1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for thawing a frozen commodity such as a food product.
2. Description of Background Art
A problem occurs in the food industry when it is desired to thaw a food product. For example, the food products may be positioned on a loading dock and subjected to ambient air to thaw the food products. Normally, a plurality of pallets of food products are arranged on the loading dock or in a warehouse and ambient air is blown or pushed towards the pallets. If the ambient air is at 72° Fahrenheit (22.22° Celsius), the first pallet of food products will thaw first and may reach a temperature above the mandated safety zone of 40° Fahrenheit (4.44° Celsius). The thawing of the food products on a loading docket or in a warehouse may lead to the growth of bacteria in the food products that may be transmitted to contaminate adjacent food products and other areas of the warehouse. In addition, the thawing of a food product in this manner may lead to the discoloration of the food product. Further, the food products will be thawed unevenly and thus lead to problems in determining which food products are properly thawed for delivery to a customer. Still further, the thawing of frozen food products in ambient air leads to the production of condensation within the boxes of the food products. This will produce a wet or soggy box with a wet food product that is not suitable for delivery to a customer.
Another way to thaw a food product is to position the food product in a cooler that is maintained at a temperature of approximately 37° Fahrenheit to 70° Fahrenheit (2.77° Celsius to 21.11° Celsius). Again the pallets of food products have air that is blown or pushed towards the pallets. The pushing of the air unto the pallets of food products will lead to the thawing of the food on the pallet that is located immediately adjacent to the air handler. Pallets of food products that are displaced away from the first pallet will be thawed at a different rate. It is difficult to determine when the various pallets of food products are properly thawed. Uneven thawing will lead to the need to use a longer time to thaw the food products. By using the conventional blowing or pushing of air method towards the food products, it takes approximately 7 to 10 days to thaw a frozen food product, such as ham or turkey, in a cooler.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for thawing a commodity by pulling air through and/or around pallets and through ventilation holes in boxes stacked on the pallets.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for thawing a commodity, such as thawing a food product, by pulling air through and/or around pallets and through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on the pallets.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a plurality of pallets of the commodity that are formed in two rows with a space formed therebetween. A cover is positioned over the space to form a plenum. An air handler is positioned to pull air from between the plurality of pallets and through the ventilation holes in the boxes stacked on the pallets and along the length of the space formed between the two rows for achieving an even flow of air for thawing the commodity positioned on the pallets.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus for thawing a commodity that includes a plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. An even flow of air is pulled through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes. Corrugated material may be positioned between adjacent boxes to provide a ventilation space therebetween.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus to thaw a commodity including a first box of a commodity and a second box of a commodity. The first and second boxes are disposed adjacent to each other with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the first box and said second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. An even flow of air is evenly pulled through the first box and the second box and along the length of the space formed between the first and second boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus to thaw a commodity including a plurality of pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. Ventilation spacers are positioned underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation is provided therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is pulled through the ventilation spacers disposed between the boxes on the pallets. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation spacers in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. An even flow of air is evenly pull air through the ventilation spacers and along the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity comprising the steps of positioning a plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes. Pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly pull air through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity comprising the steps of providing a first box and second box of a commodity disposed adjacent to each other with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between the first box and the second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes. Pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the boxes and along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly pull air through the first box and the second box and along the length of the space formed between first and second boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. Providing ventilation spacers underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation is provided therebetween. Forming a plenum between said two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is pulled through the ventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes on the pallets. Pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation spacers and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly pull air through the ventilation spacers and along the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus to thaw a commodity including a plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is formed between the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes. At least one air handler is provided for forcing air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler, along a length of the space formed between the two rows and through the ventilation holes in the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time wherein an even flow of air is forced through the air handler, along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holes in the boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus to thaw a commodity includes a first and second box of a commodity being disposed adjacent to each other with a space formed therebetween. A plenum is provided between the first box and said second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes. At least one air handler is provided for forcing air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler, along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time, wherein an even flow of air is evenly forced through the at least one air handler, along the length of the space and through the first box and the second box to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing an apparatus to thaw a commodity includes a plurality of pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. Ventilation spacers are positioned underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation is provided therebetween. A plenum is provided between the two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is forced through the ventilation spacers disposed between the boxes on the pallets. At least one air handler forcing air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler, along a length of the space formed between the two rows through the ventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time, wherein an even flow of air is evenly forced through the air handler, along the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets and through the ventilation spacers to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity includes positioning a plurality of boxes of a commodity arranged in two rows with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between the two rows of boxes to permit a flow of air through ventilation holes in the boxes. Forcing air within a predetermined temperature range along a length of the space formed between the two rows, through the ventilation holes in the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly force air along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holes in the boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity includes providing a first and second box of a commodity being disposed adjacent to each other with a space formed therebetween. Forming a plenum between the first box and the second box to permit a flow of air through the boxes. Forcing air within a predetermined temperature range along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly force air through length of the space formed between the two rows and through the first box and the second box to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method to thaw a commodity includes providing a plurality of pallets of a commodity arranged in two rows having a predetermined length or height with a space formed therebetween. Providing ventilation spacers underneath at least adjacent boxes positioned on the pallets wherein ventilation is provided therebetween. Forming a plenum between the two rows of pallets wherein a flow of air is forced through the ventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes on the pallets. Forcing air within a predetermined temperature range along a length of the space formed between the two rows, through the ventilation spacers and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Providing an even flow of air to evenly force air along the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets and through the ventilation spacers to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
As illustrated in
A cover C is positioned to be placed on the space S to seal the two rows of pallets along the top space S. In addition, the cover C may be positioned on at least on a portion of the top surface 12 of the commodities for sealing the two rows of pallets along the top surface to form the plenum. In addition, the cover C may also extend along end surfaces 14, 16 for sealing the space S between the two rows of pallets to form the plenum. In another embodiment, the cover C may extend along at least a portion of the top surface 12 and the end surfaces 14, 16 to seal the space S and to form the plenum. The cover C may be a flexible tarp for positioning on the top surface of the commodities that is sucked up tight to make a seal as air is pulled through the space S formed between the pallets and through the ventilation holes H in the boxes stacked on the pallets. In another embodiment, the cover C may be a more rigid board material that is positioned on the space S or on at least a portion of the top surface of the commodities.
