Patent Application
20110080075
Food guard systems, sometimes referred to as “sneeze guards,” are required by federal law for any cafeteria-style or self-service-style food establishment. Food guard systems are required to have a front glass panel, often referred to as a main viewing panel, that provides a barrier between the consumer and food that may be either directly accessed by the consumer, i.e. self service, or served to the consumer by an attendant, such as in a cafeteria. Therefore, in general, there are two types of food guard systems, namely, a self-service type of food guard system designed to allow consumers to serve themselves (buffet) and an attendant type of food guard system designed to allow an attendant to serve consumers (cafeteria). With food guard systems of the self-service type, an opening exists between the lower edge of the main viewing panel and the countertop to allow consumers to access food through the opening. With food guard systems of the attendant type, the main viewing panel extends over most or all of the vertical distance between the top panel of the food guard system and the countertop to eliminate the aforementioned opening. In other words, in an attendant-type food guard system, the main viewing panel separates the consumers from the food and an attendant who is located on the opposite side of the food guard system from the consumer serves the consumer.
It should be noted that both the cafeteria style system 100 and the buffet style system 200 shown in
Moreover, because some food service establishments have a need for both self-service type and attendant type food guard systems, a convertible type of food guard system is now available in the market that can be converted from a self-service food guard system (buffet mode) into an attendant food guard system (cafeteria mode), and vice versa. A variety of convertible food guard systems are available in the market and the manner in which they convert from one type to the other varies depending on the manufacturer. In general, the main viewing panel of a convertible food guard system is rotationally or pivotally adjustable relative to an imaginary horizontal axis that passes through the panel. In the cafeteria mode, the main viewing panel is rotational or pivotal adjusted such that the lower edge of the main viewing panel is adjacent the countertop to prevent consumer access to the food. In the buffet mode, the main viewing panel is rotational or pivotal adjusted such that the lower edge of the main viewing panel is located a particular distance away from the countertop to provide the aforementioned opening that allows consumers to access the food through the opening.
In addition to the requirement to have a main viewing panel, food guard systems are also required to have vertical side panels disposed at opposite ends of the system. The vertical side panels are required to be fixed in place such that the food is guarded from uncontrolled consumer access. Therefore, typical food guard systems on the market today commonly feature fixed side panels. In such systems, if the particular food guard system is of the aforementioned convertible type, the fixed side panels are usually inadequate to provide full side coverage in both the cafeteria mode and in the buffet mode. The reason for this is that the lower edge of the main viewing panel extends farther out in the direction of the consumer when the system is in the buffet mode than when the system is in the cafeteria mode. Consequently, in such systems, the side panels may be operable to match the lower edge of the main viewing panel when in the cafeteria mode, but may not match the lower edge of the main viewing panel when in the buffet mode. Conversely, if the convertible food guard system is designed such that the side panels meet the lower edge of the main viewing panel when the system is in the buffet mode, the side panels are awkwardly and inconveniently extended beyond the lower edge of the main viewing panel when the system is converted to the cafeteria mode.
To complicate matters of side panel designs for convertible food guard systems, recently adopted standards dictate minimum overall panel dimensions that vary for self-service style and attendant style food guard systems. Furthermore, the standards also mandate that the forward-most edge of a side panel, whether on a self-service or cafeteria style system, must be positioned such that it meets the plane defined by the leading edge of the system's main viewing panel with a minimal gap. The lower edge of the main viewing panel is the leading edge when the system is in the buffet mode whereas the front surface of the main viewing panel is the leading edge when the system is in the cafeteria mode. Notably, these newly adopted standards present significant design problems for convertible food guard systems in that there are no existing solutions that enable the forward-most edges of the side panels to coincide with the leading edge of a main viewing panel in both the cafeteria mode and in the buffet mode.
The convertible food guard system 300 has a series of fixed panels, including a top panel 305, at least one side panel 310, and an optional front panel 330, which are fixed to a support structure 320. The main viewing panel 315, however, is fixed to a hinge mechanism 325, or some other means of position adjustment, that is in turn anchored to the support structure 320. The panels, including the main viewing panel 315, operate together to define an open backed space over a food service counter, or some other surface, such that consumers may view the food through the panels without having direct access to the same, at least when the system is in cafeteria mode.
