FOOD SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM

Abstract

Food and beverage transport and container systems and methods for serving food stuffs or liquids and which includes an insulating cover and a temperature manipulating element associated with the cover. In one aspect, at least a portion of the cover is constructed to allow visual inspection of goods disposed therebehind. The temperature manipulating element associated with the cover is preferably thermally rechargeable such that the cover is reusable whether deployed for heating or cooling operations. In a preferred aspect, the cover and/or temperature manipulating element is configured to monitor and communicate one or more of location, temperature, dwell and/or delivery times associated with use thereof and for assessing overall food service operation sequences and/or efficiency.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for serving food or liquid, and more particularly, to systems and methods for delivering and serving food or foodstuffs using insulation coverings, insulation covers that are constructed to allow inspection of the foodstuffs therebehind without removal of the covering or exposure of the foodstuffs to atmosphere, heat or temperature maintaining elements associated with the insulation coverings, and/or systems and methods for allowing assessment of a status of the foodstuff delivery apparatus to improve consistency and expediency with which foodstuffs can be delivered to others at or near desired serving conditions and so as to provide improved monitoring of the foodstuff delivery operations as well as sanitation of the components of the food stuff delivery systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems for serving food or liquid, such as entrees, soups, and/or beverages, typically comprise cups, mugs, bowls, trays, domes and the like. It is often desirable to serve consumables, such as food and liquids referred to herein as foodstuffs, to consumers using such articles in both a highly efficient and a highly appealable manner. This may include serving the food or liquid using a cover or lid in an effort to maintain a near plated or serving condition of the foodstuffs disposed therebehind or thereunder and/or use of an opaque container yet providing decorative support for signage or the like. It is also customary to attempt to keep the foods and/or liquids at a desirable temperature, whether hot, such as near, at, or above 140° Fahrenheit in hotel room or patient and/or resident care services, or cool or cold, such as for salads or the like, as well as hospital or nursing home environments, for a prolonged period sufficient to maintain food safety requirements associated with the transport and service of the same.

When used to deliver foodstuffs, it is further appreciated that the temperature manipulating delivery or serving system should preferably at least one or more of reduce the various effects of undesired cooling or overheating of warm or hot foodstuffs, undesired warming of cool or cold foodstuffs, such as fruits or salads, undesired changes to the moisture content of foodstuffs which would detract from the desired quality or condition of the foodstuffs, provide a more hygienic transport methodology than transporting uncovered foodstuffs, allow for visual inspection of the foodstuffs even when covered, mitigate detriments associated with uncovering foodstuffs for the sole purpose of verifying the contents of covered foodstuffs, and/or cover assemblies constructed to mitigate the collection of condensation on the cover or lid caused by the food or liquid, and so forth.

Hollow walled products for serving food and liquids which provide limited temperature control are known. Such products typically use foam or air insulation to mitigate thermal exchanges between covered foodstuffs and the delivery atmosphere. Unfortunately, many food delivery platforms and systems, including those that employ foam insulated cover assemblies, only facilitate visual inspection of the covered foodstuffs via removal of the cover from the underlying foodstuff supports such as plates, bowls, and the like. Moreover, inclusion of foam materials as an insulating structure commonly results in such food covers as being non-recyclable. Also, such products, whether insulated with a foam or other material, are typically susceptible to scratches, degradation due to chemical etching, and/or fogging which can detract from both their visual appearance and the condition of the foodstuffs disposed therebehind or thereunder due to the undesired collection and or evaporation of moisture attenuate to condensation associated with the covering or warm or hot moist foodstuffs and the duration of time between initial plating or serving operations and the delivery of the same to persons remote from the serving environment.

Still further, such devices are commonly ill-equipped to provide both an insulative construction and a construction that allows visual inspection of covered foodstuffs in a manner that does not require removal of the cover to allow visual inspection of the foodstuffs. Additionally, removal or repeated removal of the cover from the foodstuffs to allow visual inspection of the foodstuffs disposed therebehind to ensure the designed or selected foodstuffs are delivered to the desired or designated persons further allows for the undesired thermal exchange of the foodstuffs with atmosphere and, when employed for the delivery of warm or hot foodstuff delivery, can allow for an undesired escape of moisture from the vicinity of the covered foodstuffs. That is, during use of such insulated but opaque foodstuff cover assemblies, the covers are periodically removed by staff or delivery personal to verify the contents thereof. Such periodic inspections allow an undesired cooling of heating thermal exchange of the volume associated with the foodstuffs with the surrounding environment and can detract from the sanitary condition and/or foodstuff delivery safety requirements of previously prepared and covered discrete serving foodstuffs.

Many foodstuff covering systems or devices wholly omit an ability to, or are ill-suited or configured to, accommodate the maintaining of or a manipulation of a temperature of foodstuffs once the respective foodstuffs are associated with the service wares such as a plate, bowl, tray, etc. That is, whereas some foodstuff covering systems are constructed to provide an insulating cover of plated foodstuffs, applicant is unaware of any foodstuff covering systems wherein the cover is constructed to monitor and/or manipulate the temperature of the environment associated with the covered volume. While others provide plate or serving wares that are constructed to maintain and/or manipulate a temperature associated with a covered environment, such approaches are susceptible to various shortcomings.

One such approach provides dishware shaped to support foodstuffs such that the foodstuffs can be consumed directly from the temperature manipulating or maintaining dishware's. That is, the temperature manipulating structures are commonly disposed directly under the plated foodstuffs. Placement of the foodstuffs directly upon dishware's that include temperature manipulating structures can lead to overheating or overcooking of the foodstuffs and tends to accelerate evaporation of moisture intended to be consumed with the foodstuffs. Such approaches also tolerate considerable temperature gradients in the foodstuffs themselves whereas an area of the foodstuffs that rest directly upon the heating structures of the dishware's may be served at temperatures that are noticeably greater than, or noticeably less than—depending upon the hot, warm, cool, or cold nature of the desired serving temperature of the foodstuffs, those portions of the foodstuffs that are further from direct contact with the underlying dishware's.

Prolonged durations between plating and consuming activities can further lead to undesired separation between liquid and solid portions of the foodstuffs and can detract from the perceived quality of the foodstuffs to the consumer. Such occurrences can be exacerbated in those instances wherein insulative covers are employed but periodically removed by service personnel to ensure the completeness of a given order and/or to facilitate the visual inspection of the covered foodstuffs in an effort to ensure that the desired foodstuffs are delivered to the desired consumers. One of more instances of removal of the insulating covers tends to result in, not only heating or the cooling of the foodstuffs and detriments to foodstuff sanitation as disclosed above, but also the escape of moisture intended to remain incorporated with the foodstuffs between plating and consumption activities and/or the undesired collection of condensate associated with the now exposed interior surface of the insulating cover and or exposed surfaces of the dishware's. Further still, even were a cover provided that would allow visual inspection of the foodstuffs without removal of the cover, the collection of condensate on the interior or even exterior surfaces of the cover would negate the ability of service personnel to visually inspect the contents of food service delivery assembly without removal of the cover.

Existing food service delivery systems that employ temperature maintenance or manipulation features, whether employed for the delivery of hot, warm, cool, or cold foodstuffs, suffer from additional drawbacks aside from those expressly disclosed above and attenuate to the interaction of the foodstuff covering systems with discrete foodstuffs, kitchen personnel, delivery personnel, the consumer of the covered foodstuffs as well as the equipment and ancillary activities; such as washing and drying operations, exposure to cleaning chemicals as well food products that may stain or etch discrete portions of the delivery system, interaction with cutlery, storage when not in use, assessment of a contemporary condition and operational status of the delivery systems, and assessment associated with the efficiency of kitchen and service operations, to name but a few of the additional considerations which may detract from longevity and useability of the foodstuff delivery systems. Therefore, there is a need for improvements in the systems and methods for food service foodstuff storage and transport systems for serving food and liquids that mitigates one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. It is further appreciated that mitigation of one or more of the shortcomings discussed above may be suitable or sufficient for some users and mitigation of other shortcomings may be suitable or sufficient for other users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for serving food or liquid which comprises a double walled cover or container assembly in which the walls provide an air volume or vacuum cavity insulation. The walls can be clear in the case of a dome or lid for covering the food or liquid to provide visibility therethrough. When provided with a corresponding base or foodstuff support dishware, the walls can be opaque in the case of a container for supporting or otherwise containing the food or liquid. Scratch resistant and/or fog resistant layers can be selectively applied to the walls of the cover assembly and/or the underlying dishware to maintain a desirable and/or transparent appearance. The system can include one or more of a cover assembly or a tray having an electronic sensor for monitoring temperature, location, and/or times, such as durations between plating and ultimate delivery, for calculating foodservice preparation and delivery efficacy and efficiency.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention can provide a clear, double walled dome lid of cover assembly that is configured to be maintain the temperature characteristic of foodstuffs placed thereunder. To establish an insulative property, an air volume, inert gas, or vacuum is preferably formed between two walls of the dome. In preferred aspects of the cover assembly air volumes formed between the walls of the cover assembly provide sufficient temperature retention performance without detracting from visibility through the cover assembly. In some embodiments, one or more or anti-scratch and/or anti-fog coatings and/or additives associated with the formation of one or more of the walls of the cover assembly can also be arranged with respect to the dome lid to improve scratch resistance and manipulate condensation generation in a manner that retains visibility through the lid of the contents disposed therebehind or thereunder. As disclosed further below, the inclusion of a temperature manipulating element is considered sufficient to maintain the transparent and/or at least translucent performance of the cover assembly. When provided, the hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic and/or scratch resistance characteristics are provided in a manner wherein such features also withstand the rigors of repeated washing in dishwashers and/or manual washing operations or the like.

The system provides improved temperature retention performance and/or qualities of plated foodstuffs over prior art systems while providing visibility to plated food. As a result, better insulation properties are provided via the use of an air cavity or vacuum insulation methodology rather than available foam or other air insulation methodologies that require periodic removal of the cover assembly to allow verification of the contents contained thereunder. Also, visibility through the dome is provided due to the absence of foam. Also, 100% recyclability may be achieved. Also, scratch resistance from hard coating or additives in the product formation can be provided. Also, undesired condensation can be mitigated due to the use of heating or temperature manipulating elements that can be associated with the respective cover assemblies and/or coatings and/or additives during formation of the transparent foodstuff cover assembly that are selected and operable to maintain a desired degree of visibility through the cover assembly product.