As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows I and II of pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B and 1C-5C, 1D-5D may be arranged in straight rows as illustrated in
A plenum P is formed between the two rows I and II of the pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B and 1C-5C, 1D-5D with the plurality of pallets being spaced apart 11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D from adjacent pallets to permit a flow of air therebetween. The boxes of commodities positioned on the pallets include a plurality of ventilation holes H for permitting air to be pulled through the boxes as the commodity is thawed.
The air handler 20 is positioned between the two rows I and II of pallets and is spaced along a length thereof. As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
By positioning the air handler 20 between the rows I and II of pallets, an even flow of air is achieved from between adjacent pallets 11A-14A, 11B-14B, 11C-14C and 11D-14D and along the two rows I and II of the pallets 1A-5A, 1B-5B, 1C-5C and 1D-5D and through the holes H in the boxes for evenly thawing a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
As illustrated in
In one embodiment of the present invention, the pallets are positioned in a cooler wherein the temperature of the cooler is maintained at approximately 37° Fahrenheit to 70° Fahrenheit (2.77° Celsius to 21.11° Celsius). The commodity may be raised to a temperature above the mandated safe zone of 40° Fahrenheit (4.44° Celsius) for no more than four (4) hours and thereafter should be lowered to be below the mandated safe zone of 40° Fahrenheit (4.44° Celsius). At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation holes in the boxes and along a length of the space S formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. To thaw a frozen food product it is necessary to remove the latent heat of the frozen product to be in a state where the frozen food product is thawed. Removing latent heat requires additional BTUs as compared to cooling a product from a warm temperature of 70° Fahrenheit to 85° Fahrenheit (21.11° Celsius to 29.44° Celsius) to a lower temperature of 60° Fahrenheit to 65° Fahrenheit (15.56° Celsius to 18.33° Celsius). According to the present invention, the thawing in a cooler occurs in approximately 24 to 36 hours. A substantial amount of energy can be conserved by using the cold air from the frozen product to maintain the temperature in the cooler at approximately 37° Fahrenheit to 70° Fahrenheit (2.77° Celsius to 21.11° Celsius). The cold, frozen product provides cooling for the cooler.
The present invention includes a method that may be used to thaw the commodity, such as a food product. The thawing of the commodity may be performed in a cooler that is maintained in a temperature range from 37 degrees F. to 70° Fahrenheit (2.77° Celsius to 21.11° Celsius) below the mandated safe zone of 40 degrees F. (4.44° Celsius) for thawing food products within the safe zone. At least one air handler is provided for pulling air within a predetermined temperature range through the ventilation holes H in the boxes and along a length of the space S formed between the two rows and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time.
The present invention may be used with any number of pallets arranged in straight rows or in rows disposed at an angle relative to each other. The air handler 20 is portable for positioning the air handler 20 in a warehouse, a cooler, on a loading dock or in any environment for permitting the thawing of a commodity as the need arises. The present invention is not limited for use in a cooler. The present invention provides for tempered thawing for ensuring that a commodity is properly handled depending on the conditions required for the commodity.
The speed of thawing permits the present invention to process a commodity very quickly. For example, with regard to a food product, a code date is provided for the food product that starts to run as the food product is thawed. If the code date is 10 days, a conventional way of thawing the food product would take approximately 7 to 10 days. Thus, the code date has expired or almost expired by the time the food product is thawed. According to the present invention, the thawing occurs within 24 to 36 hours. Thus, a substantial time still remains with regard to the code date for permitting a customer to have sufficient time to use the food product in a restaurant or to sell the food product in a grocery store.