The main viewing panel 315, when the system is in the cafeteria mode, as is depicted in
With reference again to
The convertible food guard system 300 depicted in
Accordingly, a need exists for a convertible food guard system having side panels that are capable of being positioned such that the prevailing industry standards are met regardless of the mode in which the system is being utilized.
The invention is directed to convertible food guard systems and methods. In accordance with an embodiment, the convertible food guard system comprises a support structure, at least one main viewing panel, an adjustable or hinging mechanism, at least a first adjustment mechanism component, and at least a first adjustable side panels. The support structure is configured to mechanically couple to a food service countertop. The hinge mechanism is mechanically coupled to the support structure and to the main viewing panel. The hinge mechanism is adjustable from at least a first position to at least a second position and from at least the second position to at least the first position. Adjustment of the hinge mechanism from the first position to the second position adjusts the main viewing panel from a cafeteria mode position to a buffet mode position. Adjustment of the hinge mechanism from the second position to the first position adjusts the main viewing panel from the buffet mode position to the cafeteria mode position. The first side panel is mechanically coupled to the first adjustment mechanism component in an adjustable arrangement that allows the first adjustable side panel to move relative to the support structure from a forward position to a rearward position, and vice versa. When the main viewing panel is in the cafeteria mode position, the first adjustable side panel is positionable in the rearward position such that leading edge of the first adjustable side panel is generally aligned with a leading edge of the main viewing panel. When the main viewing panel is in the buffet mode position, the first adjustable side panel is positionable in the forward position such that the leading edge of the first adjustable side panel is generally aligned with the leading edge of the main viewing panel.
The method comprises the following. With a hinge mechanism mechanically coupled to a support structure and to at least one main viewing panel, adjusting the hinge mechanism from at least a first position to at least a second position. Adjustment of the hinge mechanism from the first position to the second position adjusts the main viewing panel from a cafeteria mode position to a buffet mode position. When the main viewing panel is in the buffet mode position, a first adjustable side panel is adjustable from a rearward position to a forward position such that the leading edge of the first adjustable side panel is generally aligned with a leading edge of the main viewing panel.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, drawings and claims.
The presently disclosed embodiments, as well as features and aspects thereof, are directed towards a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels. Advantageously, the convertible food guard system may be positioned in either a cafeteria mode (attendant-service) or a buffet mode (self-service) and, regardless of which of these modes the system is positioned in, provide for the leading vertical edge of the side panels to align with the foremost leading edge of a main viewing panel.
More specifically, an embodiment allows for a convertible food guard system to adjust into either a self-service (buffet) position or an attendant-service (cafeteria) position such that when adjusted into either position, the leading vertical edge of an adjustable side panel component will align with the foremost plane defined by any edge of the adjustable, or positionable (herein meaning operable to be moved from one position to another), main viewing panel. Such functionality may be accomplished, in some embodiments, by providing a second end panel, positioned parallel to a primary fixed end panel, that is operable to slide forward of the fixed panel, thereby operating in conjunction with the fixed panel to provide an uninterrupted side shield that extends to the foremost plane defined by an edge of the adjustable main viewing panel when the system is in the self-service mode. Notably, the slide mounted side panel in such an embodiment may be retracted to a parallel position behind, or in front of, the fixed panel when the system is in a cafeteria mode. Also, the fixed side panel component need not actually be fixed in some embodiments as it may be operable to slide in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the primary sliding panel. Further, it is anticipated that some embodiments may feature a plurality of side panel components, some or all of which in any given embodiment may be positionable, that together comprise the adjustable side panel feature.
In other embodiments, a single sliding vertical side panel may be employed such that the side panel may be translated forward or backward so that its leading vertical edge always aligns with the plane defined by an edge of the adjustable main viewing panel. Still other embodiments may employ a second vertical side panel that is hinged in a door-like manner to the foremost vertical edge of a fixed side panel such that when the system is in a cafeteria mode the second panel may be swung into a position that is parallel to, and overlays, the fixed panel and, when the system is in a self-service mode requiring an extended side panel, the second panel may be positioned forward of, and in the same plane as, the fixed panel. It should be understood that “hinged in a door-like manner” is used herein to generally describe any hinge mechanism operable to enable the transition of a panel from one position to another through a range of motion similar to that which a door would translate on a door-hinge when going from an “open” to a “closed” position, and such terminology is meant to include, but not be limited to, butt/mortise hinges, piano/continuous hinges, concealed hinges, butterfly hinges, strap hinges, H hinges, HL hinges, etc.