In another aspect, opaque double walled insulated cups, mugs, bowls and domes can be provided. Anti-scratch coatings or additives can improve scratch resistance of the product. In addition, a tracking mechanism can be used to actively track the location of the product in real time. The tracking mechanism can allow, for example, getting food or liquid to a patient as quickly as possible for both temperature retention and food quality. Such a tracking device, which may be incorporated into the tray, cover, container or the like, can monitor both location of the plated foodstuffs, cover or container and overall time required for delivery, and/or the temperature associated therewith.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an assembly for covering food or liquid that is configured to surround or define an enclosed cavity associated with an article of foodstuffs or liquid; and first and second walls of the cover assembly extending upwardly from the base or lower oriented perimeter of the cover assembly such that a gap is arranged between at least a portion of the first and second walls configured to form a lid or cover assembly for covering foodstuff articles within an interior cavity and in which the cover assembly that includes the first and second walls form an airtight seal which completely encloses the gap.

Another aspect may provide a method for an assembly for supporting food or liquid, including: a base member configured to support food or liquid; and first and second walls extending upwardly from the base member with a gap arranged in between, the first and second walls being configured to form a container for supporting the food or liquid within an interior cavity, in which the base member and the first and second walls form an airtight seal which completely encloses the gap, and in which at least one of the first and second walls includes a scratch resistant layer.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a rechargeable and/or reuseable heating and/or cooling element or temperature manipulating element that is constructed to removeably cooperate with a foodstuff covering device such as the double walled transparent food domes disclosed above. The temperature manipulating element is constructed to be inductively rechargeable when employed for heat retention operation and thermally rechargeable when used for cooling operations so as to be repeatedly useable to provide the desired cooling or heating performance to maintain a desired temperature associated with the presentation of the foodstuffs to the consumer. In a preferred aspect, the discrete temperature manipulating elements are constructed to provide an indication of the temperature associated with the foodstuffs during use thereof for heat delivery operations. In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the discrete temperature manipulating elements are configured to communicate with a control arrangement so as to provide foodstuff temperature, tracking and distribution information associated with use of the discrete rechargeable temperature manipulating elements and the efficiency associated with the delivery and/or conditions of the foodstuffs associated with use thereof.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an assembly for covering food or liquid, collectively referred to as foodstuffs, in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cutaway view of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an assembly for supporting food or liquid in accordance with another aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a tray supporting multiple assemblies like the assemblies of FIGS. 1-4 and incorporating an electronic tracking system in accordance with an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective cross section view of a cover assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 1 equipped with a temperature manipulating element according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational cross section of the temperature manipulating element shown in FIG. 6 removed from the cover assembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a control module of the temperature manipulating element shown in FIG. 7 removed therefrom;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 and shows the opposing side of the control module shown therein;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a temperature sensor removed from the temperature manipulating element shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the temperature sensor shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a charging module constructed to cooperate with the plurality of the temperature manipulating elements shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the charging element shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of discrete temperature manipulating elements that are slidably associated with the charging module shown in FIG. 12;

FIGS. 15 and 16 show respective perspective and front elevation views of the discharge opening of the charging module shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 shows a graphic comparison of heat retention performance of plated foodstuffs when covered with the foodstuff cover assembly equipped with a temperature manipulating element such as those shown in FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 18 is a graphic comparison showing the thermal performance of the foodstuffs cover assembly equipped with a temperature manipulating element as shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 19 and 20 are graphic images of various exemplary outputs, displays, or graphical user interfaces (GUI's) that can be accessed by stationary or remote users and which provide operating information associated with deployment or a plurality of cover assemblies;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a charging module assembly according to an alternate embodiment of the charging module shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and having a plurality of temperature manipulating elements associated therewith;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a portion of a respective rail of the charging module shown in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 of a foodstuff cover assembly according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a perspective exploded view of the foodstuff cover assembly shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a centerline cross section elevation view of the foodstuff cover assembly shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a detailed perspective view of the foodstuff cover assembly shown in FIG. 23 with an outer ring removed therefrom and exposing a control circuit associated therewith;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the foodstuff cover assembly shown in FIG. 23 with a temperature manipulation assembly shown as being translucent such that the internal components thereof are shown; and

FIGS. 28-31 show various detail cross section views of alternate foodstuff cover assemblies similar to the foodstuff cover assembly shown in FIG. 23 associated with respective exemplary foodstuff dishware's.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, isometric and side views, respectively, of a foodstuff cover assembly, foodstuff cover or dome, or foodstuffs cover assembly 10 for covering foods or liquids are provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The assembly 10 could comprise a dome or lid or cover 12 for covering an article or foodstuff delivery base, such as dishware such as a plate, a bowl, a cup, or a tray, associated therewith, for supporting food or liquid. In one aspect, the dome, lid, or cover 12, or at least a portion thereof, is preferably translucent, transparent, or clear so that the food or liquid contained therebehind or thereunder can be visible therethrough or visually inspected by service personnel as well as the intended consumer. As disclosed further below, it is appreciated that there may be instances or environments wherein translucence or transparency of cover 12, or any portion thereof, is not necessary or desired. As used herein, it is appreciated that reference to cover assembly 10 as a dome denotes the ability of the cover assembly to overlie a plated foodstuff or foodstuffs otherwise prepared and packaged for transit to a discrete user. Use of the term “dome” is not to be interpreted as denoting any particular depth to the cover assembly or any particular shape to the base of the cover assembly but is rather used to denote the lateral extension of the cover assembly and shape of the cover assembly to overlie an underlying foodstuff and that the depth of the cover assembly may extend to a greater or lesser degree as a function of the dishware associated with plating of the foodstuffs and a shape of the base of the cover assembly sufficient to overlie the plated foodstuffs either by cooperation with a radial edge of the discrete plating or dishware structures and/or the ability of the cover assembly to extend thereof and cooperate with other serving structures such as serving trays or the like.

With additional reference to the FIG. 3, a partial cutaway view of the assembly 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2, is provided in accordance with an aspect of the invention. The assembly 10 can comprise a lower circumferential edge, edge, rim, or base member 14 configured to cooperate with or surround an article of dishware or a tray associated with the supporting the food or liquid thereunder. Whether translucent, transparent, or opaque, assembly 10 comprises first and second walls 16 and 18, respectively, that extend upwardly at an angle from the base member 14, circumferentially relative to base member 14, to form the dome or lid defined by cover 12, and which converge at or proximate a top 20 thereof. As disclosed further below with respect to FIGS. 28-31, it is appreciated that the lower circumferential edge of cover 12 proximate base member 14 may be formed by the joining of the lower radial edges of the discrete walls 16, 18 to one another.

Regardless of the specific construction, the lower edge of cover assembly 10 is preferably contoured to cooperate with an upward facing surface of a foodstuff supporting structure such as dishware or the like, or a tray associated therewith, in a continuous circumferentially contacting manner. Although disclosed as having a dome shape, it is further appreciated that cover 12 could be provided in various shapes, such as non-circular perimeter edges and or shapes having negligible depths such that the cover 12 is shaped to cooperate with an open end of dishware's of a suitable depth to contain the desired foodstuffs whether liquid, solid, or semi-solid such as soups or like. It is further appreciated that the cover assemblies 10 disclosed herein may be shaped to cooperate with other structures common to food service operations such as trays or the like wherein the cover assembly is constructed to generally surround one or more dishware's supported by a respective tray.

A handle or knob 21 could be arranged on or proximate the top 20 of the respective cover 12 for holding or grasping the assembly 10 and is beneficial in the act of presenting the contents therebehind and placement of the cover assembly during plating operations. In a preferred aspect, a gap 22 is arranged between the first and second walls 16 and 18 of cover assembly 10, respectively. Accordingly, the first and second walls 16 and 18, respectively, are configured to form the dome, lid, or cover 12 for completely covering the article supporting food or liquid, or cooperating with a respective perimeter thereof, within an interior cavity 24 defined by the respective cover 12. Thus, the first wall 16 can be an inner wall of the respective dome, lid, or cover 12, facing the interior cavity 24, and the second wall 18 can be an outer wall of the dome or cover 12. Although cover 12 includes first and second walls 16, 18, it is appreciated that covers according to the present invention may be provided with different numbers of discrete walls so as to manipulate the insulative properties of the discrete cover assemblies 10 and to provide various degrees of condensation and/or heating performance associated with use thereof. One such alternative, a cover assembly having three discrete walls, is disclosed further below with respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 23-27.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the base member 14 and the first and second walls 16 and 18, respectively, and/or the opposing edges of first and second walls 16, 18 are configured to form an airtight seal which completely encloses the gap 22 between at least a portion of the overlapping surfaces of first wall 16 and second wall 18. Such a construction provides a double walled insulated cover in which the walls provide an insulation cavity between at least a portion thereof. In one aspect, the airtight seal can form either of an air chamber or a vacuum pressure in the gap 22, between inner surfaces 26 and 28 (relative to the gap 22) of the first and second walls 16 and 18. When provided as a vacuum chamber, it is appreciated that the local pressure within the gap 22 can be provided at substantially less than ambient pressures surrounding the assembly 10 when deployed.

In some applications it may be advantageous to provide an optional scratch resistant and/or optional fog resistant layers selectively applied to the surfaces of one or both of the first and second walls 16 and 18, respectively, to maintain a desirable appearance thereof. Alternatively, one or both of first wall and second wall 16, 18 may be formed of materials that selected for their scratch resistant, condensation resistant, and/or chemical and/or stain resistant characteristics. Anti-fog agents or treatments typically comprise chemicals that prevent the condensation of water in the form of small droplets on a surface which resemble fog or otherwise have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic properties which act to control the propagation of condensation and are operable to accommodate condensation in a manner that does not negate visibility through cover assembly 10. As disclosed above, although it is envisioned that respective walls 16, 18 be formed in a homogeneous manner, it is further envisioned that cover assembly 10 could be constructed of opaque materials or a portion of first wall and second walls 16, 18 be constructed to provide a translucent or transparent performance to define a “viewing window” wherein the contents disclosed between cover assembly 10 can be readily visibility inspected without removal of cover assembly 10 therefrom. As disclosed further below with respect to FIGS. 6-18, in other embodiments of the invention, temperature manipulating members, elements, or assemblies are associated with the cover assembly and operable to mitigate or otherwise negate the generation and/or the collection of condensation on the surfaces of the cover assembly so equipment whether equipped with anti-fogging layers or coatings, or formed of antifogging or scratch and chemical resistant materials, or the like and/or constructions of the cover assembly walls or portions thereof from materials having such properties when formed.

