Patent Application
20050150388
The present invention relates to food guards and, more particularly, to a support post design that can be used with different flange/mounting base designs and that can be mounted to virtually any type of surface.
Most food guards sold today use tubular support posts that are secured to flanges/mounting bases by means of welding, soldering, adhesives, and/or screws. The flanges are secured to the support post, and the way in which they are secured to the post typically depends on the nature of the support. In most cases, the support post and flange are of similar alloys, namely brass, stainless steel or aluminum. When the post and flange are of similar alloy, they are most often welded, soldered or brazed together to form a permanent bond. If the support post and flange are of different materials, they are most often secured by means of a threaded fastener that passes through the side (collar) of the flange and into the tubular support post. In this manner of attachment, a metal adhesive is used in combination with the mechanical fasteners. In other instances, the end of the support post may have male threads and it mechanically fastens to a flange or base that is has internal threads of the same pitch and size. Again, this is primarily used in conjunction with a metal adhesive.
After a flange is secured to a support post, the assembly goes through a finishing process, usually polishing, plating, and/or powder coating (a paint process). After the finishing process, the post-flange assembly is ready for on-site installation. The post-flange assembly is then fastened to a surface, usually a cabinet or some sort of casework, but in some instances a ceiling, soffit or wall. Some of the surfaces that food guard support posts are mounted to include stainless steel, marble, granite, tile, glass, laminated wood, hardwood and solid-surface materials such as Corian® or Avonite®. Once the flange/base has been secured to a support post and shipped to a customer or job-site for installation, it generally cannot be removed and replaced with a different type of flange/base for a variety of reasons. In most cases the flange/base and the support post are welded or soldered together and are impossible to remove without damaging the surface finish of the flange and support post. If the new post-flange assembly is secured to the surface at a different location on the surface, the alterations to the surface caused by securing the previous post-flange assembly to it will be noticeable. This may be detrimental to the aesthetic appearance of the surface.
In addition, securing the new post-flange assembly to a different location on the surface means additional alterations to the surface, which may be detrimental to the structural integrity of the surface. This essentially eliminates the possibility of changing out one post-flange assembly design for another. It would be desirable to be able to swap out one post-flange design for another to give a sneeze guard a new or different look. Furthermore, selecting a post-flange assembly typically is based at least partially on the type of surface to which the assembly is to be secured. For example, if the mounting surface is stainless steel, a flange that is designed to be secured with screws would not be selected. One of the disadvantages of this interdependence is that post-flange assemblies are limited with respect to the mounting surface types they can be used with, which, in turn, limits the variability of food guard designs.
Also, if the flange/base hardware is not compatible with the mounting surface, merely ordering different flange/base hardware that is compatible with the mounting surface is not a viable option. As stated above, the flange/base is typically secured to the support post either by welding or soldering, or by mechanical coupling in conjunction with adhesive. Therefore, separating the flange/base from the post and securing a different flange/base to the post generally is not practical. Consequently, if the post-flange assembly is not compatible with the mounting surface, a different post-flange assembly normally must be ordered. Furthermore, in most cases, this compatibility issue makes it impractical to remove a post-flange assembly from one food guard system and mount it on a different food guard surface.
It would be desirable to provide post-flange assemblies with flanges that can be swapped without having to change the post in order to achieve a greater variety of post-flange assembly designs. It would also be desirable to provide post-flange assemblies that are suitable for mounting to different types of surfaces so that the selection of the post-flange assembly is less dependent or independent of the surface to which it will be secured.
The present invention provides a “LEGO”®-type/modular set of components for assembling food guards.
A support post of a food guard is disclosed, the post being essentially solid, having two ends, and having at least one end with a threaded opening therein.
Also disclosed is a flange that couples to the support post of the invention by means of a threaded fastener that secures directly to the threaded opening of the support post.
Further disclosed is a modular system for assembling food guards comprising at least one support post wherein the support post comprises a solid rod having two ends and having at least one threaded opening in at least one end, at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is configured to be removably secured to the at least one support post.
The invention also includes a kit for assembling food guards comprising at least one solid support post having two ends, and having at least one end with a threaded opening therein, at least one flange, at least one bracket, at least one shield or shelf, wherein the flange, bracket, and shield or shelf are configured to be removably secured to the at least one support post interchangeably.