Yet other embodiments may employ a pivot hinge mechanism wherein a second side panel is hinged to a fixed side panel at either the upper or lower corner of the fixed side panel such that the second side panel may be translated, or pivoted, from one position that is parallel to, and overlays, the fixed side panel to a second position that is forward of, yet still parallel to, the fixed side panel by being rotated in a fan-like motion either 90 degrees (if the hinge point is in the lower corner of the fixed side panel) or 180 degrees (if the hinge point is in the upper corner of the fixed side panel).
Embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels may feature positionable side panel components that are communicable via a hinge, or some other means, to the main viewing panel itself. As has been described herein, an advantage of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels is the provision of a means to position the leading edge of an adjustable side panel component in alignment with the foremost edge or plane defined by a main viewing panel, regardless of food guard system mode (cafeteria or buffet). Notably, some embodiments may provide such a benefit through a side panel component that is not communicable, directly or otherwise, to a support structure of the food guard system. For example, some embodiments may, or may not, provide a fixed side panel component anchored to the food guard system support structure as well as a positionable side panel component that is hinged to the main viewing panel, preferably at the ends of the main viewing panel. Advantageously, when the main viewing panel is in a substantially vertical position (cafeteria mode), thus defining a plane perpendicular to the aforementioned fixed side panel components, a positionable hinged side panel component may be swung out of the way and either parallel to the plane of the main viewing panel or parallel to the fixed side panel. Alternatively, when the main viewing panel is translated to a position defining a more horizontal plane such that the leading edge of the main viewing panel is raised away from the food service countertop (buffet mode), the positionable hinged side panels may be swung into a vertical position that is substantially parallel to more horizontal plane defined by the main viewing panel. Advantageously, in such a configuration, an edge of the positionable hinged side panel component would align with the foremost edge of the main viewing panel.
It should be understood that, regardless of the specific mechanism used to adjust the position of a side panel component in a particular embodiment of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, the positionable side panel, or panels as the case may be, in some embodiments may be operable to translate discretely between at least two positions whereas other embodiments may provide infinite adjustment of side panel positions. Importantly, while the adjustment mechanisms presently described may be encompassed in preferred embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, the disclosure of the various adjustment mechanisms are offered for exemplary and enabling purposes only and, therefore, should not be construed to limit the scope of that which is taught herein.
Generally, described herein is a convertible food guard system having adjustable side panels such that the system may be converted from one mode of operation to another while maintaining the alignment of the leading edge of a side panel component with the plane defined by the foremost edge of a corresponding adjustable, or positionable, main viewing component. The adjustable side panel system may be considered a feature or module of a larger convertible food guard system or, in the alternative, may be a stand-alone system that can be retrofitted to an existing convertible food guard system. Moreover, a stand-alone adjustable side panel system may also be operable to mount to a food service counter and work in harmony with a convertible food guard system that is separately mounted to the same, or an adjacent, counter.
Turning now to the figures, where like labels represent like elements throughout the drawings, various aspects, features and embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels will be presented in more detail. The examples as set forth in the drawings and detailed description are provided by way of explanation and are not meant as limitations on the scope of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels. A convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
In the exploded depiction of
Advantageously, while the leading edge 410LE of the fixed side panel 410 remains in alignment with the edge of the front panel 430 and the edge of the main viewing panel 415 (when the main viewing panel 415 is in cafeteria mode), the leading edge 435LE of the sliding side panel 435 may be adjusted in position as the sliding side panel 435 can be translated forward and backward in parallel to the fixed side panel 410 via the slide mechanism top and bottom components 440B and 440T, respectively. Again, while the particular embodiment depicted features the sliding side panel 435 of the adjustable side panel system positioned on the inside of the fixed side panel 410, the sliding side panel 435 could instead be positioned on the outside of the fixed side panel 410. Further and again, while the exemplary embodiments shown depict the slide mechanism top and bottom components 440T and 440B anchored to a support structure, it is also possible that some embodiments may anchor the slide mechanism components, or other means of adjustment such as, but not limited to, a hinge, to a panel component.