As alluded to above, anti-fog treatments can be used on transparent glass or plastic surfaces such as the dome, lid, or cover 12 and/or be integral with the materials associated with the forming of one or more of the walls of the cover assembly such that the materials of the walls display such function once formed. Regardless of the methodology employed, the treatments preferably operate by manipulating surface tension, resulting in a non-scattering film of water instead of single droplets. Such fog resistant layers could be applied as a surfactant film. An anti-scratch or scratch-resistant coating is a film or coating that can also be applied to glass or plastic surfaces to mitigate scratch effects. The anti-scratch coating could be a water-based or solvent-based coating also applied as a film. In one aspect, the optional fog resistant layer 30 and/or the optional a scratch resistant layer 32 can be arranged on one or both of an outer surface (relative to the gap 22) of the first wall 16 (inner wall) facing the interior cavity 24 and/or an outer surface (relative to the gap 22) of the second wall 18 (outer wall).

It is further appreciated that the interior facing surfaces of walls 16, 18 associated with gap 22 would preferably have negligible exposure to moisture due to exposure to moist foodstuffs, limited exposure to direct contact with food and/or cleaning substances, and limited susceptibility to scratch inducing contacts with other structures during normal use of cover assemblies. Understandably, when provided in a methodology wherein any of the optional anti-fog and/or scratch resistant and/or chemical etch or stain resistant layers or material characteristics are provided in a manner integral to the formation of the discrete walls, the material associated with exterior facing surfaces of walls 16, 18 will exhibit such features once formed and during the use of the cover assembly 10 formed in such a manner. When employed, layers 32, 34 and/or the materials associated with the walls having such features are formed of materials suitable for use as being exposed to foodstuffs and are sufficiently resilient and robust to withstand repeated machine-washing events (and cleaning and drying agents associated therewith) and repeated discrete service or use cycles between plating, serving, consuming, cleaning, and storage between uses.

Referring now to FIG. 4, an isometric view of an assembly 40 for supporting or containing food or liquid is provided in accordance with another aspect of the invention. Like the assembly 10, the assembly 40 can comprise a base member 42, which in this case could be configured to the support food or liquid, and first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, extending upwardly from the base member 42. It is appreciated that base member 42 may be provided and defined by a joined portion of the first and second walls 44, 46. A gap, like gap 22 shown in FIG. 3, is preferably arranged between first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively. The first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, can be configured to form a container for supporting the food or liquid within an interior cavity 48. Like assembly 10, the base member 42 and the first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, form an airtight seal which completely encloses the gap. In addition, at least one of the first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, can comprise an optional scratch resistant layer, such as the scratch resistant layers 50 and 52, arranged on outer surfaces of the first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, and/or an optional fog resistant layer, and/or a chemical resistant layer or be formed of scratch, fog, and chemical stain or etching materials wherein such scratch resistant and/or fog resistant and/or chemical stain or etch resistant functionality is provided in accordance with any of the methodologies disclosed above.

In one aspect, the first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, can be opaque so that the food or liquid cannot be seen through the walls. Moreover, the opaque container can include a color and/or decoration and/or signage that may be appealable to the consumer, service or facility personnel or entities, and/or desirable to the manufacturer.

In one aspect, the assembly 40 could further comprise one or more handles 60 arranged on an exterior facing side or surface of at least one of the respective first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, such as on the first wall 44 (outer wall). The handle 60 could be used by a consumer for holding the assembly 40. Accordingly, the base member 42, the first and second walls 44 and 46, respectively, and the handle 60 could form a pitcher, a drinking mug, etc. and for example.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of base member in the form of a tray 70 that is constructed in accordance with another aspect of the application and is configured for supporting multiple foodstuff delivery systems or assemblies, such as assembly 10 of FIG. 1, and multiple assemblies 40a-40c like assembly 40 of FIG. 4, shown by way of example. The tray 70 can comprise a base and side rails for supporting the multiple assemblies and an electronic system 72 having one or more sensors configured to monitor location and time. When equipped with such electronic systems 72, electronic systems 72 can be used for calculating efficiency parameters, such as with respect to the plating, delivery, consumption, cleaning and/or repeated uses associated with of plating food and drink stuffs via use of one or more the apparatuses 10 and/or 40, transporting of the same to consumers, return of the same to kitchen areas, and cleaning and re-deployment activities. It is further envisioned that the same can be used to assess dwell times associated with the proximity of the assembly relative to discrete users or discrete processes associated with use of the same. Such metrics can be helpful to users and facility management wherein the consumption process and/or time associated with the same for discrete users is of interest—such as in hospitals, care facilities, cafeteria operations and the like.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a food service discrete serving foodstuff covering assembly 100 that is somewhat similar to the food covering assemblies disclosed above in that the cover assembly 100 preferably includes a dual walled dome shape that is transparent or at least see through. Like cover assembly 10, it is appreciated that cover assembly 100 may be formed of opaque materials and/or provided in constructions having other numbers of discrete walls such as one wall, two walls as shown, three or more walls, etc. Unlike the previously disclosed discrete serving food coverings, cover assembly 100 includes a temperature manipulating element or member, referred to below as a temperature puck or temperature disk 102, that is associated with the dome shaped structure of the remainder of the cover assembly. Cover assembly 100 includes a cover portion 104 that is generally dome shaped and defined by a perimeter edge 106 and a radial apex edge 108 formed at generally opposite vertical edges thereof. Like cover assembly 10, it is appreciated that cover portion 104 of cover assembly 100 be provided in a “dome” shape having a negligible or more pronounced depth or vault height and rim shapes that are circular, lobed, oblong, etc. That is, although shown as having a generally round hemispherical shape, it is appreciated that cover portion 104 can be provided in other shapes such as square or cloister or on pendentives or on squinches dome shapes or oval shapes for instance. The use of the term “dome” throughout the present application refers to three dimensional shapes that are defined by a lower perimeter edge and walls that can extend various dimensions in an upwardly directed converging direction therefrom. It is to be further understood that covers having shapes defined by walls that extend generally continuously upward from the lower perimeter edge toward a point of convergence may be provided in dome shapes wherein the angle of inclination changes as the walls progress away from the lower edge and/or may experience changes to the contours of the dome, whether curvilinear or rectilinear, and may be truncated in an downward facing direction such that a point or convergence of the surrounding walls may be considered imaginary in that the point of convergence exists in space generally above the cover. The same can be appreciated from FIG. 6 wherein the dome shape of the cover has a generally more hemispherical shape dome than the more cloister shape of the various domes shown in FIG. 5 and the more segmental shape of the dome as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

As disclosed above, it is further appreciated that the vertical depth of cover portions 104 may also be varied from that which is shown in the drawings so as to provide desired deeper, flatter, or planar dome or cover shapes as the user may desire and/or a foodstuffs delivery methodology, dishware, plate, cup, bowl, tray or serving wares may require. Regardless of the respective three dimensional shape of the respective covers, it is appreciated that when provided in a food service environment, the food delivery system preferably includes a number of covers that are similarly shaped and are constructed in a manner wherein the plurality of similarly shaped covers are nestable relative to one another such that the same may be stacked in a manner that provides a compact form factor of the plurality of covers between uses thereof for food delivery activities. Preferably, the covers are shaped such that nesting of covers mitigates sliding interaction between the majority of the surfaces of the covers between the lower edges and the upper ends so as to protect the transparency thereof for those embodiments wherein the discrete cover assembly are provided with discrete viewing windows and/or have a more substantial translucent and/or transparent area and to further mitigate scratching and/or other damage to the exterior surfaces of the walls of the discrete covers when stacked.

Regardless of a relative shape, cover portion 104 is preferably defined by an exterior wall 110, interior wall 112, and a gap 114 that is generally defined therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, gap 114 is sealed between walls 110, 112. Gap 114 defines an air, gas, or vacuum chamber selected to improve the insulating performance of that portion of cover assembly 100 defined by cover portion 104. Cover portion 104 is constructed such that interior and exterior walls 110, 112, or at least an aligned portion thereof, are preferably transparent but at least translucent or otherwise see-through such that users can visually inspect foodstuffs disposed therebehind when cover assembly 102 is deployed. It is further appreciated that one or more of the interior facing and/or exterior facing surfaces of walls 110, 112 may have anti-scratch, and/or anti-fog such as a hydrophobic, and/or hydrophilic coating so as to mitigate fogging or the collection of condensation on the interior facing surface of wall 112 during use of cover assembly 100. It is further appreciated that at least those surfaces of cover portion 104 capable of exposure to commercial cleaning and drying agents and/or foodstuffs be constructed to be stain and/or etch resistant. It is further appreciated that the optional anti-fogging, chemical and temperature resistant, and/or scratch resistance performance of walls 110, 112 of cover portion 104 may be provided in a manner wherein the materials associated with formation of walls 110, 112 exhibit one of more of such properties when formed. As disclosed further below, it is further appreciated that the association of the heat generating element with cover assembly 100 operates to mitigate the collection of condensation on the interior facing surface of cover assembly 100 as well as maintain a desired temperature of foodstuffs disposed thereunder. As disclosed further below, the association of a temperature manipulating element with the cavity enclosed by cover assembly 100 mitigates or reduces the temperature differential between the hot or warm food stuffs disposed under cover assembly 100 and the surrounding environment associated with the cavity and the interior facing surface thereof. When deployed, any condensation that may form with the enclosed cavity is induced to form or collect at structures or portions of the cover assembly, and/or the foodstuff supporting structures, such as dishware or the like, that do not detract from the ability to visually inspect the foodstuffs contained therebehind. Even when the entirety of the discrete walls of cover assembly 100 are provided in an opaque construction, as disclosed further below, the temperature manipulating element operates via convection so as to maintain the environment generally enclosed by cover assembly at a desired temperature and relative moisture about plated foodstuffs.