The invention also includes the assembled food guard comprising at least one solid support post having two ends, and having at least one end with a threaded opening therein, at least one flange, at least one bracket, at least one shield or shelf, wherein the flange, bracket, and shield or shelf are configured to be removably secured to the at least one support post interchangeably.
Still further included are methods for using the apparatuses of the invention. A method of converting a modular food guard from a first configuration to a second configuration, comprising providing a modular system for assembling food guards comprising at least one support post wherein the support post comprises a solid rod having two ends and having at least one threaded opening in at least one end, at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is configured to be removably secured to the at least one support post; removing undesired components of the first configuration of the food guard; re-assembling and/or replacing the components of the food guard using components from the modular system thereby forming a second configuration of a food guard is disclosed. Also a method of assembling a modular food guard comprising providing a modular system for assembling food guards comprising at least one support post wherein the support post comprises a solid rod having two ends and having at least one threaded opening in at least one end, at least one flange, wherein the at least one flange is configured to be removably secured to the at least one support post; attaching components of the modular system together in a desired end configuration of a food guard is disclosed.
An advantage of the present invention is that it allows for complete flexibility before, during and after installation of food guard support posts. The post design allows the interaction of several flange styles, shapes and sizes. The flange designs allow for complete flexibility on-site, no matter what the size and shape may be. Because of the method of fastening the flange to the support post, there is no damage incurred to the surface integrity of either the flange or the support post.
Additional advantages are discussed below and will be apparent to one of skill in the art from the description herein.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below. Like numbers represent the same elements throughout the figures.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
All food guards require support posts in order to bear the weight of the clear glass or acrylic see-through panels and/or lights and food warmers. The conventional support posts are generally a tubular, corrosion-resistant material, namely brass, aluminum or stainless steel. In order for a tubular support to be mounted to a surface, usually laminated wood, marble, granite, tile, hardwood, or solid-surface polymer materials, the support requires mounting hardware commonly referred to as a base or flange. This base/flange couples to the tubular support through various fastening methods, typically welding, soldering and/or mechanical fasteners and metal adhesives. When the base is coupled to the flange by the above-mentioned means, it generally cannot be removed without damaging the surface of either the post or the flange.
Typically, when a food guard is purchased, the purchaser specifies the type of mounting hardware required based on the intended application. When mounting a conventional food guard to a countertop or other type cabinet or millwork, the selection of the mounting hardware is critical based on: (1) the type of surface to which the food guard will be secured, (2) location of the countertop equipment and displayed food relative to the edges, sides and faces of the surface, (3) height, depth and length of the countertop equipment and its relative position to the countertop surface, and (4) location of bracing and/or blocking below the countertop surface.
In most instances the location of countertop equipment and displayed food will determine the location for the food guard supports. If there is some change from the original plans or specifications and there is not sufficient countertop space to allow for the food guard mounting hardware, typically there is no rapid solution other than to order completely new supports—this being because the flanges are secured to the support posts by a means that upon removal will damage the surface-finish of the supports. In other instances, a specification may call for a concealed-mount hardware that will mount below the countertop surface. If there is not sufficient space below the countertop, then the support must be mounted on the countertop surface.
Attempting to change the mounting hardware on-site again becomes a problem for conventional systems. The present invention eliminates or minimizes many of the drawbacks of the conventional food guard system.
An advantage of the present invention is that it allows for complete flexibility before, during and after installation of the food guard support posts. The post design allows the interchangeability of several flange styles, shapes and sizes. The flange designs allow for complete flexibility on-site, no matter what the size and shape may be. Because of the method of fastening the flange to the support post, there is no damage incurred to the surface integrity of either the flange or the support post.
The present invention provides a “LEGO”®-type, or modular, set, or system, of components for assembling food guards. The present invention includes a modular set of components for assembling a food guard and the individual pieces within the set. Also included are a kit with the modular components and a final assembled food guard.
A support post 10 of the invention comprises an essentially solid rod with two ends and with a threaded opening 12 in at least one end.