Typically, panels in a food guard system comprise glass, acrylic, or some other clear, sanitary and durable material known in the art. The exemplary embodiment of a convertible food guard system 400 shown in
The present embodiment of a convertible food guard system 400 is described with a support structure 420 operable to receive and support various components of the overall system. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, that such description is offered for illustrative and enabling purposes only and, therefore, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels may not require a support structure similar to that which is presently described and depicted. Some embodiments, for example, may employ a series of brackets, or some other means known in the art, to provide for rigid coupling between components of the overall system, thereby obviating the need for a support structure similar to that which is presently depicted.
Again, the embodiment of a convertible food guard system 400 with adjustable side panels 435 shown in the present FIGURESis depicted in a cafeteria mode. More specifically, when in a cafeteria (attendant-served) mode, the main view panel 415 is positioned substantially in a vertical position such that any gap between the leading edge 415LE of the main viewing panel 415 and the food service counter is minimized. In such an arrangement, food is generally being served by an attendant located behind the convertible food guard system 400 by passing food to a consumer over the top panel 405. The consumer can view the food residing behind and beneath the system through the main viewing panel 415, but is prevented by the panels from accessing the food directly. Notably, when in a cafeteria mode, the convertible food guard system 400 with adjustable side panels provides a means by which the sliding side panels 435 reside in a retracted state such that the leading edges 435LE of the sliding side panels 435 do not extend beyond a vertical plane substantially defined by the main viewing panel 415 and top panel 430.
In the depicted buffet mode, the main viewing panel 415 is pivoted, or rotated, upward, relative to the food service countertop (not shown), via the hinge mechanism 425. In such an upwardly pivoted position, the main viewing panel 415 no longer defines a substantially vertical plane and its leading edge 415LE extends forward of the vertical plane defined by the forward most edge of the top panel 405 and surface of the front panel 430. Advantageously, the sliding side panels 435 can be extended forward, remaining in parallel to the respective fixed side panels 410, such that the overall surface defined by the adjustable side panel system is increased and the leading edges 435LE of the sliding side panels 435 are substantially aligned with the leading edge 415LE of the main viewing panel 415.
To reiterate, an advantage of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In the present exemplary embodiment of the convertible food guard system 500, the sliding side panel 535 is supported in a sliding mechanism having a bottom channel component 540B and a top channel component 540T. As such, the sliding side panel 535 is necessarily larger than the sliding side panels previously described as it must be operable to extend forward in the sliding mechanism components 540B, 540T and align its leading edge 535LE with the leading edge 515LE of the main viewing panel 515 without exposing any food through an open side of the convertible food guard system. Notably, the leading edge 535LE of each of the sliding side panels 535, while in the retracted state (i.e., cafeteria mode), does not extend beyond a plane generally defined by the main viewing panel 515. While in the retracted state, however, trailing edges 535TE of the sliding side panels 535 extend back beyond the rear edge 505RE of the top panel 505.
It should be noted that although the embodiments of the convertible food guard system described above refer to the support structure of the food guard system being attached to a countertop, this is not necessarily the case. For example, the support structure of the convertible food guard system may instead be suspended about the countertop from the ceiling of the establishment or from some other structure disposed above the countertop. Also, while the embodiments described above refer to the convertible food guard system having an adjustable side panel on each end thereof, a single adjustable side panel may be all that is needed in certain cases, such as, for example, in cases in which one end of the convertible food guard system is positioned adjacent to, or in abutment with, a wall or other structure.
The present convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the system. The described embodiments comprise different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels. Some embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Variations of embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels that are described and embodiments of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels comprising different combinations of features noted in the described embodiments will occur to persons of the art.
Moreover, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described herein above. Rather, the scope of a convertible food guard system with adjustable side panels is defined by the claims that follow.