Cover assembly 100 includes an engagement interface 116 that is formed proximate edge 108 and that is constructed to preferably removably cooperate with discrete temperature disks 102 as disclosed further below. Preferably, engagement interface 116 defines a secure and sealed interaction between discrete temperature disks 102 and cover portion 104 when engaged therewith. Said in another way, discrete temperature disks 102 removably cooperate with cover portion 104 and are preferably constructed to cooperate with a plurality of discrete cover assemblies 100 associated with a food service distribution system. In a preferred aspect, respective temperature disks 102 cooperate with discrete cover assemblies 100 in a manner wherein an axial and rotational relative translation therebetween allow discrete disks 102 to cooperate with respective bores defined by edges 108 of discrete cover assemblies 100 to provide a rotational and selectively lockable interaction therebetween wherein the discrete disks 102 can be associated with respective cover portions 104 in a removable but secure and preferably toolless manner when engaged therewith. Such a consideration mitigates undesired transmissivity through cover assembly 100 when the same is disposed over an underlying foodstuff and undesired or unanticipated separation between the disks 102 and the cover assemblies 100 when deployed. Such a configuration allows replacement of discrete temperature disks and/or covers should the same be damaged and/or rendered inoperable and provides a food service distribution system wherein discrete temperature disks can be associated with covers portions 104 having various sizes and shapes.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each temperature disk 102 is generally defined by a foodstuff facing housing portion 120 and an atmosphere facing housing portion 122 that are generally disposed at the opposite axial sides of each discrete temperature disk 102. Body 120 is constructed of a heat conductive material, such as thermally conductive nylon or the like, whereas body 122 is constructed of a thermally insulated material, such as other nylon-type materials or the like. Body 122 preferably defines a handle associated with user interaction with discrete cover assemblies 100 to effectuate the placement and removal of the discrete cover assemblies from an underlying foodstuff supporting structure such as a plate, bowl, or tray associated with service of the same.

Each temperature disk 102 includes an inductively chargeable thermal element 124 that is disposed between bodies 120, 122 and is preferably defined by an outer wall 126 that is, in one embodiment, formed of an inductively reactive material, such as metal or the like, and a thermal sink material 128, such as wax or the like, that is sealingly disposed within the outer wall 126. It is appreciated that wall 126 and sink 128 may be provided of various materials so as to manipulate the thermal performance of discrete temperature disks 102 depending on the intended use thereof. Preferably, material 126 is selected to be quickly inductively responsive whereas material 128 is selected to provide a delayed thermal discharge of element 124. It is further appreciated that elements 124 could be provided having a uniform material construction.

As disclosed above, the metallic material of wall 126 is selected so as to be quickly inductively chargeable as disclosed below whereas the material associated sink 128 is intended to provide prolonged thermal discharge associated with use of discrete disks 102 when disks 102 are used for food heating or maintaining a desired temperature of heated foodstuffs as disclosed further below which respect to FIGS. 17-18. It is appreciated other materials of either of wall 126 and/or sink 128 may be provided when temperature disks 102 are intended to be employed to maintain a cooled condition of underlying foodstuffs. Preferably, elements 124 are constructed to be inductively chargeable and to provide a desired emission of a respective thermal charge over a desired duration to maintain a desired temperature condition to warm or maintain a heated condition of the foodstuffs associated therewith.

When intended to provide or maintain a cooled or cold condition of foodstuffs, such as for serving operations of salads, cold soups, fruits, gelatin or pudding materials, ice cream, etc., it is further appreciated that discrete disks 102 may be placed in a freezer or other refrigerated environment to provide a cooling interaction with the underlying foodstuffs or the covered environment when desired or necessary. For example, it is appreciated that fruits, salads, and the like are preferably served in a cool or cold condition whereas other foodstuffs, such as entrees and/or hot soups are intended to be served at elevated temperatures as compared to fruits and/or salads. As such, it should be appreciated that each temperature disk 102 can be employed for maintaining a heated condition of foodstuffs or a cooled condition of other foodstuffs as a function of the intended or desired temperature of the food stuffs when presented to the consumer.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, each temperature disk 102 preferably includes an insulation layer 130 that is disposed generally between each inductively chargeable element 124 and the atmosphere facing side associated with body 122. Such a consideration ensures the desired operability of a control arrangement associated with each discrete temperature disk 102 as disclosed further below and mitigates undesirable thermal losses, whether hot or cold, in directions toward atmosphere rather than toward the volume enclosed by the respective cover assemblies 100 equipped with temperature disks 102. Such a consideration also maintains atmosphere facing side of housing portion 122 in a condition that portion 122 provides a handle that approximates atmospheric temperature or a safe to touch handle associated with user interaction with discrete cover assemblies 100 as disclosed above.

Referring to FIGS. 6-11, each temperature disk 102 includes a temperature sensor 140 that is constructed to be exposed to the cavity generally enclosed by cover assembly 100 and operatively connected via one or more conductors 142, 144 to a control board or controller 146 associated with each temperature disk 102. Insulation layer 130 mitigates undesired transmission of the thermal load of the discrete disks in directions toward controller 146 such that the thermal loading does not adversely affect the desired operation thereof. Referring to FIGS. 7-9, each temperature disk controller 146 preferably includes one or more outputs 148 associated with providing an indication as to the operating condition of the discrete temperature disk 102. It is appreciated that outputs 140 can be visual, such as one or more LED's or the like, and/or audible, such as via a buzzer, beep, or tone or the like, so as to provide an indication as to the relative condition associated with the operability of discrete temperature disks 102 and/or the relative temperature associated with the foodstuffs associated therewith. It is further appreciated that when provided in an audible modality, different tones, series of tones, and/or frequencies of tones can be utilized so as to differentiate the different conditions associated with the operating condition of discrete temperature disks 102 and/or the condition of the foodstuffs associated therewith.

Each temperature disk controller 146 preferably also includes a wireless charger receiver RX or an RX receiver 150 that is connected to a battery 152 associated with each discrete controller 146 and is configured to maintain the operability thereof. In a preferred aspect, batteries 152 are provided as a lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell although other battery sources are considered feasible. As disclosed further below, when discrete temperature disks 102 are associated with the charging module, RX receiver 150 is configured to inductively interact therewith so as to effectuate the recharging of batteries 152 associated with discrete control modules 146 of discrete temperature disks 102 during the repeated and/or cyclic use thereof.

It is further appreciated that each controller 146 is also preferably constructed so as to wirelessly communicate with a control arrangement associated with the charging module as disclosed further below and/or so as to facilitate wireless communication with other devices such as personal electronic computers, and/or portable computers, and/or tablets, or the like so as to provide location, condition, status, duration, etc. information associated with the discrete deployment and use and operation of each respective cover assembly 100 and the thermal disk 102 associated therewith. In a preferred embodiment, each controller 146 is constructed to wirelessly communicate with other electronic monitoring devices via a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) methodology to facilitate remote assessment of the operation of the discrete cover assemblies 100 and/or temperatures of the foodstuffs associated therewith due use thereof and/or information associated with the cyclical nature associated with each deployment of each foodstuff delivery and cover system. It is further appreciated that other variable energy consumption and variable range communication protocols, or combinations thereof, such as wireless fidelity (WIFI), zonal intercommunication global-standard communication protocols (ZigBee), near field communication (NFC) protocols could be employed to effectuate the desired informational exchange between the discrete temperature disks and remote monitoring and assessment systems whether provided as personal electronic devices or a more global yet local facility food service distribution monitoring system.

It is further appreciated that temperature monitoring information derived from the deployment of each temperature disk can include information associated with temperature at plating or deployment of the system, relative temperature at point of service, a temperature indication associated with completion of a cleaning operation after deployment of a discrete temperature disk, etc. For instance, after deployment of a discrete cover assembly, the control module temperature monitoring can be employed to ensure that the discrete temperature disk, and/or a cover assembly associated therewith, has achieved the elevated temperature customary to commercial cleaning operations to ensure that the discrete cover assembly is redeployed in a sanitary condition. It is further appreciated that each temperature disk and control module associated therewith may by configured to communicate location information associated with the plating operation and the serving operations to ensure the desired routing of discrete foodstuffs to the desired recipients or consumers, durations between the discrete activities associated with deployment thereof, etc. Information associated with the duration and/or timewise information associated with initial deployment, food service before a consumer, and subsequent cleaning of the discrete temperature disks and/or cover assemblies associated therewith can be utilized by facilities management services to assess efficiencies as well as inefficiencies associated with food and dishware services and operations.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, in exemplary configurations, user interaction with an application or the like allows discrete users or food service personnel to visually inspect various information, such as temperature and/or battery information for example, associated with the deployment of various cover assemblies in an operating environment. It is appreciated that such information can be provided in a scroll and/or swipe through methodology as a function of the operation of the underlying remote personal electronic devices. Such considerations facilitate more active interaction with the use and deployment of a plurality of cover assemblies 100 when employed in food service environments. For instance, such information can be utilized to determine and assess durations between plating and service, number of uses of discrete temperature disks, location of discrete plated foodstuffs, ensure foodstuffs are delivered to intended consumers, temperature of foodstuffs at time of delivery, etc. Preferably, each temperature disk 102 is configured to wirelessly communicate with an underlying network to facilitate real-time assessment of food service operations by personnel not customarily engaged in the activities of physical delivery of the plated foodstuffs to discrete consumers.

Referring to FIGS. 12 through 16 and FIGS. 21-22, between uses and/or association of discrete temperature disks 102 with respective cover portions 104, regardless of the specific configuration and construction of the cover and/or the underlying commonly single serving plated foodstuffs associated therewith, a plurality of discrete temperature disks 102 are associated with a charging module or charger assembly 180 that is constructed to charge a plurality of discrete temperature disks 102. Upon completion of charging operations associated with the use of the discrete temperature disks 102, each discrete discharge disk 102 can be associated with a discharge opening 182 associated with extraction of a thermally and operationally charged temperature disk 102 from the charger assembly.

As discrete disks 102 are associated with a tower portion184 of charger assembly 180, discrete coils 186, 188, 190 inductively interact with respective RX receivers 150 associated with discrete controllers 146 of each discrete temperature disk 102 so as to effectuate charging of batteries 152 associated with respective controllers 146. Charging station 180 includes a controller 200 that is connected to a power supply 202 associated with providing the inductive charging of respective batteries 152 as well as the inductive charging of the discrete thermal element 124 associated with each temperature disk 102. Preferably, power supply 202 is operable in a range of approximately 85 to 265 volts and at a frequency of approximately 50 to 60 Hz so as to effectuate the desired charging of discrete batteries 152 as well as the inductive charging of the discrete thermal element 124 of each discrete disk 102. Like controllers 146 associated with discrete disks 102, controller 200 can also be configured to wireless communicate with other system monitoring devices such as facility networks and/or personnel personal electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets or the like, via a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy (BLE), ZigBee, WIFI, and/or near field communication networks, etc., communication protocols. Controller 146 is further preferably configured to monitor voltage and/or current input variables associated with the discrete temperature disk charging operations and/or to assess the energy consumption and usage data during operation and/or use of system 100. It is appreciated that power, communication, and communication methodologies other than those disclosed above are envisioned.