Pulling the air through the pallets makes it possible to form a plenum to block the air flow where needed by using a tarp that is sucked up tight to the space S to make a seal for forming a plenum or for the cover C to engage at least a portion of the top of the boxes to make a seal as compared to providing a rigid structure. By pulling the air through the pallets and through the ventilation holes H in the boxes stacked on the pallets the air flow seals the tarps to the space S or to the product without the need of using a rigid structure.
As illustrated in
A cover C is positioned to be placed on the space S to form a plenum or may be positioned on at least on a portion of the top surface 112 of the commodities for sealing the two rows of pallets along the top surface. In one embodiment, the cover C can also extend along end surfaces 114, 116 for sealing the space S between the two rows of pallets along the space S or the cover C may extend along both the top surface 112 and the end surfaces 114, 116. The cover C may be a flexible tarp for positioning on the space S or on the top surface of the commodities that is sucked up tight to make a seal as an air flow is pulled through the ventilation holes H. In another embodiment, the cover C may be a more rigid board material that is positioned on the space S or on the top surface of the commodities.
As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows I and II of pallets 101A-105A, 101B-105B and 101C-105C, 101D-105D may be arranged in straight rows as illustrated in
A plenum P is formed between the two rows I and II of the pallets 101A-105A, 101B-105B and 101C-105C, 101D-105D. The plurality of pallets may be spaced apart with covers 111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and 111D-114D disposed in the space for blocking the flow of air. The covers 111A-114A, 111B-114B, 111C-114C and 111D-114D may be positioned on the exterior of the two rows I and II of the pallets as illustrated in
The air handler 200 is positioned between the two rows I and II of pallets and is spaced along a length thereof. As illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit the corrugated material 202, 204 to be used together with the boxes that do contain ventilation holes as illustrated in
The configuration of the present invention affords an opportunity to utilize aisle ways in a cooler or to utilize an individual room in a cooler to thaw a commodity.
In the embodiment illustrated in
It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit the plastic formed spacers 302 to be used together with the boxes that do contain ventilation holes H as illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
It is also contemplated by the present invention to permit the wood slat spacers 402 to be used together with the boxes that do contain ventilation holes H as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
A cover C is positioned to be placed on the space S or at least on a portion of the top surface of the commodities for sealing the two rows of pallets along the top surface. In one embodiment, the cover C can also extend along end surfaces for sealing the space S between the two rows of pallets and the end surfaces. The cover C may be a flexible tarp for positioning on the space S or on at least a portion of the top surface of the commodities that is sucked up tight to make a seal as air is pulled through the space S formed between the pallets and through the ventilation holes H in the boxes stacked on the pallets. In another embodiment, the cover C may be a more rigid board material that is positioned on the space S or on the top surface of the commodities.
As stated above, it is to be understood that the two rows of pallets 601A-610A and 601B-610B may be arranged in straight rows as illustrated in
A plenum P is formed between the two rows of the pallets 601A-610A and 601B-610B with the plurality of pallets being spaced apart 601A-610A and 601B-610B from adjacent pallets to permit a flow of air therebetween. The boxes of commodities positioned on the pallets include a plurality of ventilation holes for permitting air to be pulled through the ventilation holes and along the length of the space formed between the pallets as the commodity is thawed.
The air handlers 600, 602 are positioned on top of and between the two rows of pallets to be in communication with the plenum P. The air handlers 600, 602 may be spaced along a length of the plenum P according to the needs of a particular thawing operation. As illustrated in
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one air handler is provided for forcing air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler and along a length of the space formed between the two rows and through the ventilation holes in the boxes and discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is forced through the air handler, along the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holes in the boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one air handler is provided for forcing air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler, along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the boxes discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is evenly forced through the air handler, along the length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the first box and the second box to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, at least one air handler forces air within a predetermined temperature range through the air handler, along a length of the space formed between the two rows through the ventilation spacers disposed underneath the boxes discharging the air therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is evenly forced through the air handler, along the length of the space formed between the two rows of pallets and through the ventilation spacers to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
In a further method of the present invention, air within a predetermined temperature range is forced along a length of the space formed between the two rows, through the ventilation holes in the boxes and discharged therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is provided to evenly force air along the length of the space formed between the two rows of boxes and through the ventilation holes in the boxes to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
In another method of the present invention, air within a predetermined temperature range is forced along a length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the boxes and discharged therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is provided to evenly force air through length of the space formed between the first and second boxes and through the first box and the second box to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes.
In another method according to the present invention, air within a predetermined temperature range is forced along a length of the space formed between the two rows, through the ventilation spacers and discharged therefrom for thawing the commodity while not raising the temperature of the commodity above a mandated safe zone for longer than a predetermined time. Thus, an even flow of air is provided to evenly force air along the length of the space formed between two rows of pallets and through the ventilation spacers to evenly thaw a commodity positioned in the boxes on the pallets.
The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.
The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/336,900, filed on Jan. 23, 2006, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/645,027, filed on Jan. 21, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60645027 | Jan 2005 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11336900 | Jan 2006 | US |
Child | 13478244 | US |