A support post may be used vertically, horizontally or at an angle.
An alternative embodiment of the support post 10 would be a hollow or tubular post with end caps adapted for fitting in the ends of the post and containing the threaded opening(s).
A support post can be made of virtually any material, preferably a corrosion-resistant material, e.g., brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. One of skill in the art can determine a material from which to make a support post. A post can be made by methods generally known in the art for fabricating the chosen material. One of skill in the art can determine appropriate methods and dimensions for the post for a particular application. The threaded openings within the support post can be made by various methods, preferably by drilling and tapping.
A spacer 15 of the invention can be used with a support post 10 and is similar in design and fabrication, see
A flange 20-28 of the invention can be used with a support post 10 to mount the support post 10 in a desired location and/or position. A flange can be configured to be removably secured to the support post 10.
A flange can be made of a variety of materials, preferably a corrosion-resistant material, e.g., brass, aluminum, or stainless steel. One of skill in the art can determine a material from which to make a flange. A flange can be made by methods generally known in the art for fabricating parts from the selected material.
A bracket can be used in the system for attaching a shield or shelf to a support post 10 of the invention. A bracket can be configured to be removably secured to the support post 10. A bracket is also configured to be removably secured to a shelf or shield. Various conventional brackets can be used with the support post 10 of the invention. Alternatively, brackets such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,118 or U.S. Published Application 2003/0047086 A1 (which are hereby incorporated by reference for their teachings on components of food guards) can be used with the support post 10 of the invention.
A bracket can be made of a variety of materials, preferably steel, for example. One of skill in the art can determine a material from which to make a bracket. A bracket can be made by methods generally known in the art for fabricating parts from the selected material.
A shield can be used in the system of the invention. A shield can be used for the “sneeze guard” or “breath guard” in a food guard of the invention. Various conventional shields can be used with the support post 10 and hardware of the invention.
A shield can be made of a variety of materials, preferably glass, acrylic, or plexiglass, for example. A shield can be made by methods generally known in the art for fabricating a selected material.
A shelf can be used in the invention. Various conventional shelves can be used with the support post 10 and hardware of the invention.
A shelf can be made of a variety of materials, preferably glass, acrylic, or plexiglass, for example. A shelf can be made by methods generally known in the art for fabricating a selected material.
Other components in the modular system can include decorative components, such as finials, for example. Such other components can be configured to be removably secured to the support post 10.
The components of the system can be mounted to surfaces using various conventional fasteners such as screws and bolts. The support posts 10 can be attached to flanges by various means, preferably set screws 30 and other non-permanent fasteners. The shelves or shields can be mounted to the posts 10 by way of brackets (or other mounting hardware) and the brackets can be attached via pins, screws, and the like. Alternatively, shelves or shields can be directly attached to a support post 10.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an end of a support post 10 that attaches to the flange has a threaded opening 12 formed in it, preferably formed by drilling and tapping, which allows the end of the support post 10 to be used with a variety of different flanges and to be secured to any one of the top of the mounting surface, the bottom of the mounting surface and beneath the bottom of the mounting surface. The variety of different mounting configurations provides great flexibility with respect to the types of mounting surfaces the post-flange assembly can be mounted to and with respect to the manner in which the post-flange assembly can be mounted to a surface and the types of flanges that can be used. In addition, the end of the post 10 opposite the end that attaches to the flange preferably has a threaded opening 14 formed therein, which preferably is formed by drilling and tapping. The Figures illustrate examples of the different post-flange assemblies and surface mounting configurations.
The components of the modular system can be put together in various ways depending on the desired final look and the type of surface to which the system will be mounted. For example, the system can have a below counter mount, an above counter mount, a below and through mount, an above and below mount, or an above with pass through a flange mount. Various example embodiments of installations of the invention are given in
Benefits of the modular system of the present invention include
Other advantages to the supplier include
Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the apparatuses and methods described herein.
Various modifications and variations can be made to the apparatuses and methods described herein. Other aspects of the apparatuses and methods described herein will be apparent from consideration of the specification and practice of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification be considered as exemplary.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/511,160, filed Oct. 14, 2003, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all its teachings.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60511160 | Oct 2003 | US |