Upon suitable charging of the respective batteries 152 associated with operation of the controllers 146 of discrete temperature disks 102, the fully or suitably charged temperature disks progress toward a discharge opening 182 disposed proximate a charging passage 204 defined by charger assembly 180. Charger assembly 180 includes an inductive element 124 associated with a charging coil 206 that is connected to controller 200 and configured to inductively interact with body 126 of the discrete temperature disk 102 disposed in passage 204 to effectuate a desired thermal charging thereof. An indicator 214 is provided on an exterior surface 216 of charger assembly 180 associated with passage 204 and is configured to provide an indication as to the respective thermal charge associated with the respective temperature disk 102 passed therebetween. Charging module 180 includes a power button 218 positioned proximate indicator 214 and connected to controller 200 so as to allow the selective operation of charger assembly 180 during use thereof.

Tower portion 184 of charger assembly 180 may include one or more similar indicators 220, 222, 224 that are disposed there along and are configured to provide an indication as to the relative charge associated with the discrete batteries 152 associated with discrete controllers 146 associated with discrete temperature disks 102. It is appreciated that indicators 220, 222, 224 may provide a redundancy associated with operation of indicators 148 as disclosed above. During use of charging module 180, it is appreciated that certain disks 102 may charge more quickly than others—principally as a function of the duration of the last use of the discrete temperature disks 102 and/or the relative current service life of a discrete disk 102, such that discrete disks 102 associated with tower portion 184 of charger assembly 180 may be selectively but non-sequentially introduced to passage 204 such that coil 206 can effectuate the desired thermal charging of materials 126, 128 associated with discrete temperature disks 102 until a desired thermal charge is achieved as indicated by indicator 214. It is further appreciated that discrete temperature disks 102 may be provided with discrete levels of thermal charging depending upon a desired duration and/or delay associated with the timing between plating of food in the delivery of the same to the intended consumer, and/or the relative desired temperature of the foodstuffs intended to be covered by a respective temperature manipulating cover assembly 100.

Once plated, a respective temperature disk 102 having a desired charge associated with discharge opening 182 can be removed from charger assembly 180 and engaged with a respective cover portions 104 such that the discrete temperature manipulating configured cover assembly 100 can be subsequently associated with a base, such as a plate, bowl, tray, or the like, containing the foodstuffs associated therewith such that the same is configured for transport and serving of discrete users in a manner wherein the foodstuffs covered thereby can be delivered to the end consumer with the desired temperature and humidity conditions. Such considerations provide the expeditious and efficient communication of foodstuffs, whether hot, warm, cool, or cold, to consumers in a manner that meets foodstuffs delivery safety criteria and presents the foodstuffs to the consumer in a manner comparable in near immediate serving and/or plating of the same as disclosed further below with respect to FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show various views of a charging module or charger assembly 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Like charger assembly 180, charger assembly 230 is also constructed to cooperate with a plurality of discrete temperature disks 102 and is constructed to charge a plurality of discrete temperature disks 102 as the respective disks progress from a loading end 232 toward a discharge end 234 thereof. Charging station 230 is defined by a frame assembly 236 that includes a plurality of rails 238 that extend between loading end 232 and discharge end 234 thereof. Each rail 238 defines a channel 240 that is shaped to slideably cooperate with a plurality of temperature disks 102 as the disks progress from the loading end 232 toward the discharge end 234. When engaged with a respective channel 240, the cooperation of the discrete temperature disks 102 with the discrete respective rails 238 facilitates induction charging of the temperature disks 102 associated therewith.

Upon completion of the charging operations associated with the use of the discrete temperature disks 102, each discrete discharge disk 102 can be associated with a discharge opening 242 of charging station 230 associated with extraction of a thermally and operationally charged temperature disk 102 from the charger assembly. Unlike charger assembly 180, charger assembly 230 the plurality of rails 238 defined by charger assembly 230 allows charger assembly 230 to concurrently charge a greater number of temperature disks 102 than charger assembly 180. The generally tubular shape of charger assembly 230 allows charger assembly 230 to charge a greater number of temperature disks 102 without appreciable detraction from the deployment or use of charger assembly 230 such that charger assembly 230 is provided in a compact form factor. Although charger assembly 230 is shown as having a plurality of temperature disks 102 associated with a radially inward facing structure thereof, it is appreciated that charger assembly 230 can be provided in other shapes or constructions associated with facilitating concurrent charging of a plurality of temperature disks 102. For instance, it is appreciated that charging station 230 can be constructed such that the plurality of disks 102 cooperate with a radially outward facing surface thereof. It is further appreciated that charger assembly 230 could be constructed to include rotational functionality such that the loading ends of discrete rails 238 and the discharge opening 242 can be provided in a forward-facing orientation to facilitate more convenient user interaction with the loading ends of the discrete rails 218 when charger assembly 230 is associated with a support surface such as a countertop or the like.

Like charger assembly 180, discrete disks 102 are associated with each rail 238 of charger assembly 230 such that the discrete coils 186, 188, 190 inductively interact with respective RX receivers 150 associated with discrete controllers 146 of each discrete temperature disk 102 so as to effectuate charging of batteries 152 associated with respective controllers 146. Like charger assembly 180, charger assembly 230 includes a controller that is connected to a power supply associated with providing the inductive charging of respective batteries 152 as well as the inductive charging of the discrete thermal element 124 associated with each temperature disk 102 in the same manner as disclosed above with respect to charger assembly 180. Preferably, the power supply of charging assembly 230 is operable in a range of approximately 85 to 265 volts and at a frequency of approximately 50 to 60 Hz so as to effectuate the desired charging of discrete batteries 152 as well as the inductive charging of the discrete thermal element 124 of each discrete disk 102. Like controllers 146 associated with discrete disks 102, the controller of charger assembly 230 can also be configured to wirelessly communicate with other system monitoring devices such as facility networks and/or personnel personal electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets or the like, via a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) or other variable energy consumption and variable range communication protocols, or combinations thereof, such as wireless fidelity (WIFI), zonal intercommunication global-standard communication protocols (ZigBee), near field communication (NFC) protocols, etc. It is appreciated that power, communication, and communication methodologies other than those disclosed above are envisioned.

Upon suitable charging of the respective batteries 152 associated with operation of the controllers 146 of discrete temperature disks 102, the fully or suitably charged temperature disks progress toward discharge opening 242 disposed proximate a charging passage defined by charger assembly 230. Charger assembly 230 includes an inductive element charging coil that is connected to a controller thereof in the same manner as charger assembly 180 disclosed above and is configured to inductively interact with the discrete temperature disk 102 disposed in passage 220 to effectuate a desired thermal charging thereof. Preferably, one or more indicators are provided on an exterior surface of charger assembly 230 associated with passage 242 and are configured to provide an indication as to the respective thermal charge associated with the respective temperature disk 102 passed therebetween.

It is further appreciated that, like charger assembly 180, charger assembly 230 preferably includes one or more similar indicators, like indicators 220, 222, 224, that are disposed there along and are configured to provide an indication as to the relative charge associated with the discrete batteries 152 associated with discrete controllers 146 associated with discrete temperature disks 102. Like charger assembly 180, it is appreciated that the various indicators of charger assembly 230 may provide a redundancy associated with operation of indicators 148 as disclosed above. During use of charger assembly 230, it is appreciated that certain disks 102 may charge more quickly than others—principally as a function of the duration of the last use of the discrete temperature disks 102 and/or the current in-service life of any discrete disk, such that discrete disks 102 associated with tower portion 184 of charger assembly 180 may be selectively but non-sequentially introduced to rails 238 such that the respective coil can effectuate the desired thermal charging of materials 126, 128 associated with discrete temperature disks 102 until a desired thermal charge is achieved as indicated by the respective indicators. It is further appreciated that discrete temperature disks 102 may be provided with discrete levels of thermal charging depending upon a desire duration and/or delay associated with the timing between plating of food and the delivery of the same to the intended consumer, and/or the relative desired temperature of the foodstuffs intended to be covered by a respective temperature manipulating cover assembly 100.

Once plated, a respective temperature disk 102, whether charged via interaction with charger assembly 180 or charger assembly 230, having a desired charge associated with respective discharge openings 182, 242 can be removed from the respective charger assembly 180, 230 and engaged with a respective cover portion 104 such that the discrete temperature manipulating configured cover assembly 100 can be subsequently associated with a base, such as a plate, bowl, tray, or the like, containing the foodstuffs associated therewith such that the same is configured for transport and serving of discrete users in a manner wherein the foodstuffs covered thereby can be delivered to the end consumer with the desired temperature and humidity conditions. Such considerations provide the expeditious and efficient communication of foodstuffs, whether hot, warm, cool, or cold, to consumers in a manner that meets foodstuffs delivery safety criteria and presents the foodstuffs to the consumer in a manner comparable in near immediate serving and/or plating of the same as disclosed further below with respect to FIGS. 17 and 18.

Referring back to FIG. 17, plated foodstuffs left uncovered quickly dissipate the majority of the temperature, as well as moisture depending upon ambient conditions, associated with their preparation and relative to a delivery duration of approximately 24 to 25 minutes as indicated by the lowest trendline shown in FIG. 17. When covered with insulating cover assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 1, humidity and temperature retention of approximately 30° Fahrenheit for the same duration can be achieved. When equipped with a charged temperature disk assembly 102 such as that shown in FIG. 6, the temperature of the foodstuffs associated therewith decreases by only approximately 20° Fahrenheit over the same duration. It is appreciated that the manipulation or changes to the construction and materials of covers assemblies 100 and thermal elements 124 of discrete temperature disks 102 can provide cover assemblies that exhibit temperature retention performances that differ as compared to those provided above. It is further appreciated that cover portion 104 and/or portions thereof, may be constructed to include one or more of anti-scratch, antifog, and/or chemical resistant layers, and/or be formed of materials that exhibit such properties as disclosed above when formed. When employed, whether provided as integral to the material of the discrete wall or walls of the cover or provided as a layer or layers applied to one or more of the discrete surfaces thereof, it is appreciated that the optional anti-fog and/or scratch and/or chemical or stain resistance performance of discrete cover portions 104 is provided in a manner wherein the performance is provided in a food safe manner and a manner that is robust and can withstand the interactions associated with repeated handling and use of the discrete covers as well as repeated cleaning of the same via commercial dishwashers or the like.

