilings
surfaces 3219 and 3221 of each modular heating bin 3204 and
3208.
[0081] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 32, the control system of modular
heating unit 3200 based on received input that fried chicken is
being stored in pans 3215 and 3217 of modular heating bins 3002 and
3006, stores bladder 3010 so pans 3015 and 3017 can vent and allow
moisture to escape to keep the fried chicken crispy. As shown, in
modular heating bins 3202 and 3206, floor 3020 is stored in a
retracted position in a bottom portion 3019 of each modular heating
bin 3202 and 3206.
[0082] FIG. 33 illustrates another aspect of a modular heating unit
that may be included in various embodiments. In FIG. 33, a modular
heating unit 3200 may utilize a user actuated sliding mechanism
3302 to control floor 3210 of modular heating bins 3202, 3204,
3206, and 3208. In an embodiment, modular heating bins 3204 and
3208 illustrate a floor 3210 that moves from a first position to a
second position to raise a pan placed in the particular modular
heating bin so that a lip portion 3203 of the pan forms a seal
against a ceiling surface of the modular heating bin. A user
activated sliding mechanism 3302 may be used to raise floor 3210 to
form a seal over pans 3211 and 3213 upon placement of pans 3211 and
3213 into modular heating bins 3204 and 3208.
[0083] In addition, as also shown in FIG. 33, the user activated
sliding mechanism 3302 may also be used to retract floor 3210 of
modular heating bins 3202 and 3206 so pans 3215 and 3217 can vent
and allow moisture to escape to keep stored fried chicken crispy.
As shown, in modular heating bins 3202 and 3206, floor 3210 may be
stored in a retracted position in a bottom portion 3219 of each
modular heating bin 3202 and 3206.
[0084] In another embodiment, bladder 3010 may also be incorporated
into the moving floor embodiments described above with respect to
FIGS. 32-33.
[0085] FIG. 34 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure that
may be included in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 34, a
modular heating bin 3402 may include a fan 3404 to vent moisture
from the modular heating bin 3402. In an embodiment, fan 3404 may
remove moisture from a pan 3405 when turned "on" and may retain
moisture in pan 3405 when switched "off." In an embodiment, fan
3404 may be controlled by a control unit based on the type of food
stored in a pan 3405 placed in modular heating bin 3402. In an
embodiment, fan 3405 may be box style fan or other style fan that
when activated (turned "on") simulates a pan cover placed on top of
pan 3405. In another embodiment, fan 3404 may also be incorporated
into the moving bladder embodiment of FIG. 30-31 discussed above
with respect to modular heating unit 3000.
[0086] FIG. 35 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure that
may be included in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 35, a
modular heating bin 3502 may include a fan 3504 to vent moisture
from modular heating bin 3502. In an embodiment, fan 3504 may
remove moisture from a pan 3505 when turned "on" and may retain
moisture in pan 3505 when switched "off." In an embodiment, fan
3504 may be controlled by a control unit based on the type of food
stored in a pan 3505 placed in modular heating bin 3502. In an
embodiment, fan 3505 may be a screw style fan which may reduce the
overall height of modular heating bin 3502. The screw style fan
3504 when activated may create a lower pressure in pan 3505 which
in turn pulls out the hot humid air (moisture) from pan 3505. The
screw style fan 3504 when activated (turned "on") simulates a pan
cover placed on top of pan 3505.
[0087] FIG. 36 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure that
may be included in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 36, a
modular heating bin 3602 may include a cooling module i.e. a
Peltier cooling module 3604 having a fan 3609 to vent moisture from
the modular heating bin 3602. In an embodiment, fan 3609 may remove
moisture from a pan 3605 when turned "on" and may retain moisture
in pan 3605 when switched "off."
[0088] FIG. 37 illustrates another aspect of the disclosure that
may be included in various aspects of the disclosure. In FIG. 37, a
modular heating bin 3702 may include a cooling module 3704 to vent
moisture from the modular heating bin 3702. In an embodiment,
cooling module 3704 may include a cooper wound tube 3706.
[0089] Aspects of the invention have been described in terms of
illustrative embodiments thereof. Numerous other embodiments,
modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the
appended claims will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art
from a review of this disclosure. For example, one of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate that the steps discussed herein
may be performed in other than the recited order, and that one or
more steps may be optional in accordance with aspects of the
invention.
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