The generally centrally oriented association of temperature disk 102 with the foodstuffs generally disposed there under also ensures that the majority of the heat transmitted by discrete temperature disks 102 is directed nearly directly upon the plated foodstuffs and in a convection manner associated with the surrounding enclosed environment so as to improve the ability to maintain the temperature thereof. The “heat from above” methodology associated with use of cover assembly 100 mitigates detriments associated with “overcooking” or drying out of foodstuffs as is common to “heat from directly below” methodologies employed when inductively heated elements are provided in the structures associated with supporting the foodstuffs such as dishware rather than any cover structures, insulated or not, that are constructed to be disposed thereover. That is, cover assembly 100 is constructed to indirectly maintain a desired temperature of the plated foodstuffs rather than provide a direct contact heating thereof. Directing heat from above the plated foodstuffs rather than from directly thereunder as is customary in the field, in addition to maintaining the foodstuffs at a desired temperature, also mitigates fogging of a translucent or transparent portion of the discrete cover assemblies 100 by maintaining warmer temperatures in the areas of the volume enclosed by the cover that is near the transparent portions thereof. Such considerations ensure the ability of delivery personnel to visually inspect the contents of the covered foodstuffs without removal of the cover assembly until the same is proximate and/or directly before the desired consumer.

As shown in FIG. 18, the centrally oriented and above position of temperature disks 102 relative to the underlying plated foodstuffs ensures that temperatures directed at the foodstuffs is impinged upon the foodstuffs rather than the surrounding surface of the base or foodstuff supports associated therewith. The radially outward oriented portions of the base or foodstuff support structure ensure that any condensation that may occur depending upon the nature of the foodstuffs associated therewith occurs proximate the radial outward edge of the underlying foodstuffs support, dishware, or plate so as to not degrade the quality of the foodstuffs disposed thereupon. Further still, the generally lower temperature associated with the outward radial edge of the foodstuffs support ensures that any condensation that may be generate is associated with the foodstuff support rather than the radially interior facing surface associated with the respective cover assembly 10, 100 associated therewith so as to maintain a translucent or transparent and preferably “see through” configuration of the food stuff cover assembly associated therewith. Such a consideration maintains the ability of servers to visually inspection the quality and content of the underlying foodstuffs during delivery thereby further improving the user's experience in deploying the same. Such a consideration also mitigates instances of foodstuffs being delivered to consumers not associated with the same. Such considerations still further mitigate the inadvertent removal of cover assemblies thereby allowing undesired cooling or warming of the same, for the sole purpose of confirming that the correct foodstuffs are served to the appropriate consumer. Even when provided in an opaque construction, the use of cover assembly 100 equipped with temperature manipulating elements 102 mitigates the detriments associated with detraction to the quality of foodstuffs when “heat from directly below” serving, plate, or dishware is employed.

FIGS. 23-27 show an assembly for covering foodstuffs or a foodstuff serving cover assembly or cover assembly 300 according to another embodiment of the invention. Cover assembly 300 includes a cover 302 that is connected to a temperature manipulating element assembly of temperature manipulating element 304. Unlike cover assembly 100, which includes a temperature manipulating element disposed proximate a top or apex of the cover associated wherewith, temperature manipulating element 304 of cover assembly 300 is disposed proximate a radial circumferential edge or lower facing edge 306 of cover assembly 300. Cover assembly 300 includes a handle 308 that is preferably formed proximate an apex of cover 300 and which is oriented to extend in a generally upward facing direction therefrom so as to facilitate user, consumer, and/or service or kitchen personnel and staff interaction therewith.

Like cover assembly 100, cover 302 of cover assembly 300 is preferably defined or otherwise formed of a translucent and/or transparent material so as to allow visual inspection into a cavity 310 generally bounded by cover assembly 300 during use thereof. Like cover assembly 100, it is further appreciated that cover assembly 300 may be formed such that only a portion thereof is visible therethrough and/or such that the entirety of cover assembly 300 and cover 302 associated therewith is opaque. Similar to the cover of cover assembly 100, cover 302, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, is defined by a body 312 that may include one wall, two walls, or more walls such as walls 314, 316, 318 that define one or more spaces or gaps 320, 322, 324 formed between the discrete walls. Gaps 320, 322, 324 provide an insulative function to cover 300 similar to that disclosed above with respect to cover assembly 100 and may either contain a volume of air, be maintained at a vacuum pressure relative to ambient environments surrounding cover assembly 300 and/or include other insulative gases safe for use during food preparation and service operations.

Like covers 12, 102 as disclosed above, at least one or more of respective interior facing surface 328 and exterior facing surface 330 of cover 302 may include one or more of a scratch resistant, a fogging resistant, and/or chemical etch and/or stain resistant layers and/or may be formed of respective scratch resistant, fogging resistant, and/or chemical and/or stain resistant materials. Each of the various attributes associated with the construction and features associated with use and construction of covers 12, 102 as disclosed above are equally applicable to cover 302. As is also alluded to above and with respect to the disclosure of cover 102, it should be appreciated that rather than having two discrete walls associated with the construction of cover 102, cover 302 includes at least three separate walls that are separated from one another by respective gaps along at least a portion thereof. As disclosed further below, it is appreciated that the terminal ends of the discrete walls 314, 316, 318 may be coterminous or otherwise connected to one another via ancillary structures, as disclosed further below, and/or via the construction of body 312 of cover 302 in a manner so as to maintain the fluid isolation of cavities 320, 322, 324 relative to atmosphere surrounding cover assembly 300 as well as the discrete volume intended to be enclosed thereby.

Referring to FIGS. 23-24, temperature manipulating element 304 is secured or otherwise connected or attached to lower facing edge or end 306 of cover 302. Although temperature manipulating element 304 may be constructed so as to removably cooperate with cover 302 in a manner similar to the cooperation and operation disclosed above with respect to cover assembly 100, it is envisioned that temperature manipulating element 304 of cover assembly 300 is permanently secured, attached or otherwise affixed to the lower facing edge 306 of cover 302. That is, although it is envisioned to temperature manipulating element 304 may removeably cooperate with cover 302, temperature manipulating element 304 is preferably connected to cover 302 of cover assembly 300 so as to be non-removeable therefrom.

Unlike cover assembly 100, which includes a temperature manipulating element or member in the form of a temperature puck or temperature disk 102, temperature manipulating element 304 is provided in the form of a temperature manipulating collar or a temperature ring assembly or temperature ring 304, and a temperature ring 304 that is disposed remote from the upper portion or apex of the cover associated therewith. Preferably, the temperature manipulating element or ring 304 is disposed proximate the lower perimeter edge 306 of cover 302. Like cover assemblies 10, 100, it is appreciated that cover 302 of cover assembly 300 be provided in a “dome” shape having dimensions between a negligible or more pronounced depth or vault height and rim shapes that are circular, lobed, oblong, etc. That is, although shown as having a generally round hemispherical shape, it is appreciated that cover 302 and temperature manipulating ring 304 can be provided in other shapes such as square or cloister or on pendentives or on squinches dome shapes or oval shapes for instance. As disclosed above, the use of the term “dome” throughout the present application refers to three dimensional shapes that are defined by a lower perimeter edge and walls that can extend various dimensions in an upwardly directed converging direction therefrom. It is to be further understood that covers having shapes defined by walls that extend generally continuously upward from the lower perimeter edge toward a point of convergence may be provided in dome shapes wherein the angle of inclination changes as the walls progress away from the lower edge and/or may experience changes to the contours of the dome, whether curvilinear or rectilinear, and may be truncated in an downward facing direction such that a point or convergence of the surrounding walls may be considered imaginary in that the point of convergence exists in space generally above the cover.

As disclosed above, it is further appreciated that the vertical depth of cover 302 may also be varied from that which is shown in the drawings so as to provide desired deeper, flatter, or planar dome or cover shapes as the user may desire and/or a foodstuffs delivery methodology, dishware, plate, cup, bowl, tray or serving wares may require. Regardless of the respective three dimensional shape of the respective covers, it is appreciated that when provided in a food service environment, the food delivery system preferably includes a number of covers that are similarly shaped and are constructed in a manner wherein the plurality of similarly shaped covers are nestable relative to one another such that the same may be stacked in a manner that provides a compact form factor of the plurality of covers between uses thereof for food delivery activities. Preferably, the covers are shaped such that nesting of covers mitigates sliding interaction between the majority of the surfaces of the covers between the lower edges and the upper ends so as to protect the transparency thereof for those embodiments wherein the discrete cover assembly is provided with discrete viewing windows and/or have a more substantial translucent and/or transparent area and to further mitigate scratching and/or other damage to the exterior surfaces of the walls of the discrete covers when stacked.

Referring to FIGS. 23-26, each temperature ring 304 is generally defined by a foodstuff facing or inner housing ring 340 and an atmosphere or radially outward housing ring 342 that are generally disposed at the opposite radial sides of each discrete temperature ring 340. Inner housing ring 340 may be constructed of a heat conductive material, such as thermally conductive nylon or the like, whereas outer housing ring 342 is constructed of a thermally insulated material, such as other nylon-type materials or the like. The non or minimally thermal conductive nature of outer housing ring 342 mitigates heating and/or undesired cooling of outer housing ring 342 during deployment of cover assembly 300 such that the same remains safe to the touch by users and consumers during deployment of discrete cover assemblies 300 for heating or cooling operations. When provided in a non-removable modality, it is contemplated that one or both of inner and/or outer housing rings 340, 342 be over molded with lower edge 306 cover 302.

Regardless of the forming modality employed, each temperature ring 304 includes an inductively chargeable thermal element 346 that is disposed between housing rings 340, 342 and is preferably formed of an inductively reactive material, such as metal or the like, and a thermal sink material 348, such as wax or the like, that is disposed proximate the inductively chargeable thermal element 346. Preferably, inductively chargeable thermal element 346 and thermal sink material 348 are sealingly disposed between the inward facing surfaces of housing rings 340, 342. It is appreciated that housing rings 340, 342, inductively chargeable thermal element 346, and sink 348 may be provided of various materials so as to manipulate the thermal performance of discrete temperature rings 304 depending on the intended use thereof. Preferably, the material of inductively chargeable element 346 is selected to be quickly inductively responsive to manipulate the temperature thereof whereas a material of the respective thermal sink 348 is selected to provide a delayed thermal discharge of sink element 348.

As disclosed above, the metallic material of inductively chargeable thermal element 346 is selected so as to be quickly inductively chargeable in the same manner as disclosed above with respect to cover assembly 100 whereas the material associated thermal sink 348 is intended to provide prolonged thermal discharge associated with use of discrete rings 304 when rings 304 are used for food heating or maintaining a desired temperature of heated foodstuffs in the same manner as disclosed above with respect to cover assembly 100. It is appreciated other materials of either of housing rings 340, 342, inductively chargeable ring-shaped thermal element 346 and/or sink 348 may be provided when temperature rings 304 are intended to be employed to maintain a cooled condition of underlying foodstuffs. Preferably, inductively chargeable temperature manipulating ring elements 304 are constructed to be inductively chargeable and to provide a desired emission of a respective thermal charge over a desired duration to maintain a desired temperature condition to warm, cool, or maintain a heated condition of the foodstuffs associated with each respective cover assembly 300.

Like cover assemblies 100, when intended to provide or maintain a cooled or cold condition of foodstuffs, such as for serving operations of salads, cold soups, fruits, gelatin or pudding materials, ice cream, etc., it is further appreciated that discrete rings 304 and/or cover assemblies 300 may be placed in a freezer or other refrigerated environment to provide a cooling interaction with the underlying foodstuffs or the covered environment when desired or necessary. For example, it is appreciated that fruits, salads, and the like are preferably served in a cool or cold condition whereas other foodstuffs, such as entrees and/or hot soups are intended to be served at elevated temperatures as compared to fruits and/or salads. As such, it should be appreciated that each temperature ring 304 and the cover assembly 300 associated therewith can be employed for maintaining a heated condition of foodstuffs or a cooled condition of other foodstuffs as a function of the intended or desired temperature of the food stuffs when presented to the consumer.

Still referring to FIGS. 24-25, each temperature ring 304 preferably includes an insulation layer 350 that is disposed generally between each inductively chargeable element 346 and thermal sink 348 and outer housing 342. Such a consideration further ensures inward directed dissipation of the thermal charge, whether for heating or cooling, during deployment of cover assemblies 300 and maintains a tolerable to touch thermal condition of outer housing ring 342. One or more of inner or outer housing rings 340, 342 further comprise a cutout 352 that defines a circumferential interference of a channel defined by the inner and outer housing rings 340, 342 that is constructed to receive the inductively chargeable ring 346, the thermal sink 348, and preferably the insulation layer 350. Such a consideration ensures the desired maintained operability of a control arrangement 354 associated with each discrete temperature ring 304 as disclosed further below and mitigates undesirable thermal losses, whether hot or cold, in directions toward atmosphere rather than toward the volume enclosed by the respective cover assemblies 300 equipped with temperature rings 304. Such a consideration also maintains atmosphere facing side of cover assembly 300 in a condition that portions of the cover assembly, even those portions proximate the temperature ring 304, safe to handle and at conditions that approximate atmospheric temperatures associated with user interaction with discrete cover assemblies 300 as disclosed above.

Referring to FIG. 25, each temperature ring 304 includes a temperature sensor 356 that is constructed to be exposed to, or afforded temperature sensing exposure to the cavity generally enclosed by cover assembly 300 and operatively connected via one or more conductors to the controller or control arrangement 354 associated with each temperature ring 304. Insulation layer 130 and cutout 352 mitigates undesired transmission of the thermal loads of the discrete rings in directions toward controller 354 such that the thermal loading does not adversely affect the desired operation thereof. Each temperature disk controller 354 preferably includes one or more outputs 360 associated with providing an indication as to the operating condition of the discrete temperature ring 304. It is appreciated that outputs 360 can be visual, such as one or more LED's or the like, and/or audible, such as via a buzzer, beep, or tone or the like, so as to provide an indication as to the relative condition associated with the operability of discrete temperature rings 304 and/or the relative temperature associated with the foodstuffs associated therewith. It is further appreciated that when provided in an audible modality, different tones, series of tones, and/or frequencies of tones can be utilized so as to differentiate the different conditions associated with the operating condition of discrete temperature rings 304 and/or the condition of the foodstuffs associated therewith.

Each temperature ring controller 354 preferably also includes at least one or more of a wireless charger receiver RX or an RX receiver 364 that is connected to a battery 366 associated with each discrete controller 354 and is configured to maintain the operability thereof. In a preferred aspect, batteries 366 are provided as a lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell although other battery sources are considered feasible. As disclosed further below, when discrete temperature rings 304 are associated with a charging module, RX receiver 364 is configured to inductively interact therewith so as to effectuate the recharging of batteries 366 associated with discrete control modules 352 of discrete temperature rings 304 during the repeated and/or cyclic use thereof. In a preferred aspect, each temperature ring controller 354 includes a plurality of conductors or leads 370, 372 that are constructed and oriented to extend through outer housing ring 342 so as to be electrically accessible therebeyond. Such a consideration allows leads 370, 372 to be connected to an external sources for powering of batteries 366 and/or to provide a hardwired electronic interface with controller 354 when necessary or desired to extract information therefrom and/or to manipulate the nature of operation and/or data acquisition and/or storage associated with controller 354.

Whether interacted with in the wired or wireless methodologies disclosed above, controller 354 of thermal rings 304 is configured to operate in the same manner as disclosed above with respect to cover assemblies 100. That is, each controller 354 is also preferably constructed so as to wirelessly communicate with a control arrangement associated with a charging module as disclosed above and/or so as to facilitate wireless communication with other devices such as personal electronic computers, and/or portable computers, and/or tablets, or the like so as to provide location, condition, status, duration, etc. information associated with the discrete deployment and use and operation of each respective cover assemblies 300 and the respective thermal rings 304 associated therewith. In a preferred embodiment, each controller 354 is constructed to wirelessly communicate with other electronic monitoring devices via a Bluetooth or Bluetooth low energy (BLE) methodology to facilitate remote assessment of the operation of the discrete cover assemblies 300 and/or temperatures of the foodstuffs associated therewith due use thereof and/or information associated with the cyclical nature associated with each deployment of each foodstuff delivery and cover system. It is further appreciated that other variable energy consumption and variable range communication protocols, or combinations thereof, such as wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), zonal intercommunication global-standard communication protocols (ZigBee), near field communication (NFC) protocols could be employed to effectuate the desired informational exchange between the discrete temperature disks and remote monitoring and assessment systems whether provided as personal electronic devices or a more global yet local facility food service distribution monitoring system.

It is further appreciated that temperature monitoring information derived from the deployment of each temperature ring can include information associated with temperature at plating or deployment of the system, relative temperature at point of service, a temperature indication associated with completion of a cleaning operation after deployment of a discrete temperature ring, etc. For instance, after deployment of a discrete cover assembly, the control module temperature monitoring can be employed to ensure that the discrete temperature ring, and/or a cover assembly associated therewith, has achieved the elevated temperature customary to commercial cleaning operations to ensure that the discrete cover assembly is redeployed in a sanitary condition. It is further appreciated that each temperature ring and control module associated therewith may be configured to communicate location information associated with the plating operation and the serving operations to ensure the desired routing of discrete foodstuffs to the desired recipients or consumers, durations between the discrete activities associated with deployment thereof, etc. Information associated with the duration and/or timewise information associated with initial deployment, food service before a consumer, and subsequent cleaning of the discrete temperature rings and/or cover assemblies associated therewith can be utilized by facilities management services to assess efficiencies as well as inefficiencies associated with food and dishware services and operations. User interaction with cover assemblies 300 is to be same as that disclosed above with respect to the disclosure of the present application associated with FIGS. 19 and 20 and the recharging protocols as disclosed above with respect to FIGS. 12-16 and 21-22.

In addition to the various features disclosed above, FIGS. 28-31 show various alternative constructions of thermal rings 304 that may be employed to manipulate the thermal performance associated with use of cover assemblies 300 having ring shaped temperature manipulating elements similar to that shown FIG. 25 and in alternate arrangements when associated with dishware's such as platters, plates, bowls, etc. Each of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 28-31 include one or more transmission rings that are configured to extend about a portion or the entirety of the thermal ring and which are oriented to manipulate the conductive thermal transmissivity associated with the cooperation of the thermal ring with one or more of an overlying cover and/or a radially disposed dishware.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a transmission ring 380 formed of a thermally conductive material, such as a metal material such as aluminum or the like, and disposed proximate an upward facing surface of the respective thermal ring 304. When engaged with a respective cover assembly, such as a cover assembly having a closed lower radial edge as shown in FIG. 28, or a cover assembly having an open lower radial edge construction, as shown in FIG. 29, the transmission ring 380 preferably includes an exposed surface 382 that is directed radially inward relative to the cover assembly, as shown in FIG. 29, and/or one or more exposed surfaces 384, 386 that face in respective directions within the confines of the cavity overlayed by the respective cover assembly. The internally directed surfaces 382, 384, 386 can be configured to effectuate a thermal exchange with the cavity associated with the respective cover assembly by one or more of convection, such as by heating the air contained thereunder, or by virtual of conduction via direct contact with the interior wall or wall of the cover and/or direct contact with the dishware disposed thereunder.

As shown in FIG. 30, in an alternate configuration, a transmission ring 390 is in thermal exchange with the heat sink 348 and includes an exposed surface that is generally disposed under a flange 394 associated with a lower radial edge of a respective cover assembly. The flange 394 associated with the cover may be formed of a thermally conductive or thermally non or less conductive material depending upon the intended application associated with use of the cover and respective thermal ring assembly 304. Like the configuration shown in FIG. 30, the configuration shown in FIG. 31 includes a thermal transmission ring 396 that includes a radially inward thermal directed surface 398 and a radially upward directed surface 400. Unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 28-30, the induction heating ring element 304 shown in FIG. 31 includes cutout 402 that is shaped to correspond to the dimension of a dishware 404 intended to be associated therewith rather than being oriented radially outboard of a respective dishware 404 as shown in FIGS. 28-31.

The various configurations shown in FIGS. 28-31 provide for respective thermal exchanges with the dishware and at least the interior wall of a respective cover in a selected one of a convective arrangement, a conductive arrangement, or both of a conductive and convective arrangements. When the respective cover assembly is provided in a transparent or translucent form factor such that visibility through a portion of the cover is desired, the conductive and/or convective nature of the thermal exchange between the temperature ring and the overlying cover and radially inboard dishware, whether employed for maintaining a heated condition or a cool or cold condition of the enclosed cavity provides for the desired visual transmissibility of the overlying cover assembly. Further, whether employed for heated or cooled operations, whether employed with see through cover assemblies, and whether deployed to provide conductive, convective, or combinations thereof of heating and/or cooling operations, the outward radial positioning of the heat dissipating structures mitigates condensation generation and/or collection as well as exceeding desired target temperatures of foodstuffs associated with dishware's 404. That is, the temperature gradients associated with foodstuff covering system 300, as well as employing any of the transition ring configurations shown in FIGS. 28-31, allows the generation of temperature gradients that are generally inapposite the gradients shown in FIG. 18 in that the thermal exchange, whether deployed in the heating or a cooling operation, propagates from the outward radial edge of the respective dishware's and the lower radial edge of the respective cover assembly thereby accommodating more expedient control of the temperature and condition of foodstuffs associated with the dishware's and disposed under cover assemblies 300 and/or cover assemblies equipped with exposed thermal transmission rings as shown in FIGS. 28-31.

Like cover assembly 100, each cover assembly 300, whether deployed with one or more of the thermal transmission rings as shown in FIGS. 28-31 or alternate configurations thereof, each cover assembly is configured to interact with an information management system the same as that shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 and as disclosed above with respect to cover assemblies 100. In exemplary configurations, user interaction with an application or the like allows discrete users or food service or facility management personnel to visually inspect various information, such as temperature and/or battery information for example, associated with the deployment of various cover assemblies in an operating environment. It is appreciated that such information can be provided in a scroll and/or swipe through methodology as a function of the operation of the underlying remote personal electronic devices. Such considerations facilitate more active interaction with the use and deployment of a plurality of cover assemblies 100, 300 when employed in food service environments. For instance, such information can be utilized to determine and assess durations between plating and service, number of uses of discrete temperature disks, location of discrete plated foodstuffs, ensure foodstuffs are delivered to intended consumers, at desired temperatures, or temperature of foodstuffs at time of delivery, etc. Preferably, each temperature disk 102 of temperature ring 304 is configured to wirelessly communicate with an underlying network to facilitate real-time assessment of food service operations by personnel not customarily engaged in the activities of physical delivery of the plated foodstuffs to discrete consumers.

Therefore, one embodiment disclosed in the present application includes an assembly for covering food or liquid and that has a cover defined by a first side wall and a second side wall that extend along one another along a portion of the cover and wherein the cover is shaped to overlie an article disposed within an interior cavity of the cover adjacent a respective one of the first side wall and the second side wall. A gap is arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall along at least a portion of the cover. At least a portion of the first side wall and at least a portion of the second side wall are one of transparent or translucent and aligned with one another to allow visual inspection of the interior cavity of the cover.

Another embodiment disclosed in the present application defines an assembly for covering prepared food or liquid during transit. The assembly includes a cover assembly wherein a body of the cover assembly is defined by a first wall and a second wall that extending upwardly from a lower perimeter edge of the body. At least a portion of the first wall and the second wall are transparent to maintain visibility through at least a portion of the cover assembly and configured to extend over food or liquid disposed under the body of the cover assembly. An airtight gap is formed between the first and second walls such that the cover assembly provides an insulative operation to the foodstuffs disposed under the cover assembly.

A further embodiment of the application disclosed a food service foodstuffs delivery system having a cover that is constructed to cooperate with a foodstuff support. An induction chargeable temperature manipulator is secured to the cover and configured to manipulate a temperature of at least one of a volume between the cover and the foodstuff support, the foodstuff support, and the cover. The induction chargeable temperature manipulator may be connected to the cover so as to be disposed generally above the foodstuffs or positioned more radially outboard relative thereto.

Another embodiment of the present application disclosed a food service foodstuff delivery system that includes a plurality of covers that are each constructed to overlie a foodstuff support. The system includes a plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators that are each associated with a respective one of the plurality of covers and constructed to effectuate at least one of a conductive thermal exchange with at least one of the respective one of the plurality of covers and a foodstuff support with which the respective cover is associated and a convective thermal exchange with a cavity between a respective cover and a respective foodstuff support. The discrete induction chargeable temperature manipulators can be configured to removably cooperate with the cover assembly or be permanently affixed thereto.

Although the best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the above invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the underlying inventive concept.

Claims

1. An assembly for covering food or liquid, comprising: a cover having a first side wall and a second side wall that extend along one another along a portion of the cover and wherein the cover is shaped to overlie an article disposed within an interior cavity of the cover adjacent a respective one of the first side wall and the second side wall;a gap arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall along at least a portion of the cover; andwherein at least a portion of the first side wall and at least a portion of the second side wall are one of transparent or translucent and aligned with one another to allow visual inspection of the interior cavity of the cover.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the gap is formed between interior facing surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall defines an inner wall of the cover and faces the interior cavity and the second side wall defines an outer wall of the cover, and further comprising at least one of an anti-fogging layer, a chemical resistant layer, and a scratch resistant layer associated with at least one of the interior cavity facing surface of the inner wall and an atmosphere facing surface of the outer wall of the cover.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the gap is formed between inner surfaces of the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall is an inner wall of the cover facing the interior cavity and the second side wall is an outer wall of the cover, and further comprising at least one of the first side wall and the second side wall being formed of at least one of a fogging resistant material, a chemical resistant material, and a scratch resistant material.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the cover is at least one of shaped to be nestable with similarly shaped covers and is dome shaped.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the cover is nestable and has at least one of a hemispherical shape, a cloister shape, a non-circular shape, a rounded dome shape, defines a depth of the cover, and a dome shape with a flattened portion proximate an apex of the dome.

6. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising one of a volume of air or a vacuum pressure in the gap.

7. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a handle formed on a top of the cover.

8. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising an induction chargeable temperature manipulator connected to the cover.

9. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator removeably cooperates with the cover.

10. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator is one of disposed proximate an apex of the cover, extends about a portion of a rim of the cover, and extends in a circumferential direction about a portion of the cover between an apex and a base.

11. An assembly for covering prepared food or liquid during transit, the assembly comprising: a cover assembly wherein a body of the cover assembly is defined by a first wall and a second wall that extending upwardly from a lower perimeter edge of the body, at least a portion of the first wall and the second wall being at least one of translucent and transparent to maintain visibility through at least a portion of the cover assembly and configured to extend over food or liquid disposed under the body of the cover assembly; andan airtight gap formed between the first and second walls.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the gap is formed between inner surfaces of the first and second walls, and wherein at least one of a scratch resistant layer, a chemical resistant layer, and a fog resistant layer is arranged on outer surfaces of the first and second walls and at least one of the first wall and the second wall are at least one of formed of a material that is at least one of fog resistant, chemical resistant, and scratch resistant.

13. The assembly of claim 11 wherein a majority of the cover assembly that is defined by the first and second walls is at least one of translucent and transparent.

14. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a handle attached to at least one of the first and second walls and shaped to be grasped to lift the cover assembly.

15. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a base member that is defined by at least one of the cover assembly and a dishware or a tray constructed to be disposed under the cover assembly, the base member being shaped to at least one of cooperate with a rim of the cover assembly or be surrounded by the cover assembly and support or contain the food or liquid disposed under the cover assembly.

16. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising an induction chargeable temperature manipulator attached to the cover assembly.

17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator further comprising at least one of a location indicator, a temperature indicator, and an available discharge indicator.

18. The assembly of claim 16 further comprising a charging station that is constructed to change an energy level of the induction chargeable temperature manipulator.

19. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator and cover assembly are dishwasher safe.

20. A food service foodstuffs delivery system comprising: a cover constructed to cooperate with a foodstuff support; andan induction chargeable temperature manipulator secured to the cover and configured to manipulate a temperature of at least one of a volume between the cover and the foodstuff support, the foodstuff support, and the cover.

21. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 20 wherein at least a portion of the cover is at least one of transparent or translucent and defined by a first wall and a second wall that define a cavity therebetween.

22. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 20 wherein the cover has a dome shape and the induction chargeable temperature manipulator at least one of removeably cooperates with the cover, is disposed proximate an apex of the cover, and extends circumferentially about at least a portion of a rim of the cover.

23. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 20 wherein the cover and the induction chargeable temperature manipulator are dishwasher safe.

24. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 20 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator includes an outer wall whose temperature can be manipulated inductively and a core disposed within the outer wall and that is constructed of a material that dissipates thermal energy at a different rate than the outer wall.

25. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 24 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator includes an electronic control module and an insulator disposed between the electronic control module and the core.

26. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 25 wherein the electronic control module is configured to communicate a status of the core to a user.

27. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 26 wherein the communication of the status is at least one of wireless, audible, visual, electrical, to a remote control panel, and to a personal electronic device.

28. The food service foodstuffs delivery system of claim 20 wherein the induction chargeable temperature manipulator manipulates a temperature of at least one of a volume between the cover and the foodstuff support, the foodstuff support, and the cover at least one of via convection and via conduction.

29. A food service foodstuff delivery system comprising: a plurality of covers that are each constructed to overlie a foodstuff support; anda plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators that are each associated with a respective one of the plurality of covers and constructed to effectuate at least one of a conductive thermal exchange with at least one of the respective one of the plurality of covers and a foodstuff support with which the respective cover is associated and a convective thermal exchange with a cavity between a respective cover and a respective foodstuff support.

30. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators is constructed to at least one of removably cooperate with each of the plurality of covers and be permanently connected to one of the plurality of covers.

31. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein each of the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators are permanently secured to respective one of the plurality of covers and is positioned to provide a convective thermal exchange with a respective one of the foodstuff supports with which the respective cover is associated.

32. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein each of the induction chargeable temperature manipulators includes a core constructed of a first material and a shell constructed of another material that is different than the first material.

33. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 further comprising at least one of a controller and at least one status indicator associated with each of the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators.

34. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein at least one of the plurality of covers includes a first wall and a second wall that are each at least one of transparent and translucent and are offset from one another and define a cavity therebetween.

35. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 34 wherein the at least one of the plurality of covers includes a bore formed at an apex thereof and which is constructed to removeably cooperate with a respective one of the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators.

36. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein each induction chargeable temperature manipulator of the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators extends about a rim of a respective one of each cover of the plurality of covers that is associated with a respective induction chargeable temperature manipulator.

37. The food service foodstuff delivery system of claim 29 wherein each of the plurality of induction chargeable temperature manipulators includes at least one of a rechargeable electrical power source, a communication interface, at least one temperature charge indicator, and as least one electrical power source indicator.